Registration
Registration dates are available online in The Scoop on the Registrar’s website.
Academic Honor
At West Georgia, students are expected to achieve and maintain the highest standards of academic honesty and excellence. Not only does academic honesty preserve the integrity of both the student and the institution, but it is also essential in gaining a true education. The West Georgia student, therefore, pledges not to lie, cheat, plagiarize, or steal in the pursuit of their studies and is encouraged to report those who do. See the UWG Connection and Student Handbook, https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dj_Xf0s-e1hfrLNHC1674Y4qFFqvVwWSlvtjW9JkojM/edit?usp=sharing, Appendix E, Procedure for Appeals of Grade Determination and Academic Dishonesty.
Academic Standards
General Academic Standards apply to all graduate programs, which include both degree and certification programs. Some colleges/school, departments, or programs have additional and/or different academic standards which govern a student’s progress toward program completion. Additional and/or different college/school, department, or program-specific academic standards are listed in this section.
General Academic Standards
Graduate students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher to remain in Good Academic Standing. The cumulative GPA of 3.0 also applies to undergraduate courses which are sometimes taken during a student’s graduate program. Students must be in Good Academic Standing to be eligible for graduation and admission to Doctoral Candidacy.
Grading System
The quality of work for most courses in a graduate program is indicated by the grades of A, B, C, and F. The quality of work for a dissertation, thesis, practicum, and/or internship is indicated by the grades of S (Satisfactory) and U (Unsatisfactory).
Other grades which may be used in graduate programs include I (Incomplete), W (Withdrew without Penalty), WF (Withdrew, Failing), and WM (Withdrew for Military Service).
Grades of F, U, I, W, WF, and WM will not be accepted toward the program of study in any graduate program. Some departments and programs will not accept C’s as part of a graduate plan of study. See the College, Department, or Program-Specific Academic Standards following the section on Academic Dismissal for additional information.
Academic Standing
Graduate students are expected to maintain Good Academic Standing as they progress toward completing their programs. Students will be evaluated each term on the basis of the cumulative GPA. The academic standing of graduate students is classified as follows:
- Good Academic Standing
- Academic Probation
- Academic Suspension
- Academic Dismissal
Good Academic Standing
Good Academic Standing is defined for graduate students as a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Academic Probation
A student whose cumulative graduate GPA drops below 3.0 will begin the next term on Academic Probation. A student must earn a term GPA of 3.0 or higher each term while on Academic Probation. One of three possible actions will be implemented for a student on Academic Probation at the end of each term of enrollment:
- A student who earns a term GPA of 3.0 or higher and raises their cumulative graduate GPA to 3.0 or higher will return to Good Academic Standing.
- If a student’s term GPA is 3.0 or higher, but the cumulative graduate GPA remains below 3.0, they will remain on Academic Probation.
- If a student earns a term GPA below 3.0 while on Academic Probation, regardless of the cumulative graduate GPA, they will be suspended for one term.
Academic Suspension
A student who fails a course, regardless of the term or cumulative graduate GPA, will be suspended from the University for one term. Also, a student on Academic Probation who earns a term GPA below 3.0 will be suspended from the University for one term. One term is defined as the Fall, Spring, or Summer term. The Summer term includes all sessions; thus, a suspended student is required to sit out all sessions that comprise the Summer term. An Academic Suspension Appeal may only be reviewed through a grade appeal or hardship withdrawal.
The student on Academic Suspension is not guaranteed the opportunity to return to the University. The suspended student must apply for reinstatement to return to the University and program after one-term absence. Reinstatement criteria are outlined in the Reinstatement Procedures of the Graduate Catalog. A student may only be suspended from a program once. If a student is suspended a second time, they will be academically dismissed from the academic program.
If a student’s request for reinstatement is approved, the student returns to the University on Academic Probation. One of three possible actions will be implemented for a reinstated student on Academic Probation at the end of each term of enrollment:
- A reinstated student who earns a term GPA of 3.0 or higher and raises their cumulative graduate GPA to 3.0 or higher will return to Good Academic Standing.
- If a reinstated student’s term GPA is 3.0 or higher but the cumulative graduate GPA remains below 3.0, they will remain on Academic Probation.
- If a reinstated student earns a grade of C or lower or a term GPA below 3.0 while on Academic Probation, regardless of the cumulative graduate GPA, they will be academically dismissed from the academic program.
If a student’s application for reinstatement following a term suspension is denied by the college or school that houses the student’s graduate program, the student will be academically dismissed from the program of study.
Academic Dismissal
A reinstated student on Academic Probation who earns a term GPA below 3.0 will be academically dismissed from the program of study.
A reinstated student on Academic Probation who fails a second course will be dismissed from the program of study. In other words, graduate students are only able to earn one failing grade before being dismissed from the program of study.
A student who fails two courses, regardless of term or cumulative graduate GPA, will be academically dismissed from the program of study.
Academic dismissal from a program does not preclude a student from applying to another graduate program; however, the student must be able to achieve good academic standing with a cumulative graduate GPA. Admission to a new graduate program is not guaranteed, and the previous cumulative graduate GPA may affect any new admission decision.
A student who has been academically dismissed for any of the above, as it relates to grades, may request a reinstatement into the program of study from which they were dismissed after three terms. The student will have to reapply through the Graduate Admissions process to be considered for reinstatement. If the student is reinstated, they must retake all courses that led to their dismissal.
Additional College of Education protocols may apply. Please see the following link to access handbooks that apply to each program: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RvhmkelBwG5M6IbtzxA9BMCB27XpCysi?usp=sharing
College of Arts, Culture, and Scientific Inquiry
Good Academic Standing for a student enrolled in a Non-Degree Initial Certification Program for teacher certification (Art) is defined as a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher.
The following programs do not accept letter grades of C as part of a program of study in the College of Arts, Culture, and Scientific Inquiry. A student will be dismissed from the program if they earn two C’s or one F.
- M.A. in English
- M.A. in History
- M.A. in Psychology
- Ph.D. in Psychology: Consciousness and Society
- Certificate in Museum Studies
- Certificate in Public History
The following information applies to the M.A. in Sociology program.
1. Only one C in all courses can be applied toward the degree.
2. Students earning a second grade of C or one F or one WF or one U will be suspended from the University for one term.
The following information applies to the M.S. in Applied Computer Science program.
- Students earning a second grade of C or one F or one WF or one U will be suspended.
- Only one C in all courses can be applied toward the degree.
- Students must complete:
- CS 6910 (Project I) by earning a grade of “S”
- CS 6920 (Project II) or CS 6986 (Internship) by earning a grade of “S”
College of Education
Good Academic Standing for a student enrolled in a Nondegree Initial Certification Program for teacher certification is defined as a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher.
Any graduate level student earning a grade of F or WF, regardless of their academic standing, will be suspended from the program.
Additional College of Education policies apply. Please see the following link to access your academic program handbook that may include additional policies: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RvhmkelBwG5M6IbtzxA9BMCB27XpCysi?usp=sharing
M.A.T Students
An M.A.T. student in good standing who fails one or more courses, regardless of the term or cumulative GPA, will begin the next term on Academic Probation. A student must earn a term GPA of 3.0 or higher each term while on Academic Probation. One of three possible actions will be implemented for a student on Academic Probation at the end of each term enrollment:
- A student who earns a term GPA of 3.0 or higher and raises their cumulative GPA to 3.0 or higher will return to Good Academic Standing.
- If a student’s term GPA is 3.0 or higher but the cumulative GPA remains below 3.0, they will remain on Academic Probation.
- If a student earns a second term GPA below 3.0 which may or may not include a failing grade(s) while on Academic Probation or while in good standing, regardless of the cumulative GPA, they will be suspended for one term.
- If a reinstated student earns a term GPA below 3.0 or fails another course, regardless of the cumulative GPA, they will be academically dismissed from the University.
Unsatisfactory Grades
Students Enrolled in Field Experience Courses (Internship/Externship/Practicum)
- Students who earn a grade of Unsatisfactory will be placed on Academic Probation, regardless of the cumulative GPA.
- Students who earn a second grade of Unsatisfactory will be dismissed from the program, regardless of the cumulative GPA.
- A student who earns a Satisfactory grade the subsequent semester will return to Good Academic Standing.
Students Enrolled in Comprehensive Exam Courses
- Students who earn a grade of Unsatisfactory will be placed on Academic Probation, regardless of the cumulative GPA.
- A student who earns a Satisfactory grade the subsequent semester will return to Good Academic Standing.
- If a student earns a second Unsatisfactory grade while in Good Academic standing, they will be placed on Academic Probation. If a student earns a second Unsatisfactory grade while on Academic Probation, they will remain on Academic Probation.
- Students required to pass a comprehensive, exit, or National exam to successfully complete their graduate program must pass the identified exam within three attempts. Those who do not pass within the specified attempts will be dismissed from the program.
Doctoral Students
- Doctoral students who earn a grade of Unsatisfactory will be placed on Academic Probation, regardless of the cumulative GPA.
- Doctoral students who earn a second grade of Unsatisfactory will be dismissed from the program of study, regardless of the cumulative GPA.
- A student who earns a Satisfactory grade the subsequent semester will return to Good Academic Standing.
Richards College of Business
Unless specifically stated by the individually listed program no requirements beyond the General Academic Standards are applicable to Richards College of Business graduate programs.
Tanner Health System School of Nursing
A minimum grade of B is required in all courses in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) & Doctorate in Nursing Education (Ed.D.) programs. Students who earn a grade of C, WF, or U in any two courses, or who earn an F in any one course, will be dismissed from the program. Students who earn a C, WF, or U may repeat that course one time only.
University College
Unless specifically stated by the individually listed program, no requirements beyond the General Academic Standards are applicable to University College graduate programs.
Reinstatement Procedures
As a general practice, a student who wishes to request reinstatement after suspension must sit out at least one semester. The student must complete the “Request for Reinstatement” form and submit it to the Graduate School. The form will be routed to the appropriate graduate program personnel for review. The program will then forward their recommendation to the Dean of The Graduate School. The Dean of the Graduate School will then notify the appropriate graduate program director, the Office of the Registrar, and the student of the Graduate Dean’s decision. A graduate student who is granted a reinstatement must agree to a remediation plan developed by the graduate program. Any deviation from the remediation plan will result in permanent dismissal.
Individual graduate programs may have additional expectations and/or grading policies. Please see specific graduate program sections of the catalog for additional information on graduate expectations.
Certificates
Embedded Certificates
Embedded certificates are those certificates where the courses required to earn the certificate are embedded into a major or degree program and are only awarded at the completion of a specific degree program. These certificates are intended to encourage students to use the elective requirements in their degree program to form a coherent concentration of coursework in a specified area.
Specific Requirements for Embedded Certificates
1. Embedded certificates are not a stand-alone program; students must be enrolled in the degree program in which the certificate is embedded. Embedded certificates are only awarded in conjunction with the completion of a degree.
2. Students are required to declare their intent to pursue an embedded certificate. Students must declare their intentions to pursue an embedded certificate to the department that offers the certificate prior to or in conjunction with applying for graduation and should also notify their academic advisor to assure proper academic advising.
3. Complete a minimum of 9 semester hours of required coursework for the approved embedded certificates.
4. A minimum of 6 semester hours of the courses must be numbered 6000 and above.
5. All credit-bearing courses applied towards the embedded certificate will also fulfill and share with any other requirement for the student’s degree.
6. Students must attain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in courses used to satisfy the embedded certificate.
7. In conjunction with a completed degree program, embedded certificates will be listed on the official academic transcript.
Stand-Alone Certificates
Stand-alone certificates are those certificates that comprise a prescribed program of study that may not be associated with a degree, major or minor. These certificates represent a cohesive program of study of a smaller size than a degree program and provide more flexibility to those looking to pursue continued education, including a means for professionals to renew and retrain due to an ever-changing workforce.
Specific Requirements for Stand-Alone Certificates
1. Students must be admitted into a stand-alone certificate program by meeting the minimum requirements set forth by the certificate program.
2. Students may enroll in conjunction with a degree program or as a nondegree seeking student.
3. Unless otherwise stated in the certificate program of study, all courses applied towards the stand-alone certificate will also fulfill and share with any other requirement for the student’s degree.
4. Complete greater than 9 semester hours of required coursework for the approved certificate program.
5. A minimum of 6 semester hours must be numbered 6000 and above.
6. Students must attain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in courses used to satisfy the certificate.
7. Students are required to apply to graduate with stand-alone certificates through the Office of the Registrar and by the Graduation Application Deadlines outlined in this catalog. Students who are concurrently pursuing a stand-alone certificate and a degree must apply to graduate at the same time as their degree. Students may graduate with their degree and re-admit as a non-degree seeking student to complete requirements for a stand-alone certificate.
8. Students who are awarded a stand-alone certificate will have their accomplishment noted on their official academic transcript and will receive a certificate of completion.
Change of Program
A graduate student who wishes to transfer from one program to another must apply for admission to the new program and be accepted.
Class Absence
Instruction begins the first day of class. In face-to-face courses, if students fail to attend the first day and have not contacted the instructor to explain their absence, they may be dropped during the Drop/Add Period to make room for other students.
In fully online or hybrid courses each instructor has the authority to specify in the syllabus what qualifies as attendance at the first class meeting and during the Drop/Add Period to drop students who fail to meet that requirement. Instructors may require students to attend a face-to-face meeting, to log in to the online course-delivery system by a specified date, or to take other specified steps at the beginning of the session.
For those courses that meet for the first time after the end of the Drop/Add Period, see the Faculty Handbook.
Class attendance policies are determined by each instructor for his or her courses and may be found in the syllabus. Since course policies differ, students are responsible for understanding attendance requirements for each course. Failure to comply with those requirements may significantly affect grades.
Students are expected to attend each class meeting. Students absent from class while officially representing the University or observing religious holidays should generally not be penalized in the calculation of final grades, as long as they provide advance notice and expeditiously make arrangements to complete any missed work.
University-sponsored activities include but are not limited to the following: intercollegiate athletic competitions; musical/theatrical/art performances or exhibitions associated with a degree program; debate competitions; and research conferences. Activities not considered to be university-sponsored include participation in clubs, even if they are affiliated with UWG, or events associated with social organizations such as fraternities or sororitie |