Academic Policies and Procedures

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Confidentiality of Student Records

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the confidentiality of student education records. To implement FERPA, the University has formulated and adopted a written institutional policy governing the handling of these records. Copies of this policy document are available to students in Charger Central, and it should be referred to for a more comprehensive treatment of this subject.

The term “education records” under FERPA includes generally any record, whether in a printed, handwritten, audio, video, or computer media format, maintained by the University and containing information directly related to a student in his/her role as a student. Certain records are, however excluded by FERPA from this broad definition, such as those made by instructional, supervisory, and administrative personnel and kept in their sole possession, those made by campus police, and those made by a physician or other professional medical personnel in connection with treatment of the student.

Under FERPA and University policy, a student has a right of access to his/her education records and may inspect and review the information contained in them. To exercise this right, the student should present a request to the University office where the record is located, and a response will be made no later than 45 days later. In certain cases, a copy of the record may be provided, with a copying fee, as an alternative to actual inspection. Some records are not within this right of review, such as financial information from the student’s parents and confidential letters or statements of recommendation where the student has waived the right of access.

A student who believes his/her education records contain information that is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of his/her privacy rights may bring the matter to the attention of the appropriate records official. If by informal discussion with this official the student does not obtain the corrective action desired, the student will then be entitled to a hearing at which he/she may challenge the objectionable item. Additional information about hearing procedures will be given to the student at that time. The decision of the hearing official or panel shall be final. If the decision is adverse to the student, he/she may insert in the education record an explanatory statement about the disputed item.

A student’s privacy interest in the education record is further protected by the rule against unauthorized disclosure. Generally, the University may not, without the student’s consent, release the education record or personally identifiable information in it to other individuals or entities.

Disclosure in certain circumstances, however, is specifically excepted by FERPA from the foregoing rule. These circumstances include disclosure to certain parties–University personnel who have a legitimate educational interest in the information, officials of institutions where the student is seeking to enroll, parties to which the student is applying for financial aid, the parent of a dependent student, etc.; disclosure to comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena; or disclosure in connection with a health or safety emergency. Under the first exception, “University personnel” includes any UAHuntsville employee, and a “legitimate educational interest” means that the employee has a need for access to the record to perform appropriate tasks clearly within the area of responsibility of the employee, to perform a task related to the education or discipline of the student, or to provide a benefit or service relating to the student. Personally identifiable information will be transmitted by the University under these exceptions only upon the condition that the recipient not permit any other party to have access to it without the student’s consent.

The University may also release what is called “directory information” without obtaining the student’s consent. Directory information is limited to the following: the student’s name, address (local and permanent), telephone number, e-mail address, date and place of birth, enrollment status (full-time or part time), major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, the previous educational institution most recently attended, and a photograph of the student. However, a student may prevent the release of even this information, if he/she wishes, by completing a form provided for this purpose in the Office of Student Records.

Any student who believes that his/her rights under FERPA have been violated by the University may notify and request assistance from the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. The student may also file a complaint with the Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 600 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202-4605.

Academic Responsibility

Students at the University of Alabama in Huntsville have the following academic responsibilities:

1. To enroll in only those courses for which the stated prerequisite(s) (if there are any) has/have been satisfactorily completed. Failure to comply with this procedure may result in administrative withdrawal.
2. To attend all meetings of each class in which they are enrolled. Instructors will announce at the beginning of the semester if they consider attendance in computing final grades.
3. To observe all regulations of their college and select courses according to the requirements of that college.
4. To consult their advisors on all matters pertaining to their academic careers, including changes in their programs.
5. To answer promptly all written notices from advisors, faculty, deans and other University officers.
6. To maintain the integrity of the classroom by practicing academic honesty. Students should refer to the student handbook for details regarding academic dishonesty.
7. To file an “Application for Degree” in the Office of Student Records by the published deadline.
8. To be personally responsible for fulfilling all requirements for graduation and observing all regulations at UAHuntsville.

Academic Honesty

Plagiarism and other forms of cheating are subject to penalties as outlined in the Student Handbook.

Course Placement and Credit by Examination

Instructional and Testing Services

Matti Chisgar, Director
226 Business Administration Building
Telephone: (256) 824-6725
Email: testing@uah.edu
Website: www.uah.edu/testing

This office administers the tests used for admissions, credit by examination, and placement to include: the ACT Assessment and Residual ACT, the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), the General Educational Development (GED) Testing Program, the Graduate Record Examination Subject Test (GRE Subject), the Miller Analogies Test (MAT), the internet-based TOEFL (iBT TOEFL) and the UAHuntsville Chemistry, Composition and Mathematics Placement Tests. The UAHuntsville English Language Placement Test (ELPT), used for English as Second Language Placement, is also administered. UAHuntsville does not currently administer the following examinations: Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT), Graduate Record Examination General Test (GRE), Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), or Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT.) To determine test locations, dates, fees, etc., candidates should check directly with the respective test company. Links to test company websites are available at www.uah.edu/testing.

Comprehensive information pertaining to the examinations offered through Instructional & Testing Services is available at www.uah.edu/testing.

Course Placement and Placement Testing

All students who are beginning college-level course work in English, Mathematics, Foreign Language and Chemistry are placed at the level best suited to their academic preparation and background. Initial
placements are determined by a combination of factors depending on the subject area. ACT scores and high school grades determine placement in English. Students who were placed into EH 100 may opt to take the Composition Placement Test for entry into EH 101. Students may call Testing Services at (256)824-6725 to schedule an appointment to take the Composition Placement Test. This test may only be taken once.

ACT scores, AP Calculus exam scores and/or previous college level mathematics courses (which have been accepted by the Math Department for transfer credit) determine placement in Mathematics. Students who wish to take a higher-level course than the one in which they were placed can take the Mathematics Placement Test. See www.uah.edu/testing for online test registration. This test may be taken twice.

Students will be placed into chemistry coursework based upon their math placement level. The only students eligible to place out of Chemistry 101 and into Chemistry 121 are those who are placed into Math Levels 2 or 3. Students who placed into Math Level 2 may take the UAHuntsville Chemistry Placement Test to advance into CH 121. A raw score of 40 or higher is passing. Students who placed into Math Level 3 will automatically be permitted to take CH 121. See www.uah.edu/testing for online test registration. This test may only be taken once.

Students with prior knowledge of French, German, or Spanish may demonstrate competence at an advanced level in five ways: 1) performance on a computer based placement test, 2) high school coursework, 3) CLEP examination, 4) AP examination, and 5) native language experience. Students should contact the Foreign Language department at (256) 824-6300 to inquire about their placement policies.

Students will be notified at the time of the tests when they can expect to receive the test results. There is no charge for the Chemistry Placement Test, Composition Placement Test, or the Mathematics Placement Test. If a student has not received initial course placements before enrollment, he or she should contact the Office of Admissions.

Credit by Examination

At UAHuntsville a student may obtain a maximum of one-fourth (normally 32 semester hours) of required degree credits by examination. There are four alternatives by which a student may gain credit through examination at UAHuntsville: 1) departmental examinations, 2) the Advanced Placement (AP) Program, 3) the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and 4) International Baccalaureate (IB). Credit by examination is not granted in the following cases: 1) if a student has been enrolled in a comparable course for more than three weeks; 2) to remove a failure already recorded for a course; or 3) to satisfy the residency requirement for graduation.

1) Credit by Department Examination

Departmental examinations for credit in specific courses may be given by a department upon application by the student and with the approval of the department chair. Students may apply for such a test if they have taken college-level work in secondary school, in a non-collegiate class or on a tutorial basis, or through private study. Credit, if awarded, will be recorded without grades or quality points and will not, therefore, be included in calculation of the grade point average. The amount of credit allowable through departmental examinations is determined by the appropriate academic dean and the department chair concerned.

Departments offering credit by examination on tests constructed by the department:

2) Advanced Placement Program

Several UAHuntsville departments award credit to students who have earned designated scores on Advanced Placement (AP) Program examinations of the College Entrance Examination Board. AP examinations are usually taken at the end of an AP-designed course of study in high school. The subjects in which credit is presently awarded are biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, English composition and literature, American and European history, mathematics, music, physics, political science, and some foreign languages. Credit, if awarded, will be recorded without grades or quality points and will not, therefore, be included in calculation of the grade point average. The award of AP credit at UAHuntsville requires a score report from the College Board; transcripts from other institutions with AP scores are not accepted at UAHuntsville.

*Students with a score of 4 on either English Language or English Literature are encouraged to consult with the Director of the Honors Program about the possibility of taking EH 105 to satisfy their composition requirements. Students with a score of 4 on BOTH the English Language and the English Literature AP tests will be awarded 6 hours of credit.

3) College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

The College Level Examination Program is a national program under which a student can receive credit for college level achievement. Anyone who has practical knowledge in an area through independent study, work experience, cultural exposure, or intensive reading, may take these tests. The policy for CLEP credit varies with each institution. The policies listed herein are those of UAHuntsville. See www.uah.edu/testing for test dates, fees, and registration.

Credit by CLEP examination is allowed if the appropriate academic department has approved the CLEP test for use by the University. Credit awarded for CLEP examinations will be recorded on the student’s record without grades or quality points and will not, therefore, be included in calculation of the grade point average. If a student does not pass a CLEP test, no record is placed on his or her transcript. Examinations may be retaken six months after initial testing.

Students should check with their program of study and their academic advisor to determine which, if any, CLEP examinations they may take to satisfy either free elective or degree requirements.

Listed below are UAHuntsville courses in which a student may receive CLEP credit, along with specific CLEP test titles and minimum score requirements.

*Students who have already completed EH 101 or a comparable course are not eligible to take the CLEP test for EH 102.  CLEP tests must be taken in a student’s first term.

4) International Baccalaureate (IB)

The University of Alabama in Huntsville recognizes International Baccalaureate (IB) credit with a score of 5, 6, or 7 on the higher-level examinations. Reports of IB scores should be sent to the UAHuntsville Office of Admissions for evaluation. Additional credit may be awarded on a course by course basis as approved by the department. (Some departments may award credit based on the subsidiary examinations.) The academic unit responsible for the student’s program of study will determine the application of credits toward specific degree requirements. Credit, if awarded, will be recorded without grades or quality points, and will not, therefore, be included in the calculation of grade point average.

For further information concerning academic testing, contact the Office of Instructional and Testing Services or see www.uah.edu/testing.

Registration

Dates, times, procedures and eligibility conditions for registration are published in the Schedule of Classes, which is available in Charger Central, the Academic Advising offices, and on the UAHuntsville website. Registrations for Fall and Spring Semesters begin several weeks before the start of the new semester and continue through the fifth day of classes. All financial obligations to the University must be cleared before a student may register for courses. Students should consult with their academic advisor prior to registration. Non-degree students have a lower registration priority.

Concurrent registration for multiple sections of a course is not allowed.

A student who schedules courses during registration makes a financial commitment to the University. Course adjustments, drops and withdrawals must be officially transacted in writing on a Registration/Schedule Adjustment form and recorded by the Office of Student Records by the published deadlines. Adjustments in fees, if any, will be made by the Office of the Bursar. The University assumes no responsibility for students who attend classes without proper registration.

The Semester System

The academic year is divided into two semesters and one summer session. The fall semester begins in late August and ends in December. The spring semester begins in January and ends in May. The summer term consists of 10 weeks with two 5-week mini-sessions. The summer session begins in June and ends in August. (See Academic Calendar .)

Credit for a course completed is awarded in semester hours (sh). In most instances, the number of semester hours awarded for a course represents the number of hours that course meets each week. Generally a 3- credit hour course meets for three hours each week for one semester. There are exceptions to this general rule, including laboratory and studio courses, study abroad and internships.

Student Course Loads

The typical full-time undergraduate course load is 15-18 credit hours each semester. Students should take between 30 and 33 hours annually in order to graduate in four years. The minimum full-time load for an undergraduate student is 12 semester hours a semester. A part-time undergraduate student is one who is enrolled in less than 12 semester hours. Permission of the student’s dean is necessary to enroll in 21 hours or more, including concurrent enrollment at other institutions and simultaneous correspondence courses. A student enrolling for a minimum load each semester should not expect to graduate in four years unless he or she enrolls in summer terms in addition to the regular academic year.

Prerequisite, Prerequisite with Concurrency, Co-requisite

Some courses offered at UAHuntsville require students to complete a prerequisite or prerequisites prior to registering for a course, to register for a prerequisite with concurrency, and to register for a co-requisite course. The definitions for these categories are as follows:

Prerequisite – a course must be taken before a target course, i.e., successful completion of EH 101 before registering for EH 102.

Prerequisite with Concurrency – a course must be taken before or at the same time as a target course, i.e., CH 101 and CH 105; PH 111 and PH 114; CE 271 and MA 201. A “W” or “F” grade in one course does not require that a student re-register for both courses. Prerequisite with concurrency courses do not have to be completed at the same time. A student may withdraw from a target course or a concurrent course and continue enrollment in the other course and vice versa. Note: A student may be asked to withdraw from a required course if in the judgment of the instructor/chair/advisor the student does not have the requisite knowledge to successfully complete the course (i.e., CE 271 and MA 201).

Co-requisite – a course must be taken simultaneously with a target course, i.e., BYS 119 and 119L; PH 102 and 102L; CPE 112 and 112L: CE 370 and 370L: CHE 442 and 442L: MAE 311 and 311L; NUR 660 and 660L, and etc. Co-requisite courses must be completed at the same time. A student may withdraw from a target course; however, the student must also withdraw from the co-requisite course and vice versa.

Student Classification

An undergraduate is classified as indicated in the following table when a student has completed the number of semester hours shown.

Schedule Adjustments

Through the fifth day of classes, a student may add a course by registering on the web at www.uah.edu, meeting with their advisor, or submitting a Registration/Schedule Adjustment form to Charger Central. Students should consult with their academic advisor and other university officials as indicated on the Registration Form for advice and approval before making any schedule changes.

To add a class after the fifth day of classes requires a written petition to the Office of the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Studies with appropriate documentation to substantiate extenuating circumstances. The petition must include signatures from the instructor, the chair of the department that offers the course, and the dean of the college in which the student is enrolled. A request to change a section after the deadline must be approved by the instructor of the new section, the chair of the department that offers the course, and the dean of the college in which the student is enrolled.

Credit to Audit

A student is permitted to change a course from credit to audit through the fourth week of classes. The instructor is not required to grade any written assignments that may be submitted by an auditing student. A student who elects to audit a course may not at any point after electing to audit, change to “for-credit”, i.e., graded status. Any student failing to follow established procedure for change to audit will continue to be enrolled in the class for credit and may receive a failing grade in that course.

Withdrawal Policy

Through the tenth week of the fall or spring semester, a student may withdraw from any course by executing a withdrawal on our website, meeting with their advisor, or submitting a Registration/Schedule Adjustment form to Charger Central. After the tenth week, a student may withdraw from a course only under extenuating circumstances and with the approval of the dean of the college in which the student is enrolled. Avoidance of an undesirable grade does not justify withdrawal. The request for withdrawal approval in this situation must be submitted with a written explanation of the extenuating circumstances and any appropriate documentation to the dean of the college in which the student is enrolled, and it is the duty of the dean to verify that the circumstances justify withdrawal from a course. In addition, students participating in certain programs must secure approval or give adequate notification to the appropriate officers of these programs. It is the joint duty of these programs and the Office of Student Records to insure that students participating in these programs are aware of any such requirements. Class non-attendance does not constitute withdrawal nor does notification to the instructor. Any student failing to follow the established procedure for withdrawal will continue to be enrolled in the class and may receive a failing grade in that course.

Recording of Withdrawals

If the withdrawal process is completed during the first two weeks of the semester, the withdrawing student’s name does not appear on the final rolls of the class from which the student withdrew, and that course does not appear on the student’s permanent record. If the withdrawal process is completed after the first two weeks, then the withdrawing student’s name will be on the final roll of the class from which the student withdrew, and that course will be recorded on the student’s permanent record with a final grade of W.

Counseling

Students need to be aware that many potential employers, as well as graduate and professional schools, view an excessive number of W’s on a transcript as a flag that the student cannot be counted on to complete demanding projects. Advisors should be informed of this fact and students should be encouraged to discuss with their advisors any plans to withdraw from a course, especially after the first two weeks of the semester.

Retroactive Withdrawal Policy

Undergraduate students may at times experience extraordinary problems during an academic semester. Within two years of having completed such a semester, a student may petition the Vice President for Student Affairs to withdraw retroactively from ALL classes taken during that semester. A retroactive withdrawal is granted only under exceptional circumstances, such as extraordinary medical or personal problems. The petition should include clear and documented evidence whenever possible. The Vice President for Student Affairs forwards the petition to the Provost who approves or denies the request. If the Provost grants a retroactive withdrawal, the grades for all courses taken during the semester in question will be changed to W’s. Petitions for Retroactive Withdrawals are considered after final grades are posted.

Course Repeat Policy

Students should be aware that course repeats, for any reason, may not be looked upon favorably by some employers and by professional schools, and hence they should avoid the need for repeats.

Students may repeat a course in order to achieve a passing grade or an improved understanding. Students may not repeat a course for which they have higher level credit. For example, a student cannot repeat MA 119 after he/she has credit for Calculus. For other courses, the course repeat policy is as follows. For the first five courses repeated, the original grade will not be calculated into the student’s grade point average. Only courses for which the student has received a grade of C, D, or F may be repeated for this purpose. Each course repeat counts against the maximum of five that can replace the previous grade. For instance, a student may use all five repeats in a single course or in five separate courses or any combination of separate courses and multiple repeats of single courses. The transcript will show both the original grades and the course repeat grades, but only the grade points and credit hours earned in the repeated courses count toward graduation and are averaged into the student’s GPA. After five course repeats, all other courses repeated at UAHuntsville will result in both the original grade and the course repeat grade being calculated into the student’s GPA. This course repeat policy will automatically be applied unless the student files for an exemption in Charger Central (UC 118) upon registration.

Academic Bankruptcy Policy

An undergraduate student may petition the Admissions and Scholastic Affairs Committee to declare academic bankruptcy. The Scholastic Affairs Committee, after reviewing the petition and consulting with the Office of Admissions, will decide whether to grant the student academic bankruptcy. Under this policy, all college-level work completed at UAHuntsville prior to a date specified by the student is eliminated from computation of grade point averages and will not be applied toward a degree at UAHuntsville. Such work will not be expunged from the student’s scholastic records and transcripts, although it will be designated as work not included in the computation of grade point averages or applied toward degree requirements. There must be a minimum of two calendar years between the date of petition and the date specified by the student in the bankruptcy petition. Academic bankruptcy will only be granted once during a student’s academic career at UAHuntsville.

Grading System

The University of Alabama in Huntsville’s grading system includes grades of A, B, C, D, F, I, X, W, S, U, P, AU, N, and NC. Instructors have the option of augmenting the course grades of A, B, C, and D with symbols “+” and “-” signifying, respectively, high and low achievement within the assigned grade. These augmented letter grades become part of the student’s permanent record and appear on transcripts, but augmentation of a letter grade does not affect its value for the purposes of the GPA computation.

Change of Grade

When it is believed that a grading error may have occurred, a student is permitted a maximum of one semester from the date a grade is assigned to request a change of course grade. Grades submitted to the Office of Student Records can normally be changed only by submission by the instructor on a Change of Grade form containing a written explanation of the error. The Change of Grade form must be approved by the department chair and received in the Office of Student Records no later than two semesters from the date the original grade was assigned.

Pass-Fail Option

A student wishing to exercise a P-F option must apply to the Office of Registrar (UC 118) when registering or before the end of the third week of classes. Any undergraduate student not on academic probation may take courses on a P-F basis.

A student is limited to 12 semester hours of credit on a P-F basis over the course of the degree. Courses listed on the Program of Study (major, minor, cognate, track, cluster, specialization, option and concentration) may not be taken P-F. Required courses in English composition and mathematics may not be taken P-F. Departments may limit the P-F to courses outside the department or college. P-F policies vary from college to college; consult your advisor before selecting this option.

A grade of P may be changed to a regular grade only if the student changes his or her program to an area in which a regular grade is required. The change must be initiated at the dean’s office and must go through the normal grade change procedures. Once a P grade has been changed to a regular grade, the regular grade must remain. Under the P-F system, a grade of P will not be counted in a student’s grade-point average; a grade of F will be counted in a student’s grade-point average.

Even though a student chooses to take courses on the P-F basis, instructor’s grade sheets will reflect the regular grade and the student may be informed of the regular grade upon request.

Examinations

During each semester, one or more announced examinations of class period length may be held. At the end of each semester, a final examination period is scheduled for each course. Absences from a scheduled final examination without previous arrangement with the course instructor (except in extenuating circumstances) will be classified unexcused and a failing grade in the course will be assigned.

Any student whose final examination schedule is such that the student is scheduled to take three examinations during a single day shall have the right to have the middle examination rescheduled. The date and time of the rescheduled examination shall be by mutual agreement between the student and the affected faculty member and must be agreed upon prior to the final week of the semester. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor of this type of conflict, and it is the instructor’s responsibility to verify that the conflict actually exists. If a student is scheduled to take four examinations during a single day,  then the same procedure shall apply except that the student shall now have the right to have both the second and third examinations rescheduled.

Student Grade Report

At the completion of each semester, a report of final grades is mailed to the address furnished by the student.

Grade Point Average

The grade point average (GPA) is computed by dividing the total number of quality points earned at UAHuntsville by the total number of semester hours attempted at UAHuntsville (transfer grades are not included). Courses in which a grade of NC, W, P, S, X or AU is assigned are not included.

Academic Achievement

Honor Scholar

An undergraduate student in good standing earning 12 or more semester hours in a semester with a GPA of 3.50-4.00 is distinguished by being identified as an honor scholar. A GPA of 4.00 is noted with an asterisk “*”.

Scholar

An undergraduate student in good standing earning 12 or more semester hours in a semester with a GPA of 3.00-3.49 will be designated on the list of scholars.

Graduation with Honors

Graduation with honors at the baccalaureate level requires a minimum of 60 semester hours at UAHuntsville. Honors will be determined by the grade-point average for the last 60 semester hours of coursework taken at UAHuntsville or the overall GPA for all coursework taken at UAHuntsville, whichever is higher. The academic terms containing the last 60 hours of coursework taken at UAHuntsville will be identified and the GPA of all UAHuntsville courses taken during those terms to satisfy graduation requirements will be computed and the honors will be determined as follows:

• If the GPA computed as above is 3.90 or above, the student graduates summa cum laude
• If the GPA computed as above is 3.70 or above (but below 3.90), the student graduates magna cum laude.
• If the GPA computed as above is 3.40 or above (but below 3.70), the student graduates cum laude.

Honors Convocation

The University faculty recognizes and honors those students who have attained academic excellence at a convocation held in the spring of each year. At the Honors Convocation, students who have been inducted into the honor societies, who have been named to the dean’s list in each college, and who have attained excellence in academic programs are recognized.

Academic Warning, Probation, and Dismissal

In order to be in good academic standing, students must maintain a grade point average above the Academic Action Threshold (AAT), which varies according to classification. For students with 0-31 credit hours, the AAT is 1.6; for students with 32-63 credit hours, the AAT is 1.8; for students with 64 or more credit hours, the AAT is 2.0. A student whose semester GPA at UAHuntsville falls below the applicable AAT will be placed on academic warning, probation, or dismissal.

Academic Warning. Students are subject to academic warning if they are in good standing and earn less than the applicable AAT for the semester; or if they earn the applicable AAT or greater for the semester but the UAHuntsville cumulative is less than the applicable AAT.

Probation. Students are subject to academic probation if they are on academic warning and the current semester GPA is less than the applicable AAT and the UAHuntsville cumulative is less than the applicable AAT.

Dismissal. Students are subject to academic dismissal if they are on academic probation and the current semester GPA is less than the applicable AAT and the UAHuntsville cumulative is less than the applicable AAT.

A regularly admitted student dismissed for the first time is automatically eligible to re-enter after being out of school one term. A student admitted in any special category and dismissed for the first time must petition the Admissions Committee for permission to re-enter after an absence of at least one term. A student dismissed for the second time is disqualified for readmission. After a period of one year, such student may petition for re-admission. Individual colleges may have additional requirements specific to their programs. Refer to college sections.

Conditional/Probational to Regular Status

Students admitted conditionally or on probation will be evaluated for regular student status after completion of at least 15 semester hours at UAHuntsville. If the student at that time has earned a 2.00 on all UAHuntsville coursework, the Conditional/Probational classification will be changed to regular student status. The deadline to submit a petition for readmission to Charger Central (UC 118) are July 1 for Fall, November 15 for Spring, and April 1 for Summer readmission.

Academic Appeals Process

Academic appeals will originate in written form by the student and will be processed through the chair of the student’s major department, the dean of the college, and the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, in that order. Students classified as “special” will be routed through the most appropriate academic dean, but should begin by contacting the Academic Advisement and Information Center, 824-6290. Students should contact their major advisor for assistance.

Visiting Student Program

A cooperative arrangement exists with Alabama A&M University, Athens State University, Calhoun Community College, Oakwood College and the University of Alabama in Huntsville. A similar arrangement exists with the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the University of Alabama. Under either of these arrangements, a student at any of the participating institutions may request permission to attend a course at one of the other schools. Conditions governing the granting of permission include the following:

1. The student must be a full-time student or a full-time University employee who is a part-time student. The credit hours to be taken at the host institution shall be counted in determining the full time or part-time status of the student.
2. The course desired must be unavailable at the student’s home institution.
3. Visiting students are normally limited to one undergraduate course a semester at the host institution except where the second course is a laboratory required to accompany the first course or the second course is a one-hour course in basic military science.
4. The student must have an overall C average, and meet all prerequisites of the host institution.
5. The student’s request must be approved by his or her advisor and other appropriate personnel.
6. Students will be admitted by the host institution to a course based upon availability of space for the visitor, to be determined by the class enrollment on the last day of regular registration.

Any student interested in participating in the Visiting Student Program should contact the Office of Student Records for information regarding the procedures to be followed.

Transcripts

Official transcripts are issued and sent by the Office of Student Records to recognized institutions and agencies, which require such documents. Transcripts are issued upon the written request (on a form available in Charger Central) of the student involved and payment of a transcript fee. Faxed transcripts are available for a fee, but are not considered official documents. Transcripts may be issued to individual students; however, they will be marked as issued to student. No transcript will be issued for a person who has a financial obligation to the University.

Correspondence Study and Other Non-resident Credit

Up to 25 percent of the credit applied toward a baccalaureate degree may be earned by means other than residence credit at an approved institution. Examples of other means are credit by examination, correspondence study, educational experiences in the armed forces, and professional certificate programs. Persons interested in taking correspondence study courses through the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa may obtain a catalog from the Office of Instructional and Testing Services, Room 226, Business Administration Building, or by writing to the College of Continuing Studies, Independent Study Division, University of Alabama, P.O. Box 870388, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487.

Course Numbering System

Application for Graduation

Candidates for graduation must file their application at least one semester prior to the time requirements are expected to be completed. Deadlines are announced each semester and application forms may be obtained in Charger Central. Early application will assist the student by confirming requirements remaining to be completed. Requirements must be completed and certified prior to the published deadline. Diplomas are issued are issued at the end of each semester or during commencement ceremonies.

Total Degree Requirements

1. Minimum requirements for the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees are 128 semester hours. For the Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree (Electrical Engineering option) 128 semester hours; (Industrial and Systems Engineering option) 130 semester hours; (Chemical Engineering option) 132 semester hours; (Civil Engineering option) 131 semester hours; (Computer Engineering option) 129 semester hours; (Aerospace Engineering option in Mechanical Engineering) 134 semester hours; (Optical Engineering option) 128 semester hours; and (Mechanical Engineering option), 134 semester hours. A minimum of 25 percent of the total requirements and 12 of the last 18 hours must be completed at UAHuntsville. Also, unless otherwise specified by the department involved, a minimum of 12 semester hours of upper-level courses numbered 300 or above must be completed at UAHuntsville in a student’s program (6 hours in the major and 6 hours in the minor or cognate studies). A minimum of 30 percent of the total degree requirements must be taken in numbered 300 or above (39 hours for a 128 hour requirement).
2. The maximum amount of correspondence or credit by examination allowed towards a bachelor’s degree is 25 percent of the degree requirements.
3. An overall average of C is required for all courses taken at UAHuntsville; and in all courses in the major discipline taken at UAHuntsville; and in all courses in the minor discipline taken at UAHuntsville or in all courses listed in the cognate studies option taken at UAHuntsville.
4. Additional degree requirements for each degree are described in the appropriate sections of this catalog.

Requirements for Programs Leading to the B.A. Degree

Requirements for the B.A. Degree are described in the College of Liberal Arts section of this catalog.

Requirements for Programs Leading to B.S. Degree

Requirements for the B.S. Degree are described in the College of Science section of this catalog.

Requirements for Programs Leading to B.S.B.A., B.S.E., and B.S.N. Degrees

Requirements for professional programs offered are described in the appropriate sections of this catalog. These programs include the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, the Bachelor of Science in Engineering, and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Time Limit

The degree requirements for graduation are normally those specified in the catalog in effect when a student first registers as a degree-seeking student at UAHuntsville. At any time during the student’s enrollment that requirements for graduation are changed, a student may elect to graduate under the new requirements. If the student does not complete requirements for graduation within seven years from the date of entry or seven years from the date of the catalog chosen, the student must then change to the catalog in effect and meet the requirements as specified. If a student breaks enrollment for a period of at least 24 months, the student must then change to the catalog in effect at the time of re-enrollment and meet the requirements as specified. The student’s advisor and college dean must approve any exceptions to this policy with the proper notation filed in the student’s program of study in the Office of Student Records. At any point at which a change in catalog becomes necessary, a new program of study must be completed and proper notation filed in the Office of Student Records.