USC Union

As the chief governing body of the University, the Board of Trustees delegates the powers of the president and the faculty in accord with its policies. Subject to the review of the president and the Board of Trustees, the faculty retains legislative powers in all matters pertaining to the standards of admission, registration, instruction, research, extracurricular activities, requirements for and granting of degrees, the curricula, the discipline of students, the educational policies and standards of the University, and all other matters affecting the conduct of academic affairs.

The University reserves the right to make changes in curricula, degree requirements, course offerings, and all academic regulations whenever, in the judgment of the faculty, the president, or the Board of Trustees, such changes are in the best interest of the students and the University.

Registration at any of the University’s campuses implies the student’s acceptance of all published academic regulations, including those which appear in this bulletin and all others found in any official announcement.

Unforeseen circumstances may interfere with the scheduling of a course or degree offering. Students must accept such developments even if doing so will mean a delay in some of their academic goals or a modification of those goals. The departments concerned will work closely with students facing such problems in an effort to resolve them with a minimum of difficulty.

The University reserves the right to withdraw any course because of inadequate enrollment. Additional courses may be offered upon application of a sufficient number of students; a minimum of 10 applicants is the usual requirement. Registration in any course may be closed when the maximum enrollment for efficient work has been reached.

An undergraduate student may choose to obtain a degree in accordance with the curricular requirements in force for the particular degree at the time the student first enrolls as a baccalaureate degree-seeking student at any campus of the University, or under subsequent requirements published while the student is enrolled. However, the student’s choice is restricted to a specific bulletin and the curricular requirements described therein. Undergraduate students have a period of eight years, inclusive and continuous, in which to claim the rights of a specific bulletin.

Within the eight-year limit, an undergraduate student who is absent from the University for no longer than three years, and who returns to complete a program of study, shall have the right to continue under the bulletin in effect at the time of the student’s original enrollment as a baccalaureate degree-seeking student. Alternatively, the student may elect the degree requirements under the bulletin in effect at the time of return. If the period of absence is longer than three years, the student will be subject to the curricular requirements in force at the time of return. Under no circumstances will students be allowed to appeal to short-lived rules and regulations which were adopted and abandoned during the period of their absence.

If drastic revisions of curricula or program requirements have occurred during a student’s absence (even if for less than three years), or during the period between the student’s original enrollment as a baccalaureate degree-seeking student and eventual movement to a different degree program or campus within the University, a reasonable effort will be made by the academic dean to permit the student to undertake a transitional program that is equivalent to the educational experience intended under the bulletin in force at the time of the student’s original enrollment as a baccalaureate degree-seeking student.

The University has established procedures to certify that all classroom activities are conducted by individuals with spoken and written proficiencey at a suitable level. Student complaints concerning the English proficiency of an individual with classroom responsibilities can be addressed through: 1) the course evaluation process and 2) the campus grievance procedures. The former is a required component of every course. Information concerning the latter can be obtained from the campus dean’s office. The grievance procedure can be found in the student right-to-know document, available online at www.rcce.sc.edu/srtknow or in print from the campus Student Affairs Office.

Right of Petition. Students who consider that they are entitled to relief from or deviation in the academic regulations of the University or their college should apply to the Petitions Committee of the college in which they are enrolled.

General Education Requirements

Required Courses

All general education requirements leading to baccalaureate degrees in colleges and departments at USC Columbia shall include as a minimum:

1. English—six credits at the level of ENGL 101 and 102. Students who exempt English 101 and/or 102 without receiving credit toward graduation must enroll in three or six credits of English above the 100 level.

2. Numerical and Analytical Reasoning—six credits, to be earned in one of the following ways: MATH 122 or 141, plus an additional course from PHIL 110, 111, mathematics (at the next higher level), computer science, or statistics; two courses from one of the following fields—philosophy (110 and 111 only) or computer science or statistics.

3. Liberal Arts —12 credits, at least three hours must be in history and three hours in fine arts.

4. Natural Sciences—seven credits, including at least one course with a laboratory requirement.

5. Foreign Languages—students shall demonstrate in one foreign language the ability to comprehend the topic and main ideas in written and, with the exception of Latin and Ancient Greek, spoken texts on familiar subjects. This ability can be demonstrated by achieving a score of two or better on a USC foreign language test. Those failing to do so must satisfactorily complete equivalent study of foreign language at USC.

Students must refer to the academic unit in which they are enrolled to determine how these requirements will be met. Most colleges and departments require more than the University’s minimum requirements in basic education course work.

Course of Studies

Students are expected to follow the programs outlined by their school or college as closely as possible, particularly in the first two years when satisfying basic degree requirements and prerequisites for advanced work.

Students must pursue required courses in the prescribed sequence. Failure to do so may lead to future schedule difficulties, and students may find that the subjects for which they wish to enroll are either not available or are closed to students with advanced standing. Students who fail to complete successfully all freshman requirements may not enroll in courses in their major field beyond the sophomore level. Students ineligible to continue courses in their major field may take electives until the deficiency is removed.

Students who enroll in classes for which prerequisites or other defined requirements have not been met may be removed from these classes.

Learning-disabled students who wish to take advantage of University-approved program accommodations must have an academic advisory plan on file with the Office of Academic Affairs. This plan will be formulated by the student’s academic advisor with the assistance of the academic dean and the USC Columbia Office of Educational Support Services and will contain recommended accommodations that specifically relate to and are consistent with the student’s diagnosed disability. A copy of the student’s academic advisory plan must be provided to the course instructor for the student to be eligible for a particular accommodation.

General Information

Undecided Freshmen

For various reasons it may be impossible or inappropriate for a student to declare a major. Nevertheless, all students will receive advisement in the college most closely related to their interests and abilities. Transient students are subject to the rules of their home institution and may take course work at the University of South Carolina without a declared major. University courses are open to those seeking career advancement or life enrichment and who meet stated course prerequisites. Freshmen who have been accepted by the University, but who are unsure of academic or career goals may need a period in which to establish their major interest. To accommodate students in these categories, courses which are usually open to students with 30 or fewer hours (freshmen) are open to all students who meet prerequisites published in the University’s Undergraduate Studies Bulletin. Students who have earned 30 semester hours and wish to continue their studies at the University of South Carolina must declare a major in a program in which they meet entrance or progression requirements.

Change of Name or Address

It is the obligation of every student to notify the Student Affairs Office of any change in name or address. Failure to do so can cause serious delay in the handling of student records and in notification of emergencies at home. Change of name may only be accomplished by presenting proper legal documentation.

It is expected that students will discharge any indebtedness to the University as quickly as possible. No diploma, certificate, enrollment verification, or transcript will be issued to or for students who have not made satisfactory settlement with the Business Office for all of their indebtedness to the University.

To be officially enrolled in the University students must be academically eligible, complete the registration process with the Student Affairs Office, and possess a receipt issued by the Business Office for payment of current academic fees.

Students are expected to complete registration (including the payment of all required fees) by the dates prescribed in the Master Schedule of Classes to avoid cancellation of classes and payment of a late registration fee of $5 per day ($350 maximum).

Academic Advisement

When students are accepted into the University, they are assigned an academic advisor. Students are expected to arrange to meet with their advisor at least once a semester to plan their course of study for the following semester. Students who do not know their assigned advisor should obtain this information from the academic dean.

Information, advice, and interpretations of University policies offered by advisors do not supersede the official statement of policies and academic regulations described in the University Undergraduate Studies Bulletin. Exceptions to University regulations cannot be made by academic advisors. Any exceptions to the policies and regulations set forth in the University Undergraduate Studies Bulletin must be made by the dean.

Records of academic progress may be kept by advisors and deans, but the only official student records are maintained by the Office of the University Registrar at USC Columbia.

A student must have been admitted to the University to be eligible for auditing any course. All auditors must be admitted to the University and go through the regular registration process. Those who are not full-time students will be charged the same fees as for courses taken for academic credit.

Auditing a course consists of attending classes and listening without responsibility. An auditor is not responsible for any assignments or examinations.

No credit may be earned in an audited course by examination or otherwise. No audited course may be repeated for credit at a later date except by those students who have been verified as learning disabled by the Office of Educational Support Services and whose academic advisory plan recommends auditing a specific course before it is taken for credit.

The applicant must complete the prescribed procedure for enrollment through the Office of the University Registrar before class attendance will be permitted.

Students who have registered for a course on an audit basis and who wish to change their registration to take the course for credit (or who wish to change from credit to audit) must do so no later than the last day to change course schedule or drop without a grade of W being recorded, as published in the Master Schedule of Classes.

To graduate within a normal period of time, a student should earn the following minimum average number of credit hours per semester in academic studies:

College of Criminal Justice (17 hours)
The Darla Moore School of Business (15 hours)
College of Engineering and Information Technology (16 hours)
College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management (15 hours)
College of Journalism and Mass Communications (15 hours)
College of Liberal Arts (15 hours)
School of Music (15 hours)
College of Nursing (16 hours)
College of Pharmacy (16 hours)
School of Public Health (16 hours)
College of Science and Mathematics (16 hours)
South Carolina Honors College (15 hours)

Maximum credit limits, published in the Master Schedule of Classes, also vary according to college policy. Students will not be permitted to register for a semester load in excess of that prescribed for their program of study unless they earned an average of B or better on all courses for which they were enrolled (minimum 12 semester hours) for the preceding semester. New students are eligible for an extra course if they submit to the academic dean satisfactory evidence of equivalent academic achievement. Students eligible for an additional course on this basis must obtain prior approval for each course addition from the dean of their college. No course may be added after the last date to change course schedule or drop without a grade of W being recorded, as published in the Master Schedule of Classes. (Note: This regulation does not apply to aerospace studies, Army or naval science courses, which may be added to a course program during the regular registration period without special approval.)

Undergraduate students who are enrolled in 12 semester hours or more for the fall and spring semester are considered full time for academic purposes. During a regular summer session an undergraduate student must be enrolled in six semester hours or more to be considered a full-time student for academic purposes. Students who have been verified as learning disabled by the Office of Educational Support Services must be enrolled in nine semester hours or more for the fall or spring semester and three hours in any summer session to be considered full-time students with regard to access to University residence halls and eligibility for financial aid, provided this is consistent with their academic advisory plan.

Graduate students who are enrolled in nine semester hours or more for the fall or spring semester are considered full time for academic purposes. During a regular summer session a graduate student must be enrolled in three semester hours or more to be considered a full-time student for academic purposes.

Full-time fees are calculated on 12 semester hours or more. Full-time status for graduate students with assistantships is determined by the dean of The Graduate School.

Full-time benefits for veterans are determined by the Office of Veterans Services.

Course Numbering

Courses numbered from 101 to 699 are available at different levels for undergraduate credit. Courses numbered from 700 to 899 may be taken for graduate credit only and are described in the Graduate Studies Bulletin. All courses numbered from 101 to 499 are for four-year baccalaureate degree candidates. Courses numbered from 500 to 699 may be taken by advanced undergraduate and graduate students for undergraduate or graduate credit, respectively. A 500- to 600-level course taken for undergraduate credit cannot later be awarded graduate credit.

Senior Privilege Enrollment in Graduate Courses

A special provision to earn graduate credit is available for USC undergraduate seniors in their final semester who need less than a normal course load to complete baccalaureate requirements. Overload enrollment which includes one or more courses under senior privilege is not allowed. Courses for graduate credit under senior privilege cannot be used toward undergraduate degree requirements. For senior privilege consideration, undergraduate seniors with a 3.00 GPA should submit to The Graduate School, for the graduate dean’s approval, form GS19 endorsed by the student’s advisor, the chair of the department offering the course, and the academic dean for that department. This action should be taken before registration.

Correspondence Courses

Correspondence courses are administered through the Office of Distance Education and Instructional Support. Undergraduates may receive credit for correspondence courses taken concurrently with their regular academic work. Students must request permission to enroll in such courses on a form available at the Student Affairs Office. Enrollment must be approved in advance by the dean of the college in which the student is registered. If registration for such a course would result in a course load exceeding the recommendations of the college in which the students are enrolled, they must obtain approval from the dean of their college as outlined in the "Course Load" section above. Courses taken by correspondence may not be used to make up full-time enrollment status for loan deferments and will not appear on the academic record until completed and a grade is assigned. Correspondence courses are not considered as "in- residence" credit. No correspondence course will be counted toward the 12 hours required for either the President’s or Dean’s Honor List. A maximum of 30 semester hours of credit by correspondence and credit awarded for educational experiences in the military may be applied toward meeting the requirements for a baccalaureate degree.

Independent Study

The purpose of the independent study option is to allow the student to pursue an area of academic interest not adequately covered by the regular course structure. The experience shall involve an academic product that is consistent with the student’s program of study.

Prior to enrolling in an undergraduate independent study course, a student must complete an Independent Study Contract (AS-6). The approval of the instructor, advisor, department chair, and student’s dean is required. Students then present their approved copy to the Admissions Office before registering for the course. Only students who take independent study as part of their major or minor or cognate program may receive grade-point credit for independent study. All other students will receive Pass-Fail credit. Students who take independent study on a Pass-Fail basis cannot later receive grade points, even if the student transfers to another major, minor, or cognate otherwise qualifying the course work as appropriate for grade points. This ruling is not reversible by petition.

A grade point average of 2.50 or greater is required to enroll in independent study courses. The amount of credit for independent study per semester is limited to six hours. Independent study credits applied toward any undergraduate degree may account for no more than 10 percent of the total required credit hours for that degree.

Repetition of Course Work

When a course is repeated, both grades will be entered on the student’s permanent academic record and included in the grade point average, but course credit toward graduation will be given only once, unless otherwise stipulated in the course description.

The summer session consists primarily of two terms totaling 10 weeks. Students regularly enrolled in the University may take work applicable to their degree during the summer session. Regulations governing the regular academic year also pertain to the summer session.

A complete listing of all courses offered in the summer session will be available after April 1 at the Admissions Office and in the Office of the University Registrar. Class periods and times vary. Please refer to the Master Schedule of Classes for more detailed information.

The credit hour maximum is reduced for summer sessions. Maximum limits are published in the Master Schedule of Classes. Students must obtain approval from their deans before enrolling in credits beyond the published limits.

Students entering the University for the first time during one term of the summer session are referred to the appropriate section in the "Admissions" chapter.

Changes of Registration

Changes in Enrollment

Adding a course, changing from credit to audit or audit to credit, changing from one section to another, and changing the number of credits in any variable credit course must be completed by the last day to change course schedule or drop without a grade of W being recorded, as published in the Master Schedule of Classes. Electing or revoking the Pass-Fail option must be completed no later than the last day for dropping a course with a grade of W, as published in the Master Schedule of Classes.

Dropping a Course

Courses from which the student withdraws by the last day to change a course schedule or drop without a grade of W will not be recorded on a student’s permanent record. Thereafter, during the first six weeks of a semester, the grade of W will be recorded on a student’s transcript, but the semester hours will not enter into the computation of hours attempted, grade point average, or any other totals. In summer sessions and other shortened sessions this period will be 43 percent of the total number of class hours instead of six weeks. (See the University’s Master Schedule of Classes.) Students dropping a course or withdrawing from the University after the first six weeks of a semester will normally receive a grade of WF. A WF is treated as an F in the evaluation of suspension conditions and in computing the student’s grade point average. Students who stop attending classes without officially withdrawing will have the grade of "F" recorded for all courses. This grade is included in all calculations and totals. Dropping all classes does not constitute formal withdrawal from the University. Withdrawal from courses after the last day of classes is not permitted.

Exceptions to the assignment of a grade of WF are possible for verifiable, documented reasons. If a student must either drop a course or withdraw from the University for medical reasons, because of a verified learning disability, or for another acceptable major cause after the penalty date (last day to receive a W), the grade of W may still be assigned. A Request for Assignment of W Grade for Extenuating Circumstances After Penalty Date form (AS-122A), available from the student’s academic dean, must be approved by the course instructor(s) and the student’s academic dean and returned to the Office of the University Registrar by the dean.

Withdrawal from the University

All full- or part-time students wishing to withdraw from USC Union or to discontinue enrollment from all courses for the semester should contact the Admissions Office for guidelines. Students requesting withdrawal for extenuating circumstances after the penalty date (last date for W grade) should see the academic dean.

Withdrawal from courses after the last day of classes is not permitted. Students absent from any final exams will be given a grade of F for the course if they have not provided an excuse acceptable to the instructor. If excused, they will be given a grade of I and may complete the course through deferred examination.

The date of withdrawal from the University will be posted on student transcripts.

Any student withdrawing within the scheduled refund period (see Master Schedule of Classes) can expect to receive a refund through the mail in approximately four to six weeks (see "Refund Procedures"). If at the time of withdrawal the student has any financial obligations to the University, these will be deducted from any refund due. Refunds to those students who received and used financial aid in payment of academic fees may be applied toward repayment of financial aid.

Students who have received long-term loans through the University (Perkins, nursing, and health professions) must contact the Student Loan Accounting Office for an exit interview. Failure to participate in this exit interview may result in a hold being placed on transcripts.

Students who have received either a Stafford or Supplemental Student Loan while enrolled at the University must attend an exit loan counseling session. Students are notified by mail of the time and place of the conference. Important loan repayment information is covered at this conference. Attendance is mandatory.

Change of Campus to USC Four-Year Campuses

Changing from the USC Union campus to one of the University’s four-year campuses (USC Aiken, USC Columbia, and USC Spartanburg) is a relatively easy process. (A four-year campus is considered to be an institution where at least a baccalaureate degree is conferred.)

A student who desires to change from one campus/school to another must obtain an Application for Change of College/ Campus, Major, Minor, or Degree (AS-19) from the Office of the Registrar. The current and new campus/school must approve the change. This procedure should be handled well in advance of the registration for a particular term. If, after processing a change of campus form, a student decides to stay at USC Union, a new change form must be processed.

Students who do plan to change to a four-year campus to complete a baccalaureate degree should plan their program of study to meet freshman and sophomore requirements for their intended major. Degree requirements for each college are listed in the various four-year campus bulletins. In the event that some course(s) may not be available at a particular campus, students may make substitutions with approval of the deans involved and postpone taking such courses until they change to the four-year campus.

Students changing to a USC four-year institution are required to furnish proof of immunization prior to registering for classes. For additional information about this requirement and other information about changing campuses, please contact the Office of the Registrar. Also, students receiving financial aid at USC Union and changing to a four-year campus must see the USC Union Financial Aid Office.

Course Substitutions

Only under unavoidable and exceptional circumstances will the faculty permit substitution for or exemption from the prescribed curricula. When it becomes necessary to request a deviation from the prescribed course of study, students should consult the dean of their college or the head of the department in which they are majoring before preparing a petition listing the substitutions or exemptions sought and the reasons therefore. Petitions are submitted on forms obtainable from the academic dean. Deviations from degree requirements published in the bulletin must be approved by the student’s dean and the head of the student’s major department.

Class Attendance

Students are obligated to complete all assigned work promptly, to attend class regularly, and to participate in whatever class discussion may occur.

Absence from more than 10 percent of the scheduled class sessions, whether excused or unexcused, is excessive and the instructor may choose to exact a grade penalty for such absences.

The instructor’s attendance policy should be ascertained by the student at the beginning of the semester. It is of particular importance that a student who anticipates absences in excess of 10 percent of the scheduled class sessions receive prior approval from the instructor before the last day to change schedule as published in the Master Schedule of Classes and the academic calendar.

It must be emphasized that the "10 percent rule" stated above applies to both excused and unexcused absences. Faculty members should notify classes specifically of the attendance policy which they intend to follow in each class.

Final Examinations

Final examinations for spring and fall semesters are held during a seven-day period at the close of each semester. Summer examinations are held during a two-day period at the close of each session. Semester examination schedules are published in the Master Schedule of Classes. The results of these examinations, combined with the grades for class performance, determine the reports given at the end of the semester. No final examination may be held outside of the stated time without the special permission of the dean of the college concerned.

In any course or laboratory which meets two or three times per week, no quiz, test, or examination may be given during the last two class meetings prior to the regularly scheduled examination period. In any course or laboratory which meets once a week, no quiz, test, or examination may be given during the last class meeting prior to the regular examination period. In any course or laboratory which meets more than three times per week, no quiz, test, or examination may be given during the last three class meetings prior to the regular examination period. Self-paced courses are exempt from this regulation.

If an instructor teaches more than one section of the same course, students may transfer from one examination section to another with the instructor’s permission.

Students who are absent from any final examination will be given the grade of F on the course if they have not offered an excuse acceptable to the instructor. If excused, they will be assigned a grade of I (see "I" entry under "Grading System"), and may complete the course through a deferred examination (see below).

Re-examinations for the purpose of removing an F or raising a grade are not permitted.

Graduating Seniors

No early examinations are given for graduating seniors. Students who have submitted a degree application may attend the graduation ceremony. Diplomas are mailed after final examinations and after a student’s dean has verified that all degree requirements have been met.

Deferred Examinations

A student with excused absences from final examinations in one semester has the privilege of deferred or special examinations and may take the deferred examination at the next regular examination period, with credit for semester standing, provided the examination is taken at the convenience of the professor. The examination must be taken within one calendar year from the time that the absence was incurred. Deferred examinations will be granted only in case of absence certified as unavoidable because of sickness or other cause, rendering attendance at final examinations impossible.

The credit value of each course is usually determined by the number of class meetings per week for one semester. Two or three laboratory hours (one period) are equivalent to one class meeting. The semester hour credit for each course is included in each course description.

No student suspended from the University of South Carolina for any reason may earn academic credit during the period of suspension, whether by residence elsewhere or by correspondence courses of any origin.

Remedial courses (courses numbered 100 or below) may not be used to meet degree requirements.

Credit by Examination

Currently enrolled students may obtain credit by examination in a course in which they have had no class attendance or semester standing; permission must, however, be obtained from the dean of the college or department chair in which the course is offered. A grade of not less than B on the examination is necessary in order to receive credit for the course. Examinations are not permitted in courses in which a student previously has been enrolled regularly or as an auditor. The applicant must pay to the Business Office in advance of the examination a fee of $15 per semester hour; this fee is not refundable. The Business Office will issue a receipt which must be shown to the head of the department conducting the examination, who shall immediately report the results of the examination to the Office of the University Registrar. Credits earned under this regulation are recorded with hours earned only.

Students transferring to the University from another college or university must, before enrolling in class at the University, have their transcripts evaluated by the director of admissions and the dean of the college in which they are enrolled. It is only in the light of such evaluation that students will know definitely which transferred courses will be applicable toward USC degree requirements.

Academic courses completed at regionally accredited institutions are normally transferable to the University of South Carolina, although, as a general rule, courses that are occupational or technical in nature; essentially remedial in nature; from a two-year institution which are considered upper division or upper level at the University; or from a two-year institution that are not listed as part of that institution’s college parallel program are not acceptable in transfer to the University of South Carolina. Exceptions to this rule may be made only by the dean of the college in which the student is majoring and only in specific cases where such courses are judged to be uniquely relevant to the student’s degree program.

A student transferring from an institution not accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association may validate by examination hours earned at the unaccredited institution. Full information concerning validation procedures may be obtained from the dean of each college.

No transfer credit will be accepted for a course that is equivalent to one at this university in which the student was previously enrolled, unless the student was enrolled full time at least one year at the transfer institution. Similarly, students cannot receive degree credit for a course taken at the University if they have received transfer credit for an equivalent course taken previously at another institution.

Credit for summer school, correspondence, and extension work completed at other institutions by a regular University student will not be accepted by transfer if the student has previously been enrolled in an equivalent course in the University. Credit for other courses will be accepted only under the conditions that each course has been approved in advance by the head of the department or the dean of the college concerned and such approval filed with the Office of the University Registrar; and each course has been passed with a grade adequate for transfer purposes.

The Request to Earn Credit through Special Enrollment form (AS-30) is available from the Office of the University Registrar or from the academic dean.

Credits earned while a student is on academic suspension from the University cannot be applied toward a degree or used in improving the grade point average.

A maximum of 30 semester hours earned by correspondence and credit awarded for educational experiences in the military may be applied toward meeting the requirements for a baccalaureate degree. Hours of credit which may be awarded for educational experiences in the military should be in accordance with recommendations published by the American Council on Education and be consistent with University policy on the transfer of credit but will only be applied to a degree program upon the approval of the dean of the college from which the degree is to be awarded.

A maximum of 30 semester hours of credit earned while classified as a nondegree special student in the University may be applied toward meeting the requirements for a baccalaureate degree.

A student planning to pursue work at other institutions or through correspondence must complete this work before attaining senior classification (90 semester hours). The last 30 credits (representing the senior year’s work) must be earned in residence at the University, and at least half of the hours in the student’s major courses and in the student’s minor courses (if applicable) must be earned at the University. Some programs impose higher student residence and/or major requirements.

Credits earned in one degree program may not be applicable toward other degrees. Verification of applicability should be sought in writing from the dean of the college in which the new degree or major is offered.

Enrollment in a course obligates the student not only for prompt completion of all work assigned but also for punctual and regular attendance and for participation in whatever class discussion may occur. It is the student’s responsibility to keep informed concerning all assignments made. Absences, whether excused or unexcused, do not absolve the student from this responsibility.

Students’ grades in their courses are determined by class standing and examination grade, combined in such proportion as the professor may decide.

Class standing is determined by the quality of a student’s work and the regularity of attendance in lectures and laboratory sessions or other exercises of the course. Grading systems in graduate and professional schools are described in the appropriate bulletins.

A, B, C, D represent passing grades in order from highest to lowest. B+, C+, D+ may also be recorded. F represents failing performance.

S and U indicate, respectively, satisfactory (passing) and unsatisfactory (failing) performance in courses carried under the Pass-Fail option. The S/U designation is used also for some research courses, workshops, and seminars in which the regular academic grades are not used. The use of the Pass-Fail grading option in such courses is indicated in their bulletin descriptions. No course carried under the Pass-Fail option will affect a student’s grade point average or the evaluation of suspension conditions.

WF is assigned for student withdrawal from a course after the penalty deadline prescribed in the Master Schedule of Classes. (See section on "Dropping A Course.") The grade of WF is treated as an F in the evaluation of suspension conditions and grade point average computation.

W is assigned for student withdrawal from a course after the late registration period but before the penalty date. Courses dropped during the late registration period (as published in the Master Schedule of Classes) will not be recorded on a student’s permanent record. In exceptional cases, the grade W will be used after the first six weeks of a semester, primarily in cases of withdrawal from the University or from a course for medical reasons. (See section on "Dropping a Course.") A grade of W will not enter into the evaluation of suspension conditions or in grade point average computation but will be recorded on a student’s permanent record.

I, incomplete, is assigned at the discretion of the instructor when, in the instructor’s judgment, a student is unable to complete some portion of the assigned work in a course because of an unanticipated illness, accident, work-related responsibility, family hardship, or verified learning disability. The grade of I is not intended to give students additional time to complete course assignments unless there is some indication that the specified condition or event prevented the student from completing course assignments on time. By arrangement with the instructor, the student will have up to 12 months in which to complete the work before a permanent grade is recorded. Re-enrolling in the course will not make up an incomplete. An Assignment of Incomplete Grade form (AS-5) must be completed by the instructor and submitted to the Office of the University Registrar explaining the reason for the I and conditions for makeup. A grade of I is computed as an F in calculating a student’s grade point average. After 12 months an I which has not been made up is changed permanently to a grade of F or to the backup grade indicated by the faculty member on the Assignment of Incomplete Grade form.

T, a Graduate School symbol, is assigned to indicate enrollment in Thesis Preparation (799) and Dissertation Preparation (899). Courses with this symbol will be counted as hours attempted and hours earned only. Grade points will not be awarded. For unsatisfactory work the grade of U should be assigned. The grade of I cannot be assigned in courses numbered 799 and 899.

AUD indicates a course was carried on an audit basis. (See "Auditing" section for more information.)

NR, no record, is assigned by the Office of the University Registrar only if the grade is not available at the proper time. It is a temporary mark on the transcript and must be replaced by a grade. If replacement does not occur before the last week of the spring or fall semester following the term for which the grade was recorded, a grade of F will be assigned. The NR is ignored in computing the GPA.

Pass-Fail Grading

The Pass-Fail program is designed to encourage students to investigate fields outside of their major curriculum in which they have a specific personal interest without affecting their grade point average. The only grades assigned on courses taken under the Pass-Fail option are S and U; a grade of S indicates satisfactory performance, a grade of U indicates unsatisfactory progress. A student will be given credit for courses in which the grade of S is earned, but these courses will not affect the computation of the grade point average.

Specific provisions of the Pass-Fail program are as follows:

1. The Pass-Fail grading system is in effect for an indefinite period of time, subject to periodic review.

2. The Pass-Fail option is not available to undergraduate students whose semester or cumulative GPA is less than 2.00.

3. Students are permitted to exercise the Pass-Fail option only on free elective courses.

4. Students are permitted to take no more than eight courses on a Pass-Fail basis during their undergraduate career.

5. A student wishing to exercise the option must have the permission of the dean of the college and the student’s academic advisor. The Pass-Fail Option form (AS-20) is used for this purpose.

6. The option may be elected or revoked by the student no later than the last date for withdrawing from the course without a penalty.

7. Normal prerequisites may be waived for students taking a course on a Pass-Fail basis.

8. Courses taken under this option will be excluded from the calculation of the grade point average.

9. A grade of S will be entered by the Office of the University Registrar for a regularly assigned passing grade; a failing grade will be registered as U.

10. No course carried on a Pass-Fail basis will be counted toward the hours required for either the President’s or the Dean’s Honor List.

11. A verified learning-disabled student may take on a Pass-Fail basis an elective or required course which is not in the major if the academic advisory plan so recommends the Pass-Fail option for that course. A student who desires use of this option must apply to the dean of the college at the beginning of the semester. With the approval of the academic dean, learning-disabled students may meet specific degree requirements with a satisfactory grade.

Grade Point Average

The grade point average is computed on the basis of all semester hours attempted for credit, except for credit hours carried under the Pass-Fail or audit options. Courses in which a grade of S, U, AUD, T, or W was earned are not considered in computing the GPA.

The grade points earned in any course carried with a passing grade (A, B+, B, C+, C, D+, D) are computed by multiplying the number of semester hour credits assigned to the course by a factor determined by the grade. For courses in which the grade of A was earned, the factor is 4; for B+, 3.5; for B, 3; for C+, 2.5; for C, 2; for D+, 1.5; for D, 1. The grade point average is determined by dividing the total number of semester grade points earned by the total number of semester hours attempted for credit (excepting hours carried on a Pass-Fail or audit basis). No grade points are assigned to the symbols F, S, U, WF, W, I, AUD, T, or NR.

Students’ grades are reported on the Telephone Information Processing System (TIPS), the University’s VIP Web site(http://vip.sc.edu), or by request at the Office of the University Registrar, USC Columbia, third floor Petigru. Students who do not receive grades by mail should access them via TIPS or online.

Classification of Students

Classification is based on the total number of semester credit hours earned: A student must have earned 30 hours to be classified as a sophomore, 60 for classification as a junior, and 90 for senior classification. Students are classified at the beginning of each semester and maintain that classification until the next semester begins.

A transcript of a student’s record carries the following information: current status; a detailed statement of the scholastic record showing courses pursued with semester hours carried, semester hours earned, grades, grade points, grade point average, and system of grading; and all failures, incomplete grades, and penalties, such as suspension, or other restrictions. USC totals, transfer college totals, and a collegiate summary (USC and transfer) are also included.

All requests for transcripts must be in written form. Any student who needs a transcript or a certified copy of the end-of-semester grade report may complete a Transcript Request form (AS-25) at the Office of the University Registrar at USC Columbia, or send a signed and dated letter containing all pertinent identifying information to the Office of the University Registrar. With the exception of copies made for internal use, no copy of a student’s permanent record (transcript) will be released to anyone without the student’s written consent. In addition to the written consent, each transcript request should include full name or names used, student number, current mailing address, dates of attendance, location of attendance, and date of birth to assure proper identification of the record requested.

No transcript will be issued to a student who is indebted to the University.

No partial transcript will be issued.

The nonrefundable transcript processing fee is $5.

Notification of Student Rights under FERPA

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

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the University receives a request for access.

Students should submit to the registrar, dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official, written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The University official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the University official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.

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 University to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the University 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 University decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the University will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of their 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 indentifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

The University of South Carolina will disclose information from a student’s education records only with the written consent of the student, except:

a. to school officials with legitimate educational interests;

A school official is a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position; a person or company with whom the University has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing their tasks.

A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill their professional responsibility.

b. to officials of other institutions in which the student seeks or intends to enroll provided that the student has previously requested a release of records;

c. to authorized representatives of the U.S. Department of Education, the Comptroller General of the United States, state educational authorities, organizations conducting studies for or on behalf of the University, and accrediting organizations;

d. in connection with a student’s application for, and receipt of, financial aid;

e. to comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena;

f. to parents of dependent students as defined by the Internal Revenue Code, Section 152;

g. to appropriate parties in a health or safety emergency; or

h. to the alleged victim of any crime of violence of the results of any disciplinary proceedings conducted by the University.

The University of South Carolina has designated the following items as directory information: a student’s name, electronic mail address, local and permanent mailing addresses and telephone numbers, semesters of attendance, enrollment status (full- or part-time), date of admission, date of graduation, school, major and minor fields of study, whether or not currently enrolled, classification (freshman, etc.) type of degree being pursued, degrees, honors, and awards received (including scholarships and fellowships), weight and height of members of athletic teams, and whether the student has participated in officially recognized activities and sports sponsored by the University.

4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University of South Carolina to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-4605.

Questions concerning this law and the University’s procedures concerning release of academic information may be directed to the Office of the University Registrar at 803-777-5555.

An appropriate hearing board will provide each student with an opportunity to challenge the content of University records, to ensure that the records are not inaccurate or misleading, and to provide an opportunity for the correction or deletion of any inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise inappropriate data contained therein. Such requests should be made through the petitions committees of the individual colleges.

Academic Standing

It is the expectation of the University that students will maintain at least a C average on all work attempted; on the grading scale employed by the University, this means that a student must maintain a semester, yearly, and cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 in order to remain in good academic standing in the institution.

The following standards regarding scholastic eligibility are applicable to all undergraduate students. In addition, the individual colleges of the University may have retention standards for the students majoring in academic programs of those colleges. However, students will not be suspended from the University unless they fail to meet the standards specified here. Administration of these regulations is the responsibility of the academic deans, who are not empowered to waive any of the provisions. A student may be granted relief from these regulations by the Student Affairs Committee only in extraordinary circumstances.

Scholastic Deficiency

Any student whose semester, yearly, or cumulative GPA falls below 2.00 is considered to be scholastically deficient.

The dean of each college will review all deficiency situations and determine the appropriate action to be taken. Scholastically deficient students who have failed to make satisfactory progress toward completion of the degree may be placed on scholastic probation on such terms as the dean may designate or may be advised to withdraw from the major or from the University. Students who fail to meet the conditions of the probation may be required to leave that degree program.

Students are reminded that progression standards may vary from one major to another.

Academic Suspension

A scholastically deficient student’s eligibility to continue in the University is determined by the grade point deficit (GPD). The GPD is the number of grade points a student lacks of having a 2.00 GPA. This can easily be calculated by subtracting the number of grade points earned from twice the number of grade point hours attempted:

GPD=(2 x grade point hours)-(grade points earned)

A student’s cumulative GPD will be based only on work at USC taken in fall semester 1980 or later.

The record of every scholastically deficient student will be reviewed at the end of each fall and spring semester. The following standards will then be applied:

First suspension: Any student who is scholastically deficient at the beginning of a fall or spring semester will be suspended at the end of that semester if either the yearly or the cumulative GPD is 24 or more. Suspended students will not be considered for readmission to the University until they have served at least one major term and the summer on suspension (approximately eight months).

Subsequent suspension: A student reinstated or readmitted from suspension will be reviewed at the end of the first semester after returning. A grade point average of 2.00 or higher must be obtained each semester to avoid a subsequent suspension.

The duration of a second or subsequent suspension is indefinite and the student can be considered for readmission only after being approved for reinstatement by action of the Student Affairs Committee. A favorable decision by the committee is unlikely within two years of the suspension.

A student on suspension may not be admitted to, or continue in, any program of the University for credit or for grade point average purposes. Credit earned at other institutions or by correspondence of any origin while a student is on suspension from the University may not be applied toward a degree from USC or used for improving the grade point average.

Students are reminded that these rules are for suspension from the University. Some colleges or schools in the University may impose more stringent requirements for retention in degree programs.

Petition Procedures

In addition to previously specified provisions by which a student may petition to waive the application of this suspension policy, a student suspended by this policy has the right to petition to the appropriate college scholastic standards and petitions committee to waive the application of the suspension rule at any time.

Academic Forgiveness for Former USC Students with Less Than a 2.00 Cumulative GPA

Under certain conditions undergraduate students may apply for academic forgiveness. Academic forgiveness allows for a recalculation of the GPA to permit a student to graduate or pursue a specific academic program. In order to apply for academic forgiveness all of the following conditions must be met:

1. The student has not been enrolled at any campus of the University of South Carolina for at least 48 months.

2. The student must have been readmitted to a degree program at the University of South Carolina and must have completed at least 24 hours of approved graded course work prior to applying for academic forgiveness.

3. After readmission the student must have earned a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 and met the progression requirements of their degree program.

4. The student must never before have been granted academic forgiveness.

A student who has met these conditions and desires academic forgiveness must submit a written request for academic forgiveness to the dean of the college in which the student is enrolled. After verification of the student’s eligibility, the dean shall inform the registrar that academic forgiveness has been granted to the student.

Once academic forgiveness has been granted, the following apply to the student’s academic record:

1. All curriculum requirements will be in accordance with those in force at the time of or subsequent to the student’s readmission.

2. The student may not receive Academic Honors upon graduation.

3. The student’s grade point average is recalculated beginning with the semester in which the student was readmitted to the University.

4. Courses in which the student received a passing grade prior to readmission may, at the discretion of the dean, be applied toward the degree. All academic hours attempted at USC will be calculated toward the GPA. The student’s GPA will be recalculated using the GPA after readmission and a 2.00 on all grade hours taken prior to readmission.

5. The following statement shall appear on the academic record and transcript of any student granted academic forgiveness: "This student was granted academic forgiveness under the University of South Carolina Academic Forgiveness Program. The GPA has been recalculated under the criteria of this program to allow for eligibility for graduation."

6. The permanent academic record will remain an unmodified record of all work attempted at the University of South Carolina.

Academic Honors

Honor Lists

Each semester academic achievement is recognized by entering on the President’s Honor List or the Dean’s Honor List the names of students who, at the end of the previous semester, attained the following standards:

President’s Honor List: a grade point average of 4.00 earned on a minimum of 12 credited semester hours.

Dean’s Honor List: a grade point average of 3.50 or higher (3.25 or higher for freshmen) earned on a minimum of 12 credited semester hours.

No course carried on a Pass-Fail basis, by examination, correspondence, or exemption will be counted toward the 12 hours required for either the President’s or Dean’s Honor List.

Graduation With Honors

Graduation with honors will be based on a cumulative GPA calculated on the basis of all work in the student’s college career, including any attempted at other institutions. This calculation will include all courses attempted, not just those submitted in fulfillment of graduation requirements.

Transfer students who apply to graduate with honors, in addition to their overall record, must show a GPA at USC which meets the level specified for the honors being sought.

The following designations indicate a consistently high level of academic achievement throughout the student’s entire academic career. To graduate with such honors, a student must have earned at least 60 credit hours applicable toward the degree in residence at the University, 30 credit hours for an associate’s degree. Courses taken by a transient student at other institutions, by correspondence, by examination, or by exemption are not considered "in residence."

Summa Cum Laude: a cumulative GPA of 4.000

Magna Cum Laude: a cumulative GPA of 3.750–3.999

Cum Laude: a cumulative GPA of 3.500–3.749

With Honors from South Carolina Honors College: Any student who completes the requirements of the Honors College, regardless of the major or undergraduate degree, is awarded that degree "With Honors from South Carolina Honors College."

All candidates for degrees must file formal applications during the last academic term before graduation with the academic dean on forms obtained at the Office of the University Registrar. Applications must be filed by the third week of the fall or spring semester in which the degree is to be awarded, or within the first 10 days of the first summer session. If the student is not enrolled during the first summer session, the application must be filed within the first week of the second summer session for the student to graduate at the summer commencement.

In order to be eligible for graduation, students must meet all course requirements, be in good academic standing, and have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 on all work attempted at USC.

Library Regulations

The resources of the USC Union Library are available to those students currently enrolled at the campus and to the general public age 18 and older. High-school students between the ages of 14 and 18 may check out materials with parental consent. Any patron needing help in using the library’s resources is encouraged to ask for the assistance of the librarian. Library hours during class sessions are 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, and 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. The library is closed on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer. Exceptions to the schedule are posted at the library and on the library’s Web page, at www.sc.edu/union/USCU_Lib/library_index.htm, and announced in the newspaper. Fines for overdue library books accrue at the rate of 25 cents per day per book.

Use of the Library. Students are encouraged to use all of the library facilities. The library has a computer room and word processing software on reserve for student use, an audio/visual room for in-house use of the media collection, and an extensive reference collection for research needs. Each term the librarian offers a series of library orientation courses to explain the services offered by the library and the use of basic reference and research materials.

USC Union at Laurens Reading Room. The USC Union Library operates a reading room in the Laurens facility at 102 Spring Street (864-984-6233). It consists of a small reference collection, a reserve collection for the use of local faculty and students, and other materials to coordinate with class assignments. Reference help is available through periodic visits by the USCU librarian, by telephone to the USCU library at 800-768-5566, and through e-mail. Laurens students are encouraged to travel to Union and make use of the USCU facility.

Further information about the USC Union Library may be found at the library’s Web page, www.sc.edu/union/USCU_Lib/library_index.htm.

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This web site updated September 2001 by Bob Lowder and copyright © 2001-2002 by the Board of Trustees of the University of South Carolina. All Rights Reserved.
URL http://www.sc.edu/bulletin/Union/AcadRegulations.html

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