Admissions and Enrollment Information

Admissions

All students who register for credit classes at SAU must be officially admitted to the University. All questions about the admissions process should be addressed to the Office of Admissions, which receives and processes all undergraduate applications and issues letters of admission to qualified applicants.

First-time Freshman Admission

To apply for admission as an undergraduate student at Southern Arkansas University, an entering freshman must submit the following:

1. Application for admission
2. ACT scores
3. High school transcript or GED certificate showing graduation date

After being admitted, an entering freshman must submit the following:

1. Medical immunization forms
2. Other information as requested by the Office of Admissions

An application for a residence hall room, along with a $100 deposit, must also be submitted by those students required and/or choosing to live in campus housing.

Unconditional Admission for Beginning Students: Beginning students who have ACT scores of 19 or higher on the English, mathematics, and reading parts of the ACT examination, and who have graduated from high school, will be admitted unconditionally to Southern Arkansas University.

Beginning with the 2002-2003 academic year, any public school student who graduated from a public high school (in-state or out-of-state) after May 1, 2002, must have successfully completed the core curriculum, recommended by the State Board of Education with a minimum grade point average of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale to be eligible for unconditional admission [Act 1290 of 1997 (ACA 6-60-208), amended by Act 520 of 1999].

Conditional Admission for Beginning Students: Beginning students who do not qualify for unconditional admission but who have earned a composite ACT score of 16 or higher or are ranked in the top quarter of their graduating class will be conditionally admitted to Southern Arkansas University. Admitted students that have an ACT composite score below 15 must meet conditional prep status as defined by ACT 1184 of 2011 (Arkansas Code Annotated 6-60-208.) SAU does not admit degree-seeking students using an ability to benefit assessment.

Conditional Admission requires completion of 12 semester hours of core academic courses and any necessary remedial courses with a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 within the first 30 semester hours. Failure to do so may result in academic suspension, academic probation, or limiting the course enrollment for subsequent semesters. Core courses are defined as courses required in the General Education block in the Southern Arkansas University General Catalog.

Students admitted conditionally must successfully complete all developmental courses they are required to take in a regular and consistent manner. Successful completion in a regular and consistent manner means that required developmental courses be taken each semester the student is registered. If two or more developmental courses are required, the student must register for at least two developmental courses during the first semester (transitional mathematics and intermediate algebra cannot be taken concurrently).

GED, Home School, Private and Charter School Graduates: These students are admitted by virtue of their ACT scores as specified above.

Non-Traditional Students: Students who are 25 years of age or older are admitted regardless of their ACT scores, but they must submit ACT scores to determine whether they must take developmental courses.

Core Curriculum Requirements for Unconditional Admission

English: Four units with emphasis on writing skills, not to include courses in oral communications, journalism, drama or debate.

Natural Science: Three units, with laboratories, chosen from physical science, biology, chemistry, or physics. Only one unit may come from a life science.

Mathematics: Four units, including Algebra I and II, geometry, and an advanced math course. It is strongly recommended that students take a math course during their senior year.

Social Studies: Three units, including one of American history (does not include contemporary American history), one of world history (not to include world cultures, world geography, or global studies), and at least one-half unit of civics or American government (not to include courses in practical arts).

Note: These requirements differ slightly from the core curriculum requirements for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship.

Students not seeking a degree may be admitted at the discretion of the assistant vice president of enrollment services. In addition, any applicant has the right to appeal to the Admissions Appeal Committee.

Transfer Students Admissions

All entering transfer students are required to submit a formal application for admission. An official transcript from each college attended must also be mailed directly from the institution(s) to the Office of Admissions. Official copies of all transcripts must be on file in the Office of Admissions before a decision on admission can be made. A transfer student with fewer than 24 semester hours may also be required to enroll in college reading and freshman seminar.

All of the following specific regulations apply:

1. Transfer students must be in good standing with the institution they last attended in order to be eligible for admission to Southern Arkansas University.
2. Transfer students who have attempted 1-14 semester hours must meet the admission standards for beginning freshmen. If they have a cumulative grade point average of less than 1.00 (on a 4.00 scale), their admission is subject to approval of the director of admissions.
3. Transfer students who have attempted 15-29 semester hours must have a cumulative grade point average of 1.50 or higher (on a 4.00 scale) to be considered for admission.
4. Transfer students who have attempted 30 or more semester hours must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or higher (on a 4.00 scale) to be considered for admission.
5. Transfer students must provide transcripts indicating the courses equivalent to Composition I and college algebra have been successfully completed with grades of C or higher or submit ACT, SAT, Compass, or ASSET scores for placement purposes.
6. Transfer students who are 25 years of age or older are admitted regardless of ACT, SAT, or ASSET scores, but they must submit ACT, SAT, Compass, or ASSET scores for placement.
7. The hours earned at any accredited institution will be posted to the SAU transcript, but the grade point average earned at those institutions will not be used to calculate the cumulative grade point average.
8. Only courses with grades of C or higher will transfer. Applications from transfer students who do not meet the above requirements and have been out of college for at least one year will be reviewed by the Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Services for special consideration. In addition, any applicant has the right to appeal to the Admissions Appeal Committee.

All entering transfer students with fewer than 24 semester hours must provide an official copy of their high school transcript or GED certificate and a copy of each ACT or SAT taken. Federal financial aid may require any transfer student to provide an official high school transcript or GED scores.

No transfer students may disregard their academic records at other institutions they have previously attended. All records should be evaluated before registering at SAU, or the students will have to accept the consequences of enrolling in duplicate courses or failing to enroll in required courses.

Students transferring from two-year collegiate institutions (including SAU Tech) may transfer a maximum of 68 semester hours towards their SAU graduation requirements.

All transfer work will be evaluated by the dean of the appropriate college and the Office of the Registrar. Courses taken at a lower-division level, which are offered at the upper-division level at SAU, cannot be accepted for degree credit unless validated satisfactorily. The validation procedure to be used for particular courses will be determined by the appropriate dean. Validated courses will be accepted at the level at which credit was earned and not at the level at which the course was validated. Upper-level credit is not awarded for courses taken at a lower level. In some majors, additional upper-level hours will be required to meet the 40-hour requirement for upper-level credit. For a course to count towards graduation requirements, proof of its validation must be on file in the Office of the Registrar by the last day to register for classes during the semester or summer term of graduation. Any hours remaining after the residency requirement for the SAU campus has been met must be completed at an accredited senior institution.

A maximum of six hours of religion will be accepted for degree credit if approved by the appropriate dean.

To be admitted to SAU, transfer students must be eligible to re-enter the institution they last attended.

Transfer students who hold the associate of arts, associate of science, or associate of arts in teaching: ACT 182 of 2009 was passed by the Arkansas General Assembly to make the AA, AS and AAT degrees fully transferable among higher education institutions in Arkansas. Arkansas institutions offering approved associate degrees for transfer under ACT 182 are listed on the Arkansas Division of Higher Education website (www.adhe.edu). These degrees from Arkansas institutions include credits fulfilling the state minimum general education core, providing for the seamless transfer of credit hours for the degree holders. Except for additional requirements related to the student’s major or university regulations, no additional lower division general education courses will be required. An advisor from the major or program will assist students with their continued course of study.

This agreement does not address specific degree requirements, such as major or minor courses, outside of the general education component. Students planning to transfer should choose elective courses based on the specific degree requirements at the institution from which they expect to receive the baccalaureate degree. Transfer students holding the AA, AS, or AAT with a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale will be accepted for transfer subject to the following conditions:

1. Remedial course grades will not be computed in the cumulative grade point average for purposes of admission to a four-year institution.
2. Courses taken to satisfy the associate of arts degree requirements must have a grade of C or higher to transfer to a four-year institution.
3. Degree and program requirements (catalog rights) for students who transfer from a two-year institution to a four-year institution under this agreement will be determined in the same manner as if their initial enrollment had been at the four-year institution.
4. Calculation of the overall grade point average for purposes of graduation and awarding of honors is left to the discretion of the institution granting the degree or award.

International Students Admissions

Students from outside the United States must submit the following:

1. Evidence that they are academically eligible to attend universities in their own country;
2. Evidence that their ability to read, write, speak, and understand English is sufficient to enable them to profit from their courses;
3. Evidence that they have adequate financial resources for their university education;
4. Evidence that they have and will continue to have adequate medical insurance during their enrollment at SAU.

International students who have graduated with a GED in the United States or a degree (high school, bachelors, or master’s degree) from an accredited school in the United States or another English-speaking country must meet the same admission requirements as U.S. students. Other English-speaking countries include Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Cameroon (West/English-speaking), Canada (except Quebec), the Cayman Islands, Dominica, the Falkland Islands, Fiji, Grenada, Guam, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Liberia, Montserrat, New Zealand, South Africa (English-speaking schools), Saint Helena, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the United Kingdom, and the Virgin Islands.

For other international students, the English language requirement of SAU will be met when the applicant has submitted proof of ONE of the following:

1. A score of 61 or higher on the internet TOEFL;
2. A score of 500 or higher on the written TOEFL;
3. A score of 173 or higher on the computerized TOEFL;
4. A composite score of Band 5.5 on the IELTS (International English Language Testing System);
5. Completion of Level 109 at an ELS Language Center or completion of an equivalent intensive English language program from an accredited college or university within the United States;
6. A score of 410 or higher on the SAT Critical Reading component OR a score of 19 or higher on the ACT English.

New international undergraduate students (*except those who have scores of at least 410 on the SAT verbal or 19 on the ACT English) must take the residual ACT prior to registration for classes to assess their English skills for placement purposes. An additional placement exam may also be offered to ensure proper advisement into appropriate English courses.

When international students have been officially admitted to Southern Arkansas University, a Form I-20, properly signed, will be sent to them.

Completed applications must reach the University by July 1 for students planning to enroll for the fall semester, November 1 for those planning to enroll for the spring semester, and April 1 for those planning to enroll for summer sessions. A $50 fee must accompany each application. This fee is non-refundable.

Pre-Payment Policy for International Students: Government regulations and banking practices change as countries attempt to meet domestic and foreign needs in the world economy. Sometimes these changes make it difficult or impossible for students attending SAU to transfer funds in a timely manner to pay for their educational expenses. Any delay results in international students arriving without the ability to pay for their expenses. This situation is unfair both to students and to the University.

Twice each year, the International Student Office will review the situation in each country from which applications are received and will prepare a list of countries that are having difficulty with transfers of funds out of their country. This list will be sent through channels to the president for approval.

If accepted, students coming from countries on this list will be required to prepay one full semester prior to arrival.

Non-Degree Student Status

An individual who wishes to take college courses for credit but who does not necessarily intend to earn a degree may be admitted to the University as a non-degree student by permission following an interview with the assistant vice president of enrollment services. Non-degree students receive college credit for work successfully completed at SAU, so the non-degree student classification is especially useful for the adult who wishes to take some college work for personal enrichment or job-related benefits. However, if a non-degree student decides to work toward a degree, they must complete a Change of Status Form at the Office of Admissions for conversion to regular student status and satisfy all entrance requirements for a regular student. Students are encouraged to contact an advisor after 24 hours of work as a non-degree student for consultation on whether to change to regular student status. Non-degree students taking a math or English course must take the ACT or SAT test for placement. Non-degree students who carry a full load are subject to placement in the Academic Opportunities Program.

For all students, criminal history will be considered and evaluated during the application approval process. A background check fee may be required.

Requirements Which May Not Be Delayed

Full-time students must complete the following three graduation requirements at the time prescribed below:

1. Full-time students whose test scores and/or high school GPA places them into transitional coursework must enroll in the appropriate General Studies reading, writing, and math every semester until they have successfully completed these courses.
2. All full-time students must enroll in a writing course each semester until they have completed ENGL 1123 - Composition II .
3. All full-time students must enroll in a mathematics course each semester until they have completed MATH 1053 - Mathematical Literacy ; MATH 1023 - College Algebra ; or a higher level mathematics course.

Undergraduate Course Credit Transfer

Academic course credits transferred from institutionally accredited colleges and universities and accepted by Southern Arkansas University will be posted to the student’s SAU transcript. Only courses with an earned grade of C or higher will be accepted for transfer credit. Transfer course credit will not be included in calculating the student’s cumulative SAU grade point average.

Institutional (formerly described as regional) accreditors:

• Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSOC)
• WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

High School Cross Enrollment

High school students who meet the prescribed criteria (outlined below) adopted by the State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) and are recommended by their high school principal or superintendent may enroll in University courses while in high school when the combined enrollments do not exceed a normal academic load.

Each student must meet the SBHE-adopted criteria stated under either I or II below:

1. Presentation of standardized test scores and high school grades:
   1. Score at the 80th percentile or higher on national norms on that portion of the ACT, PSAT, or SAT related to the subject matter area of the course(s) (or have a composite score at the 80th percentile if the subject matter is not related to a portion of one of these tests).
      and
   2. High school grades of either:
      1. A grade point average of 3.50 or higher (on a 4.00 scale) in high school courses in the subject matter. For ninth grade students, courses in the previous two school years shall be included.
         or
      2. An overall grade point average of 3.50 or higher (on a 4.00 scale). For ninth grade students, courses in the previous two school years shall be included.
2. Individual evaluation based on other performance criteria:
   1. Students may be selected through a process determined to be appropriate by their high school principal or counselor and the SAU Office of Admissions and based on performance criteria, which justify waiver of the standardized test scores, and the grade point average criteria contained in I.A. and I.B. above.
   2. To be considered under this program, a student must apply for admission and a letter of recommendation from their high school principal, superintendent, or counselor stating that the student meets all prescribed criteria.

Students applying for admission under provisions in item II above must provide a statement from the superintendent or principal outlining the selection process and performance criteria deemed to justify waiver of the test score and grade point requirements. Southern Arkansas University reserves the right to determine whether the criteria meet the University’s admissions standards.

High School Concurrent Enrollment

Southern Arkansas University supports the idea that exceptional high school students should be given the opportunity to advance their academic careers. One such opportunity is concurrent enrollment, which should be understood to be separate from other opportunities to earn college credit (cross-enrolled). Concurrent enrollment involves courses that are offered for credit at both the University and high school level. The grade received in the coursework is placed on the student’s permanent University transcript. High school students must meet University guidelines. Students should contact their high school and the SAU Admissions Office for details. Guidelines are subject to change as recommended by the Arkansas Division of Higher Education.

Advanced Placement Credit Policy

A student must complete all admission requirements and register for resident credit before Advanced Placement (AP) credit may be reflected on the student’s transcript. An official score report for Advanced Placement must be on file with the Southern Arkansas University Testing Center before credit can be awarded.

A student who earns the minimum score (chart below) on a particular Advanced Placement subject examination will be awarded credit for the course for which the Advanced Placement test is to be substituted. The equivalent course name, number, and hours credit will be placed on the student’s transcript. A grade of “CR” (credit) will be assigned for the course, which will not impact the student’s GPA.

Advanced Placement credit will not be granted for courses not included in the below chart, as those courses do not have equivalent college-level courses offered at SAU.

No more than fifteen (15) hours credit toward the associate degree and no more than thirty (30) hours credit toward the baccalaureate degree, including CLEP, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), correspondence courses, and credit by examination will be accepted.

International Baccalaureate Policy

A student must complete all admission requirements and register for resident credit before International Baccalaureate (IB) credit may be reflected on the student’s transcript.

An official score report for International Baccalaureate credit must be on file with Southern Arkansas University before credit can be awarded.

A student who earns the minimum score (chart below) on a particular IB subject examination will be awarded credit for the course for which the IB test is to be substituted. The equivalent course name, number, and hours credit will be placed on the student’s transcript. No grade will be assigned.

No more than fifteen (15) hours credit toward the associate degree and no more than thirty (30) hours credit toward the baccalaureate degree, including CLEP, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), correspondence courses, and credit by examination will be accepted.

State Minimum Core (Transfer Core)

The following material applies to students who may wish to transfer from SAU to another state institution. Act 98 of 1989 (Arkansas Code 6-61-218) provides that the State Board of Higher Education “shall establish in consultation with the colleges and universities a core of courses which shall apply toward the general education core curriculum requirements for baccalaureate degrees at state supported institutions of higher education and which shall be fully transferable between state institutions.” The courses listed on the following pages constitute SAU’s “State Minimum Core.”

Students who transfer from SAU to another institution should note that courses not listed may not be transferable to other state institutions. Transfer credit also cannot be guaranteed by SAU when the total number of hours from any of the five designated categories exceeds the number listed for that category. Other institutions within Arkansas are required to accept only 35 hours from SAU’s general education core.

The following additional restrictions apply with regard to the State Minimum Core:

Institutions may require additional general education courses for specific majors.

For example, institutions may require students majoring in math, engineering, science, and business to take higher math courses as part of the State Minimum Core.

Likewise, institutions may require students majoring in math, engineering, science, education, and health-related professions to take higher or specific science courses as part of the State Minimum Core.

Continuing Education

The University recognizes the special needs and problems of non-traditional adult learners through a program of on-campus and off-campus night classes, workshops (organized upon request), short courses, and non-credit community service activities. A greatly simplified admissions procedure is available for non-credit students and for non-degree seeking credit students.

Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credit is awarded in University-approved classes and workshops to those who do not register for academic credit. “One CEU is 10 contact hours of participation in an organized continuing education experience under responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction,” according to the Council on the Continuing Education Unit. The CEU is a uniform, nationally recognized unit of measure acceptable to many associations and professional societies, which require continuing education experiences as a certification requisite.

Registration

After being admitted to the University, each student must register for courses at the time designated by the University. The student is responsible for the accuracy of the registration schedule, which should correspond with planning a program of study and meeting the requirements of graduation.

No credit will be granted for courses for which the student has not been duly registered.

The last day a student will be allowed to register is the sixth class day of a regular semester or the second class day of a summer session. Class days are Monday through Friday. Students registering on or after the first day of classes must pay a $50 late registration fee and may be required to take a reduced class load.

A student’s registration is incomplete until all admissions requirements are met and all fees have been paid.

Change of Registration

A student’s schedule may be changed during the first six days of classes of a regular semester or the first two days of a summer term, subject to the approval of the advisor and the payment of a $10 fee.

Dropping a Course

A student may drop a course without penalty until the end of office hours on Wednesday of the 11th week of a regular semester or Wednesday of the third week of a summer term subject to the consultation with the advisor and the payment of a $10 fee. A student will not be allowed to drop a course after these deadlines except for circumstances beyond the student’s control, which are approved by the registrar.

A student who stops attending class but does not officially withdraw may receive a grade of WN (withdrawn non-attending), WF (withdrawn failing), or F in the course at the course instructor’s discretion.

A student receiving VA benefits will be governed by Veterans Administration regulations regarding the dropping of courses and should contact the Office of the Registrar for information. Other agencies furnishing financial assistance to a student may have regulations affecting the dropping of courses which differ from those of the University policy.

Withdrawing from the University

Withdrawing from the University (through week 11 of a semester or week three of a summer session or week 10 of a long summer session or day 4 of an intersession) A student who chooses to leave the University for any reason must officially withdraw from that semester/term. The student should submit a request to withdraw via Campus Connect through their MySAU Student Dashboard account. The process is not complete until the withdrawal has been approved by each administrative area listed: 1.) Residence Hall Director, 2.) Post Office, 3.) Dean of Students, 4.) Director of Library, 5.) Business Office, 6.) Financial Aid, and 7.) Registrar’s Office. The official date of withdrawal will be the date on which the withdrawal request was submitted. Any student who pre-registers and saves their schedule online or by signing a statement with the Business Office must follow this withdrawal process.

Withdrawing from the University (week 12 through week 14 of a semester or week four of a summer session or week 11 of a long summer session) If a student withdraws from the University from week 12 through week 14 of a semester or week four of a summer session or week 11 of a long summer session, a grade of W will be given for each course the student is passing at the time of the withdrawal, or a WF will be given if the student is failing. Exceptions to this policy may be made in the case of illness or some other valid reason. The student must follow the process as outlined in section “Withdrawing from the University (through week 11 of a semester or week three of a summer session).”

Withdrawing from the University (the two final weeks of a semester or during the final week of a summer term or beginning day 5 of an intersession) A student may not officially withdraw from the University during the two final weeks of a semester or during the final week of a summer term, except for documented circumstances beyond the student’s control and cases approved by the vice president for academic affairs. If approved, the student must obtain a withdrawal card from the Office of Student Life. The process is not complete until the withdrawal card is signed by each administrative area listed in the following order: 1.) Residence Hall Director, 2.) Post Office, 3.) Dean of Students, 4.) Director of Library, 5.) Business Office, 6.) Financial Aid, and 7.) Registrar’s Office. Appeals must be approved by a committee of the vice president for academic affairs, the vice president for finance, and the vice president for student affairs. A grade of W will be given for each course the student is passing at the time of the withdrawal, or a WF will be given if the student is failing.

Academic Advising

Although each student is responsible for planning a course of study and fulfilling the requirements for graduation, faculty advisors must be consulted at all levels.

All students with fewer than 30 hours will be advised through the Academic Advising and Assistance Center (AAAC). Students who have 30 to 45 hours and who have not declared a major are also advised through the AAAC. Undecided students with 46 or more hours will be referred to the Counseling Center.

After completing 30 hours and declaring a major, students will be assigned an advisor in the college of their major. Any student seeking a degree (associate’s, bachelors, or master’s) from SAU must work with that advisor to develop an official degree plan, which must then be approved by the dean of the appropriate college. Failure to complete this process may hinder or jeopardize the student’s completion of the requirements for a degree and graduation.

The Office of the Registrar approves and maintains the official approved degree plan. A transfer student must have transcripts and records evaluated by the appropriate dean prior to their initial registration and enrollment in classes at SAU.

Auditing Courses

In order to audit a course, a student must have completed the admission requirements, obtained the approval of the instructor, and made payment of tuition and fees for the course. Although subject to the same regulations as regular students, students auditing a course do not have to take examinations, nor do they receive credit for the course. Students may audit a course after completing it for credit, or they may take a course for credit after previously auditing it.

Course Symbols

The course numbers of the regular University courses contain four digits. The first digit generally indicates the student classification. The second and third indicate the particular course, and the fourth is indicative of the number of credit hours earned by completing the course.

Classification

The classification of students is as follows:
Freshman - A student who has earned fewer than 30 semester hours.
Sophomore - A student who has earned 30 to 59 semester hours.
Junior - A student who has earned 60 to 89 semester hours.
Senior - A student who has earned 90 or more semester hours.

Credit Hours and Maximum Load

The unit of credit at the University is the semester credit hour. A semester credit hour is defined as the credit earned upon completion of one hour per week in class for one semester, or two or three hours of laboratory, shop, or field work per week per semester.

An undergraduate student must be enrolled for 12 or more semester credit hours during a regular semester or five or more semester credit hours during a five-week summer term to be defined as a full-time student. Any other student is considered a part-time student.

An undergraduate student may not enroll (including correspondence courses, extension courses, and by concurrent enrollment at another college or university) for more than 18 credit hours in a regular semester or seven credit hours in a summer term without prior written approval.

A student with a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or higher may request approval from the dean of the college in which the student is majoring to take an overload (for additional hours). This request may be denied because of the student’s academic history or because of accreditation standards.

Credit Hour

A credit hour at Southern Arkansas University is determined by the amount of time spent in the classroom and confirmed by assessment and student learning outcomes. Classroom instruction normally translates into one hour of in-class time followed by two hours of out-of-class preparation by the student. Laboratory classes in the sciences and other disciplines are paired with classroom instruction and generally meet one and one-half or three clock hours per week and receive one hour of credit. These lab experiences often require some out-of-class preparation. The length of the semester is at least fifteen (15) weeks as required by the state of Arkansas.

Dual Enrollment

Any degree-seeking student, while enrolled at the Magnolia campus, taking a course off campus may not exceed the maximum class load of 18 hours without obtaining prior approval. This approval consists of an “Exception Form” listing the course(s) the student is requesting to take. This form is available in the office of the Registrar (Nelson 102) and from the college deans. Any student who does not follow this process may not receive credit for the course(s).

Official articulation agreements and seamless transfer between SAU and other state institutions and the State Minimum Core agreement will be honored.

Credit by Examination

Southern Arkansas University permits students believing that they are competent in an area, regardless of where or how competency was acquired, to challenge the CLEP Subject Examinations. Students must have completed all admission requirements and register for resident credit before CLEP credit may be reflected on their transcripts. Official test transcripts from CLEP must be on file in the SAU Office of Testing before credit can be awarded.

A student who has earned a scaled score equal to or greater than the cut-off score on a particular CLEP examination will be awarded credit for the course for which the CLEP test is to be substituted. The equivalent course name, number, and hours credit for the course will be placed on the student’s transcript. No grade will be assigned.

SAU will accept only CLEP Subject Examinations, which have been approved for credit by the Academic Affairs Committee. SAU does not accept credit for any CLEP General Examinations.

The advisor, department chair, and the dean of the college in which the student is majoring, as well as the chair of the department and the dean of the college in which the course is offered, must approve CLEP credit. A student must meet all prerequisites for a course before attempting CLEP credit in that course.

No more than 15 semester hours credit (30 hours for nursing students under Act 88) toward the associate degree and no more than 30 semester hours credit toward the baccalaureate degree including Advanced Placement (AP), CLEP, International Baccalaureate (IB)correspondence, extension, departmental credit by examination, and military credit will be accepted. A maximum of 12 consecutive semester hours by correspondence, and/or extension may be submitted, after which the student must earn at least six semester hours in residence.

CLEP is not awarded for courses in which the student is currently enrolled or courses which the student has already attempted (attempted is defined as having received a grade in the course according to the University’s grading system, including A, B, C, D, F, I, W, WF, WN, P, CR, and NC).

CLEP credit is not considered residence credit. At least 24 of the last 30 hours presented for a degree must be earned in residence.

All CLEP examinations must be completed and the official scores filed in the Office of the Registrar prior to the student’s final semester before graduation (August 1 for fall graduation, December 1 for spring graduation, and May 1 for summer graduation).

Independent Study

Independent study is coursework that may be available and is not listed in the regular course offerings. For information on the availability of independent study, a student should contact the chair of the department involved.

Correspondence for Non-Residence Credit

Students may receive approval for credit by correspondence (provided that such courses are offered through institutionally accredited colleges or universities) when both the appropriate college dean and the vice president for academic affairs agree that special needs or unusual circumstances exist. The advisor, department chair, and dean of the college in which the student is majoring, as well as the chair of the department and the dean of the college in which the course is offered, must approve correspondence credit.

Correspondence credit will not be accepted if the student has previously failed the course in residence, by extension, or by correspondence.

A maximum of 12 consecutive credit hours may be earned by correspondence and/or extension after which the student must earn at least six semester hours in residence.

No more than 15 semester hours credit (30 hours for nursing students under Act 88) toward the associate degree and no more than 30 semester hours credit toward the baccalaureate degree including Advanced Placement, CLEP, correspondence, departmental credit by examination, and military credit will be accepted.

Students who have one or more correspondence courses in progress may not register for a full class load in a summer session or a regular semester without the written permission of the vice president for academic affairs.

Candidates for graduation must have official correspondence courses on file in the SAU Office of the Registrar by the following dates:

November 1 for fall graduation;
April 1 for spring graduation; and
July 1 for summer graduation.

Veterans Administration Benefits

Southern Arkansas University is approved by the State Approving Agency for Veterans as a university whereby veterans and dependents of deceased or disabled veterans may obtain benefits while working toward a degree. Eligible students should contact the Office of the Registrar to obtain information regarding school attendance under the following programs: Chapter 30-Montgomery GI Bill®, Chapter 31-Vocational Rehabilitation, Chapter 33-Post 9/11 GI Bill®, Chapter 35-Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Benefit or Chapter 1606-Montgomery GI Bill®/Selected Reserve.

All students must be working toward a degree and should follow the curriculum outlined for their objectives, since only specific courses may be applied toward VA certification and graduation. The Office of the Registrar is available to assist students concerning VA benefits.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA).

Evaluation of Prior Credit, Training, and Military Educational Experiences

It is the policy of this institution that an evaluation of previous education and training for service members and dependents will be conducted, appropriate credit granted, and if applicable, the institution’s duration in the course will be shortened proportionately and the Veteran’s Administration and the student will be so notified. VA credit will be given for prior training for veterans and eligible programs.

Military educational experiences (MOS and Service Schools) will be evaluated upon presentation of a certified copy of the Discharge Form DD214 to the Office of the Registrar. The student asking for the evaluation must be currently enrolled at SAU. Credit is awarded in accordance with recommendations set forth by the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services published by the American Council on Education (ACE). For further information, contact the Office of the Registrar at (870) 235-4031 or registrar@saumag.edu.

Service members Opportunity College (SOC)

Because of its efforts to serve the educational needs of service members and their dependents, SAU has been designated a Service members Opportunity College. As a member of the SOC, SAU has committed itself fully to support and comply with Service members Opportunity College principles and criteria. For further information, call the Office of the Registrar at (870) 235-4031.

Grading System

Southern Arkansas University uses the grading system of A, B, C, D, and F. The letters have the following significance:

Other grades that may be recorded are AU, audit; CR, credit; I, incomplete work; NC, non-credit; W, withdrawal with passing work; WN, withdrawal for excessive absence; WF, withdrawal with failure, and XF, failure with academic dishonesty.

NC grades may be assigned only in the following courses:

EDUC 0123 - Transitional Reading 
EDUC 2000 - Educational Field Experience, Level I Lab  
ENGL 0203 - Fundamentals of Writing  
ENGL 1113 - Composition I 
ENGL 4701 - Senior Project  
ENGR 2020 - Engineering Exams  
HPSS 2000 - Educational Field Experience I Lab  
MATH 0123 - Transitional Mathematics 
MATH 0703 - Intermediate Algebra  
MUED 1000 - Concert and Recital Attendance  
MUJR 3000 - Junior Recital  
MUSR 4000 - Senior Recital  
NURS 2020 - Nursing Exams  
PHSC 3000 - Science for Middle School Teachers Lab  

An incomplete grade may be given only for illness or other circumstances beyond the student’s control and must be removed by the deadline as stated in the University calendar or it will be treated as an F grade.

A WF is computed as an F in the grade point average, but the grades W and WN are not computed in the grade point average.

In each regular semester/term, mid-semester grades and final grades are placed on the SAU website via CampusConnect. In the event an error in computation is made in determining a semester grade, the instructor shall have a maximum of three weeks from the date of the beginning of the next term to initiate a correction of the error. After this date, no grade changes will be processed except in the case of a student’s appeal.

Grade Point Average

The grade point average is used to determine a student’s academic rating at any given time. The grade point average is obtained by multiplying the number of grade points awarded for each grade by the credit hour value for the course. Then the total number of grade points received for all SAU courses is divided by the total number of hours attempted at SAU. (For example: If a student has earned 34 grade points on 12 semester hours attempted, the grade point average is 34 divided by 12, or 2.833. Expressed in its letter equivalent, the average is higher than a C, but slightly less than a B.)

EXAMPLE: A student enrolls in five courses (12 credit hours) as follows:

Semester grade point average: 34 GP ÷ 12 CH = 2.833
CH = Credit Hours
GP = Grade Points

Grade Forgiveness

In order to receive credit for a course that was not completed successfully or to improve a grade point average, a course may be repeated. A grade of C or higher earned at another accredited institution will be entered on the SAU transcript, but the grade will not be used in calculating the cumulative grade point average. If a course is repeated at SAU, the grade earned the last time the course is taken will be used in calculating the cumulative grade point average. Only 24 semester hours of coursework can be repeated to improve a grade point.

Academic Bankruptcy for Returning Students

A Southern Arkansas University undergraduate student who has not been enrolled in any college or university for a period of at least three years (36 months) immediately preceding the intended enrollment at Southern Arkansas University may file for academic bankruptcy. The student must apply for and declare academic bankruptcy at the time of admission to SAU or within the first semester or term of enrollment. The following criteria will apply only to course work attempted at SAU:

1. The academic bankruptcy policy will be limited to semesters or terms completed during any consecutive 12-month period.
2. The student will forfeit the use of all college or university credits earned during any declared academic bankrupt semester or term.
3. A declaration of academic bankruptcy may be exercised only once in a student’s academic career, and the declaration is final and irreversible.
4. A student who declares academic bankruptcy must be an undergraduate student seeking their initial undergraduate degree.
5. The notation “academic bankruptcy” and the date will be noted on the student’s SAU transcript for each declared academic bankrupt semester or term.
6. The credits will appear on the student’s SAU transcript, but no courses in any declared academic bankrupt semester or term will be used in computing the student’s grade point average.
7. Policies related to academic bankruptcy pertain only to Southern Arkansas University, and may not be honored by other universities for admittance to undergraduate programs, admittance to graduate schools, or admittance to professional schools.
8. All semesters or terms, including any semester or term of declared academic bankruptcy, will count toward athletic certification.
9. In regard to financial aid history, accumulated semester and award limits include all semesters of enrollment, including any semester of declared academic bankruptcy.
10. All semesters or terms, including any semester or term of declared academic bankruptcy, will be included in the computation of the student’s cumulative grade point average for academic honors.
11. In regard to VA certification, accumulated semester and award limits include all semesters of enrollment, including any semester of declared academic bankruptcy.
12. A student who declares academic bankruptcy will still be subject to all University policies.

To request academic bankruptcy, a student must submit a Petition for Academic Bankruptcy and all transcripts of prior college or university work to the Office of Admissions at the time of application for admission to SAU or within the first semester or term of enrollment. After reviewing all records to determine that the student has met the required three-year period of non-enrollment, the assistant vice president of enrollment services will verify the request, counsel the student, and forward the student’s records to one of the following individuals:

1. Dean of student’s intended major if the student has 30 hours or more of transfer credit.
2. Academic Advising and Assistance Center if the student has fewer than 30 hours of transfer credit, or is undecided on a major and has fewer than 46 hours of transfer credit.

An additional copy of the Petition for Academic Bankruptcy will be forwarded to the registrar by the dean of enrollment services.

Any petition for an exemption to the criteria as stated above will be directed to the Academic Suspension Appeals Committee.

Class Attendance

A student’s academic program should be regarded as an obligation. Regular and punctual class attendance is expected from each student. An individual who is absent from a class should contact the instructor. If the cause of the absence is found to be acceptable, as defined in the Make-up Examination/Credit for Class Absences Policy section in the Student Handbook 2.10.1, the instructor shall not penalize the student for the excused absence.

If a student is absent from a class more than the equivalent of one week of instruction (more than three days for MWF class, during a regular semester, for example) those absences may be reported by the instructor of record to the associate dean of conduct and retention. The dean will then send the student a notice of pending action. The student is advised to contact the instructor as soon as this notice has been received. Ten calendar days after the report is submitted by the instructor during a regular semester, or after seven calendar days during a summer session, a student may be dropped from the class for excessive unexcused absences at the request of the instructor. If this occurs, a grade of WN (withdrawal for non-attendance under extenuating circumstances) or WF (withdrawal with failure) will be given for the course.

Notification of excessive absences (WN or WF) may not be initiated during the final two weeks of a semester or the final week of a summer term.

A faculty or staff member may refer a student who exhibits problems such as poor attendance, behavioral issues, and/or financial problems through the online Campus Connect Alert Referral and Early Intervention Services website referral form. Every effort is made to notify students and refer them to the respective departments for assessment and intervention.

Online Class Attendance

Student attendance in online courses is defined as active participation in the course as described in the individual course syllabus. Online courses will, at a minimum, have weekly (no more frequently than daily) mechanisms for student participation, which can be documented by any or all of the following methods:

• Completion of tests or quizzes
• Discussion forums
• Submission/completion of assignments
• Communication with the instructor
• Other course participation

Students are required to log in to each online course by the second day during the week in which the course officially begins, or the day enrolled during late registration, to complete the initial introductory postings required in the course. As a component of attendance, student email, course announcements, and discussion forums should be checked frequently (daily is recommended). The student is solely responsible for checking updates related to the course. Note: nonattendance may affect financial aid. If a student fails to meet the attendance requirements, he or she may be recommended for withdrawal from the course. In the case of an anticipated absence, such as military deployment, the student should contact the instructor in advance and arrange to complete the required assignments. In case of an emergency (illness/accident or death in family), the student should contact the instructor as soon as possible providing documentation supporting the need for any late submission of a graded event.

Student Grade Appeal Policy

If a student believes an error in a grade has occurred, the student shall formally initiate a review of the grade no later than three weeks after the beginning of the next regular semester. (Summer terms are excluded from the phrase “regular semester” for the purposes of this provision.)

The first step of the process is for the student to verify with the instructor the accuracy of the recorded grade-book scores and the listed grade. If the instructor also happens to be the chair of the department or the dean of the college, this step also initiates the formal appeal process.

If the grade differences are not resolved through discussion with the instructor, and the student seeks additional mediation, during the first three weeks of the next semester the student must submit a letter to the chair of the appropriate department requesting a review. A copy of this letter must also be sent to the college dean and to the vice president for academic affairs. The chair has the responsibility to confer with the instructor concerning the documentation of the grade for its completeness and accuracy. The chair will notify the student of the grade status in writing within 10 days of receiving the student’s request.

If the student wishes further appeal, the student must submit to the college dean, by mid-term, a written request for formal review. A Grade Appeal Committee will conduct a hearing and recommend a decision. The committee will be composed of the following:

1. A Student Government Association representative of the college in which the grade is challenged (one of the four student representatives eligible to serve). The representative will be appointed by the Student Government Association president.
2. A Faculty Senate representative of the college in which the grade is challenged. The representative will be appointed by the Faculty Senate president.
3. The dean of the college. If the dean is not available, then the vice president for academic affairs is the third member of the panel.

At the hearing, the instructor and the student may both make individual presentations, and the Grade Appeal Committee may ask questions and seek clarification. A final written decision will be provided by the committee. If a grade is to be changed, the final grade will be recorded by the dean. This procedure shall be completed by the end of the semester in which the grade is appealed.

Transcripts

A University transcript is a complete and unabridged academic record. It is used to communicate information concerning a student from one institution or agency to another. Academic transcripts for all SAU students are maintained indefinitely by the Office of the Registrar.

The University prepares and issues several types of transcripts:

• Official - This transcript is issued directly from SAU to another educational institution or employer.
• Official - Issued to student - This transcript is issued from SAU to the student and is marked “Issued to Student.”
• Unofficial - This transcript can be obtained from the student’s account on CampusConnect.
• Advising - This transcript is used by the student and advisor to plan a program of study.

Official transcripts must be requested by the student via the Office of the Registrar.

Academic Standards

To be in good academic standing, students must maintain the following standards:

A student who does not earn the required cumulative grade point average according to the number of semester hours attempted will be placed on academic probation. A student who has been placed on academic probation will have until the end of the next regular semester to show significant improvement in grades or be suspended from school. Significant improvement shall be defined as follows:

If a student has been suspended because of academic reasons, the student will not be allowed to register for classes or attend the University for one full semester (fall or spring). The student will not be allowed to enroll in mini-sessions and summer terms during the suspension period. After one semester, the student may return to the University on a probationary status. The student must make significant improvement and meet the standards defined in the probationary section above. If improvement does not occur, the student will be suspended for one year from the date of the second suspension. After one year, the student may seek readmission on probation. Failure to earn at least 2.00 grade point average during the returning semester will result in academic dismissal.

A student who believes there is justification for early readmission and chooses to appeal the suspension must submit a written appeal to the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The letter of appeal must reach the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs at least five business days prior to registration for the semester for which readmission is sought. Appeals received after that date will not be considered for that semester. The Academic Suspension Appeals Committee will review the case and make a recommendation to the vice president for academic affairs.

Credit earned while on academic suspension from any university, including SAU, will not be accepted by SAU.

Honors

Southern Arkansas University’s Honors College provides full honors courses with small class sizes and contract classes that challenge and inspire students to achieve their fullest academic and intellectual potential. Students are admitted based upon a global assessment of academic potential. ACT scores, high school GPA, required submitted essays, letters of recommendation and other relevant information. Other criteria may also be used to determine eligibility. Students must complete an online application and provide two letters of recommendation and two essays. One essay should be from high school class work; the other should be chosen from one of two prompts that are found on the Honors College page of the SAU website. SAU students who have a college grade point average of 3.50 or higher may apply for admission. Once accepted into the Honors College, students will enroll in honors, general education, and other courses. Honors College students must complete no less than 24 hours of honors courses, including HC 1003, Honors Seminar. They must enroll in at least 3 hours of honors courses each semester unless they receive written permission from the Honors College. To complete their required honors hours, they should take sufficient honors courses. These courses need not be in their major. Honors students may take more than 24 total honors hours. All these academic accomplishments will be acknowledged on the transcripts and diplomas of Honors College graduates. Their academic achievement will also be recognized at graduation if they have earned or are enrolled in at least 24 honors hours at the beginning of their graduating semester. Honors College students are awarded a $300 stipend per semester each year. For more information about the Honors College at Southern Arkansas University, contact the Honors College at epkardas@saumag.edu, (870) 235-4375, or (870) 904-8897.

Advanced Placement: Advanced standing in one or more semesters of course offerings may be attained on the basis of high academic high school records (high school credit) and proficiency examinations in many departments. Interested students should consult their departmental advisors.

Dean’s List: Students who earn 12 semester hours or more on the Magnolia campus during a regular semester and earn a 3.50 grade point average or higher will be placed on the Dean’s List.

President’s List: Students who earn 12 semester hours or more on the Magnolia campus during a regular semester and earn a 4.00 grade point average will be placed on the President’s List.

Graduation with Honors: A degree with honors will be conferred on a candidate who has a cumulative SAU grade point average of 3.50 or higher, provided at least 56 hours presented for graduation were taken in residence at SAU. A student with a grade point average 3.50-3.74 will graduate cum laude, 3.75-3.89 magna cum laude, and 3.90-4.00 summa cum laude. Semester hours completed and grade points earned the semester of graduation are excluded for recognition of academic honors at commencement. True academic honors are calculated on semester hours completed and grade points earned in all semesters, including the semester of graduation.

Membership in Alpha Chi: Election to membership in Alpha Chi, national honor scholastic society, is the highest scholastic honor that may be achieved at Southern Arkansas University. Membership in the society is limited to juniors and seniors ranking within the upper 10 percent of their class who have been approved by a committee representing the faculty of the University.

Academic Integrity Policy

(The following Policy on Academic Integrity, developed by an ad hoc committee appointed by the Faculty Senate, was approved by the Faculty Assembly in 2018, and updated in 2019.)

The mission of Southern Arkansas University empowers all members of the University community to develop and encourage learning environments that create, expand, acquire, share, evaluate, and communicate knowledge. Academic integrity at SAU is an organizational and individual responsibility. Students, faculty, and staff share responsibility for maintaining the highest standards for academic integrity.

1. Academic Misconduct Definitions
   Any act of dishonesty in academic work constitutes academic misconduct and is subject to disciplinary action. Acts of dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, and fabrication.
   1. Plagiarism
      Plagiarism is the act of taking and/or using the ideas, work, and/or writings of another person as one’s own. Plagiarism occurs both when the words of another (in print, electronic, or any other medium) are reproduced without acknowledgement and when the ideas or arguments of another are paraphrased in such a way as to lead the reader to believe that they originated with the writer.
      1. To avoid plagiarism, give written credit and acknowledgement to the source of thoughts, ideas, and/or words, whether you have used direct quotation, paraphrasing, or just a reference to a general idea.
      2. If you directly quote works written by someone else, enclose the quotation with quotation marks and provide an appropriate citation (e.g., footnote, endnote, bibliographical reference).
      3. All course work including research performed and all assignments such as a written paper, must be the work of the person seeking academic credit for the course. Under no circumstances can purchased papers, book reports, projects and/or other class assignments, or work otherwise obtained from individuals or companies be submitted as work of the student.
      4. It is not sufficient to provide a citation if the words of another have been reproduced - this also requires quotation marks. It is the responsibility of all University students to understand the methods of proper attribution and to apply those principles in all materials submitted.
   2. Cheating
      Cheating is an act of dishonesty with the intention of obtaining and/or using information in a fraudulent manner. Examples of cheating include:

      1. Observing and/or copying from another student’s test paper, report, computer file, and/or other assignments.

      2. Giving or receiving assistance during an examination period. This includes providing specific answers to subsequent examinees and/or dispensing or receiving information which would allow a student to have an unfair advantage in the examination over students who did not possess such information.

      3. Using class notes, outlines, and other unauthorized information during an examination period unless permission is specifically given.

      4. Using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting, in part or entirety, the contents of an examination or other assignment not authorized by the professor of the class. This includes the uploading of quizzes, examinations, or any other graded material, with or without answers, to a third-party website.

      5. Exchanging places with another person for the purposes of taking an examination or completing other assignments.

   3. Fabrication
      1. Fabrication is faking or forging a document, signature, or findings of a research project.
      2. Other forms of fabrication may include unauthorized collaboration or submitting the same paper or portions of the same paper to two different courses without the consent of current instructor.
      3. Forging a signature on an official SAU or other document.
2. Academic Integrity Policy Application to all Students
   The University’s academic integrity policy applies to all students enrolled in courses at the University. All forms of academic misconduct at SAU will be regarded as serious and may result in the student being expelled from the University.
   
   Seminars related to academic integrity will be made available to faculty, students, and staff from time to time each year. The Divisions of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs will collaborate in publishing information about academic integrity and misconduct, with explanations and examples intended to help students make informed decisions about how they conduct themselves in their academic work.
    
3. Faculty Syllabus Requirements
   Faculty will place in every course syllabus the following language:
   
   Southern Arkansas University affirms its commitment to academic integrity and expects all members of the University community to accept shared responsibility for maintaining academic integrity. Students in this course are subject to the provisions of the University’s Academic Integrity Policy, approved by the president and published in the Student Handbook. Penalties for academic misconduct in this course may include a failing grade on an assignment a failing grade in the course. Continued enrollment in this course affirms a student’s acceptance of this University policy.
   
   An instructor may include in the course syllabus additional information about academic integrity if he or she wishes to do so.
    
4. Academic Misconduct File and Assistance with Notice to Students
   All documentation relevant to a student’s academic misconduct will be maintained in the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs in a digital form. Academic misconduct files shall only be used in accordance with University FERPA policy.
   
   If the student makes a formal appeal, it will be decided in accordance with the procedures set forth below. If the matter is appealed to the Academic Integrity Council, the VPAA (or designee) will forward all forms and other materials associated with the specific violation and a summary of other Academic Integrity violations committed by the student to the Chair of the Academic Integrity Council to be disseminated to members of the Council.
   
   Students may not drop a class until the allegation of the academic integrity violation has been resolved. If the allegation is confirmed, the instructor retains the ability to assign a grade for the course, consistent with the criteria below, if the student decides to drop the class after completion of the process.
    
5. Notification of Charge of Academic Misconduct to Student
   All forms used in the process will be located on SAU Academic Integrity web page and will be sent via SAU email. All forms will be copied to the instructor and to the student to keep them informed of the process. A copy will be sent to the appropriate dean of the college in which the alleged misconduct occurred.
   
   When an instructor determines that a student has engaged in academic misconduct, the instructor may take one of two actions: 1) the instructor may complete the web-based academic integrity violation form; or 2) the instructor may choose to meet informally with the student to discuss the alleged academic misconduct and then decide, on the basis of that meeting, whether or not to complete and submit the web-based academic integrity violation form. The form is found on SAU’s Academic Integrity webpage. This form will notify the student, Dean, and the VPAA of the allegation through the student’s SAU email account. The notice will include the justification for the allegation. Once the form has been received, the Office of the VPAA will inform the Dean as to whether the student has been found responsible for any previous violations of the Academic Integrity Policy and at what level.
   
   NOTE: Faculty members should not penalize a student for acts of academic misconduct unless an academic integrity violation form has been completed and the process described in this section has been followed. To do otherwise would deprive students of their due process right to appeal any actions taken against them.
    
6. Meeting with the Dean
   The student will have three days (excluding weekends and holidays) to make contact with the appropriate academic Dean and schedule a meeting. (Should the student fail to make contact with the Dean within the prescribed time, the Dean’s decision as to violation level and sanction will be final.) Once contacted, the Dean should ensure that the meeting take place within seven (7) calendar days of the student’s receipt of the initial notification email. If the Dean is unable to schedule a meeting within seven days, he or she may ask an assistant dean, an associate dean, or the Provost to serve in his or her place. At the meeting, the Dean will inform the student of the violation level associated with the alleged academic misconduct and provide the student with a copy of the entire Academic Integrity Policy, pointing out the relevant sanctions. The Dean will then inform the student that he or she has seven (7) calendar days to submit an appeal. If the student does not submit an appeal within seven calendar days, the Dean’s decision as to violation level and sanction will be final. At the end of the meeting, the Dean must fill out (within 24 hours) the associated form including the sanction value of the violation. This form should be sent to the student, the instructor, and the VPAA.
7. Appeal Process
   A student may appeal the charge of academic misconduct and/or the proposed violation level through the procedures set forth below.
   1. Appeals at the College Level
      1. Within seven (7) calendar days of receipt of the appeal, the Dean will review all materials submitted by the student and VPAA and, if necessary, meet with the student to attempt to resolve the matter. Online students may speak with the Dean via electronic telecommunications. After the meeting with the student, the Dean will render a decision on the appeal and fill out the online form within 24 hours. The instructor, student, and Office of the VPAA will be informed of the Dean’s decision.
      2. If the student is not satisfied with the action of the Dean, the student can appeal the decision of the Dean to the University Academic Integrity Council.
      3. If the instructor is not satisfied with the action of the Dean, the faculty member may also appeal the decision to the University Academic Integrity Council.
   2. Appeals to the University Academic Integrity Council
      1. Within seven (7) calendar days of receipt of the notice of the College/Dean appeal decision, the student or instructor may appeal to the Academic Integrity Council. The party filing the appeal will use the appropriate form found on SAU’s Academic Integrity Council web page. Upon receiving this form, the VPAA will forward all forms and other materials associated with the specific count and a summary of other Academic Integrity violations committed by the student to the Chair of the Academic Integrity Council and that material will be disseminated to all members of the Council.
      2. Within seven (7) calendar days of receipt of the appeal, the Academic Integrity Council will consider the appeal with at least three members of the Council being present. The decision of the Academic Integrity Council will be forwarded (within 24 hours) to the student, the instructor, the Dean, and the Provost/VPAA via the web based form.
      3. The Provost/VPAA will review all decisions recommending suspension or expulsion.
   3. Final Notification to Student and Instructor
   4. Once the process is complete, the student, the instructor, the Dean, the Chair of the Academic Integrity Council, and the Registrar will receive information from the VPAA of the final disposition of the case, including the violation level and sanction points if the student is guilty.
8. Violation Levels
   The following violation levels are assigned to specific types of violations of the University’s Academic Integrity Policy; if a violation occurs which is not specifically provided below, then any sanctions will be based on the most similar type of violation that exists in the rubric. A violation will be considered as a single violation up until the point that a student receives notice of that violation; additional infractions occurring after that point will be considered separately for purposes of this rubric. If assignment of a sanction requires the Academic Integrity Council to interpret the sanction rubric, the Academic Integrity Council shall provide a rationale for its determination and application of the particular sanction(s). General guidance on substantial issues of interpretation of the sanction rubric shall be provided by the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs.
   
   A student receives the assigned number of sanction points for each violation for which he/she is found responsible. Sanction points are cumulative over the length of the student’s matriculation at Southern Arkansas University. Graduate students will be considered new matriculates.
   
   The violation levels are as follows:
   1. Level Zero Violation - 0.0 sanction point
      1. For plagiarism/copying in work done for a course, if the plagiarized/copied material constitutes less than 10% of the assignment in the judgment of the Dean (first offense only).
      2. Unauthorized collaboration on homework assignments constituting less than 10% of the assignment in the judgment of the Dean (first offense only).
      3. Use of any materials or resources that are not authorized by the instructor in completing any assignment having a value of less than 10% of the assignment in the judgment of the Dean (first offense only).
   2. Level One Violation - 1.0 sanction point for each violation
      1. Copying from or viewing another student’s work during an examination.
      2. Using any materials or resources that are not authorized by the instructor for use during an examination or in completing any assignment having a value equal to or greater than 10% of the assignment in the judgment of the Dean, or a second offense.
      3. Collaborating during an examination with any other person by giving or receiving information without specific permission of the instructor.
      4. Facilitating or aiding in any act of academic dishonesty.
      5. Collaborating on laboratory work, or other assigned work when instructed to work independently.
      6. Submitting, without specific permission of the instructor, work that has been previously offered by the same student for credit in another course.
      7. Falsification of attendance and/or participation.
      8. Submitting as one’s own any theme, report, term paper, essay, computer program, speech, painting, drawing, sculpture, or other written or creative work or project of any nature prepared totally or in large measure by another /plagiarizing, in work completed for a class assignment, when that copying/plagiarizing constitutes less than 10% of the assignment in the judgment of the Dean and is a second offense, or when that copying/plagiarizing constitutes 10% or more of the assignment in the judgment of the Dean.
      9. Unauthorized collaboration on homework assignments constituting 10% or more of the assignment in the judgment of the Dean, or less than 10% of the assignment on a second offense in the judgment of the Dean.
   3. Level Two Violation - 2.0 sanction points for each violation
      1. Submitting as one’s own any work prepared totally or in large measure by another.
      2. Uploading of quizzes, examinations or any other graded materials, with or without answers, to a third-party website.
      3. Submitting altered or falsified data (in work completed for a class assignment).
   4. Level Three Violation - 4.0 sanction points for each violation
      1. Altering grades or official records.
      2. Falsifying or signing another person’s name on any academically-related University form or document.
      3. Buying or selling course work (paying another person to complete exams, assignments, etc. or being paid to do this for another).
      4. Sabotaging another student’s work.

Note: For offenses not specifically mentioned in this rubric, faculty members may confer with the Academic Integrity Council Chair and propose a description of the offense and the level of sanction to be recommended in the faculty member’s syllabus. The proposed description and sanctions will be forwarded to the Academic Integrity Council Chair to review the proposed offense and sanction for consistency with existing offenses and sanctions. If a faculty member and Academic Integrity Chair disagree over a particular offense or sanction, the matter may be discussed with the relevant dean and /or the Academic Integrity Council.

9. Sanctions: The possible university sanctions are as follows:
   
   Sanction points for Level 0 = 0.0: The student will be issued a Letter of Reprimand (first offense only). There will be no grade sanction for a Level Zero offense. Student must attend the Academic Integrity Course.
   
   Sanction points for Level 1= 1.0: For work for a course, the instructor will give the test or an assignment an immediate zero (0) which will then be averaged into the course grade. If that involves missing a stated deadline, the stated late penalty will apply. Student must take the Academic Integrity Course.
   
   Sanction points for Level 2= 2.0: The student will receive a course grade of XF for work done for a course. A 2.0 offense will result in academic integrity suspension for one semester.
   
   Sanction points for Level 3= 4.0 or more: The student will be immediately and permanently expelled. An XF will be given for the course(s).
    
10. Opportunity and Removal for the “X”
    After two semesters of acceptable performance at the University following the imposition of a penalty, with no student conduct or academic dishonesty infractions, the student may request grade forgiveness by VPAA.
    
    To remove the X on the transcript, the student may request that the X be removed by submitting a written petition to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs. This written petition must provide evidence that the student now understands ethical standards (e.g. GPA following the infraction; lack of subsequent infractions [academic and conduct]; proactive activities that the student has engaged in to learn about appropriate techniques for citation, etc.), The X will still be counted if future infractions occur.
     
11. Degrees, Honors & Awards
    The University reserves the right to withhold or withdraw degrees, honors, or awards due to violations of the Academic Integrity Policy.
12. Suspension and Expulsion
    Suspension involves withdrawal of enrollment privileges for a specified period of time and ordinarily carries with it conditions which must be met for re-enrollment. Suspended students are not permitted to live or board in University facilities or approved student organization housing (i.e., facilities owned by the University and leased to a student organization). Students suspended may not receive credit for University work completed by correspondence or in residence at another university without prior permission from the Provost or designee. Records of suspension are maintained indefinitely.
    
    Expulsion is a permanent dismissal from the University. These records are maintained indefinitely.
    
    Expulsion from Southern Arkansas University for academic dishonesty will be permanently noted on the student’s transcript.

Note: The Academic Integrity Policy of the University of Arkansas was a source for the update of this policy.