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Academic Advising Handbook

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Absence Policy

See Attendance Policy

Academic Appeal Procedures

There are two broad areas covered under the processes for academic appeals that students may exercise.

  1. The first is an appeal of a grade received that the student feels is unfair or inaccurate based on their perceived performance in a class. The procedure for this appeal is covered in the appropriate section of the Student Handbook.
  2. The second deals with issues associated with program and course requirements for degree completion. Specifically, this appeal process covers the following:

    • Exception to, or substitutions for, courses required in Areas A through F of the Core Curriculum. Refer to the listing of courses approved in the core in the Core Course Menus section and to the Course Requirements section of the appropriate catalog.
    • Exemption from or exceptions to the academic requirements as outlined under General University Requirements in the University Catalog.

    • Reviewing requests for changing grades in courses taken more than one academic year prior to the current semester.


      • The procedure for processing an appeal is as follows:
    • With the advisor's help, the applicant should fill out the Exception Petition Form and include any documentation that may help the Academic Standards Committee and the Vice President for Academic Affairs reach a decision. Requests for change of grades should be made on the change of grade form and should be initiated by the instructor of the course.

    • Have the form and supplemental information sent to the chair of the Academic Standards Committee.

    • The chair will forward the forms to the Dean of the appropriate college who will make preliminary recommendations.

    • The petition will then be considered by the Academic Standards Committee. The committee meets monthly, or as necessary.

    • Forms and documentation are then forwarded to the Vice-President for Academic Affairs for the decision.

    • The completed forms are forwarded to the Registrar, the initiating advisor and to the applicant.

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Academic Dishonesty/Academic Misconduct

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 or peer review.

However, while such practices are acceptable and even encouraged, students must understand the parameters of accountability in their acadefmic performance and need to respect the academic freedom of the faculty. The following regulations protect the equity and the validity of the student’s grades and degrees, and assist in developing standards and attitudes appropriate to academic life:

  1. During examinations no student shall use materials not authorized by the instructor.
  2. No student or other person shall obtain and furnish to any other student materials which can be shown to contain the questions or answers to any examination scheduled to be given at any date in any course offered by the university.
  3. No student shall knowingly receive and use materials, which can be shown to contain the questions, or answers to any examination scheduled to be given at any date in any course offered by the university.
  4. No student shall receive or give assistance in preparation of any assignment, essay, laboratory report or examination to be submitted as a requirement for any academic course in such a way that the submitted work can no longer be considered the personal effort of the student submitting the work. In the case of tutoring, peer review and similar instances of assistance, a special effort must be made to retain this distinction and the integrity of the student’s personal performance.
  5. In some cases, tutoring may border on academic irregularity; in the case of course requirements for a grade, it is the student’s responsibility to clarify the instructor’s policy. If the student is uncertain as to the direction of the instructor, it is the student’s responsibility to seek clarification from the instructor.
  6. Plagiarism is prohibited. Themes, essays, term papers, tests, and other requirements for a grade, must be the work of the student submitting them. When direct quotations are used, they must be indicated, and when the ideas of another are incorporated in the paper, they must be appropriately acknowledged. Term papers, reports, reviews, or other assignments may not be purchased for submission in lieu of the student’s own efforts.
  7. Any person taking, or attempting to take, steal or otherwise procure in any unauthorized manner any material pertaining to the conduct of a class, including tests, examinations, laboratory equipment, roll books, etc., shall be in violation of these regulations.

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Academic Exclusion

Academic exclusion occurs when, at the end of a probationary semester, a student’s semester grade point average is lower than 2.0 and the institutional grade point average falls below the satisfactory progress levels shown below, or a required developmental studies subject area is not satisfied after three course attempts.

Satisfactory Progress Levels

The length of exclusion resulting from grade point averages will be a minimum of one semester after the first and second exclusion, and a minimum of one calendar year after the third exclusion. The length of exclusion based on the number of developmental studies course attempts without satisfying a required subject area will be three years. A student may appeal for one additional developmental studies course attempt before being placed on exclusion. If approved, the student may enroll in the developmental studies course only.

Credit earned at other institutions during a mandatory exclusion period will not transfer back to Columbus State University.

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Academic Forgiveness Policy

Students may repeat courses to improve their academic record at Columbus State University. The policies regarding academic forgiveness are as follows:

  • The courses must be taken and repeated at Columbus State University. Transferred courses are not calculated in the institutional grade point average.
  • The institutional (forgiveness) grade point average is maintained on the academic record. The institutional grade point average omits grades in courses taken previously. Only the grade received on the final repetition of a course will be included in the institutional grade point average. Courses repeated for a better grade will be averaged into the Regents' (cumulative) grade point average every time taken.
  • The institutional grade point average is used to determine graduation with honors and admission to certain academic programs. Students should consult individual program admission requirements to determine whether the Regents' (cumulative) or institutional grade point average is required for admission.

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Academic Grievance


Faculty Office Building
706-568-2320

The academic grievance procedure is primarily designed as a route to the resolution of academic or related differences concerning academic fairness that may arise between a faculty member and a student within a particular course during a single semester/term. This procedure is not available to challenge university policy; however, an alleged improper application of policy may be considered. If there is uncertainty about the appropriate form or direction of a grievance in a particular case, the director of Judicial Affairs should be consulted.

Students are responsible for maintaining the standards of academic performance established by the faculty for each course in which they are enrolled. Faculty members are responsible for informing the students in their classes of their requirements for each course that they teach, including attendance policies and methods for course evaluation. Examination situations should be clearly defined, as well as requirements for outside projects or papers, and plagiarism should be carefully defined.

Timeliness of Grievance

Grievances must be addressed in a timely fashion. Academic grievances must be initiated within the semester/term the problem occurs or within the first ten-(10) university working days of the next semester/term. The Grievance Review Board
may consider extenuating circumstances for any exception to this time limitation. Those circumstances must be beyond the control of the student such as hospitalization or military assignment.

Informal Academic Grievances

Any student who has an academic fairness complaint with a faculty is encouraged, but not required, to meet with the faculty and/or the faculty member’s department chair seeking to resolve the problem informally at the lowest level.

Faculty have a responsibility to post and maintain regular office hours and to make special appointments to meet with students, answer questions concerning course material and attendance records, share the record of a student’s grades in the course, explain how particular grades were derived, and to answer questions about examinations within a timely fashion. The faculty is the best authority to explain course requirements and to settle misunderstandings about grades.

Department chairs mainftain an open door policy to talk with students. The department chair can assist the student in understanding university or system policy, can direct the student to the times a particular faculty will be available, or attend a meeting with both the student and the faculty. The chair serves as an objective third party acting as a resource to both the student and the faculty. Chairs and deans are responsible for knowing and being able to explain student and faculty rights and responsibilities as well as, grievance and appeal procedures. The chair will also supply each party with a Student Handbook, referring the parties to the section on formal grievances and noting the filing deadline. If the deadline for filing a formal grievance is less than five (5) university working days away, the department chair may write a letter to the director of Judicial Affairs indicating that significant progress is being made in the informal handling of the case and that the deadline for filing the formal grievance should be extended by an additional ten (10) university working days.

If the department chair is not available within three (3) university working days or if the department chair is the faculty member with whom the student has a complaint, the dean of the college may act as a facilitator as described above. There is no required meeting with the dean.

Formal Academic Grievances

If the informal attempt fails or if the student does not wish to meet informally with the faculty member, the department chair, or the dean, the student may file a formal, written complaint with the Assistant Director of Judicial Affairs. If the director of Judicial Affairs is away from campus or has a conflict of interest in the case, the complaint may be filed with either the Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs or the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs. Henceforth for the purpose of this policy, any of these three (3) administrators who receives a written complaint shall be referred to as the "Judicial Officer."

Due Process for formal academic grievances at Columbus State University includes:

  1. written notification of charge;
  2. the opportunity to review evidence supporting the charge(s);
  3. the opportunity to present evidence in response to the charge(s);
  4. the right to have an advisor from the university community present during any hearing (sometimes an attorney—see Academic Grievance Policy Brochure, Advisors);
  5. unless time extensions have been granted, the right to a written decision based on the evidence within forty (40) university working days from the date of the filing of the formal grievance.

For additional information see the Academic Grievance Procedure Brochure, the director of Judicial Affairs, the Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs.

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Academic Probation

Academic probation occurs when a student's overall grade point average falls below the satisfactory progress levels (see Academic Exclusion), or a required developmental studies is not satisfied after three attempts.

Continued academic probation occurs when, at the end of a probationary semester the student's semester grade point average is 2.0 or higher and the institutional grade point average is lower than the satisfactory progress levels.

Removal from academic probation-occurs when, at the end of the probationary semester, a student's overall grade point average equals or exceeds the satisfactory progress level, or a student satisfies a required learning support area.

Academic Standards Committee

The Academic Standards Committee reviews petitions from students for substitution of core curriculum courses waiver of requirements and grade appeals. In most cases, students have one semester from the time of acceptance to petition substitution of transferred course work. Before filling out an Exception Petition Form, students should first meet with the Transfer Ombudsman in the Registrar's Office.

Academic Support Center

See Center for Academic Support and Student Retention

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)

Columbus State University makes every effort to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. To that end, the Office of Disability Services, located in Tucker 116, coordinates the University's compliance with the ADA. The office seeks not only to comply with the law but also to foster academic potential through individualized plans tailored to the particular needs of the student.

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Additional Degree

In order for a student to earn both an associate and baccalaureate degrees in the same discipline, all requirements for the associate degree must be satisfied at least two semesters before requirements for the baccalaureate degree are satisfied. Otherwise, only the baccalaureate degree will be awarded. Further, any student graduating from Columbus State University with a baccalaureate degree cannot concurrently receive an Associate of Science degree in general studies.

To earn an additional baccalaureate degree in a significantly different discipline (as determined by the dean of the college offering the degree sought), students must meet the following requirements:

  • Have earned a baccalaureate degree at Columbus State University or at another accredited institution.
  • Meet all major program requirements for the degree sought with a minimum of 30 semester credit hours of additional upper division work in residence at Columbus State University and a minimum degree progress grade point average of 2.0.
  • Satisfy the U.S. and Georgia history and constitutions requirements if the prior degree is not from a University System institution.

To earn an additional associate degree in a significantly different discipline (as determined by the dean of the college offering the degree sought), students must meet the following requirements:

  • Have earned an associate degree at Columbus State University or at another accredited institution.
  • Meet all program requirements for the degree sought with a minimum of 21 semester credit hours of additional work in residence at Columbus State University and a minimum degree progress grade point average of 2.0.
  • Satisfy the U.S. and Georgia history and constitutions requirements if the prior degree is not from a University System institution.

Students seeking two baccalaureate degrees or two associate degrees simultaneously must meet the above requirements for the additional degree. If the two disciplines are not significantly different, the student may seek a double major. Contact the Office of the Registrar for further information on double degrees and double majors.

See also Double Degree/Double Major

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Administrative Withdrawal

See Student Medical Withdrawal

Admissions Office

University Hall
706-507-8800

Although contact with the Admissions Office occurs primarily prior to enrollment, many services are available to currently or previously enrolled students. Staff members are available to provide assistance in transfer of credit, and in re-entry and readmission procedures. The Admissions Office also handles petitions for residency and readmission after academic exclusion.

From the Admissions Office students may obtain complete information on undergraduate and graduate programs at Columbus State University, as well as limited information about other universities.

Adult Learning Resource Center

Howard 112
706-565-7846

The Adult Learning Resource Center is a study space designed for adult learners, although all students are welcome to use the facility. The primary goal is to provide a place where adult learners can find a sense of connection and belonging.

Adult Re-Entry Program


Howard 112
706-565-7846

To meet the needs of adults who graduated from high school five or more years prior to admission, the University College offers refresher courses designed to help integrate the student into the academic community. The Coordinator of the Adult Re-Entry Program assists students with academic advisement and schedules informational seminars for those interested in learning about demands of college life and the coordination of the student's role with the responsibilities of work and family.

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Advanced Placement Test (AP Test)

The Registrar's Office evaluates results from the AP test for determination of credit. If a student successfully passes the AP in either American History or American Government, the student will still need to take the proficiency tests (given by the Testing Center) on Georgia History and Georgia Constitution. See History/Constitution Test.

Advisor Hold

Each semester an advising hold is automatically placed on each student's registration screen in ISIS (Integrated Student Information System). The student's academic advisor must enter ISIS and remove the hold in order to allow the student to self register.

Affirmative Action


EEO Office Richards
706-568-2436

It is the policy of Columbus State University to ensure fulfillment of equal opportunities for all employees, students, applicants for employment and student applicants. No person shall be excluded from participation in, denied benefits of or be subject to discrimination under any University program or activity on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender, disability, or age. Likewise, Columbus State University does not condone sexual harassment, whether quid pro quo or hostile environment, as it disrupts institutional harmony and interferes with the pursuit of knowledge.

Anyone with a complaint or concern related to these standards should contact the Affirmative Action/EEO Office at 706-568-2436.

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Appeal of Grade

See Academic Grievance

Appeal Procedures, Academic

See Academic Appeals Procedure

Assessment, General Education

As part of its continuing effort to improve and maintain the quality of academic programs, Columbus State University has implemented student outcomes assessment, the intent of which is not to evaluate individual students, but curricula. The assessment instruments are offered near the completion of a student’s undergraduate program and are designed to determine student academic achievement in general education and changes in student attitudes and values.

Student participation in the assessment process is mandatory and the scores become part of the student's official record. The transcript will say "General Education Assessment requirement satisfied" but will not show the exact score achieved. Other uses of student outcomes assessment data will be in aggregate form only.

General education assessment is based on these General Education Learning Outcomes:

Skills of Communication and Critical Thinking

Communication: Be able to communicate effectively by means of listening, speaking, reading, and writing in the diverse situations encountered as educated citizens; and be able to effectively communicate using appropriate symbolic or technological systems.

Critical thinking: Be able to think with a deliberate awareness of the process of critical thinking, employ the process, and strive to augment its effectiveness.

Perspectives and Knowledge

Aesthetics: Be able to interpret aesthetic significance in an object, work, performance, or experience through study or participation.

Contemporary phenomena: Be able to apply appropriate knowledge to the interpretation of current problems and related issues concerning environment, health, society, culture, religion, economics, politics, science, and technology.

Historical interpretation: Be able to develop informed judgments about the past by gathering relevant information, by placing it in context, by interpreting it, and by using it to draw inferences about contemporary events.

Mathematical knowledge: Be able to use mathematical skills to solve problems and to interpret quantitative information.

Scientific investigation: Be able to observe and interpret phenomena in a systematic fashion consistent with recognized principles of scientific inquiry.

Values clarification and cultural diversity: Be able to investigate ethics and personal values and those of others; be able to analyze interactions between value systems and cultural systems; and be able to distinguish prejudices, stereotypes, opinions, facts and cross-cultural contributions.

Wellness Activity, service and leadership: Be able to participate in extra-curricular, service, or leadership activity during the course of completing an undergraduate education.

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Assessment, Major Program

The purpose of assessment is to ensure continued improvement in meeting the needs of students. The assessment program supports the strategic planning process of the university and the University System of Georgia by providing:

Data to monitor progress toward achieving the university's goals
To use data in making changes for program improvement. At Columbus State University, the major field assessment program focuses on student achievement, student needs and satisfaction, graduate success, graduation rates, retention rates, institutional and academic support services, athletics, and community needs and satisfaction.

Major program assessment is conducted in each academic unit. Data are collected annually; recommendations for major program improvements are developed at least once every three years. Those recommendations and subsequent program changes ensure continued program improvements.

Associate Degree Programs

An associate degree must contain a minimum of 60 semester hours, 20 hours of which are general education. Associate of Arts and Associate of Science transfer degrees have a maximum of 60 semester hours (exclusive of physical education activity/basic health or orientation course hours that the institution may require).

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 in the Schedule of Courses, a student must have permission of the instructor and the dean of the college offering the course.

Faculty may drop a student from the class roll with a grade of "WF" after the student has surpassed the number of absences allowable. See Withdraw Failing.

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Audit Students

Audit students are those who only audit courses, but receive no course credit. Audit students are required to submit an application for admission, the application fee, and a high school transcript certifying graduation, and must pay all regular fees. Audit students are not required to take entrance examinations and cannot enroll in a course for credit. An audit student may change classification by contacting the Office of Admissions.

Auditing Courses

If a student wants to audit a course but is not classified as an audit student. The student must complete a Request to Audit a Course form, available in the Office of the Registrar. Audit students must still meet course pre-requisites.

Credit will not be granted at a later time for audited courses. Fees for audit classes are the same as for all other classes. Federal and state financial aid programs will not pay for audited courses.

Class participation and assignment requirements are left up to 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."

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Academic Affairs
Richards Hall, Third floor, rooms 300-315
Ph: 706-568-2061 | 706-568-2062
Fax: 706-569-3168

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Columbus State University
4225 University Avenue
Columbus, Georgia 31907
706-507-8800

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Last Updated: 3/18/08