Academic Policies and Procedures

CLASSIFICATION OF STUDENTS

Students are classified as freshmen or sophomores on the basis of semester hours of work successfully completed, as follows:

1. Freshmen: A student who has earned fewer than 30 semester hours credit.

2. Sophomore: A student who has earned 30 or more semester hours credit.

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION

Each semester, students new to ABAC are required to attend a New Student Orientation session prior to entering the college. Orientation sessions are conducted at various times and locations to serve our students. Exceptions are made for bachelor degree or higher college graduates, joint enrollees, transient students, and ACE students.

The Orientation programs are designed to assist the student in making the transition into college a rewarding educational experience. The programs at these sessions include group and individual academic advising, registration for courses, and general orientation to college life.

Orientation sessions are held during the summer for new students who enter fall semester. The student is given an opportunity to select the session to attend. Additional sessions are held prior to spring and summer semesters.

A non-refundable orientation fee is charged for each student to cover the costs of meals and other services.

COURSE LOAD AND ATTENDANCE

The normal course load for a full-time student is 15 semester hours per semester, plus ABAC 1000, PHED 1100 and two PE activities. Ordinarily this course load will consist of five courses of three semester hours each, which meet one, two, or three days per week. The upper limit is 18 semester hours. A student with a cumulative Institutional GPA of 3.0 or better may carry additional course work.

COLLEGE POLICY ON CLASS ATTENDANCE

Courses at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College are provided for the intellectual growth and development of students. To attain maximum success, students must attend all their classes, be on time, and attend all scheduled course activities including, but not limited to, field trips, seminars, study sessions, individual conferences, and lectures.  This interaction with instructors and other students is an important element of the learning process, and a high correlation exists between class attendance and course grades. A student must understand the importance of regular participation in classroom and laboratory activities. The absence of any student affects not only his or her performance but the performance of the class as a whole. Absence from class, for whatever reason, does not excuse a student from full responsibility for class work or assignments missed. Students must accept this responsibility.

Instructors will keep accurate attendance records and must report the individual number of absences with midterm and final grades. Students whose number of unexcused absences is more than twice the number of class meetings per week (the equivalent of two weeks of instruction) will receive a grade of “F” for the course.  Fewer absences than twice the number of class meetings per week may result in grade penalties at the discretion of the instructor.  Specific attendance requirements applying to labs, clinics, accelerated classes or Learning Support will be adapted to the unique situation by the appropriate division.  Final determination of what constitutes an excused absence rests with the classroom instructor.  In implementing this Policy, faculty will not include in a student’s unexcused absences those absences incurred due to authorized and approved College sponsored events (or in the case of joint-enrollment students high-school sponsored events) in which the student represents the institution as part of a group or under the direct supervision of a faculty or staff member.

Whenever a student is absent, whether for official or personal reasons, the student must assume responsibility and provide notice to the instructor, preferably in advance, for making arrangements for any assignments and class work missed because of the absence. However, final approval for make up work remains with the individual instructor.

A student who stops attending class without officially withdrawing from the course is subject to this attendance policy and will receive a grade of “F” for the course.

At the beginning of each semester, instructors will explain clearly to their students specific attendance requirements (including possible penalties). Additionally, they will publish the attendance policy on their syllabi and web-sites.

A student penalized for excessive absences may appeal through the grade appeal process, as stated in ABAC’s college catalog and student handbook.

INSTITUTIONAL ABSENCE

A student who serves as an official representative of the college is defined as one who:

   is authorized to use the college name in public relationships outside the institution;

   regularly interacts with non-college individuals and groups over an extended period of time (at least one semester);

   represents the college as a part of a group and not as an individual;

   represents the college under the direct supervision of a college faculty or staff member; and

   is authorized in writing, in advance, by the President of the college.

Such a student is in no way released from the obligations and responsibilities of all students, but will not be penalized with unexcused absences when absences result from regularly scheduled activities in which he/she represents the college.

Further, it is the responsibility of each student to contact instructors prior to the absence and to make arrangements to make up any work that will be missed, in a manner acceptable to the instructor. Advisors of activities will schedule off-campus activities in a manner that does not unduly disrupt the learning process for a student.

WITHDRAWALS

Dropping Classes: If a student needs to reduce his/her course load during a particular semester, that student may officially withdraw from a class with a grade of “W,” provided he/she takes this action before the mid-point in the semester or session (see the college calendar) or if very unusual circumstances require the withdrawal after the mid-point. After midterm, a student withdrawing from a class will receive a “WF”. The student who wants to withdraw from a course must first see his/her academic advisor for permission to withdraw. At that point the advisor completes a drop form and the student follows the steps outlined on the form and submits it to the Enrollment Services Office. See the “Change of Schedule” section below for further information. Although a “W” has no impact on the GPA, the student should be aware that there are possible negative Financial Aid ramifications in withdrawing from any class.

Total Withdrawal from the College: Any student who voluntarily withdraws from the college must first consult the Enrollment Services Office. A student who withdraws from the college prior to mid-term will receive a “W” in all classes in which he/she is enrolled. A student who withdraws from the College after mid-term will receive a “WF,” unless significant mitigating circumstances exist and the student is passing the class at the time of withdrawal.

Withdrawal from Learning Support Courses: A student who wishes to withdraw from a required learning support course must also withdraw from any college-level courses in which he/she is enrolled. This requirement does not apply to Regents’ remediation courses.

Medical Withdrawal: Prior to mid-term, medical withdrawals are the same as any other official withdrawal from the college. The student will receive “W’s” in all classes. After mid-term, a student seeking a medical withdrawal must submit medical documentation from a physician and/or hospital to the Student Development Office. If the Medical Withdrawal Committee determines that a student be totally withdrawn from classes for a given term for medical reasons, the Student Development Office will notify the student’s instructors and the Registrar’s Office.  The student will be given the grade of “W” in all classes. In cases that the instructor is not notified by the Student Development Office, assignment of a “W” is strictly up the individual instructor’s discretion. In all cases, the student should make every effort to keep the instructor informed of any situation which affects class attendance.

CHANGE OF SCHEDULE (DROP/ADD)

A student is discouraged from changing schedules after classes begin. However, consideration is given to every request for a change in a student’s program, and recommendations are made in accordance with the educational goals and the individual needs of the student.

If, after registration, a change in schedule becomes necessary, all changes should be made at the beginning of the semester during the official drop/add period. The official drop/add period is published in the official college calendar. No refund will be made for a dropped course after the official drop/add period. During the drop/add period, students may change their schedule through Banner Web.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Because Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College has the dual responsibility of educating students and helping them mature into worthy citizens who take their place in the larger community, it has adopted a code for dealing with academic irregularities.

Academic irregularities include, but are not limited to, giving or receiving of unauthorized assistance in the preparation of any academic or clinical assignment; taking or attempting to take, stealing, or otherwise obtaining in an unauthorized manner any material pertaining to the education process; selling, giving, lending, or otherwise furnishing to any person any question and/or answers to any examination known to be scheduled at any subsequent date; fabricating, forging, or falsifying lab or clinical results; plagiarism in any form related to themes, essays, term papers, tests, and other assignments; breaching any confidentiality regarding patient information.

Due Process for Academic Dishonesty Cases

Step 1. When a faculty member suspects that a student has engaged in academic dishonesty, the faculty member will call the student into a private meeting in the faculty member’s office. (The division chair will be notified of and will approve any action.)

Step 2. The faculty member will confront the student with the evidence of dishonesty and/or academic irregularity. The faculty member and the student will discuss the specifics of what occurred. If the student confesses and accepts responsibility for academic dishonesty, then the faculty member will ask the student to sign in his/her own handwriting, a statement which makes clear that the student admits responsibility for the academic dishonesty. The faculty member will then consult with the division chair. The faculty member is then free to reprimand the student, to give a failing grade for the assignment, or to require the student to resubmit the assignment in question. With approval of the division chair, the faculty member can increase the penalty up to and including a “WF” for the course if the incident(s) merit this severe penalty.

Step 3. If the student refuses to sign a statement accepting responsibility for the act(s) of academic dishonesty, then a full hearing on the matter must be held. The faculty member and chair will document this incident and schedule a meeting with the student. This information will be turned over to the Academic Dean, who will make the determination of charges against the student and notify him/her in writing. The charges will be mailed by the Academic Dean to the student along with a notice to appear at a hearing, and, if the student wishes, to bring witnesses. At least three days’ notice is necessary unless the student waives the notice in writing.

Step 4. If the student requests a hearing, the Academic Dean has the option of hearing the case for administrative adjudication, convening a special hearing panel including faculty and students, or of referring it to the Student Life Hearing panel which handles all other disciplinary matters on campus. The committee will provide its recommendation to the Academic Dean. The Student Life Hearing Panel, when hearing cases of academic dishonesty, will include two faculty members, two students (one of whom will be the SGA president and the other an associate justice,) and the Director of Student Life, who oversees campus discipline and the Code of Conduct. The Chief Justice of the SGA chairs the panel. The Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services will serve as advisor to the panel for all academic dishonesty cases. In general, the decision of the Academic Dean or his/her designee will not be appealed to the Student Life Hearing Panel. An appeal of the Dean’s decision will go directly to the President who may choose to use the Student Life Hearing Panel to make a recommendation to him.

Step 5. The student has a right to appeal the decision of the hearing officer or hearing panel within ten calendar days of the decision. The appeal will be to the President or his designee. The President’s decision is final. The President reserves the right to review all disciplinary cases and the judgments made during the process.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION

Resident credit is defined as credit earned at Abraham Baldwin. In order to be eligible for a transfer degree (Associate of Arts or Associate of Science) from Abraham Baldwin, the student must complete at least 20 semester hours toward the degree in residence at ABAC. To be eligible for any career-technological degree (A.A.S), the student must complete at least 30 hours toward the degree in residence at ABAC. In order to be eligible for a certificate from ABAC, the student must complete at least 2/3 of the credit hours required for the certificate in residence. Transfer, CLEP, and Advanced Placement credit do not count as resident credit.

FRESHMAN SEMINAR COURSE

The College offers first-time entering students a freshman seminar course (ABAC 1000). This course is required of all first-time entering first year students and covers information considered essential for the transition to a college environment. Among the topics considered are study skills, cultural diversity, time management, career development and identification of various college resources. Students transferring in 20 or more semester hours will not be required to complete this course. Students enrolled in certificate programs with less than 20 hours of course work will not be required to complete this course.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

All students (with the exceptions noted herein) will be required to take two one-hour activity courses and the two-hour Health & Wellness class (PHED 1100.) The Health & Wellness class is a graduation requirement for all students except those graduating in the ADN Nursing program. The Health & Wellness requirement applies even if the student is exempt from activity courses. A student must select two different activity courses to fulfill the physical education requirement. Students enrolled in certificate programs with less than 20 hours of course work will not be required to complete these courses.

Veterans with 180 days or more active military duty must file a copy of their DD 214 with the Office of Enrollment Services to receive two hours of physical education activity course credit. Veterans exempting their activity requirement through military service are required to successfully complete PHED 1100 as a graduation requirement.

Most physical education courses (labeled PHED) meet twice a week and are assigned one (1) hour credit.

Physical education course grades are calculated in all grade point averages.

Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree from another institution will be considered to have met all physical education requirements for graduation from Abraham Baldwin College.

COMPETENCY REQUIREMENT IN HISTORY AND CONSTITUTION

Every student who receives an associate degree or certificate of more than 19 hours from a University System of Georgia institution is required by the Georgia legislature to show competency in United States and Georgia history and a knowledge of the constitutions of the United States and Georgia. Successful completion of POLS 1101 fulfills the constitution requirements for both career-technology and college-transfer students. Successful completion of HIST 2112 fulfills the history competency requirements. A student who transfers American History and/or Political Science courses from institutions outside the state must also fulfill the legislative requirements in Georgia history and/or Constitution by examination. Certificate students must pass examinations on the Georgia and U.S. Constitutions and must meet the Georgia and U.S. History competency requirement through a course or examination.

COMPUTER COMPETENCY

A computer competent person understands the capability of computers, as well as the computer-related peripherals, and is able to apply that knowledge to solve problems (personal and professional) and to further his/her overall knowledge. Specifically, a person of minimal computer competency has a basic working knowledge of operating systems, word processing and information retrieval, which includes but is not limited to, use of the Internet, e-mail, on-line library services, and/or other remote services. In addition to level-one competencies, a person of moderate computer competence will have some mastery of the use of spreadsheets, database management, telecommunications, multimedia, and graphic applications. In addition to levels one and two, a person of advanced computer competence will also be proficient in the use and manipulation of specialized software such as statistical analysis packages and computer assisted drafting (CAD) programs, familiar with network concepts, and knowledgeable of a programming language such as Pascal.

Minimum computer competency, which is a requirement for graduation from the College, can be demonstrated through successful completion of, or exemption from, CISM 2201 or higher computer course. For exemption information, contact the Division of Business Administration.

SPEECH COMPETENCE

Minimum speech competence, a requirement for graduation, can be demonstrated through successful completion of COMM 1000 or COMM 1100.

PLACEMENT BY EXAMINATION

A student with high SAT/ACT math scores may exempt College Algebra. This enables him/her to begin in Pre-Calculus or Trigonometry. Trigonometry may be exempted by acceptable scores on CLEP or departmental examination. A student who scores below the college’s minimum level on the placement examination is required to successfully complete learning support math before attempting Mathematical Modeling, College Algebra, or other math courses.

 

CREDIT FOR NONCREDIT COURSE WORK

Although rare, the College awards academic credit for course work taken on a noncredit basis only when there is documentation from a nationally recognized educational organization that the noncredit course work is equivalent to a designated credit experience.  The credit must also be approved by the appropriate division chair. (Addendum added July 28, 2006.)

 

CREDIT BY EXAMINATION

A regularly enrolled student may earn credit for some courses offered by the college, at the discretion of his/her academic advisor and the division chair, by successfully completing a comprehensive proficiency examination. While rare, this method of receiving college credit can reward students who have experienced significant learning experiences through occupational or non-traditional means. Application for such examination must be made to the division chairperson for the course being challenged. Credit by examination cannot be earned for any course which has been previously attempted by the student. Credit earned by examination will be entered on the student’s record, will be counted as credit for graduation, and may be transferable to other institutions in the University System of Georgia. Credits earned by examination are not included in computing grade point averages because a letter grade is not assigned.

COLLEGE LEVEL EXAMINATION PROGRAM (CLEP)

A student enrolled at Abraham Baldwin may earn full credit for certain courses by achieving acceptable scores on the College Level Examination Program tests. With a few exceptions, adequate test scores will match and substitute for specific courses in the current catalog. CLEP Tests are administered by the Student Development Center. All test results are evaluated by the Office of Enrollment Services and if credit is earned the results are recorded by course, course number, and semester hours earned. Successful CLEP tests are credited toward graduation but do not carry grades or quality points. CLEP credit is transferable within the University System of Georgia. Students interested in learning more about the College Level Examination Program should contact the Office of Student Development. Pre-registration and payment are required.

Credit-by-Examination Policy for CLEP Examinations

* LANG 12XX, LANG 21XX, and LANG 22XX may be used in the core curriculum Area B or Area C to meet the “foreign language (1002 or higher)” requirement.

** This elective may be used in the core curriculum Area E to meet three hours of the “choose 6 hours” requirement.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PROGRAM (AP)

Abraham Baldwin participates in the Advanced Placement (AP) Program of the College Entrance Examination Board. Through this program a high school student who plans to enroll at Abraham Baldwin can take AP examinations in several subject areas. Generally, if a student scores a “3” or higher on one or more examinations, the college will provide regular college credit in the subject areas of the exam(s), provided that the subject area(s) are taught by the college. In this way a high school student can gain college credit and/or advanced placement at Abraham Baldwin before actually beginning the college freshman year. Persons desiring further information about the Advanced Placement Program should contact their high school counselor.

Because of variation in credit awarded by different USG institutions, any student who is awarded AP credit at ABAC should determine what AP credit is accepted at their preferred transfer institution. Students should adapt their course work at ABAC to meet the requirements of their intended transfer institution.

* This elective may be used in the core curriculum Area E to meet three hours of the “choose 6 hours” requirement.

** LANG 12XX, 21XX, and 22XX may be used in the core curriculum Area B or Area C to meet the “foreign language (1002 or higher)” requirement.

STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM

Abraham Baldwin College students have an opportunity to participate in an international studies program. A student can register for ABAC credit for classes offered through a summer study program sponsored by the European Council of the University System of Georgia or can arrange other study-abroad opportunities through the campus International Coordinator. Financial aid is available for many of the programs. For further information, an interested student should contact the International Coordinator in the Division of Humanities.

ACADEMIC ASSISTANCE CENTER

The Academic Assistance Center, located on the ground floor of the Carlton Center, provides tutoring free of charge to all currently enrolled ABAC students. The Math and Writing Centers are open daily on a drop-in basis. Tutoring in other subjects is scheduled according to tutor availability and varies each semester.

GRADES AND FINAL EXAMINATIONS

Grades are based on performance by the student in the classroom and laboratory as shown through tests, oral responses and other class work, outside assignments, experiments, term papers, other acceptable academic procedures and final examinations. The grade is intended to reflect student progress toward objectives of the course.

Each student, including a candidate for graduation, is required to take final examinations in courses each semester in accordance with the published final exam schedule. No instructor shall deviate from the published schedule of final exams for a class or individual student without the written approval of the division chair.

THE GRADING SYSTEM

All institutions of the University System of Georgia shall use a 4.0 grade point average system. The following grades are approved for use in institutions of the University System of Georgia and are included in the determination of the grade point average:

A.......................................... excellent (4.0)

B............................................... good (3.0)

C....................................... satisfactory (2.0)

D............................................ passing (1.0)

F............................................ failure (0.0)

WF.................................. withdrew failing (0.0)

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 producing satisfactory work, but for non-academic reasons beyond his/her control, was unable to meet the full requirements of the course. If an “I” is not satisfactorily removed after twelve months, the Registrar will change the symbol “I” to the grade “F.” “I’s” cannot be removed by re-enrolling in and completing a course.

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 semester except in cases of hardship as determined by the Academic Dean.

WM—   This symbol indicates a student was permitted to withdraw under the Board of Regents policy for military service refunds. The use of this symbol indicates that this student was permitted to withdraw without penalty at any time during the term.

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 Chancellor 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 Chancellor for approval.

V  —  This symbol indicates that a student was given permission to audit the course. Students may not transfer from audit to credit status.

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.)

TRANSIENT PERMISSION

To be eligible for transient permission, the student must have attended ABAC within the past three terms.  Permission to enroll on a transient basis at another institution for the purpose of transferring credits back to ABAC must be secured in advance of such enrollment. Transient permission originates with the student’s academic advisor, and will only be granted for courses equivalent to an ABAC course. The student must request a copy of the transcript from the other institution sent to ABAC at the end of the transient term.

GRADE POINT AVERAGES

The cumulative Regents’ grade point average (RGPA) 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. Only grades earned in courses numbered 1000 or higher are included in the ABAC RGPA, and if a course is repeated, all grades are included in the RGPA calculation.

Institutional Courses. These are courses which are numbered below 1000 and are, therefore, not bound by the Uniform Grading System. The main difference is that a non-punitive grade of “IP” may be assigned if a student strives but fails to progress sufficiently enough to earn a “C” or higher grade. An “IP” indicates considerable progress was made but not sufficient for a “C” or better. An “F” is appropriate if the student fails to put forth sufficient effort through lack of class attendance and participation.

The institutional grade point average (IGPA) is similar to the RGPA except that all ABAC credits, including institutional (Learning Support) credits, are included and only the most recent grade earned for repeated courses will be used in the IGPA calculation. The transfer grade point average is similar to the RGPA except that it includes only the earned transfer credits.

The IGPA will be used to determine academic standing at ABAC. However, other institutions may use the RGPA for determining the admission status for transfer students. In addition, only the RGPA will be utilized for determining academic Honors status for Honors Day and for the President’s Honor List, the Dean’s Honor List, and the Distinguished Achievement List.  See the section on Honors Day for more information.

The graduation grade point average (GGPA) is calculated at the time of graduation. The GGPA will include only the grades earned in courses which satisfy degree requirements. If a course is repeated, this GPA includes only the grade earned in the most recent attempt.

Students who graduate from ABAC with a high Regents’ GPA and a high Overall GPA are recognized as Honor Graduates.  The Overall grade point average is calculated the same as the RGPA except it includes only the credits included in the IGPA and the transfer GPA.  See the Honor Graduates section of the catalog for additional information.

THE REPORTING OF GRADES

Mid-term advisory grades are reported on web Banner to a student who has a “C,” “D,” or “F” in any class. These grades are not entered on the student’s permanent record.

Final grades are reported by the instructor to the Office of Enrollment Services within twenty-four hours following the end of the examination schedule. Students should check final grades on web Banner. Final grades are mailed to students placed on suspension. Final grades are mailed to any student who makes a written request through the Enrollment Services Office before the end of the term.

Final grades submitted by the instructor cannot be changed subsequently except when special circumstances merit. A formal grade change request must be submitted to the Registrar by the instructor after the change is approved by the chair of his/her division and the Academic Dean.

APPEAL OF GRADES

A student wishing to contest a grade earned in fall semester must initiate the appeal in writing to the instructor within the first thirty calendar days (from the first day of class) of the following spring semester. A student wishing to contest a grade earned in spring semester or summer term must initiate the appeal within the first thirty calendar days (from the first day of class) of the following fall semester. A student must first appeal the matter in writing to the instructor(s) who taught the course. The appeal must specify reasons indicating why the assigned grade is incorrect or inappropriate. The instructor(s) will respond to the student in writing within ten working days of the date of the appeal. Should this response not satisfy the appeal, the student will appeal in writing within ten working days from the date of the instructor’s response to the chair of the academic division in which the course was taught. The chair may conduct a conference including the chair, the student, and the instructor. The chair may convene an impartial committee in the discipline to review pertinent documents. Within ten working days from the date of the student’s appeal to the chair, the chair will respond to the student in writing. Should this procedure fail to resolve the appeal, the student must provide a written appeal to the Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs within ten working days from the date of the division chair’s response. The Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs will then take the appeal to the Academic Review Committee, where further hearings may be conducted. Should this procedure fail to resolve the appeal, the student must provide a written appeal to the President of the college within ten working days of the Academic Dean’s response. The judgment of the President will be considered the final and binding decision on the matter.

The appeals process is intended to provide a venue whereby a student may voice a claim of discrimination, capricious or unfair dealings, or denial of due process.

ACADEMIC PROBATION

The college recognizes three categories of academic standing: Good Standing, Academic Probation, and Academic Suspension. Each student’s academic standing will be determined by academic performance as reflected in the institutional grade point average, calculated each semester.

A student is required to maintain a minimum institutional grade point average (IGPA) to remain in good academic standing. Minimum standards are related to total credit hours attempted by the student. These minimum standards are:

Total Hours Attempted        Minimum Cumulative IGPA

         0-12                          1.5

        13-24                          1.6

        25-36                          1.7

        37-48                          1.8

        49-60                          1.9

         60+                           2.0

A student with a cumulative IGPA below the minimum standard will be placed on Academic Probation. A student on Academic Probation is restricted to enrollment in a maximum of 14 semester hours and is required to seek assistance through the Academic Intervention Management Program (AIM). Students on Academic Probation may be in jeopardy of losing financial aid.

ACADEMIC SUSPENSION

A student not attaining minimum academic standards subsequent to being placed on Academic Probation will be suspended from the college. The minimum standards for avoiding Academic Suspension are related to total hours attempted by the student. These standards are:

Total Hours Attempted        Minimum Cumulative IGPA

         0-24                       No minimum

        25-36                          1.5

        37-48                          1.6

        49-60                          1.7

         60+                           1.8

Any student with an IGPA below the above minimum levels will be suspended from the college. The first suspension will be for one semester; subsequent suspensions will be for one calendar year (3 terms). A student may appeal academic suspension by notifying in writing the Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs. Appeals must be filed no later than noon on the day prior to registration day for the semester in which the student wishes to re-enroll.

LEARNING SUPPORT SUSPENSION

If a student does not complete requirements for a Learning Support area in twelve semester hours or three semesters, whichever occurs first, the student will be suspended. The student may not be considered for readmission within three years of the suspension.

Prior to suspending a student who has not exited a Learning Support area within the twelve semester hour or three semester limit, the college may allow the student to appeal for one additional course. The student must:

1. be individually evaluated and determined to have a reasonable chance of success.

2. be in an exit level course.

3. have reached the limit in only one Learning Support area.

If granted the additional course, the student may enroll in only the Learning Support course.

ACADEMIC RENEWAL

The Academic Renewal policy allows ABAC degree-seeking students who have experienced academic difficulty to make a fresh start after an absence of five calendar years from Abraham Baldwin College. A student returning after the break will be able to start with a new Academic Renewal Grade Point Average (ARGPA). No grades earned prior to the break will be included in the ARGPA, but courses in which a grade of “C” or better was earned will count toward the degree and will not have to be repeated. If a student does not request Academic Renewal status at the time of re-enrollment after a five year or greater period of absence, the student may do so within three academic semesters of re-enrollment or within one calendar year, whichever come first. For more information regarding the Academic Renewal policy, contact the Enrollment Services Office.

INSTITUTIONAL POLICY UNDER THE FAMILY
EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT OF 1974

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. They are:

(1) The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the college receives a request for access. Students should submit to the Registrar written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The Registrar official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

(2) The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Students may ask the college to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the college official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the college decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the college will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.

(3) The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the college in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the college has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

(4) The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the college to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:

   Family Policy Compliance Office

   U.S. Department of Education

   400 Maryland Avenue, SW

   Washington, DC 20202-4605

No personally identifiable information from the education records of a student will be disclosed to any third party by any official or employee of the college without written consent of the student. FERPA guidelines state that institutions may release, without written consent, those items specified as public or directory information for currently enrolled students and for former students unless the student completes a written request with the Enrollment Services Office to prohibit the release of directory information. The request must be completed in the Enrollment Services Office by the end of the published official drop/add period or it will be assumed that directory information may be disclosed for the current academic term. A request to prohibit the release of directory information will remain in effect until the student notifies the Enrollment Services Office in writing. FERPA defines directory information as information contained in an educational record of a student that generally would not be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. Directory information includes, but is not limited to, student’s name, address, telephone listing, email address, photo, date and place of birth, major field of study, grade level (freshman or sophomore), enrollment status (full-time, part-time, or number of credit hours), participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees, honors and awards received (including honors such as Dean’s list) and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student.

Continue to Part 2 of Academic Policies and Procedures  

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