Registration & Grading Policies

Registration

Registration (pre-registration) dates for each semester are listed in this catalog, online at www.fvsu.edu, and on a Master Schedule published each semester by the Office of the Registrar. Students may obtain copies of the Master Schedule from the Registrar’s Office.

Grading Policies

Uniform Grading System Consistent with the uniform grading system within the University System of Georgia, the University utilizes a basic four point (4.00) grading scale. The following approved grades are used to determine the student’s grade point average:

Grade Quality Points

A – Excellent 4

B – Good 3

C – Satisfactory 2

D – Passing* 1

F – Failure 0

WF – Withdrew, Failing 0

*All “D” grades must be repeated.

The following symbols are also approved for grading purposes. They carry no quality point value. They are, therefore, not included in the calculation of grade point averages to audit the course.

“I” This symbol indicates that a student was doing satisfactory work but, for non-academic reasons beyond his/her control, was unable to meet the full requirements of the course. The assignment of an “I” must be documented via a form to be approved by the Department Head, the Dean, and the Vice President for Academic Affairs. If an “I” is not satisfactorily removed by the last day of the next semester of residence, the symbol “I” will be changed to the grade “F” by the Registrar.

“IP” Indicates a continuation of work effort beyond the present semester in which the student enrolled is required to meet course objectives. The “IP” symbol is not to be substituted for an “I”.

“CP” Indicates a continuation of work beyond the term for which the student signed up for the course. The use of these symbols is approved for dissertation and thesis hours and project courses. This symbol cannot be substituted for an “I”.

“W” This symbol indicates that a student was permitted to withdraw without penalty. Withdrawals without penalty will not be permitted after the mid-point of the total grading period (including final examinations) except in cases of hardship as determined by the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

“WM” This symbol indicates a student was permitted to withdraw under the Board of Regents policy for military service refunds. The use of this symbol indicates that this student was permitted to withdraw without penalty at any time during the term.

“S” This symbol indicates that credit has been given for satisfactory completion of degree requirements other than academic course work. The use of this symbol is approved for dissertation and thesis hours, student teaching, practicum, internship, and proficiency requirements in graduate programs. Exceptions to the use of this symbol for academic course work must be submitted to the Chancellor for approval.

“K” This symbol indicates that a student has met the requirement for a course via Prior Learning Assessment, such as a challenge exam or a portfolio evaluation.

“U” This symbol indicates unsatisfactory performance in an attempt to complete degree requirements other than academic course work. The use of this symbol is approved for dissertation and thesis hours, student teaching,  practicum, internship, and proficiency requirements in graduate programs. Exceptions to the use of this symbol for academic course work must be submitted to the Chancellor for approval.

“V” This symbol indicates that a student was given permission to audit this course. Students may not transfer from audit to credit status or vice versa. Students may register, however, on a credit basis for a course that has previously been audited.

Academic Standards

Graduate students must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or better. No grade below a “C” will be accepted toward a degree. The record of any student receiving more than three “C” grades will be subject to a review by an ad hoc graduate review committee appointed by the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies and Extended Education and the committee will have no fewer than three members.

Graduate students whose academic performance is unsatisfactory will be subject to the following:

  1. Probation. A student will be placed on probation for either of the following reasons:
  2. The student’s cumulative grade point average falls below 3.00.
  3. The student earns a “U” or any other grade below “C.”

No student may be a candidate for the degree or take the comprehensive examination while on probation due to a GPA below 3.00. Probationary status will be removed when the student’s GPA reaches 3.00 or higher. In cases where the student is placed on probation due to grade(s) of “U” or lower than “C,” probation will be removed when either of the following is met:

  1. The course(s) is/are repeated; the grade is “S” or “C” or higher, and the overall GPA is 3.00.
  2. The student files an appeal to the Graduate Appeals Committee through the department in which he/she is enrolled and is removed from probation.
  3. Suspension. Any student receiving any four grades below “B” (including “U’s”) will be suspended for a period of one semester. No student may enroll in graduate courses while on suspension. Courses taken at another institution during the period of suspension will not be recognized for transfer credit. If suspended, a student must apply for readmission to the Graduate Program. Readmission is subject to the approval of the Graduate Admissions Committee.
  4. Dismissal. Any student receiving five grades below “B” (including “U’s”) or who has a GPA below 3.00 following any three grading periods (consecutively or otherwise) will be dismissed.

Grade Reports

At the end of each semester, a full report of the student’s academic performance showing courses taken, grades earned, quality points awarded, and grade point average may be obtained via BANNER Web. Grade reports will not be mailed to students. Academic suspensions or dismissals can’t be waived due to the student’s failure to receive a grade report.

Grade and Academic Appeals

Students have the right to appeal a grade or other academic action if they believe that the instructor has violated his/her stated grading policy or other academic policy. Therefore, it is the faculty member’s responsibility to include specific grading and other academic policies for each of his/ her classes. These policies must be provided to students on the course syllabus not later than the second day of class. Should a faculty member change any of his/her previously distributed grading or other policy at a later date, the change must be provided to students in writing and be applied uniformly, with ample notification to students.

In the event that a student believes that his/her grade is unfair and wishes to appeal a grade or other academic action, every attempt must be made to resolve the matter at the lowest possible level and the following procedures will apply:

  1. The student must first attempt to resolve the matter informally with the faculty member.
  2. If no resolution is affected or if the faculty member cannot be contacted, the student must appeal to the Department Head.
  3. If the student remains dissatisfied, he/she may file a written appeal, with supporting documentation, to the Dean of Graduate Studies within 30 days from the end of the semester in which the action occurred. The Dean, in consultation with the Department Head, will provide a written response to the student.

If the faculty member involved is a Department Head, the appeal should be filed with the Dean of Graduate Studies. If faculty member is a Dean, the appeal should be filed with the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

  1. If the Dean (or Vice President for Academic Affairs) finds that the student has reasonable cause for an appeal, an Appeals Committee will be appointed consisting of three faculty members to make recommendations to the Dean.

Final Examinations

Faculty must adhere to the final examination schedule that is published and distributed by the Registrar’s office. Any deviation from the published schedule must be approved by the appropriate Dean and the Vice President for Academic Affairs.