Academic Policies
    ACADEMIC STANDING

    Undergraduate
    Good Academic Standing
    Each undergraduate student is required to maintain a UWF cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 to remain in good academic standing.

    Academic Probation
    Students whose grades in UWF courses fall below a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or who fail one half of their UWF course work may automatically be placed on academic probation by the Academic Review Committee of the major college for the following semester of enrollment. Students on probation return to good standing by achieving a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better during the semester of probation. Academic suspension may occur if a student fails to achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.0 during the semester of probation.

    Students carrying only one course during a given semester may be placed on academic probation if the course is failed. Students registering for a single course for the next semester of enrollment and who fail that course, will be subject to academic suspension.

    Students on probation are not eligible for office in any student organization and cannot represent the University in any official capacity during the semester of the probation.

    Students on probation may apply for a change of major; however, approval is granted by the chairperson of the prospective department. Students should contact the chairperson for guidance.

    Academic Suspension
    Normally undergraduate students are not placed on academic suspension without first being placed on probation for at least one semester.

    The decision to suspend a student for academic reasons is made by the Academic Review Committee of the student's major college. Notification to the student and the Office of the Registrar is the responsibility of the student's major college.

    Students carrying more than one course who fail more than one-half of the total credit hours attempted may be continued on probation or suspended.

    Students under academic suspension may not enroll as a degree or non degree-seeking student at any of UWF's campuses or centers.

    Students suspended from UWF who subsequently receive an A.A. degree from a Florida public community/junior college or State university may be readmitted to UWF upon application for readmission, with credit earned accepted in accordance with University policies (see section on Grade Forgiveness-A.A. Degree).

    Reinstatement
    Students placed on academic suspension may request reinstatement after being away from the University one semester. The request for reinstatement must be directed to the college dean suspending the student at least two weeks in advance of the first day of classes of the semester for which reinstatement is requested. In addition, students not attending UWF the previous three semesters must file an application for readmission with the Office of Admissions.

    Students reinstated from suspension may apply for a change of major. Approval is granted by the chairperson of the prospective department.

    Graduate
    Good Academic Standing
    Graduate students are required to maintain a UWF cumulative GPA of 3.0 to remain in good academic standing.

    Academic Probation
    Graduate students may be placed on probation by the academic department at the completion of the semester during which the cumulative GPA falls below 3.0. A grade of "S" (satisfactory) is not considered in the evaluation of academic standing. Written notification will be mailed by the department to the student.

    Graduate students on probation who do not achieve good standing (cumulative GPA of 3.0) by the end of the semester in which an additional 10 semester hours of graduate work is completed, may continue only upon recommendation of the college Academic Standards Committee and approval of the college dean.

    Graduate students on probation are not eligible for office in any student organization and cannot represent the University in any official capacity during the semester of the probation.

    With the approval of the prospective department chairperson and college dean, a student on probation in a graduate program may apply for admission to another graduate program provided requirements for admission to that program are met. Applications must be processed through the Office of Admissions.

    Academic Suspension
    Graduate students not achieving good standing (3.0 GPA) within the period designated may be suspended from the program. Written notification will be mailed by the department to the student.

    With the approval of the prospective department chairperson and college dean, a student suspended from a graduate program may apply for admission to another graduate program provided requirements for admission to that program are met. Applications must be processed through the Office of Admissions.

    Reinstatement
    Students suspended from a graduate program may petition for reinstatement after the lapse of one academic semester during which the students are not enrolled at UWF; written evidence of eligibility must be submitted to the college dean.

    Graduate students on suspension may submit a written appeal to the college dean who may refer the matter to the college Academic Standards Committee. Students not attending UWF the previous three semesters must file an application for readmission with the Office of Admissions.

    Doctorate
    Good Academic Standing
    A student's degree program GPA must be at least 3.25 (on a 4.0 scale) for all courses taken at UWF. No grades of "C+" in the major courses, and no "D" or "F" may be counted toward the Doctor of Education degree. A grade of "S" (satisfactory) is not considered in the evaluation of academic standing. Students who do not maintain a 3.25 GPA are placed on academic probation. Specialization areas may have additional requirements regarding acceptable letter grades for major courses that are counted toward the Ed.D. degree.

    Academic Probation and Suspension
    Graduate students on probation who do not achieve good standing (cumulative GPA of 3.25) by the end of the semester in which an additional 10 semester hours of graduate work is completed, may continue only upon recommendation of the College Academic Standards Committee and approval of the College of Education Dean. Until the additional 10 hours is completed probation will continue.

    Students who do not achieve good standing within the period designated may be suspended from the program. Students should consult the College of Education Graduate Office for requirements for the Preliminary Examination and continued enrollment in the program.

    Reinstatement
    Students suspended from a graduate program may petition for reinstatement after one academic semester during which the students are not registered at UWF. Written evidence of eligibility must be submitted to the college dean. Students on suspension may submit a written appeal to the college dean who may refer the matter to the College Academic Standards Committee. Students who are suspended must submit an appeal within the 12 month or 3 semester period following notification of suspension. Students who do not submit an appeal within the 12-month period must reapply to the program through the Office of Admissions. Readmitted students are responsible for the degree requirements in effect at the time of reapplication.

    Non Degree-Seeking Students
    Non degree-seeking students are subject to the same academic standards and review procedures as students admitted to degree programs.

    CHOICE OF CATALOG
    The catalog year for an undergraduate student's major program and general studies curriculum will be the catalog year in effect at the time of admission to and enrollment in the major field of study as a degree-seeking student. Those students who do not change their major and who maintain continuous enrollment in the University have the option of following the catalog in effect at the time of admission and enrollment, or the catalog in effect at the time of graduation.

    Students holding the A.A. degree or certification of the completion of general studies requirements from a Florida public junior/community college or SUS (State University System) institution may elect to complete the degree requirements of UWF which were in effect at the time the student first entered the junior/community college or SUS institution as a degree-seeking student. Students electing this option must be enrolled at UWF as a degree-seeking student within three years of the date of initial enrollment in the junior/community college or SUS university. The transcript of the student granted this option must demonstrate that a four-year plan was made by the inclusion of the appropriate lower-division courses. Students should contact their major department for additional information regarding requirements for their degree program.

    Change of Major
    Undergraduate students who change their majors after initial admission and continuous enrollment have the option of following the major degree program outlined in the catalog in effect at the time of the change of major or the catalog in effect at the time of graduation. Changing from "undecided" to a specific major is considered a change of major.

    Readmission
    Students who do not maintain continuous enrollment and who are readmitted to the University after non-enrollment of three consecutive semesters have the option of following the degree program outlined in the catalog in effect at the time of readmission and enrollment or the catalog in effect at the time of graduation. Doctoral students must consult the College of Education Graduate Office for readmission information.

    Combination of Catalogs
    A combination of catalogs may not be used to fulfill major degree requirements. Continuous enrollment is defined as enrollment in the University without a non-enrollment period of three or more semesters (summer semester included).

    Choice of Catalog - General Studies
    Effective Fall 1996, all students (except for students holding an A.A. degree or certification of the completion of general studies requirements from a Florida public junior/ community college or SUS institution) entering UWF must complete the requirements specified under General Studies. Students admitted to the University as degree-seeking students prior to Fall 1996 may complete General Education requirements or Core Curriculum requirements in effect at the time of their admission to the University or request the option to follow the General Studies requirements implemented in Fall 1996. Contact the Office of the Registrar for detailed information.

    Class Attendance
    The University expects students to take full responsibility for their academic work and academic progress. To progress satisfactorily, students must meet the requirements of each course for which they are registered. Successful work depends to a large extent on regular class attendance, and absence from a class meeting is a loss to both the student and to classmates.

    Class attendance is regarded as an academic matter. Each faculty member shall provide a written attendance policy to each class within the first week of classes. The use of attendance records in grading and the handling of any excuses for absences is left to the discretion of the faculty member responsible for the course, subject to the guidelines given below.

    1. Students will be excused from class to observe religious holy days of their faith. No major test, major class event, or major university activity will be scheduled on a major religious holy day.
    2. Absences due to imposed legal responsibilities (e.g., jury duty, court appearance) shall be recognized as excused absences.
    3. Absences due to the participation in extracurricular activities in which students are official representatives of the University shall be recognized as excused absences.
    4. Absences due to serious illness, death or serious illness within the student's immediate family, military obligations, or other sound reasons offered by the student may be accepted as excused absences.

    It is the responsibility of students to know the attendance policy of each course they are taking. Students must inform their instructor(s) of absences from classes prior to, or as soon as possible, after the absence. Instructors have the right to request verification for all excused absences. Students are held accountable for all assignments in each course, whether or not the assignments were announced during an absence. Faculty are encouraged to provide opportunities for students to make up examinations and other work missed because of an excused absence.

    Reserve/National Guard Duty
    In order to fulfill an active duty military obligation of no more than two weeks concurrent with a normal academic semester at UWF, students must receive written permission for such absences from the instructors and departmental chairpersons for each course in which they are enrolled. The approval is not automatic but is discretionary with the instructors and departmental chairpersons.

    GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
    Students who entered the University between Fall 1993 and Summer 1996 with less than 45 semester hours of transfer work are required to meet the Core Curriculum listed below.

    Transfer students admitted to UWF prior to Fall 1996 with 45 or more semester hours, who did not earn an A.A. degree or who did not complete the general education requirements with appropriate statement on the official transcript from a Florida public community college or Florida SUS institution, must complete the General Education requirements listed below.

    All undergraduate students admitted to UWF beginning Fall 1996 or thereafter, who do not have an A.A. degree or who did not complete the general education requirements with appropriate statement on the official transcript from a Florida public community college or Florida SUS institution, must complete the General Studies requirements listed below.

    Students responsible for Core Curriculum or General Education requirements may choose to follow the General Studies program; however, the catalog year for the major and General Studies program will change to the current academic year. Students who are interested in this option may contact the Office of the Registrar for detailed information.

    Core Curriculum
    The Core Curriculum is a basic program of undergraduate studies providing students with a broad foundation in the liberal arts, science, and career awareness.

    To meet these requirements, UWF has established the following 42 semester hour curriculum. Courses may not be taken on the pass/fail basis. Students with transfer credit should refer to the Transfer Credit section of this Catalog. Students should contact the University Advising Center for specific courses which meet this requirement.

    To qualify for admission to the upper division and the A.A. degree, students must complete a minimum total of 60 semester hours in a planned program including the following Core Curriculum program:

    English/Humanities (15 sh)
    ENC 1101/2 Eng Comp I, II . . . . . 6
    PHI 2603 Ethics/Contemp Soc . . . . . 3
    Arts & Letters Electives (Choose 6sh)
    ARH 1050 Intro to Art History . . . . . 3
    ART 2003C Visual Arts Exp . . . . . 3
    LIT 1110 Great Books I . . . . . 3
    LIT 1120 Great Books II . . . . . 3
    LIT 2010 Intro to Prose Fic . . . . . 3
    LIT 2030 Intro to Poetry . . . . . 3
    LIT 2040 World Drama . . . . . 3
    LIT 2112 Intro to Lit . . . . . 3
    LIT 2113 Western Lit I . . . . . 3
    LIT 2114 Western Lit II . . . . . 3
    MUS 2642 Music in West Civ . . . . . 3
    PHI 2010 Intro to Philosophy . . . . . 3
    REL 2000 Intro to Religion . . . . . 3
    SPC 2300 Spkng/Interpers Co . . . . . 3
    THE 2000 Theatre Experience . . . . . 3
    Math/Science (13 sh)
    Math . . . . . 6
    (MAC 1104 or above; 3 sh must be theoretical)
    Natural Science . . . . . 7
    (including at least one lab science)
    Social Science (12 sh)
    EUH 1000 West Perspect I . . . . . 3
    EUH 1001 West Perspect II . . . . . 3
    POS 1041 Political Inst . . . . . 3
    Social Sciences Elective . . . . . 3
    Student Life Skills (2 sh)
    SLS 1301 Student Life Skills . . . . . 2
    (required first semester)
    Foreign Language (8-10 sh)
    All students are required to have 8-10 semester hours of a single modern or classical foreign language as part of the Core Curriculum. This requirement is waived for students who have been admitted with two years of a single modern or classical foreign language with passing grades in high school. Credit in American sign language does not satisfy the Core Curriculum foreign language requirement.

    General Education
    Students must have completed 36 semester hours of general education courses evenly divided among English-humanities, social science-history, science-mathematics. In the English-humanities area, at least two courses (6 semester hours) must be in English composition. These courses and an additional 6 semester hours in humanities meet the requirements of the Florida Administrative Code. In the science-mathematics area, two courses (6 semester hours) must be in mathematics at the level of college algebra or higher. Courses may not be taken on the pass/fail basis and must be selected from:

      Social Science-History
      Anthropology-cultural
      Economics
      Geography-social or cultural
      Government
      History
      Political science
      Psychology
      Social sciences
      Sociology
      Social Work
        Human behavior/social envir
        Drug abuse
        Dimension death/dying
        Psycho-social aspects: health
        Aging in today's society
        Introduction to social work

      Science-Mathematics
      Astronomy
      Biology
      Botany
      Chemistry
      Earth/environmental science
      Geology
      Kinesiology
      Logic, introduction to
      Mathematics
      Physical anthropology
      Physical geography
      Physical science
      Physics
      Statistics
      Zoology

      English-Humanities
      Art (non-performing)
      Drama (non-performing)
      English composition
      Foreign languages
      Literature
      Music (non-performing)
      Philosophy
      Religion (individual course evaluation)
      Speech (includes voice, diction, phonetics)

    General Studies
    The General Studies requirements are the basic studies that provide the students with a broad educational foundation and are essential requirements for all A.A. degree and baccalaureate degree programs. Courses may not be taken on the pass/fail basis. The General Studies requirements are specified in the distribution listed below.

    COMMUNICATION (6 sh)
    English Composition
    ENC 1101 English Composition I . . . . . 3
    ENC 1102 English Composition II . . . . . 3
    MATHEMATICS (6 sh)
    Students may choose one of the following two options:
    Option 1
    Take one of the courses in Group A (3-4 sh) plus one of the courses in Group B (2-4 sh), for a total of 6 sh.
    Group A
    MAC 1103C College Algebra w/Lab . . . . . 4
    MAC 1104 College Algebra . . . . . 3
    MAC 1140 Precalculus Algebra . . . . . 3
    Group B
    MAC 1113 Trigonometry . . . . . 2
    MAC 3233 Cal w/Business Applications . . . . . 3
    MAC 3311 Analytic Geometry &Cal I . . . . . 4
    MAC 3312 Analytic Geometry &Cal II . . . . . 4
    MAC 3313 Analytic Geometry &Cal III . . . . . 4
    MAD 3104 Discrete Math for Info Sys . . . . . 3
    STA 3023 Elements of Statistics . . . . . 3
    Option 2
    For students with strong mathematics background; take 6 sh from the following:
    MAC 1113 Trigonometry . . . . . 2
    MAC 3233 Cal w/Business Applications . . . . . 3
    MAC 3311 Analytic Geometry &Cal I . . . . . 4
    MAC 3312 Analytic Geometry &Cal II . . . . . 4
    MAC 3313 Analytic Geometry &Cal III . . . . . 4
    MAD 3104 Discrete Math for Info Sys . . . . . 3
    STA 3023 Elements of Statistics . . . . . 3
    SOCIAL SCIENCES (9 sh)
    Social Sciences: Historical Perspectives
    (choose one course)
    EUH 1000 Western Perspectives I . . . . . 3
    EUH 1001 Western Perspectives II . . . . . 3
    Social Sciences: Behavioral Perspectives
    (choose one course)
    ANT 2000 Introduction to Anthropology . . . . . 3
    PSY 2013 Understanding Human Beh . . . . . 3
    DEP xxxx Human Dev--Life Span . . . . . 3
    Social Science: Socio-Political Perspectives
    (choose one course)
    ECO 2013 Prin of Economics Macro . . . . . 3
    POS 1041 Political Institutions . . . . . 3
    SYG 2003 Introduction to Sociology . . . . . 3
    SYG 3010 Current Social Problems . . . . . 3
    HUMANITIES (9 sh)
    Literature
    (choose one course)
    LIT 1110 Great Books I . . . . . 3
    LIT 1120 Great Books II . . . . . 3
    LIT 2010 Introduction to Prose Fiction . . . . . 3
    LIT 2030 Introduction to Poetry . . . . . 3
    LIT 2040 World Drama . . . . . 3
    LIT 2113 Western Literature I . . . . . 3
    LIT 2114 Western Literature II . . . . . 3
    Fine Arts
    (choose one course)
    ARH 1050 Introduction to Art History . . . . . 3
    ART 2003C Visual Arts Experience . . . . . 3
    MUS 2642 Music in Western Civilization . . . . . 3
    THE 2000 The Theatre Experience . . . . . 3
    Contemporary Values and Expressions
    (choose one course)
    PHI 2010 Introduction to Philosophy . . . . . 3
    PHI 2100 Introduction to Logic . . . . . 3
    PHI 2603 Ethics in Contemp Society . . . . . 3
    REL 2000 Introduction to Religion . . . . . 3
    SPC 2300 Speaking/Interpersonal Comm . . . . . 3
    NATURAL SCIENCES (7 sh)
    Biological/Life Sciences & Physical Sciences
    Students must take two science courses, including at least one with lab. Choose from the following:
    AST 3033 Modern Astronomy . . . . . 3
    BOT 2010 General Botany w/Lab . . . . . 4
    *BSC 1010 General Biology . . . . . 3
    BSC 1010L General Biology Lab . . . . . 1
    CHM 1020/L Concepts in Chemistry w/Lab . . . . . 4
    CHM 2045/L Chemistry I w/Lab . . . . . 4
    CHM 2046/L Chemistry II w/Lab . . . . . 4
    GEO 1200/L Physical Geography w/Lab . . . . . 4
    GEO 2330 Environmental Science . . . . . 3
    **Choose either :
    *PHY 3048 University Physics I . . . . . 3
    PHY 3048L University Physics I Lab . . . . . 1
    *PHY 3049 University Physics II . . . . . 3
    PHY 3049L University Physics II Lab . . . . . 1
    OR
    *PHY 3053 General Physics I . . . . . 3
    PHY 3053L General Physics I Lab . . . . . 1
    *PHY 3054 General Physics II . . . . . 3
    PHY 3054L General Physics II Lab . . . . . 1
    ZOO 1010/L General Zoology w/Lab . . . . . 4
    *May be taken with or without lab.
    **General Physics is non-calculus based and is usually recommended for non-science majors. University Physics is calculus based and is usually recommended for science majors.

    COMMON PREREQUISITES
    Beginning Fall 1996, students wishing to enter most bachelor's degree programs at any institution in the SUS must successfully complete a set of lower division courses specified as "common prerequisites" for the selected program. The common lower division prerequisites for a given program are listed with other course requirements for that program.

    Students are urged to consult with their advisors early about choice of major so that general education and common prerequisites course work can be scheduled to avoid imposition of an excess hours surcharge in a later semester.

    CORRESPONDENCE STUDY
    Undergraduate students who anticipate taking correspondence courses should discuss these plans with their faculty advisor.

    Information regarding correspondence courses offered by the State University System may be obtained by writing: Department of Independent Study and Distance Education, 2209 NW 13th St., Suite D, Gainesville, Florida 32609-3498.

    Correspondence study should not be permitted as part of any master's degree program.

    It is the student's responsibility to have an official transcript forwarded to the Office of Admissions.

    CREDIT BY PROFICIENCY EXAMINATION
    Students currently enrolled in the University as undergraduate degree candidates may request permission to take an examination for course credit. No fees will be assessed. Students should not be currently enrolled in a course for which credit by examination is requested and should contact the chairperson of the appropriate department to make arrangements for an examination to be given. The grade for the proficiency exam will be submitted to the Office of the Registrar on a "Credit on Exam" form; proficiency exams may be taken on the pass/fail basis. Failing grades of "F" and unsatisfactory grades of "U" will be included when computing the GPA. Credits earned by examination when taken pass/fail become part of the maximum 6 semester hours or two courses (whichever is greater in credit) allowed on the pass/fail basis. All other pass/fail regulations also apply.

    Students currently enrolled in a course may not use the credit by examination option for that course. Students may attempt to earn credit by examination in a specific course only once, regardless of whether the examination is passed or failed. Students who have earned a letter grade "AF" in a course may not challenge the course by examination under the forgiveness policy. A total of 30 semester hours of credit by examination may be applied to an undergraduate degree.

    Non-degree seeking students who possess a bachelor's degree or higher, who are participating in an approved teacher education program and who demonstrate significant teaching experience, may take up to two courses amounting to no more than 9 semester hours of their course work through the credit-by-examination option. Students must be enrolled in UWF at the time the exam is given.

    DEAD WEEK
    For purposes of providing students time to prepare for final examinations and other end-of-course assignments, the University maintains the following dead week policy.

    There shall be a designated period each semester during which no written examination, test, or quiz shall be given. For fall and spring semesters, this period is the last five scheduled days of classes. For summer semester no examination other than a final examination is to be given during the last seven days of classes. For shorter terms, proportional periods are established.

    Laboratory components of courses shall be excepted, and the last regularly scheduled day of such classes may be used for final examinations. Oral presentations and other non-written activities shall be excepted. Examinations rescheduled for the benefit of individual students shall be excepted.

    Any instructor who believes his ability to evaluate students adequately in a particular course is jeopardized or impaired by this rule may petition, in writing, his respective college dean for an exception for the particular course. All exceptions shall be reported to the academic vice president, who shall make a summary report each semester to the Faculty Senate for their information.

    No intercollegiate athletic events may be added after midterm to the schedule during dead week, with the exception of tournament-type play for which a berth has been earned by a team or individual player as a result of earlier competition.

    EXCESSIVE HOURS FOR DEGREE PROGRAMS
    For information refer to Excessive Hours under the Fee and Tuition section of this Catalog.

    GRADES
    Change of Grades
    Students graduating from UWF having earned a letter grade of "F, D, D+, C-, C, C+, B-, B, B+, A-, or A" may not have a grade changed for a course which was taken and completed prior to graduation. Graduated students having an "I, V" or other deferred incomplete grade in a course taken prior to graduation may have the incomplete grade changed to a letter grade after graduation upon completion of required work and submission of appropriate grade change forms by the course instructor via the chairperson and college dean (see Grades of Incomplete).

    Grade Appeal
    Students should consult the Student Handbook for information regarding the grade appeal process. Grade appeals for courses cross-listed with another department within one college will be heard through the college housing the department, regardless of the departmental affiliation of the faculty member teaching the course.

    Grade Forgiveness - A. A. Degree
    Effective Fall Semester 1993, students who previously attended UWF, whether as degree-seeking or non degree-seeking, who subsequently earn an associate of arts degree at another Florida public institution, have the following options:

    1. All credit earned at UWF prior to earning the A.A. will be excluded from the number of hours earned towards a baccalaureate degree and from all calculations of the UWF GPA. The official academic record will reflect 60 semester hours of credit and completion of the General Studies and Gordon Rule requirements in accordance with the State Articulation Agreement. The UWF GPA will include only those courses completed from this point forward, and the student will be in good academic standing.
    2. Credit, status, and GPA earned at UWF remain the same. The transferable credit will be added to the total number of hours applicable to a baccalaureate degree and the A.A. degree will be posted. The student record will reflect completion of the general education and Gordon Rule requirements.

    CLAST scores will be posted and the record will reflect whether or not this requirement has been met.

    Grade Forgiveness Policy

    1. Grade forgiveness is restricted to undergraduate degree-seeking students.
    2. A completed "Grade Forgiveness Request" form must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar no later than the last day of classes of the semester in which the course is repeated; forms are available from the Office of the Registrar.
    3. Once a bachelor's degree has been awarded by UWF, a student may not repeat a course and be forgiven the original grade in a course taken prior to graduation.
    4. Effective Fall Semester 1996, native students are allowed two opportunities for grade forgiveness and transfer students are permitted only one forgiveness with no distinction between the lower and upper division. Grade forgiveness is limited to courses (4 semester hours or less) numbered 1000-4999, in which grades are recorded on an "A-F" scale, including a "WF."
    5. If a course has been taken more than one time prior to the application for forgiveness, forgiveness can be used to replace only the most recently awarded grade.
    6. A student may not exercise grade forgiveness by repeating at UWF a course which was initially taken elsewhere, nor may a course taken at UWF be repeated at another institution for forgiveness by UWF.
    7. The grade forgiveness policy is not retroactive. To apply the grade forgiveness policy for all students, the second attempt at the course must have been taken subsequent to fall semester 1986. For the second option for grade forgiveness for native students, the second attempt must be Fall 1996 or later.
    8. Grade forgiveness awarded for repeated courses will not retroactively alter any previous academic action. This means, for example, that a probation or disqualification status will not be removed from the records of the semester in which the student originally took the course.
    9. Under unusual circumstances, a different but similar course may be used if the substitute course is approved by the student's college dean.
    10. If a student withdraws from a course repeated under the grade forgiveness policy, the attempt will count as an allowable attempt. However, the original grade will not be replaced with the "W" or "WF" received in the repeat attempt.
    11. All grades will remain on the student's official transcript. The original course grade will be annotated with a "T" to indicate that the course has subsequently been repeated, and the repeat course grade will be annotated with an "R," with the transcript containing appropriate explanations thereof. The original grade will not be computed in the GPA or course hours included in hours earned except in a case in which the student withdraws from the repeated course or takes an incomplete grade.
    12. If it is determined that the student is ineligible for the grade forgiveness policy, neither a refund of fees nor automatic withdrawal from the course will be made.
    13. A student who has earned a letter grade "AWF" by proficiency exam may not repeat the course under the grade forgiveness policy.
    14. The grade forgiveness option may not be exercised to remove a grade awarded in a case of academic misconduct.

    G.I. Bill students and others receiving Veterans Administration educational benefits are advised that the forgiveness of any grade other than an unsatisfactory grade must be reported to the V.A. and may result in the retroactive reduction of benefits for the semester for which the forgiven grade was originally assigned. An unsatisfactory grade may be forgiven without similar consequences. Notify the Office of Veterans Affairs when utilizing the forgiveness option.

    Grades of Incomplete
    An incomplete ("I") grade signifies that all course requirements have not been met. If circumstances exist beyond the control of the student, as determined by the instructor, the following applies:

    1. The instructor may assign a grade of "I," provided the student has satisfactorily completed at least 70 percent of the course requirements. Students who receive an involuntary call to active military duty should consult with their instructors.
    2. The "I" becomes an "F" at the end of the next semester in which the student is enrolled unless the grade is changed by the instructor to a letter grade ("A""F") or the instructor extends the completion period ("V"). The student is responsible for submitting a written request to the department for a grade change or extension prior to the end of the last instructional day of the semester.
    3. Students receiving grades of incomplete should NOT reregister for courses in which an "I" has been assigned.
    4. At the end of each semester when grades are submitted to the faculty chair, each instructor shall submit a completed "Report on Assignment of Incomplete Grade" form for all incomplete grades given. The student will be given a copy of this form with the instructor's expectations and requirements for completion of the course.
    5. An "I" grade will be converted to a "V" grade upon graduation if the course in which the "I" was received was not required for graduation. A grade of "I" or "V" may be considered as a grade of "F" by an office of admissions in determining the GPA for admission to graduate school.
    6. Graduated students having a "V" or other incomplete grade for a course may have the incomplete grade changed to a letter grade up to three years after receiving a degree. To change the grade, the student must complete the required work and the course instructor must submit the appropriate grade change form via the chairperson and the dean.
    7. If a student wishes to change a "V" grade to a letter grade more than three years after receiving a degree, the student must direct an appeal to the appropriate college Academic Standards Committee.
    8. For the purposes of honors designation, a letter grade which replaces an incomplete grade subsequent to a student's receiving a degree will not change the student's GPA associated with the earned degree. However, the student's transcript will be annotated to show that the course requirements were completed after graduation.

    Grading System
    Grades will be reported in the following manner:
    Grade Description Grade Points
    A Outstanding 4.0
    A- 3.7
    B+ Above average 3.3
    B 3.0
    B- 2.7
    C+ Average 2.3
    C 2.0
    C- 1.7
    D+ Below average 1.3
    D 1.0
    F Failure 0.0
    U Unsatisfactory 0.0
    WR Withdrawal with partial refund of fees *
    TR Withdrawal with full refund *
    W Withdrawn *
    WF Withdrawn/failing 0.0
    X Audit *
    I Incomplete *
    I* Late Grade *
    V Deferred "I" grade *
    G Deferred (thesis only) *
    P Pass *
    S Satisfactory *
    N Noncredit course *
    NU Noncredit course (not completed) *

    *Grade not included when computing the GPA.

    Student teaching, practicums and special courses are graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory ("S/U") basis. Other courses may be taken by undergraduates under a pass/fail ("P/F") option.

    In computation of the required grade point average (GPA) for retention and conferral of a degree, the total number of quality points (grade points times course semester hours) is divided by the total number of semester hours for which letter grades are received (see the Grading System for grade points). All regulations tied to a specific grade average should be interpreted to mean the numerical average associated with that specific grade. Hence, the required "C average or better" is interpreted as "2.0 average or better."

    Repeated Courses
    A student may receive credit for a course only once regardless of how many times it is taken in transfer or at UWF (see Grade Forgiveness Policy of this Catalog).

    HONORS PROGRAM
    The Honors Program at UWF is designed to provide creative ways for students to explore their academic talents. Students admitted to the Program are required to enroll in honors courses within major disciplines. Faculty from across UWF's four colleges work with Honors students affording them opportunities to contribute to serious research, scholarship, and creative productions under the supervision of recognized experts in their fields.

    To qualify for UWF's Honors Program, entering high school graduates (or early/dual enrolled students) must meet two of the following entrance requirements: rank in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating class, have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.5 or higher, or have an E-ACT composite score of 25 or higher or a SAT combined score of 1140 or higher.

    Some benefits for participation in the Program include early registration, small classes (average of 15 students), Honors Speakers Series, social and cultural activities, a certificate of completion when Program requirements are met, annotation on UWF transcript of Honors courses taken, participation in an Honors Commencement Ceremony for recognition of Program graduates held just prior to graduation, and individual recognition by UWF's President during Commencement exercises.

    Interested students should contact the Honors Office for more information.

    MAJORS
    Change of Major or Area of Specialization
    Undergraduate students (including lower-division students) must complete a "Major Change Request" form to enter a different major or second undergraduate degree program. Program approval is determined by the appropriate department chairperson. Students who change majors have a choice of meeting the major degree requirements of the catalog in effect at the time of change of major or graduation. Students should be aware of admission requirements for limited access programs.

    Students on probation and students returning from suspension may apply for a change of major. However, approval of the change of major is granted by the chairperson of the prospective department. Students should contact the chairperson for guidance.

    Graduate students desiring a new program must complete a new application for graduate admissions. Contact the Office of Admissions for further information.

    Doctorate Program
    Faculty in individual specialization areas review, approve, or deny admission of students who apply to a selected area. A student is admitted into the Ed.D. program when a specialization area admits a student into the specialization. Students admitted and enrolled in course work in the Ed.D. program, choosing to change their specialization area, must reapply for admission to the Ed.D. program through the Office of Admissions. Students must complete requirements in effect at the time of admission.

    Non Degree-Seeking Student Status
    Undergraduate students who wish to change to non degree-seeking status must complete the change request form in the Office of the Registrar for approval by the advisor and department chairperson.

    MINORS
    Declaration of Minor
    A student may declare a minor by completing the "Declaration of Minor" form available in the Registrar's Office. Students should consult the minor department for course requirements. Neither diplomas nor certificates are issued for completion of the minor.

    NONTRADITIONAL CREDIT
    The University recognizes the following programs for which undergraduate students may receive academic credit. A combined total of 60 semester hours, of which not more than 20 semester hours may be upper-division credit, may be accepted for transfer. Credit toward major requirements must be approved by the student's major department. Categories and maximum acceptable limits are as follows:

    Advanced Placement program (AP) 30 sh
    Civilian nontraditional credit 30 sh
    CollegeLevel Examination Program (CLEP) 30 sh
    Correspondence/extended learning 30 sh
    Departmental proficiency examination 30 sh
    International Baccalaureate program (IB) 30 sh
    Military service schools 30 sh
    Proficiency examination program 30 sh
    USAFI/DANTES credit 30 sh
    International high school credit 20 sh

    Acceptability of University credit from all sources will be determined by the Office of Admissions. Credit earned through nontraditional sources does not satisfy the requirement for 60 semester hours at a senior institution nor meet residency requirements.

    College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
    The University of West Florida grants credit in lieu of course work for both the general and subject matter examinations of the College-Level Examination Program. Credits are awarded to any regularly admitted, degree-seeking undergraduate student who scores at or above the 50th percentile level of the combined men/women sophomore norms on the CLEP general examinations. Students receive appropriate credit provided they have not attempted comparable credit at the college level in the appropriate Liberal Studies area, received credit through the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB), or in the specific discipline.

    No credit will be awarded for a subject matter examination if the student has already earned any course credit in the subject area.

    Dual credit on CLEP is not allowed. For example, a student may earn credit on the CLEP general examination in English composition or on the subject matter examination in English composition, but not on both; on college algebra or on college algebra/trigonometry, but not on both.

    In accordance with the articulation agreement, and because CLEP credit is regarded in the same category as transfer credit, students who have earned CLEP credit in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the A.A. degree from a Florida public institution will be awarded credit on the basis of their presentation of the A.A. degree. The University of West Florida will not evaluate individually the credits on which the A.A. degree is based.

    Transfer students who have completed a general education program at a Florida public postsecondary institution and whose transcript is so marked will be considered to have completed the General Studies requirements at UWF. A second evaluation of CLEP credits in the Core areas will not be undertaken at this University.

    CLEP credits for transfer students other than those identified in the above sections will be awarded according to the guidelines stipulated by the Florida Administrative Code. Contact the Office of Admissions for detailed information.

    Advanced Placement Program (AP)
    The University of West Florida allows credit hours under the CEEB's Advanced Placement Program. Students who have completed the high school advanced placement course and have achieved a score of three or better on the CEEB subject matter examination may receive credit. Contact the Office of Admissions for details.

    International Baccalaureate Program (IB)
    Students in the International Baccalaureate program may receive up to 30 credit hours towards lower level credit. Contact the Office of Admissions for details.

    RECENCY OF CREDIT
    Undergraduate credits which are more than ten years old and graduate credits which are more than five years old may be reviewed and reevaluated for credit toward degree requirements at UWF.

    TRANSFER CREDIT
    Level of Transferred Courses
    Courses from accredited institutions with appropriate grades are acceptable for transfer at the level at which the course was classified by the institution granting the credit.

    Transfer Grades
    A "P" grade in a transferred pass-fail course may be used to satisfy General Studies and Gordon Rule requirements only if there is documentation provided by the student that the "P" was equal to a grade of "C" (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) or higher, or if pass-fail was the only grading system available for the transferred course.

    Undergraduate Transfer Credit
    Transfer credit is normally allowed for courses completed at or through other regionally accredited institutions of higher learning. No credit, however, is allowed for technical, vocational, or pre-college courses or for courses completed with grades below "D-."

    Credit earned from Florida public institutions will be evaluated on the basis of the Common Course Numbering System. Those courses considered equivalent will be accepted for transfer credit at the level at which the course was classified by the institution originally awarding the credit. Courses are considered equivalent when the prefix and the last three numerical digits of the course number are the same. Thus, THE 1234 taken at another institution is equivalent to THE 3234 at The University of West Florida. Courses not considered equivalent may be accepted for transfer credit at the discretion of the departmental chairperson.

    All grades earned at other regionally accredited institutions are entered on a student's record at the time of transfer exactly as earned. Such grades are averaged separately from grades earned at UWF and are not considered in the UWF GPA. Transfer courses appear on the UWF transcript.

    The University accepts the A.A. degree from Florida public institutions at face value. Students must earn at least an additional 60 semester hours at a senior institution.

    College work completed with satisfactory grades by a student at a regionally accredited institution of higher learning, prior to graduation from high school, will apply in the normal manner toward the baccalaureate degree at UWF. The Office of Admissions must be provided an official transcript of such work.

    Courses taken at another institution will not meet the UWF residency degree requirement .

    Graduate Transfer Credit
    Graduate transfer credit must have been earned within five years of the date of admission and be approved by the student's academic department. Graduate credit may be transferred from other institutions only when a grade of "B" or higher was earned in the graduate work to be transferred.

    Students whose program consists of 30 to 36 semester hours may have a maximum of 6 semester hours or two courses (whichever is greater in credit) of graduate work at another university accepted toward their program requirements at UWF. The department chairperson's permission is required.

    Students whose program consists of more than 36 semester hours may have a maximum of 10 semester hours of graduate work from another university accepted toward their program requirements at UWF.

    Doctoral Program Transfer Credit
    Students who have completed an Educational Specialist degree within the previous five years at UWF can transfer a maximum of 36 semester hours of graduate credit earned beyond a master's degree into the Ed.D. program. Students requesting to transfer course work from other institutions are advised on an individual basis. The UWF graduate transfer policy states that graduate transfer credit must have been earned within five years of the date of admission and be approved by a student's academic department. Students are eligible to transfer a maximum of 10 semester hours of graduate work from another university.

    All hours transferred into the Ed.D. program must align with the professional core and specialization course requirements. Students admitted into the Ed.D. program must enroll in at least 30 semester hours in the Ed.D. program at UWF. Exceptions on transfer work and the 30 hour rule will be determined by the Ed.D. Program Committee.

    Students choosing to petition for a larger number of hours to be credited to the Ed.D. program must submit an "Ed.D. Student Petition" form to the College of Education Graduate Office.

    TRANSFER OF CREDIT FOR MATRICULATED STUDENTS
    UWF degree-seeking students completing course work at another institution should:

    1. obtain permission of the department chairperson and advisor prior to enrollment at another institution;
    2. consult with the Director of the University Advising Center if completing the UWF General Studies requirements;
    3. obtain certification from the Office of the Registrar for residency and degree status for students taking courses at a Florida public junior/community college or SUS institution. The determination of specific course requirements (Gordon Rule, General Studies etc.) will be made upon receipt of the official transcript. The major department will determine course equivalency for courses in the major.

    Transient credit taken during any semester will not constitute continuous enrollment at UWF.

    A "P" grade in a transferred course may be used to satisfy the General Studies and Gordon Rule requirements only if there is documentation provided by the student that the "P" was equal to a grade of "C" (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) or higher, or if pass/fail was the only grading system available for the transferred course.

    UNIVERSITY HONORS
    Baccalaureate Honors Graduation
    The University shall confer baccalaureate honors recognition to those students whose catalog year is 1991 or later who have:

    1. earned at least 40 semester hours of graded work at UWF. This policy excludes all courses with grades of "P" or "S." Grades of "WF," "F," or "U" are not earned hours but are included in the GPA;
    2. at least a 3.5 GPA on all work attempted at UWF;
    3. at least a 3.5 GPA on all work attempted, including any transfer credit that applies to and meets the requirements for the degree with honors. The GPA used for honors will be no higher than the UWF cumulative GPA.

    The following minimum GPAs are required for graduation honors:

      Cum Laude 3.50
      Magna Cum Laude 3.70
      Summa Cum Laude 3.90

    Students with catalog years prior to 1991 should consult their respective catalogs for baccalaureate honors requirements.

    Previous recognition on the President's or Deans' Honor Rolls does not insure baccalaureate honors at graduation.

    UWF does not have a grade honors program for graduate and doctorate students.

    President's Honor Roll
    All undergraduate students who earn a semester GPA of 3.90 or higher on a minimum of 6 semester hours of graded ("A-F") course work at UWF are recognized on the president's honor roll for that semester.

    Deans' Honors Roll
    All undergraduate students who earn a semester GPA of 3.50-3.89 on a minimum of 6 semester hours of graded ("A-F") course work at UWF in any semester are recognized on the deans' honors roll for that semester.

    Other Honors
    Several colleges and departments of the University recognize meritorious achievement in appropriate ways. A student may achieve recognition of this magnitude even if not an honors graduate.

    UPPER-DIVISION STATUS
    The following criteria must be completed to achieve upper-division status:

    1. admission to the University;
    2. 60 semester hours of academic credit;
    3. General Studies requirements;
    4. Gordon Rule requirements;
    5. CLAST requirement;
    6. foreign language requirement.

    WITHDRAWAL FROM A COURSE
    A student may withdraw from a course while remaining in other course(s) before the end of the ninth week of instruction of any fall/spring semester (see calendar dates for summer semester and short term dates). A grade of "W" will be assigned during this period. The "Withdrawal Request" form is available in the Office of the Registrar, Fort Walton Beach Campus, Eglin Center, and the NAS Pensacola Center. No individual course withdrawals may be processed after the published deadline. Students who do not complete the course requirements or officially withdraw will be assigned a grade of "F", which is computed in the UWF GPA. Students are encouraged to consult with their advisors prior to withdrawing from classes, and to contact the Cashier's Office for questions regarding fee liability or financial aid awards.

    Doctoral students who have an excessive number of class withdrawals will be reviewed by the College of Education Graduate Office.

    WITHDRAWAL FROM ALL COURSES IN A TERM (UNIVERSITY WITHDRAWAL)
    Forms for withdrawing from all courses in a term are available in the Office of the Registrar. Students withdrawing from all courses prior to the end of the 4th week of any semester will receive a grade of "WR" (partial refund). A grade of "WR" is not computed in the UWF GPA.

    Students who are first-time attendees at this University who withdraw from all courses for the semester are eligible for prorated refunds during the first 60 percent of the academic semester. This special refund provision applies to the first semester of attendance only at this institution.

    Students withdrawing from all courses beginning with the 5th week through the end of the 9th week of any fall/spring semester will receive a grade of "W" in each course (see calendar for summer semester and short term dates). Students withdrawing after the designated automatic "W" deadline through the last day of instruction will be assigned a grade of "W" or "WF" at the discretion of the course instructor(s). Grades of "WF" are computed in the UWF GPA. Withdrawal from all courses does not prevent registration for upcoming terms. Students are not required to apply for readmission unless they have not enrolled at UWF for three or more academic semesters (including summers). Students are encouraged to consult with their advisors prior to withdrawing from classes.

    If a doctoral student withdraws from all courses within a given semester, the semester will not be counted as a semester to fulfill the residency requirement.

    Students may be allowed to withdraw from a course or the University (all courses) with a full refund of tuition fees for the following situations (documentation required):

    1. Involuntary call to active military duty (copy of official orders or letter signed by commanding officer on official military letterhead required);
    2. Death of the student or death in the immediate family (parent, spouse, child, sibling--copy of obituary notice or death certificate required);
    3. Student's illness of such duration and severity, as confirmed in writing by a physician, that completion of the term is precluded.

    Withdrawal from the University does not automatically relieve the student from fee payment liability in the case of deferred payment status such as VA notes, tuition loan notes, and financial aid pending status. Students in a deferred status should consult the Cashier's Office regarding fee liability.

    WAIVER AND APPEAL POLICIES
    Level of Policy Initial Recommendation Made By: Initial Decision Made By: First Appeal Heard By: Final Appeal Heard By:
    Department Faculty Advisor Department Chairperson College Dean Provost
    College Faculty Advisor College Dean not applicable Provost
    University Faculty Advisor
    Department Chairperson
    Dean    		 Core Curriculum
    General Studies Council--Associate Dean, College of Arts & Social Sciences    		 Provost
    Other Undergraduates
    Associate Vice Provost for Enrollment Services
    Graduate Students
    Associate Vice Provost for Graduate Studies

    The following list illustrates the waiver or appeal and the level at which the initial decision should be made:

    Departmental Level (Department Chair)

      Course substitution or waiver of requirement for department
      Prerequisite or department course
      Course equivalents for department courses
      Requirements for program admission, such as limited access and teacher certification
      Other matters related to department policy

    College Level (College Dean)

      Waiver or substitution of required college core course
      Waiver or substitution of prerequisite for college core
      Required score on test for college requirements
      Grade changes (not including withdrawals)
      Probation or suspension
      Graduation application deadlines
      Hours accepted as a non degree-seeking student
      Other matters related to college policy

    University Level (Enrollment Services)

      Semester hours of upper level course work requirement
      Semester hours in residence requirement
      Foreign language (State admissions requirement)
      Late withdrawal within current term (prior to last day of classes)
      Retroactive graduation
      Retroactive withdrawal (for previous semesters)
      Semester hours at senior institution requirement
      Last 30 semester hours at UWF
      Catalog year
      A.A. forgiveness
      Graduation with honors
      Semester hours for second degree requirement
      Summer hours requirement
      Other matters related to university policy

    General Studies (General Studies Council, attention: Associate Dean, College of Arts & Social Science)

      Requests for waivers or substitutions of general education, Gordon Rule and other general studies requirements
      A.A. requirements

    CLAST Waiver
    By State law, requests to waive one or more parts of the CLAST based on having attempted the CLAST four or more times must be heard by a special committee chaired by the Provost. These requests should be directed in writing to the Provost.

    Student Academic Grievances
    The process for handling academic grievances, including grade appeals, is detailed in the current issue of the Student Handbook.

    Student Non-Academic Grievances and Student Misconduct
    The process of handling student non-academic grievances is detailed in the current issue of the Student Handbook.

    UWF Home Page
    Adrienne Turner
    Enrollment Services
    September 20, 1996