Academic Regulations

Students at the College of Charleston undertake a rigorous course of study that demands a significant time commitment to the academic regimen. As a part of their academic responsibility, all students must devote adequate time to their studies. Many support services on campus are devoted to helping students achieve academic success. Information on specific support services may be found in the student support services section of this catalog.

All undergraduate students at the College of Charleston are required to be familiar with and adhere to the following academic policies.

Degree Requirements

Artium Baccalaureatus, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of General Studies, and Bachelor of Science Degrees

The trustees and faculty of the College of Charleston are authorized by the charter of the College to confer the artium baccalaureatus, bachelor of arts, and the bachelor of science degrees. (See individual schools for a complete list of majors and degrees offered.) Additional requirements for the Artium Baccalaureatus degree appear below.

In order to graduate with an artium baccalaureatus, a bachelor of arts, a bachelor of general studies, or a bachelor of science degree, the student must:

1. Satisfy the liberal arts and sciences general education degree requirements  by earning credit in the courses specified and/or successfully passing approved placement exams offered in their stead.
2. Complete the First-Year Experience requirement. All students who have completed less than one year of college when they enter the College of Charleston must complete a First-Year Seminar (FYSE) or a Learning Community (LC) during their first year.
3. Complete all of the requirements for at least one major with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.000 in those major courses identified by the department or program. See specific major requirements in the Programs of Study section of the catalog for a list of major GPA courses and exclusions. Some programs require a major GPA greater than a 2.000; see specific major requirements in the “Programs of Study ” section of the catalog. Note: Any course approved through exception management or identified by the department in the special topics selection process that will be used as a substitute for a course within a program of study’s exclusion list will not be calculated in the major GPA.
4. Satisfy the residence requirement by earning a minimum of 32 credit hours through instruction delivered by the College of Charleston.
5. Earn a minimum of 122 credit hours, with a minimum overall grade point average of 2.000 in all courses taken at the College (i.e., at least twice as many quality points as quality hours). Courses numbered 099 and EDLS 100  are not counted as part of the 122 credit hour minimum needed for the degree nor do they count toward the GPA.
6. As required by South Carolina statute (Sect. 59-29-120 and Sect. 59-29-130), all credential-seeking (degree or certificate) students must complete the Founding Documents Requirement which includes instruction in the essentials of the Declaration of Independence, Federalist Papers, and the Constitution and achieve satisfactory performance on an accompanying examination. The form and content of the instruction as well as the examination are developed and approved by the faculty of the College of Charleston. This requirement must only be satisfied once at the College of Charleston. Satisfactory performance on the examination is required for graduation regardless of the credential awarded.

Artium Baccalaureatus (A.B.)

In order to graduate with an A.B. degree, the student must: (1) complete all required courses in any major; (2) achieve in either Latin or Ancient Greek advanced proficiency, demonstrated by the completion of two courses in one of these languages at the 300 level or above (LATN 305 , LATN 321 , LATN 322 , LATN 323 , LATN 371 , LATN 372 , LATN 373 , LATN 390 , LATN 490  or two courses from GREK 321 , GREK 322 , GREK 323 , GREK 324 , GREK 325 , GREK 326 , GREK 371 , GREK 372 , GREK 390 , GREK 490 )*; (3) complete two in classical civilization (see listing below).

*Note: The Classics A.B. major requires both Greek and Latin languages.

Bachelor of Professional Studies (B.P.S.)

The trustees and faculty of the College of Charleston are authorized by the charter of the College to confer the Bachelor of Professional Studies degree.

In order to graduate with a Bachelor of Professional Studies degree, the student must meet the degree requirements:

1. Completed a minimum of 122 credit hours while maintaining a 2.000 cumulative GPA.
2. Earned credit in concentration courses required for the degree with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.000 in those major courses identified by the department or program. See specific major requirements in the Programs of Study section of the catalog for a list of major GPA courses and exclusions. Some programs require a major GPA greater than a 2.000; see specific major requirements in the “Programs of Study ” section of the catalog. Note: Any course approved through exception management or identified by the department in the special topics selection process that will be used as a substitute for a course within a program of study’s exclusion list will not be calculated in the major GPA.
3. Satisfy the residence requirement by earning a minimum of 35 credit hours through instruction delivered by the College of Charleston.
4. Complete 30 credit hours of concentration credits as specified by the requirements to earn that concentration
5. As required by South Carolina statute (Sect. 59-29-120 and Sect. 59-29-130), all credential-seeking (degree or certificate) students must complete the Founding Documents Requirement which includes instruction in the essentials of the Declaration of Independence, Federalist Papers, and the Constitution and achieve satisfactory performance on an accompanying examination. The form and content of the instruction as well as the examination are developed and approved by the faculty of the College of Charleston. This requirement must only be satisfied once at the College of Charleston. Satisfactory performance on the examination is required for graduation regardless of the credential awarded.

Undergraduate Residence Requirement

At least 25 percent of the credit hours required for the undergraduate degree must be earned through instruction delivered by the institution awarding the degree. Specific degrees may require more than 25 percent of required credit hours to be completed through instruction delivered by the College of Charleston.  Students seeking to earn the A.B., B.A., or B.S. degree from the College of Charleston must earn a minimum of 32 credit hours through instruction delivered by the College of Charleston.  Students seeking to earn the B.P.S. degree from the College of Charleston must earn a minimum of 35 credit hours through instruction delivered by the College of Charleston.

Senior-Year Residency

The senior year of work for the degree must be completed in residence at the College of Charleston. Residency is defined as instruction delivered by the College of Charleston, the degree granting institution. However, candidates who have earned a minimum of 30 credit hours at the College of Charleston may petition the Office of the Registrar and the chair of the department of their major to complete up to seven of their final 37 credit hours at another institution or by CLEP exam (see “Courses Taken Elsewhere ”). For study abroad, the determination in advance for credit in excess of seven credit hours to be awarded during the senior year will be made by the College academic department concerned (see “Study Abroad ”).

Second Bachelor’s Degree

A College of Charleston student may earn more than one baccalaureate degree (i.e., B.A., A.B., B.S.) concurrently at the College of Charleston, if he or she meets the following requirements:

• Earns a minimum of 153 credit hours*, including a minimum of 63 credit hours in residence at College of Charleston. Residency is defined as instruction delivered by the College of Charleston, the degree granting institution.
• Meets all degree requirements for both degree programs.
• Meets all prerequisite and course requirements in two different major fields.

*In the case of multiple majors in different degree programs, typically the student may choose the degree to be earned and posted on the diploma if the student has not satisfied the requirements to be awarded more than one degree (earned fewer than 153 credit hours).

A student who has previously earned a bachelor’s degree from the College of Charleston and wishes to earn a second degree if it is different from the first (i.e., a B.A. if the first degree was a B.S. and vice versa) must apply for re-admission for the second degree, and then:

• Must earn a minimum of 31 additional credit hours (beyond the 122 currently required for degree) in residence at the College of Charleston. Residency is defined as instruction delivered by the College of Charleston, the degree granting institution.
• Meet all degree requirements for the second degree program in the catalog under which he or she enters, or in a subsequent catalog.
• Meet all prerequisite and course requirements in the major field(s) for the second degree.

Note:  A student may not earn a B.A. and a B.S. in the same subject, even with the additional 31 credit hours for another degree. Students earning an A.B degree will earn that degree in place of the B.A. or B.S. normally earned with the major.

Pursuing an Additional Major After Earning a College of Charleston Degree

A student who has previously earned a bachelor’s degree from the College of Charleston and wishes to pursue further undergraduate work may complete an additional major and have it noted on the official transcript (with date of completion). College of Charleston students completing a major in the same degree program previously awarded will not receive a second diploma. However, the official transcript will reflect the additional major. Students must:

• Meet all degree requirements for the second major in the catalog under which he or she enters, or in a subsequent catalog.
• Meet all prerequisite and course requirements in the major field(s).

Catalog Year Policy

For Students Admitted or Readmitted Fall 2013 Forward:

Students must fulfill the general education and the degree requirements, and must abide by the academic regulations in effect at the time of their matriculation at the College of Charleston. Matriculation is defined as the first term of degree seeking enrollment or first term of readmission at the College. This catalog year remains fixed during the period of time a student is continuously enrolled. Students must fulfill the major requirements in the catalog at the time of major declaration. Requirements for concentrations, cognates, or tracks associated with a major are attached to the catalog year of that major. For more than one major and for all minors, requirements are associated with the catalog year of each declaration. A change of degree (A.B., B.A., B.S.) does not warrant a catalog change except when new degrees are offered within existing majors. Continuously enrolled students have the option to update their catalog year to the current year for each major or minor.

Students can submit a request to update their catalog year to the current term for a major or minor through the POSM (Program of Study Management) system.

First-Year Experience

843.953.2017
fye.cofc.edu
fye@cofc.edu

The First-Year Experience is an academic course or sequence of courses designed to provide students with the skills that are necessary for success at the College of Charleston. All students who have completed less than one year of college when they enter the College of Charleston must complete a First-Year Seminar (FYSE), Learning Community (LC), or an Honors College First-Year Experience course during their first year. FYE course descriptions, credit hours and the requirements that each course will satisfy can be found at fye.cofc.edu.

A First-Year Seminar (FYSE) focuses on topics within or across academic disciplines of study. First-Year Seminars are small courses (generally between 20-25 students), with narrow topics of study, taught by roster faculty members. A Learning Community links two or more courses, often around an interdisciplinary theme or problem. All Learning Communities and First-Year Seminars include a weekly Synthesis Seminar. The Synthesis Seminar includes an hour of discussion and reflection led by a Peer Facilitator who is an upper-level student at the College. Most FYE courses contain social events and class trips that allow FYE students to get to know faculty and peers outside of the classroom.

Successful completion of the First-Year Experience is a degree requirement. Students required to complete a First-Year Experience must complete it within their first three consecutive academic terms. For students entering in the Fall, the consecutive terms include Fall, Spring and Summer. For students entering in the Spring, the consecutive academic terms include Spring, Summer, and Fall. Once students begin the FYE, they must be continuously enrolled until they have completed the requirement. Failure to complete the requirement in the first two academic terms will result in a registration hold until the requirement is completed in the third academic term. Students who fail to complete the requirement in their first three academic terms must satisfy the requirement by continuously enrolling in a Learning Strategies class until they successfully pass the course.

Major Requirements

Declaring Your Major

Declaring your major is instrumental to your academic success at the College of Charleston. This will help you plan the most efficient and beneficial path to your degree. Currently enrolled, degree-seeking undergraduate students must declare a major no later than the second semester of their sophomore year (45-60 credit hours). The deadline to declare a major for each semester is posted on the Academic Advising and Planning Center website. Students can submit their major declaration requests online through the Program of Study Management (POSM) channel located on the Academic Services tab in MyCharleston. Students who do not meet the deadline will have a “Missing Major Declaration” registration hold will be placed on their account.  In order to release this hold, the student must either declare a major in the Program of Study Management (POSM) system or meet with their academic advisor.

A.B., B.A., B.S. Degrees

At least 15 credit hours in the major at the 200-level or above must be earned in residence at the College of Charleston. Residency is defined as instruction delivered by the College of Charleston, the degree granting institution. Students may complete a double major by fulfilling the requirements of two major programs. If both are completed at the time of graduation under one degree, both majors will be listed on the diploma. If the two majors are different degree categories (A.B., B.A., B.S.), the student will choose which degree he or she will earn, unless the requirements have been met for two separate degrees (i.e., 153 credit hours, including all degree requirements). Please see the Second Bachelor’s Degree policy, located in the beginning of the Academic Regulations Section, for additional information. All majors completed will be recorded on the transcript. A student may not earn a B.A. and a B.S. in the same subject, even with the additional 31 hours for another degree.

B.P.S. Degree

At least 15 credit hours in the major at the 200-level or above must be earned in residence at the College of Charleston. Residency is defined as instruction delivered by the College of Charleston, the degree granting institution. Please see the Second Bachelor’s Degree policy, located in the beginning of the Academic Regulations Section, for additional information on returning to earn an additional major or second degree. A student may not earn an A.B., B.A., or B.S. degree concurrently with the B.P.S. degree.

Concentrations and Minors

In addition to completing a major, a degree-seeking student may elect to pursue a program of study organized around a particular theme within the major discipline (a concentration) or outside the major discipline (a minor). These courses may be selected from a single department or from several, and interdisciplinary courses may be included. Either program must include a minimum of 18 credit hours selected from a formally designated group. Courses used to satisfy the requirements of a concentration or minor may not be applied toward another concentration or minor.

Earning a Minor

The College of Charleston does not require students to complete a minor. However, a minor allows you to take advantage of the extensive offerings across the College. There are a few rules to keep in mind when pursuing a minor.

• At least nine credit hours in the minor at the 200-level or above must be earned in residence at the College of Charleston. Residency is defined as instruction delivered by the College of Charleston, the degree granting institution.
• Unique courses, appropriate for the minor, but not otherwise offered at the College of Charleston, may be considered for approval as exceptions to the minor residency policy. Likewise, a set of courses completed elsewhere may be approved as exceptions to the minor residency policy if when considered in the whole they comprise a unique curricular experience not available at the College. Senior-Year Residency policies apply.
• Successful completion of a minor requires a grade point average of at least 2.000 in all courses taken which comprise it.
• Courses used to satisfy the requirements of a concentration or minor may not be applied toward another concentration or minor.
• Students must formally declare a concentration or minor online through the Program of Study Management (POSM) channel located on the Academic Services tab in MyCharleston in order to have the degree audit and transcript reflect credit for work done in that concentration or minor. A concentration or minor must be formally declared before the degree is posted.
• A student may earn a total of two minors from the College of Charleston.

Minors in Relation to Majors

• A student may not concurrently complete a major and a minor in the same subject.
• A student who earns a bachelor’s degree (AB, BA, BS, BPS) from the College of Charleston may return and complete the requirements for an additional major. In this case, credits from a previously earned minor may be used to complete requirements for a major in the same subject. All requirements for the additional major must be met. See applicable sections under Second Bachelor’s Degree or Pursuing an Additional Major After Earning a College of Charleston Degree in the undergraduate catalog for specific details.
• A student returning to complete an additional major may also earn a minor so long as it does not exceed a total of two from the College. At no time may a student earn a subsequent minor in the same subject as a completed major. See applicable sections under Second Bachelor’s Degree or Pursuing an Additional Major After Earning a College of Charleston Degree in the undergraduate catalog for specific details.
• Completion of a minor is designated on the official transcript, but a minor does not appear on the diploma.

Undergraduate Certificates

An undergraduate certificate is a focused collection of undergraduate courses that, when completed, affords the student some record of academic accomplishment in a given discipline, a set of related disciplines, or an interdisciplinary area.  An undergraduate certificate is not a degree, as degrees are defined by the College of Charleston.  The purpose of a certificate program is for students to obtain specific competencies related to an area of expertise.

All admissions, academic, and student policies of the College of Charleston apply to students who are working to complete an undergraduate certificate.

Degree Works Degree Audit

Degree Works is an online degree audit application and academic advisement tool that provides a clear and convenient method for students and advisors to track degree progress. It is intended to assist students in reaching their academic goals and better understand degree requirements. Degree Works is designed to aid and facilitate academic advising, but is not intended to replace face-to-face advising sessions, the Undergraduate Catalog, or the Registrar’s Office.

Students and their advisors have access to Degree Works via their MyCharleston portal account.

• Current Students:  Degree Works is located on the Academic Services tab in MyCharleston.

• Faculty/Staff:  Degree Works is located on the Advising tab in MyCharleston.

The degree audit is an unofficial check of the requirements to be completed and the requirements remaining. While unofficial, it should be an accurate reflection of progress in meeting degree requirements. If a student believes there is an error with the degree audit, it is the student’s responsibility to print/screenshot a copy of your audit and contact the Registrar’s Office (degreeworks@cofc.edu). Students make see instruction from their advisor if assistance is needed.

Curriculum Substitutions or Exceptions

Only under unavoidable and exceptional circumstances will the faculty permit substitution for or exception from the curriculum published in the catalog. No exceptions or waivers may be made for GPA requirements. No waivers or exceptions may be made for major, minor, or degree minimum credit hour requirements. There are no exceptions to Academic Regulations published in the catalog. In some cases, as stated in the catalog, students retain appeal rights.

When it becomes necessary to request a deviation from the published curricular requirements, students should consult first with their academic advisor and next with the chair of the department or director of the academic program. Chairs or program directors may request a course substitution, waiver, or exception consistent with the published guidelines for evaluating curricular exception requests by initiating a “petition for exception” in Degree Works. The petition will be reviewed and approved or denied and the student notified of the decision via the College-issued email account. All curriculum substitutions or exceptions are recorded in the student’s permanent record and the approving authority’s name is associated with each exception. In cases where a petition is denied and a student wishes to appeal, materials will be forwarded to the Provost’s Office. The Associate Provost for Curriculum and Institutional Resources, acting on behalf of the Provost, will review the petition and appeal and render a final decision.

Academic Deans will be provided with information each year on the number and nature of curriculum substitutions and exceptions within their school.

Application for Graduation/Completion of Degree Requirements

Students should formally apply to graduate online via MyCharleston in the term in which they expect to complete all degree requirements. The application deadline is October 1st for fall graduation, February 1st for spring graduation, and March 15th for summer graduation. The Graduation Application is required before a degree will be awarded. All students are issued College of Charleston e-mail accounts and are expected to read their e-mail routinely. All official notifications about graduation are e-mailed to this account.

Students can obtain a printed copy of their degree audit from Degree Works on MyCharleston. After printing the degree audit, they should review the audit with their major academic advisor and report any discrepancies to the degreeworks@cofc.edu. This audit will list remaining degree requirements as well as requirements completed and in-progress. The audit assumes successful completion of courses in progress. The degree audit is dynamic and changes as students revise their course schedules and progress with their academic career.

While academic advisors and the Office of the Registrar continue to assist students with requirements for graduation, students are ultimately responsible for ensuring that they have met all degree requirements for graduation. More information concerning graduation can be found on the Office of the Registrar website.

Degree Conferral Dates

There are three degree conferral dates (when degrees are awarded/posted):

1. Fall is in December
2. Spring is in May
3. Summer is in August (regardless of the summer session in which requirements are completed).

The exact dates vary but coincide with the end of each term.

Changes to Programs of Study after Application for Graduation

All undergraduate students must declare all majors (concentrations, cognates, and tracks, if applicable) and minors, regardless of when completion of these programs of study is intended, prior to applying for graduation. Students who have applied to graduate who need to update their program of study should use the Graduation Update Form (PDF).

In the Classroom

Academic Calendar

The Academic Calendar at the College of Charleston is approved by Academic Affairs and the Office of the President. The academic year will be based on three major terms, fall, spring and summer. Fall and spring will each have 14 weeks of class time and a final examination period. Each fall and spring term will also be divided evenly into two express sessions, Express I and Express II. The summer term is divided into four parts of term entitled Maymester, Extended Summer, Summer I, and Summer II. Each full term or part of term class will have meeting times configured and assigned for a minimum of 700 minutes per credit hour. The Academic Calendar is published on the Registrar’s Office website as soon as it is approved..

The Academic Calendar can be found online at http://registrar.cofc.edu/calendars/index.php.

Course Registration Requirement

Students may attend a course only if they are officially registered in the course and appear on the instructor’s official course roster.  Faculty, Program Directors, and Department Chairs do not have the authority to permit students to attend a course for which they are not registered.  This requirement applies to students who intend to earn course credit and to students who intend to audit a course. 

Once the Drop/Add period has ended, Faculty, Program Directors, or Department Chairs seeking to add a student to a course roster must submit this request through the Addition to the Grade Roll form.  This electronic form can be found under the Faculty Tab in MyCharleston.  The student may not attend the course until the Addition to Grade Roll form has been approved and processed.  All Addition to Grade Roll requests include a review by the Office of the Treasurer.  Students have to have resolved all payment issues with the Treasurer before they can be added to, or re-enrolled in, a course section.  Requests for Addition to the Grade Roll after the Attendance Verification deadline require approval from the Provost (or the Provost’s designee).

Class Attendance

Because class attendance is crucial for any course, students are expected to attend all classes and laboratory meetings of each course in which they enroll. Instructors maintain the authority to determine how absences will be addressed, which should be detailed in their attendance policies oublished in course syllabi. Participation in college-sponsored activities, where students are official representatives of the College of Charleston, may result in absence(s). Instructors will recognize absences in which students are official representatives of the College of Charleston (such as intercollegiate academic or athletic team competition, or academic program sanctioned research presentation or artistic performance) as excused.

During the first week of classes, instructors will announce and distribute their attendance policies, including criteria to be used in determining excused absences. Instructors determine whether absences are excused or unexcused for the purposes of participation grades, in-class assignments, and laboratories. Regarding formal graded work (such as exams, presentations, papers), instructors will make “reasonable accommodations” when a student misses class for an event at which s/he is an official representative of the College of Charleston. Examples of reasonable accommodations might include: rescheduling an exam, altering presentation times, or flexibility in assignment submission dates. Students are required to submit documentation of their College representation-related commitment from the appropriate College authority at least one week prior to the scheduled absence in order to be eligible for reasonable accommodations by the instructor. Regardless of any accommodation granted, students are responsible for satisfying all academic objectives, requirements, and prerequisites as defined by the instructor and the College.

Instructors ascertain whether both excused and unexcused absences count in determining the basis for a grade of “WA,” which stands for “failure due to excessive absences” and is equivalent to a failing grade. If attendance is used for grading purposes, the instructor is responsible for keeping accurate attendance records. If a student has more than the maximum allowed absences as defined in the course syllabus, the professor may assign a “WA” grade. Instructors electing to assign the “WA’ grade before final grading may submit an electronic “WA” form (located in MyCharleston on the Faculty tab) to the Registrar on or before the last meeting day of the class. The Registrar will then send an email notification to the student. The student is responsible for keeping personal addresses and contact information current in the student information system. All students, whether absent or not, are responsible for all information disseminated in the course.

A “WA” is a final course grade. Once the WA grade is assigned, the student who has received this grade is not permitted to attend the course, to submit course assignments, or to receive any graded work after the WA grade is submitted.  Faculty, Program Directors, and Department Chairs do not have the authority to make exceptions to this policy. 

Attendance Verification

Only students officially registered (graded or auditing) for a course may attend class.  During the week following the drop/add deadline, faculty will verify student enrollments in every course, including individual enrollments (e.g. independent study, internship, tutorial, bachelor’s essay).  Any student appearing on the class roll but determined not to have attended the class even once will be removed.

Semester Hours (Credit Hours)

The credit that a student earns by the satisfactory completion of work in any academic course is measured in units called semester credit hours. A credit hour is defined by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education as a unit of measure representing an hour (50 minutes) of instruction over a 14-week period in a semester. One credit of lecture is equivalent to 50 minutes of instructional class time. One credit of lab is equivalent to 180 minutes of instructional class time. Four credit lecture/lab courses are equivalent to 330 minutes of instructional class time (150 minutes lecture/180 minutes lab).

Enrollment Status

Students at the College are considered full time if they are enrolled for 12 or more credit hours and are paying full tuition. However, it should be noted that an academic schedule of only 12 credit hours is not sufficient to allow a student to graduate within four calendar years without attending summer school.

Class Rank

Advancement to sophomore rank requires credit of at least 30 credit hours; to junior rank, 60 credit hours; to senior rank, 90 credit hours. A minimum of 122 credit hours of credit is required for graduation.

Auditing Courses

Permission to audit a regular academic course must be received from the instructor teaching the course on a Permission to Audit Form, available on the Registrar’s Office website and on the Academic Services tab of MyCharleston. This form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar’s Office no later than the end of the drop/add period. A student may switch from grade to audit status or audit to grade status only within the drop/add period.

An audit will be recorded on a student’s permanent record at the College. Faculty may set attendance and/or other requirements for audit students; an audit may be revoked if the student does not comply with these requirements. Full tuition is charged for audited coursework. No attempted or earned hours are awarded.

NOTE: No audits are permitted in studio courses or independent study-type courses.

Independent Studies and Internships

Sometimes students may work with faculty advisors in designing courses of independent study for topics or fields of particular interest. Students may also enroll in external experiential education called internships. In all cases of individual instruction, it is the student’s responsibility to plan for these as early as possible, ideally the previous semester, and to be certain that he or she is enrolled by the individual enrollment deadline of the semester in which the academic work is to be completed and evaluated.

The Grading System

Grades are available on MyCharleston beginning with the date set by the Registrar’s Office for the term specified. For a complete academic record of their grades, students may request an official academic transcript from the Office of the Registrar or they may view their unofficial transcript on the Academic Services tab of MyCharleston on the web.

Students receive letter grades for every course in which they enroll, regardless of the location of the course or the mode of delivery. Each letter grade has a numerical “quality point value” as shown below.

Statute of Limitations for Grade Changes

The statute of limitations for grade changes is two calendar years from the original grade submission deadline. After this period of time has elapsed, no grade issued to a student may be changed. Requests for any change of grade should be initiated by the faculty member who assigned the grade. All requests must be adequately documented. Grades will not be changed for a student, once that student has graduated and the degree has been posted.  In cases of submitted grade dispute grievances that extend beyond the posting of the degree date, the Provost (or the Provost’s designee) may make exceptions to this policy.  The decision of the Provost is final.

An “AU” indicates that the student is auditing. Audited coursework carries attempted hours but no quality points, no quality hours, and no earned hours, and carries full fees and tuition. Please see the “Auditing Courses” section of the catalog.

A “CP” indicates that a student has completed a program such as international study or cross-registration. The grade status indicator of “CP” carries no quality points, quality hours, or earned hours.

The designation “I” indicates that only a small part of the semester’s work remains to be done, that the student is otherwise doing satisfactory work in the course, and that an extension of time is warranted to complete the course. The “I” also signifies that an agreement has been established between professor and student as to the quantity of work remaining to be done, the deadlines established for its completion, and a schedule of meeting times. It is recommended that this agreement be made in writing with both professor and student having a copy. The faculty determines the time allowable for completion of coursework, up to 60 days from the date of the last scheduled examination of the semester in which the “I” is received. If the student does not complete the work within 60 days, the “I” is automatically changed to an “F.”

An “IP” may be assigned for the first half of a two-semester course when the nature of the graded work is such that a final grade for both semesters is awarded following the completion of the second semester. Typically, a bachelor’s essay meets this definition. An “IP” is not available for students who have failed to complete coursework within a standard one-semester course. An IP is a status indicator and not a grade, thus it does not automatically change to F after 60 days. The IP must be replaced with a grade at the conclusion of the second semester’s work. A student who drops or withdraws from the second semester of a two-semester course will be graded based on the work completed in the first semester and a grade will be substituted for the IP.

A “P” carries only earned hours; does not carry quality hours or quality points.

A “PR” indicates that no grade has been reported because the student has just registered for a future semester or the coursework is actually in progress.

A “PT” may indicate that a student is enrolled in a program such as international study or cross registration with another institution for which the attempted hours may be applied toward those required for financial aid or insurance coverage. “PT” indicates Pending Transcript and serves as a status indicator until the official transcript arrives and transfer credit is applied for courses earning a grade of “C” (2.000 on a 4.000 scale) or better. The “PT” is then changed to a “CP.”

A “PT” can also indicate a course in progress at another college/university or a transfer credit evaluation completed from an unofficial transcript. “PT” indicates Pending Transcript and serves as a status indicator until the official, final transcript arrives and transfer credit is evaluated for courses earning a grade of “C” (2.000 on a 4.000 scale) or better. Courses approved for transfer credit would then be changed to the grade status of “TR” which carries no quality points or quality hours, but may be awarded earned hours.

An “S” or “U” may be assigned in certain courses that do not count toward earned hours for graduation.

A “W” is not a grade. A “W” indicates that a course was started but not completed.

Courses with missing grades remain in the “In Progress” section of the transcript and degree audit. They are converted to “Fs” at the end of 60 days if the instructor does not turn in a grade change form indicating the correct earned grade.

The status of “XX” is intended to indicate that a student failed a course for academic dishonesty. For serious and intentional violations of the Honor Code, the faculty member for the course involved will be notified by the Honor Board that the “XX” has been assigned.   The status  “XX” shall be recorded on the student’s transcript with the notation “failure due to academic dishonesty.” A student may petition the Honor Board for removal of the “XX” after two years. The implementation of the “XX” status strengthens the College’s commitment to academic integrity.

Final Examinations

Examinations must be taken at the time scheduled except when:

1. Two or more exams are scheduled simultaneously.
2. Legitimate and documentable extenuating circumstances prevent the student from completing the examination at the scheduled time (e.g., burial services for an immediate family member).

NOTE: Forms for requesting permission to reschedule one exam may be found on the Student Academic Forms channel on the Academic Services tab in MyCharleston. Written permission of the instructor and all relevant signatures must be obtained at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled time for the final examination.

Following consultation by the relevant instructors (and their supervisors, if necessary), one of the relevant final examinations will be rescheduled in all cases where two or more examinations are scheduled simultaneously.

The determination of a legitimate extenuating circumstance is made by the instructor and requires the support of the instructor’s supervisor (i.e., department chair or program director). Different instructors and their supervisors may reach different conclusions about what is or is not a legitimate extenuating circumstance. Family vacations, family celebrations, job interviews, and problems with travel plans are not considered legitimate extenuating circumstances.

A student whose rescheduling request is denied may appeal this decision in writing to the school Dean responsible for the course in which the student is enrolled. The decision of the Dean is final.

NOTE: Re-examinations are not allowed.

Pass-Fail Option

The Pass-Fail Option is provided to encourage students to enrich their educational experience and to venture outside their major areas of concentration or competence. To earn a pass under the Pass-Fail Option, students must perform at the “C” (2.000) level or above. A “P” carries only earned hours; does not carry quality hours or quality points. Not passing (“NP”) will be recorded on the transcript, but will carry no grade points and will not be used in calculating the GPA.

The following restrictions apply:

1. A student electing the Pass-Fail Option must be in good standing (not on academic probation) and must be of sophomore standing or above.
2. A student electing the Pass-Fail Option must do so at registration by completing a Pass-Fail Option petition (available at the Office of the Registrar), and no change may be made after the drop-add period.
3. No more than 12 credit hours may be taken under the Pass-Fail Option, and no more than one course in any one semester, excluding EDEE 455 , EDEE 457 , EDEE 459 , EDFS 440 , and EDFS 460 .
4. Courses taken on the Pass-Fail Option will only be applied toward the 122 minimum credit hour degree requirement, excluding EDEE 455 , EDEE 457 , EDEE 459 , EDFS 440 , and EDFS 460 . Pass-Fail Option courses do not satisfy any other curriculum or degree requirements. If a student who completes a course under the Pass-Fail Option later changes their major and that course is required for the major, minor, or certificate, they may petition the department for the course to be accepted.
5. No course may be repeated on a Pass-Fail Option. A course for which the “P” has been received may not be repeated.

Withdrawal from Courses

Students may voluntarily withdraw from individual courses and/or labs until the official withdrawal deadline for the semester (see “Academic Calendar”) through MyCharleston, or by submitting the required paperwork to the Registrar’s Office. A “W” will be entered on their record unless the student has been found responsible for an Honor Code violation. In that case, the professor determines the grade entered on the student’s record for that class.

After the official withdrawal deadline for the semester, students may petition for course withdrawals through the Center for Academic Performance and Persistence. This permission will be granted only if continued enrollment in the course would be detrimental to the student’s health or if documented extenuating circumstances prevent the student’s continued enrollment.

Usually a student who is withdrawn from all courses taken during a semester may re-enroll the following semester, unless the student is completely withdrawn from the institution and the matriculation is closed (see “Withdrawal from the College of Charleston”). Furthermore, if a student discontinues enrollment from the College of Charleston, whether voluntarily or not, reentry for future semesters may be contingent on satisfying conditions outlined by the Office of Student Affairs and the Center for Academic Performance and Persistence.

NOTE: A decision not to attend a course does not constitute a withdrawal from it. Failure to properly withdraw from or drop a course can result in financial responsibility for full tuition for the course as well as a resulting grade of “F.”

Course Repetition Policy

It is the policy of the College of Charleston that students may repeat up to 12 credit hours of passed coursework excluding:

• Prerequisite courses for passed courses (Repeat Exclude)
• Courses which have catalog restrictions due to duplication of subject material (Repeat Exclude)

There are two types of transcript coding for repeated courses:

• Repeat Include - Grade will be calculated into total GPA (not averaged with prior grade), but student will not receive earned hours for this course. Courses are graded RA-RF.
• Repeat Exclude - Grade will not be calculated into GPA nor will earned hours, quality hours, or quality points be awarded. Courses are graded XA-XF.

A passed course may be repeated only once for a grade. A course withdrawal (“W”) is not a grade. A subsequent registration will result in a drop. Repetition of passed courses will not increase earned hours, but students will receive quality hours and quality points in order to calculate the grade of the repeated course into the overall GPA. All grades earned will be taken into consideration when the GPA is calculated and all grades earned appear on the student’s transcript. Repeated course grade points will not be used to calculate honors at graduation, and do not replace previously earned grades.

Scholarship students (academic and athletic), financial aid students, and veterans may repeat courses under this policy; however, they should check with the Departments of Financial Aid or Athletics to see how this will affect their eligibility.

Registration through MyCharleston for repeated duplicate courses can only occur if the student completes and submits a Repeat Course Override Request Form to the Office of the Registrar (found on the Registrar’s Office website under Forms). The Registrar’s Office will process the override and register the student for the course (pending course availability).

General Repeat Rules

• Upper-Level Coursework: A student in some cases may not take lower-level coursework for credit after completing similar upper-level coursework. Students must check the individual course descriptions and/or departments for restrictions.
• Cross-Listed Courses: A student may not take cross-listed courses and receive credit for both courses.
• Special Topics Courses: A student in some cases may have limitations on the credits repeatable in specific special topics courses. See individual department listings and course descriptions for further information.
• Honors and Regular Courses: A student may not take both an Honors course and the regular course equivalent and receive credit for both.
• Please consult your personal degree audit, the specific course descriptions in this catalog, and your advisor for additional information.

Some additional limitations include, but are not limited to:

Physical Education/Theatre activities courses (e.g., yoga, dance, etc.)

• Courses in basic physical education activity theory (100 level) may be taken for elective credit by any student, but no more than eight credit hours total (including PEAC/PEHD/DANC/THTR cross-listed dance/activity courses) may be applied toward a degree. More than eight credit hours will be coded as a repeat exclude (RE) (up to the maximum allowable hours) whether or not the student has previously taken that exact course.
• Students may not receive credit for PEAC 106  and PEAC 114 . Students may not receive credit for PEAC 114  and PEAC 117.

Dance/Theatre courses

• Students who have completed DANC 146  may not subsequently receive credit towards graduation for DANC 145 .
• Students who have completed DANC 235  may not subsequently receive credit towards graduation for DANC 135 .
• Students who have completed DANC 437  may not subsequently receive credit towards graduation for DANC 337 , DANC 237 , DANC 138  or DANC 137 .
• Students who have completed DANC 337  may not subsequently receive credit towards graduation for DANC 237 , DANC 138  or DANC 137 .
• Students who have completed DANC 237  may not subsequently receive credit towards graduation for DANC 138  or DANC 137 .
• Students who have completed DANC 138  may not subsequently receive credit towards graduation for DANC 137 .
• Students who have completed DANC 485  may not subsequently receive credit towards graduation for DANC 385 , DANC 285 , DANC 186 , or DANC 185 .
• Students who have completed DANC 385  may not subsequently receive credit towards graduation for DANC 285 , DANC 186 , or DANC 185 .
• Students who have completed DANC 285  may not subsequently receive credit towards graduation for DANC 186  or DANC 185 .
• Students who have completed DANC 186  may not subsequently receive credit towards graduation for DANC 185 .
• In addition to the above limitations, only fourteen hours from technique classes at the 300 or below level are counted towards graduation. These courses are:
  • DANC 135 , DANC 137 , DANC 138 , DANC 145 , DANC 146 , DANC 185 , DANC 186 , DANC 235 , DANC 237 , DANC 285 , DANC 337 , DANC 385 .

Languages

• Having completed any 101 or 102 language course (i.e., SPAN, GRMN, or LATN), students may not take 150 for credit; conversely, students who complete 150 may not receive credit for 101 or 102. The same rule applies for the 201/202/250 sequence.
• Having completed SPAN 313  or SPAN 314 , students may not take SPAN 350  for credit; conversely, students who complete SPAN 350  may not receive credit for either SPAN 313  or SPAN 314 .
• For foreign language courses numbered 101-202 and SPAN 101 -SPAN 275 : Students who have completed a course within this range may not subsequently receive credit for a numerically lower numbered course within the same language. For example, a student has successfully completed FREN 202 . This student may take FREN 101 , but he or she will not earn credit for the course nor will the grade be included in the GPA. The FREN 101  course will be coded as a repeat exclude (no credit/quality points).
• For foreign language courses numbered above 202 or above SPAN 275 : Students who have completed a foreign language course above 202 or SPAN 275  may not subsequently receive credit for a course in the same language within the range of 101-202 or SPAN 101 -SPAN 275 . For example, a student who has credit for an upper-level course elects to take one of these lower-level courses in the same language, the student will not earn credit for the course nor will the grade be included in the GPA. The lower-level course will be coded as a repeat exclude (no credit/quality points).

Mathematics

• Students who have completed MATH 105 , MATH 111 , or MATH 120  may not subsequently receive credit towards graduation for MATH 101  or 102.
• Students who have completed MATH 120  may not subsequently receive credit for MATH 105  or MATH 111 .

Business, Economics, Business Law, Accounting, International Business

• Students who have completed ECON 200  or ECON 201  may not subsequently receive credit for ECON 101 .
• Students with majors outside of the School of Business may receive a maximum of 30 business school credit hours.
• Students who have completed, or are currently enrolled in, BLAW 205  or BLAW 306  may not subsequently receive credit for BLAW 106.
• Business school majors who have completed, or are concurrently enrolled in, a 300- or 400-level business, international business, economics, or accounting course may not receive credit for MGMT 105 .

Art History and Music

• Only six credit hours from ARTH 290  and/or ARTH 340  (Selected Topics) may be applied towards the 36 credit hours for the art history major (majors only).
• Students may only receive up to 12 credit hours for MUSC 399 .
• No more than 8 credit hours from any combination of ensembles or concert choir may be earned and applied towards graduation requirements.

Sciences and Psychology

• Students who have completed CHEM 111  or CHEM 112  will not subsequently receive credit for CHEM 101 . Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 101  and BIOL 111 , or for both BIOL 102  and BIOL 112 , or for both BIOL 111  and BIOL 112  and Honors Biology.
• No more than 6 credit hours of Psychology Independent Study (PSYC 498 ) or Special Topics II (PSYC 410 ) may be applied toward the major requirements.

Philosophy

• PHIL 240  may not be taken for credit if credit has been received for JWST 240 .
• PHIL 255  may not be taken for credit if credit has been received for RELS 255 .

NOTE: This is not a complete list of specific situations resulting in repeated or duplicate coursework. Please consult your personal degree audit, the specific course information in this catalog, and your advisor for additional information.

Transfer Credit or Credit By Examination That Repeats College of Charleston Courses

Students with transfer credit or credit by examination (AP, IB, CLEP) should not register for or complete a course that is considered a repeat or a duplicate of the credited coursework. Credit will only be awarded once when a course has been repeated or duplicated.

A student may petition the Registrar’s Office, with approval of his or her advisor, to decline transfer credit or credit by examination. Petitions must be made before the course is repeated. Scholarship students (academic and athletic), financial aid students, and veterans must check with the Departments of Financial Aid or Athletics to see how the application of this policy will affect their eligibility.

Course Overload

The normal course load for degree candidates in fall and spring semesters is 14-17 credit hours. Enrollment in courses totaling more than 18 credit hours requires special permission from the student’s academic advisor and approval by the department chair or director of advising or dean of the Honors College as appropriate. This permission must be obtained before registration for the semester in which the overload is to be carried. Failure to obtain permission may result in cancellation of any course registrations not specifically authorized over 18 hours. Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.000 or less are advised against taking an overload. Students with a cumulative or major GPA of 2.000 or less are strongly advised against taking an overload.

Course Overload During Summer

Students may take only one course during Maymester. Students are advised to take no more than two courses concurrently during any of the other summer parts of term. Taking more than two courses concurrently is considered an overload. Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.000 or less are advised against taking an overload. Students with a cumulative or major GPA of 2.000 or less are strongly advised against taking an overload.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

The number of quality points earned for each course is calculated by multiplying the credit-hour value of the course by the number of quality points assigned to the grade received for the course. For example, a grade of “B” received in a three-semester-hour course would earn 9.000 quality points (3.000 quality points x 3 credit hours).

At the end of each semester, the student’s GPA for the semester is calculated. To compute the semester GPA, the total number of quality points earned for the semester is divided by the total number of quality hours carried. For instance, a student who earns 36 quality points while carrying a course load of 15 credit hours would earn a GPA of 2.400 for the semester.

The student’s cumulative GPA is also computed at the end of each semester. This is the grade point average the student has earned up to that point at the College. The cumulative GPA is computed by dividing the total quality points the student has earned at the College by the total number of quality hours carried. For example, a student who has earned a total of 180 quality points over 90 credit hours would have a cumulative GPA of 2.000.

For information on the S.C. LIFE Scholarship GPA calculation, visit the Financial Aid website. The LIFE Scholarship GPA is not to be confused with the College of Charleston GPA maintained on the degree audit and on the academic transcript. Students may access the College GPA calculator online at the Center for Academic Performance and Persistence website and on the Academic Services tab of MyCharleston.

Dean’s List (Distinguished)

After the end of each semester, the Office of the Registrar releases the dean’s lists to the Deans of each School (for declared majors) and to the Associate Vice President for the Academic Experience (for undeclared majors). Students are named to a dean’s list when they were enrolled in and completed at least 14 credit hours of undergraduate coursework and earned a grade point average of 3.600 or above. A student may not have an “I” (Incomplete) or a grade lower than “C” to qualify. No dean’s list is released for courses taken during the summer terms. This honor will be noted on the transcript as “Distinguished.”

The School of Professional Studies has separate standards for its dean’s list. Those standards are published on the website for the School of Professional Studies.

President’s List (Highly Distinguished)

After the end of each semester, students who were enrolled in and completed at least 14 credit hours of undergraduate coursework and have earned a grade point average of 3.800 or above are named to the President’s List for that semester. A student may not have an “I” (Incomplete) or a grade lower than “C” to qualify. No president’s list is released for courses taken during the summer terms.  This honor will be noted on the transcript as ” Highly Distinguished.”

School of Professional Studies Honor Roll Policy

Any undergraduate student with a declared degree in Bachelor of Professional Studies is named to the Honor Roll in the School of Professional Studies during any semester in which she or he completes and earns 12 or more credit hours with at least a 3.500 grade point average for all coursework. “I” grades must be resolved before any student is named to the Honor Roll.

A student who completes and earns 12 or more credit hours with at least a 3.750 grade point average for all coursework will be named to the School of Professional Studies Dean’s list. “I” grades must be resolved before any student is named to the Dean’s list.

Students named to the School of Professional Studies Honor Roll/Dean’s list are notified via e-mail by the Dean (or designated representative), and their names are placed on the School’s Web site. Students who do not wish to have their names included on the Honor Roll Web page must notify the Dean of the School of Professional Studies (or designated representative) in writing.

Part-time Students with a declared degree in Bachelor of Professional Studies with at least 15 earned credit hours at the College of Charleston and have at least a cumulative 3.500 grade point average may petition the Dean of the School of Professional Studies in writing for inclusion on the School’s Honor Roll.

Students named to the School of Professional Studies Honor Roll/Dean’s list for two consecutive terms (fall term, spring term, and summer term) of the academic year will receive certificates as well as their photo displayed on the monitors at the North Campus.

Faculty teaching in the Bachelor of Professional Studies program capstone course (PRST 400) will recommend to the Dean of the School of Professional Studies a student each term who displays exemplary leadership, scholarship, and character. Students will receive a faculty award certificate.

Any questions about this policy document should be addressed to the Dean of the School of Professional Studies. This policy document is subject to change without notice.  The Dean is responsible for the interpretation and application of this policy document. Changes in this policy document may be applied retroactively at the discretion of the Dean of the School of Professional Studies.

Graduation with Honors

Students who earn a cumulative grade point average of 3.900 to 4.000 will graduate summa cum laude. Students who earn a cumulative grade point average of 3.750 to 3.899 will graduate magna cum laude. Students who earn a cumulative grade point average of 3.500 to 3.749 will graduate cum laude. To be eligible for graduation with honors, at least 62 quality hours of the coursework to be applied to the degree must have been completed at the College of Charleston. To earn Top Honors a student must have a grade point average of 4.000 with at least 62 graded quality hours earned at the College of Charleston. Note that a course graded with a “P” carries no quality hours. For the purpose of calculating the GPA for graduation with honors, all undergraduate coursework taken at the College of Charleston will be included in that calculation.

Departmental Honors

Designed for mature individuals who are capable of sustained and independent work, the program of departmental honors is designed to give upperclassmen of exceptional ability an opportunity to explore intensively a field of their particular interest. Students take the initiative in outlining their proposed research, experiment, or special study; in enlisting the support of a faculty advisor; and in securing the approval of the department. At the conclusion of the program, departmental honors can be awarded only with the approval of the department. To be eligible, students must have earned a grade point average in the major of at least 3.500 and completed a minimum of 12 credit hours of exceptionally fine work in any combination of seminar, independent study, tutorial, and bachelor’s essay. Whichever format is chosen, the project should develop the student’s proficiency in library research or laboratory methodology, and the finished composition should be distinguished by its organization, reasoning, and expression.

The recommended capstone for earning departmental honors is the bachelor’s essay. Students must seek one of the professors in their major department to supervise the undertaking and must submit in writing a proposal for the project. Once the plan is accepted, students must work closely with their advisor. Since researching and writing the essay extends over both semesters of the senior year, students should submit one or more preliminary drafts for critical examination in order to allow time for proper revision of the essay. The department may also prescribe additional requirements for ensuring the quality of the work. Satisfactory completion of the bachelor’s essay entitles the candidate to six credit hours.

College Graduation Awards

High scholarship and exceptional achievement in extracurricular activities are traditionally important at the College. Prizes that recognize such achievements are also a part of the College tradition. Announcements of the recipients of cups, medals, and other awards are made each year at the awards ceremonies, part of commencement week activities.

Transcripts

The transcript is the record of a student’s enrollment at College of Charleston, including all undergraduate and graduate coursework completed at the College.  Grades and coursework from previous institutions are not listed on the transcript.  Only the total number of hours for accepted transfer credits are displayed.

An official transcript represents the end-product of a student’s academic record and is designed for use by outside entities.  It is printed on security paper containing the Registrar’s signature and University Seal or delivered electronically with Registrar’s signature and University Seal through a secured site.

Official transcripts may be mailed, sent electronically (when available) or picked up at the College of Charleston.  Please visit http://registrar.cofc.edu/transcripts/official-transcripts.php for pricing and additional information on requesting an official transcript.

An unofficial transcript is intended for use by the student. Unofficial transcripts may be viewed by students through MyCharleston free of charge. 

• Login to MyCharleston
• Select either the Academic Services or the Alumni tab
• Look for the Transcripts channel
• Click the View Unofficial Academic Transcript link

Degree and Enrollment Certifications

The Office of the Registrar at the College of Charleston does not complete forms or generate customized letters verifying information otherwise available on an official transcript or an enrollment or degree verification with National Student Clearinghouse.  If you require additional information that is not available on your official transcript or from the National Student Clearinghouse, please contact the Office of the Registrar. 

Enrollment Verifications

Students may obtain a free certification of enrollment (or proof of full-time enrollment) for insurance, scholarship, and loan purposes by logging into MyCharleston and selecting “Enrollment Verification” from the Banner Self-Service menu (step-by-step instructions are below). Enrollment verifications are available immediately following the drop-add deadlines for spring and fall terms. Questions about verifications should be directed to the Office of the Registrar.

Instructions for obtaining proof of enrollment:

1. Login to MyCharleston (my.cofc.edu).
2. On the Academic Services or Alumni tab, click on Banner Self-Service in the Banner Self-Service channel.  Click on the Student folder and then Student Records.  Choose Enrollment Verification.
3. The Enrollment Verification link will take you to the National Student Clearinghouse website.
4. Under Obtain an Enrollment Certificate, select the radio button for All Enrollment.
5. Click the Obtain an Enrollment Certificate link.

Enrollment verifications include an anticipated graduation date (AGD). Please note that the AGD is based on a formula that estimates completion from overall earned hours.  It may not be accurate if the student has changed their major, failed courses, or been readmitted.  It is not a guarantee of graduation.

Degree Verifications

The College of Charleston has authorized the National Student Clearinghouse to act as our agent for providing Degree Verifications.  Degree Verifications can be ordered by visiting www.degreeverify.org.

Students should also note that awarded degree information is also reflected on an official transcript.  For information on ordering an official transcript, please visit our Official Transcripts site.

Minimum Scholastic Attainment and Probation

Students are placed on academic probation when the level of their academic work is endangering their opportunity to earn a degree from the College and their continuation at the College is in jeopardy. The conditions of probation are intended to provide the opportunity for students to seek academic counseling at a sufficiently early date for assistance to be effective; to give students who are experiencing difficulties further opportunity to demonstrate adequate performance; and to provide assistance to students who have had significant problems interfering with their ability to study.

Students enrolled at the College of Charleston must earn a minimum grade point average (GPA) to avoid being placed on academic probation. These requirements are on a sliding scale based upon the total credits earned by the student. For more information, see the Center for Academic Performance and Persistence website.

Minimum Scholastic Attainment Standards

Academic Probation

If a student’s cumulative GPA at the end of any term (the entire summer is considered to be a term)is less than the grade point average required as listed above, the student is placed on academic probation and will be required to sign an Academic Probation Contract.

1. Once placed on academic probation, a student must show satisfactory academic improvement by the end of the next semester, regardless of the number of hours earned or attempted, or the student will be subject to dismissal for academic deficiency. Satisfactory academic improvement will be calculated for each student and included in the academic probation contract. Generally, the improvement must be great enough so that the student makes substantial progress toward achieving academic good standing. The decision regarding satisfactory academic improvement will be made by the director of the Center for Academic Performance and Persistence.
2. The student is required to enroll in and successfully complete EDLS 100 Learning Strategies  during the next major semester if the student has not already successfully completed the course. Successful completion is defined as earning a C or better. EDLS 100  does not count toward GPA hours or quality points.

Students on academic probation are eligible to receive transfer credit for courses taken at another institution but are not normally eligible for cross registration or leave privileges. Students who are dismissed from the College for academic deficiency are not eligible for financial aid or to receive transfer credit for courses taken elsewhere during the period of dismissal. The first dismissal period is two term, of which the entire summer may count as one. The second and any subsequent dismissal period is three calendar years.

Visiting students to the College of Charleston for summer sessions must adhere to the same academic standards as College of Charleston degree-seeking students. Students who have previously earned less than a 2.000 GPA while attending the College or who are not in good standing at their home institutions will normally not be permitted to enroll for summer sessions. However, instances where these students have gone on to demonstrate a proven academic record at other universities or who have been granted permission to complete courses as part of their degree programs at other universities may petition the Office of Maymester/Summer Sessions along with the Center for Academic Performance and Persistence for permission to enroll. Petitions will be handled on a case-by-case basis. A student granted permission to enroll in a summer session is not guaranteed admission or readmission during a subsequent semester.

Withdrawal from the College

For a variety of reasons, students may decide to withdraw from the institution and end their matriculation. In order to protect the integrity of the transcript and ensure that the record on file at the College of Charleston is in order, any student who is considering an institutional withdrawal should submit a request for Complete Withdrawal from the College of Charleston to the Center for Academic Performance and Persistence rather than merely drop out. The institutional withdrawal will be reflected on the transcript. An accurate student record will be especially important if the student decides to return to the College of Charleston or transfer to another institution. Before a student officially withdraws from the institution, appropriate arrangements must be made with the Offices of the Treasurer, Financial Assistance, and Residence Life to ensure that all obligations to the College of Charleston have been satisfied.

Please note that withdrawing from the institution is a different and separate process than course withdrawals. For more information about withdrawing from courses, please see the section “Withdrawal from Courses.”

If a student discontinues enrollment from the College of Charleston, whether voluntarily or not, re-entry for future semesters may be contingent on satisfying conditions outlined by the Division of Student Affairs and the Center for Academic Performance and Persistence.

Leave of Absence

Degree-seeking students may request a Leave of Absence (LOA) for up to two complete major semesters through the Center for Academic Performance and Persistence. When an official leave is granted, it will be noted on the transcript; students need not apply for readmission to re-enroll in courses. Students having a cumulative GPA of 2.000 or better are eligible for a leave; students having a cumulative GPA below 2.000 are not eligible for a leave and must request a Complete Withdrawal from the institution and apply for readmission in order to return to the College of Charleston if they are away for an entire major semester.

If a student discontinues enrollment from the College of Charleston, whether voluntarily or not, re-entry for future semesters may be contingent on satisfying conditions outlined by the Division of Student Affairs and the Center for Academic Performance and Persistence.

Students participating in exchange programs with other universities may have leave status approved through the Office of International Education and Programs.

For purposes of an approved LOA under federal Title IV financial aid regulations, the student’s LOA must not exceed a total 180 days, when added to all other LOAs in any 12-month period. If a student who has received federal Title IV loans (Perkins, PLUS, and Ford Federal Direct Subsidized or Unsubsidized Loans) does not return from an approved LOA, some or all of the repayment deferral period may be exhausted, and loans may go into repayment. For purposes of the Title IV programs, the date of withdrawal is backdated to the first day of the approved leave of absence. This policy also includes students who do not return from an approved leave for study abroad. Federal student loan recipients who are considering a LOA are encouraged to visit with a financial aid counselor prior to applying for a LOA to review the impact of a LOA on loan repayment.

All currently-enrolled, degree-seeking students who are called to active military service are eligible for a Leave of Absence, regardless of the cumulative GPA. Such students are eligible for an official leave for the length of their military service plus up to one year after their return from active duty.

Readmission

Any student at the College of Charleston who voluntarily withdraws from the institution or is dismissed for any reason must apply for readmission in order to re-enroll. All students who have done previous work at other colleges or universities must have their transcripts sent to the Office of Admissions. The College does not admit students who are ineligible to return to the last college or university attended. This rule applies to all students, including those applying for readmission. Readmit applicants must submit an essay outlining how they have used their time away from the College of Charleston and what they plan to do to be academically successful. All readmit applicants must meet transfer GPA requirements and all admission deadlines.

If a student discontinues enrollment from the College of Charleston, whether voluntarily or not, re-entry for future semesters may be contingent on satisfying conditions outlined by the Offices of Student Affairs and the Center for Academic Performance and Persistence.

In making decisions on those applying for readmission, the following guidelines will be used:

1. Students who voluntarily withdraw from the College while in good standing and with a cumulative GPA of 2.000 or above will be approved for readmission.
2. Students who have voluntarily withdrawn from the College of Charleston with a cumulative GPA below 2.000, students who have been dismissed from the institution for academic deficiency and who have completed the dismissal period, and students who have been separated from the institution for disciplinary reasons and who have completed any/all disciplinary sanctions will be considered for conditional readmission. Those students whose records at the College of Charleston indicate that successful completion of a College of Charleston degree in a reasonable length of time is impossible or extremely improbable will not be readmitted. Those whose records indicate that they can reach graduation standards in a reasonable period of time and those that have met the conditions required for reconsideration are required to return to the College of Charleston through the Successful Transitions through Educational Planning (STEP) Program. For more information about the STEP Program, please see the Center for Academic Performance and Persistence.
3. Students who previously attended the College as a provisional student or First Year Impact student but failed to meet the conditions of the program must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 30 credit hours at another institution before applying for readmission. They will be considered for admission only if they meet the admission standards applied to transfer students and then will be considered under item two above.
4. Transfer coursework completed ten or more years prior to re-enrollment at the College may be evaluated and re-validated by academic departments to be applicable for graduation credit. Also, if a long period of time has elapsed since a student’s last enrollment at the College, the chair and advisor may strongly advise the repeat of a course or enrollment in additional courses. This is due to changing graduation requirements or professional certification requirements and the need for the student to be adequately prepared for successful completion of the remaining coursework in a major.

NOTE: See Three-Year Option.

Students who are conditionally readmitted after any period of academic probation or dismissal for academic deficiency and who apply for financial aid will also be evaluated under the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Financial Aid Eligibility (SAP). Students who do not meet the SAP requirements will be notified and may have the option to file a SAP Appeal with the Office of Financial Aid.

Three-Year Option for Readmits (Academic Forgiveness Policy)

Students readmitted to the College after an absence of three or more calendar years may choose to have their previous College of Charleston record treated as transfer credit if they achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.500 or better in the first 15 credit hours after their return. All grades earned in the semester in which the 15th credit hour is completed will be included. Previous work at the College will remain on the student’s permanent record; however, only coursework completed since readmission will be used to calculate their cumulative GPA. Students choosing this option must request it in writing to the Center for Academic Performance & Persistence (CAPP) once the 15 credit hours are completed.  Certain restrictions apply:

• Students who choose to apply the Three-Year Option to their record should be aware that any coursework completed prior to readmission in which a grade of “C-” or lower was earned will not count toward graduation.
• For the purpose of calculating GPA for graduation with honors, all coursework taken at the College of Charleston will be included in that calculation.
• Students must request the Three-Year Option prior to applying to graduate.
• The Three-Year Option is not available to students who have already earned a degree from the College of Charleston.
• Once a Three-Year Option has been approved and applied, it cannot be reversed.