Registration
Registration Procedure
The distributed by the Registrar's Office before priority registration each semester,
contains written instructions for registration. Courses listed in the Schedule of
Classes may be withdrawn if enrollment is insufficient. The university reserves the
right to change the class schedule and adjust the individual section enrollment as
necessary.
Students are responsible for registering properly. They should confirm the correctness
of their enrollments and report any apparent error immediately to the Registrar's
Office. Students must be present at the first meeting of every laboratory course
(lecture and laboratory) to validate their registration. If students cannot attend
the first meeting, they must notify the instructor beforehand if they intend to continue
in that section. Otherwise, their names may be stricken from that class roll in both
lecture and lab.
Unless stated otherwise in the Schedule of Classes, registration is not canceled
for failure to attend lecture courses. Students are responsible for full tuition
payment and grades received for all courses in which they are registered unless (1)
they are canceled for nonpayment for courses in which they registered early; (2)
they are canceled administratively by the university staff due to suspension or dismissal;
or (3) the section in which they are registered is canceled.
Academic Load
Although many students must work to meet living expenses, employment must not
take priority over academic responsibilities. Students employed more than 20 hours
a week are strongly urged not to attempt a full-time academic load. Students employed
more than 40 hours a week should attempt no more than six credits per semester.
Students failing to observe these guidelines may expect no special consideration
for academic problems arising from the pressures of employment. Although 12 credits
per semester represents a minimum full-time undergraduate load, students wishing
to graduate in four years need to carry an average of at least 15 credits per semester.
Written approval must be submitted to the Registrar's Office before students can
register for more than the maximum allowable credits. The Overload Permission Chart,
which declares maximum credits and approval authority for all categories of students,
is published in the Schedule of Classes each semester.
The minimum full-time load for undergraduate students is 12 credits per semester.
Graduate students are considered full time once enrolled in nine credits per semester.
Graduate research or teaching assistants are considered full time when enrolled in
six credits a semester.
For planning purposes, applicants for admission are asked to indicate their preference
for full- or part-time status and for day or evening classes. However, they may freely
choose between evening and day sections of courses and may change their full- or
part-time status.
Advisor's Permission to Register
Freshmen, entering transfer students, students on academic probation, guest matriculants,
and newly admitted graduate students are required to obtain an advisor's approval
for registration. Students in the Department of Biology, and in the Medical Technology
program must obtain their advisor's approval for registration each semester. All
students are encouraged to consult with their advisors concerning course registration.
Preregistration
Preregistration for the next semester, including the Summer Term, begins after
mid-semester and is by priority groups (graduate students, seniors, juniors, etc.).
The Registrar's Office assigns each student a particular date and time after which
a student may register, based on the number of credits earned. Thus, dates and times
to register may not be the same for all students within a particular priority group.
Students should consult the Schedule of Classes and 4GMU for information about their
registration date and time.
Student Information
George Mason University hereby designates the following categories of student
information as public or „directory information.ƒ Such information may be disclosed
by the institution for any purpose, at its discretion.
Note: As of spring 1997, digitized photos (taken for the student ID card) are considered
part of the public, or directory, information.
Currently enrolled students may withhold disclosure of any category of information
under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as amended. To withhold
disclosure, students must present a photo ID in person at the Registrar's Office
and complete the Request to Prevent Disclosure of Directory Information form.*
George Mason University assumes that failure on the part of any student to specifically
request the withholding of a category of directory information indicates individual
approval for disclosure.
Directory information includes the following:
- Name and academic information, including disclosure of name, dates of attendance,
class, previous institutions, major field of study, awards, honors (including Dean's
List), degrees conferred including dates, past and present participation in officially
recognized sports and activities, and physical factors (including height and weight
of athletes)
- Bio-demo information, including address(es), photo image (from ID card), telephone
number(s), date, and place of birth
- Publication information¬name, address, photo image (from ID card), telephone
number, major, and e-mail address to be listed in future George Mason student directories.
Students may inspect their education records and obtain more information about
the Privacy Act at the Registrar's Office. They may also obtain copies of most parts
of their records. Those desiring to do so should schedule an appointment with the
registrar.
* Students who withhold their name from directory information must conduct all
university business in person with a photo ID. Such students are eligible to use
telephone registration and other electronic systems such as MasonLink, which are
protected by a personal identification number (PIN).
Student Identity Card
After registering, each student may obtain a university photo identification card.
It must be presented to use the library services and is required for admission to
university events and when using university facilities after normal operating hours.
It is not transferable and is validated each semester after payment is made for classes;
validation stickers are sent by mail. Questions may be directed to the Photo ID office
at (703) 993-1004.
Change of Status and Address
Each student is required to notify the Registrar's Office of any change in local
home address and telephone number, permanent address, or legal name. When a student's
legal name is changed, the Registrar's Office reserves the right to require a certified
copy of documents authorizing the change. Such documents are kept in the student's
permanent file.
Canceling Registration/Withdrawal
Students who cannot attend classes during the semester for which they have preregistered
should cancel registration using the telephone registration system (4GMU) before
the early registration deadline for payment. Students who register and then cancel/withdraw
after the deadline, but before the beginning of classes or during the first week
of classes, are charged a $25 administrative fee. Students who withdraw after the
first week of classes must complete a withdrawal form at the Registrar's Office.
See the Drop/Withdrawal Chart in the Schedule of Classes.
Refunds of tuition on and after the first day of classes are made according to
the Tuition Liability Scale published in this catalog and the Schedule of Classes.
Withdrawal after the last day for dropping a course (specified in the Academic Calendar)
requires approval by the student's academic dean and is permitted only for nonacademic
reasons that prevent course completion.
Changing Registration (Schedule Adjustment)
Schedule of Classes. Permission to enter a closed or controlled section must be
obtained in writing from the academic program offering the course on a Course Permit
Slip and submitted in person to the Registrar's Office.
Schedule changes are made only during the schedule adjustment period, as listed
in the Schedule of Classes.
The last day for adding a 14-week course is two calendar weeks after and including
the first day of classes. The last day for dropping a 14-week course is five calendar
weeks after and including the first day of classes.
After the date listed in the Schedule of Classes for adding and dropping courses,
add actions are limited to unusual circumstances beyond the student's control and
require approval by the chair of the academic department offering the course. Late
withdrawal approval is granted only for nonacademic reasons by the student's academic
dean. Normally this approval is given for all courses at once, constituting withdrawal
from a semester (see procedure below).
All such transactions must be approved by the Office of Student Accounts and processed
by the Office of the Registrar.
Withdrawal from a Semester
Upon approval by the student's academic dean, a student may withdraw from a semester
after the end of the drop period without academic penalty, but only for nonacademic
reasons preventing completion of the courses. A student who withdraws from a semester
after the drop period without the dean's approval receives Fs in all courses. Withdrawal
forms are available at the Registrar's Office.
Upon withdrawal after the drop period, the following notation is made on the student's
official transcript: "Withdrew voluntarily for nonacademic reasons."
Auditing a Course
Auditing a course requires the permission of the instructor of the course. Audit
forms are available at the Registrar's Office. A previously audited course may be
taken for credit at a later date. A student may also audit a course previously taken
and passed. A student may not change from credit to audit status after the end of
the drop period. The usual tuition and fees apply to audit status.
Academic Common Market
The Academic Common Market (ACM) is a cooperative tuition-reduction program agreement
among 14 southern states, including Virginia. Its purpose is to provide programs
of study to students that are not available in their home state. Students who are
not legal residents of Virginia, but who wish to pursue a degree in selected George
Mason programs not available in their home state, may be able to participate in the
ACM and thereby attend George Mason without incurring out-of-state tuition charges.
Further information about this program is available at the Office of the Registrar,
Enterprise Hall, Room 416.
Enrollment in Consortium Courses
George Mason University is a member of the Consortium of Universities of the Washington
Metropolitan Area, which includes American University, The Catholic University of
America, Gallaudet University, The George Washington University, Georgetown University,
Howard University, Marymount University, Mount Vernon College, Southeastern University,
Trinity College, the University of the District of Columbia, and the University of
Maryland--College Park. Eligible Mason students may enroll in courses at any of the
consortium institutions.
To be eligible for enrollment, students must be enrolled at George Mason University
and admitted to a degree program. Nondegree and Extended Studies students are not
permitted to enroll in consortium courses. Graduate students must be currently enrolled,
in good academic standing, and in a degree-seeking status. Undergraduate students
must be enrolled, in good academic standing, and have attained at least junior status.
George Mason University students may register for any course through the consortium
providing the courses are not available at George Mason University during the same
semester and are not exempt from consortium registration at the visited institution.
Courses that are off-campus at George Washington and American Universities are not
open to consortium registrants. Independent study projects, special institutes, or
tutorials are also exempt from consortium registration.
All course work attempted by a George Mason student must be authorized by the
appropriate dean and chairman for the field of study in which the student is enrolled
at George Mason. Course work is also subject to the requirements of the particular
school in which the student is enrolled. The allowable number of credits to be taken
through the consortium during an academic career are limited by university policy.
Credits earned through the consortium are considered resident credit. Grades for
consortium courses are sent to the George Mason Office of the Registrar, recorded,
and calculated into the cumulative grade point average of the George Mason University
student and become a permanent part of the student's official record.
Any academic courses that do not carry credit at the visited institution will
not be counted for credit at George Mason University. Courses that do not carry credit
at George Mason, but do receive credit at the host university, will not be given
credit at George Mason University.
Auditing courses through the consortium is not permitted.
George Mason consortium students pay the George Mason tuition rate to the George
Mason Office of Student Accounts. Credits taken through the consortium are counted
toward full- or part-time status at George Mason University for purposes of financial
aid. Any additional fees are to be paid by the student to the visited institution.
Special inquiries and further information is available through the Office of the
Registrar. Registration is processed through the Office of the Registrar by the consortium
coordinator. Schedules and catalogs of participating universities are located in
the same office.
Special Registration for Nonenrolled Students
Student not enrolled in a credit-bearing course, but whose academic department
certifies that they are pursuing an activity related to their George Mason matriculation,
can retain active status by registering for Special Registration (SREG 200, Section
001) for a $45 fee. Written approval of the student's advisor or instructor and the
academic department chair is required. This special registration allows students
to retain their library and computer privileges, to receive a student ID, and to
buy a parking decal. Students must have active status to apply for or receive a degree,
take an examination, or participate in cooperative education.
Repeating a Course
Courses passed with a grade of C or better by undergraduates may not be repeated
(except for audit). When a course is repeated, the following conditions apply: (1)
all credits attempted count toward probation, suspension, or dismissal; (2) the transcript
shows both the original and repeat grades; and (3) only one grade per course may
be presented on the degree application.
A graduate student who has passed a course with a grade of B or better is not
permitted to repeat the course for credit. A graduate student may repeat a course
in which a grade of C or below has been earned. Permission for repeating the course
must be obtained from the department offering the course. Each department establishes
procedures for granting permission for repeating a course.
When a course is repeated, all credits attempted are used in determination of
termination or dismissal, the transcript shows both the original and repeat grades,
and only one grade per course may be presented on the degree application.
Permission to Register as a Graduate Student
Registration for courses in a graduate program is permitted only after the student
has been notified of admission. Admitted students are given preference over Extended
Studies students through the pre-registration process. Dual registration (e.g., as
a graduate student and as an Extended Studies enrollee) is not permitted. The graduate
student is responsible for being properly registered and aware of all regulations
and procedures required by a program of study. Regulations and degree requirements
are not waived nor are exceptions granted because of ignorance of university, college/school/institute,
or departmental regulations.
Academic Advising for Graduate Students
At the time of admission to graduate study, the student is assigned a faculty
advisor by the academic program responsible for the student's program of study. Registration
for newly admitted graduate students, as well as continuing students, begins with
a visit to the student's academic advisor. There the student can obtain information
about specific courses and degree requirements and develop an individual program
of study. Progress in an approved program of study is the shared responsibility of
the student and the advisor. The graduate student is responsible for compliance with
the rules and procedures of the college/school/institute and all applicable departmental
requirements that govern the individual program of study. Students should consult
with their advisors before registration each semester.
Newly admitted graduate students must consult with their faculty advisors before
registration.
Graduate Course Enrollment by Undergraduate
Undergraduates may enroll in 500-level graduate courses only if they have exhausted
all upper-level undergraduate courses relevant to their educational objectives and
can demonstrate the level of maturity required for graduate courses. Undergraduates
must have completed all prerequisites for the course, and must receive written permission
from the course instructor and department chair. (This written permission is waived
in the few undergraduate programs that request or encourage seniors to take 500-level
courses to meet undergraduate degree requirements. Courses numbered 600 and above
are closed to undergraduates.)
Approval to register for reserve graduate credit (earned credit held in reserve
to apply later toward a graduate degree) is normally given only to George Mason seniors
within 15 credits of completion of undergraduate study. In addition, this privilege
is normally extended only to seniors who have completed a minimum of 12 credits at
the university, have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better, have successfully
completed all prerequisite courses and have a major in the department offering the
courses. Permission must be obtained in writing before registration. Forms are available
at the Office of the Registrar. Students are responsible for obtaining all signatures
required.
Approval for reserve graduate credit is limited to six credits and does not imply
approval for admission into a graduate program at the university or that credit so
earned will be accepted at another graduate school. Credit for the same course is
not given toward both graduate and undergraduate degrees.
Appeals of Academic Procedures
The University Academic Appeals Committee is the final locus for appeal of decisions
regarding late withdrawal, late add, suspension, and dismissal for academic reasons.
At its discretion, the committee may choose to review other individual cases that
are relevant to the application of university-wide policies. Note that this committee
is not charged to hear grade appeals or appeals of Honor Committee decisions. The
committee consists of five faculty members, including at least one member of the
Faculty Senate, and the provost (or designee) who serves in an ex-officio, non-voting
capacity.
The student's appeal must first be adjudicated by the unit (such as college or
school) in which the student's program of study is housed. A student who believes
that the decision rendered at this level is unfair may appeal to the provost for
referral to the committee. The committee hears cases only where procedural irregularities
are clearly demonstrated or demonstrably questionable application of university policies
to an individual case is shown.
The burden of proof rests with the student, and the student must provide clear
and convincing documentation to support the contention that the decision was unfair.
If the provost believes that the student has sufficient cause, the case is heard
by the committee; the committee decision is final.
The provost is responsible for maintaining appeals records, determining whether
students have just cause, and ensuring that complete documentation is available for
all committee members. The committee normally meets at least twice each semester
to ensure timely action regarding its cases. The committee communicates its decision
to the student, the relevant unit, and the provost.
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