Academic Policies & Procedures
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 TESTING,
ADVISING AND REGISTRATION
Each semester, first-time
entering students are required to attend a New Student Orientation session
prior to entering the college. Special orientation sessions are arranged for
part-time and night 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.
Three 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.
The normal course load for a
full-time student is 15 semester hours per semester, plus ABAC 1000, PHED 1100C
and two PE activities. Ordinarily this course load will consist of five courses
of three semester hours each, which meet either 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
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.
As a professional courtesy,
any staff or faculty member taking a group of students away from the campus
during regularly scheduled classes will notify the instructors involved of
pending absences far enough in advance to allow the students and instructors
involved to make alternative arrangements for the work missed.
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.
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 (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” unless significant mitigating circumstances exist and the student is
passing the class at the time of withdrawal. 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 Registrar’s
Office. Official withdrawals can be made only if the student has not already
abandoned the course and been dropped from the course with a penalty.
A student who simply abandons
classes may be withdrawn by the instructor according to the following schedule:
between the beginning of the semester and the conclusion of one-third of the
semester, a student will be withdrawn by the instructor with a grade of “W.”
Between the one-third point and mid-semester, the grade will be a “W” or “WF”
at the instructor’s discretion. After mid-semester, the grade will be a “WF.”
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.
Withdrawal from the College: Any
student who voluntarily withdraws from the college must first consult the
Registrar’s Office. A student who withdraws from the college prior to
mid-semester will receive a “W” in all classes in which he/she is enrolled. A
student who withdraws from the College after mid-semester will receive a “WF,”
unless significant circumstances occur which are completely beyond the
student’s control.
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 to the Registrar’s Office. This documentation
will be forwarded to each of the student’s instructors. A grade of “W” or “WF”
will be assigned, at the instructor’s discretion, based on the circumstances up
to the time of the withdrawal. For example, if a student is passing the class at
the time of withdrawal, a “W” may be assigned. In all cases, the student should
make every effort to keep the instructor informed of any situation which
affects class attendance.
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. The student must first confer with his or her academic
advisor. During the drop/add period, students may change their schedule through
Internet registration.
Because
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.
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. Transfer, CLEP, and
Advanced Placement credit do not count as resident credit.
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 first-time entering
students will be required to take two one-hour activity courses and the
two-hour Health & Wellness class (PHED 1100C.) 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 Registrar
to receive two hours of physical education activity course credit. Veterans
exempting their activity requirement through military service are required to
successfully complete PHED 1100C 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
COMPETENCY REQUIREMENT IN
HISTORY
AND CONSTITUTION
Every student who receives an
associate degree or certificate from a University System of Georgia institution
is required by the
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 Director of Technology
at (229) 386-3245. 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.
Minimum speech competence, a
requirement for graduation, can be demonstrated through successful completion
of, or exemption from, COMM 1000 or COMM 1100. For details of exemption
procedures, contact the Chair of the Humanities Division.
A student with high SAT/ACT
math scores may exempt College Algebra. This enables him/her to begin in
Pre-Calculus or Trigonometry if he/she exempts College Algebra. 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.
A regularly enrolled student
may earn credit for any course 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
is 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
Subject Examinations of the College Level Examination
Program
|
Subject Number |
Minimum Score for Awarding
Credit |
ABAC Course |
Semester Hours Credit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounting, Principles of |
50 |
ACCT 2101 & 2102 |
6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Algebra, College |
50 |
MATH 1111 |
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
College
Algebra-Trigonometry |
50 |
MATH 1112 |
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
American Government |
50 |
POLS 1101 |
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Biology, General |
50 |
BIOL 2107 & 2108 |
6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Business Law, Introductory |
50 |
BUSA 2155 |
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Calculus with Elementary
Functions |
50 |
MATH 2053 |
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chemistry, General |
50 |
CHEM 1211 |
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
French, College Level 1 |
50 |
FREN 1001 & 1002 |
6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
French, College Level 2 |
52 |
FREN 1001, 1002, 2001, 2002 |
12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
German, College Level 1 |
50 |
GERM 1001 & 1002 |
6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
German, College Level 2 |
63 |
GERM 1001, 1002, 2001, 2002 |
12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
History of |
50 |
HIST 2111 |
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
History of |
50 |
HIST 2112 |
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Human Growth &
Development |
50 |
PSYC 2103 |
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Information Systems &
Computer Applications |
50 |
CISM 2201 |
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Macroeconomics, Principles
of |
50 |
ECON 2105 |
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management, Principles of |
50 |
MGMT 2165 |
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marketing, Principles of |
50 |
MKTG 2175 |
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Microeconomics, Principles
of |
50 |
ECON 2106 |
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Psychology, Introductory |
50 |
PSYC 1101 |
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sociology, Introductory |
50 |
SOCI 1101 |
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spanish, College Level 1 |
50 |
SPAN 1001 & 1002 |
6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spanish, College Level 2 |
54 |
SPAN 1001, 1002, 2001, 2002 |
12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trigonometry |
50 |
MATH 1112 |
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
American Literature |
50 |
ENGL 2130, Area C Elective |
6 |
|
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. At present, AP
exams are available in the following fields: art, biology, chemistry, English
composition, American history, mathematics, music, physics, and Spanish.
Persons desiring further
information about the Advanced Placement Program should contact their high
school counselor.
A program available at ABAC
through
The
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.
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 Registrar in consultation with the advisor and/or counselor.
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.)
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 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 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
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 at the College.
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.
Mid-term deficiencies are
reported to a student who has a “D” or “F” in any class. These grades are not
entered on the student’s permanent record. Mid-term grades are available to
students through Internet registration.
Final grades are reported by
the instructor to the Office of the Registrar within twenty-four hours
following the end of the examination schedule. Final grades are available to
all students through Internet registration. Final grades are mailed to students
placed on suspension. Final grades are mailed to any student who makes a
written request through the Registrar’s 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 and approved by the chair of his/her division. The Registrar may
accept the proposed change, or he may request that it be reviewed and approved
by another college authority.
A student who wishes to
appeal or contest a grade assigned in a course 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 or department 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.
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.
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
If a student does not
complete requirements for an 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, an institution 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.
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
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
With limited exceptions, including “directory
information,” 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. “Directory Information”
includes the student’s name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth,
major field of study, full-time or part-time status, participation in
officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of
athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received and the most
recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student. A
student has the right to prohibit the release of “directory information”
pertaining to himself or herself by completing a form
in the Registrar’s Office.
TRANSCRIPTS AND TRANSFER OF
RECORDS
A transcript is a document
containing the student’s permanent academic record. It contains a minimum
amount of personal data about the student and a chronological account of the
student’s academic achievements.
Any student or former student
who wishes to have a transcript of his/her record at the college released must
make the request in writing to the Registrar’s Office one week prior to the
date the transcript is needed. This request may be submitted by mail or in
person and must include complete name and address of the individual or agency
to receive the transcript. The request must be signed and dated by the student.
A statement describing the purpose for which the transcript is to be used may
save the student time and money, since some agencies have special regulations for
receiving transcripts.
Superior achievement in
academics is recognized each semester by the publication of a President’s Honor
List, which includes those students who complete 12 or more academic hours
(non-Learning Support) with a Regents’ grade point average of 4.0.
The President’s Honor List is
provided to the hometown newspapers of those students whose names appear on the
list.
Excellence in scholastic
achievement is recognized each semester by the publication of a Dean’s Honor
List naming those students who complete all academic work for which they are
registered during the semester with a minimum Regents’ grade point average of
3.3, and who carry at least 12 hours of academic (non- Learning Support) work.
The Dean’s Honor List is
provided to the honor students’ hometown newspapers.
DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT
LIST
The Distinguished Achievement
List, published at the end of each semester, recognizes excellence in
scholastic achievement among part-time students. To be included on the
Distinguished Achievement List, a student must have completed between six and
eleven semester hours of academic (non-Learning Support) course work with a
term Regents’ grade point average of 3.3 or higher.
The Abraham Baldwin Honors
Program is a combination of special experiences during the freshman and
sophomore years which together provide a more meaningful college career for
academically talented students than would otherwise be the case.
The Honors Program consists of
four Honors Seminar courses and certain specifically modified Core Curriculum
courses. Honors Program students take two of the Seminar courses and two of the
Core courses each year. These courses are scheduled alongside other courses
required for completion of the student’s degree.
Upon completion of the Honors
Program, a student should be better prepared to undertake junior and senior
level work at institutions to which he or she transfers after leaving ABAC.
Normally, membership in the
Honors Program is gained by invitation from or application to the Honors
Coordinator. For further information, contact the Honors Program Coordinator at
229-386-3250.
Honors Day was introduced to
give public recognition to students who achieve high scholastic records. A
student is selected for honors on the basis of the following criteria:
1. completing 15 non-institutional
semester hours at Abraham Baldwin with a 3.2 cumulative Regents’ grade point
average qualifies a student as an Honor Student.
2. completing 15-44 non-institutional
semester hours at Abraham Baldwin with a 3.75 cumulative Regents’ grade point
average qualifies a student as a Superior Honor Student.
3. completing 45 non-institutional
semester hours at Abraham Baldwin with a 3.75 cumulative Regents’ grade point
average qualifies a student as a Distinguished Honor Student.
Associate degrees in Arts, in
Science, and in Applied Science are awarded in a graduation ceremony at the end
of the Spring and Fall Semesters to those students
meeting requirements. Participation in the graduation ceremony is encouraged.
Students must meet the
graduation requirements as listed in a single ABAC catalog which is not more
than five years old at the time of their graduation and which is in effect for
a term during which they earned academic credit at ABAC. There will be no
exceptions unless specifically approved by the Vice-President and Dean of
Academic Affairs.
In order to meet the
graduation requirements at Abraham Baldwin, a student must:
1. complete the required courses and
credit hours outlined in the catalog for the degree and major for which he/she
is a candidate.
2. have a 2.0 or higher graduation
grade point average and have completed a minimum of 60 semester hours of
academic work plus physical education courses.
3. earn at least 20 semester hours at
Abraham Baldwin which are applicable to the A.A. or A.S. degrees and 30 hours
at Abraham Baldwin which are applicable to the A.A.S. degree for which he/she
is a candidate.
4. satisfactorily complete all parts
of the Regents’ Exam as required by the specific program requirements.
5. satisfy minimum computer competency
through successful completion of, or exemption from, CISM 2201 or equivalent.
6. satisfy speech competence
requirement through successful completion of, or exemption from COMM 1000 or
COMM 1100.
7. comply with the
8. complete required physical
education or have a specifically approved exemption filed with the Registrar
(see PHYSICAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS section on page 77).
9. successfully complete Freshman
Seminar, ABAC 1000 or any Honors Seminar in addition to HNRS 1101. HNRS 1101
alone will not satisfy the Freshman Seminar requirement.
10. meet all financial and other
obligations to the college.
11. apply for graduation with the
Registrar’s Office by October 1 for May graduation and by March 1 for July or
December graduation.
12. pay graduation fee in the Business
Office before turning in application to the Registrar’s Office.
13. If a student is completing graduation requirements at another
institution, he/she must have the other institution send an official copy of
the transcript to ABAC. In order for the student to participate in ABAC’s graduation ceremony, the Registrar’s Office must
have a copy of the grades at least 48 hours prior to graduation ceremony. We
will accept a fax from the other institution for participation in the
graduation ceremony.
A student who is a candidate
for a certificate must:
1. complete the required courses
prescribed in the catalog for the certificate for which he/she is a candidate.
2. have a 2.0 or higher graduation
grade point average.
3. earn at Abraham Baldwin a minimum
of 30 semester credit hours applicable to the certificate program if the
certificate program requires more than 19 hours of coursework.
4. meet all financial and other
obligations to the College.
5. apply for graduation with the
Registrar’s Office by October 1 for May graduation and by March 1 for July or
December graduation.
6. pay graduation fee in the Business
Office before turning in application to the Registrar’s Office.
7. comply with the
The Associate Degree is
awarded to students who fulfill a two-year organized curriculum of college work
either in a career program or in a parallel or transfer program. The degree,
however, does not in itself entitle a student to transfer to advanced standing
in a four year college or university. Each institution prescribes its own
admission requirements. A student who wishes to transfer to a higher-level
institution must satisfy the course and grade requirements of the college to
which he/she intends to transfer.
An examination to assess the
competency level in reading and writing of each student enrolled in
undergraduate degree programs in University System institutions shall be
administered. The following statement shall be the policy of the Board of
Regents of the University System of Georgia on this examination.
Each institution of the
University System of Georgia shall assure the other institutions, and the
System as a whole, that students obtaining a degree from that institution
possess certain minimum skills of reading and writing. The Regents’ Testing
Program has been developed to help in the attainment of this goal. The
objectives of the Testing Program are: (1) to provide System-wide information
on the status of student competence in the areas of reading and writing; and
(2) to provide a uniform means of identifying those students who fail to attain
the minimum levels of competence in the areas of reading and writing.
Students enrolled in
undergraduate degree programs leading to the baccalaureate degree shall pass
the Regents’ Test as a requirement for graduation. Students must take the test
in their first semester of enrollment after earning 30 credit hours if they
have not taken it previously. (Institutions may not prohibit students who have
earned at least 30 credit hours from taking the test for the first time.) At an
institution’s discretion, students may be permitted to take the test during a
semester in which they are not enrolled.
Each institution shall
provide an appropriate program of remediation and shall require students who
have not passed both parts of the test by the time they have earned 45 credit
hours to take the appropriate remedial course or courses each semester of
enrollment until they have passed both parts.
Students with 30 or more
semester credit hours transferring from outside of the System or from a System
program that does not require the Regents’ Test should take the test during
their first semester of enrollment in a program leading to the baccalaureate
degree. Those who have not passed before their third semester of enrollment are
subject to the remediation requirement.
The Regents’ Test 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 the test for these degrees.
A student holding a
baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of
higher education will not be required to complete the Regents’ Test in order to
receive a degree from a University System institution.
Passing the Regents’ Test is
defined as having passed all components of the Test by scoring above the cutoff
score specified for each component. The Test may be administered either in its
entirety or as one or more components depending on the needs of the students.
If one component of the test is passed, that component need not be retaken;
this provision is retroactive to all students who have taken the test in any
form since the inception of the program.
The intent of this policy is
that passing the Regents’ Test occur before the end of
the student’s sophomore year, that is, before the completion of 60 hours of
degree credit. Students who fail the test must retake and pass the Test. Each
institution shall provide an appropriate program of remediation and shall
require deficient students to participate in that program prior to retaking the
test.
In order to implement
effectively the goals of the Testing Program:
1. Students enrolled in undergraduate degree programs shall
pass the Regents’ Test as a requirement for graduation. Students, including
transfer students and/or readmitted students, may take the Test after they have
completed the required basic core English courses. Students are required to
take the Test in the semester after they have earned 30 hours of degree credit if
the Test has not been taken previously.
2. All students who have not passed the Regents’ Test during
the semester in which they will have earned 45 hours of credit shall take the
appropriate non-degree credit course or courses in remedial reading and/or remedial
writing in each semester of attendance until they have passed all components of
the Test.
3. Passing the Regents’ Test shall not be a condition of
transfer into an institution. All transferring students from within the System
shall be subject to all provisions of this policy. Students from institutions
outside the System who transfer into a System institution with 30 or more
degree credit hours shall take the Test during the initial semester of
enrollment and in subsequent semesters shall be subject to all provisions of
this policy.
4. Students whose native language is other than English may be
exempted from taking the Regents’ Test by the institution, provided appropriate
local procedures are employed to certify the literacy competence of those students
earning a degree.
5. For extraordinary situations, each institution shall develop
special procedures for certifying the literacy competence of students. A
written description of those procedures shall be submitted to the Chancellor
for approval. A record of the action shall be reported by the Chancellor to the
Education Committee of the Board of Regents. Such procedures shall include
provision for remediation, if needed, and formal
examination prior to certifying competency. Such examination shall equal or
exceed the standards of the Regents’ Testing Program.
6. A student may request a formal review of his/her failure on
the essay component of the Regents’ Test if that student’s essay received at
least one passing score among the three scores awarded and if the student has
successfully completed the courses in English composition required by the local
institution. This review will be conducted in accordance with the
Board-approved procedures.
7. These revised procedures shall be followed by all students
effective
8. Remedial work as required under the above policy shall be in
keeping with regulations in satisfaction of federal and state student financial
assistance and such other eligibility programs.
9. These regulations shall not prohibit institutions from
increasing requirements affecting the Regents’ Testing Program, provided such
increased requirements are authorized by the Chancellor, and provided further
that such requirements are published in the official catalog of the institution
prior to implementation. Such additional requirements shall in no way affect
the transfer of students from one institution to another or the readmission of
students to University System institutions. (Minutes, April,
1972, pp. 554-55; November, 1972, p. 166; June, 1973, pp. 481-85; November,
1978, pp. 88-9).
10. A student who fails both parts of the Regents’ Test and who is
required to participate in remediation shall be allowed to take the reading and
essay portions of the test in separate semesters.
Stipulation Relating to Procedure for the Essay Review
Process—Regents’ Testing Program
1. The review will
be initiated at the campus level, with procedural matters to be determined by
the institution. The on-campus review, however, will be conducted by the three
(3) faculty members designated by the institution as a review panel.
2. The on-campus
review panel may (1) sustain, by majority opinion, the essay’s failing score,
thus terminating the review process, or (2) recommend, by majority opinion, the
re-scoring of the essay by the Regents’ Testing Program central office. The
student will be notified concerning the results of the on-campus review.
3. If the
on-campus panel recommends a re-scoring of the essay, that recommendation will
be transmitted in writing, along with a copy of the essay, to the office of the
System’s Director of the Regents’ Testing Program. The Director will utilize
the services of three (3) experienced Regents’ essay scorers other than those
involved in the original scoring of the essay to review the essay, following
normal scoring procedures for the essay component of the Regents’ Test. The
decision of this panel on the merits of the essay will be final, thus
terminating the review process. The student will be notified, through the institution,
concerning the results of the review.
For details of the review
process at
COLLEGE-WIDE COURSE
DESIGNATION ABBREVIATIONS
|
ABAC |
Orientation/Study Skills |
HNRS |
Honors |
|
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ACCT |
Accounting |
HORT |
Horticulture |
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AECO |
Agricultural Economics |
HUMN |
Humanities |
|
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AENG |
Agricultural Engineering |
ITEC |
Information Technology |
|
|
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|
AENT |
Agricultural Technology |
JRNL |
Journalism |
|
|
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|
AGRI |
Agriculture |
MATH |
Mathematics |
|
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AGRP |
Agricultural |
MGMT |
Management |
|
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AGRY |
Agronomy |
MKTG |
Marketing |
|
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ARTS |
Art |
MUSC |
Music |
|
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ASLH |
Animal Husbandry |
NURS |
Nursing |
|
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BIOL |
Biology |
PHED |
Physical Education |
|
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|
BUSA |
Business Administration |
PHIL |
Philosophy |
|
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CHEM |
Chemistry |
PHSC |
Physical Science |
|
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CISM |
Computer Information |
PHYS |
Physics |
|
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|
System |
PNUR |
Pre-Nursing |
|
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COMM |
Communications |
POLS |
Political Science |
|
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CRJU |
Criminal Justice |
PSYC |
Psychology |
|
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CRSS |
Plant Science |
READ |
|
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CSCI |
Computer Science |
RELG |
Religion |
|
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ECON |
Economics |
REMM |
Remedial Math |
|
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|
EDUC |
Education |
RGTR |
Regents’ Reading Rem |
|
|
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|
ENGL |
English |
RGTE |
Regents’ Essay Rem |
|
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|
FACS |
Family and Consumer |
ROTC |
Air Force ROTC |
|
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Sciences |
SCIE |
Science |
|
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|
FRSC |
Forestry |
SOCI |
Sociology |
|
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GEOG |
Geography |
SOSC |
Social Science |
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GNDR |
Gender Studies |
SPAN |
Spanish |
|
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HIST |
History |
THEA |
Drama |
|
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HMSR |
Human Services |
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