Academic Responsibilities
ACADEMIC REGULATIONS exist to assist the University in maintaining its position as a recognized institution of higher education. The University has an obligation to offer programs of quality and to award degrees that are respected nationally and internationally.
Admission to Concord University provides the student the opportunity to achieve an education that includes the development of skills, ideas, and attitudes.
The facilities and activities of the institution are dedicated to the task of providing the climate for learning. Regulations, goals, and practices must be observed to provide equal educational opportunities for all students.
Some of the University regulations are established by State legislation, by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, or by national agencies that accredit the University. Concord regulations are designed to make the degree a meaningful mark of educational achievement.
STUDENTS ULTIMATELY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR
EDUCATION, WHICH INCLUDES READING, KNOWING, AND OBSERVING THE REGULATIONS
OF THE UNIVERSITY.
Amending Information
While every effort is made to assure accuracy at the time of printing, Concord University reserves the right to delete, change, or amend the information in this Catalog as necessary. It is the student’s responsibility to realize and comply with current University policies.
Classroom Conduct
In classrooms, laboratories, and during any activities that are part of course requirements, students are expected to observe reasonable rules of conduct. Questions and discussions in class on the subject matter of a course will be accepted by any Concord instructor as a proper part of a university course, limited only by allotted time. Students also are encouraged to consult instructors individually when necessary, either about the subject matter of the course or about their work in the course.
Disruptive behavior in the classroom will not be tolerated. If student conduct makes it difficult to continue the class satisfactorily, the instructor may warn the student of this fact. If objectionable conduct continues, the instructor may dismiss the student from the course with written notification of this action to the department or division chairperson and the Vice President and Academic Dean. Any appeal from such decision must be made to these persons. The grade recorded in cases of dismissal for conduct is an F.
A student suspended or expelled from the University for unacceptable conduct outside of the classroom shall have a grade of W recorded permanently for all course work during the semester of the suspension or expulsion.
Class Attendance
Regular class attendance is part of one’s academic obligation at Concord. Irregular attendance affects academic performance adversely and is detrimental to the atmosphere of the class.
Illness or other compelling reasons occasionally may make it necessary for a student to be absent from class. When a student cannot attend a class or laboratory, the student must notify each instructor involved as soon as possible and provide an appropriate explanation. The student must take the initiative both in providing adequate explanation and in adhering to the class attendance policy. Extended absence, as the result of illness or other compelling reasons, should be reported to the office of the Dean of Students.
The instructor has considerable discretion with regard to attendance policy. It is imperative that students attend the first class meeting. If an instructor has a waiting list and a student does not attend the first class meeting, he or she may be dropped from the roll to provide room for students waiting to add the course. Instructors typically use the first day to establish class policies and orient students to the course.
Absence from class for University approved functions poses a special problem. Any absence means that a learning situation has been missed. The lost learning experience may result in reduced performance on exams or in other testing situations. In choosing to participate in University activities students should carefully consider the possible impact of the absence on their grades and their academic standing in the class. However, the University does not wish to prohibit student participation in approved activities. Therefore, instructors are required to excuse the physical absence if the student has notified the instructor and arranged for any compensating work prior to the absence. The student must find out from the instructor how far in advance of the absence such notification and arrangements must be made.
Note: The activity leader can circulate printed lists of participants. These lists are for the instructors’ information only. Such a list does not alter the student’s responsibilities as explained in the previous paragraph.
After appropriate warning and notification to the Office of Student Affairs, the instructor may drop a student with irregular or non-attendance if the instructor has not received a satisfactory explanation from the student. A written notification to the department or division chairperson and the Vice President and Academic Dean is also required. The grade recorded in cases of dismissal for irregular and for non-attendance before the ninth week is a W and after the ninth week is an F.
When a student is withdrawn in this manner from all of his or her courses, he or she is no longer classified as a student, and therefore, is not eligible to reside in the residence halls or to receive financial aid.
Weather Policy
As a general policy the University will remain in normal operation during adverse weather conditions. In the event of severe weather conditions, the President may 1) place classes on inclement weather schedule; 2) cancel classes before the end of the class day; 3) cancel classes for an entire day or days; 4) close the University with approval of the West Virginia higher education system.
Inclement Weather Schedule
Monday/Wednesday/Friday Classes Tuesday/Thursday Classes
Regular Inclement Regular Inclement
8:00-8:50 10:00-10:40 8:00-9:15 10:00-11:00
9:00-9:50 10:45-11:25 9:30-10:45 11:05-12:05
10:00-10:50 11:30-12:10 11:00-12:15 12:10-1:10
11:00-11:50 12:15-12:55 12:30-1:45 1:15-2:15
12:00-12:50 1:00-1:40 2:00-3:15 2:20-3:20
1:00-1:50 1:45-2:25 3:30-4:45 3:25-4:25
2:00-2:50 2:30-3:10
3:00-3:50 3:15-3:55
Individual instructors will establish inclement weather meeting times if a class does not meet at one of the regular times noted above.
In inclement weather situations, Final Exams will begin two hours later than the regularly scheduled starting time.
The Director of the Beckley Center will determine the status of off-campus classes in Raleigh County. When a decision to cancel classes is made, the media, faculty, and appropriate University offices will be notified.
(The few off-campus classes in sites OTHER THAN Raleigh County will not meet if the host site closes due to bad weather.)
The late schedule affects classes only. Other University operations are expected to follow their normal routines, although the University encourages its employees to use their discretion to ensure their safety in traveling on weather-affected roadways. Because the University does not wish to endanger the lives of faculty, students, or staff, it urges individuals to use their own best judgment in commuting to the campus in adverse or severe weather conditions.
Concord faculty are urged to make attendance policy considerations for the difficulties some commuting students may encounter due to weather conditions and provide opportunities to make up missed work. Students have an obligation to make every safe effort to attend classes, to initiate arrangements for making up missed work, and to understand the occasional commuting difficulties of faculty.
Announcements invoking the late schedule or other options referenced above will be aired on area radio and television stations. Take note that unless a cancellation announcement is made, classes will be held.
Applicable Catalog
Students entering Concord University shall follow the curriculum provisions and degree requirements of the Catalog at that time, unless the provisions of a later Catalog seem more appropriate and they choose, with the advice of their advisers and with notification to the Registrar’s Office, to follow the later Catalog. A student may not select part of a program from one Catalog, however, and part from another. Certain new regulations may become effective, regardless of when the student first enrolled at Concord.
If a student completes less than six semester hours during any one academic year, reckoned from one fall registration to the next, he or she becomes subject to the provisions of the latest Catalog. If there are changes in major or minor fields or in teaching options within teacher education, the latest requirements for that major or minor or teaching option must be met. If a student changes from one degree program to another, all requirements for the newly-selected degree, as set forth in the latest Catalog, must be met.
Academic advisers will assist in clarifying the requirements and the choices in courses of study, as well as assisting with the scheduling of each semester’s work. The Registrar’s Office upon request will inform the students of the state of their records—the requirements which they have met toward a declared objective and those which remain to be met. Students should request progression sheets from the Registrar’s Office as soon as they reach junior standing. The staff in the Office of Student Affairs will talk with students about career questions or personal problems affecting their college work. None of these persons, however, will or can take responsibility for student performance. This belongs to the student.
Students should be familiar with the following rules which govern academic work.
Classification of Students
Students are classified according to the number of semester hours successfully completed.
Freshmen 0 to 29 hours
Sophomores 30 to 59 hours
Juniors 60 to 89 hours
Seniors 90 hours or more
A “regular full-time student” is any student seeking a degree who is enrolled for twelve or more hours. A student who is seeking a degree, but who is enrolled for less than twelve hours, is a “part-time student.” The term “non-matriculating student” applies to those who are not seeking a degree (page 13). The following policies on academic standards and academic standing apply to all three categories of students.
Semester Hour Load
Classification as a full-time student requires enrollment in at least twelve semester hours of courses each semester, or at least four semester hours each summer term.
The maximum permissible course load each semester is as follows: (a) thirteen hours for those students who are on academic probation; (b) eighteen hours for those students who are not on academic probation and who have a grade average of less than 3.00; (c) twenty-one hours for those students who have a grade average of 3.00 or greater. In no case may a course load be carried which is in excess of twenty one hours a semester.
The maximum permissible course load for each of the two terms of the summer session is as follows: (a) six hours for those students who are on academic probation; (b) seven hours for all students who are not on academic probation. In no case may a course load be carried in a summer term which is in excess of seven hours.
Adding and Dropping Courses
Classes may not be added after four instructional hours, or the beginning of the second instructional week of the class, whichever comes first. Forms for adding courses can be obtained from the Registrar’s Office. Students fill out the form, obtain approval of their academic adviser and the instructors of the courses involved, and return the completed form to the Registrar’s Office.
Classes may be dropped by filling out the form obtained in the Registrar’s Office. Courses dropped will not appear on the student’s transcript, provided the course(s) are dropped by the end of the fifth instructional day of a semester or the third instructional day of a summer term. (See Academic Calendar, pages 286-287.)
A $5.00 drop/add fee will be assessed after the third class meeting of on-campus courses.
Students who withdraw once classes begin will be “flagged” by the computer. Withdrawals from at least two courses in three consecutive semesters will impact student priority for course selecting as follows: If all three semesters’ withdrawals began with enrollment of 18 or more hours, the student will not be allowed to course select at the dates within a current semester, but can only register for classes on the designated days immediately preceding the next semester. In other instances, the student will only be allowed to course select on the designated catch-up days at the end of the course selection process.
The deadline for dropping classes with the grade of W will be the end of the ninth instructional week of a semester long course. Courses conducted over a period of time less than a full semester may be dropped up to the third class meeting. The deadline for dropping during a summer term will be based on the same ratio as the ninth week of a regular semester.
A student dismissed from class for disruptive behavior will receive a grade of F and may not subsequently withdraw from the class. Each student who remains enrolled in the course past any of the above deadlines must be assigned a grade from the following: A, B, C, D, F, I, or P.
If the student does not attend the first session of a class for which there is a waiting list, that student may be dropped from the class.
Auditing Classes
Students enrolled in the University may audit courses upon authorization of the Registrar and the instructors concerned. Once he or she has enrolled in a particular course, a student may not change his or her status in that course, during the semester, from audit to credit, or from credit to audit, without the consent of the instructor. Deadline for changing status to audit is the same as dropping a course with a grade of W. Audit courses that are not completed will not be recorded on the student’s transcript. Regularly enrolled students may not audit classes which, if taken for credit, would constitute excess semester hours, unless authorized by the Vice President and Academic Dean.
Transient Credit
Once enrolled, it is expected that a Concord student will do most of his or her work here. However, he or she may apply for permission to take work at another fully-accredited institution. Application must be made in writing to the Registrar, stating the institution, the reason for requesting the work there, and whether the work will be on its campus, by extension, or by correspondence. The request must include the departmental designation of the course, its number, descriptive title, and credit hours, as listed in the catalog of that institution.
Transient forms are available through the Registrar’s Office.
Credit will not be given for courses taken elsewhere unless permission is granted in advance. Good academic standing (2.00 grade point average) is required for permission to study at another institution.
The Registrar and the Vice President and Academic Dean will review this request. Permission to take courses elsewhere is not given for any course already taken at Concord, or for certain basic courses required in the student’s program of study, without prior approval by the student’s major department. Once a student has attained junior standing at Concord, courses may not be taken at a community college for transfer to Concord University.
Concord University cannot assume any responsibility for the transmittal of official notice of completion of courses at other institutions. Students depending upon correspondence credits to complete their graduation requirements particularly are cautioned that Concord has no control over delays which sometimes occur in the grading of correspondence assignments and in the sending of official transcripts of final grades to the Concord Registrar’s Office.
Residence Credit
A candidate for a degree from Concord University must have earned a minimum of 36 semester hours of credit while in residence. Sixteen of the last 32 semester hours of study previous to graduation must be done in residence at this University. For students completing three years in the premedical, predental, medical technology, or prelaw curricula, 16 of the last 32 semester hours of study previous to entering professional training must be done in residence. At least nine semester hours credit for courses required for a major, minor, concentration, or teaching field (or specialization) must be earned in residence here. These courses are to be upper division courses, or in some instances, for elementary education specializations, courses designated by the appropriate department chairperson.
Transfer Credit
The determination of transferable credit is made by the University after review of the courses offered for transfer, and consideration of which ones have equivalent courses here and which can be counted only for elective credit. Grades for all work transferred are recorded as earned. Transfer students should submit transcripts at the earliest possible date so that this determination can be made. Although all credits from regionally accredited junior colleges in college parallel courses are accepted (provided none of the credit was acquired after the student gained junior standing at a four-year college), a maximum of seventy-two semester hours is applicable toward the 128 semester hours required for graduation. Thus, a minimum of 56 semester hours must be completed at a baccalaureate institution. Only credit from regionally accredited institutions is acceptable for transfer to Concord University without special permission. Students transferring from two-year institutions must complete, at Concord, a minimum of fifteen semester hours in their major or teaching field. After transferring, a student must maintain a 2.00 grade average in all courses taken at Concord. Once admitted as a student to Concord, transfer credit will be accepted only for courses for which prior permission is obtained .
Students who transfer from one college or university in the West Virginia higher education system to another may transfer their core coursework, which will count toward fulfillment of General Studies requirements at the receiving institutions, under provisions of a Core Coursework Transfer Agreement. This assures the transfer of courses for General Studies credit for any of the courses listed in the agreement and does not limit the number of hours credit that a student may transfer in General Studies. The Registrar’s Office can provide further details and listings of courses from state-assisted institutions that are acceptable as General Studies credit under the agreement.
Withdrawal from the University
To withdraw from the University the student obtains withdrawal forms from the Student Affairs Office and returns the completed forms to that office.
A student withdrawing from the University will be given grades of W in all of his or her courses. In summer terms only, no grade will appear on his or her transcript, provided the withdrawal is made before the end of the second instructional day. A student dismissed from class for disruptive behavior will receive a grade of F and may not subsequently withdraw from the class.
A student withdrawing from the University during any semester or summer term will be given grades of W in all of his or her courses provided that the student has completed withdrawal procedures prior to the beginning of the last week of classes for that semester or term. If withdrawal is completed after that deadline one of the following grades will be assigned in each course in which the student was enrolled: A, B, C, D, F, I, or P.
Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty is morally unacceptable as well as destructive to the learning and teaching atmosphere. Academic dishonesty includes the giving or receiving of improper help on examinations or assignments, falsifying documents, and plagiarism (the act of stealing and using, as one’s own, the ideas or the expression of the ideas of another). Such dishonesty can lead to a variety of penalties –– including but not limited to failure of assignment, failure of course, loss of institutional privileges, and dismissal from the University.
A failing course grade as a result of academic dishonesty will be recorded as an F on the grade sheet and the instructor will inform, in writing, the division chair and the Vice President and Academic Dean who notifies, in writing, the Registrar’s Office and the student. Course grades affected by academic dishonesty do not enjoy the privilege of the forgiveness rule as described on page 36 or the privilege of dropping the course with a grade of W. (See Grade Change Procedure, page 37.)
Any recommendation by the instructor beyond an F in the course must be submitted, in writing, to the student, to the division chair, and to the Vice President and Academic Dean for transmittal to the Judicial Steering Committee who will then initiate judicial procedure.
Any failing course grade or dismissal that results solely from academic dishonesty will be identified as such on the student’s transcript.
The Grading System
Instructors will indicate how they arrive at the particular letter grades, and they will be willing to inform students about the components of the final grade.
A—Superior
B—Good
C—Average
D—Below average; lowest passing grade
F—Failure
I—Incomplete
P—Pass
W—Withdrew: no penalty
*—Course not counted in hours earned
‘ —Course not counted toward graduation credit or grade point average
H—Honors designation (to accompany grades of A or B where appropriate)
If a student fails to fulfill a few requirements of a course because of illness or an equally compelling reason, a final grade of I may be requested. If the reason is acceptable, and a make-up possible, the instructor will report the grade as incomplete. An instructor who gives an incomplete will furnish to the Registrar’s Office a statement of the reason for which the grade was assigned and of the requirements to be completed; a copy of this statement will be given to the student.
If the student does not enroll again for a five year period the I grade will automatically revert to an F unless otherwise specified by the instructor. If a student does enroll within that time (or immediately following a 5-year absence) the grade must be completed in the first 30 class days of the semester of return or it will revert to an F unless otherwise specified by the instructor.
In calculating grade averages, incomplete grades receive no quality points and the semester hours for the incomplete courses are not counted as hours attempted. When the incomplete grade is removed within the allowable time, quality points appropriate for the grade received are awarded and the new grade average is computed. A student’s record will not be clear until the Registrar’s Office receives notice from the instructor changing the I to another grade, so the student should take the initiative to see that the grade is reported. Courses may not be repeated in which a student has obtained a grade of B or better with the exception of certain workshops, music courses, etc.
D and F Forgiveness Rule
If a student earns a D or F on any course taken no later than the semester or summer term during which he or she attempts the sixtieth semester hour, and if he or she repeats this course prior to the receipt of a bachelor’s degree, the original grade shall be negated and the grade(s) earned when the course is repeated shall be used in determining his or her grade average. However, the original grade shall not be deleted from the student’s record.
In cases of grades of F involving academic dishonesty or disruptive behavior, the Forgiveness Rule is not applicable.
Final Grades
Final grades are issued from the Registrar’s Office. Posting grades, where this is done by student name, constitutes a violation of the federal statutes concerning individual rights of privacy. A numbering system that protects the individual student’s identity may be used to post student grades. A grade reported by an instructor to the Registrar’s Office will not be changed except to correct a demonstratable computational error. Approval of the Vice President and Academic Dean and the divisional chairperson is necessary before a grade can be changed.
All questions about a grade in any course should be taken to the instructor of that course. It is more useful to request such conferences during the course than after it is over. After full discussion with the instructor, if the question remains, the next step is to consult the chairperson of the department or division in which the course is offered.
Appeals concerning grades which students consider to be prejudiced or capricious may be made to the department or division chairperson with final appeal to the Vice President and Academic Dean.
Grade Change Procedure (Academic)
A student has a right to complain if he or she thinks an academic matter or faculty action is unfair or inappropriate to the generally recognized standards of academic freedom and license. When such a complaint is made, the obligation of demonstrating the validity of the case falls upon the person making the complaint. Note that complaints regarding grades received on other than academic grounds must follow the Grade Change Procedure (Non-Academic).
Initially the student should discuss the complaint with his or her academic adviser for purposes of guidance and counseling. Whenever possible and appropriate, the student complaining should then work with the faculty member involved. If the issue is not resolved in a satisfactory manner at this level, a written complaint may be brought to the department and/or division chairperson with whatever argumentation and evidence is available. If the student is dissatisfied with the disposition of the problem on this level, the written complaint, with whatever argumentation and evidence is available, may be taken to the Vice President and Academic Dean. Following appropriate investigation of the complaint, the Vice President and Academic Dean will notify all directly involved parties of his decision for resolution of the matter.
Grade Change Procedure (Non-Academic)
A student has a right to complain if he or she thinks a grade was unfair because it was given on other than academic grounds not legitimate and pertinent to an academic situation: for example, if the grade was given because of prejudice (sexual, racial, political, cultural, etc.). When such a complaint is made, the obligation of demonstrating the validity of the case falls upon the person making the complaint. The faculty member, as academic decision maker, is assumed innocent unless a case is made demonstrating the inappropriateness of the grade.
A student complaint should be made first to the faculty member involved. If the issue is not resolved in a satisfactory manner, a written complaint may be brought to the division chairperson with whatever argumentation and evidence is available. The complaint must be registered soon enough to allow completion of the appeal procedure, no later than one regular semester after the grade was given. The student should allow each level two weeks to study the situation. If the chairperson deems it merits consideration, he or she may look into the situation, consult with the faculty member and with any other appropriate sources. If the chairperson feels a persuasive case has been made, he or she can make a recommendation to the faculty member concerning the grade. If the case is not persuasive, the chairperson should reject the student appeal.
If the student is unsatisfied by the disposition of the appeal on this level, a written appeal may be made to the Vice President and Academic Dean. On receipt, the Vice President and Academic Dean will send the appeal to a Faculty Committee consisting of one faculty member elected from each division and the Chief Justice of the Student Hearing Board. It should be clearly understood that the purpose of this committee is to evaluate the validity of the student’s claim that the grade was not given on academic grounds. It is not the purpose of this committee to evaluate academic standards, or in any way intrude on the autonomy of the instructor in defining the academic content or procedures of his or her course. This committee will receive the complaint and hold an initial meeting to determine if there appears to be sufficient merit in the accusation to warrant holding full hearings. If the decision is negative the appeal is rejected. If the decision is affirmative the student is then invited to present the case to the Committee, using argumentation, evidence, witnesses, etc. in a reasonable procedure, such as used by the Faculty Grievance and Hearing Committees. The burden of making the case falls upon the student. The Committee will, as a matter of course, consult with and question the faculty member who has a right to attend the proceedings and respond to the accusations. Colleagues in the discipline should be consulted concerning academic questions should they arise.
The Committee shall persue any additional evidence or information it regards as necessary and pertinent. After evaluation of the case, the Committee shall come to a finding by a majority vote. Should the Committee find that a majority has not been persuaded of the impropriety of the grade, the student appeal is rejected and the Vice President and Academic Dean is so notified. The Vice President and Academic Dean will then inform the student. Should a majority of the Committee be persuaded that the student has shown the grade to be improperly given (not on the basis of legitimate academic factors) then the Committee will, after consultation with the appropriate faculty members, make a recommendation to the Vice President and Academic Dean as to the appropriate grade. If the Vice President and Academic Dean concurs with the Committee’s recommendations for a grade change, he or she will transmit the new grade to the Office of the Registrar and will notify all parties concerned.
Quality Points
Academic standing at Concord University is computed in terms of quality points accumulated. Each grade received carries a quality-point equivalent as follows:
A B C D F I P W
4 3 2 1 0 0 0 0
I, P, and W grades do not affect the grade point average. (See pages 36-37.) The quality-point value must be multiplied by the number of semester hours of credit a course carries to compute the quality points earned in the course. For example, a three-hour course in which a grade of B is earned will yield nine quality points in that course; if a D is received, only three quality points will have been earned.
Each semester a grade report is available to the student showing the number of course hours attempted, the number of hours passed, and the number of quality points earned. The student should make a frequent assessment of his or her quality-point status using the following methods.
The grade of C, which is required for graduation, yields two quality points for each hour’s credit. Therefore, multiplying the total hours attempted by two (quality points) will yield the required number of quality points. By comparing this figure with the actual quality points earned, as shown on the grade report, a student can determine his or her status.
So long as a student maintains a C or better average at Concord (this means that there is no quality-point deficit), the student is in good academic standing.
Academic Probation
A student may be permitted to remain in the University for a limited period and with certain program restrictions if they failed to meet minimum standards of satisfactory scholarship as set by the Faculty.
The maximum quality-point deficit permitted to avoid academic probation or to be removed from academic probation is based upon the number of hours passed according to the following scale:
Hours Passed Permitted Deficit
0—59 9
60—89 6
90—112 3
113 or more 0
Transfer students will not be admitted if they are deficient twenty or more quality points in their work at previously attended institutions. Any student on academic probation at the University previously attended will be assigned a probationary status for the first period of attendance at Concord, regardless of quality point standing.
Once a student is enrolled at Concord, only grades earned at Concord may count toward removal from academic probation.
After placement on academic probation, the student must maintain in the following semester or summer session (courses taken between the Spring and Fall semesters) a G.P.A. of at least 2.0, or reduce the quality point deficit equal to or below the maximum permitted on the above scale, to prevent suspension.
Each session or semester on probation following the first, a full-time student must maintain a grade point average of better than a 2.0 and a part-time student must earn at least a 2.0 average, or reduce the quality point deficit equal to or below the maximum permitted on the preceding scale, to prevent suspension.
For the purpose of calculation of academic standing, any student who attempts at least eight hours during the summer will be considered a full-time student.
A student on academic probation cannot enroll for more than thirteen hours in a semester nor for more than six hours in a summer term. A student on academic probation is advised to follow the normal pattern of courses in his or her curriculum. Avoidance of required courses to take classes which have little relevance to the program, except the quality points to be earned, will be considered in any review of the student’s record.
A student on academic probation is not permitted to take work at another institution for transfer to Concord and excess quality points earned at other institutions may not be used to make up a quality point deficit incurred at Concord.
Removal from academic probation requires reduction of the quality point deficit for hours passed as indicated on the preceding scale. If this is not accomplished (except under conditions described above), the result is academic suspension. The student may appeal to the Committee on Academic Standards.
Academic Suspension
The first period of academic suspension is one fall or spring semester. A student suspended at the end of the spring semester may not attend the following summer session. A student suspended for academic reasons may reenter on academic probation at the end of his or her period of suspension. Following an academic suspension period, a readmitted student must maintain a grade point average of better than 2.0 for each semester or summer session while on probation if he or she is classified full-time or earn at least a 2.0 average if enrolled as a part-time student. If these standards are not met, the second period of academic suspension shall consist of one academic year. If a student is suspended for academic reasons a third time, the suspension shall continue until such time as the student is readmitted upon appeal to the Committee on Academic Standards. Students will be obligated to present compelling evidence in writing to indicate that their chances of academic success have improved.
Concord honors academic suspension applied by other institutions; application for admission of a student so suspended will not be considered until the period of suspension at the previous institution has expired, and that suspension will be treated as a prior suspension at Concord if he or she is admitted. Most institutions follow a similar policy. All state-supported colleges and universities in West Virginia are required to honor each other’s academic suspensions.
Testing
PRAXIS I: PREPROFESSIONAL SKILLS TESTS, AND PRAXIS II: SUBJECT ASSESSMENTS (SOME SPECIALIZATIONS REQUIRE MORE THAN ONE SUBJECT ASSESSMENT) AND PRINCIPLES OF LEARNING AND TEACHING TEST.
All teacher candidates receiving a Bachelor of Science in Education must successfully complete Praxis I, prior to admission to the Teacher Education Program. Students who have successfully completed EDUC 210, EDUC 301 and EDUC 305, but who have not successfully passed PRAXIS I, must meet with the Director of Teacher Education in order to continue taking education courses. Candidates must also successfully complete Praxis II: Subject Assessments (some specializations require more than one subject assessment) and Principles of Learning and Teaching Test prior to admission to student teaching. Candidates should consult their academic adviser in Education for information regarding specific tests and required passing scores.
Proficiency Tests
In addition to the American College Test (ACT) that all entering students must take for admission, proficiency tests may be given in some areas (for example, mathematics and music). Students are placed in appropriate courses on the basis of these tests. If there are other subjects in which students have had extensive preparation, however, they may discuss with that department the possibility of proficiency testing to determine eligibility to enter more advanced courses, or they may inquire about taking a College-Level Examination (CLEP) or a Credit by Examination.
College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Concord University awards credit based on scores earned on the College-Level Examination. The University considers scores for credit for both the General Examinations and the Subject Examinations.
The General Examinations are objective tests that measure achievement in five basic areas of the liberal arts: English composition, humanities, mathematics, natural sciences, and social sciences-history. The Subject Examinations measure achievement in specific college courses.
Students must receive satisfactory scores on the CLEP Examination in order to be awarded credit. Additional information on CLEP may be obtained by contacting the Registrar.
Credit by Examination
A Concord University student in special circumstances may be permitted to obtain credit by examination for a course listed in the Catalog. The final decision of whether or not such an examination is given remains the prerogative of the appropriate department or division.
The student shall make a written application to the appropriate departmental or divisional chairperson that explains the reasons for the request. This department or division will form a committee that consists of at least two persons who will screen the applicant’s request and determine its merits. Should the application be granted, this same committee will then administer the examination and evaluate the student’s performance. The committee will assign a grade of A, B, C, D, or F, and that grade will be recorded with the Registrar.
Application for such an examination, if approved, will be accompanied by a $50.00 registration fee. A student must be enrolled at Concord to apply. The examination must be scheduled before the end of the semester in which registration takes place.
ACT Testing (National and Residual)
The application packets for each of these testing situations are kept in the Admissions Office and should answer most students’ questions. All students planning to take either of these tests may contact the Admissions Office for additional information.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Testing
The GRE subject tests gauge undergraduate achievement in eight specific fields of study: biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, chemistry, computer science, literature in English, mathematics, physics and psychology. The subject-based tests are used by some graduate schools to supplement undergraduate grades and are useful for identifying strengths and weaknesses in specific areas within a discipline. Some schools may require that a subject test be completed along with the general GRE. The tests are administered at Concord University in April, November and December. Concord University also offers services with test takers for disabilities. Fee waivers are available if eligibility requirements are met. For more information on the GRE subject based test, contact the Career Services Office or www.gre.org. For information concerning the GRE general test, which is computer based, contact www.gre.org.
ASSET Testing
ASSET testing is administered in group settings when possible and is used mainly as a placement tool for eligible students. Students must have been out of high school for more than five years in order to be eligible to utilize this test for admission purposes; otherwise, the test may only be used for placement purposes. For additional information regarding this testing procedure, contact the Admissions Office.
Inadequate Proficiency in English
In their academic work, students are expected to use standard English in written and oral communication. An instructor from any division who finds the work of a student seriously deficient in English skills should refer the student to the Chairperson of the Division of Languages and Literature. The Chairperson, in turn, may require additional work of that student without credit.
Academic Exceptions
Any exception to the academic regulations that apply to students at Concord University, including the requirements of the course of study for a particular degree, must be requested in writing. Derivation from established academic guidelines weakens the force of the regulations, is unfair to the students who are held to that particular requirement, and detracts from the academic reputation of the University and its degrees. Thus, substantial evidence from the student must be submitted. Exceptions will not be approved without this evidence.
The Vice President and Academic Dean reviews these requests that are initiated by the student with the academic adviser.
The President of the University or a committee of the faculty occasionally may grant a hearing in appeal of a decision made by the Vice President and Academic Dean, if requested by the student.
Students will not be allowed to withdraw from a class with an exception after the deadline to avoid a poor grade.
Affirmative Action and
Non-discrimination Policies
The Concord University Affirmative Action Officer actively monitors affirmative action in compliance with Title IX of the Education Act and 75-50 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Affirmative Action Office is in Marsh Hall, Room 204. Concord is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action employer. All prospective and current members of the student body, faculty, and staff are afforded equal opportunity on the basis of individual qualifications and merit without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or disability as identified and defined by regulations and law. The University neither affiliates knowingly with nor grants recognition to any individual, group, or organization having policies that discriminate on these bases. The University is in compliance with Federal Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the West Virginia Human Rights Act, Title IX (Educational Amendments of 1972), Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable laws and regulations. For Title IX procedures for complaints or concerns, please see the Concord University Student Handbook for policies and protocols, or ask for copies from the Office of Student Affairs.
Concord adheres to the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). For more information about student rights under this statute, please contact the Registrar’s Office, Room 202, Marsh Hall (extension 5237).
The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or disability as identified and defined by regulations and law, in the administration of admissions, educational policies, curriculum, the selection of textbooks, scholarship and loan programs, athletic opportunities, and employment.
It is the policy of Concord University that sexual harassment in any form will not be tolerated. The University herein affirms that employees have a right to work and students have a right to study in a positive atmosphere free from sexual harassment and abuse.
To that end, Concord University has adopted a Sexual Harassment Policy which gives the definition of harassment and outlines the procedures to follow in the event a student or employee believes harassment is occurring or has occurred. Copies of the entire policy are available from faculty advisers, administrative offices, residence hall directors, the Office of Housing and Student Residential Life, the Office of Public Safety, the Office of the Vice President and Academic Dean, the President’s Office, and the Office of Human Resources.
Office of Disability Services
For students with disabilities who need assistance with academic or facilities issues, please contact the Office of Disability Services at 1-304-384-6086 in the Student Center, or e-mail the office at ods@concord.edu. For complaints or concerns about disability services, please see the disability protocols and grievance procedures as listed in the Concord University Student Handbook, or, as posted on the University’s web site, or ask for these from the Office of Student Affairs.
Residency Status and Out-of-State Academic Programs
The one exception to residency status for in-state fee purposes is that of individuals approved for enrollment through the Academic Common Market. Currently, the only Academic Common Market program on the Concord campus involves Recreation and Tourism Management majors from the state of Arkansas.
West Virginia residents seeking designated majors not available within West Virginia may be able to attend participating colleges or universities outside the state and pay in-state student fees through the Academic Common Market or other contract programs. Further information is obtainable through the Registrar’s Office or the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.