Academic Standing and Continued Enrollment
Continued enrollment at JMU depends upon an undergraduate
student’s ability to maintain satisfactory academic progress toward attaining a
degree. The university measures this ability by the student’s cumulative grade
point average. To assist students in maintaining satisfactory progress, JMU has
adopted academic standards designed to provide early identification of students
who are experiencing academic difficulty and to provide timely intervention
through academic support programs.
Academic Good Standing
Undergraduate students who maintain a cumulative grade point
average of at least 2.0 are considered to be in academic good standing and are
eligible for continued enrollment at JMU.
Academic Warning
The status of academic warning applies to any student whose
grade point average for a semester is below 2.0. Students who are placed on
academic warning at the conclusion of a semester are urged to contact their
advisers to devise strategies for improving academic performance.
Academic Probation
Academic probation is an indication of serious academic
difficulty and applies whenever a student’s cumulative grade point average
falls below 2.0. Students who are placed on academic probation at the end of
the fall semester may enroll for the spring semester; however, students on
academic probation will be restricted to a course load of no more than 12
credit hours each semester until their cumulative grade point average has
improved sufficiently enough to remove them from academic probation. The
university might also require students on academic probation to confer regularly
with their academic advisers and to participate in the Educational
Skills Development Programs.
Academic
Suspension
A student will be placed on academic suspension if that student’s
cumulative grade point average is below the minimum required for continued
enrollment. (These requirements are set forth in the following table.) As a
rule, academic suspension will be invoked at the end of spring semester (and
summer session for students who attend summer session); however, in exceptional
cases where academic performance is persistently unsatisfactory, or in cases
where students fail to meet reinstatement conditions, the institution may
choose to suspend students at the end of fall semester. If you are suspended at
the end of fall semester you must submit an Intent to Enroll form by April
1 to return for summer session. The form is available on the Web at http://www.jmu.edu/registrar/forms.shtml.
Suspended students who wish to rectify their academic
deficiencies may enroll in the immediately following summer session. If the
student uses a summer session to raise his or her cumulative grade point
average to at least the minimum required for continued enrollment on academic
probation, then that student will be eligible to enroll for the fall semester
under the restrictions described under academic probation. Students unable to
raise their grade point average to the minimum required conditions for
continued enrollment will be academically suspended and ineligible for
continued enrollment at JMU.
During a second suspension, the student may choose to make a
written appeal to the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. In these
cases, a committee chaired by the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs
and composed of representatives of deans will make the decision regarding
permission to re-enroll and the conditions under which re-enrollment will be granted.
|
Total Number of Hours
for Standing1
|
Cumulative GPA for Academic Suspension
|
|
1-27
|
less than 1.500
|
|
28-44
|
less than 1.650
|
|
45-59
|
less than 1.750
|
|
60-74
|
less than 1.850
|
|
75-89
|
less than 1.900
|
|
90-104
|
less than 1.994
|
|
105-119
|
less than 1.999
|
|
120 or above
|
less than 2.000
|
|
JMU Hrs
Attempted
|
Trans Hrs
|
NC
Hrs
|
JMU Hrs
Earned
|
Cum Hrs
Earned
|
Hrs
for
Standing
|
Cum Quality Pts Earned
|
Cum
GPA
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
60
|
30
|
2
|
52
|
82
|
92
|
119.5
|
1.991
|
Academic
Dismissal
A student who is suspended a third time will be permanently
dismissed from the university. No appeal of this dismissal will be considered,
nor will students dismissed for academic deficiency be allowed to exercise the
transfer equivalent option.
Appeals for Early Re-enrollment
If there are documented extenuating circumstances associated
with the academic deficiency that resulted in a student’s suspension from JMU,
the student on academic suspension may appeal for permission to re-enroll at
JMU prior to being eligible for readmission.
During a first suspension, the student may choose to make a
written appeal for early re-enrollment to the office of the dean of the major
college or to the office of the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs
for students with undeclared majors. The office of the dean of the major
college or the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs will make the
decision regarding permission to re-enroll and the conditions under which
re-enrollment will be granted.
Attendance
Students’ participation in the work of a course is clearly a
precondition to their receiving credit in that course. Because of the wide
variety of courses and teaching methods at JMU, the university recognizes that
the nature of a student’s participation in the work of a course cannot be prescribed
on a university-wide basis. For this reason, classroom attendance is not a
matter subject to regulation by the university. Attendance in class and in the
laboratory is a matter between the student and the faculty member in that class
or laboratory.
Auditing
In order to audit a class, students must have the permission
of their faculty advisers and the head of the department or director of the
school offering the class. Audited courses will not affect a student’s semester
credit hours or grade point average.
Changes in Requirements
Generally, a student is subject to the curricular and
graduation requirements contained in the catalog in effect upon the student’s
first enrollment at JMU (or, if requested for valid reasons by the student and
approved by the student’s major programs and the Office of the Registrar, the
requirements contained in a different catalog).
However, James Madison University is a progressive
educational institution and its offerings and requirements are under continual
examination and revision.
Revisions often affect currently enrolled students. Although
the university attempts to alert students to these revisions through the
academic advising process, individual reports of academic progress and various
campus publications, responsibility for meeting all curricular and other
graduation requirements rests with the students, who are encouraged to consult
regularly with their program advisers as well as Academic Advising and Career
Development.
Classification
The classification of students depends upon the number of
credit hours they have earned.
|
Classification
|
Credit
Hours
|
|
Freshmen
|
Fewer
than 28
|
|
Sophomores
|
28-59
|
|
Junior
|
60-89
|
|
Seniors
|
More
than 89
|
Course
Adjustment
A course adjustment is any change to a student’s registered
course schedule. A course adjustment can include any of the following: changing
a credit option, changing a section, adding a course, dropping a course or
withdrawing from a course. Deadlines for processing specific course adjustments
are stated in the Registration and Student
Record Services Handbook. The end of the course adjustment period
(approximately one week after midterm grades are due for a regular semester) is
the deadline for making any changes to a registered course schedule. First
semester freshmen (students who have taken 27 or fewer credit hours) must
secure the prior approval of their faculty adviser for any course adjustments.
Adding a Course, Changing Sections or Changing Credit Options
Students may add a course and change sections or credit
options according to deadlines and instructions published in the Registration
and Student Record Services Handbook. Students should note that adding a
course may result in a tuition increase.
Dropping or Withdrawing from a Course
Dropping and withdrawing both result in the termination of a
student’s enrollment in the course. Dropping a course must be completed before
the drop deadline, which usually occurs the Monday after the first week of a
regular semester’s classes. There is no fee for dropping a course, and the
dropped course will not appear on the student’s transcript. Depending on the
student’s course load, dropping a course might result in a tuition reduction.
Withdrawing from a course occurs after the drop deadline but
prior to the end of the course adjustment period. The student will receive a
grade of “W” for the course, and this grade will be recorded (and remain) on
the student’s transcript regardless of the status of the student in the course
at the time of the withdrawal. Withdrawing from a course will not result in a
tuition reduction. The university will not permit students to withdraw from a
course after the end of the course adjustment period. Students are responsible
for knowing their registered course schedules and for making any desired course
adjustments prior to the published registration deadlines. Failure to attend
class does not constitute a withdrawal. After the end of the course adjustment
period, a grade other than “W” must be issued for all registered courses.
Students considering withdrawing from a course should be
aware that graduate and professional schools and future employers might hold
differing opinions on a student’s withdrawal from a course. For this reason, a
student should withdraw from a course only after serious consideration.
Students wanting to drop or withdraw from any course in
Cluster One of the general education program must have the approval of the Dean
of General Education or the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Movement from one section of a Cluster One course to another section of a
Cluster One course does not require approval.
Course Load
In all programs, the normal load per semester is 15 or 16
credit hours. A student with a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or better
may register for as many as 21 credit hours per semester. Any student in good
standing may take a maximum of 19 credit hours without securing special
permission.
Students in good standing who wish to exceed these credit per
semester limitations must secure permission from the head of the department or
director of the school in which they are majoring.
The university strongly recommends that a student on academic warning not register
for more than 16 credit hours per semester. A student on probation may not take
more than 12 credit hours per semester.
Academic Probation and Course Load
Students on academic probation should get the approval of the
office of dean of their major college if they wish to take more than 12 credit
hours per semester. Students should note that an undergraduate course load of
at least 12 credit hours a semester is required for a student to live in a
residence hall.
Summer
Session Course Load
During summer session, undergraduate students may take six
credit hours for each four-week term, nine credit hours for each six-week term
and twelve credit hours for each eight and ten-week term. The head of the
department or director of the school in which the student is majoring must
approve overloads at the time of registration. Students are reminded that
summer course work is intensive because of the condensed instructional
time-frame and are encouraged to plan their summer schedules with the demanding
workload in mind.
Confidentiality of Educational Records
The Family Educational Rights and
Privacy Act of 1974
James Madison University adheres to and annually informs
students of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended.
This act, with which the institution intends to fully comply, was designated to
protect the privacy of educational records. Under the Family Educational Rights
and Privacy Act (FERPA) students have certain rights with respect
to their education records.
These rights include:
The right to inspect and review the student’s education
records within 45 days of the day the University receives a request for access.
Students should submit to the registrar, dean, head of the
academic department, or other appropriate official, written requests that
identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The University official will make
arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the
records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the University
official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the
student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
The right to request the amendment of the student’s
education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading.
Students may ask the University to amend a record that they
believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the University official
responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want
changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the University
decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the University
will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her
right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information
regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified
of the right to a hearing.
The right to consent to disclosures of personally
identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except
to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
One exception which permits disclosure without consent is
disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school
official is a person employed by the University in an administrative,
supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law
enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the
University has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent);
a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official
committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another
school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a
legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education
record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon
request, the University may disclose education records without consent to
officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. The
following is considered “Directory Information” at James Madison University and
may be made available to the general public unless the student notifies the
Office of the Registrar in person or in writing within five days after the
first day of class registration.
Student’s name, telephone numbers, addresses, date and place
of birth, major and minor fields of study, college of major and year (freshman,
sophomore, etc.), enrollment status (full-time/part-time) including credit
hours, dates of attendance, degree sought and time, degrees conferred, awards
and honors conferred, participation in officially recognized activities and
sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, the most recent
previous educational agency or institution attended by the student, fraternity
and/or sorority and educational societies.
The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of
Education concerning alleged failures by James Madison University to comply
with the requirements of FERPA.
The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:
Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland
Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-4605.
For more detailed information concerning JMU’s records policy
see James Madison University, Policies and Procedures, Policy 3102, The Family
Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
Credit/No-credit Course Registration
The credit/no-credit option has been established to encourage
students to explore academic areas with which they are unfamiliar. Such
academic exploration allows students to fully integrate field-based learning
activities into appropriate programs of study. The design of the
credit/no-credit option allows students to participate in courses outside of
their major and minor fields of concentration without jeopardizing their
academic records. In some cases, the
credit/no-credit option might also help to reduce academic pressures and
competition for grades.
Students electing to take courses under this option should be
selective in choosing the courses that they take as credit/no-credit. Graduate
and professional schools and future employers, however, might hold differing
opinions of such a nontraditional grading system. For this reason, students
should consult with their academic advisers for information concerning the
inclusion of credit/no-credit course grades within their programs.
Students are eligible to take a course on a credit/ no-credit basis if
they have completed at least 28 credit hours at JMU and have attained a 2.25
cumulative grade point average or higher. Transfer students may take courses on
the credit/no-credit option only if they have completed 28 credit hours with at
least 14 hours at JMU.
JMU allows students to register for kinesiology activity
courses on a credit/no-credit basis at any time without regard to minimum hours
completed or grade point average. Also, grades for student teaching are
assigned on a credit/no-credit basis. Except for field-based courses (which may
be defined by a department/school as credit/no-credit) the following courses
may not be taken credit/no-credit:
§
Courses used to meet General Education requirements
§
Courses within a major program
§
Courses within a minor program
§
Courses listed by name and number in a major or minor
program but offered outside the major and minor department or school
§
Courses being repeated that were previously taken for a
letter grade
§
Degree requirements
Students should also keep in mind the following factors when
considering the credit/no-credit option:
§
Students can take up to 15 credit hours on a
credit/no-credit basis.
§
The university limits the maximum number of
credit/no-credit courses a student can take to four credit hours per semester
or one course of more than four credit hours per semester.
§
Student teaching is not counted as a part of these
credit/no-credit totals.
§
Students registering for classes should declare the
course or courses that they plan to take on a credit/no-credit basis at the
time of registration, and all changes to and from the credit/no-credit option
must be completed by the end of the course adjustment period.
§
The credit/no-credit option will only apply to final
grades. All course work and quizzes will be graded as if the student were
taking the course for credit.
§
Students taking a course on a credit/no-credit basis
will only be identified to the instructor after final grades have been
submitted.
§
Instructors will submit letter grades to the university
registrar who will then change all grades of “A” through “C” to “CR” (credit)
for those students enrolled under the credit/no-credit option. (The university
makes exceptions to this process for field-based courses designated by the
department/school.) Students will receive credit hours, but they will not
receive quality points for the work completed. Therefore, the grade of “CR”
will not affect a student’s cumulative grade point averages.
§
A grade of “NC” (no-credit) will be recorded for all
grades of “C-” and below and the student will not receive credit hours or
quality points for the grade of “NC.” The fact that the student took the course
will remain on that student’s transcript, but the grade assigned in that class
will not affect that student’s cumulative grade point average.
Credit Opportunities
The university offers the following options to enable
students to earn credit toward their degree outside the traditional classroom
setting:
§
Admission
of High School Students as Special Students
§
(Refer to the Office for Admissions Web site at
http://www.jmu.edu/admissions/ for more information.)
§
Admission of Freshmen With Advanced Placement (See Page
16 for information concerning the College Board Advanced Placement program.)
§
Credit
by Examination
§
Independent Study
Credit by Examination
College degrees represent growth and maturity in certain
fundamental knowledge and skills rather than a mere accumulation of credit
hours. In recognition of the fact that some persons may achieve academic
competence through nontraditional means, such as private study, technical
employment or prior instruction, JMU endorses the concept of credit by
examination.
By permitting a student to earn credit by school and
departmental examination for knowledge already gained, highly motivated or
academically advanced persons are able to accelerate their program. It is the
student’s responsibility to ascertain what preparation and background are
necessary for taking advantage of this means of acceleration, before attempting
an examination.
Any enrolled undergraduate student may apply to take an
examination for credit in selected courses in the undergraduate curriculum.
Permission to take an examination for credit must be obtained from the head of
the academic unit or director of the school in which credit is sought. A
student will not be permitted to take the examination for credit option with
any of the following conditions:
§
The student is presently enrolled in the course.
§
The student has previously completed the course.
§
The course is a prerequisite for a course in which the
student is currently enrolled or has completed.
§
The course is numbered at a lower level than courses in
which the student is currently enrolled or has previously completed without the
expressed approval of the director of the school or department head.
§
A student’s grade in a course was assigned due to a
violation of the Honor System.
Each department or school will use its own discretion in
developing the form of the examination and in determining the procedure to be
followed. Students may earn as many as 30 credit hours through credit by school
or departmental examination, with no more than 12 credit hours in any one
discipline. To receive credit, a student must make a grade of “C” or better on
the examination. Each department or school shall determine what constitutes a
“C” for that department or school. No department or school shall require a
grade higher than a “C” for passing the examination. The examination for a
course can be taken only once in a given semester. A nonrefundable fee must be
paid prior to the administration of an examination for credit. (Refer to the
fees information in the catalog, Page 49.) Each department or school will
determine its time schedule for giving examinations.
Independent Study
Every department and school at JMU offers a course designed
to give capable students an opportunity to do faculty-supervised independent
studies. Such courses often carry more than the normal three credit hours for a
semester’s work. In addition, these independent study courses allow especially
capable students to work at their own, often accelerated pace. Arrangements for
independent study should be made with individual faculty members.
Final Examinations
Students are expected to attend final examinations during the
times scheduled for those examinations. Extenuating circumstances, however,
might prompt faculty members to approve a student’s request for an exception to
attending the final examination. Students whose request for an exception is
disapproved by the relevant faculty member have the right to appeal to the
relevant department head, school director or academic dean. No appeal will be
favorably considered without prior consultation with the faculty member.
Final Examinations Missed Due
to Inclement Weather or Emergency
In response to inclement weather and other emergencies, the
university may be forced to cancel final exams. When the university closes due
to weather or other type of emergency, faculty will administer regularly
scheduled final exams on the official university exam make up day, normally the
Saturday immediately following exam week unless otherwise announced in the
course syllabus. Exam locations will be the same as the location for the
regularly scheduled exam.
If it is determined that exams cannot be given because of
inclement weather or other emergency, faculty will assign final grades to
students based on the exams, tests and projects completed prior to the
regularly scheduled exam date.
Grade Appeal Procedure
Maintaining standards of excellence and the integrity of the
teaching/learning process are important values to JMU faculty. The university
and its faculty members also recognize that grades may sometimes be
inappropriately assigned. If such disagreements occur, students have a right to
voice their opinion concerning a particular course grade. Evaluation of student
work and assignment of grades on the basis of academic criteria are the
responsibilities and prerogative exercised by the professor.
Grade Change Procedure
If a student (graduate, undergraduate or post-baccalaureate)
believes that a grade was assigned in error, because of a mistake in
calculation or an error in recording a grade, the student should consult the
professor (or professors, in the case of a jointly taught course) before the
Friday of the second full week of classes in the regular semester following the
semester of the contested grade to resolve the discrepancy. Requests for review
of spring semester or summer session grades must be initiated no later than the
Monday of the third full week of classes in the subsequent fall semester. If
the professor agrees that a change should be made, the professor should submit
a Grade Change Form, available from the Office of the Registrar or on the Web
at http://www.jmu.edu/registrar/forms.shtml, and forward it to the relevant
department head, school director or cluster coordinator for signature. A copy
of the Grade Change Form will be forwarded to the dean. The only basis for this
type of change is an error in grade assignment or calculation.
Grade Review Process
If a student (graduate, undergraduate or post- baccalaureate)
believes that a final course grade was unfairly awarded, that student may
initiate the grade review process. Students should be aware that, as a result
of review, a grade may be raised, lowered or left the same. Evaluation of
student work and assignment of grades on the basis of academic criteria are the
responsibilities of and prerogative exercised by the professor teaching that
particular course. Grounds for grade review are limited to two categories.
§
The grade was assigned in a manner other than that
listed in the course syllabus or as amended by the professor with appropriate
notice.
§
The grade was assigned in a manner other than that used
for other students in the class.
Activating the Grade Review
Process
To activate the grade review process, the student should follow
these four steps.
1. The
student submits a Grade Review Form (available at on the Web at
www.jmu.edu/registrar/forms or at the Office of the Registrar) to the
appropriate professor by Monday of the third full week of classes in the
regular semester that follows the semester for which the contested grade was
given. The student should attach a
written explanation of reasons for dispute, including any documentation
relating to the disputed grade. Requests for review of spring semester or
summer session grades must be initiated no later than the Monday of the third
full week of classes in the subsequent fall semester.
2. The
student meets with the professor by Friday of the third full week of classes to
attempt to resolve the concern.
§
If the student and the
professor reach an agreement that the grade should be changed, the professor
changes the grade by submitting a Grade Change Form to the appropriate academic
unit head for that individual’s signature. A copy of this signed Grade Change
Form will be forwarded to the dean. For graduate students whose grade of “C,”
“U” or “F” is to be changed, notice of the grade change must be sent to the
Graduate School before that change occurs.
§
If no resolution is
reached, the professor signs the Grade Review Form and records a written
response on the reverse side of the form. The professor returns the original
copy of this form to the student, retains a copy of the form for his or her
personal records and forwards a copy to the relevant academic unit head by
Friday of the fourth full week of classes.
3. The
student must contact the relevant academic unit head by the Friday of the fifth
full week of classes to request review of statement and response.
4. The
academic unit head then meets with the student and confers with the relevant
professor.
§
The academic unit head
signs the Grade Review Form and records a written response on the reverse side
of the form by Friday of the seventh full week of classes. The student receives
the original copy of this form, the relevant professor receives a copy of the
form and the sender retains a copy of the form.
§
If all involved parties
agree that the grade should be changed, the professor submits a Grade Change
Form to the academic unit head and the appropriate individual signs the form. A
copy of the form will be forwarded to the dean. Notice of the grade change must
also be sent to the College of Graduate and Professional Programs before the
grade change occurs for graduate students who have a grade of “C,” “U” or “F”
changed to some other grade.
After the review process outlined above has been completed, a
student can also request that the form, documentation and responses be reviewed
by the dean of the college in which the class was taught. The college dean’s
responsibility is only to ascertain whether all parties have had an opportunity
to present all relevant facts and have received a fair and impartial hearing at
each level. To enter this phase of the process, a student should follow these
procedures.
1. The
student contacts the dean by Friday of the eighth full week of classes and
requests that the dean review the overall process.
2. The
college dean reviews the process to be sure the student and the faculty member
have had a fair hearing.
§
If the relevant college
dean believes that due process was not followed during the review process, the
dean consults with the relevant professor and department head, school director
or cluster coordinator to resolve the dispute.
3. The
relevant college dean sends a written response to all involved parties by
Friday of the 10th full week of classes. This written response is appended to
the Grade Review Form. The dean returns the original copy to the student,
retains a copy for him or herself and sends a copy to the relevant academic
unit head and the relevant professor.
§
If it is agreed that the
student’s grade should be changed, the relevant professor submits a Grade
Change Form to the academic unit head. The recipient then signs the form and
forwards a copy to the dean. Notice of the grade change must also be sent to
the College of Graduate and Professional Programs before the grade change
occurs for graduate students who have a grade of “C,” “U” or “F” changed to
some other grade.
There is no further review beyond college dean. The
entire process will not extend past the end of the semester following the
contested grade with the exception of grades given for summer session courses.
Special Circumstances
Students who spend a semester abroad should submit the Grade
Review Form to the relevant professor by the Monday of the third full week of
classes in the semester following the semester during which the grade was
given. These students must also notify the professor of their semester absence
from campus.
Students can complete a written explanation of the reasons
for the dispute and can submit relevant documentation upon their return to
campus, but that student cannot submit the request after the end of that
semester.
If a faculty member is not on campus when a student wants to
initiate a grade review, the student should contact the academic unit head to
begin the process.
Grades for block courses are officially recorded at the end
of the semester; therefore, a grade review process for a block grade should
follow the same procedure as for a semester course.
Graduation
Graduation Requirements
The faculty adviser and the department head or school
director make the official check on major and minor course requirements for
graduation. The Office of the Registrar makes the final check on courses
required for the final term, total credit earned, the general education
program, degree requirements and the cumulative GPA earned at the university,
as well as other university-wide requirements.
To receive a degree from JMU, a student must:
§
Meet the General Education requirements
§
Have a minimum of 120 earned credit hours accepted by
JMU
§
Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better
§
Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better
in the major and minor subjects
§
Meet the major and degree requirements of one of the
curricula leading to the degree for which they are candidates
§
Have been enrolled at JMU a minimum of two regular
semesters and have earned a minimum of 30 credit hours at JMU during that
period of enrollment
§
Be enrolled at JMU during the semester in which the
requirements for the degree are completed
§
Have earned at least 60 credit hours accepted by JMU
from accredited senior (four-year) institutions of higher education, including
JMU
A student expecting to graduate at the end of any semester
must file an Application for a Bachelor’s Degree, available at the Registrar’s
office, with the university registrar as specified in the University Calendar.
Responsibility for meeting graduation requirements rests with the student.
A student who has applied to graduate may participate in
commencement exercises only if the student has fulfilled or is reasonably
expected to fulfill all applicable graduation requirements prior to the date of
the commencement exercises. A student who is reasonably expected to fulfill all
applicable graduation requirements not later than the end of summer session may
participate in the Spring commencement exercises immediately preceding the
summer term.
Attendance at commencement exercises is expected. If a
student is unable to attend commencement, the university registrar must be
notified at least 21 days prior to commencement.
Permission to participate in (or actual participation in)
commencement exercises does not mean or imply that a student has fulfilled all
applicable graduation requirements.
Graduation with Honors
In order to be eligible for graduation with honors, the
student must have been enrolled at JMU for a minimum of four regular semesters
and have completed a minimum of 60 credit hours at JMU during that period of
enrollment. The student must also have maintained a minimum cumulative grade
point average of 3.25/3.50, as specified in the following table, at James
Madison University and have a cumulative average, as specified in the following
box, in all course work, including all course work taken at other colleges. All
grades received in all courses attempted will be used in calculating a
student’s grade point average in consideration for graduation with honors.
Credits completed at other colleges will be converted to the JMU grading scale.
Graduation honors will be
noted in the commencement program for students meeting graduation requirements
prior to the date of commencement exercises. The graduation honors appearing in
the program will be based on the grade point average at the end of the semester
preceding the semester in which final graduation requirements are met.
Final graduation honors recorded on the diploma and transcript will be
determined by the grade point average at the end of the semester in which all
graduation requirements are met.
Cumulative Averages Required for Graduation Honors
|
Honors
|
Average
|
|
Cum laude
|
3.50-3.699
|
|
Magna cum laude
|
3.70-3.899
|
|
Summa cum laude
|
3.9 and above
|
These
standards apply only to students entering JMU for the first time in fall 1996
and thereafter.
Requirements for graduation with honors for students who
entered JMU prior to 1996 are regulated by the catalog in effect at the time
they enrolled.
Graduation Awards
The title of Valedictorian is an honor
bestowed by the Faculty Senate on behalf of the JMU faculty. Criteria were
established by the Faculty Senate. It is given to the May graduate with the
highest grade point average who has also earned at least 100 credit hours at
James Madison University. The student must have completed an average of at
least 14 credit hours per fall and spring semester during his or her career at
JMU. The grade point average will be calculated using grades recorded on the
official transcript through the fall semester of the student’s last year of
undergraduate enrollment.
The Academic Excellence Award is
an honor bestowed by the JMU Faculty Senate on behalf of the JMU faculty.
Criteria were established by the Faculty Senate. It is for the student
graduating in August or December who holds a grade point average that equals or
exceeds that of the valedictorian and who has earned at least 100 credit hours
at James Madison University. The student must have completed an average of at
least 14 credit hours per fall and spring semester during his or her career at
JMU. The grade point average will be calculated using grades recorded on the
official transcript through the spring semester of the student’s last year of
undergraduate enrollment.
When more than one student qualifies for the Valedictorian or
Academic Excellence Awards, each qualified student will be recognized.
Graduation with Second
Baccalaureate Degree
A student may earn two different baccalaureate degrees
concurrently or consecutively at James Madison University if he or she meets
the following requirements.
§
Earns a minimum of 150 credit hours, including a
minimum of 60 hours at JMU.
§
Meets all degree and university graduation requirements
for both degree programs.
§
Meets all prerequisite and course requirements in two
different major fields.
Students who hold a baccalaureate degree from another
institution may earn a second baccalaureate degree at James Madison University
by meeting the following requirements:
§
Complete a minimum of 30 credit hours and two regular
semesters (including the semester in which the requirements for the second
baccalaureate degree are met) at JMU.
§
Meet all prerequisite and course requirements in the
major field as well as degree requirements for the second baccalaureate degree
program.
§
Earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher
in course work completed for the major and second baccalaureate degree
programs.
Grievance Procedure for
Students
This policy applies to student grievances against faculty
that do not concern grades, discrimination or harassment. Policies for
grievances concerning these matters are outlined elsewhere.
1. Each
department, school or program head will appoint an advisory committee made up
of faculty and students from the academic unit that will hear grievances of
students. The advisory committee may take any of the following actions:
§
Examine materials
submitted by the student and the party grieved against (“respondent”).
§
Interview the student
and the respondent.
§
Interview any witnesses
requested by the student, the respondent or the committee.
§
Request additional
materials from any person or entity relevant to the charges.
§
Make a recommendation on
the grievance to the department, school or program head.
2. The
head of the academic unit may accept the recommendation of the committee,
reject the recommendation or partially accept and partially reject the
recommendation. The head of the academic unit will take any action he or she
deems appropriate on the grievance.
3. If
either the student or the respondent is dissatisfied with the action taken by
the head of the academic unit, the action may be appealed to the dean. The
decision of the dean is final.
4. If
the head of the academic unit is the party against whom the grievance is filed,
the dean will receive the report of the committee and stand in the place of the
head of the academic unit for the purpose of making the decision on the
grievance. If the dean is the party against whom the grievance is filed, the
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs will handle any appeal.
Harassment
It is the established policy of JMU to provide a work and
study environment for faculty and staff members and students free from all
forms of harassment, intimidation and exploitation. Prohibited harassment is
offensive verbal or physical conduct when:
§
Submission to the conduct is made a condition of
employment or admission of an applicant (J16-101).
§
Submission to or rejection of the conduct is the basis
for personnel action (recommendation for promotion or grades) (J16-102 ).
§
The conduct seriously affects an employee’s or
student’s performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work or
study environment. The conduct includes but is not limited to behaviors
referring to a person’s race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age,
veteran status, political affiliation, or disability (J16-103).
Questions, assistance or violations related to this policy
should be directed to the university’s Office
of Affirmative Action, Burruss Hall, Room 128, (540) 568-6991.
As an alternative, the student may deal with harassment in
any of the following ways. If a student believes that he or she has been
harassed by a staff member, faculty member or by a student employee, the student
should take one or more of the following actions:
§
Discuss the matter with the faculty or staff member
involved, explaining why a particular comment or action was offensive.
§
Discuss the matter with the immediate supervisor of the
faculty or staff member, giving an account of the comment or action in
question.
If the student believes that he or she has been harassed by a
student, the student should take one or more of the following actions:
§
Discuss the matter with the accused, explaining why a
particular comment or action was offensive.
§
Bring a charge of harassment to the Office of Judicial
Affairs in Frederikson Hall, C-Section.
If a student employee believes that he or she has been a
victim of harassment, he or she should take one or more of the following
actions:
§
Discuss the matter with the accused, explaining why a
particular comment or action was offensive.
§
Discuss the matter with the immediate supervisor of the
accused, giving an account of the comment or action in question.
§
Contact the student employment office at (540)
568-6165.
Regardless of who the alleged harasser is, a student may
discuss the matter with the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, the
director of the Counseling and Student Development Center or the Office of
Affirmative Action, giving full details of the alleged harassment. The student
will be advised of proper university procedures that can be pursued. If
requested, complaints will be held in confidence and counseling will be
provided. No investigation or action against the accused person will be taken
on a student’s behalf unless the student consents to be identified, if
necessary, to the individual accused in connection with the investigation.
A student also has the option of filing a formal charge of
harassment with the U.S. Department of Education. The address and telephone
number are available from the affirmative action officer in Burruss Hall, Room
128.
Honor System
The academic program at JMU operates under an Honor System
that dates back to the 1909-10 academic session. Students adopted the present
Honor System in order to uphold individual and community integrity. Each
student is expected to observe complete honesty in all academic matters and to
report instances where another student has violated the Honor System.
A student Honor Council administers the
Honor System, and every student who matriculates at the university, whether
graduate or undergraduate, becomes a member of the Honor System. The university
expects the cooperation of faculty members and administrators in upholding this
Honor System. The Student Handbook
provides full information on the Honor System, and the Honor Council office
provides students with assistance in understanding Honor System policy.
The Honor Council encourages all
members of the JMU community to familiarize themselves with the Honor Code and Honor System procedures. The Honor
Council office is located in Chandler Hall Rooms 133 and 133A, and their Web site
at is http://www.jmu.edu/honor
Major Information
Declaration
or Change of Major
Students who would like to change or declare a major should
obtain a Change or Declaration of Major Form from the Office of the Registrar.
Students must take this form to the head of the related department or to the
director of the related school they wish to enter.
The department or school accepts students on the basis of
their academic records and on the satisfaction of such other criteria as the
department or school might establish. The department or school assigns a new
adviser for students who are beyond the freshman level.
Selection of a Major
Entering students should confer with their advisers in order
to determine a major program of study. If entering students have not decided on
a specific major, they may register as undeclared. JMU encourages these
undeclared students to discuss their interests with Academic Advising and
Career Development, professors, department heads, school and program directors,
and fellow students in an attempt to find a major program best suited to that
student’s goals and interests. All students should declare a major by the end
of the freshman year. Failure to do so could extend the time that the student
will need to fulfill graduation requirements.
Transfer students who enter JMU with junior status (60 or
more credit hours) should declare a major upon acceptance to the university.
Students who would like assistance in identifying career
options related to their specific majors can participate in the Major and
Career Decisions Program through Academic Advising and Career
Development. The Major and Career Decisions Program helps students decide on a
career direction by assessing students’ career interests, skills and abilities
and by providing information about career options.
Makeup Days for Classes Missed
Due to Inclement Weather or Emergency
When it is necessary to cancel classes due to weather or
other emergency, faculty have several options for making up the missed
instructional time.
§
Hold class on the official university make up day,
normally the Saturday immediately following the missed class.
§
Hold class at another time acceptable to all class
members. Time and location will be arranged by the department.
§
Accommodate for the missed instructional time within
remaining class meeting time.
Misconduct in Research and
Other Scholarly Work
Policy 2205, concerning Misconduct in Research and Other
Scholarly Work, applies to all individuals involved in the performance of
scholarly and creative activity and research conducted at JMU, whether
performed under external or internal funding. It applies to all scientists,
trainees, technicians and other staff members, students, fellows, guest
researchers or collaborators. Misconduct as defined under this policy means
fabrication, falsification, plagiarism or other practices that seriously
deviate from those that are commonly accepted within the scientific and academic
community for proposing, conducting or reporting research. Misconduct by a
student under this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including
expulsion from the university, loss of fellowship or scholarship and potential
criminal prosecution.
Nonreturning Students and Leave of Absence
Students who plan to complete their current semester but who
will not return to JMU for the subsequent semester (excluding summer term) must
notify the Office of the Registrar in writing to ensure cancellation of housing
assignments, courses for which they have pre-registered and tuition charges.
Students who are planning a temporary interruption in their
studies at JMU should formally request a leave of absence by completing a
Cancellation/Non-Returning Notice found at http://www.jmu.edu/registrar/forms
or in the Office of the Registrar, 300 Warren Hall. Questions concerning the
status of non-returning or leave of absence should be directed to the Office of
the Registrar or to http://www.jmu.edu/registrar.
Prerequisite and Eligibility Requirements
Students should consult the appropriate catalog to determine
prerequisite or eligibility requirements for course selections. Without special
permission, students cannot take for credit a course for which the prerequisite
has not been met or for which they are not eligible. In addition, students
cannot take for credit a course that is a prerequisite to a course they have
already taken.
Many courses require other courses
as prerequisites. Students should be aware that a course in which they receive
a grade of D or D+ probably does not adequately prepare them to take a course,
which requires the first as a prerequisite. Before continuing on to a
succeeding course, students should discuss their level of preparation with the
instructor of the second course and decide whether or not they need to retake
the first course to improve their understanding as well as their grade.
Re-entry to the University
Degree-seeking students who have not attended JMU for one or
more semesters and who wish to return to their studies at JMU are classified as
re-entry students. The re-entry process is contingent upon the student’s length
of absence and academic standing at the time of departure. To avoid delays in
registration, the Intent to Enroll From must be submitted by the indicated
deadline for the anticipated semester of return. The form is available on the
Web at http://www.jmu.edu/registrar/forms. All registration holds must be
cleared before the student will be eligible to register.
|
Deadlines for Submission of Intent to Return Forms
|
|
Fall Semester
|
July 1
|
|
Spring Semester
|
November 1
|
|
Summer Session
|
April 1
|
Re-entry
After Absence of Less Than Two Calendar Years
Students in Good Standing
Students who left the university in good standing and who
have been absent for one semester or more without declaring a formal leave of
absence must submit an Intent to Enroll Form to the Office of the Registrar.
Students in good standing who have declared a formal leave of
absence for non-medical reasons will be automatically activated and eligible to
register for the stated semester of return without further action on their part
(provided there is resolution of outstanding registration holds). Activation
for students who take a leave of absence for documented medical or mental
health reasons will be contingent on receipt of a letter from the attending
physician indicating the student is able to attend classes. This letter must be
received in the Office of the Registrar by the deadlines indicated in the table
above.
Students on Probation
Students who left the university on academic probation, and
who have been absent for one semester or more, must submit an Intent to Enroll
Form directly to the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, MSC 7503. A
personal statement citing the reason for departure and interim activities must
accompany the form. Re-entry and continued enrollment are not guaranteed, but
are contingent upon review by an academic review committee chaired by the
Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. Such review may result in denial
or conditional re-entry.
Students on Suspension
Students who leave the university on a first or second
academic suspension may follow the appeal process stated on Page 18 or apply
for re-entry after one academic year. A personal statement citing the reason
for departure and interim activities must accompany all Intent to Enroll Forms.
Submit all documents to the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, MSC
7503. Re-entry and continued enrollment are not guaranteed but contingent upon
review by an academic review committee chaired by the Associate Vice President
for Academic Affairs. Such review may result in denial or conditional re-entry.
With prior approval from the dean of the major college and
the Office of the Registrar, a suspended student may choose to take courses at
another institution. Course work completed during the period of suspension may
be considered as part of the criteria for re-entry, but courses taken at
another institution cannot be used to raise the grade point average at JMU, nor
will the courses automatically transfer to JMU.
A maximum of 12 semester hours will be accepted as transfer
credits. These hours will be considered once the student has been readmitted
and has earned a minimum semester grade point average of 2.0 in at least 12 credit
hours attempted during the semester of return.
Re-entry After Absence
Exceeding Two Calendar Years
Students who are eligible to re-enter after an absence of two
or more calendar years, regardless of their academic standing at the time of
departure, must apply for readmission through the Office of Admission. Re-entry
is not automatic but subject to committee review of the application, the
personal statement citing the reason for absence and evaluation of work
completed at JMU as well as work completed at other institutions during the
student’s absence from JMU.
If a degree-seeking student leaves James Madison University
after earning a portion of General Education credits and earns an approved
Virginia Community College System (VCCS) Associate Degree, JMU will accept it
in fulfillment of General Education requirements. Students who earn the
approved degree while on academic suspension status from James Madison
University are only eligible to re-enter James Madison University by agreeing
to apply for the Transfer Equivalent Option
upon their approved return to James Madison University.
Registration
The university publishes a Registration and Student Record
Services Handbook, which contains information about dates and deadlines and
registration procedures. Semester course listings are available on the
university’s Internet accessible information system at http://ecampus.jmu.edu. Students are urged
to study the handbook carefully and to keep it available for immediate
reference during the registration period and throughout the semester. The
university expects all students to register on the dates indicated in the registration
calendar. A late registration fee is charged for registration after the first
day of classes, and there is no reduction in other fees.
Credit is not allowed in any course for which the student is
not duly registered, and registration is not complete until all fees for the
semester have been paid.
Reserve Graduate Credit
Admission to Graduate Courses
by Undergraduates Seeking Graduate Credit
During their senior year, undergraduate students who have
been admitted into a JMU graduate program may take up to nine hours of graduate
course work for reserve graduate credit. Graduate credit earned prior to
completion of an undergraduate degree is held in reserve to be applied later
toward the graduate degree. It is important to note that these graduate credits
cannot be used as part of the student’s undergraduate degree.
Written permission to seek reserve graduate credit must be
obtained from the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs
prior to enrollment in graduate courses. Forms are available in the College of
Graduate and Professional Programs office or online at http://www.jmu.edu/gradprograms/forms.htm.
It is the student’s responsibility to obtain all required signatures. Students
enrolled in five-year programs must abide by the policies governing reserve
graduate credit stated above.
Approval for reserve graduate credit does not imply that
credit so earned will be accepted at another graduate school.
Student Assessment
JMU requires students to take a series of student outcomes
assessment tests prior to their graduation. JMU uses information from test results to measure how its programs
and services contribute to individual student learning and development and for
student progression based on competency attainment in selected programs. The
university encourages students to review program requirements for further
details.
Semester Honors Lists
To qualify for the honor of being placed on the President’s
List, a student must earn a grade point average of 3.900 or above and carry a
course load of at least twelve graded credit hours (i.e., exclusive of credit
hours taken on a credit/no credit basis).
To qualify for the Dean’s list, a student must meet the
President’s List requirement for course load and earn a grade point average of
3.500 – 3.890.
Student Teaching
Student teaching should be a full-time experience. Only in
exceptional cases will additional course work be approved during the student
teaching period.
Moreover, student teachers cannot expect to work or
participate in excessive extracurricular activities during their student
teaching period as any interference with student teaching might lower the
quality of the individual’s performance. Students with problems or special
needs must contact the Office of Teacher Education Services. All student
teaching grades are assigned on a credit/no-credit basis.
Transcript
The permanent academic record or transcript is the official
record of a student’s grades earned to date, and it includes the date of
graduation, degree received and date of withdrawal or dismissal. Official
transcripts and other documents with the university seal attached are not
released to the student; rather, the Office of the Registrar mails them
directly to another college or authorized agency.
The Office of the Registrar may release a student’s
transcript upon receipt of a written request from the student or former student
and for authorized research purposes.
Transfer Equivalent Policy for
Readmitted Students
A student who returns to JMU after a separation of two
calendar years and who maintains a 2.0 GPA for 12 credit hours after her/his
return is eligible to apply for the transfer equivalent policy. This policy
allows a student a quality point status equivalent to that of a transfer
student admitted to the university. That is, the student’s new gpa will initially be that earned in
the 12 credit hours taken upon re-entry. In order to exercise this option, the
student must request in writing the approval of the appropriate college dean
and the Office of the Registrar. The following regulations govern this option.
§
The option must be exercised immediately after
completing 12 credit hours.
§
Students with outstanding “I” grades are not eligible
to apply.
§
Consultation with the dean of the college in which the
student is majoring is required.
§
All grades will remain a part of the transcript.
§
Eligible students will receive degree credit for only
those courses for which grades of “C” or better were earned prior to
readmission.
§
Quality points earned for any course completed prior to
readmission will not count in determining the student’s new cumulative grade
point average.
§
A student whose application for the transfer equivalent
policy has been approved may request that credit hours for pre-approved courses
taken at another institution be transferred to JMU. The request will be
reviewed by the office of the major college dean and the Office of the Registrar.
§
The option will be extended only once during the
student’s enrollment at JMU.
A student interested in this option must re-apply to the
university through the Office of Admission according to established deadlines.
|
Deadlines for
Submission of Re-entry Applications
|
|
Fall Semester
|
July 1
|
|
Spring Semester
|
November 1
|
|
Summer Session
|
April 1
|
Transfer
of Credit from Other Institutions
A student wishing to earn credits at another institution,
either in the summer or during a regular session, must obtain permission from
the Office of the Registrar in advance of taking courses from another
institution. Following consultation with the head of the department or director
of the school if necessary, the Office of the Registrar will make the
determination concerning the course and its application toward a JMU degree.
For a student on academic suspension status, a maximum of 12
semester hours will be accepted as transfer credits. These hours will be
considered once the student has been readmitted and has earned a minimum
semester grade point average of 2.0 in at least 12 credit hours attempted
during the semester of return.
The General Education program
allows students to transfer credit for a particular course based on a
comparison of course objectives and content at JMU with those at the other
institution. Once students have enrolled for classes at JMU, however, they are
expected to complete the General Education program here. The Dean of General
Education, the Associate Dean or a Cluster Coordinator must approve any
exception to this policy. After students
have enrolled for classes, some restrictions will be applied to transferring in
credit for the General Education program. These restrictions include the following
policies:
§
Students will be allowed to transfer in no more than
three courses for General Education credit
§
No more than one transferred course may be applied to
any one cluster
§
Transfer credit will not be awarded for course
offerings in Cluster Four, The American Experience (GHIST 225 and
GPOSC 225) due to the content and unique features of these
courses.
Special exceptions to these
policies will be reviewed on an individual basis. Such exceptions may include
those students who wish to participate in study abroad programs or other
special circumstances.
The student is responsible for
having an official transcript mailed to the Office of the Registrar when the
work has been completed.
Credit hours will be awarded for approved courses carrying a
“C” or better grade (2.0 quality points). Grades for courses taken at another
institution are not included in grade point average calculations although they
will be used in determining graduation honors for eligible students.
Unit of Credit
The JMU
academic calendar is based on the semester system. The unit of credit is the
credit hour. A credit hour represents one 50-minute class period each week in
the semester for lectures, or two 50-minute class periods for each week in the
semester for laboratory or fieldwork.
Undergraduate Grading System
The university keeps a complete record of each student’s work
and sends a grade report to the student’s permanent address at the end of each
semester. Mid-semester grades in all courses are sent to new freshmen.
|
Grade
|
Quality
Points Earned
Per
Credit Hour
|
|
A
|
4.00
|
|
A-
|
3.70
|
|
B+
|
3.30
|
|
B
|
3.00
|
|
B-
|
2.70
|
|
C+
|
2.30
|
|
C
|
2.00
|
|
C-
|
1.70
|
|
D+
|
1.30
|
|
D
|
1.00
|
|
F
|
0
|
|
I (Incomplete)
|
0
|
|
CR (Credit for work which is
at the 2.0 level or above)
|
0
|
|
NC (No credit awarded)
|
0
|
|
W (Withdrawal)
|
0
|
Letter grades and quality points express the
academic achievement of a student in a specific course. The quality point
values listed in the previous table are earned for each semester credit hour.
A course in which a grade of “F” is received does not result
in earned credit hours, but does count as credit hours attempted in computing
the grade point average.
The academic achievement of a student in a specific course is
expressed by letters as in the following table.
|
Grade
|
Description
|
|
A
|
Superior
|
|
B
|
Good
|
|
C
|
Average
|
|
D
|
Passing
|
|
F
|
Failure
|
|
I
|
Incomplete
|
|
CR
|
Credit for average or better work
|
|
NC
|
No credit awarded
|
|
W
|
Withdrawal
|
In certain circumstances, a grade of “NP” (denoting that an
irregularity has resulted in a “Not Processed” designation) or “I” (recorded by
faculty and denoting incomplete work in a given course) will be given for a
course. An “NP” or “I” grade will automatically be converted to a permanent “F”
grade at the end of the next regular semester. It is imperative that a student
receiving any “NP” grade contact the Office of the Registrar as soon as
possible to make sure that appropriate action is taken to remedy the problem.
Any student receiving an “I” grade should follow the university policy on
incomplete grades.
Grade Point Average
The university computes a student’s grade point average for
any period by dividing the number of quality points earned during that period
by the number of credit hours attempted during the same period. For instance,
during a period in which a student attempts 16 credit hours and earns 40
quality points, the student’s GPA is 2.5.
A student’s cumulative GPA is computed by dividing the total
number of quality points earned at JMU by the total number of credit hours
attempted at JMU.
Except as set forth under the Graduation with Honors policy,
all references to grade point average denote the grade point average derived
from course work taken at JMU.
Quality Points
The grade of “B” in a three credit-hour course earns nine
quality points; the grade of “C” in the same course would earn six quality
points.
The following do not affect quality points earned, credit hours
attempted or GPA:
§
Grades received at other institutions (except when used
in determining graduation honors for eligible students).
§
Audited courses.
§
“I,” “CR,” “NC” or “W” grades.
Incomplete Grades
The “I” symbol is used to indicate incomplete work in a given
course and is awarded only when a student is unable to complete course work
because of illness or another equally compelling reason.
Courses in which a student receives a grade of “I” must be
completed by the end of the next regular semester, or the grade is recorded
permanently as “F.” (See the University Calendar for the dates by which grade
changes must be reported to the Office of the Registrar.) A student seeking a
grade of “I” must make that request to the relevant faculty member before the
end of the semester in which that course is taking place.
Repeating Courses
A student may repeat any of the courses that he or she has
taken at JMU. All grades will be included when calculating the student’s grade
point average. There are, however, certain exceptions to this rule.
Students may elect to repeat up to two courses during their
enrollment at JMU on a “repeat forgiveness” basis. As
a result of the “repeat forgiveness” option, the university will exclude the
previous grade and credit hours earned for the repeated course when it
calculates the student’s cumulative GPA and earned credit hours total,
regardless of whether the previous grade was higher or lower than the repeat attempt.
Both grades will appear on the transcript. The student must
either declare the “repeat forgiveness” option at registration or complete the
appropriate adjustment form prior to the end of the course adjustment period. A
student may not exercise the repeat/forgiveness option for courses in which
that student was assigned a grade as a result of an Honor Code violation.
All grades will appear on the student’s transcript, but a
course that has been repeated will only be counted once toward satisfying
graduation requirements.
Withdrawal from the University
Students withdraw from the university when their enrollment
is terminated before these students have completed the semester for which they
registered. Any student desiring to withdraw must first have a conference with
the Associate Director of University College Centers for Student Organization
Services and then complete the Withdrawal Request Form.
The Associate Director of University College Centers for
Student Organization Services must approve such withdrawal requests, set the
official withdrawal date and notify other university offices of the withdrawal.
Strict compliance with this requirement is mandatory. Students who withdraw
without receiving official approval will receive a grade of “F” for all courses
in which they are enrolled.
Students who withdraw with official approval will receive
grades based upon the following criteria:
§
Students who withdraw from the university before the
end of the course adjustment period will receive a grade of “W” in all their
courses.
§
Students who withdraw from the university for medical
and/or mental health reasons will receive a grade of “W” in all courses and
will receive a prorated refund for tuition, room and board and fees. A letter
from the attending physician must support medical withdrawal. Readmission to
the university is contingent on receipt of a letter from the attending
physician, and this letter must clearly indicate that the student is able to
attend classes. Students who receive a mental health withdrawal for
psychological reasons must also be absent from the university for a period of
at least 90 days. Supporting documentation for the student’s return to the
university must be received at least 30 days before readmission. Students must
have been in counseling to be eligible for a mental health withdraw.
§
Students who withdraw from the university because of
documented extenuating circumstances after the end of the course adjustment
period will receive a grade of “W” in all their courses.
§
Students who withdraw from the university after the end
of the course adjustment period, and who do not have documented extenuating
circumstances that justify their withdrawal, will receive a grade of “W” in
courses they are passing at the time of the withdrawal and a grade of “F” in
courses they are failing at the time of withdrawal. These students will not
receive a tuition or housing refund. Each individual faculty member will
determine the grade.
Nondegree-seeking special students enrolled in an on- or
off-campus course must also withdraw from the university by securing a Request
for Withdrawal form from the Associate Director of University College Centers
for Student Organization Services. This form should be completed and returned
to the Associate Director of University College Centers for Student
Organization Services, who will process the official withdrawal. Any adjustment
in charges will be figured from the official day of withdrawal.
No adjustment in charges will be made unless the withdrawal
form is received in the Associate Director of University College Centers for
Student Organization Services within 30 days after the student leaves the
campus or does not attend classes.
Adjustments will not include nonrefundable fees or charges.
Students whose connection with the university terminates as a result of
disciplinary actions or enforced withdrawal will receive a prorated refund of
all fees except room charges.
