Academic Policies and Procedures

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• Orientation, Bobcat Student
• Registration Information
• Enrollment Information
• Transfer Credit
• Grading Information
• Academic Status
• Student Records Information

Incoming first–year and transfer students at Ohio University participate in Bobcat Student Orientation to get acclimated to campus. They meet with faculty, administrators, and other students who inform them about University policies, academic requirements, and student services, as well as help them register for their first semester of classes. Orientation sessions for students entering fall semester are held in the summer, with each group coming to campus for a one–and–one–half–day program. Information regarding this program is mailed in the spring. Parents and guardians are encouraged to attend.

In addition to Bobcat Student Orientation, all students who have earned fewer than 30 credit hours must complete “AlcoholEdu for College“—the online alcohol education course—and will participate in a series of additional welcoming activities during the weekend preceding the beginning of fall semester. Detailed information about both will be provided at orientation. Failure to successfully complete “AlcoholEdu for College” will prevent registration for classes for future semesters.

All incoming students must also complete “Unless There is Consent,” a sexual assault prevention program designed to help reduce sexual assault on college campuses by raising student awareness and by verifying student learning and participation. Information about the program will be provided at Bobcat Student Orientation and through University College. Failure to successfully complete “Unless There is Consent” will prevent registration for classes for future semesters.

For students entering the University in a semester other than fall, a mandatory orientation and registration program will be conducted before the beginning of that semester. Information will be sent from University College .

Further information about Bobcat Student Orientation is available at Baker University Center 417, 740.593.1951, or by visiting http://www.ohio.edu/orientation/.

Registration

As noted above, if you are an incoming first–year or transfer student, you will receive assistance with registering for classes, along with other information during orientation.

If you are a current or re–enrolling student at Ohio University, you should follow procedures for using the registration system. The procedures appear in the Schedule of Classes, available online at http://www.ohio.edu/registrar/.

Continuing students are required to meet with their advisors prior to registering. See the Schedule of Classes for specific details by college. Re–enrolling students should contact the Office of the University Registrar, 740.593.4191, or their regional campus student services office.

Late Registration

Registration is not permitted after the Friday of the second week of the semester (in the case of some individual classes, after the first day) for classes that meet the full semester. All registration procedures should be completed by the Friday of the second week of the semester.

In cases where late registration is necessary, you will be charged a retroactive registration correction fee beginning the day after the Friday of the second week of the semester, unless late changes are the result of University delays, as judged by the registrar. The fees are: third week, $40; fourth week, $60; fifth week, $80; and sixth week, $100.

Identification Card

When you register, you will be given information about obtaining an identification card. ID cards can be obtained/replaced at the Bobcat Depot, Baker University Center 112 (Bobcat Depot hours). This card, which is validated by your registration, gives you access to campus services, including your meal plan, athletic events, library privileges, and Campus Care.

The card is issued free of charge according to these guidelines:

1. If you are a new student, you are issued a card free of charge.
2. If you are a re–enrolling student returning after one year or more, your old card will be valid upon registration. If you no longer have your old card, you will be issued a new card free of charge.
3. If your name or Social Security number has changed, you will be issued a new card free of charge, provided you return your old card when the new one is issued.

Ohio University charges a card–replacement fee under these circumstances:

1. You will be charged $10 to replace a card that is lost, stolen, or damaged within one year of your last term of enrollment. (A $5 refund will be issued if you find your old card and return it to the Bobcat Depot during the semester in which it was replaced.)
2. If your name or Social Security number has changed, you will be charged $10 for a new card, only if you do not return the old card. If you return the old card when the new one is issued, you will not be charged.

Email (your University account)

Please check your Catmail regularly for official University correspondence. Notifications of grades, schedules, and billings are sent to your University email address. Many Ohio University departments and professors depend on your University email for both announcements and assignments. We do not recommend forwarding your University email account.

To learn more, visit www.ohio.edu/catmail/.

If you have problems accessing your email or have questions, call the OIT Service Desk at 740.593.1222 or submit a request online at www.ohio.edu/oitech/.

Updating Personal Information

You must report any changes in your personal data to the Office of the University Registrar. This includes changes in name, Social Security number, and birth date. Requests for changes/corrections in name, Social Security number, or birth date must be accompanied by documentation verifying the correct information as required by the registrar’s office. These requests should be sent to Registrar Services, first floor, Chubb Hall.

Address, telephone number, cell phone number, and emergency contact information can be updated online by accessing My OHIO Student Center. NOTE: International students in F–1 or J–1 status are required to use My OHIO Student Center to update their addresses with Ohio University to meet immigration reporting requirements. Please note that, as a student, if you provide the University with a cell phone number (public or private) and you are an Athens campus student, you will be subscribed automatically to the emergency communication system. If you are a regional campus student, please check with your regional campus student services office about emergency communications.

Effective Fall Semester 2012-13 course credit earned at Ohio University is designated in semester hours. Normally a semester credit hour will be awarded for a minimum of 750 minutes of formalized instruction that typically requires students to work at out-of-class assignments an average of twice the amount of time as the amount of formalized instruction (1,500 minutes). It is acknowledged that formalized instruction may take place in a variety of modes. One hour of credit shall be awarded for a total of 1,500 minutes laboratory instructional time.

Student Standing (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior)

Your student standing—or year in college—is determined by your total number of semester hours earned. Freshmen have completed 0 to 29.9 hours; sophomores, 30 to 59.9; juniors, 60 to 89.9; and seniors, 90 or more.

Student Enrollment Status

Student enrollment status for undergraduate students is defined as follows:

12.0 semester hours or more = Full-time enrollment
Nine or more hours but fewer than 12.0 = Three-quarter-time enrollment
Six or more hours but fewer than 9.0 = Half-time enrollment
Fewer than 6.0 semester hours = Less Than Half-time enrollment

Course Load

As an undergraduate student, you will usually carry a course load of 15–20 semester hours, even if you are on academic probation. For tuition purposes, a course load of 12–20 semester hours is assessed standard fees by the University. If you receive financial aid, veterans educational benefits, or are a student athlete, you must carry a minimum of 12 semester hours to be considered eligible. If you are an international student in F–1 or J–1 status, you must enroll for a minimum of 12 semester credit hours to meet immigration reporting requirements. For most scholarships, you must enroll for and earn a minimum of 15 semester hours. Note that completing 15 hours per semester for two semesters per year for four years makes a total of 120 semester hours—the minimum total required for a baccalaureate degree from Ohio University.

If you schedule fewer than 12 semester credit hours, you will be assessed part–time fees for the semester. If you register for more than 20 hours, you will be charged an additional fee for each hour over 20. The registration system will not allow you to register for a course that causes the total hours to exceed the maximum. You must receive permission from your college student services office or regional campus student services office to register for more than 20 hours in a semester. If you are granted permission to exceed the maximum hours, you will receive a Permission to Exceed Maximum Credit Hours form that should be returned to Registrar Services, first floor, Chubb Hall.

Veterans Educational Benefits. If you are an undergraduate planning to receive veterans education assistance, you must register for at least 12 semester hours for full benefits to be awarded. For more information about veterans benefits, contact:

The Brigadier General James M. Abraham—Colonel Arlene F. Greenfield Veterans and Military Student Services Center
Baker University Center, Suite 350
740.566.VETS (8387)

Student Athletes—Maintaining Eligibility. As a student athlete, after your first academic year in residence or after one season of eligibility in a sport, eligibility for competition shall be determined by your academic record in existence at the beginning of the fall semester or at the beginning of any other regular term of that academic year. Eligibility is based on satisfactory completion of at least 24 semester hours of academic credit prior to the start of the athlete’s second year of collegiate enrollment (by the beginning of the third semester). Only six hours may be taken in the summer to satisfy the 24 hour rule. You must earn a minimum of 18 semester hours during all subsequent years of enrollment and hours earned in a summer semester cannot be used to fulfill the 18-hour requirement. Additionally, six semester hours of academic credit must be earned the preceding regular academic semester for which you were enrolled full time at any collegiate institution.

You must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 semester hours to be eligible for practice or competition. Additionally, students entering their second year of enrollment must maintain a minimum accumulative grade point average of 1.8, students entering their third year of enrollment must maintain a minimum accumulative grade point average of 1.9, and students entering their fourth or subsequent year of enrollment must maintain a minimum accumulative grade point average of 2.0 to be eligible for competition.

You must declare a major by the beginning of your third academic year and have completed at least 40 percent of the specific degree program requirements. By the beginning of your fourth year, 60 percent, and by the beginning of your fifth year, 80 percent of the specific degree program requirements must be met.

Declaring a Major

You may declare a major when you apply as a freshman or transfer student by indicating the name and the six–character major code on the application form. If you are undecided about a major, you may enroll as an undecided major in University College  or another college.

Some programs of study have more selective admission requirements than those set by the University in general, and admission to the University does not grant automatic admission into those programs. Consult the college in which the major is offered or the Office of Undergraduate Admissions  for further information on limited or selective admission policies for freshman  or transfer students .

Change of College or Program

If you are in an undecided major and wish to declare a major, or if you would like to change your major program, contact the college in which the major program is offered to see if you meet the entry requirements and discuss your plans with a staff person.

Sometimes a change in major program will necessitate transferring to another college (e.g., from Arts and Sciences to Fine Arts). You then make application for an update of program in the student services office of the college to which you would like to be admitted. The change must be processed through the student services office by the Friday of the second week of the semester (the specific date is published in each semester’s Schedule of Classes), or you will remain enrolled in the initial college for that semester. You must fulfill degree requirements of the college into which you transfer. Please note the following:

• Honors Tutorial College students should consult with the Honors Tutorial College before applying to the student services office of the college to which the student would like to be admitted.
• International students in F–1 or J–1 status must obtain approval from International Student and Faculty Services before changing their majors.

Double Majors and Dual-Degrees

Students choose a double major or dual (second) degree for a variety of reasons including personal interest in the subject matter, development of knowledge and skills required for further education or for a career, or preparation for graduate or professional school. Talk to your assigned advisor about the feasibility of pursuing a double major or dual degree and to discuss specific requirements.

You may pursue multiple programs simultaneously in one or more colleges. Pursuing multiple majors that lead toward the same degree within the same college is a double (or triple) major. For example, completing a major in accounting and a major in marketing will result in a single degree, the Bachelor of Business Administration. Completing a major in accounting and a major in mathematics (two majors in two colleges) results in two degrees, the Bachelor of Business Administration and the Bachelor of Science and is an example of dual-degrees.

1. To complete requirements for two baccalaureate degrees, you must meet the requirements for both degrees and must complete a total of 135 semester hours of college work, with a minimum of 45 semester hours of residence, or the equivalent, at Ohio University. When the two degrees are offered by different colleges, you must declare a major program in both colleges and meet all of the degree requirements, including the residence requirement, of each major.
2. If you have met the requirements for two degrees, as stated above, and want to have the degrees conferred in successive semesters, you may do so without further credit or residence. For example, one degree may be conferred at the end of one semester and application made for the second degree in a subsequent semester. Alternately, you may have both degrees conferred in the same semester. One diploma is provided for each degree earned.

To declare a second major or dual-degree, contact the college in which the major program is offered to see if you meet the entry requirements and to discuss your plans with a staff person.

Declaring a Minor or Certificate

You may declare a minor by contacting your college or regional campus student services office. To declare a certificate, please contact the certificate director as indicated in the Curricula – Certificates, Major Programs, Minors  section of this catalog.

Changing Your Class Schedule After Classes Begin

Note the terminology used in explanations of the deadlines that follow:

Semester: any semester, including the 14–week summer semester

Session: any seven–week summer session

In the case of flexibly scheduled classes (classes that meet for fewer days than a semester or session), the deadlines are prorated. Deadlines to add, drop, and withdraw from individual classes are published in Course Offerings. Contact Registrar Services, first floor, Chubb Hall, 740.593.4495, or registration@ohio.edu for additional information about deadline dates.

You may add a class, drop a class, or correct your registration by accessing My OHIO Student Center before the semester or session begins. However, adding certain classes after classes begin requires permission from the instructor and is prohibited after the Friday of the second week of the semester. Dropping any class after the Friday of the tenth week of the 14-week semester or the last instructional day of the fifth week of the seven-week summer session is prohibited except by petition through your college’s student services office. (See “Drops” below.) International students in F–1 or J–1 status considering changes to their class schedules that result in less–than–full–time enrollment (12 credits) must see an advisor in International Student and Faculty Services before processing the changes.

Adds. You may add a class via My OHIO Student Center only through the Friday of the first week of the semester or session. However, please note that departments or individual instructors may close registration for their courses prior to Friday of the first week of the semester. After the Friday of the first week and through Friday of the second week of the semester, you may add a class only with instructor permission. For classes requiring the instructor’s permission, you will need to obtain a class permission slip from the instructor or departmental/school representative and then return the class permission slip to the office indicated for final processing. You may add a class for which you have not met the requisite only by receiving the instructor’s permission to take the class.

After the Friday of the second week of the semester (Friday of the first week of the session), your schedule becomes official. Your final tuition charges are based on your enrollment as of the deadline.

Drops. You may use My OHIO Student Center to drop any class except your last class (see “Canceling Registration or Withdrawing from the University” below) through the Friday of the second week of the 14-week semester or the Friday of the first week of the session. Classes dropped will not appear on the student’s academic record.

If you drop hours through the Friday of the second week of a semester (Friday of the first week of a session), you are entitled to a 100 percent refund of the reduction if the change results in a reduction of registration fees, provided you are not dropping all hours (see “Canceling Registration or Withdrawing from the University” below). Changes made after the deadlines will result in no refund. If you are receiving financial aid, a change in enrollment status might result in your having to repay programs from which you received aid. (See Refund of Fees in the Fees section for more information.)

Withdraws. You may use My OHIO Student Center to withdraw from any class except your last class (see “Canceling Registration or Withdrawing from the University” below) after the Friday of the second week of the semester (Friday of the first week of a session) and through the Friday of the tenth week of the semester (last instructional day of the fifth week of the session). However, the classes remain on your academic records with grades of WP (Withdrawn Passing) or WF (Withdrawn Failing), and they continue to be used in the calculation of tuition and fees. WP or WF grades do not affect the student’s grade point average.

After the Friday of the second week of the semester (Friday of the first week of a session), your schedule becomes official. Your final tuition charges are based on your enrollment as of the deadline. If you withdraw from the University or reduce your course load after the deadline, you must still pay the full tuition fees, and your classes will remain on your academic record with WP/WF grades.

Dropping or withdrawing from a class is prohibited after these deadlines, but under very exceptional circumstances, you may petition your college in writing to make an exception. Your reason must be substantial. Fear of earning a low grade in the class is not considered to be an exceptional circumstance.

Only in extreme instances, in which circumstances beyond your control make you unable to have your registration in order by the end of the Friday of the second week (or Friday of the first week) of the semester/session deadline, will the University consider making an exception to this policy. Even then, such decisions are made by a review panel and require formal documentation, such as a doctor’s statement, be submitted to the Tuition Appeal Review Panel. The student services office in your college or regional campus can help you present an appeal to the review panel.

Canceling Registration or Withdrawing from the University (Dropping All Classes)

Cancellation Before Classes Have Begun. Cancellation of registration is defined as dropping all classes before the first day of classes. This is determined by the earliest start date of any of your classes taken during the session/semester. This includes all classes for which you are registered on all (one or more) campuses. You may cancel your registration by accessing My OHIO Student Center, or you may call or visit the registrar’s office or the student services office of your college or regional campus to obtain a Cancellation of Registration form, which you then complete and return to the Office of the University Registrar. An adjustment of your tuition and fees is made according to the schedule in the “Refund of Fees” section. Canceling registration for a semester does not prevent a student from registering for a future semester. International students in F–1 or J–1 status must see an advisor in International Student and Faculty Services before canceling their registration or withdrawing from the University.

Withdrawing After Classes Have Begun. Withdrawing from the University is defined as dropping all classes on or after the earliest start date of any of your classes, and no later than the day before the last day of classes, as determined by the earliest end date of any of your classes, for the semester or session. Note that this includes all regular Ohio University classes for which a student is registered for a given semester, whether on one campus or more than one. This does not prevent a student from registering for a future semester. Withdrawal is not permitted on or after the last day of classes. You cannot withdraw from the University using My OHIO Student Center. Apply for withdrawal by completing a Withdrawal Request form obtained from the student services office of your college or regional campus. When the request has been approved by the college or regional campus student services office and housing, your withdrawal is processed by the Office of the University Registrar, which grants an official withdrawal after determining that all obligations to the University have been met. International students in F–1 or J–1 status must see an advisor in International Student and Faculty Services before canceling their registration or withdrawing from the University.

Withdrawal between the first day of classes and the Friday of the second week of the semester (Friday of the first week of a session) results in an 80 percent tuition and fees reduction.

Medical Withdrawal. A withdrawal for medical reasons may result in a registration hold being placed on your records, and, if a hold is placed, to re-enroll you will have to request clearance from the Dean of Students. When the clearance is approved, the hold will be released.

Multiple Consecutive Withdrawals. Two or more consecutive withdrawals may be cause for placement of a registration hold on your record by the registrar or your academic dean. A petition to release this hold would be considered by your academic dean.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees will automatically adjust when the class schedule is adjusted. Tuition and fees will not reduce for classes dropped after the stated drop deadline (refer to the Schedule of Classes for drop deadlines).

Your change in enrollment status might affect financial aid eligibility. (See the Fees and Financial Aid  sections for further information.)

Tuition Appeals. A student who withdraws during the semester may be eligible, and may petition, for a tuition adjustment if exceptional circumstances exist. You should consult with the student services office of your college or regional campus to determine if you may be eligible for a tuition adjustment. To request an adjustment, you must complete a Tuition Appeal form and, in the case of a withdrawal for medical reasons, have your physician or other service provider complete the Medical Documentation form. A tuition/fee adjustment, if approved, will be based on the information you submitted with the Tuition Appeal form and your class attendance record.

Completed tuition appeals and, if applicable, medical documentation forms should be submitted to the student services office of your college or regional campus. Additional information and forms required for the tuition appeal are available online at www.ohio.edu/provost/apaa/appeals.cfm

Class Attendance Policy

The weight given to class attendance in determining your grade is an academic matter; thus, all instructors are responsible for their own attendance policies. Although your instructor will state specific attendance requirements during the first week of classes each semester, the University does expect you to attend classes regularly.

Excused Absences. Although instructors’ policies govern how excused absences will be handled in their classes, certain absences are considered legitimate by the University. These include illness, death in the immediate family, religious observance, jury duty, and involvement in University–sponsored activities.

If you are returning to classes after a legitimate absence, you can expect your instructors’ assistance (makeup work, excused absences, recalculation of the grade based on remaining work), within the limits of their established attendance policies. There are occasions when the size or the nature of the course makes it necessary to limit the number of excused absences or the availability of makeup work, particularly for examinations or such special events as field trips or outside speakers. Such limitations should be explained in the instructor’s attendance policy at the beginning of each class. If you are involved in University activities that might conflict with your class schedule, check with your instructor as early as possible to make satisfactory arrangements. You may document reasons for your absence as follows:

If you are participating in an authorized University activity (departmental trip, music or debate activity, ROTC function, or athletic competition), you can obtain notification from the sponsoring office. If you are in the military reserves and reserve training (including reasonable travel time to training locations) may fall upon class days, a letter from the commander of your military reserve unit showing the date of the absence and the reason for it will serve for prior notifications. If you visit OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital, Ohio University Campus Care, or other health care facilities, you can ask for and receive official notification to verify to your instructors that you have visited these health care centers on a specific day. However, it is your responsibility to ask for notification. It is assumed that, whenever possible, you will visit the health service as an outpatient without missing class.

If your grade has been affected by a legitimate absence or absences that your instructor does not excuse, you may appeal through the normal grade appeal process (first through the instructor, then the department chair or school director, and then the dean of your college). If satisfaction is not achieved through this process, the dean may appoint a faculty committee of five members, including the chair or director of the department or school in question, to consider your case and render a decision. The decision of this committee is not subject to further appeal.

Dropping Nonattending Students. If you miss the first two meetings of a class where the meetings are fewer than 80 minutes or the first meeting of a class where the meeting is 80 minutes or longer, the instructor has the option of not admitting you to the class, whether or not you are registered for it. If you miss the first two meetings (or first meeting if 80 minutes or longer), check with your instructor to verify your status in the class. If you have not been admitted, you will need to drop the class by accessing My OHIO Student Center.

Note: If the instructor does not admit you to the class, you still must drop the class from your schedule by accessing My OHIO Student Center. Otherwise, you will receive an F, an FN (failure never attended), or an FS (failure stopped attending) for the class at the end of the semester.

Auditing

You may register to audit classes, which allows you to preview or review courses without receiving a grade or semester hours. Classes taken for audit count in calculating tuition, but they do not carry credit or count toward financial aid eligibility. Audited courses will appear on your official transcript but will not affect your GPA or semester hours earned. Audited courses will not count toward any graduation requirements.

Your instructor may set up specific requirements for auditing the class, and if you do not meet the requirements, you may be removed from the class at your instructor’s discretion with a grade of WP or WF. Be sure to discuss your auditing status with your instructor at the first class meeting.

A student interested in taking a class under the audit grading option should register for the class, then contact the student services office in his/her college or regional campus student services office (by the Friday of the second week of the semester) to request that a course be taken for audit. A regular grade course may NOT be changed to audit option and audit course may NOT be changed to regular grade option after the Friday of the second week of the semester (Friday of the first week of summer session).

Senior Citizens 60–Plus Program

Ohio State Law (Section 3345.27 of the Ohio Revised Code—House Bill 147—effective March 30, 1999) permits the qualifying student to attend any state college or university without paying “tuition or matriculation” fees. (Course fees, technology fees, laboratory fees, etc., are the responsibility of the student and will not be waived.) This program is available only for regular classroom undergraduate courses offered on the Athens and regional campuses and only if space is available in the class. Registration will be processed only after priority registration for other students is completed. “Qualifying student” is defined as “any person who is 60 years of age or older and who has resided in the state for at least one year.” Under this provision, the student has two options:

Option A—Noncredit. The qualifying student who wishes to participate in classes but not for credit asks permission of the instructor to sit in on the class. The student should complete the Application for Sixty Plus Program, obtain appropriate signature(s), and return the application to the Office of the University Registrar or regional campus student services office with proof of age and Ohio residency.

Option B—For Credit. The Option B procedures are for the qualifying student who wishes to earn credit for the tuition–free courses. The academic load under this arrangement for a given term must be less than full time. In addition to being a “qualified student” as described above, the student’s family income must be “less than two hundred percent of the federal poverty guideline, as revised annually by the United States secretary of health and human services in accordance with Section 673 of the ‘Community Services Block Grant Act,’ 95 Stat. 511 (1981) 42 U.S.C.A. 9902, as amended, for a family size equal to the size of the family of the person whose income is being determined.” The student should complete the Application for Sixty Plus Program and follow the instructions for processing as described on the application.

Applications for enrollment can be obtained at Registrar Services in Chubb Hall or online at http://www.ohio.edu/registrar/forms.cfm.

Visiting

You must be a registered student or approved under the 60–Plus Program to attend classes at Ohio University. If you are a full–time student, you also have the privilege of visiting classes for which you have not registered specifically if you obtain the instructor’s permission ahead of time.

Classroom Privacy

Observation and evaluation of any classroom (including online) by any observer or evaluator requires prior notification and mutual agreement of the class instructor and the observer or evaluator and notification of all students in the class. Recording of classroom activities by any electronic means, by students, other faculty, University administrators, or others, requires permission of the instructor. All students in a class must be informed if permission has been given for a class to be recorded.

Taking Graduate–Level Courses

As an undergraduate student, you are not eligible to take graduate courses (courses numbered 5000 or above) for credit unless you participate in one of the following programs:

Honors Tutorial College (HTC). Students in HTC may complete graduate courses for credit. Graduate courses (courses numbered 5000 or above) will automatically become part of their undergraduate records (transcripts and DARS reports). If the HTC student wants the graduate course(s) to become part of his/her graduate record, he or she must contact the HTC to complete the appropriate application form. This paperwork should be completed prior to the semester in which graduate credit is sought.

Departmental Honors. Students in a recognized departmental honors program may take a maximum of three graduate courses in their major departments/schools during their senior years (i.e., after earning 90 or more semester hours of undergraduate credit). Hours earned in these courses will count toward total hours required for the undergraduate degree only, and the grades will be calculated into the undergraduate GPA. Registration in graduate courses requires written permission from the instructor. Participation in this option is at the discretion of the department or school. Students process this special registration by obtaining permission from the departmental honors coordinator and submitting the approval form to the registrar’s office for processing.

Graduate Credit for Seniors. If you are an Ohio University student, or a well–qualified senior attending another university, and within six hours of completing all requirements for a bachelor’s degree, you might be eligible for graduate study as a senior. You must have an overall GPA of at least 2.5 and obtain written permission from the graduate chair of each department/school offering the graduate courses and from your college student services office. Permission to take such courses does not constitute admission to a graduate degree program. If you are admitted as a senior for graduate credit, you will pay undergraduate fees and will not be eligible for graduate assistant or graduate scholarship support. Generally, no more than two graduate courses may be taken in this way, and graduate courses will not fulfill any undergraduate requirements. The graduate credit becomes part of your graduate record only; it does not affect your undergraduate course requirements, hours earned, or GPA.

Graduate Credit for Seniors paperwork should be completed and submitted to the Graduate College prior to the start of the semester for which that status is sought.

Request this option through the Graduate College, Research and Technology Center room 220, before registering. A $10 application fee is charged, and admission is granted for one semester only.

Early Admission to a Graduate Program. Based on superior undergraduate performance, you may qualify for early admission to a graduate degree program. You must have an overall GPA of at least 3.5 and must have completed all undergraduate requirements, except the total credit hour requirements, by the time you enter the graduate degree program. You also must obtain written permission from your department/school, the department’s/school’s graduate committee, and the student services office of your undergraduate college. Once admitted, you may enroll in graduate classes for graduate credit. These classes can be used to satisfy both graduate degree requirements and undergraduate total credit hour requirements, but the hours and grades are part of your graduate record only. Apply through the Graduate College, Research and Technology Center room 220, before registering. If you qualify, you pay graduate fees only and are eligible for graduate assistant or scholarship support.

Students in the Honors Tutorial College also must complete the HTC Combined Degrees form as part of the application for early admission.

Final Examinations

Final examinations for classes are held during a formal examination period at the end of the academic semester. You are required to take the examinations according to the schedule published by the Office of the University Registrar in the Schedule of Classes, which is available online at http://www.ohio.edu/registrar/.

Each final examination is scheduled for two hours. Final examinations are given in the regularly scheduled classroom unless the instructor is giving a combined sections examination. Instructors will notify students in courses having combined sections examinations of the time and location of the classroom where the examination will be given.

Students will not be required to sit for more than three final examinations in one day. Should a student be scheduled for more than three examinations in one day, the student may seek relief from the instructor with the examination scheduled latest in the day. This process must be initiated and completed by the 13th week of the semester. The instructor will provide an examination for the student at a mutually agreed on time during the examination week.

The final examination for departmental honors work must be taken before the opening of the regular examination period. Consult your departmental honors program coordinator for more information.

Transfer Credit

Institutional Transfer. While all state–assisted colleges and universities are required to follow the Ohio Board of Regents Articulation and Transfer Policy referenced in this section, independent colleges and universities in Ohio may or may not participate in the transfer policy. Therefore, students interested in transferring to independent institutions are encouraged to check with the college or university of their choice regarding transfer agreements.

Conditions for Transfer Admission. Ohio residents with associate degrees from state–assisted institutions and a completed, approved Transfer Module (see section below) shall be admitted to any state institution of higher education in Ohio, provided their accumulative grade point average is at least 2.0 for all previous college–level courses.

Further, these students shall have admission priority over out–of–state associate degree graduates and transfer students:

1. When students have earned associate degrees but have not completed a Transfer Module, they will be eligible for preferential consideration for admission as transfer students if they have grade point averages of at least a 2.0 for all previous college–level courses.
2. In order to encourage completion of the baccalaureate degree, students who are not enrolled in an A.A. or A.S. degree program but have earned 60 semester or 90 quarter hours or more of credit toward a baccalaureate degree with a grade point average of at least a 2.0 for all previous college–level courses will be eligible for preferential consideration for admission as transfer students.
3. Students who have not earned an A.A. or A.S. degree or who have not earned 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of credit with a grade point average of at least a 2.0 for all previous college–level courses are eligible for admission as transfer students on a competitive basis.
4. Incoming transfer students admitted to Ohio University shall compete for admission to selective programs, majors, and units on an equal basis with native students.
5. Admission to Ohio University, however, does not guarantee that a transfer student will be admitted automatically to all majors, minors, or fields of concentration.

Once admitted, transfer students shall be subject to the same regulations governing applicability of catalog requirements as native students. Furthermore, transfer students shall be accorded the same class standing and other privileges as native students on the basis of the number of credits earned. All residency requirements must be completed.

Transfer Probation. Applicants whose accumulative grade point average on coursework completed at other postsecondary institutions is below 2.0 can, in some cases, be considered for admission to an Ohio University regional campus as “Transfer Probation.”

All required documentation for admission, including official transcripts from all previous postsecondary institutions attended, must be provided to the Ohio University official responsible for approving transfer probation admission before a decision will be made. Applicants who qualify will not be permitted to register or enroll for classes at Ohio University until all transcripts have been submitted. Applicants cannot be considered for transfer probation status while currently enrolled at another institution.

Applicants with 40 or fewer transfer deficiency points can be considered for transfer probation admission if they meet either condition 1, 2, or 3 as specified below:

1. They have never been dismissed from a postsecondary institution;
2. They have been dismissed from a postsecondary institution only once and at least 12 months have elapsed since that dismissal; or
3. They have been dismissed more than once from any postsecondary institution and at least 24 months have elapsed since the last dismissal.

If an applicant with more than 40 transfer deficiency points has not attended a postsecondary institution for at least four years, he or she can be considered for admission under “transfer probation fresh start” on a case–by–case basis by regional campus admissions offices, Undergraduate Admissions, and University College. Final approval for admission is granted by University College. Successful transfer probation applicants will be admitted as nondegree students in University College.

A combined 2.0 accumulative grade point average must be earned on all courses attempted at Ohio University and all other postsecondary institutions previously attended to move from nondegree transfer probation to regular degree–seeking status.

To be admitted to a regular degree program, students must meet the college and major admission standards for their intended major. Transfer courses successfully completed in accordance with the Ohio Board of Regents Transfer and Articulation Policy, for which accredited college–level credit is awarded, will be added to the student’s Ohio University transcript once final admit status is approved. Transfer probation students who do not earn at least a 2.0 grade point average each semester while on transfer probation status will be dismissed from the University for a period of at least four years.

Transfer probation students can be dismissed after their first semester at Ohio University if the semester grade point average is below 2.0. If dismissed, transfer probation students can be reinstated only if they either have their record adjusted such that it removes the basis for the dismissal decision, or they successfully petition the dean of University College for readmission. Petitions are likely to be successful only under extraordinary circumstances. Students admitted initially under transfer probation must have a 2.0 accumulative grade point average on all Ohio University and previous transfer coursework to be eligible to graduate from Ohio University. Transfer probation students must meet all University, college, and major requirements for graduation, including residency requirements.

Several methods of receiving Ohio University credit for work previously completed or for general knowledge and experience are available. For further information on any of the following, visit www.ohio.edu/admissions/transcripts/transcredits or contact:

University Examiner
Chubb Hall 120
1 Ohio University
Athens OH 45701–2979
740.593.4100

Credit for Advanced Placement (AP). The State of Ohio, working through the University System of Ohio, has initiated policies to facilitate the ease of transition from high school to college as well as between and among Ohio’s public colleges and universities.

1. Students obtaining an Advanced Placement (AP) exam score of 3 or above will be awarded the aligned course(s) and credits for the AP exam area(s) successfully completed.
2. General Education courses and credits received will be applied toward graduation and will satisfy a General Education requirement if the course(s) to which the AP area is equivalent fulfill a requirement.
3. If an equivalent course is not available for the AP exam area completed, elective or area credit will be awarded in the appropriate academic discipline and will be applied towards graduation where such elective credit options exist within the academic major.
4. Additional courses or credits may be available when a score of 4 or 5 is obtained. Award of credit for higher score values varies depending on the institution and academic discipline.
5. In academic disciplines containing highly dependent sequences (Sciences, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—STEM) students are strongly advised to confer with the college/university advising staff to ensure they have the appropriate foundation to be successful in advanced coursework within the sequence.

Scores must be sent directly from the College Board to Undergraduate Admissions.

Detailed information about the AP program is available from high school guidance offices or by contacting the College Board, Box 593, Princeton, NJ 08540.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP). Ohio University also participates in the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) sponsored by the College Board. Subject to approval by the appropriate department in each case, Ohio University will allow credit for satisfactory performance on the CLEP subject matter examinations, provided you take the examinations before you formally enroll in the University. Credit will not be awarded for CLEP exams taken after your enrollment in the University. The University does not award credit for scores achieved on the CLEP general examinations. Policies on credit for test scores are subject to change; check with Undergraduate Admissions for current information.

Detailed information about the CLEP program is available from high school guidance offices or by contacting the College Board, Box 593, Princeton, NJ 08540.

International Baccalaureate (IB). Ohio University will consider awarding up to 9 semester hours of credit for each IB higher level examination graded 5 or above. Credit is not awarded for subsidiary examinations. An official transcript of results received is required for credit consideration. For further information, contact Undergraduate Admissions.

Project Lead the Way (PLTW). Ohio University will grant college-level credit for secondary school students from certified Project Lead the Way (PLTW) schools who satisfy the necessary requirements.

Excelsior College Examinations (ECE). Ohio University will award credit for Nursing-based Excelsior College Examinations (ECE) where a grade of A, B, or C is earned. In order to receive credit the student must be enrolled in one of OHIO’s nursing programs. The credit awarded is based on recommendations made by the American Council on Education (ACE). Only ECE exams that are backed by ACE recommendations will carry transferable credit. In most cases, the equivalent coursework will be general in nature and will not satisfy specific course requirements.

Experiential Learning and Course Credit by Examination. You also may be able to earn credit without attending formal classes through two opportunities offered through eLearning OHIO. Experiential learning (also referred to as portfolio-based assessment) is designed to provide credit for college-level experience gained through employment or other experience. You follow a specific process to compile a portfolio of learning that is reviewed by appropriate University faculty members and assigned a credit value. Course credit by examination allows you to study or review a given subject and be tested on the subject within six months of enrollment, after which a letter grade is assigned and credit is awarded based on performance on the examination. Experiential learning (portfolio-based assessment) and course credit by examination may be available on request; each request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine if the option is appropriate to meet the student’s goals.These options are not eligible for financial aid. More information is available at www.ohio.edu/ecampus/print/portfolio.htm (See also eCampus  information in the catalog.)

Credit for Armed Forces Courses. Some courses, training, and experience provided by the armed forces may earn college credit. The Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experience in the Armed Services, published by the American Council on Education, is used to determine what credit might be granted. Blanket credit is not granted for military service. Veterans who served after October 1, 1981, must submit official documentation for credit consideration: Army, Marine Corp, Navy, and Coast Guard must submit a Joint Services Transcript; Air Force veterans must submit a Community College of the Air Force transcript. For additional information, or for instructions for personnel who served before October 1, 1981, contact Undergraduate Admissions, 740.593.4100.

Credit for Training Programs. Some courses offered by business and professional organizations are considered the equivalent of college courses, and you may receive transfer credit, subject to department or school approval, by presenting transcripts or certificates of completion from the training program. The National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programs, published by the American Council on Education, is used to determine what credit can be granted. Contact Undergraduate Admissions for further information.

Acceptance of Transfer Credit. In most cases, college-level courses successfully completed at a regionally accredited institution of higher education will transfer to Ohio University, subject to review by Undergraduate Admissions and in accordance with the Ohio Board of Regents Transfer and Articulation Policy.

Specifically, transfer credit will be accepted for successfully completed (as defined below), college-level courses from Ohio institutions of higher education that are accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools Higher Learning Commission or other regional accrediting commissions that have been recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

The sending Ohio institution will determine which courses are college-level on the basis of three standards: 1) the course is not remedial or developmental; 2) the course carries one or more credit hours; 3) the hours of the course are eligible to count toward graduation at the sending institution.

For purposes of this policy, institutions accredited by national or professional agencies that are recognized by CHEA, but not also accredited by a regional accrediting commission, will be considered non-accredited.

In accordance with the Ohio Board of Regents Articulation and Transfer Policy, Definition of Passing Grade and Appendix D, transfer credit will be accepted for all college–level courses completed successfully in and after fall 2005 from Ohio state–assisted institutions of higher education.

Students who have successfully completed A.A., A.S., or applied associate degrees in and after the fall of 1990 with a 2.0 or better overall grade point average from an Ohio state-assisted institution of higher education will receive credit for all college–level courses they have passed from the degree-conferring institution.

Courses taken at a private or out-of-state institution or taken from an Ohio state-assisted institution of higher education prior to the fall of 2005 in which a D grade was earned and not applied toward an earned associate degree normally are not transferable to Ohio University.

If you are transferring to Ohio University with credit from independent institution(s) or institution(s) outside of the State of Ohio, normally courses in which you have earned a grade below C- are not acceptable for transfer; however, a course with a D grade will transfer if it meets two conditions: (1) The course was a specific prerequisite (as stated in the previous school’s catalog) for a later course that you took in the same department; and (2) You earned a grade of C- or better in the later course. If you have coursework that meets these conditions, contact Undergraduate Admissions to arrange to receive credit.

Acceptable course credit transferred without a specific grade from the sending Ohio institution—as in the case of college-level credit earned through credit by exam, for example—will be treated as a “Passed” course in the transfer process.

Transferred courses earned at a state-supported institution located in Ohio that do not meet TAG or Transfer Module requirements, or specific programmatic requirements, or which have no equivalency at Ohio University shall transfer as free elective credit. However, some programs or degrees have limitations on the number of such courses which can be counted toward a program/degree, or there may be a limit to the fields in which these credits may be taken. In these cases, policies and procedures for the application of credit shall be equitable for native and transfer students. Ohio University does not award credit for the same course more than once. In the event that a student transfers two or more external sources of credit that equate to the same Ohio University internal course(s), the student can only receive credit for one instance of the internal course(s).

Remedial courses and English courses taught in non–Anglophone countries are not transferable.

Grades in the Transfer Process. Effective Summer Quarter 2010-11, Ohio University records grades for all acceptable transfer courses with “T” preceding the grade earned on the student’s academic record and the Degree Audit Report (DARS). Effective Fall Quarter 2005-2006, Ohio University accepts and applies transfer courses from Ohio public institutions in which grades of D+, D, or D- are earned. Prior to Summer Quarter 2010-11, these courses reflected a “TD” grade on the student’s academic record and DARS (per Ohio Board of Regents policy to ensure the equitable treatment of transfer students across Ohio’s public institutions of higher education). The number of hours of credit earned at each institution is recorded on the permanent record, but no grades are recorded. Transfer students, therefore, enter Ohio University with no GPA on their Ohio University academic records.

Prior to Fall Quarter 2005-2006, D+, D, or D- grades were not transferable. However, if a student earned a D+, D, or D- in a course that was a specific prerequisite (as stated in the academic catalog of the prior school) to a course in which the student earned a grade of C- or better, then the course in which the D+, D, or D- was received was accepted for credit earned, and the “T” was recorded on DARS.

Transfer of Nontraditional Credit. Credits earned at a state-supported institution located in Ohio through pass/fail options, credit by examination, experiential learning, and by other nontraditional methods will be applicable to the equivalent courses when available at Ohio University. If there are no equivalent courses and if the courses are not applicable to the TAG, Transfer Module, General Education requirements, or specific programmatic requirements, the courses will count as free electives. However, some programs or degrees have limitations on the number of nontraditional credits which can be counted, or there may be a limit to the fields in which these credits may be taken. In these cases, credit shall be applied for transfer students in the same manner as for native students.

In most cases, nontraditional credit earned at independent Ohio institutions or institutions outside Ohio will not be transferable.

Awarding of Credit. Credit is awarded only after admission to the University as a degree–seeking student and upon receipt of official transcripts. Shortly after you have been accepted for admission as a transfer student, Undergraduate Admissions will provide you with access to your online transfer credit evaluation report. That report will contain information on courses equated automatically within OHIO’s student information system. The student services office in your academic college will be responsible for making any remaining course evaluations and communicating those equivalencies with you.

Transferring Technical College Credit. If you have completed an associate’s degree from a Board-of-Regents-approved Ohio college, you will be able to transfer credit for all the general education coursework you have successfully completed, in accordance with the Ohio Board of Regents Transfer and Articulation policy. Most programs will also allow a limited amount of credit for technical courses to be applied as elective credit toward graduation requirements.

Responsibilities of Students. In order to facilitate transfer with maximum applicability of transfer credit, prospective transfer students should plan a course of study that will meet the requirements of a degree program at Ohio University. Students should use the Transfer Module, Transfer Assurance Guides, and Course Applicability System for guidance in planning the transfer process.

Specifically, students should identify early in their collegiate studies an institution and major to which they desire to transfer. Furthermore, students should determine if there are language requirements or any special course requirements that can be met during the freshman or sophomore year. This will enable students to plan and pursue a course of study that will articulate with the receiving institution’s major. Students are encouraged to seek further information regarding transfer from both advisors at their original institution and the college or university to which they plan to transfer.

Appeals Process. A student disagreeing with the application of transfer credit by Ohio University may appeal the decision to the administration of his/her academic college, in accordance with that college’s appeal process. Typically, that process involves submitting course descriptions, syllabi, and other supporting materials detailing the content of the course in question. If the appeal is denied at the academic college level, the transfer student may further appeal through the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost. If a transfer student’s appeal is denied after all appeal levels within Ohio University have been exhausted, the student may appeal to the state–level Articulation and Transfer Appeals Review Committee. The Appeals Review Committee shall review and recommend to institutions the resolutions of individual cases of appeal from transfer students who have exhausted all local appeal mechanism concerning applicability of transfer credits at receiving institutions.

Transfer Module. The Ohio Board of Regents’ Transfer and Articulation Policy established the Transfer Module, which is a subset or entire set of a college or university’s general education curriculum in A.A., A.S., and baccalaureate degree programs. Students in applied associate degree programs may complete some individual transfer module courses within their degree program or continue beyond the degree program to complete the entire transfer module.

The Transfer Module contains 36–40 semester hours of course credit in English composition (minimum of 3 semester hours); mathematics, statistics, and formal/symbolic logic (minimum of 3 semester hours); arts/humanities (minimum 6 semester hours); social and behavioral sciences (minimum of 6 semester hours). Oral communication and interdisciplinary areas may be included as additional options. Additional elective hours from among these areas make up the total hours for a completed Transfer Module.

Courses for the Transfer Module should be 1000- and 2000–level general education courses commonly completed in the first two years of a student’s course of study. Each state–assisted university, technical college, and community college is required to establish and maintain an approved Transfer Module. Transfer Module course(s) or the full module completed at one college or university will automatically meet the requirements of individual Transfer Module course(s) or the full Transfer Module at another college or university once the student is admitted. Students may be required, however, to meet additional general education requirements at the institution to which they transfer. For example, a student who completes the Transfer Module at Institution S (sending institution) and then transfers to Institution R (receiving institution) is said to have completed the Transfer Module portion of Institution R’s general education program. Institution R, however, may have general education courses that go beyond its Transfer Module. State policy initially required that all courses in the Transfer Module be completed to receive its benefit in transfer. However, subsequent policy revisions have extended this benefit to the completion of individual Transfer Module courses on a course–by–course basis.

Transfer Assurance Guides. Transfer Assurance Guides (TAGs) comprise Transfer Module courses and additional courses required for an academic major. A TAG is an advising tool to assist Ohio University and community and technical college students planning specific majors to make course selections that will ensure comparable, compatible, and equivalent learning experiences across the state’s higher education system. A number of area–specific TAG pathways in the arts, humanities, business, communication, education, health, mathematics, science, engineering, engineering technologies, and the social sciences have been developed by faculty teams. TAGs empower students to make informed course selection decisions and plans for their future transfer. Advisors at the institution to which a student wishes to transfer should also be consulted during the transfer process. Students may elect to complete the full TAG or any subset of courses from the TAG. Because of specific major requirements, early identification of a student’s intended major is encouraged.

Several methods of receiving Ohio University credit for work previously completed or for general knowledge and experience are available. For further information on any of the following, visit www.ohio.edu/admissions/transcredits or contact:

University Examiner
Chubb Hall 120
1 Ohio University
Athens OH 45701–2979
740.593.4100.

Transfer Module from Ohio University. If you are planning to transfer from Ohio University to another institution, the following guidelines should be followed in selecting courses to fulfill the 36-40 semester hours required by the transfer module:

1. A minimum of three semester hours of English composition by completing one of the following courses:

   English: ENG 1510 , 2800  

2. A minimum of three hours of mathematics or quantitative skills from the following courses:

   Computer Science: CS 2300 

   Mathematics: MATH 1200 , 1300  and D300 *, 1321  and 1322 *, 1322 , 1350 , 2301 , 2302 , 2500   

3. A minimum of six hours selected from at least two of the following Arts and Humanities areas:

   African American Studies: AAS 1100 , 1500  , 2100 , 2110 , 2500 

   Art: ART 1100 

   Art History: AH 2110  , 2120  , 2130 

   Classics: CLAS 2340 

   Film: FILM 2010 , 2030 

   History: HIST 1210 , 1220 
   
   Humanities: HUM 2070  , 2080  , 2170 

   Interdisciplinary Arts: IART 1170 , 1180 

   Music: MUS 1200 , 1250 

   Philosophy: PHIL 1010 , 1300 , 2160 , 2400 , 2600 

   Theater: THAR 2710 , 2711  

4. A minimum of six hours selected from at least two of the following Social and Behavioral Sciences areas:

   African American Studies:AAS 1010 , 2020 

   Anthropology: ANTH 1010 , 2020 

   Economics: ECON 1030 , 1040 

   Geography: GEOG 1200 , 1300 , 1310 

   History: HIST 1320 , 1330 , 2000 , 2010 

   International Studies: INST 1100 , 1400 , 1600 

   Political Science: POLS 1010 , 2300 , 2500 

   Psychology: PSY 1010 

   Sociology: SOC 1000 , 2000 

   Women’s and Gender Studies: WGS 1000  

5. A minimum of six hours of Natural and Physical Sciences, including at least one laboratory science course with at least one laboratory meeting each week in addition to lectures, from the following:

   Biology: BIOL 1010 

   Biological Sciences: BIOS 1000 , 1030 , 1300  , 1310  , 1700 , 1705 , 1710 , 2010 , 2210 , 2215 , 2250 , 2750 

   Chemistry: CHEM 1210 , 1220  , 1510 , 1520 

   Environmental and Plant Biology: PBIO 1000 

   Geography: GEOG 1100 

   Geological Sciences: GEOL 1010 , 1200 , 1700 , 2110 , 2150 , 2210 , 2310 

   Physics: PHYS 2001 , 2002 , 2051 , 2052 

   Physical Science: PSC 1011 , 1051  

6. Additional courses to fulfill the 36-40 hour requirement

We recommend you work closely with the transfer coordinator at the institution to which you hope to transfer to ensure that the specific courses you select will fulfill the major and graduation requirements of the academic program you intend to pursue.

* Completion of both courses equates to TMM002 Pre-Calculus.  

At the close of a semester/session or upon completion of a class, the instructor reports a final grade indicating the quality of a student’s work in the class. The University Registrar’s deadlines for submitting grades each semester or session must be met. Failure to do so creates problems for students, such as loss of employment, scholarships, financial aid, and opportunities for further study. Once grades are submitted to the University Registrar, they are final and cannot be changed unless evidence of an error can be presented or a formal grade appeal process is completed in accordance with Ohio University’s official grade appeal policy (see “Grade Appeals” below). Grades cannot be changed by arranging to complete additional work. Grade point values are assigned for each semester hour of credit completed according to the grading system below.

The basis for determining a student’s scholastic standing is the grade point average (GPA). This average is determined by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of semester hours of credit attempted. For example, if a student earned a C (2.0) and a B (3.0) in each of two three–hour courses, first multiply the number of hours in each course by the grade point value for that grade (3 x 2 = 6 and 3 x 3 = 9) and add the grade points for each course together to find the total number of grade points (6 + 9 = 15). Then add the number of hours attempted (3 + 3 = 6) and divide the total number of grade points by the total hours attempted (15/6 = 2.5). The student’s GPA after completing the two classes would be 2.5. A student’s GPA is figured only on credit hours attempted—courses for which the student receives letter grades (A–F), FN (failure, never attended), or FS (failure, stopped attending). FN and FS have the same value as an F. Grades of P (pass) and CR (credit) represent hours earned but are not used to calculate the GPA.

A course for which a grade has been assigned by a faculty member will not be removed from the student’s academic record without approval of the University Review Panel and the instructor (see Policy 12.050, “Canceling Registration, Dropping Classes, and Withdrawing” and the Faculty Handbook).

A course for which graduation credit is not allowed or a course that has been retaken, will be identified on the student’s academic record (transcript). Grades for these courses do not affect the grade point average, and credit hours do not count toward graduation.

Repeating a Course

Repeating a course is to complete a course more than once for credit. This can be done only with repeatable courses, which are designed to be taken multiple times (e.g., MUS 3400, PSY 4900). Some departments place a limit on the total number of credits that may be earned in a given repeatable course.

Retaking a Course

A regular course with fixed content can be retaken to affect the student’s GPA. Retaking the course removes the hours and the effect of the earlier grades from the calculation of the GPA. However, all grades appear on the permanent academic record (transcript). The last grade earned is the one used to calculate the GPA, even if it is lower than the earlier grade(s), and only the last instance’s credit hours are accepted toward any requirements for graduation. The number of times that a student is allowed to retake an undergraduate course for the purpose of improving the grade is restricted to a maximum of two in addition to the first attempt. Withdrawals are not counted as an attempt. Some graduate and professional schools will include all grades in their own calculations of the GPA when determining a student’s eligibility for admission, even though Ohio University calculates the GPA by using only the last grade in a retaken course.

Courses taken at Ohio University and retaken at another university are not eligible for grade point adjustment under this policy.

Retaking a course after graduation will not change graduation GPA or honors status.

Pass/Fail Grading Option

Taking a course pass/fail is an option designed to encourage you to explore areas of study in a way that will not negatively affect your GPA. To be eligible, the student must have a GPA of 2.5 or better for his or her latest term of full–time enrollment, or have an accumulative GPA of 2.0 or better. First–term freshmen automatically qualify. The pass/fail grading option is subject to the following restrictions:

1. No course taken pass/fail may be used to fulfill any graduation requirement (college, school, or department) other than the total hours requirement. For example, courses taken pass/fail cannot be used to meet distribution requirements, minor or certificate requirements, requirements of courses above a specified level, a specific course established as a major requirement, or any other such requirements in the student’s program. Colleges may refuse permission to use the pass/fail option for courses that are eligible to meet any such requirements that have not already been met by the student; if they do grant permission in such a case, the student will have to meet that requirement with some other course. Such courses taken pass/fail prior to the student’s entering the program cannot apply to program requirements other than total hours for graduation.
2. The student may take no more than one class per term or session by pass/fail.
3. The student may complete no more than 12 semester hours under this option.
4. The instructor is not to know who elects his or her course on the pass/fail option. A letter grade will be turned in and then converted to a P or F on the student’s academic record by the University Registrar. The original letter grade cannot be retrieved. ​

To initiate the pass/fail option, the student should register for the class by accessing My OHIO Student Center, and then contact his or her college or regional campus student services office (no later than the Friday of the second week of the semester or the Friday of the first week of a session) to request that a class be taken pass/fail. Pass/fail requests by regional campus students are reviewed by the student’s college student services office on the Athens campus, and may be denied if an inappropriate choice has been made. Pass/fail applications cannot be processed through My OHIO Student Center.

Transfer Credit Grades

Effective Summer Quarter 2010-11, Ohio University records grades for all acceptable transfer courses with a “T” preceding the grade earned on the student’s academic record and the Degree Audit (DARS) Report. Effective Fall Quarter 2005–06, Ohio University accepts and applies transfer courses from Ohio public institutions in which grades of D+, D, or D- are earned. These courses reflect a “TD” grade on the student’s academic record and DARS report (per Ohio Board of Regents policy to ensure the equitable treatment of transfer students across Ohio’s public institutions of higher education). The number of semester hours of credit earned at each institution is recorded on the academic record, but no grades are recorded. Transfer students, therefore, enter Ohio University with no grade point average on their Ohio University academic records.

Prior to Fall Quarter 2005–06, D+, D, or D- grades were not transferable. However, if a student earned a D+, D, or D- in a course that was a specific prerequisite (as stated in the academic catalog of the prior school) to a course in which the student earned a grade of C or better, then the course in which the D+, D, or D- was received was accepted for credit earned, and the T was recorded on the DARS report.

Segmented Transcript Policy

The segmented transcript policy was developed as a way to allow students who leave the University with low grades and re–enroll after an absence of four or more years to begin coursework without the threat of academic probation. Under this policy, all of the student’s courses are reflected on the transcript, but the GPA grades earned earlier are changed temporarily to CR (for any passing grade) and NC (for any failing grade), which removes them from the calculation of accumulative GPA, while the hours earned will be carried forward.

The new GPA after segmentation will be used for determining probationary status and liability of being academically dropped. The new GPA also may be used, at the discretion of relevant officials or committees, to determine eligibility for entrance to academic programs or for scholarships and honor societies, although they also have the option of using the combined (true) GPA.

However, the GPA for determining the 2.0 minimum overall GPA for graduation and in the major, as well as honor status at graduation, is based on all hours attempted at Ohio University, including those attempted before segmentation. Upon graduation, the Office of the University Registrar will return all grades to the original grades and recalculate the GPA. Upon graduation, a student may request a letter from his/her academic dean; this letter will explain the Segmented Transcript Policy and include the student’s “Fresh Start” GPA (the GPA since segmentation).

Subsequent gaps of four or more years will not qualify students for further transcript segmentation.

The student must petition the college student services office or regional higher education office to have the transcript segmented.

Grade Appeals

The instructor assigned to a class has full responsibility for grading, subject to the appeal process described in this section. A student may appeal a grade through the chairperson of the department or director of the school to the dean of the college, provided that a concerted effort was made by the student to resolve the matter with the instructor. The burden of proof for a grade change is on the student, except in those cases involving charges of academic dishonesty. If the dean concludes that the student has insufficient grounds for an appeal, there can be no further appeal by the student. If the dean concludes that sufficient grounds do exist for an appeal, the dean shall appoint a faculty committee of five members, including the chairperson of the department or director of the school in question, to consider the case. If a majority on the committee decides that the grade should be changed and the instructor does not accept the recommendation, the committee can authorize the registrar to change the grade. The decision of the committee is not subject to further appeal. In appeal cases in which the chairperson/director is the instructor, the dean is authorized to appoint an alternative member from the same department/school to the committee; if the dean is the instructor, the role of dean will be assumed by the provost. In appeal cases involving courses taught by faculty from more than one college, the dean of University College will review the appeal and, if necessary, appoint the appeals committee. In these cases, the appeals committee shall include the additional chairperson(s)/director(s). In unusual circumstances (e.g., death, incapacity, or indefinite accessibility of the instructor), the departmental chairperson/school director is responsible for the final grade, subject to appeal by the student to the dean as described in this section.

Complete information on the rights and responsibilities of students and faculty relative to grade appeals is available at the Office of the Ombudsperson. If you need assistance in understanding the grade appeals process or in preparing a grade appeal(s), contact the Ombudsperson, Baker University Center 501, 740.593.2627. The office will be able to be of greatest assistance if you make contact early in the process.

Dean’s List

The Dean’s List, compiled at the end of each semester, includes the names of all students whose GPA for the semester is at least 3.5 for a minimum of 15 semester hours of credit earned, including at least 12 hours attempted for letter grades that are used to calculate GPA.

Academic Probation

At the close of the semester, the academic record of each enrolled undergraduate student (regardless of student enrollment status) will be reviewed to verify the accumulative GPA. At the time of the review, if you do not have the required 2.0 minimum accumulative GPA, you will be placed on academic probation. To be removed from probation, your accumulative GPA must reach at least a 2.0.

Students with fewer than 90 credit hours earned: If you have fewer than 90 semester credit hours earned and are not removed from probation, you will be continued on probation or academically dismissed. To be continued on probation, you must have either 1) semester GPA at least 2.0 or 2) accumulative GPA equal to or greater than the minimum GPA defined by your hours earned:

If you are on probation and fail both of the criteria described above, you will be academically dismissed.

Students with 90 or more semester credit hours earned: If you are on probation in a given semester and you have 90 or more semester credit hours earned at the end of that semester, you must achieve a 2.0 accumulative GPA to avoid academic dismissal.

Some colleges require higher standards of performance than the University’s 2.0 minimum. If you have been dropped from a college because of failure to meet such additional standards but are not subject to dismissal according to the University rules, you are still eligible for admission to other programs in the University. International students placed on academic probation are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor in International Student and Faculty Services to discuss their situations. International students in F–1 or J–1 status who are dropped from their programs or from the University must see an advisor in International Student and Faculty Services.

Removal from Probation. Removal of probationary status is automatic at the close of the semester when your accumulative GPA rises to 2.0 or above, unless your college requires higher standards.

Dismissal (Drop) and Reinstatement. If you have been dropped, you are not able to enroll for regular courses on any Ohio University campus.

You may petition the dean of your college for reinstatement, but normally reinstatement will not be granted until at least 12 months after your dismissal. As a condition for reinstatement, the dean of your college may suggest remedial steps you can take. 

Students petitioning for reinstatement must do so according to the following deadlines:

Petitions received after the deadlines above will be held for review for the next semester.

If you have been dropped from the University for a second time, reinstatement is possible only under extraordinary circumstances and usually is not granted until at least 24 months after the second dismissal.

Academic Misconduct

The Student Code of Conduct (www.ohio.edu/communitystandards) prohibits all forms of academic misconduct. Academic misconduct refers to dishonesty or deception in fulfilling academic requirements. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

• Cheating
• Plagiarism
• Unpermitted collaboration
• Forged attendance (when attendance is required)
• Misrepresentation of facts in order to gain an academic advantage
• Fabrication (e.g., use of invented information or falsification of research or other findings)
• Using textbooks, technology, or other materials not approved by the instructor
• Knowingly permitting another student to plagiarize or cheat from one’s work
• Submitting the same academic work for credit more than once unless specifically authorized by the instructor of record

Note: An instructor may impose a grade penalty for academic misconduct and/or file a student conduct referral.

In cases of academic misconduct, a faculty member has the authority to administer a failing grade. If an instructor who has accused you of plagiarism lowers your course grade, you may appeal this grade first through the instructor, then the department chair or school director, and then the dean of your college. In cases of academic misconduct both the student and teacher must document their allegations and refutations in writing, including any supporting material (e.g., copies of the student’s work, copies of other materials used but not referenced in the student’s work, etc.) relevant to the case. Such written evidence will be reviewed in accordance with the grade appeal process followed by the college or unit.

The faculty member also has the discretion to refer your case to the director of the Office of Community Standards and Student Responsibility for resolution under the Student Code of Conduct. A student or student organization found to have violated the academic misconduct offense will be subject to the full range of sanctions including reprimand, disciplinary probation, suspension, or expulsion from Ohio University.

Please note that the Office of Community Standards and Student Responsibility does not have the authority to modify a grade given by an instructor.

If you wish to appeal the decision of the Office of Community Standards and Student Responsibility, such as suspension or expulsion, you can request that the matter be reviewed by the university appeal board. Details of appeal procedures are included in the Student Code of Conduct online at www.ohio.edu/communitystandards.

Further information on academic misconduct is available from the Office of Community Standards and Student Responsibility.

Degree Revocation

Academic honesty is a core value of Ohio University. Degrees awarded may be revoked by the President of Ohio University in accordance with Ohio University’s policies and procedures.

Student Records Policy

Consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), all of Ohio University’s policies and practices governing the collection, maintenance, review, and release of student records will be based on the principles of confidentiality and your individual right to privacy. The specific policy can be found online at http://www.ohio.edu/policy/12-020.html.

Obtaining Transcripts

Students can order official transcripts in one of these types:

1. Comprehensive transcript, showing all coursework at Ohio University
2. Undergraduate transcript only
3. Graduate (master’s level and above) transcript only
4. Medical transcript only

There is a $6.00 per transcript fee for regular processing (generally 2–3 business days). There is a $12.00 fee for each transcript processed on the same day requested. Transcripts can be ordered online, by mail with a signed letter of request including payment by check or credit card, by signed FAX with payment by credit card, or in person at the Office of the University Registrar or regional campus student services office. The student is required to provide his/her signature authorizing release of his/her transcript. Online orders may be “automatically authorized” without the student’s signature. To find out more about the various processing, application, and delivery options available and to obtain a transcript request form, visit Registrar Services in Chubb Hall, go to the registrar’s website at http://www.ohio.edu/registrar/transcri.cfm, call the registrar’s office, 740.593.4206, or send email to transcripts@ohio.edu.

Replacement of Diploma

To obtain a replacement diploma, provide a notarized affidavit attesting that the original diploma has been lost or destroyed, or verification of a name change, to the registrar’s office along with a request for a new diploma. In the case of a name change, you must also return the original diploma. Instructions for verifying a name change are available from the registrar’s office. The fee for diploma replacement is $15. Visit http://www.ohio.edu/registrar/grd.cfm for more details.

The replacement diploma will be the same size as the current diploma, and carry current titles and signatures of University officers and the notation “official replacement.” Allow four to six weeks for delivery.

Official Notifications for Students

Various state and federal laws require Ohio University to provide information and notice to students on a variety of topics. In addition, Ohio University occasionally develops statements or policies on important matters and distributes them to all students. Below is a listing of official notifications that are currently provided to students.

Notices on these topics are provided via email to all registered students as of the deadline for registration in each academic semester. Email is sent to each student’s official University email address. These notices are routinely available at the University’s website at: http://www.ohio.edu/notifications/.

Further, it is a student’s responsibility to know and follow current requirements and procedures at the department, school, college, and University levels, including those described in the University’s Undergraduate Catalog, Graduate Catalog, Student Housing Handbook, and University Policy and Procedures. All students are subject to the rules of behavior as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.

• Student Code of Conduct
• Sexual Misconduct Policy
• University Regulations Regarding Concealed Gun Law
• Consequences for Involvement in Civil Disturbance
• Graduation/Transfer–Out Rates (Student Right to Know Act of 1990)
• Crime Awareness and Campus Security (Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act)
• Drugs and Alcohol (Drug–Free School and Community Act of 1989)
• Convictions for Certain Riot–related and Sexual Assault Offenses (Ohio House Bill 95)
• Campus Disruption (Ohio House Bill 1219)
• Voter Registration (Voter Registration Provision in Higher Education Amendments of 1998)
• Student Privacy (The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 or FERPA)
• Copyright Infringement and the Internet
• Emergency Closing of the University
• Title IX Grievance Procedures

Questions regarding notifications can be addressed to:

Office of the Dean of Students
Baker University Center 345
740.593.1800
deanofstudents@ohio.edu.