Radford University Undergraduate Catalog for 1999-2000 ACADEMIC POLICIES RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT The student must become familiar with the academic policies outlined in this section of the catalog. The academic adviser will advise the student on all matters related to the program of studies and will aid the student in the interpretation of policies whenever necessary. Ultimate responsibility for meeting all stated requirements for the degree rests with the student. ADVISING Academic Advisers Radford University stresses the importance of academic advising and makes a consistent effort to ensure that all students have adequate and appropriate advising. Among the guiding ideas that shape academic advising at Radford University are: High quality academic advising ensures long-term success for both the students and the institution. A major purpose of the academic advising system at Radford University is to provide opportunities for students to make informed choices that will provide successful educational experiences at Radford University contributing to their academic and personal development. Academic advising provides students with opportunities to assess the relationships among their interests, values, and abilities. It is an ongoing process during which advisers use their expertise and experience to help students develop their educational and career plans. Through advisers' expertise and other university resources, good advising can guide students toward achieving their educational, career, and personal goals. Relationships between advisers and students can foster not only the academic and personal growth of students but also their level of satisfaction with the entire educational experience at Radford University. Each undergraduate college has an Advising Coordinator who organizes and supervises the advising program within that college and who serves as a member of the Academic Advising Committee. The college advising coordinators are included in the undergraduate college deans' administrative structure. The coordinator of the Pre-major Advising Center is administratively included in the Academic Enrichment Office. The coordinators of academic advising and their offices are listed below. Adult Learning Services Penny Ratcliff, Young Hall 111A. For additional information, see Adult Degree Program. Arts and Sciences Darlene Hodge, Young Hall 112. For additional information, see College of Arts and Sciences. Business and Economics Judy Suddarth, Whitt Hall 114. For additional information, see College of Business and Economics. Education and Human Development Donna Dunn, Russell Hall 130. For additional information, see College of Education and Human Development. Pre-Major Advising Center Patti Williamson, Draper Hall. For additional information, see Pre-major Advising Center. Visual and Performing Arts Melinda Rose, 240 Porterfield Hall. For additional information, see College of Visual and Performing Arts. Waldron College of Health and Human Services Loretta Estes, Peters Hall 106A. For additional information, see Waldron College of Health and Human Services. The undergraduate college advising coordinators collaborate with one another through their membership on the Academic Advising Committee to ensure that all undergraduate students receive adequate and equitable advising which is appropriately evaluated. Sound academic advice helps the student address not simply course selection and scheduling but also what a well-educated person should be and know. Academic advisers assist students in planning an organized program that includes the necessary courses in the major area of concentration, general education and electives. It is the responsibility of the student to be sure all necessary requirements for graduation are met. Students must consult with their academic advisers prior to registration. The Pre-major Advising Center Students who have not yet decided on a major are advised by the Pre-major Advising Center. The center is staffed by academic advisers who understand the special needs and concerns of students who have not yet decided on a major field of study. Services include individualized assistance in choosing a major and assistance with related academic concerns to include course scheduling and campus referral information. Pre-major students are required to declare a major after completion of 45 semester hours, and the Pre-major Advising Center works closely with students to help them make appropriate decisions. Advisers are available for walk-in or scheduled appointments. For an appointment or information, students can come to Draper Hall or call (540) 831-5220. Class Attendance All students are expected to attend classes on a regular basis. No absences of any nature will be construed as relieving the student from responsibility for the completion of all work assigned by the instructor. A student registering late for a class will be responsible for all work assigned and material covered during the class sessions missed due to the late registration. The first class meeting of an evening class, which meets one night per week for 15 weeks, represents about seven per cent of the total class time; this first meeting is a regular class. If students wait until the second class meeting to enroll, the class could be cancelled due to inadequate enrollment at the first class meeting. During the first week of each course, the instructor shall inform students of the attendance policies for the course. Class attendance policies are determined by the instructor and should allow for a reasonable number of absences which are required due to documented official university-sponsored activities, health problems, and other emergencies. It is the student's responsibility to make arrangements, which are acceptable to the instructor, to complete work missed during the student's absence from class. Official university-sponsored activities include, but are not limited to, those events which students attend as official delegates funded by the university or in which they represent a university-funded, all-campus organization, intercollegiate athletic team or performing group, and academic course-related field trips in which participation is mandatory as approved by the appropriate academic dean. Class Absence Notices Faculty and students are encouraged to deal directly with one another concerning all student absences. At the request of the professor or the student, the Office of the Dean of Students will issue absence notices to faculty only under the following circumstances: When the student expects to be away from the university for a week or more of classes and the student is unable to make contact with his/her professors. When the student is dealing with a significantly traumatic situation which the student is unable or reluctant to discuss with his/her professors. When the student will be absent from classes due to his/her participation in official university-sponsored activities (i.e. conferences attended as an official delegate funded by the university or in which the student represents a university-funded all-campus organization, judicial hearings, special meetings with the Board of Visitors or other dignitaries). Notices may be issued by other offices concerning absences of students participating on intercollegiate athletic teams, performing groups and academic course-related field trips in which participation is mandatory as approved by the appropriate academic dean. The Student Health Center will issue absence notices to students only if it is evident to the clinical provider that the student should not be in class due to illness. No generic 'seen and treated' notes will be issued to students. In all other circumstances, students should communicate directly with their professors about their absences from class for reasons of illness or other reasons for which they are requesting special consideration. NOTE: When the Student Health Center or the Office of the Dean of Students agrees to issue absence notices to students or faculty, these notes do not excuse the absence, nor do they guarantee that the student will be permitted to make up tests or other missed assignments. Those decisions can be made only by the student's professors. The absence notes simply document that the student's illness or other circumstances indicate that they should not or are unable to participate in class for the time period designated. GRADES AND CREDIT Grading System A is given for excellent work. B is given for work which is distinctly above average. C indicates work of average quality. D is given for work of below average quality and is the lowest passing grade at the undergraduate level. F indicates failure and means the class must be taken again with a passing grade before credit is allowed. W indicates a student withdrew, without penalty, from the course after schedule adjustment but before the end of the twelfth week and that no credit was obtained. P indicates passed with satisfactory work of "C" or better. I indicates work is incomplete. See "Incomplete Grades" on this page. IP indicates the course is in progress N indicates the student audited the course. Grade Point System The quality of work completed is recognized by the assignment of grade points to various letter grades. The student's academic standing depends upon the number of semester hours of work successfully completed and upon the number of grade points accumulated. Radford University uses a four point system in which grade points are assigned to grades as follows: A = 4 points B = 3 points C = 2 points D = 1 point F = 0 points A student's grade point average (GPA) is computed by: Multiplying the number of semester hours (SH) for each course taken by the number of grade points (GP) corresponding to the grade earned for the course (see table above) Adding up the total number of grade points for the appropriate period (a single semester, for example, or an entire academic career at Radford University) Dividing the total number of grade points by the total number of semester hours attempted (TSHA) during that same period. For example: Course Grades (Points) SH Earned ABC 101 A (4) x 3 = 12 DEF 102 B (3) x 2 = 6 GHI 101 C (2) x 3 = 6 JKL 201 D (1) x 4 = 4 MNO 102 A (4) x 3 = 12 15 (TSHA) 40 (Total GP) Grade Point Average (GPA): 40 GP/15 TSHA = 2.66 GPA While courses passed with a grade of "C" or better at other institutions do satisfy certain course requirements, these grades are not used in computing the Radford grade point average. Incomplete Grades At the faculty member's discretion, the letter "I" may be entered on the student's transcript for a course whenever some portion of the required work has not been completed by the end of the semester. A written statement of the requirements for removal of the grade of "I" must be signed by the faculty member and student and filed in the office of the chairperson of the department in which the course is taught, with a copy submitted to the Registrar along with the faculty member's grade sheet. The grade of "I" will automatically revert to a grade of "F" if not satisfactorily removed by the last day of classes of the next semester (Fall or Spring Semester). Once the grade of "I" is placed on the transcript, it remains on the transcript until it is replaced by the appropriate grade when all course requirements are completed or when the deadline for completion has passed. A student cannot re-enroll for a course for which an "I" is recorded on the transcript. A degree cannot be awarded to students with Incompletes on their records. Pass-Fail Grades Any course outside a student's general education requirements, major, minor, or other specified degree or certification/licensure requirements may, with the approval of the student's adviser, be taken as a Pass-Fail elective. The following guidelines apply to Pass-Fail courses: A student must, within the first 10 days of a semester or the first five days of a summer term, file a Pass-Fail request form at the Registrar's Office. The Pass-Fail option is limited to students with a 2.0 or better GPA. A Pass grade is equivalent to a "C" or better grade in the course. Other than mandatory Pass-Fail courses, a student may take no more than 12 semester hours of Pass-Fail courses. Pass-Fail courses passed successfully may not be repeated for a letter grade. If a student takes a course Pass/Fail and receives an "F" grade, the "F" grade is calculated into the grade point average. Grade Appeals Students wishing to appeal grades received in courses should refer to the Radford University Procedures for Formal Grade Appeals. These procedures are listed in the Student Handbook. Repetition of Courses The Repetition of Courses policy allows students to improve their Grade Point Average. All courses completed and the grades earned will remain on the student's transcript. This policy applies only to the repetition of courses taken at Radford University. Repeat Courses - The first three courses in which a student re-enrolls will be designated as "Repeat" courses, and are subject to the following conditions: a. The grade earned in the Repeat Course will replace the original grade in the course repeated. b. If the student receives a lower grade while attempting a repeat, the most recent grade will count in calculating the student's GPA. If a student repeats a course in which he or she received a passing grade and fails the repeat course, the credit earned previously will remain but both the original and repeat grades will be calculated. c. Additional credit hours will not be awarded unless the course grade was "F." d. If the third Repeat Course is taken in a semester or summer session in which one or more other courses is/are being retaken, the student will be asked by the Registrar's Office to identify the course to be treated as the third repeat. If the student does not respond to this request, the Repeat Course will be the one in which the grade earned most improves the student's cumulative grade point average. Other courses being retaken will be counted as explained below. Retake Courses - Course in which a student re-enrolls after the three repeat courses have been designated, are subject to the following conditions: a. Unless otherwise stipulated by departmental requirements, there is no limit on the number of courses that may be retaken nor the number of times a particular course may be retaken. b. Additional credit hours for the courses retaken will not be awarded unless the original grade was "F." c. The grade(s) earned in the retaken course(s) will be averaged with the original grade(s). Challenge Examinations Challenge Examinations provide a mechanism for students to demonstrate knowledge they have acquired through work, life or educational experiences. Students who are able to justify that their previous experiences are relevant to a particular course may choose to earn credit for that course by challenge examination. Challenge examinations are comprehensive. Individual departments are responsible for determining which courses, if any, may be challenged for credit. A passing grade of "C" or better on the challenge examination will be recorded as a "P" on the transcript. Credits earned will be Radford University hours. Unsuccessful attempts at challenge examinations will not be recorded on the transcript and may not be repeated. Transfer Credit Students wishing to transfer credit to Radford University when that credit has been earned as a transient student at another institution must complete the form, Radford University Permission to Take Courses for Transfer Credit (AA 21), and must furnish the university with an official transcript after completing the course work. For the transcript to be considered official, it must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the Registrar's Office at Radford. Only courses passed with a grade of "C" or higher will be considered for transfer. These courses may satisfy certain course requirements but the grades are not used in computing the Radford grade point average, and the Radford repeat policy may not be applied. Independent Study Independent Study courses are offered by several departments and are designed to permit students to investigate independently specific problems or areas of interest under the direction of a faculty adviser. An Independent Study course must be approved by the appropriate department curriculum committee and chairperson prior to the deadline for adding courses in the term in which the study is to be undertaken. Independent Study courses may be taken either on a pass-fail basis or for a letter grade. No student may apply more than six hours of credit for Independent Study toward graduation requirements. A faculty member may offer a maximum of six credit hours of Independent Study per semester. Practical Experiences Some undergraduate programs require students to participate in a supervised practical experience. Such experiences include internships, practica, clinical courses, student teaching, and other types of fieldwork. Departments will provide written information to potential majors about the qualities of character and interpersonal skills that are normally expected of participants for them to complete successfully the practical experience. Potential problems which the student may have in a practical experience are identified and appropriate recommendations offered. Students may obtain from the department the written criteria for entry into a practical experience and the procedures for implementation of those criteria; performance standards during the experience; circumstances under which the student may be withdrawn from, or denied entry to, the experience; and processes, including appeals, which regulate such withdrawals. Departments and programs governed by the above include, but are not limited to: Communication Sciences and Disorders, Counseling Psychology, Counselor Education, Criminal Justice, Educational Studies, Music Therapy, Nursing, Physical Education (Teaching Concentration), Leisure Services, Social Work, Human Development, Special Education, Sociology and Anthropology. Policies specific to each program will be on file in the office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and in each department office. Students planning to take such courses should obtain a copy of the relevant departmental policies and procedures before registration in the course. Class Standing The class standing of a student is determined at the beginning of each semester and will not be changed during that semester. Any student with 26 semester hours of credit will be classified as a sophomore, 56 semester hours of credit as a junior, and 86 hours of credit as a senior. Dean's List Students will be placed on the Dean's List for a given semester if they: have 12 semester hours graded A-F; and obtain a grade point average of at least 3.4 for the courses not graded on a pass-fail basis; and obtain no grade below a "C." Auditing Courses Students may audit classes on a space available basis with written permission of class instructor and the department chairperson. Students who audit a course may not transfer to regular status in the course after the census date. Auditing students are expected to attend class on the same basis as a regular student. The instructor may delete from the roll any auditing student who does not meet course requirements. Tuition and fee rates for audited courses are the same as those for credit courses. WITHDRAWAL PROCEDURES Withdrawal from One or More But Not All Courses The student must secure a withdrawal slip from the Registrar's Office, have it signed by the instructor of the course from which he/she is withdrawing and by the student's academic adviser, and then return all copies to the Registrar's Office. The withdrawal is not complete until the signed slip has been returned to the Registrar's Office. Students must contact the Student Accounts Office in Walker Hall to initiate a request for a refund of tuition if they drop a class or classes prior to the census date and if the reduced class load qualifies them for a tuition refund. A student who drops a class prior to the conclusion of schedule adjustment will receive no grade. A student who withdraws from class after Schedule Adjustment but before the end of the 12th week of the semester (or 80% of a Summer Session) will receive a grade of "W." A student who withdraws from class after the 12th week of the semester (or 80% of Summer Session) will receive a grade of "F." A student may not withdraw from more than five classes during the course of undergraduate studies at Radford University. After a student has withdrawn from five classes, any subsequent withdrawal will result automatically in a grade of "F." Withdrawals from classes prior to the Fall Semester, 1988, courses dropped during Schedule Adjustment, or withdrawal from all classes at the university do not enter the five-class withdrawal limitation. Withdrawal from the University (All Courses) Students withdrawing from all courses during a given semester must contact the advising coordinator in the college of their major to obtain and complete a "Withdrawal Check-Out Sheet." Students who have not declared a major must contact the advising coordinator in the Pre-Major Advising Center. The academic advising coordinators' offices are in the following locations: College of Arts and Sciences, Young Hall 112; College of Business and Economics, Whitt Hall 114; College of Education and Human Development, Russell Hall 130; College of Health and Human Services, Peters Hall 106A, and College of Visual and Performing Arts, 240 Porterfield Hall; Pre-major Advising, Draper Hall; Adult Degree Program, Young Hall 111A; College of Graduate and Extended Education, Preston Hall 213. This process must be followed to ensure the student will receive any eligible refunds and the appropriate grades for the semester. Students who withdraw from the university during the schedule adjustment period will receive no grade. A student who withdraws from the University (all classes) after schedule adjustment but prior to the end of the 12th week of the semester (80% of Summer session) will receive "W's" in all classes. Withdrawals from the university after the 12th week will result in automatic "F's." A student may withdraw from the university only once during his or her RU academic career. Exceptions will be granted by the student's Academic Dean or by the Assistant Vice President for Student Development. Refund Checks It is university policy to hold the enrolled student liable for charges incurred; therefore, refund checks are issued in the name of the student. Exceptions to Withdrawal Procedures Exceptions to the withdrawal procedures may be granted upon recommendation of the Office of Assistant Vice President for Student Development in cases of documented medical or other non-academic reasons. READMISSION Students who have terminated their enrollment at Radford University for any reason and wish to return, must submit an application for Readmission to the Registrar's Office. Applications are due no less than 30 days, but no more than six months prior to the beginning of the term in which re-enrollment is desired.Eligibility to re-enroll will be determined after the application is received by the Registrar's Office. For those students who left the University in good academic standing, eligibility for readmission will be determined by the Registrar's Office. The Readmission Committee will review the applications of those students who were academically suspended or left the University while on academic probation. Students placed on academic or disciplinary suspension are not automatically eligible to return. Only those students who appear to have potential for success in general and within their selected major will be readmitted. Academic Renewal is an option for students who have been absent from the University for four or more years. The Readmission Committee will evaluate requests for readmission on the basis of the following criteria: The student's written statement in which: a. compelling reasons are offered for wishing to return to Radford University; b. the student's activities or accomplishments during the period of suspension or absence are described; c. the student indicates how and why academic performance will improve if readmitted. Quality point deficit Number of "Repeats" available to use as a strategy to bring up GPA Previous academic history Requested readmit major Total hours attempted and/or earned Evidence of improved academic performance at any institution attended while absent from Radford University. To be eligible for readmission, the student must have maintained at least a 2.0 GPA. Students are encouraged to send their transcripts to support their application at the time of reapplying but final decisions may be deferred pending receipt of a transcript. Please note that the Committee reviews only written materials and that individual appearances before the Committee are not permitted. Once a decision has been made regarding the application, the student will be notified in writing. Additionally, housing information will be sent when on-campus housing was requested. Registration information will be sent when it becomes available. The Readmission Committee reserves the right to revoke any offer of readmission. The Readmission Committee will review the progress of all students returning to the University after a suspension or probation. Continuation of enrollment is contingent upon satisfactory progress during the semester the student is readmitted. Satisfactory progress is defined by making up the quality point deficit by at least half. If the student has not made reasonable progress toward good academic standing, the student will not be permitted to enroll for the following semester. ACADEMIC RENEWAL POLICY The Academic Renewal Policy is designed to benefit students who are returning to the university after an extended absence, whose previous academic record was unsatisfactory, and who, because of increased maturity, experience and motivation, show significant potential for success. Academic renewal permits students, under special circumstances, to clear their Radford University records of previous academic performance deemed unsatisfactory and to resume their studies afresh. Students who are applying for readmission to Radford University may simultaneously apply for academic renewal provided attendance at Radford has been interrupted by no fewer than four calendar years. Applications for readmission and academic renewal are made to the Registrar's Office, who acts on both requests as appropriate. If academic renewal is granted, a student must earn a 2.0 grade point average or better on the first 12 hours attempted upon returning. Failure to do so will result in academic dismissal from the university. CLASS LOAD Fall and Spring Semesters Any undergraduate student who is carrying 12 or more semester hours of credit is considered to be a full-time student. To be eligible to live in a residence hall, a student must carry an academic load of nine or more semester hours. Normal class load during a regular session is 15-16 semester hours. No student may carry more than 18 semester hours without the written permission of the student's academic dean. Summer Sessions Any undergraduate student who enrolls in six or more semester hours of credit during the Maymester or Summer Session I, or a combination totaling six hours from the Maymester and Session I term will be considered a full-time student for the Summer Session I term. Any undergraduate student who enrolls in six or more semester hours of credit during Summer Session II will be considered a full-time student for the Summer II term. Any undergraduate student who enrolls in twelve or more semester hours of credit during Summer Session III, or a combination totaling twelve semester hours from enrollment in the Maymester, Summer Session I, Summer Session II and Summer Session III, will be considered a full-time student for the Summer Session III term. The student must be enrolled for credit in the Summer Session III term to be considered for full-time enrollment during the Summer Session III term. A student may enroll for a maximum of eighteen semester hours of credit using any combination of enrollments in the Summer Sessions. ACADEMIC PROBATION AND SUSPENSION Academic performance is measured by grade points and grade point averages (GPA). (See section above on Grades and Credit). Each student must maintain a specified grade point average to remain in good standing and to prevent being placed on academic probation or being suspended for academic reasons. Students are urged to confer regularly with their advisers to seek assistance in improving academic standing. Academic Probation In those cases where academic suspension does not apply (see Academic Suspension policy), a student will be on academic probation at the conclusion of any semester or summer session, regardless of the total number of credit hours attempted in which the student has a cumulative GPA below a 2.0. (Note: The minimum grade point average required for graduation from Radford is 2.0. Some majors require a higher GPA for graduation.) Academic probation is an indication of serious academic deficiency and may lead to academic suspension. Academic probation will be designated on the student's transcript. A student on academic probation may not carry more than 16 semester hours during a regular academic year semester. ACADEMIC SUSPENSION New Student Policy Any new (freshman or transfer) full time (as of Census date) student who has a GPA below a 1.25 at the conclusion of the first semester of enrollment will be suspended and will not be allowed to continue in the next full semester (Fall or Spring). However, these students can make application to the university for permission to continue. All students who are given permission to continue must participate in a contract-based university program. Students who choose not to participate in the contract-based program may not enroll in the next regularly scheduled academic term but may apply for readmission for a future semester. Continuing Student Policy All academic suspensions for continuing students who are enrolled during one or more terms during the year (fall through summer) become effective at the end of the last summer session, regardless of the student's enrollment for that specific term. Academic suspension occurs when such students have attempted a minimum of 30 credits (including transfer credits) and have less than a 2.0 cumulative GPA on all courses taken at Radford University. A continuing student will be informed of his or her impending academic suspension (effective at the end of the last summer session) at the conclusion of any term if the student has less than a 2.0 cumulative GPA and has attempted 30 or more credit hours (including transfer hours). Transfer Students: Transfer students bring the credit hours transferred forward to RU to be immediately considered in the Probation/Suspension policies. A student who transfers in or exceeds more than 30 hours during the first semester at Radford University and earns less than a 2.0 would immediately be placed on Academic Probation and be subject to Academic Suspension at the end of the last Summer Session except that the New Student policy regarding Academic Suspension will apply to first semester (Fall or Spring) transfer students. Terms of Suspension A student suspended for the first time may not enroll in the next regularly scheduled semester. A student suspended for the second time may not enroll in the next two regularly scheduled academic semesters. The third time a student is suspended the student will be dismissed from the university, thus making the student ineligible to enroll at Radford. A student on academic suspension from Radford University may receive transfer credit for work taken at another college or university during the period of enforced suspension. To ensure proper credit for any courses taken at another institution permission must be obtained from the appropriate college dean prior to enrolling in such courses. While courses passed with a grade of "C" or better qualify for transfer, these grades are not used in computing the Radford grade point average and the Radford repeat policy may not be applied. In order to be eligible for readmission to Radford University, students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or higher on all work attempted at another college during the term(s) of their suspension. RECORDS AND REPORTS OF STUDENTS Grades filed with the office of the Registrar are final, except where an error of judgment has occurred or an error has been made in computation or transcription. Shortly after the close of each semester or summer term, currently enrolled students receive a grade report showing the final grade received in each course for which they were enrolled that particular semester or summer term. A transcript is the official record, compiled by the Registrar, of a student's academic career. For each semester or summer term, the transcript shows the courses, credits and grades; semester or summer term grade point average; and notice of academic probation, suspension, or withdrawal. Transfer credit also is recorded, but without grades. The completed transcript records the degree and major, minor and/or concentration as appropriate, final graduation grade point average, and the date the degree was conferred. Transcripts are issued upon the receipt of a signed, written request. There is no charge for this service. There is a limit of 10 transcripts issued per request, unless otherwise approved by the Registrar. Student Record Policy Radford University student record policies and practices are in full compliance with state and federal laws.Upon request, the university will grant students who are or have been in attendance access to their educational records, except those excluded by law, and will provide an opportunity for a hearing to challenge such records. The university will not release information about a student from records, except directory information, to other than a specified list of exceptions without obtaining the written consent of the student. A full statement of the Student Record Policy and information explaining how students may exercise the rights accorded them by this policy are available from the Office of the Dean of Students. If the university is requested to do so, the academic transcript of each freshman who graduated from a Virginia public high school will be sent to the student's high school unless the student signs a request to restrict the release of this record. This release will be made only after the high school provides the university written assurance that (1) the information will be protected as confidential and used internally only for assessing and improving the academic program; (2) no other personnel will have access to the information except individuals directly involved in the project; and (3) the information will be promptly destroyed when no longer needed. University and federal laws permit the university to release information in the following categories with respect to each student unless the student informs the university that any and all information designated should not be released without the student's prior consent. Requests for the restricted release of directory information should be filed at the Registrar's Office. Student's name, local and home address, phone listing Date and place of birth Major field of study Participation in officially recognized activities and sports Weight and height of members of athletic teams Dates of attendance Degrees and awards received Most recent previous educational agency or institution attended Parent's name, address, phone listing Student I.D. number (after the student graduates from the university) Students should report any change of name, address, or marital status to the Registrar's Office so their university records can be corrected. Honor System The Radford University Honor System provides the foundation for a university community in which freedom, trust, and respect can prevail. In accepting admission to Radford University, each student makes a commitment to support and uphold the Honor System without compromise or exception. The students of Radford University believe that individuals have the right to compete fairly, to keep what they have earned, and to have others accept their word without question. Individuals have the responsibility to be honorable in their own conduct and to insist other students act honorably. Lying, cheating, and stealing are considered to be acts of dishonor, and will, therefore, cause a student to be subject to temporary or permanent suspension from the university community. Students who commit an honor violation or any members of the Radford University community who have knowledge that a student has committed an honor violation are expected to comply with the reporting procedures. The Honor Code: I do hereby resolve to uphold the Honor Code of Radford University by refraining from lying, from stealing or unauthorized possession of property, and from violating the Standards of Student Academic Integrity. (See the Student Handbook.) COMPLETING A DEGREE Degree Requirements A minimum of 25 percent of the semester hours required for a degree must be taken at Radford University. Of the semester hours required for a degree, 40 percent must be upper division (300/400 level). In addition, 50 percent of the semester hours required for a major must be taken at Radford University. The total number of grade points earned by students, both overall and in their major field, must be at least twice the total semester hours of credit attempted, both overall and in their major at Radford. Students in teaching, nursing and certain other fields must earn a higher grade point average. Specific requirements for each major are listed under the appropriate department sections of this catalog. As a minimum, 120 semester hours are required for graduation. Students wishing to earn a second baccalaureate degree in a second major must complete all requirements for both degrees. Graduation Policy A currently enrolled full-time student may meet the graduation requirements listed in the Radford University Undergraduate Catalog in effect at the time of the student's initial enrollment at Radford, or the individual may select to meet the requirements in any subsequent catalog published between enrollment and graduation, as long as the catalog is no more than five years old. A student may not follow requirements for graduation listed in a catalog in effect prior to the student's enrollment at Radford. A regularly enrolled part-time student may complete the graduation requirements in effect when the student enrolled at Radford or the student may complete requirements listed in any subsequent catalog, as long as the catalog is no more than seven years old when the student graduates. Whichever option is chosen, the student must maintain continuous enrollment at Radford or another institution so that progress toward the degree is continuous. Any course work in the major more than 10 years old at the time of graduation may be reviewed by the chair of the department in which the student is housed, and the chair may require the student to take more current courses in lieu of those previously taken. Students so affected may request an opportunity to demonstrate currency in the area (s) covered by those courses previously taken. Courses in the major accepted for transfer work may not be used toward a Radford University degree if they are more than 10 years old at the time of a student's graduation. Students who have been absent from the University for two continuous semesters must meet the degree requirements in force in the University Undergraduate Catalog at the time of readmission. Each student who expects to complete requirements for a degree must submit a graduation application to the dean of the student's college according to the following schedule: If Requirements are to be completed Spring or Summer Semester 2000, Application is Due: Sept. 18, 1999 If Participating in 2000 Spring Commencement (with petition), Application is Due: Sept. 18, 1999 If Not Participating in 2000 Spring Commencement, Application Due: Nov. 6, 1999 If Requirements are to be completed: Fall Semester 2000, Application is Due: Jan. 22, 2000 Commencement Exercises Commencement exercises are conducted only at the end of the spring and fall semesters. Students completing degree requirements during spring and fall semesters are urged to attend commencement unless extenuating circumstances justify their absence. Diplomas will be mailed to students completing degree requirements after confirmation that their degree requirements have been completed. Participation in Commencement Radford University restricts participation in graduation exercises to those students who will complete their degree requirements by the time of commencement or who can complete the requirements in no more than two courses, or six semester hours, which will be available during the immediately following summer session(s) of the spring exercises. A student who wishes to participate in the Spring Commencement and will not have met all requirements by the end of the Spring Semester, but can do so in no more than two courses or six semester hours that will be available in the immediately following summer sessions, must submit a petition to participate along with the application for graduation. Graduation applications and petitions to participate in the Spring Commencement, 2000, must be in the appropriate college dean's office by Sept. 18, 1999. Graduation With Honors Radford University awards two types of honors degrees. Students whose cumulative grade point average in all courses attempted at Radford University is greater than or equal to 3.50, but less than 3.70, will be graduated cum laude. Those whose cumulative grade point average is greater than or equal to 3.70, but less than 3.85, will be graduated magna cum laude. Those whose cumulative grade point average is 3.85 or greater will be graduated summa cum laude. To be eligible to receive Honors, a student must have earned a minimum of 60 semester hours at Radford University. A student who successfully completes university Honors Academy requirements will receive a bachelor's degree with Honors in the Major or from the Honors Program, depending on which option a student chose to complete. For more information on the two options, see Honors Academy. Licensure for Teaching All students completing the professional education program for the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degrees are entitled to apply for the Collegiate Professional Certificate issued by the State Board of Education. Dual Registration During the final semester of a student's undergraduate program (or the next-to-last semester if student teaching or other full-time field experience is scheduled for the final semester), a student may register for both undergraduate and graduate credit provided the student has properly applied and been admitted to the College of Graduate and Extended Education and the hours of credit obtained in the graduate-level courses are not needed for the bachelor's degree. For complete information concerning graduate programs and entrance requirements, consult the Radford University Graduate Catalog (available from the Office of Graduate and Extended Education in Preston Hall). EXCEPTION TO ACADEMIC POLICY The Radford University Catalog is the basic authority for academic requirements at Radford University. All students are expected to follow the catalog in the pursuit of their degrees. On occasion, extraordinary circumstances may, however, justify minor departures from the catalog requirements. Students who believe their situation warrants a deviation from academic policy may petition for an exception. Students should consult with their academic advisers to explore the feasibility of petitioning for an exception to academic policy. Undergraduate students who need to petition for an exception to academic policy must fill out the Undergraduate Student Academic Petition form, available in academic department offices. The academic adviser, the department chairperson, and the college dean of the petitioning student must approve and sign the form. The dean will submit the form to the Registrar's Office.

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