Undergraduate Academic Information and Policies

It is important that a student be knowledgeable about academic information affecting continued enrollment status. Such information includes knowledge of the basis for assigning grades as an indication of academic achievement, the conditions of class attendance, and the class identification. Other information valuable to the student includes procedures for changing either semester class schedules or curriculum choice and special academic opportunities available to the student.

Academic Year

The University’s academic year includes two semesters and three summer sessions. The academic calendar is published for each term in the Schedule of Classes.

Class Load

The normal class load is 15 or 16 hours per semester.

An average of 30 credit hours earned each academic year will allow a student to meet the University’s minimum requirements of 120 credit hours for graduation at the end of four years or eight semesters.

A student is considered full-time if enrolled for 12 or more hours of prepared course work each semester/term.

Student Overload

Students who for any reason find it desirable to carry more than 18 hours during a semester/term may request this privilege through their academic advisor.

Procedure. There are two ways students may initiate the request for an overload: 1) request their academic advisor authorize the overload via an email to the Office of the Registrar or 2) obtain a Student Overload Form from the Office of the Registrar, secure their advisor’s signature, and return the completed form to the Office of the Registrar.

Course Numbers

Undergraduate courses are numbered in the sequence of 000, 100, 200, 300, and 400. Generally, developmental courses are in the 000-099 series and do not count toward graduation. Freshman courses are in the 100 series, sophomore courses are in the 200 series, junior courses are in the 300 series, and senior courses are in the 400 series.

Class Attendance

A student is expected to attend all classes. It is the responsibility of an instructor to inform the student of the consequences of absence from class. It is the responsibility of the student to keep instructors informed regarding absences from classes.

A student who knows of necessary class absences should consult instructors prior to the absence. A student who misses classes is not excused from the obligations to instructors. Instructors are expected to provide the student with an opportunity to meet class commitments when absences are for good and proper reasons. Further, instructors are expected to maintain attendance records and to report excessive absences to the Office of the Registrar.

Developmental Classes Mandatory Attendance Policy

The following developmental courses (GENS095, GENS 097 , GENS 098 , GENS 099 , GENS 151 , MATH 100 , MATH 101 ) have a mandatory course attendance policy. Students who have more absences than the number of times the course meets per week will be administratively withdrawn from the course. Administrative withdrawal can occur at any point during the academic semester. Students should be aware that enrollment of less than full-time (12 hrs.) status could have ramifications for such items as financial aid, health insurance eligibility, etc. Students who are required to miss class for official University events must acquire instructor approval before the scheduled absence.

During the course withdrawal/evaluation period, students who are failing the course at the time of the administrative withdrawal will receive the grade of F, DNP, or NP.

Students retain the right of appeal for decisions that result in their administrative withdrawal from the course. Students are entitled to remain enrolled in the course during the appeal process until a decision has been made.

Administrative Withdrawal for Non-Attendance

Students who are absent one-half or more of the class meetings of a full-semester length class without excuse during weeks two through four may be notified by letter to their mailing address of the possibility of their being administratively withdrawn from their class. The students so notified will be given until the end of the seventh week (mid-term) to meet with their instructors to resolve the situation. The instructor of the class may complete the process of an administrative withdrawal of a student (at mid-term) if the situation is not resolved. NOTE: Merely not attending a course does not automatically remove the course from a student’s record. Students who do not accept the responsibility of completing an Add/Drop or Withdrawal From All Classes form jeopardize their record with the possibility of incurring an F in a course not properly dropped.

General Student Policies

Policies on student behavior, plagiarism, falsification of records, and other policies may be found in the Student Life  section.

Classification

A student is usually identified as a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior. Such a classification is applicable to the four years of full-time college attendance. However, an increase in hours earned during one or more semesters or enrollment in summer sessions may result in an accelerated program; conversely, a smaller than normal class load may result in a prolonged program. Thus, it is more accurate to designate class standing in accordance with credit hours earned.

Beginning fall 2013, the following schedule of hours earned is used to establish class standing:

This schedule has no necessary relationship to the cumulative hours and required grade point average necessary for continuing enrollment.

Grading System

Letter grades indicating the quality of course work completed, and for which the credit hours earned can be applied toward graduation requirements, generally can be interpreted as follows:

A, excellent; B+ and B, good; C+ and C, average; D+ and D, poor; S for satisfactory; P for pass; DP for developmental pass.

The letter grades assigned for unsatisfactory course work are F for failure; U for unsatisfactory; NP for no pass; DNP for developmental no pass. No credit toward graduation is granted for these grades.

The designation IN (incomplete) also may be used in special circumstances.

An incomplete grade (IN) may be given only at the end of a term to a student whose work is passing, but who has left unfinished a small amount of work (for example, a final examination, a paper, or a term project) which may be completed without further class attendance.

The student must act to remove the IN grade within one calendar year. If action is not taken, the IN grade will revert to an F. In the event the instructor from whom a student receives an incomplete is not available, the disposition of a case involving an incomplete grade resides with the appropriate dean.

An In Progress (IP) final grade is given in Advanced Senior Project classes which require enrollment in the same class in successive semesters. An IP grade means the student cannot receive credit for the course under any circumstances without re-enrollment in the course.

A withdrawal (W) is given when a student officially withdraws or is administratively withdrawn from a course during the automatic W period (see Schedule Changes and/or Withdrawal from the Semester/Term sections). A W also is given if the student is passing at the time of a drop/withdrawal after the automatic W period has ended. A W means the student cannot receive credit for the course under any circumstances without re-enrollment in the course.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

The grade point average is a numerical value which is obtained by dividing the number of quality grade points earned by the number of quality hours attempted. This average is computed at the end of each term, both for the term and on a cumulative basis. The grade of A represents four points for each hour of credit; B+ three and one-half points; B three points; C+ two and one-half points; C two points; D+ one and one-half points; and D one point. No points are recorded for an F, although the hours attempted are included in the computations. No points are recorded for a P or NP, DP or DNP, S or U, IN, IP, or W, and the hours attempted are not included in the computations.

Suppose that a student has earned the following grades:

6 hours of A (equals 24 points)
3 hours of B+ (equals 10.5 points)
3 hours of C+ (equals 7.5 points)
3 hours of C (equals 6.0 points)

Then the semester average would be 3.2, which is the quotient obtained by dividing 48 (the number of quality points) by 15 (the number of quality hours attempted). Students may visit www.usi.edu/reg/grader.asp to estimate their semester GPA.

A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required for graduation.

Transcripts (Academic)

Academic records are maintained by the Office of the Registrar. A transcript is a complete record of a student’s academic work at the University of Southern Indiana.

How to view an unofficial transcript

Students may view their unofficial transcript online via myUSI.

An official transcript will not be viewable if a student has unmet financial obligations to the University or for Stafford Loan recipients who have failed to complete an exit counseling session with the Student Financial Assistance Office.

How to request an official transcript

Both paper and electronic transcripts can be ordered anytime by current or former students. Refer to the Electronic Transcripts page for more information about this option. 

Students request an official academic transcript online:

• If you have access to your myUSI account, you will be able to order your official transcript by logging in to myUSI. After selecting the Self Service icon from the dashboard, click Student, then Student Records. Choosing “Request Official Transcript” will take you to the USI Transcript Ordering Portal. Any student that enters the transcript ordering site through their myUSI account will be able to order transcripts immediately. Transcript requests can typically be processed within one business day of the completed order. Your unofficial transcript is available through myUSI under Student Records.
• If you do not have access to your myUSI account, you will need to create an account on the USI Transcript Ordering Portal to obtain an official transcript. The initial process of creating an account on that system could take up to two business days, as the Office of the Registrar will need to validate your account information with our official records. Once your account is established, transcript requests can typically be processed within one business day of the completed order. To reactivate your myUSI account and view your unofficial transcript, contact the USI IT Help Desk at 812/465-1080.

Once you have reached the USI Transcript Ordering Portal, the site will walk you through placing your order, including delivery options and fees. Please carefully follow all instructions. It is the responsibility of the requestor to supply a correct mailing address; refunds will not be issued due to an incorrect address. Status updates of your order will be emailed to the email account you list on your order.

Transcript fees are approved by the University. Current fees for a transcript are:

Online payment will be accepted from the following credit/debit card accounts: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Diners Club, or JCB. If you are unable to pay by one of these methods, please contact the Office of the Registrar for assistance.

Notes:

• An official transcript will not be released if a student has an unmet financial obligation to the University. An official transcript will also be withheld for Stafford Loan recipients who have failed to complete an exit counseling session with the Office of Student Financial Assistance. 
• Requesting that a transcript be sent to another institution does not automatically indicate that the student wishes to be withdrawn from the current term or any upcoming term(s) for which the student has pre-registered. Any student wishing to withdraw must officially initiate withdrawal procedures.
• The University can release only official USI transcripts. Transcripts from other universities or high schools attended must be requested directly from those institutions.

If you have any questions about transcript services provided by the University of Southern Indiana, please visit www.usi.edu/reg or contact the Office of the Registrar at 812/464-1763 or 800/ 467-1965 (#3).

Enrollment Verification

An Enrollment Verification is a printed document which includes requested information such as enrollment status in one or more terms, degrees awarded, and GPA. Expected date of graduation also may be verified for purposes such as student loan deferment, good student insurance discounts, coverage on parents’ insurance, potential employment, etc.

How to Request an Enrollment Verification

Students request a certification by:

• visiting myUSI and submitting an online enrollment verification request (username and password required);
• visiting www.usi.edu/reg and printing a request form (PDF format). The completed request form (including student signature) may be mailed or faxed to the Office of the Registrar;
• visiting the Office of the Registrar and completing the Enrollment Verification form; or
• mailing or faxing a letter including current name, name(s) while attending USI (if different than current name), USI student ID number, Social Security number, type of verification needed and term to be verified, address to send Enrollment Verification, contact information (in case of questions/problems with request), and the student’s signature.

Enrollment Verifications are mailed or may be picked up the next business day following receipt of the request.

Readmission Procedures

Once enrolled at the University, an undergraduate student who for any reason does not re-enroll in a subsequent fall and/or spring semester must initiate an Application for Readmission in the Office of the Registrar prior to registering for the next semester/term. Students can complete an Application for Readmission by:

• visiting www.usi.edu/reg and submitting an online application;
• visiting www.usi.edu/reg and printing an application (PDF format). The completed application (including student’s signature) may be mailed or faxed to the Office of the Registrar; or
• visiting the Office of the Registrar and completing the application.

Degree-seeking readmission students are required to submit an official grade transcript from each institution attended since last attending USI. If a student discontinues enrollment for more than one calendar year, the student must then re-enroll under the current program requirements. A student may petition the department chair for permission to continue following the original program requirements under a grandfather clause.

Fresh Start Program

The Fresh Start program is designed to benefit former USI undergraduate students who are returning to the University after an extended absence and whose previous academic record was unsatisfactory (student was academically dismissed).

Eligibility

A student will be eligible to apply for the Fresh Start program under the following conditions:

• The student must not have been enrolled at the University of Southern Indiana for a minimum of four calendar years (48 months). Credit earned from other institutions is not eligible for the provisions of the Fresh Start program and will be evaluated based on the transfer policies in effect at the time of readmission.
• A student must apply for the Fresh Start program when they readmit. If the student achieves a minimum 2.0 grade point average on the first 12 quality hours/graded hours taken after readmission and remains in good standing while completing the hours, he/she will then be accepted to the program.
• Applications for Fresh Start may be obtained at the Office of the Registrar or at www.usi.edu/reg and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The Fresh Start program provisions can be applied only once to any individual student’s academic record.

Program Provisions

Fresh Start acceptance subjects a student to the following provisions:

• University of Southern Indiana grades received and courses taken prior to application to the Fresh Start program will be excluded from cumulative grade point calculation.
• USI credits from coursework with a grade of C or above earned prior to application to the Fresh Start program will be maintained as earned hours. All other credits will be forfeited.
• Grades from all coursework taken at USI (before and after Fresh Start) will be used in calculating eligibility for membership in honor societies and for calculating commencement and graduation honors.
• Students accepted to the Fresh Start program are subject to the academic requirements and regulations in effect at the time of their readmission. The Fresh Start student must redeclare a major and complete all current academic requirements.
• Students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours at USI for graduation, required for their degree program, after being accepted to the Fresh Start program.
• The Fresh Start program status will be recorded on the student’s academic record.

Standards of Progress

Graduation

A student must earn a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA to graduate. Minimum acceptable progress toward this requirement is indicated by the standards for good standing.

Academic Progress

Prior to the priority registration period, any undergraduate degree-seeking student with a cumulative USI grade point average less than 2.0 will have a registration hold placed on his/her record. A student receiving this registration hold must consult with an academic advisor prior to registering for the next semester to formulate a plan for improving academic performance.

Good Standing

Beginning fall 2013, a student whose cumulative GPA meets or exceeds the following standards is in good academic standing:

GPA of 1.8 for 0-59 quality hours attempted
GPA of 2.0 for 60+ quality hours attempted

NOTE: transfer students must meet the standard which corresponds to the sum of the total transfer hours accepted and the total quality hours attempted at the University.

Academic Probation

Students who fail to meet the preceding minimum standards will be placed on academic probation for one semester. During that semester, the student should make use of available University resources to improve academic skills and performance. Failure to meet the preceding required GPA levels at the end of the probationary semester will result in academic dismissal from the University.

At the discretion of departments, students on academic probation may be subject to some or all of the following requirements:

• changes to the schedule of classes chosen during priority registration, to ensure prerequisites and necessary skill levels are in place
• approval by academic advisor of all changes to the schedule of classes
• limitation to 12 credit hours
• repetition of certain classes
• use of campus resources for academic support
• These advising guidelines seek to provide maximum support and guidance during the critical period of establishing renewed academic good standing.

Academic Dismissal

A student academically dismissed may not register for credit classes at the University for a minimum of one semester, unless readmitted provisionally. Such readmission is not automatic.

Provisional Readmission

A student academically dismissed may apply for provisional readmission for one semester, according to terms of a provisional readmission contract agreed upon by the student and the readmitting college. At the discretion of departments, students provisionally readmitted may be subject to some or all of the following requirements:

• limitation to 12 or fewer credit hours
• repetition of courses with grades of D or F
• attendance at mentoring appointments
• approval by academic advisor of all changes to the schedule of classes
• use of campus resources for academic support

These advising guidelines seek to provide maximum support and guidance during the critical period of establishing renewed academic good standing. A provisionally readmitted student is not in good standing with the University.

Academic Grievance

If a student has a possible grievance with a faculty member, the procedures for filing a grievance are outlined in the student code of conduct in the Student Rights and Responsibilities: A Code of Student Behavior .

Class Schedules

A schedule of University class offerings is prepared for student use for each semester/term. The course reference number (CRN), time, day, title, course number, credit hours, instructor, and room are listed. General information concerning admission, registration, and graduation also is provided.

The Schedule of Classes is available at the Office of the Registrar and online at www.usi.edu/schedules.asp prior to each semester/term.

Academic Advisement

Students who have decided on and declared a major are assigned a faculty advisor from the academic college which houses that major. Undecided students, as well as those who are conditionally admitted, are assigned an advisor from University Division. University Division advisors will help students choose a major, usually during the first four semesters. General Studies majors are advised through Extended Services. The University of Southern Indiana recognizes academic advising to be a critical component of the educational experience of its students. Through individual, collaborative relationships with academic advisors, students are best able to define and implement sound educational and vocational plans that are consistent with their personal values, goals and career plans. Academic advisors represent and interpret University policies and procedures to the student and help the student navigate the academic and organizational paths of the institution. The University acknowledges its obligation to provide students with accurate and timely academic advising, delivered through its academic departments and colleges, as well as through additional units and offices devoted to specific student populations such as undecided and conditionally admitted students.

Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS). DARS was developed to assist in the advising function. A degree audit (also called a degree evaluation) outlines a student’s specific degree requirements and tracks his/her progress toward the fulfillment of those requirements. Both USI courses and an evaluation of any transfer credits are included, and the audit indicates whether categories are satisfied or unsatisfied. Unsatisfied categories list the acceptable courses from which to select. Students can generate and view their degree audit via myUSI (the Degree Evaluation link on the Student Records menu). A degree audit can be generated for either the student’s currently declared major/program, or as a “what-if” audit for another major in which the student might be interested. Students should routinely review their degree audit, particularly before registering for classes and at the end of the semester when grades are official. Academic advisors also can access their advisee’s degree audit via myUSI and can recommend the most appropriate courses. Visit www.usi.edu/reg for details about how to run and read a degree audit.

Student Participation in Program Planning. A student enrolled in the University is expected to read carefully and to understand the contents of this bulletin. This includes awareness of the University’s general policies and regulations for academic achievement necessary for continued enrollment, as well as social and campus conduct.

A student also is responsible for knowing the specific requirements of the academic discipline of the student’s choice, enabling the student to qualify for graduation.

A student should assume the initiative for preparing a semester schedule of classes. The academic advisor is available to offer suggestions and to verify the accuracy of course choice in meeting curricular patterns, but the primary responsibility for knowing the requirements of the academic program and proceeding to satisfy those requirements in an orderly and sequential manner remains with the student.

Schedule Changes

Students who wish to alter their original schedule, whether by personal incentive or by college directive, must do so officially by the procedure outlined below. Students who do not assume this responsibility may jeopardize their record with the possibility of incurring an F in a course not properly dropped and/or not receiving credit in a course improperly added. Merely not attending a course does not automatically remove the course from the student’s record.

Schedule Changes-Academic Year

If a student drops or withdraws from one or more full semester courses through the first week of a fall or spring semester, the student will receive a 100 percent credit; during the second week, a 75 percent credit; during the third week, a 50 percent credit; and during the fourth week, a 25 percent credit.* No credit will be made thereafter. Refund checks, if applicable, will be issued by the Bursar’s Office subsequent to the refund period. See the semester calendar for specific dates.

1. Through the first week of the semester (100 percent credit*): After priority registration and through the first week of the semester, students add or drop courses online via myUSI (refer to the Schedule of Classes for web registration details). Students also may add or drop courses in person at the Office of the Registrar.
2. Beginning the second week of the semester, through the last business day before final exams (75 percent credit or less*): Online schedule changes are not available beyond the first week of the semester. Students may add or drop courses in person at the Office of the Registrar by submitting an Add/Drop form. The form requires the signatures of the instructor of each course being dropped or added, the student’s academic advisor, and the student. NOTE: Only in exceptional circumstances will students be allowed to add a course after the first week of the semester.

Grading: No grade is recorded for classes dropped prior to the second week of the semester*. A student who completes the Add/Drop procedure beginning the second week of the semester through the ninth week of the semester* will receive a W for all courses dropped. A student who completes the Add/ Drop procedure during the 10th week of the semester* through 4:30 p.m. on the last business day before final exams* will receive the grade W if passing at the time the course is dropped. However, if failing at the time the course is dropped, the student may receive a grade of F.

* Courses meeting less than a complete semester have different drop/refund/grading dates. Check www.usi.edu/reg or contact the Office of the Registrar for these dates. Online schedule changes or withdrawals for special length courses can only be processed through the course’s 100 percent credit period (but no later than the first week of the semester). Thereafter, students must submit the appropriate form to the Office of the Registrar for processing.

Schedule Changes-Summer Term

If a student drops or withdraws from one or more five-week courses through the first two days of a summer term (first day for a four-week course), the student will receive a 100 percent credit; during the third or fourth day (second day for a four-week course), a 75 percent credit; during the fifth or sixth day (third day for a four-week course), a 50 percent credit; and during the seventh or eighth day (fourth day of a four-week course), a 25 percent credit.* No credit will be made thereafter. Refund checks, if applicable, will be issued by the Bursar’s Office subsequent to the refund period. See the term calendar for specific dates.

1. Through the first two days of a five-week class (first day of a four-week class), 100 percent credit*: After priority registration and through the first two days of First or Second summer (first day of Third summer), students may add or drop courses online via myUSI (refer to the Schedule of Classes for Web registration details). Students may add or drop courses in person at the Office of the Registrar.
2. Beginning the third day of a five-week class (second day of a four-week class), through the last day of class before the final exam (75 percent credit or less*): Online schedule changes are not available beyond the first two days of First or Second summer (first day of Third summer). Students may add or drop courses in person at the Office of the Registrar by submitting an Add/Drop form. The form requires the signatures of the instructor of each course being dropped or added, the student’s academic advisor, and the student. NOTE: Only in exceptional circumstances will students be allowed to add a course after the first two days of First or Second summer (first day of Third summer).

Grading: No grade is recorded for classes dropped prior to the third day of First or Second summer (first day of Third summer)*. A student who completes an Add/Drop procedure beginning the third day through the third week of First or Second summer (second through twelfth day of Third summer)* will receive a W for all courses dropped. A student who completes an Add/Drop procedure starting the fourth week (thirteenth day of Third summer)* through the last day of class before the final exam will receive the grade W if passing at the time the course is dropped. However, if failing at the time the course is dropped, the student may receive a grade of F.

* The typical summer course length is five weeks in First and Second summer, four weeks in Third summer, although a variety of course lengths may be offered. Summer courses meeting other than the typical length, including cross-term courses, have different drop/refund/grading dates. Check www.usi.edu/reg or contact the Office of the Registrar for these dates. Online schedule changes or withdrawals for special length courses can only be processed through the course’s 100 percent credit period (but no later than the first two days of First or Second summer, first day of Third summer). Thereafter, students must submit the appropriate form to the Office of the Registrar for processing.

Withdrawal from the Semester/Term

A student who must withdraw from the semester/term, must do so officially by the procedure outlined below. If they do not assume this responsibility, they may jeopardize their record with the possibility of incurring an F in a course not properly dropped. Merely not attending a course does not automatically remove the course from a student’s record.

Withdrawal from the Semester-Academic Year

If a student drops or withdraws from one or more full semester courses through the first week of a fall or spring semester, the student will receive a 100 percent credit; during the second week, a 75 percent credit; during the third week, a 50 percent credit; and during the fourth week, a 25 percent credit.* No credit will be made thereafter. Refund checks, if applicable, will be issued by the Bursar’s Office subsequent to the refund period. See the semester calendar for specific dates.

1. Through the first week of the semester (100 percent credit*): After priority registration and through the first week of the semester, students may withdraw from all classes online via myUSI (refer to the Schedule of Classes for web registration details). Students may withdraw from the semester in person at the Office of the Registrar.
2. Beginning the second week of semester, through the end of the week before final exams (75 percent credit or less*): Online withdrawals are not available beyond the first week of the semester*. Students may withdraw from the semester using a Withdrawal From All Classes form found in the Office of the Registrar and online at www.usi.edu/reg. A withdrawal request will be accepted by fax at 812/464-1911. The request must include the student’s full name, USI student ID number, address, phone/email, the semester for which the student wishes to be withdrawn, and student signature. Until all steps in the procedure have been completed, the student is still enrolled in all courses.

Grading: No grades are recorded for classes when withdrawing prior to the second week of the semester*. A student who completes the Withdrawal From the Semester/term procedure beginning the second week of the semester through the ninth week of the semester* will receive the grade of W for all courses dropped. Students who complete the Withdrawal From the Semester/Term procedure during the 10th week of the semester* through the last day of classes preceding final exam week will receive the grade of W if passing at the time of withdrawal. However, if failing at the time of withdrawal, the student may receive a grade of F.

Financial Aid: If a student receives financial aid but is unsure of the impact a Withdrawal From the Semester/Term will have on that financial aid, it is recommended that the student contact the Student Financial Assistance Office. Students with a Stafford Loan must schedule an exit counseling session. Failure to complete the exit counseling session will prevent the release of the student’s academic transcript.

Additional Steps: Students who live in University housing must contact the Residence Life office (O’Daniel North) to properly check out. Students who have a meal plan must contact Food Services (UC lower level) to cancel the plan. Students who owe money to the University must settle their account at the Cashier’s window (OC lower level); an unpaid balance will prevent the release of academic transcript.

* Courses meeting less than a complete semester have different drop/refund/grading dates. Check www.usi.edu/reg or contact the Office of the Registrar for these dates. Online schedule changes or withdrawals for special-length courses can only be processed through the course’s 100 percent credit period (but no later than the first week of the semester). Thereafter, students must submit the appropriate form to the Office of the Registrar for processing.

Withdrawal from the Term - Summer Term

If a student drops or withdraws from one or more five-week courses through the first two days of a summer term (first day for a four-week course), the student will receive a 100 percent credit; during the third or fourth day (second day for a four-week course), a 75 percent credit; during the fifth or sixth day (third day for a four-week course), a 50 percent credit; and during the seventh or eighth day (fourth day of a four-week course), a 25 percent credit.* No credit will be made thereafter. Refund checks, if applicable, will be issued by the Bursar’s Office subsequent to the refund period. See the term calendar for specific dates.

1. Through the first two days of a five-week class (first day of a four-week class), 100 percent credit*: After priority registration and through the first two days of First or Second summer (first day of Third summer), students may withdraw from all classes online via myUSI (Refer to the Schedule of Classes for web registration details). Students also may withdraw from the term in person at the Office of the Registrar.
2. Beginning the third day of a five-week class (second day of a four-week class), through the last day of class before the final exam (75 percent credit or less*): Online schedule changes are not available beyond the first two days of First or Second summer (first day of Third summer). Students may withdraw from the term using a Withdrawal From All Classes form found in the Office of the Registrar and online at www.usi.edu/reg. A withdrawal request also will be accepted by fax at 812/464-1911. The request must include the student’s full name, USI student ID number, address, phone/email, the term for which the student wishes to be withdrawn, and student signature. Until all steps in the procedure have been completed, the student is still enrolled in all courses.

Grading: No grade is recorded for classes dropped prior to the third day of a summer term*. A student who completes the Withdrawal From the Semester/Term procedure beginning the third day of the term through the third week of the term* will receive the grade of W for all courses dropped. Students who complete the Withdrawal From the Semester/Term procedure during the fourth week of the term* through the last day of class before the final exam will receive the grade of W if passing at the time of withdrawal. However, if failing at the time of withdrawal, the student may receive a grade of F.

Financial Aid: If a student receives financial aid but is unsure of the impact a Withdrawal From the Semester/Term will have on that financial aid, it is recommended that the student contact the Student Financial Assistance Office. Students with a Stafford Loan must complete an exit counseling session. Failure to complete the exit counseling session will prevent the release of the student’s academic transcript.

Additional Steps: Students who live in University housing must contact the Residence Life office (O’Daniel North) to properly check out. Students who have a meal plan must contact Food Services (UC lower level) to cancel the plan. Students who owe money to the University must settle their account at the Cashier’s window (OC lower level); an unpaid balance will prevent the release of academic transcript.

* The typical summer course length is five weeks in First and Second summer, four weeks in Third summer, although a variety of course lengths may be offered. Summer courses meeting other than the typical length, including cross-term courses, have different drop/refund/grading dates. Check www.usi.edu/reg or contact the Office of the Registrar for these dates. Online schedule changes or withdrawals for special length courses can only be processed through the course’s 100 percent credit period (but no later than the first two days of First or Second summer, first day of Third summer). Thereafter, students must submit the appropriate form to the Office of the Registrar for processing.

Course Repeat Policy

Policy – Any undergraduate course taken at the University may be repeated for possible grade point average (GPA) improvement. Unless the course description indicates a course may be taken more than once for credit (up to a specified maximum), only a single occurrence of a course can apply toward University requirements. A course that has been repeated (and the grade received) will remain on the academic transcript but will not be used for GPA computation.

Processing – If a course was first taken prior to the fall 1998 semester, the student must submit a Course Repeat form to the Office of the Registrar to initiate the course repeat policy. If first taken in fall 1998 or later, the policy will automatically be initiated; the student does not need to submit any paperwork.

Effective fall 2006: if a course is retaken, the grade earned for the last occurrence will become the grade for the course (even if it is lower than the previous grade) and be used for GPA computation. Students will be prevented from enrolling in a course for a third (or subsequent) time unless reenrollment is approved by the college of the student’s major.

If you have questions about how the course repeat policy may affect you, contact the Office of the Registrar.

Students Records

The Office of the Registrar maintains the permanent student academic record. Forms for registration - changing a course, repeating a course, changing major, and taking a course as pass/no pass - are submitted to and processed by this office. Students may request a copy of their academic record (transcript) from the Registrar. This office also maintains all student demographic data and keeps names and addresses current. According to section 2.16.4 of the Student Rights and Responsibilities: A Code of Student Behavior, students must report any name or address changes to the Office of the Registrar. Students can update their mailing address(es) as well as telephone numbers, marital status, and emergency contacts online via myUSI.

Pass/No Pass Option

The Pass/No Pass system of course evaluation encourages students to enroll in courses they normally would not take, but which will contribute to their overall enrichment.

Limitations

1. Students must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above to exercise the pass/no pass option. Students whose cumulative grade point average falls below 2.0 may not take a pass/no pass course.
2. Students may take only one course a semester on the pass/no pass option.
3. Students may take a maximum of four courses on the pass/no pass option.
4. No course required for the student’s major or minor may be taken pass/no pass, nor may the student take as pass/no pass any prerequisite courses or supportive courses required for the major or minor.
5. No courses taken pass/no pass may apply to pre-1995 General Education requirements or University Core Curriculum requirements.
6. Any course taken under the pass/no pass option which may become a major or minor requirement because of a change of major, minor, or college may be counted at the discretion of the dean toward requirements for the academic major and/or minor. Limitations 1, 2, 3, and 5 may not be waived.
7. Under the pass/no pass option, a grade of P (Pass) is equivalent to a letter grade of D or above; a grade of NP (No Pass) is equivalent to an F.
8. A grade of P gives credit for the course, but does not affect the current or cumulative grade point average. A grade of NP gives no credit for the course and does not affect the current or cumulative grade point average.

Procedures

During the second week of the fall/spring semester (first three days during summer sessions), students may secure an application for the pass/no pass option from the Office of the Registrar. Then the student should obtain the signature of his or her academic advisor and the instructor of the class in which he or she is exercising this option. The student must return the completed application to the Office of the Registrar during the same week. After the second week of the fall/spring semester (first three days during summer sessions) a student may not change his or her registration in any course to or from the pass/no pass option.

NOTE: Only the student can initiate the pass/no pass option, and it is the student’s responsibility to meet criteria of the option. Any course taken pass/no pass which fails to meet all criteria of the option must be repeated.

Change of Academic Program (Major/Minor)

A student who wishes to change majors/minors should initiate the request in the department of the new major/minor. A student must complete the process prior to the beginning of the 12th week of classes if the change is to be made within the current semester. Unless granted a waiver by the chair of the department of the new major, the student must meet all current program requirements for graduation.

Procedure. The student obtains a Change of Academic Program form from the Office of the Registrar or the department of the new major/minor and secures the signature of the department chair/director (or dean) of any major/minor to be added. The student returns the form to the Office of the Registrar.

Final Exam Schedule

The final examination schedule is published in the class schedule for each semester. In summer terms, final examinations are held the last scheduled class day.

Grade Report

At the end of each semester/term for which a student is enrolled, an online grade report is made available via MyUSI. The online grade report is a record of courses enrolled, letter grades earned, semester grade point average, and cumulative grade point average. Information concerning the student’s current academic standing also is indicated.

The Honors List

At the end of each semester, the Office of the Provost publishes a list of undergraduate students recognized for achievement in semester/term grade point average. A student appears on the Honors List if they:

Earn no IN (incomplete) or Z (missing) grades for the term, and
Earn letter grades of computable point value (S/U and P/N graded courses do not apply) in 12 or more credit hours, and
Earn a semester grade point average between 3.50 and 4.00

A special notation of “Honors List” is printed on the academic transcript following each semester/term this honor is achieved.

Audit Students

A student who wishes to audit an undergraduate course without credit must obtain permission from the instructor of the course and department chair. Permission may be denied if the classroom is crowded, or if the course is not appropriate for auditing. A student who audits a course will not appear on class rosters or grade reports, and no notation of the audit will be made on the student’s permanent record. A student may not transfer from audit to credit status. The fee for auditing a course is $35 plus any applicable lab fees and University services fees.

Procedure. A student who wishes to audit a course may pick up an Audit Application form from the Office of the Registrar during the published dates of late registration. After securing the instructor’s and department chair signature, the form and fee(s) should be submitted to the Cashier’s Office.

Student Assessment

For the University to evaluate and improve its academic programs, periodic measures of student intellectual growth and student perception must be obtained. As a requirement for graduation from the University, every student is required to participate in periodic evaluative procedures, which may include examinations in general education and the major field of study. These examinations may include, but are not limited to, the ETS Measure of Academic Progress and Proficiency, Core Curriculum Assessment instruments, and the ETS or ACAT Major Field Test. The information obtained from these measures will be one of the means by which the University improves the quality of the USI educational experience for all students, and, where appropriate, may be used in academic advising. Students will receive their results via email at their USI email address.

Current Status of Student Right-to-Know Act

The University of Southern Indiana is required by the federal government to make available to current and prospective students reports containing the completion or graduation rate and, separately, the transfer-out rate (for the transfers-out that are known to the institution) for full-time, first-time, degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates. The report, containing information for students who entered the institution in the 2007-08 academic year, must be available by January 1, 2014, for institutions. Students are counted as graduates or as transfers-out if they completed or graduated or if they transferred-out within 150 percent of the normal time for completion or graduation from their programs by August 20, 2013.

Graduation

Undergraduate degrees offered

The University grants the undergraduate degrees of Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of General Studies, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Associate of Arts, and Associate of Science. Commencement ceremonites are held in December and April/May of each year. Students completing graduation requirements in the fall are eligible to participate in December commencement exercises. Students completing graduation requirements in the spring, or will complete graduation requirements in one of the subsequent summer sessions, are eligible to participate in April/May commencement exercises

Bachelor of Arts or Associate of Arts Foreign Language Requirement

Modern and classical language proficiency is a requirement for the Bachelor of Arts or Associate of Arts degree. The language requirement recognizes the desirability of attaining basic mastery of a language other than one’s own. To fulfill the language requirement for the Bachelor of Arts or Associate of Arts degree, a student must demonstrate proficiency through the appropriate college-level course in a single language (French, German, Spanish, Japanese, Latin, Arabic, or Chinese) by either:

1. completing the first 12 credit hours of the language (four semesters, through 204, or higher), or
2. completing the fourth semester of the language (204) or higher, if advanced placement is recommended. Note: achieving a grade of B or better in the USI course in which they are placed, then completing a Departmental Credit form (through the Department of Modern and Classical Languages) earns credit for all preceding courses.

Students whose native or first language is not English may request a waiver from the foreign language requirement. A student who requests a waiver must (1) certify English competency by achievement of a minimum of 500 on the written Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or 173 on the computer-based version, and (2) demonstrate proficiency in the student’s native language.

Students who receive an exemption from the foreign language requirement are responsible for completing the humanities requirements set forth in the University Core Curriculum (C4 Western Culture) as well as all other credit-hour requirements for the degree.

General Requirements for Graduation. Meeting graduation requirements is each student’s responsibility. A candidate for a baccalaureate or associate degree must meet the general requirements of the University. The following requirements apply to each student.

• A student must have a minimum of 120 semester hours of credit for a baccalaureate degree. Some curricula or combination of fields require more. If all specified requirements are completed with fewer than 120 credit hours, a student must elect sufficient work to total at least 120 hours.
• A student must have a minimum of 60 hours of credit for an associate degree. Some curricula or combination of fields require more. If all specified requirements are completed with fewer than 60 credit hours, a student must elect sufficient work to total at least 60 hours.
• All students who began seeking a degree in the 1996 fall semester or after must complete a minimum of 39 credit hours at the 300-level or above to complete a baccalaureate degree.
• A student must complete the minimum University Core Curriculum program. Specific requirements for the University Core Curriculum component of each degree program are noted in the sections of this bulletin describing each of the academic programs.
• A student must have a 2.0 minimum cumulative grade point average on all University courses counted for graduation requirements. Some curricula, such as teacher education programs, require a higher grade point average.
• Incomplete grades should be removed at least six weeks before the term of graduation if the courses are to be counted toward graduation requirements.
• Course requirements for graduation in the student’s degree program(s) may be those in effect at the time of matriculation into the program or at graduation, but not a combination of both. NOTE: students who re-enter the University after an absence of one calendar year or more must follow the program requirements in effect at the time of their readmission.
• A student must earn a minimum of 30 credit hours of credit toward a baccalaureate, and 18 credit hours of credit toward an associate degree from the University.

Application for Graduation. Candidates for graduation must file with the Office of the Registrar a Formal Application for Graduation and a Diploma Form. If degree requirements will be completed in a spring or summer term, the forms should be submitted no later than October 1 of the preceding fall term. If degree requirements will be completed in the fall term, the forms should be submitted no later than March 1 of the preceding spring term. The Application for Graduation may be obtained at the office of the Dean of the candidate’s major. The Diploma Form is submitted online by visiting www.usi.edu/reg/diploma.asp. Timely submission of the Formal Application for Graduation and Diploma Form help ensure that degree candidates receive commencement mailings and appear in the printed commencement program, will be considered for commencement honors, and will have a diploma ordered.

Honors. An undergraduate, baccalaureate degree-seeking student who completes all University requirements for graduation and meets the requirements for graduation honors, with a cumulative grade point average between 3.6 and 3.8, will be graduated with the honor Cum Laude. Students with a cumulative grade point average of 3.8 or higher will be graduated Magna Cum Laude. The student(s) with the highest cumulative grade point average will be graduated Summa Cum Laude. A student receiving graduation honors will have the appropriate notation printed on both the transcript and diploma.

Commencement honors (for purposes of printing the commencement program) are determined by using the cumulative grade point average at the end of the semester/term preceding each commencement.

Graduation honors are determined by using the cumulative grade point average of the final term when graduation requirements are completed and therefore may differ from commencement honors.

University Requirements for Commencement Honors. A student who is to receive a baccalaureate degree and meets each of the following requirements is eligible for commencement honors.

• Have completed (or have a combination of completed and enrolled hours in the final semester) a minimum of 60 credit hours at the University.
• Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.6 on all courses attempted at the University.

University Requirements for Graduation Honors. A student who is to receive a baccalaureate degree and meets each of the following requirements is eligible for graduation honors.

• Complete a minimum of 60 credit hours at the University.
• Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.6 on all courses attempted at the University.

Associate and master’s degree candidates are not eligible for honors.

Second Baccalaureate Degree

A student who desires a second baccalaureate degree must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours in addition to those required for their first degree and must fulfill all requirements for the second degree. With the exception of the Teacher Education Programs and other programs with program-specific University Core Curriculum requirements, a student completing a second baccalaureate degree does not have to meet the University Core Curriculum. If a student received the first baccalaureate degree from another accredited university, 30 hours in residence are required to fulfill the requirement for the second baccalaureate degree. Two baccalaureate degrees may be granted simultaneously, providing all requirements for both degrees have been completed and a minimum of 150 hours has been earned.

Posthumous Recognition of Students

Posthumous degree

The University may award a degree posthumously to a student who was enrolled at the time of death and had substantially completed the work for a degree, upon recommendation of the appropriate faculty and dean. A special, posthumous diploma will be presented to the student’s family.

The University of Southern Indiana has established the following guidelines for awarding a posthumous degree:

Undergraduate

A posthumous degree can justifiably be awarded when a student had substantially completed the work for the undergraduate degree. This determination rests with the dean of the college, in consultation with the undergraduate faculty of the department of the student’s major.

Graduate

A graduate degree may be awarded posthumously when the student has substantially completed the work for the graduate degree. This determination shall be the responsibility of the dean of the college, in consultation with the graduate faculty of the student’s program.

Certification of Recognition

The University may award a Certificate of Recognition posthumously to a student who was enrolled at the time of death but who did not qualify for a posthumous degree. A special, posthumous certificate will be presented to the student’s family.

Veterans’ Support Services

Veterans’ Support Services is located in the lower level of the Education Center and provides assistance to all prospective and enrolled students who are veterans, service persons, dependents, survivors of veterans, and other eligible persons. Students applying for benefits may obtain the necessary application forms and program information from this office. A student receiving veteran benefits must have attendance certified with the Veterans Administration for each term of enrollment.