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Policy Manual: Section 300: Academic Affairs

301 GENERAL POLICY

The Board of Regents shall rely on the Chancellor, the presidents of the several institutions in the System, and their deans and faculties to develop, adapt, and administer the academic methods and procedures deemed by them to be most effective in promoting efficiency of operations and most appropriate to the advancement of learning.

Without limiting the generality of the preceding paragraph, it is recognized that the following are proper functions of the academic authorities rather than of the Board:

1. To prescribe the teaching load to be carried by each member of the faculty;
2. To determine the maximum and minimum number of students permitted in a class; and
3. To define the nature and form of records, if any, to be kept of the members of the faculties and of activities of administrative personnel.

The Board of Regents shall expect of each president, his or her faculty and staff, the deans and the faculties of each institution in the System efficient service measured by approved academic standards, and shall look to them to promote effective higher education, having in view resources available to them, and, in the discharge of its duties as a Board, must hold them responsible for a failure to achieve these results. The Board is of the opinion that it would not be reasonable to make academic authorities in the System accountable for results obtained and at the same time deny them the power to choose ways and means they believe to be best adapted to achieve the ends desired.

The Board shall look to the Chancellor to survey institutions in the System and to report thereon to the Board, as may be necessary to keep it fully informed of the standards of scholarship maintained at each institution in the System and the efficiency and effectiveness of the administration of the institutions (BR Minutes, 1947-48, pp. 170-172; 1989-1990, p. 179).

The Board shall expect each institution to be accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Inc., and other appropriate accreditation agencies.

302 FACULTIES

302.01 FACULTY MEMBERSHIP

In all institutions the faculty will consist of the corps of instruction and the administrative officers.

302.02 CORPS OF INSTRUCTION

Full-time professors, associate professors, assistant professors, instructors, lecturers, senior lecturers, and teaching personnel with such other titles as may be approved by the Board, shall be the Corps of Instruction. Full-time research and extension personnel and duly certified librarians will be included in the Corps of Instruction on the basis of comparable training. Persons holding adjunct appointments or other honorary titles shall not be considered to be members of the faculty.

302.03 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS

Faculty status of full-time administrative officers will necessarily vary with the size and complexity of the institution. A faculty member who has academic rank and rights of tenure in the Corps of Instruction and who accepts an appointment to an administrative office (other than president) shall retain his/her academic rank and rights of tenure as an ex officio member of the Corps of Instruction but shall have no rights of tenure in the administrative office to which he or she has been appointed. The additional salary, if any, for the administrative position shall be stated in the employment contract and shall not be paid to the faculty member when he or she ceases to hold the administrative position. An administrative officer having faculty status shall have all the responsibilities and privileges of faculty membership. Administrative officers shall be appointed by the president with the approval of the Board of Regents and shall hold office at the pleasure of the president.

Research and Regional Universities: In addition to the Corps of Instruction, the faculty will include the president, administrative and academic deans, registrar, librarian, chief fiscal officer, and such other full-time administrative officers as the statutes of the institution may designate as having ex officio faculty status.

Each institution is required to file with the office of the Board of Regents a list of administrative offices which have faculty status (by office, not by name of individual).

State Universities, State Colleges, and Two-Year Colleges: In addition to the Corps of Instruction, the faculty will consist of the president and the full-time administrative officers, and such other full-time administrative officers as the statues of the institution may designate as having ex officio status. Each institution is required to file with the office of the Board of Regents a list of administrative offices which have faculty status (by office, not by name of individual) (BR Minutes, 1951-52, pp. 314-319; 1952-53, pp. 159-160; 1953-54, p. 225).

302.04 ELECTION OF FACULTIES

The Board shall elect all faculty members prior to their initial appointments upon the recommendations of the Chancellor and the president of the appropriate institution. The Chancellor is authorized to approve the appointment of part-time faculty members, other than those faculty members who have previously retired from the University System (BR Minutes 1984-85, p. 76).

302.05 FACULTY MEETINGS

Each faculty shall meet at least once each academic term and at such other times as may be necessary or desirable, except at those institutions which have a council, senate, assembly, or other such body, in which case the faculty shall meet at least twice a year. Each faculty shall appoint a secretary who shall keep a record of the proceedings.

302.06 FACULTY RULES AND REGULATIONS

The faculty, or the council, senate, assembly, or such other comparable body, shall make, subject to the approval of the president of the institution, statutes, rules and regulations for its governance and for that of the students; provide such committees as may be required; prescribe regulations regarding admission, suspension, expulsion, classes, courses of study, and requirements for graduation; and make such regulations as may be necessary or proper for the maintenance of high educational standards. A copy of the statutes, rules and regulations made by the faculty shall be filed with the Chancellor. The faculty shall also have primary responsibility for those aspects of student life which relate to the educational process, subject to the approval of the president of the institution. (BR Minutes, 1986- 87, p. 333).

302.07 TERMINATION OF FACULTY EMPLOYMENT

The employment of faculty members may be terminated in accordance with procedures outlined in Section 800 of this Policy Manual.

302.08 REGENTS TEACHING AND SERVICE TO STUDENTS AWARD

University System institutions shall implement a Regents' Teaching and Service to Students Awards program to recognize and reward faculty excellence in teaching and service to students. This program will involve systemwide awards to recognize both individual faculty and staff and departments for strong commitment to teaching and service to students. Each institution will be invited to nominate one teaching faculty or staff member and one academic department or program each year for these awards. One faculty/staff award and one department/program award will be given for each sector. The Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs shall publish specific procedures, nomination guidelines, and award criteria.

In addition to the Regents' Teaching and Service to Students Awards, institutions shall develop and implement systematic programs to recognize and reward faculty and staff for excellence in teaching and service to students and professional staff for outstanding job performance and innovation on the job.

303 CURRICULUM

303.01 CORE CURRICULUM

Each institution's core curriculum shall follow a common set of principles and framework. The System principles and framework were developed with the goal of allowing institutions some flexibility in defining learning outcomes while ensuring that the core curriculum completed at one System institution is fully transferable to another System institution.

Each institution's core curriculum shall consist of 60 semester hours as follows:

The specific courses contained in areas A through E of an institution's core curriculum are approved by the Council on General Education.

Students completing an area of the core curriculum will receive full credit for that area upon transfer to another System institution within the same major. In area A, students will receive credit for courses taken regardless of whether the area is completed. For students completing the core curriculum, the total number of hours required of transfer students for the baccalaureate degree shall not exceed the number of hours required of native students for the same major field.

303.02 LEARNING SUPPORT PROGRAMS

Each institution that admits students required by University System policy to enroll in Learning Support courses before or as they attempt core curriculum courses shall have a separate department or division for meeting the academic needs of such students. The program shall be designed, at a minimum, to meet the specific needs of students who, according to University System placement standards, must enroll in Learning Support. Institutions may set higher standards for placement, and the program may include other learning support components.

Each such department or division shall have its own budget and staff and shall report directly to the chief academic officer or to his/her designee.

The University System chief academic officer will issue administrative procedures regarding the operation of these programs. (BR Minutes, 1972-73, pp. 533-37; 1978-79, p. 162; 1982-83, pp. 119-21, 1986-87, p. 102; 1992-93, p. 241;Feb., 2007, p. 37).

303.03 INSTRUCTION OFFERED EXTERNALLY

The University System will strive to provide educational opportunities sufficient to meet the needs of the state and the demands of Georgia citizens. Institutions within the University System are encouraged to explore the possibility of external course and degree program offerings to meet these needs. The following policies will govern the operations of all University System external undergraduate and graduate credit offerings.

The Board of Regents recognizes two categories of external offerings: off-campus instruction and distance education. Off-campus instruction is defined as traditional face-to-face classroom instruction that occurs at a location away from the home premises of the institution. Distance education is defined as a formal educational process in which the majority of the instruction occurs when student and instructor are not in the same place and the instruction is delivered using technology.

Institutions wishing to offer courses and/or degree programs externally must adhere to the guidelines, criteria, and nomenclature contained in the document entitled "External Instruction in the University System of Georgia: Policies and Procedures," as adopted by the Board of Regents on February 2, 2005, and as thereafter amended. This document is maintained in the Academic Affairs Handbook. The designation of an off-campus instructional location as a campus, center, or consortium requires approval by the Chancellor.

Institutions wishing to offer degree programs externally (off-campus or at a distance) must first submit and receive approval for an institutional Instructional Delivery Plan ("IDP"). Institutional IDPs should be updated at least every three years, and each updated version should be accompanied by notification to the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academics and Fiscal Affairs of intent to continue and/or discontinue external program offerings. Approval of the IDP will be granted only upon a clear demonstration by the requesting institution that external offerings are appropriate to its mission and that all necessary facilities, technical infrastructure, faculty, staff, and other supporting resources are available or can be provided to maintain program standards comparable to those maintained for on-campus programs.

It is desirable in most instances to have the closest qualified institution respond to off-campus credit course needs. In cases where requests for services exceed the qualifications or ability of the closest institution, attempts should be made to have such requests met by other qualified University System institutions.

Prior to the offering of off-campus course work, the president of the institution proposing such work will notify the president(s) of any other University System institution(s) located in closer geographic proximity to the site proposed for the off-campus course work. In the event the involved institutions are unable to arrive at a mutual agreement on the offering of off-campus credit courses, the issues will be referred to the Chancellor for final resolution. (BR Minutes, February 2005; February 2007)

303.04 UNITED STATES AND GEORGIA HISTORY AND CONSTITUTIONS

All colleges and universities sustained or in any manner supported by public funds shall give instruction in the history of the United States, in the history of Georgia, and in the essentials of the United States Constitution and the Constitution of Georgia, and no undergraduate student in any college or university shall receive a certificate of graduation or a degree without successfully completing course work or previously passing a satisfactory examination on the history of the United States and the history of Georgia, and upon the provisions and principles of the United States Constitution and the Constitution of Georgia (Acts 1975, pp. 1140, 1141).

303.05 COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF GEORGIA AND THE DEPARTMENT OF TECHNICAL AND ADULT EDUCATION (DTAE)

The State of Georgia is best served by strong systems of technical and university education, each with a distinctive and nonduplicative mission and both supporting academically sound movement of students between the systems. Such a structure extends the separate systems by building bridges so that students can use both systems.

The relationship between the two systems is based on three principles:

1. The needs of the students will come first.

   Movement between the two systems is encouraged to meet the changing needs and goals of students who have the preparation to follow such a move, whether registering for a single class or transferring into another program.

2. Each system retains a distinctive mission of its own.

   The mission of the Department of Technical and Adult Education (DTAE) is to contribute to the economic and workforce development of Georgia by providing quality adult literacy education, continuing education, customized business and industry training, and technical and occupational education at the certificate, diploma, and associate degree levels.

   The mission of the University System of Georgia is to contribute to the cultural, economic, and social advancement of Georgia by providing first-rate collegiate general education and academic programs leading to pre-baccalaureate, baccalaureate, master's, professional, and doctoral degrees; by contributing to leading-edge basic and applied research, scholarship, and arts; and by bringing these resources to bear on committed public service.

   In keeping with their different missions, the programs offered through the DTAE are designed to prepare students for specific and immediately productive occupations and jobs, whereas University System programs are designed to maximize long-term civic leadership and career advancement for middle managers, executives, and practitioners of the traditional professions (e.g., medicine, law, teaching, and engineering).

3. Within broad parameters, cooperative agreements between the two systems will be negotiated with a view to particular local situations.

   Both pre-baccalaureate and occupational educational needs are currently being well served in various ways in certain parts of the state: by a single institution offering jointly funded programs in some communities, by two institutions (one from each system) in other communities, and by one institution that imports particular courses from the other system in yet other communities. Depending on the pragmatic strengths of the institutions involved, any of these patterns of collaboration can be effective and should be encouraged.

It is recognized that both systems should continue to offer continuing education programs; however, the intent of this agreement is that each system should focus its continuing education activities on areas appropriate to its mission, as described in this section.

All policies governing the relationships between the two systems will derive from the principles of serving student needs, maintaining mission distinctiveness, and expanding collaborations. They will therefore follow these general policy directives:

1. The two systems will work cooperatively to help high school students, as well as nontraditional students, make the most appropriate postsecondary choices to meet their needs, given their preparation and goals. Generally, a student who expects to pursue occupational programs to bring training to the workforce at the earliest possible time should begin at a technical college or at a System college division designated by the two systems for the purpose of offering occupational programs.

2. In general, the University System will provide theoretical general education courses, which are delineated by the Regents core curriculum, and the technical colleges will provide applied general education courses as required by applicable accreditation standards for Associate of Applied Technology (AAT) degree programs in occupational areas.

   Theoretical and liberal arts general education courses are defined as those courses which are designed to have general application across many academic disciplines and serve as a broad preparation for baccalaureate degrees.

   Applied general education courses are defined as those courses which are specifically designed to provide the necessary general education portion of applied technology degrees. Diploma and certificate courses typically have more emphasis on applications of principles than do their collegiate, theoretical counterparts and are offered at the level of specificity appropriate to immediate job entry.

   Technical colleges are authorized to offer the AAT degree, and they will teach only applied general education courses essential to the AAT programs they offer.

   They shall not expand their education offerings merely to add options for students; rather, students should be encouraged to seek options provided through courses provided by University System institutions.

3. Where the DTAE and the University System both have institutions in the same community, the DTAE institution will provide job-entry occupational instruction (including certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees designed primarily for immediate job entry rather than preparation for a baccalaureate degree), unless the two institutions mutually agree that a particular occupational program is best offered at the University System institution because of an established programmatic strength or because the program provides a foundation for baccalaureate study, or that it should be offered at both institutions because of particularly pressing state needs (e.g, in allied health fields).

   Where both systems share institutions in the same community and the DTAE offers an Associate of Applied Technology degree but it is not involved in a cooperative Associate of Applied Sciences degree, the DTAE institution will cross-list the core curriculum courses offered by the University System institution. The University System will be the only system to offer liberal arts general education courses. The essential skills courses in English and mathematics may be taught by both the University System and DTAE.

   Institutions generally serving the same population should jointly develop collaborative efforts to meet the education and training needs of the area utilizing the strengths of each institution. In the event institutions cannot resolve issues locally, The Georgia Postsecondary Education Coordinating Council (GPECC) will recommend to the Chancellor and Commissioner a negotiated outcome based on its procedures.

   Technical colleges offering AAT degrees will develop cross-lists of courses offered at nearby University System institutions that can substitute for required applied general education courses and will make this information available to students. All institutions will be encouraged to publish comparable lists.

4. Where both systems have institutions in the same community, they will encourage cooperative Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree programs that prepare both for immediate occupational employment and for baccalaureate study. DTAE students in such programs will not be required to complete more general education than the minimum standards set by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools for credits to be taught by the degree- granting institution, unless professional accreditation standards for the particular program require additional related academic studies.

   As needed to serve students, cooperative AAS programs shall be developed jointly by DTAE and University System of Georgia institutions. The number of hours of general education required for AAS cooperative degrees shall range from 21 to 24 semester credit hours but shall normally be no less than 21 semester credit hours or 25% of the total degree requirements, whichever is greater (not including institutional health and physical education and military science requirements). However, programs having specialized accreditation and/or licensure criteria may require a higher number of general education hours. All current and future programs will be reviewed for compliance with this guideline.

   Institutions should work cooperatively to meet the needs of technical college diploma graduate students who move from other areas of the state and who wish to obtain a cooperative AAS degree. For example, University System colleges might ask local technical colleges to validate student completion of a program of study that is included in the agreement between the local University System and technical colleges.

5. Apart from cooperative programs and essential skills courses in English and mathematics, there will not be an automatic assumption that general education courses will transfer from DTAE institutions to University System institutions. Each system will encourage its institutions to avoid unnecessary duplication by evaluating additional courses and programs in the other system for cross-listing or transfer on a case-by-case basis (i.e., course by course, depending on the student's program).

   Institutions of the University System of Georgia will accept the following core courses for transfer from DTAE institutions accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools:

       Introduction to Mathematical Modeling - MATH 1101 (USG)/MAT 190 (DTAE)
       College Algebra - MATH 1111 (USG)/MAT 191 (DTAE)
       Pre-calculus - MATH 1113 (USG)/MAT 194 (DTAE)
       Composition I - ENGL 1101 (USG)/ENG 191 (DTAE)
       Composition II - ENGL 1102 (USG)/ENG 193 (DTAE)

   This agreement is effective for students who enroll in English and mathematics courses beginning January 2002 and who have met the requirements, including the minimum test score requirements agreed to by DTAE and the University System, for exemption or exit from developmental studies/learning support.

6. Both systems will support the development by individual institutions, on a pilot basis, of 2+2 programs between associate degree programs in occupational areas and closely related baccalaureate degree programs. The University System institution in any such program will determine which associate-level occupational courses will be accepted towards major or elective requirements for the baccalaureate.

   Because there are many different student and program circumstances, not all 2+2 programs will be completed in as few as four years.

7. Where a community has significant, documented need for new DTAE or University System services, the two systems will work cooperatively to meet those needs.

   Nearby institutions should inform one another of programmatic initiatives prior to submitting them for governing board approval.

8. In communities currently being served for occupational programs by a jointly funded vocational division at a University System institution (i.e., at Bainbridge College, Coastal Georgia Community College, Clayton College & State University, and Dalton State College), the two systems will continue jointly to support and enhance those programs. Furthermore, the DTAE will not establish new institutions or branches in the primary service area of these four colleges, since the occupational program needs are being met collaboratively.

   In the service area of the four University System institutions with vocational divisions, those institutions will provide all DTAE-related services.

9. Any existing technical college that is not currently, but wishes to be, within a state system should first apply to the DTAE system.

10. Wherever feasible and cost-effective, the DTAE and the Board of Regents encourage institutions to share facilities.

11. The DTAE and the University System will embark on a joint feasibility study toward developing information matrices on all course transfer agreements, to be continuously updated and made computer-accessible to students.

12. The DTAE and the University System will establish a small joint council consisting of senior administrators from both systems and from their institutions. This council will develop the specific details of implementation, monitor the terms of this agreement, and pro-actively seek areas of collaboration.

The Department of Technical and Adult Education and the University System of Georgia will jointly undertake the collection of data on student experience and success in moving between the two systems (BR Minutes, December 1994, p. 26).

303.06 ASSOCIATE DEGREES

303.0601 TRANSFER DEGREES

All A.A. and A.S. degrees shall be transfer degrees leading to the baccalaureate degree, with the area of study determining which degree is awarded. Other than the distinction between the A.A. and A.S. designation, these degrees carry no indication of the student's area of study (major). Absent the approval of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academics and Fiscal Affairs, no A.A. or A.S. degree program shall exceed 60 semester credit hours (exclusive of physical education activity/basic health, orientation, or pre-secondary education course hours that the institution may require) (BR Minutes, 1986-87, p. 370; December 1995; February 2005).

303.0602 CAREER DEGREES

Career degrees include the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) and Associate of Science in allied health areas (A.S. in designated fields).

Career degrees may be awarded for the completion of two-year collegiate programs designed to prepare students for immediate employment. Selected courses included in these programs may be used for transfer credit. The following are the minimum requirements for career degrees:

1. Programs shall include a minimum of 21 semester credit hours of general education. This coursework must include components designed to develop oral and written communication, reading computational skills, fundamental mathematics skills and the basic use of computers. At least one course from each of the following areas is required: the humanities/fine arts, the social/behavioral sciences, and natural sciences/mathematics (BR Minutes, 1989-90, pp. 368-369).

2. Students shall fulfill the legislative degree requirements but do not have to fulfill the Regents' Test requirements (BR Minutes, 1989-90, pp. 368-369).

3. Institutions may increase or supplement these minimum requirements (BR Minutes, 1989-90, pp. 368-369).

4. The A.A.S. degree may designate a specific area of study (e.g., A.A.S. in Criminal Justice) or a broad field of study with or without the designation of a specific area (e.g., A.A.S. in Business, A.A.S. in Business: Accounting Option) (BR Minutes, 1989-90, pp. 368-369). The A.A.S. degree offered on a cooperative basis with State Board of Technical and Adult Education colleges may be awarded only in Business, Health, Services, and Technology. Specific areas of study may be designated as options (BR Minutes, 1989-90, p. 370). The A.S. in allied health areas shall include a designation of the specific area of study (e.g., A.S. in Nursing, A.S. in Respiratory Therapy) (BR Minutes, 1986-87, pp. 370-371).

5. Including the technical component, all cooperative A.A.S. degrees shall include the equivalent of at least four full-time System semesters of study (BR Minutes, 1989-90, p. 370).

6. Cooperative A.A.S. degree diplomas shall include the following wording: (Regents' institution) in cooperation with (State Board of Technical and Adult Education college)... (BR Minutes, 1989-90, p. 370).

7. Absent the approval of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academics and Fiscal Affairs, no A.A.S. degree program shall exceed 70 semester credit hours (exclusive of physical education activity/basic health or orientation course hours that the institution may require) (BR Minutes, December, 1995, p. 47).

304 CALENDAR OF ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES

304.01 SEMESTER SYSTEM

Semester System: All institutions in the University System of Georgia shall be on the semester system (BR Minutes, December, 1995).

The academic year shall consist of two regular semesters, each not to be less than 15 calendar weeks in length (minimum of 75 class days per semester, excluding registration and final examination periods).

A minimum of 750 minutes of instruction or equivalent is required for each semester credit hour.

304.02 UNIFORM ACADEMIC CALENDAR

The starting and ending dates for each semester shall be determined by the University System chief academic officer and observed by all institutions.

All institutions (with the exception of the Medical School at the Medical College of Georgia) shall begin and end classes during prescribed periods.

Each semester shall have an earliest starting date and a latest starting date.

Each semester shall have an earliest ending date and a latest ending date.

Each institution will determine all other necessary dates for the semester, including the possibility of flexible scheduling within and between semesters.

304.03 RELIGIOUS HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

Institutions in the System shall not schedule semester registration or the first day of classes on dates that conflict with major religious holidays (BR Minutes, Aug. 26, 1977, p. 4).

304.04 EXCEPTIONS

Requests for exceptions to this policy must be submitted in writing to and approved in writing by the University System chief academic officer.

305 GRADING SYSTEM

All institutions of the University System of Georgia shall be on a 4.00 grade point average system, calculated to and truncated at two significant digits. The following grades are approved for use in institutions in the determination of the Grade Point Average:

Grade	Grade Point Average
A	Excellent (4.00)
B	Good (3.00)
C	Satisfactory (2.00)
D	Passing (1.00)
F	Failure (0.00)
WF	Withdrew failing (0.00)

The following symbols are approved for use in the cases indicated, but will not be included in the determination of the grade point average.

"I" This symbol indicates that a student was doing satisfactory work but, for non-academic reasons beyond his/her control, was unable to meet the full requirements of the course. The requirements for removal of an "I" are left to the respective institutions; however, if an "I" is not satisfactorily removed after three academic terms of residence, the symbol "I" will be changed to the grade "F" by the appropriate official.

"IP" These symbols indicate that credit has not been given in courses that require a "CP" continuation of work beyond the term for which the student signed up for the course. The use of these symbols is approved for dissertation and thesis hours and project courses. With the exception of Learning Support or Developmental Studies courses, and Regents' Test remediation courses, these symbols cannot be used for other courses. These symbols cannot be substituted for an "I" (BR Minutes, 1988-89, pp. 77-78; 1990-91, p. 61).

"W" This symbol indicates that a student was permitted to withdraw without penalty. Withdrawals without penalty will not be permitted after the mid-point of the total grading period (including final examinations) except in cases of hardship as determined by the appropriate official of the respective institution.

"WM" This symbol indicates a student was permitted to withdraw under the Board of Regents policy for military service refunds (704.0401) The use of this symbol indicates that this student was permitted to withdraw without penalty at any time during the term. (BR Minutes, October 2001.)

"S" This symbol indicates that credit has been given for completion of degree requirements other than academic course work. The use of this symbol is approved for dissertation and thesis hours, student teaching, clinical practicum, internship, and proficiency requirements in graduate programs. Exceptions to the use of this symbol for academic course work must be submitted to the University System chief academic officer for approval.

"U" This symbol indicates unsatisfactory performance in an attempt to complete degree requirements other than academic course work. The use of this symbol is approved for dissertation and thesis hours, student teaching, clinical practicum, internship, and proficiency requirements in graduate programs. Exceptions to the use of this symbol for academic course work must be submitted to the University System chief academic officer for approval.

"V" This symbol indicates that a student was given permission to audit this course. Students may not transfer from audit to credit status or vice versa. Students may register, however, on a credit basis for a course that has previously been audited (BR Minutes, 1989- 90, p. 146).

"K" This symbol indicates that a student was given credit for the course via a credit by examination program approved by the respective institution's faculty. (CLEP, AP, Proficiency, etc.) "K" credit may be provided for a course the student has previously audited if the institutional procedures for credit by examination are followed (BR Minutes, 1989-90, p. 146).

Institutions are permitted to use other than the Uniform Grading System for the purpose of grading student progress in Learning Support or Developmental Studies (BR Minutes, 1974-75, pp. 109-11).

Cumulative Grade Point Average. The cumulative grade point average in each institution of the University System of Georgia will be calculated by dividing the number of hours scheduled in all courses attempted in which a grade of A, B, C, D, F or WF has been received into the number of grade points earned on those hours scheduled. The cumulative grade point average will be recorded on the student's permanent record. Institutional credit shall in no way affect the cumulative grade point average.

Other averages may be computed by each institution for internal uses as may be required.

305.01 ACADEMIC RENEWAL

University System of Georgia undergraduate students who have been readmitted or reinstated after a period of absence of five (5) calendar years or longer are eligible for academic renewal. Academic renewal for the student signals the initiation of a new grade point average to be used for determining academic standing. This provision allows University System of Georgia degree-seeking students who earlier experienced academic difficulty to make a fresh start and have one final opportunity to earn an associate or bachelor's degree (BR Minutes, June, 1995, p. 7).

306 CREATION AND ELIMINATION OF ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

306.01 CREATION OF ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

New degree programs or new major programs of academic work shall not be added to curricula of an institution unless recommended by the president of the institution concerned, the Chancellor, and the Committee on Academic Affairs and approved by the Board. Ph.D. programs shall be limited to research universities. (BR Minutes, 1954-55, pp. 102-03; July, 1996, p. 17)

Comprehensive Universities do not normally offer Ph.D. degrees. In exceptional cases, however, they may offer the Ph.D. when:

1. The program supports the central mission of that university;
2. There is demonstrated demand for the program;
3. There is demonstrated need for graduates of the program;
4. There is assurance of high academic quality. (BR Minutes, April 2008)

All such program proposals will be subject to Board approval processes for graduate programs. The Chief Academic Officer of the system will seek counsel from appropriate leaders of USG and other research universities, and then make recommendations to the Chancellor and the Board of Regents as to whether a comprehensive university has met these criteria. (BR Minutes, April 2008)

Programs that provide academic credit but award certificates rather than degrees must be approved based on guidelines issued by the Chancellor. These guidelines will be provided to the presidents and chief academic officers by the Chancellor. (BR Minutes, May 2004)

306.02 TERMINATION OF ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

The termination of educational programs, degrees, or majors shall be submitted to the Chancellor for review and recommendation for action by the Board of Regents. Subsequent reinstatement of a program must be submitted as a proposal for a new program (see Section 306.01).

A temporary suspension of an educational program, degree, or major may be approved by a president for a period not to exceed two academic years to allow for program review, to consider enrollment problems, to deal with faculty shortages, or for other similar reasons. The imposition and removal of a temporary suspension shall be reported to the Chancellor.

307 REGENTS' WRITING AND READING SKILLS REQUIREMENT

The formulation and administration of the Regents' Test and the Regents' Writing and Reading Skills requirement shall be as determined by the Chancellor and prescribed in the Academic Affairs Handbook. (BR Minutes, August, 2004)

Each institution of the University System of Georgia shall ensure that students obtaining a degree from a System institution possess certain minimum skills of reading and writing, hereinafter called Regents' Writing and Reading Skills. The Regents' Writing and Reading Skills requirement has been developed to help attain this goal. The Regents' Writing and Reading Skills requirement will ensure students have competence, at a minimum Systemwide level, in reading and writing.

Students enrolled in undergraduate degree programs leading to the baccalaureate degree will be required to complete the Regents' Writing and Reading Skills requirement as a requirement for graduation.

The Regents' Writing and Reading Skills requirement is not a requirement for an associate of applied science degree or an associate of science degree in an allied health field, although institutions may choose to require it for these degrees. (BR Minutes, 1986-87, p. 371, 1987-88, pp. 129-30).

A student holding a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education will not be required to complete the Regents' Writing and Reading Skills requirement in order to receive a degree from a University System institution (BR Minutes, 1987-88, pp. 129-30). The Board of Regents may allow waivers of the Regents' Skills Requirement in very rare circumstances (estimated at no more than 1-2 a year, Systemwide) when, after enrollment, students develop documentable medical conditions that make all testing methods inapplicable. Guidelines for implementing this waiver will be issued by the Chancellor. (BR Minutes, March, 2007)

There shall be two System-mandated courses in writing and in reading that represent a vehicle for meeting the Regents' Writing and Reading Skills requirement.

There will be Systemwide tests administered in reading and in writing. These tests will be referred to collectively as the Regents' Test. The Regents' Test is designed to provide an additional method for satisfying the Regents' Writing and Reading Skills requirement.

The formulation and administration of the Regents' Test and the Regents' Writing and Reading Skills requirement shall be as determined by the Chancellor and prescribed in the Academic Affairs Handbook. (BR Minutes, August 2004)

308 DEGREES

308.01 IN GENERAL

The faculty shall recommend to the president of the institution the candidates for degrees which the institution has been authorized by the Board to confer. A record of all degrees awarded shall be filed in the office of the Registrar of the institution conferring the degree. Absent the approval of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, no bachelor's degree program shall exceed 120 semester credit hours (exclusive of physical education activity/basic health or orientation course hours that the institution may require) (BR Minutes, 1980-81, p. 49; December, 1995, p. 47).

308.02 GRADUATE DEGREES

Graduate schools of the University System shall award only such graduate degrees as may have been authorized by the Board of Regents. Other institutions of the System shall not offer work leading to a graduate degree unless approved by the Board upon recommendation of the Chancellor (or the Chancellor's designee) and the Committee on Education, Research and Extension. Absent the approval of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, no masters degree program shall exceed 36 semester credit hours. (BR Minutes, 1953-54, pp. 51-52; 1953-54, pp. 220-221; December, 1995, p. 47).

308.03 RESIDENCE REQUIREMENT FOR DEGREE

The Board shall leave to the discretion of the institutions of the University System the matter of conferring a degree on a student who has been in residence at an institution for less than one academic year and who has successfully passed prescribed courses of study required for a degree (BR Minutes, 1958-59, p. 346).

308.04 HONORARY DEGREES

Honorary degrees are subject to approval by the Board of Regents. Honorary degrees may be conferred by research, regional, or state universities and state colleges of the University System of Georgia to persons of notable achievement in an academic field, the arts and letters, the professions, or public service. An institutionally approved process for advancing candidates for consideration in a timely fashion shall include recommendations by a faculty committee and selection by the president of a candidate to be communicated to the Chancellor. Honorary degrees may be conferred upon candidates recommended by the Chancellor of the University System and approved by the Board of Regents. Current elected or appointed national office holders or officials of the State of Georgia to whom the University System and/or its universities or colleges are directly or indirectly answerable, as well as persons who are announced candidates for national or state elective offices are ineligible for honorary degrees. Current Regents and all current University System employees are also ineligible.

Relatively few awards should be given. No individual shall receive more than one honorary degree from an institution or institutions of the University System. The recipient must be present to receive the degree (BR Minutes June, 1995, p. 34; September, 1998, p. 92).

308.05 DIPLOMAS EARNED AT INSTITUTIONS UNDER PREVIOUS NAME

Any institution of the University System may issue upon request a certificate to a graduate, who received a diploma under a previous name of the institution, with wording similar to the following:

This certificate will be signed by the president and appropriate dean of the college or university concerned (BR Minutes, 1965-66, p. 6).

309 ACADEMIC ADVISEMENT

Each institution shall have a program for the advisement of its students. Academic advisement is the primary responsibility of the faculty and should be integrally related to the education process. Effective advisement shall credited toward retention, tenure, and promotion. It shall be a specific topic of faculty evaluation (BR Minutes, 1980-81, P. 85).

310 ACADEMIC TEXTBOOKS

The University System chief academic officer shall establish guidelines concening the designation and sale of textbooks required for coursework at University System of Georgia institutions. Minimally, the guidelines shall include provisions that:

1. Promote increased communication between and among students, faculty, and college bookstores concerning the use of textbooks in the classroom, the designation of required versus recommended texts, textbook costs, textbook adoption schedules, alternative acquisition methods, and other factors affecting the designation and sale of textbooks in order to increase the options available to students in meeting their cost of education.
    
2. Ensure that bookstore operations, whether managed internally or outsourced to private vendors, offer the best value to students in acquiring textbooks and actively promote alternative options to help minimize student cost.
    
3. Require a third-party review process at the institution for determining if faculty may use self-authored texts in their classroom, and disallow faculty to resell sample texts provided by publishers or to take advantage of any financial incentives offered by publishers in the assignment of specific texts. (BR Minutes, May 2005; February 2007)

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