George Mason University 1997-98 Catalog

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Undergraduate Policies



Academic Advising

Undergraduate students are encouraged to meet regularly with an academic advisor to discuss academic programs, educational goals, and career plans. In conjunction with their advisors, students plan academic programs to meet the general degree requirements and specific requirements within their major fields. Responsibility for reading the catalog and knowing and fulfilling the requirements of a specific baccalaureate degree rests with the student. To assist in the advising process, the university provides a computerized analysis of academic progress and tracking of approved modifications to a student's degree plan.

Individual departments establish their own advising processes; students should check with their departments for the appropriate procedures. During their freshman and sophomore years, students in the Honors Program in General Education should plan their schedules with Honors advisors. Every department coordinates advising of its honors students through this office (Student Union I, Room 208).

See Advisor's Permission to Register in the Registration section for categories of students who may not register until they have seen an advisor. Also see Academic Support and Advising Services below.

Advising upon Entrance into the Upper Division

Every student must meet with an advisor upon entrance into the upper division to adopt a program of study. This meeting should include (1) a review of the requirements for the degree and major the student has chosen, (2) a review of the student's record including any deficiencies, which must be made up, (3) a discussion of the career and/or graduate study options open to the student enrolled in such a program, and (4) an opportunity for departmental faculty to evaluate the student's suitability to major in the chosen discipline.

Results of this advising session should be a matter of record, with any approved modifications being entered into the student's computerized degree plan. Students should fulfill this requirement at the end of the semester in which they will have completed 60 or more acceptable credits.

Although an upper-division student who has filed an approved program of study is normally not required to consult again with an academic advisor, it remains the student's responsibility to seek approval for any change to the program, so that the computerized degree plan may be kept up to date. In particular, once a student has completed 60 credits, a change of major requires an extended session with an advisor in the new major and approval of a new program of study before the change is complete.

Those in lower-division status may change majors by filing a Change/Declaration of Academic Program form with the registrar. These are minimal advising procedures to be followed in all undergraduate segments of the university; individual units may require additional advising sessions.

Academic Support and Advising Services

Students who have not yet decided on a major or who are considering a change of major are advised by Academic Support and Advising Services, (703) 993-2470. Advising is required for freshmen who have not declared a major. Staff members are available for advising Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Tuesday evening until 8 p.m.

Students are encouraged to walk in or call for information about general education requirements, programs, policies, and procedures, and other academic concerns. Academic Support and Advising Services provides information and guidance for students who are interested in pre-professional programs in law or health fields.

Medical Science Advisory Committee

The Medical Sciences Advisory Committee reviews qualified candidates for admission to health profession programs in allopathic and osteopathic medicine, dentistry, podiatry, and optometry, and writes a composite letter of evaluation in support of the applicant. The committee comprises university faculty and professional advising staff. Committee members also function as pre-med advisors. Students seeking information about admission to professional medical programs are encouraged to contact the chair of the Medical Sciences Advisory Committee, George Mason University, Academic Advising Services, MS 2E6, Fairfax, Virginia 22030-4444; telephone (703) 993-2470.

Attendance Policies

Students are expected to attend the class periods of the courses for which they register. Although absence alone is not reason for lowering a grade, students are not relieved of the obligation to fulfill course assignments, including those that can only be fulfilled in class. In particular, a student who misses an exam without an excuse may have the course grade lowered. Students who fail to participate (because of absences) in a course in which participation is a factor in evaluation may have the grade lowered.

Final Examination Polices

Final examinations are normally given at the end of all undergraduate courses. In predominantly laboratory courses, examinations may be given in the last regularly scheduled laboratory period. Scheduled final examinations may not exceed two hours and 45 minutes. Changes in location or time of in-class final examinations must be approved by the appropriate department chair and appropriate dean. A professor who is considering the assignment of a take-home examination should inform the students at the beginning of the semester. Such examinations should be distributed by the beginning of the last week of classes so that students can coordinate them with preparation for other examinations. Students must not be required to submit examinations before the date of the regularly scheduled examination for a course. Final re-examinations are not permitted.

Absence from Final Examinations

Absence from final examinations will not be excused except for sickness on the day of the examination or for other cause approved by the student's academic dean. The effect of missing a final examination shall be determined by the weighted value of the examination as stated in the course syllabus provided by the instructor. A student whose absence from an examination is excused must take a rescheduled examination within 10 days on a date to be arranged between the student and the instructor.

Classification of Students

Admitted undergraduates are classified as follows: freshman, 0-29 credits completed; sophomore, 30-59 credits completed; junior, 60-89 credits completed; senior, 90 or more credits completed. Full-time undergraduates are classified as those students enrolled in 12 or more credits per semester.

Grading Policies

University course work is measured in terms of quantity and quality. A credit normally represents one hour per week of lecture recitation or not less than two hours per week of laboratory work throughout a semester. The number of credits is a measure of quantity. The grade is a measure of quality.

Additional work of any type submitted to improve a grade after the final grade has been assigned and sent to the Office of the Registrar is never accepted.

Grading System

The university-wide undergraduate grading system is as follows:

Letter Grade

Grade Points

A-

4.000

A-

3.667

B+

3.333

B-

3.000

B-

2.667

C+

2.333

C-

2.000

D-

1.000

F-

0.000

Plus and minus grades are used inside the range of satisfactory performance. Grades below C are unsatisfactory and consist of two categories: D (unsatisfactory, passing) and F (unsatisfactory, failing). Grade point averages (GPAs) will continue to be calculated in the standard fashion using the grade point values appropriate for the period in which the course is taken.

A-B-C-No Credit. A student successfully completing English Composition and Introduction to Literature (ENGL 101) or Composition for Non-Native Speakers of English (ENGL 100) is graded A, A-, B+, B, B-, or C; a student not attaining at least C in these courses receives no credit (NC).

S-NC. Undergraduates may take up to six credits to be graded S (satisfactory)-NC (no credit). This option applies only to electives outside the major field. Students must obtain the instructor's permission on a Credit without Grade form for this provision, and submit the form to the registrar by the end of the add period. An S grade reflects satisfactory (C or better) work.

IN (Incomplete). A student who is passing a course may be unable to complete scheduled course work for a cause beyond reasonable control. In such a case, the instructor assigns a temporary grade of Incomplete (IN). The student must then complete all the requirements by the end of the ninth week of the next semester, and the instructor must turn in the final grade by the end of the tenth week. (Spring incompletes would be due according to this schedule the following fall semester.) If the student fails to meet the foregoing schedule, the mark of IN is changed by the registrar to an F. Students who have filed their intent to graduate have only six weeks from date of degree conferral to resolve any INs and have the final grade recorded by the Registrar's Office. The student is responsible for submitting work to the instructor with sufficient time for evaluation.

While the mark of IN remains on the transcript, it is treated as an unsatisfactory grade in determining probation, suspension, or dismissal. Removal of INs from the transcript may result in retroactive elimination of probation, suspension, or dismissal.

IP (In Progress). When the work of BIS 490 or of a course that is graded A-B-C-NC or S-NC is not completed within one semester, a mark of In Progress (IP) is entered on the record. IP is not treated as an unsatisfactory grade. With the exception of BIS 490, an IP not changed to a permanent grade by the last day of classes of the next semester results in deletion of the course from the record. An IP in BIS 490 not changed to a permanent grade within the same time limit is changed by the registrar to F.

AB. A student who has received permission from the instructor or student's dean to be absent from a final examination for a cause beyond reasonable control may receive a temporary grade of AB. A make-up exam must be administered within 10 business days of the original date of the examination or the AB will automatically become an F. Final determination of academic status is not complete while the AB remains on the transcript.

SP. The grade of SP may be given by the student's dean to a student who is unable to complete the course requirements because of extraordinary long-term circumstances, such as major illness. The SP grade has no effect on the grade point average and remains on the transcript until the work is completed and a permanent grade is assigned.

Grade Point Average

Grade points for each credit are assigned as indicated in the preceding table. A grade point score is computed by multiplying the value of a letter grade by the number of credits for the course. For example, a student receiving an A in a three-credit course earns 12 grade points.

Three kinds of grade point average (GPA) are used at George Mason. Current GPA is the measure of academic performance in one semester, affecting both the dean's list and academic standing. Cumulative GPA is calculated on all work at George Mason University and is one of several criteria affecting academic dismissal. Degree GPA is bestowed at the time of degree conferral and is computed from courses applied to the degree.

Dividing the total grade points earned in a semester by the number of normally graded credits attempted in that semester gives the current GPA. Similarly, dividing the number of grade points earned in all George Mason University courses by the number of normally graded credits attempted at the university gives the cumulative GPA. A degree GPA is computed at graduation on the basis of the normally graded courses the student completes at the university and includes in the degree application. This GPA is noted on the transcript, under the degree conferred. Courses not used in this calculation are noted as excluded on the transcript.

Grade Reports

Semester grade reports are available over the 4GMU telephone system, (703) 993-4468. Students who wish to receive a copy of their grades must request one from 4GMU. Though grades covering the past three terms may be accessed by phone, a paper copy of grades can only be issued for the most recent semester. Transcripts of all complete academic work may be ordered at any time with a written request to the Office of the Registrar.

Appeal of Grade

Although faculty are generally the best judges of the performance of students in their classes, there may be instances when a student believes a grade is unfair. In such cases the student should ask the faculty member to reconsider the grade. If the student is not satisfied, an appeal may be made to the head of the unit offering the course (the department chair, institute director, or his/her designee). The chair (or other recipient of the appeal) should ask the student to return to the faculty member who assigned the grade for further consultation.

If a mutually satisfactory agreement is not reached, the student may request that the chair form a committee of three faculty peers of the faculty member who assigned the grade. If the chair believes the student's complaint is not legitimate, this reservation is reported to the chair's supervisor (usually the dean), and no review is conducted unless the dean believes the complaint has merit.

The faculty member or the student may challenge, and have replaced, one of the three members of the committee without giving a reason for the challenge. The committee meets separately with the faculty member and the student to explore the full particulars of the case. A nonparticipating observer of the student's choice may attend the meeting. Every effort is made to avoid an adversarial relationship.

After the committee has reviewed the case thoroughly, it issues to the chair (with a copy to the faculty member) a written recommendation including the reasons for its findings. At this time, the faculty member has an opportunity to take the recommended action, if any. If the matter is not resolved at this point, the chair considers the committee recommendation and makes a recommendation to the dean. The decision of the dean is not subject to further appeal. If the dean decides that a change of grade is appropriate, and the faculty member refuses to make the change, then the dean may direct the registrar to do so.

Grade appeals are not accepted after the last day of classes of the following semester (spring for fall grades, fall for spring and summer grades).

Pending Grade Appeal

In select cases, a student may request a delay from the dean in imposing academic suspension because of a pending grade appeal which could change the student's status. An approved delay allows the student to register.

If the grade appeal is successful, the official transcript is corrected and the student continues in classes as a student in good academic standing. If the grade appeal is not successful, the student is required to stop attending all classes immediately. No record of registration for the academic period appears on a transcript, and the student receives the appropriate refund as of the date of decision.

Late Adds

All students are expected to enroll by the end of the add period and will be added to a class after this period only for extraordinary reasons. Students are advised that they will not receive credit for courses unless their names are on the official class rosters and final grade sheets. This must be done through the official registration procedures such as 4GMU. Students are responsible for checking their schedules on 4GMU or MasonLink before the end of the add or drop period to verify that their schedules are correct and they are properly enrolled. Students will not be allowed to remain in classes unless they are properly enrolled. "Retroactive credit" will not be awarded to students who report that they attended classes but were not on the official rosters. All classes for which a student is enrolled past the drop deadline will remain part of the official academic record.

Academic Standing

Satisfactory Performance

Students perform satisfactorily during any academic period (semester or summer session) in which they earn a grade point average for that period of 2.000 or higher (1.800 for those in the first or second academic period of the freshman year). In computing the grade point average, a grade of IN is counted as an F, and the grade NC is not counted.

Dean's List

Students in degree status who take at least six credits in a semester and earn a grade point average of 3.500 or higher for courses attempted that semester merit placement on the Dean's List.

Good Academic Standing

A student is in good academic standing unless dismissed, suspended, or on probation.

Academic Warning

Students receive an academic warning at the end of any academic period in which they fail to attain a grade point average for that period of 2.000 or better (1.800 for those in the first or second academic period of the freshman year). Although students on warning are still in "good academic standing," see the Academic Probation and Suspension sections below for the impact of warnings.

Academic Period

For determining the duration of probation and suspension, an academic period is defined as follows:

Each academic period (semester or Summer Term) begins on the 15th day following the last scheduled day of final examinations for the previous period. Each academic period ends on the 14th day after the last scheduled day of final examinations.

Example: Assume that the last scheduled day of final exams for a semester is Monday, December 23. That period then ends on Monday, January 6. The next period begins on Tuesday, January 7.

Academic Probation

Students who receive two warnings during any four consecutive academic periods of enrollment are on probation during the academic period of enrollment following the second warning. (Consecutive academic periods of enrollment are successive periods during which the student enrolled, regardless of whether there were intervening periods during which the student did not enroll.)

Suspension

Suspension results from two situations. First, a student receiving academic warnings in two consecutive periods of enrollment is suspended. In the case of first suspension, the two consecutive periods are extended to three if the student attempts fewer than 12 credits during either of those periods. Second, a suspension also results from receiving a second probation.

Suspension is included in a student's permanent record. Course credits earned at other colleges during the period of suspension from the university (for academic or nonacademic reasons) are not accepted for the degree program.

A student's first suspension is for two academic periods, unless it is imposed at the end of the Summer Term, in which case it is for one semester. A second suspension is for one calendar year, for example, two regular semesters and a Summer Term. A third suspension results in dismissal.

Effect of Suspension on the Re-enrolled Student

A student re-enrolling after suspension is on probation for one academic period of enrollment. A warning received at the end of that period results in continuation of probation but not suspension; however, a student will be dismissed at the end of that period if the dismissal criteria apply. Two consecutive warnings immediately after returning from a suspension results in a new suspension.

Dismissal

A third suspension results in dismissal. An undergraduate is also dismissed at the end of any academic period when all of the following occur:

  1. The student has received at least one earlier suspension.
  2. The work done during the just-completed academic period is unsatisfactory.
  3. The student's cumulative grade point average for all work attempted at the university is below a minimum acceptable value that depends on the number of cumulative quality credits earned at the university plus credits transferred from other institutions or obtained by testing as follows:

    Credits

    GPA

     

    Credits

    GPA

    0-39

    0.000

     

    80-84

    1.625

    40-44

    1.250

     

    85-89

    1.647

    45-49

    1.333

     

    90-94

    1.667

    50-54

    1.400

     

    95-99

    1.684

    55-59

    1.455

     

    100-104

    1.700

    60-64

    1.500

     

    105-109

    1.714

    65-69

    1.538

     

    110-114

    1.727

    70-74

    1.571

     

    115-119

    1.739

    75-79

    1.600

     

    120-

    1.750

    For example, a student who transfers 30 credits to George Mason from another institution and has earned 40 credits at George Mason (not including courses graded S [Satisfactory]) must maintain a minimum level of performance of 1.571 on the courses taken at George Mason.

Effect of Academic Standing on Student Activities

Only students in good academic standing are eligible to hold or run for elective or appointive office in any organization or activity associated with the university, or to participate in any athletic or other activity representing the university on either an intercollegiate or club level, or to serve as a working staff member of any student organization.

A student whose eligibility for an activity requires the completion of a semester will have fulfilled that requirement when the student's publicly scheduled exams are over, unless the student's continued eligibility depends on the grades received. In the latter case, the student will not become eligible until the end of the semester as defined for probation and suspension purposes.

The Undergraduate Major

Selection of a Major

To plan a sound academic program, the undergraduate should select a major as soon as it is practical, but no later than four weeks before the end of the sophomore year. For declaration of a major, a student should confer with the appropriate advisor or designate of either the new major program or, if undeclared, Academic Support and Advising Services, and obtain signatures from both departments in the Change of Major section of the Change/Declaration of Academic Program form, available in the Registrar's Office and in Academic Support and Advising Services.

Change of Major

A student who wishes to change majors should see a faculty advisor or Academic Support and Advising Services. Departmental sections of this catalog contain requirements for acceptance into the major programs. A student not meeting the requirements may appeal to the department chair for an exception.

Once a student has completed 60 credits, a change of major requires a meeting with an advisor in the new major before the change is complete. To file a change of major, signatures of advisors or designates in both the new and former major programs must be obtained on the Change/Declaration of Academic Program form available in the Registrar's Office.

Credit for More than One Undergraduate Major

A student who desires to graduate with a B.A. degree or a B.S. degree in two or more subjects must meet departmental requirements for the major in each field.

Students given permission to pursue two or more concurrent majors must complete the Declaration of Second Major section of the Change/Declaration of Academic Program form, available in the Registrar's Office. The applicant must present a detailed program of study for both majors and obtain the authorizing signature from the chair or director of the second major program (and from the dean or director, if required by the college, school, or institute). Department chairs and deans/directors when required must also approve all changes to the programs of study.

A student may begin the program at any time that permits its completion prior to the contemplated graduation date.

Minors

Students may elect minor programs of study in addition to their major fields by completing the Declaration or Change of Minor section of the Change/Declaration of Academic Program form, available in the Registrar's Office. Minors require between 15 and 21 credits of study. At least six credits of the minor must be completed at George Mason, and no more than three credits of D in the minor is accepted. Students interested in a minor should consult the departmental listing to determine whether a minor is offered and its specific requirements.

Baccalaureate Degree Requirements

Literacy

Literacy, the ability to read, write, and understand complex ideas in prose, is the cornerstone of a liberal education. Everyone involved in educating university students should consider literacy of paramount importance. Because literacy is an essential part of a university education, a substantial amount of writing, in some appropriate form, is required in all university programs.

English Composition Requirement

Because the ability to write well is so important to success in university studies and professional careers, the university requires students to complete two semesters of English composition. Students must enroll in ENGL 101 (or 100) upon admission, unless they have received credit through transfer or proficiency examination. The remaining university composition requirement is satisfied by ENGL 302, or an equivalent transfer course. Students must attain a minimum grade of C in composition courses to fulfill university degree requirements.

Students enrolled in the Honors Program in General Education complete the English composition requirement by completing the Honors program.

Writing-Intensive Coures Requirement

In addition to English composition and as part of the university's commitment to literacy in all programs, at least one course in each major, and often more than one, has been designated as "writing intensive." While other courses in the major might require written projects, the "writing-intensive" courses emphasize the process of drafting and revision. Faculty in these courses give constructive comments on drafts of at least one course project, which the students then revise and resubmit, or use for future submissions. Writing-intensive courses are numbered 300 and above. See description of each major for the specific courses that fulfill this requirement in that major.

Core Requirements

Each undergraduate degree program requires a substantial core from the arts and sciences (30 credits). Six credits must be in English composition (see English Composition Requirement). Of the remaining 24 credits, at least 6 must be in each of the following three areas:
Area A Area B Area C
Art Astronomy Anthropology
Communication Biology Economics
English Chemistry Geography
Foreign Computer Science (except 102 and 309)
Languages Engineering Government
Literature Geography 102 History
Performing Arts and 309 Linguistics
Philosophy Geology Psychology
Religion Mathematics Sociology
Speech Physics  
     

Catalog Requirements

Bachelor's degree candidates may elect to graduate under the provisions of the catalog in effect at the time of admission or under the provisions of a catalog subsequent to admission if the student has been enrolled in a continuous progression from date of admission to the receipt of a degree (summer sessions and one-semester absences are excluded). A student who fails to register for two or more consecutive semesters (not including summer sessions) must meet either the requirements of the catalog in effect at the time of initial admission, if readmitted within five years of the last attendance, or the catalog in force at the time of readmission.

Residence Requirements

At least one-fourth of the total credits presented on the degree application must be completed at the university and must include at least 12 credits of upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above) in the major program.

Students are expected to complete the final one-fourth of their college study at the university. However, a student of junior standing who has completed 24 credits of upper-level courses, including 12 upper-level credits in the major, may apply to the appropriate dean for permission to complete the remaining degree requirements elsewhere. Such applications must follow the procedures outlined in the section Credit to be Earned at Other Colleges. Permission is granted only in special circumstances, such as moving from the area or enrolling in an accredited professional school.

A student who gains early admission to an accredited professional school may be granted a George Mason bachelor's degree while enrolled in a professional school if certain conditions are met. In this context, a professional school is defined as a school of dentistry, law, medicine, optometry, osteopathy, or veterinary medicine. Before leaving the university, a student must obtain certification signed by the department chair and the appropriate dean that the residence, general education, and major requirements for the degree have been met. The student also must secure from the dean prior approval of those professional school courses that are to be applied only as elective credits to the total credits requirement for the bachelor's degree.

Academic Requirements

To qualify for a degree, a student must have been admitted, must have fulfilled all stated requirements for the specific degree, and must have earned a GPA of at least 2.000 in the courses presented for graduation. An undergraduate may present all courses in which satisfactory grades have been received and up to 12 credits of courses in which D grades have been received. However, a student may not use a grade of D in BIS 490 and may not use more than six credits of D grades in the major or in the BIS core of study. Some programs may have a more restrictive policy regarding the number of D grades allowable in the major. Please refer to the appropriate section of the catalog for further information.

Students seeking a bachelor's degree must apply at least 45 credits of upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above) toward graduation requirements.

A Graduation Appeals Committee in each college or school considers written appeals from students failing to meet degree or certain area requirements.

Application for Degree

All students should initially declare and then maintain an "expected graduation date" from George Mason through 4GMU. In their final semester, undergraduate students who expect to complete degree requirements must confirm their intent to graduate through the registrar's website by the end of the fifth week of classes for that semester. August graduates are processed according to the deadlines for the previous spring semester. Some majors require a paper application, which is due in the Office of the Registrar eight to ten weeks after the first day of classes. Paper applications are obtained through the registrar's graduation website. Graduation applications will not automatically be extended to the next semester if postponed¬students must reapply each semester. In order for a degree to be conferred, all coursework must be completed, even if the course work is not being applied to the degree.

Separate applications for each degree, minor, or certificate are required. Double majors and minors must be earned concurrently within the primary degree.

Students must have active registration status the semester of graduation. If all course work has been completed, a special registration must be obtained.

Second Bachelor's Degree

A second bachelor's degree may be earned, either concurrently or sequentially. Application for a second bachelor's degree declared after graduation from a first degree must be conducted through the Office of Admissions. In order to graduate with two degrees, students must present at least 30 George Mason credits beyond those required by the first degree.

Students who are pursuing a bachelor's degree at Mason must present a detailed program of study for both degrees and obtain authorizing signatures from the chair or director of the second degree program (and from the dean or director, if required by the college, school, or institute).

Students may declare the second concurrent degree by completing the Declaration of Second Bachelor's Degree section of the Change/Declaration of Academic Program form, available in the Registrar's Office.

Graduation with Distinction

A student graduates with distinction from the university when at least 60 credits earned at the university are applied toward graduation and the student's grade point average in all work applied toward graduation is at least equal to one of three values:

3.500 (with distinction)

3.700 (with high distinction)

3.900 (with highest distinction)

Graduation with Distinction and Recognition

A student graduates with distinction and with recognition of a distinguished senior project if, in addition to meeting the criteria for graduation with distinction, the student completes a research project or other substantial piece of creative work directed by a faculty member and judged by the student's department to be of distinguished quality. The departmental faculty establishes criteria by which a student graduating with distinction may attempt to receive this recognition.

A B.I.S. student attempting this recognition is evaluated by the B.I.S. Advisory Committee.

Comprehensive Examination

Undergraduates who have passed with distinction a voluntary departmental comprehensive examination may have the following notation placed in the remarks section of the transcript: "Voluntary comprehensive examination in (area) passed with distinction (date)."

Commencement

Commencement exercises provide an opportunity for students and their families to share in the conferral of academic degrees. Students wishing to participate in commencement exercises must complete a Participation/Ticket Reservation form to reserve a place for themselves in the academic procession and to reserve tickets for their guests. The form must be returned to Events Management by the date designated in the Schedule of Classes.



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