A student is required to have knowledge of and observe all regulations pertaining to campus life and student deportment. The University has enacted two codes of student responsibility: The UNC Charlotte Code of Student Academic Integrity and The UNC Charlotte Code of Student Responsibility, which are summarized in this Catalog. As students willingly accept the benefits of membership in the UNC Charlotte academic community, they acquire obligations to observe and uphold the principles and standards that define the terms of UNC Charlotte community cooperation and make those benefits possible.
Each student is responsible for maintaining communication with the University and keeping on file with the Registrar's Office at all times a current address, including zip code, email address and telephone number.
Each student, while associated with the University, is expected to participate in campus and community life in a manner that will reflect credit upon the student and the University.
Catalog Policies
The Catalog is not an irrevocable contract. Regulations published in it are subject to change by the University at any time without notice. University regulations are policy statements to guide students, faculty, and administrative officers in achieving the goals of the institution. Necessary interpretations of these policies will be made by the appropriate authorities with the interest of the students and the institution in mind. Students are encouraged to consult an advisor if they have questions about the application of any policy.
"The University reserves the right to change any of the rules and regulations of the University at any time, including those relating to admission, instruction, and graduation. The University also reserves the right to withdraw curricula and specific courses, alter course content, change the calendar, and to impose or increase fees. All such changes are effective at such times as the proper authorities determine and may apply not only to prospective students but also to those who already are enrolled in the University."
Each new edition of the Catalog becomes effective at the opening of the fall semester following its publication.
Exceptions to these policies may be necessitated by changes in course offerings, degree programs or by action of authorities higher than the University. In that event, every effort will be made to avoid penalizing the student.
Course Load
An appropriate course load is dependent upon two factors: the scholastic ability of the student as reflected by his/her academic history and the time available for study. A course load of nine semester hours constitutes a normal full semester program for a graduate student. This is lower than the normal undergraduate load because of the extensive reading, independent thinking and individual research required of graduate students. Generally, graduate students should not register for more than 12 semester hours during a semester.
A graduate assistant must register for at least six graduate-level semester hours during each semester in which an assistantship is awarded. Graduate assistants enrolled in the Graduate Assistance Support Plan must register for a minimum of 9 graduate credit hours each term.
International students on F-1 visa/status are required, by immigration regulations, to pursue a full course load during each academic semester, except during official school breaks (i.e. summer vacation and winter holidays) or unless a reduced course load is approved in advance by the Designated School Officer (DSO) at the International Students/Scholar Office. Failure to enroll for a full course load without prior approval is considered a violation of the F-1 legal status.
Registration
The Registrar is responsible for the management of the registration process by which students enroll in classes. Registration policies and procedures for each term are described on the Registrar’s Web site The most recent URL to the policies and procedures section of the Registrar's Web site may be found on the Graduate School Academic Regulations Web page at: http://www.uncc.edu/gradmiss/acadregs.html.
Through the registration process, students assume academic and financial responsibility for the classes in which they enroll. They are relieved of these responsibilities only by formally terminating enrollment by dropping or withdrawing in accordance with procedures and deadlines specified by the Registrar each term. For procedures and deadlines related to terminating enrollment, see the Graduate School Academic Regulations Web page at: http://www.uncc.edu/gradmiss/acadregs.html.
Registration Deadlines
University policies determine when students may enroll or adjust their enrollment in classes. Deadlines for the spring and fall semesters are shown below. (Deadlines for summer sessions are approximately proportional based on the length of the session.)
Register for classes through the eighth instructional day of the semester.
Drop a class without record (and remain enrolled in other classes) through the sixth instructional day of the semester.
Withdraw from the University without record through the sixth instructional day of the semester.
Drop a class with grade of W recorded (and remain enrolled in other classes) through the sixth week of classes in the semester. No student will be allowed to drop a course after this deadline unless there are extenuating circumstances recognized by the University.
Withdraw from the University with grade of W recorded after the sixth instructional day through the third week prior to the last day of classes of the semester. No student will be allowed to withdraw after this deadline unless there are extenuating circumstances recognized by the University. (See the Termination of Enrollment section of this Catalog.)
Prerequisites and Permits
Credit will be awarded only to students who are properly registered for it. All students, including non-degree students, are required to meet course prerequisites and to obtain the required permissions to enroll in courses specified in the Schedule of Classes.
Auditors
With the consent of the instructor, a student may register as an auditor for any class in which space is available. Fees and procedures for this non-credit enrollment are the same as those for a credit enrollment.
No student will be allowed to change the designation of a course from audit to credit or from credit to audit after the eighth instructional day of a semester (or a proportional period for summer school).
The participation of auditors in class discussion and in tests or examinations is optional with the instructor. Auditors receive no University credit, but they are expected to attend class regularly. A formal record of the audit on the student's transcript is entered at the discretion of the instructor at the end of the course. The procedure for adding or dropping an audit course is the same as for credit enrollments.
Dual Undergraduate and Graduate Registration
Undergraduate students at UNC Charlotte who are required to take fewer than 12 semester hours of undergraduate work to fulfill all requirements for the bachelor's degree may be allowed during their final semester to enroll in certain courses for the purpose of obtaining graduate credit. Authorization for dual undergraduate/graduate registration may be obtained by submitting to the Dean of the Graduate School a Special Request Form approved by the student's undergraduate academic advisor, the instructor(s) of the graduate course(s), and the dean(s) of the college(s) offering the graduate course(s), accompanied by the post-baccalaureate application for admission to graduate study. The total hours to be carried in this status shall not exceed 12 hours, of which no more than nine may be for graduate credit. On the basis of work attempted prior to the final semester, such student must meet the grade point criteria for admission to a graduate degree program at the University. No course for which credit is applied to an undergraduate degree may receive graduate credit. Permission to take graduate courses under dual registration does not constitute admission to any graduate degree program at the University. (Undergraduate students may also take graduate courses if admitted to an early-entry program. See “Early-Entry to Graduate Program” in “The Graduate School” section of the Catalog.)
Inter-Institutional Registration
An inter-institutional
registration program is available for a limited number of undergraduate and
graduate students with the
Continuous Registration
Students in
graduate degree programs are required to maintain continuous registration (fall
and spring semesters) for thesis, dissertation, project, or directed study
until work is completed. Students are not required to enroll in any summer term
unless they are using campus facilities or they are completing degree
requirements in that term. Continuous registration begins the semester approval
for his/her thesis, dissertation, project, or directed study topic is received.
Approval of this topic is documented on the "Petition
for Topic Approval" form which is filed by the student with the
Students must be enrolled during the term
(semester or summer) in which they graduate from the University.
Change
of Degree Program
To change from one degree program to another, a graduate
student must complete the application for admission to the new program, pay the
requisite application fee, and provide supporting documentation as specified in
this Catalog. The student should also provide the
Note: Students on F-1 or J-1 visa status who change from one degree program to another may be required to submit proof of sufficient financial resources, especially if the change to another degree program requires the issuance of a new Form I-20 or DS-2019.
Termination of Enrollment
Drop or Withdrawal (Course) )
A student may terminate enrollment in a course but continue enrollment in other courses by following the procedure to drop or withdraw from a course specified on the Registrar’s Web site. A student enrolled in only one course must withdraw officially from the University to drop the course.
Withdrawal from the University
Any graduate student voluntarily leaving the University before the close of the term must withdraw officially. A student initiates the withdrawal procedure and files the completed form at the Registrar's Office in person or by letter. A withdrawal is effective when the form or letter is received by the Registrar's Office. A student who withdraws from the University after the sixth instructional day will receive the grade of W for all courses in progress. No student will be allowed to withdraw within two weeks prior to the last day of class (or as close to half the summer term as possible) unless there are extenuating circumstances such as serious illness recognized by the University and approved by the Dean of the Graduate School.
Any graduate
student who leaves the University before the close of a term without
withdrawing officially will receive a failing or unsatisfactory grade (U for graduate credit) in each course
for which he/she is registered. A graduate student who receives a U is automatically suspended from the
University and must appeal to the Dean of the
International students on F-1 or J-1 visa status must carry a full course load each academic semester. Students who withdraw from UNC Charlotte are advised to consult the International Student/Scholar Office for information on maintaining valid F-1 or J-1 status, or reinstatement to valid F-1 or J-1 status.
Attendance Policy
Each instructor determines the attendance regulations for his or her classes. Students are expected to attend punctually all scheduled sessions in the courses for which they are registered and are responsible for completing the work from all class sessions.
Absences from class may be excused by the instructor for such reasons as personal illness, religious holidays, or participating as an authorized University representative in an out-of-town event. Whenever possible, students are expected to seek the permission of the instructor prior to absences.
Grading Policies
Instructors assign grades on the basis of their evaluation of the academic performance of each student enrolled in their courses. At the end of the term, the grades are reported to the Registrar's Office which is responsible for maintaining student academic records and making grades available to students.
Final Grades
Final Grades are available through the secure, student access pages of the Registrar’s Web page.
Final Grade Changes and Appeals from Final Course Grades
When a final course grade other than Incomplete (I) is officially reported by the instructor at the end of an academic term, the grade is recorded by the Registrar and can be changed only if the grade has been assigned arbitrarily or impermissibly as defined in the Faculty’s “Policy and Procedures for Student Appeals of Final Course Grades,” available online at http://www.uncc.edu/policystate/gradeappeal.html. Students should follow the procedures outlined in that policy if they believe that the final course grade that has been assigned is incorrect. The policy encourages the student to discuss the grade with the instructor as soon as possible after the grade is received. Students should note, however, that the University is not obliged to respond to a grade appeal unless the student files it with the appropriate department chairperson or interdisciplinary program director within the first four weeks of the next regular academic semester. When a grade is assigned consistent with University policy, only the instructor has the right to change the grade except as provided in the Incomplete grade policy. When an instructor reports a grade change for a grade other than I, the Change of Grade Form must be signed by his/her Department Chairperson and Dean.
Grades
Letters are used to designate the quality of student academic achievement.
Grade of I (Incomplete)
The grade of I is assigned at the discretion of the instructor when a student who is otherwise passing has not, due to circumstances beyond his/her control, completed all the work in the course. The missing work must be completed by the deadline specified by the instructor or during the next semester (fall or spring) in residence, but no later than 12 months after the term in which the I was assigned, whichever comes first. If the I is not removed during the specified time, a grade of U or N as appropriate is automatically assigned. The grade of I cannot be removed by enrolling again in the same course.
Grade of IP (In Progress)
The grade of IP is based on coursework for courses that extend over more than one semester. For example, a course that requires enrollment for two consecutive semesters would be eligible for an IP grade in the first term (i.e., Graduate Thesis, Undergraduate Senior Project, etc.) The grade in the second term is also awarded for the course in the first semester. A grade of IP should not be given for coursework to be completed in one given term. It cannot be substituted for a grade of I. The IP grade expires after six years, and if no final grade has been awarded by that time, the IP grade will default to a grade of N (no credit).
Grade of W (Withdrawal or Drop)
No grade will be given for a course dropped on or before the last day to drop a course without record. After this period a student who is permitted to drop or withdraw from a course will receive a grade of W. Only students with such extenuating circumstances as serious illness will be permitted to drop a course after the sixth week of classes in the semester or to withdraw from all courses during the last two weeks of classes in the semester. Unsatisfactory academic performance itself is not an extenuating circumstance. The date of withdrawal is determined when the withdrawal form is accepted by the Registrar’s Office.
Pass/No Credit or Pass/Unsatisfactory Option
Certain graduate courses, such as research seminars, tutorials, internships, theses or dissertations, may be designated for Pass/No Credit or Pass/Unsatisfactory grading upon recommendation of the offering department and approval of the Graduate Council. The grade of P in such a course shall be considered as evidence of satisfactory performance. A grade of N (No Credit) or U (Unsatisfactory) will affect eligibility for continued enrollment and will not apply toward requirements for the degree.
|
GRADUATE GRADES |
||
|
Letter |
Meaning |
Grade Points per Semester Hour |
|
A |
Commendable |
4 |
|
B |
Satisfactory |
3 |
|
C |
Marginal |
2 |
|
U |
Unsatisfactory |
0 |
|
I |
Incomplete |
|
|
IP |
In
Progress |
|
|
W |
Withdrawal |
|
|
P |
Pass |
|
|
N |
No Credit |
|
|
AU |
Audit |
|
|
NR |
No
recognition given for audit |
|
Grade Point Average
The grade point average for a graduate student is based only on those courses in his/her approved program of study taken at UNC Charlotte. It is determined by multiplying the number of grade points for each grade (A=4, B=3, C=2, U=0) by the number of semester hours credit received in that course, adding all accumulated grade points together, and then dividing by the total number of semester hours the student has attempted except those for which the student received a grade of I, IP, W, P, N, AU, or NR. When a course not listed as "May be repeated for credit" is repeated, no additional credit hours attempted accrue and the hours earned and grade points of the previous grade are replaced by those of the current grade.
Graduate students must have a 3.0 GPA in the courses on their degree plan of study in order to graduate. However, the grades for all courses attempted will remain on the transcript and will be included in the calculation of the student’s GPA as it is reported on the transcript.
Repeating a Graduate Course
A graduate student will be allowed to repeat a maximum of two courses in which the student has been assigned a grade of C, U or N (but not an I). If the course grade has resulted in suspension of enrollment, the student must appeal to be reinstated in order to repeat the course. A given course may be repeated one time only. Each grade earned in a repeated course is computed into the grade point average. The record of the first attempt will remain a part of the student's permanent record and will count in the number of marginal (C) grades accumulated. Successfully repeating a course does not change the number of marginal (C) grades accumulated. Enrollment will be terminated if a student receives a grade of U in a repeated course for which the student previously earned a U or N.
Academic Records and Transcripts
The Registrar is responsible for maintaining the official academic records for all students. Upon written request by the student, an official transcript of the academic record will be issued by the Registrar’s Office to the person or institution designated, provided that all the student's obligations to the University have been settled satisfactorily.
Each student is entitled to one transcript without cost, regardless of how early in his/her academic career the request is made. A fee of $3 per copy must accompany subsequent requests. Requests should reach the Registrar's Office at least one week before the date the transcript is needed and can be made online through the Registrar’s Website.
Course Descriptions
Course descriptions provide the following information: subject prefix; course number; course title; semester credit hours assigned to the course; prerequisites and/or corequisites (if any); brief description of the course content; and when the course usually is offered (Evenings, Yearly, Alternate years, Fall, Spring, Summer, On demand). The description may specify the number of class (lecture) and/or laboratory sessions and hours. If no class hours are given, the number of class hours per week is the same as the number of semester hours credit assigned to the course. For example:
SUBJ 6234. Title of Course. (Credit Hours) Pre/corequisites. Brief description of course content. (Three lecture hours and one three-hour laboratory per week) (When offered)
Course Numbering System
Courses are identified by four-digit numbers. The first digit indicates the level of the course: 5000-5999: graduate courses with parallel undergraduate courses listed at the 4000 level; 6000-7999: master’s level courses; 8000-9999: doctoral work. The following second digits designate special types of courses: 0 for topics; 4 for internships and practicum, 5 for cooperative education, 6 for seminars, 7 for Honors courses, 8 for independent study, and 9 for research.
Requirements for Continued Enrollment
Students enrolled in any graduate program must maintain satisfactory progress toward the degree. Students are expected to achieve a commendable or satisfactory grade (A or B) in all course work attempted for graduate credit. Students who fail to maintain satisfactory progress toward their degree or who do not achieve commendable or satisfactory grades in all their graduate course work are subject to suspension and/or termination from their program of study.
International students on F-1 or J-1 visa status must carry a full course load each academic semester. Students who are suspended or terminated from their program of study are advised to consult the International Student/Scholar Office for information on maintaining valid F-1 or J-1 status, or reinstatement to valid F-1 or J-1 status.
Academic Suspension
An
accumulation of three marginal C
grades in any graduate course work will result in suspension of the student's
enrollment in the graduate program. If a student makes a grade of U or N
in any graduate course, enrollment will be suspended. A graduate student whose
enrollment has been suspended because of grades is ineligible to register in
any semester or summer session unless properly reinstated. (Note: Some
Departments and/or programs have stricter regulations on suspension than those
of the
Appeal Procedure
Graduate
students may appeal a suspension or termination using the procedures described
in the following paragraphs. Other grievances relating to academic status are
to be addressed to the
Appeal of Academic Suspension for the Purpose of Reinstatement
A student who
has been suspended from a graduate program may appeal his/her suspension and
must be reinstated in order to continue his/her program of study. After
notification of suspension is received, the student initiates the appeal
procedure by submitting a “Suspension
Appeal Form” (sent to the student with the notice of suspension) to the
graduate coordinator/director of his/her academic program explaining any
extenuating circumstances. The graduate coordinator/director will forward this
form to the
A student readmitted to a graduate program through reinstatement will be expected to complete the degree program with satisfactory or commendable performance. Should a student receive a grade of C, U or N in a graduate course after being reinstated to the program, enrollment in the graduate program will be terminated.
A student who is denied readmission through the suspension appeal process is considered to be terminated from the graduate program. Terminated students may appeal their termination as identified in the section entitled “Appeal of Academic Termination for the Purpose of Reinstatement.”
Academic Termination
Academic termination of a graduate student’s program of studies may occur in four ways.
1. Students may be required to terminate their graduate studies if they fail to maintain satisfactory academic progress. One example of failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress is non-adherence to the schedule of “Time Limits for Degrees.”
When a
program determines that a student is making unsatisfactory progress, the
program notifies the student in writing of the program’s concern about the
student’s performance. Such a warning specifies the source of the concern, the
applicable program and/or
Following the
probationary period, a student who fails to meet the provisions of the warning
is subject to termination from the program. If the program believes that
termination is warranted, the graduate program director or coordinator
communicates to the Dean of the
2. A student’s graduate studies may be terminated if he/she fails to maintain the specific standards of the student’s academic program as described in the program specific sections of the Graduate Catalog. For example, a doctoral program may indicate that the accumulation of 2 C grades or one U grade is grounds for termination from the program.
3. A student’s graduate studies will be terminated if, after receiving an initial suspension (see “Academic Suspension”) and subsequent reinstatement (see “Appeal of Academic Suspension for the Purpose of Reinstatement”), the student receives a grade of C, U or N in a graduate level course.
4. Students who are suspended from a graduate program and are denied re-admittance through the suspension appeal process (see “Appeal of Academic Suspension for the Purpose of Reinstatement”) are considered terminated from their graduate program.
In all cases of termination from a graduate program, the student’s transcript will bear the notation “Candidacy Terminated.”
Readmission of Terminated Graduate Student
Students who
have been academically terminated from a UNC Charlotte graduate program are not
eligible for readmission to that program or future admission to any other
graduate program. However, if after two
years the student can demonstrate the potential for academic success and/or
personal and professional development since leaving the program, the student
may initiate a request for readmission to the
Appeal of Academic
Termination for the Purpose of Reinstatement
While an
action of termination is considered final, a student who is terminated from a
graduate program may appeal that termination to the
Category 1: Academic Termination Based on Failure to Maintain Commendable or Satisfactory Performance in Course Work
Category 1
appeals are available to students who have been terminated for receiving a U, N
or C grade after an initial
suspension and students who fail to maintain the specific grading standards of
an academic program. In these cases, an Appeal of Academic Termination
submitted to the
To initiate a
Category 1 Appeal of Academic Termination, the student must send a written
letter to the Graduate School requesting consideration of his/her case by the
UNC Charlotte Graduate School Appeals Committee. In the written request, the
student must make his/her case for reinstatement. Included with the student’s
letter must be at least two letters of support for reinstatement from the
student’s academic program. For master’s degree students, the termination
appeal should include a letter from the program coordinator/director and a
letter from the department chair, major advisor and/or the thesis/project
advisor. For a doctoral student, a termination appeal should include a letter
from the program coordinator/director and the advisory committee or
dissertation committee chair. The letters from the program must specify what
expectations must be met by the student if he/she is readmitted to the program.
A termination appeal request and the supporting documentation must be received
by the
Once the
Category 2: Academic Termination Based on Programmatic Action
Category 2 appeals are for students who have been terminated for failure to maintain satisfactory progress in an academic program and for students who have been denied re-admittance through the suspension appeal process. Academic decisions based on the disciplinary expertise and judgment of graduate faculty members and program coordinators/directors in a particular field are not subject to appeal. The fact that a programmatic decision goes against a student’s desire for continuation in an academic degree program is not grounds for a termination appeal. However, a Category 2 appeal may be brought on the grounds that there was “procedural error” or “discrimination” in the termination decision.
To initiate a
Category 2 Appeal of Academic Termination, the student must send a written
letter to the Graduate School requesting consideration of his/her case by the
UNC Charlotte Graduate School Appeals Committee. In the written request, the
student must make his/her case for reinstatement. If the student is alleging
“procedural error,” the student must specify what procedures were utilized and
how the program deviated from the specified procedures. If the basis of the
appeal is “discrimination,” the student must show how his/her case was handled
substantially different from those of other students in similar circumstances.
A termination appeal request and the supporting documentation must be received
by the
Once the
The Graduate
School Appeals Committee is authorized to review appeals for reinstatement from
graduate students who have been academically terminated. The Committee does not
hear grade appeals, for which a separate procedure exists. The Appeals
Committee is comprised of four members. The Assistant Dean for Graduate Student
Affairs serves as the ex officio, non-voting chair of the committee. The three
voting members of the Appeals Committee are graduate faculty members named by
the Dean of the
Transferred Credit
The student’s graduate program coordinator is responsible for determining the applicability of transferred credits to graduate program requirements. See the appropriate “Degree Requirements" sections of this Catalog for program specific policies. General rules governing transferred credit are:
1) To
obtain approval to receive transfer credit, the student must submit an Application for Transfer of Credit into a
Graduate Degree Program form (available in the
1) No more than six semester hours of transfer credit will be considered for acceptance into a masters degree program. The amount of transfer credit that may be accepted into a doctoral program varies by program. See program specific policies in this Catalog.
2) Courses which have been taken as part of any graduate program at UNC Charlotte or another institution for which the student has received a masters or doctorate degree are not transferable into a second masters degree program. The transferability of masters degree or doctoral course work into a doctoral program varies by program. See program specific policies in this Catalog.
3) The grade in any course accepted for transferred credit must be the equivalent of that awarded for commendable (A) or satisfactory (B) work as defined by UNC Charlotte. It should be noted, however, that although the credit for a course may transfer, the grade will not be used to calculate the graduate GPA at UNC Charlotte.
4) Courses accepted for transfer are subject to the same time limitation as courses taken in residence.
5) To be considered for transferred credit, the courses must have been undertaken at a regionally accredited institution.
6) Courses in which credit is accepted must be appropriate for approved University programs and curricula in which the student is enrolled.
7)
To obtain approval to take a course at another
institution while at UNC Charlotte, a student must complete an Application for Transfer of Credit into a
Graduate Degree Program form, have it approved by the graduate program
coordinator prior to taking the course, and file it in the
8) Transfer credit is not awarded for non-degree seeking graduate students.
Credit by Examination
A student currently enrolled at UNC Charlotte may pass a specially prepared challenge examination and receive credit for a University course without having to do the normal course work. The student contacts the program in which credit is sought to request administration of an examination. Since it may not be appropriate to award credit by examination for some courses, the decision to offer an examination is that of the program. If the graduate program authorizes an examination, the student is instructed to pay the fee for credit by examination and to bring the receipt of payment to the examination. Credit by examination will be indicated on the transcript, but no grade points will be awarded. Failure on such an examination will incur no grade-point penalty. No student may challenge a course for which either a passing or failing grade has been received at UNC Charlotte.
Application for the Degree and/or Graduate Certificate