Associate Degrees
Baccalaureate Degrees
College Credit Definitions
Credit Load
Grading System
Honors and Awards
Readmission
Registration
DANTES/CLEP/AP

Academic Year
Troy University operates on the semester system. Some courses are offered on an accelerated semester schedule.

Associate Degrees
Course Requirements
In order to receive the associate degree, students must complete all course requirements for the degree being taken and declare for the associate degree before declaring for the bachelor’s degree.

Credit Hours
The student seeking an associate degree must meet the following requirements:

1. A minimum of 60 semester hours.
2. At least 50% of the degree program must be traditional academic credit (excludes credit by correspondence, challenge exams, etc.).
3. No more than 25% of the degree may be earned using portfolio-based credit. (See Cross Discipline Courses for additional information.)
4. At least 25% of the credit hours required for the degree must be completed in residence with Troy University.
5. Nine semester hours must be completed in residence at Troy University in the major area of concentration. (See Residency Credits for additional information.)

Grade Point Average

1. A candidate for graduation must have an overall C average at Troy University (2.0 on a 4.0 scale).
2. A candidate for graduation must have a C average in the concentration. This includes hours and grade points earned at other universities and colleges as converted to the Troy University scale (2.0 on a 4.0 scale).

Second or Subsequent Associate Degrees
The following policies apply to second or subsequent associate degrees:
     − No more than one Associate of General Education degree may be earned.
     − Credit earned in a concentration or major may be used to meet the requirements of only one         associate degree.
     − Credit earned in a concentration or major may not be used retroactively to satisfy the         requirements of another associate degree.
     − Only one degree will be conferred on a student at any commencement ceremony.

In order to earn a second or subsequent associate degree, a student must:

1. Complete the first degree as certified by the registrar.
2. Declare a new program of study after the first degree has been certified as completed by the registrar.
3. Earn an additional 15 semester hours (beyond each previously earned degree) at Troy University.
4. File an Intent to Graduate form with the registrar as prescribed in the class schedule.
5. Meet all current requirements for the second or subsequent
   degree.

Attendance Policy
Students receiving financial assistance are required to attend classes according to the regulations for financial assistance benefits in addition to those regulations required for the course.

Auditing a Course
A student may audit any Troy University course by indicating at the time of registration that the course will be audited. No credit will be given, and fees will be assessed based on the audit
credit-hour rate. Audit hours are not counted in maximum or minimum load limits. Students are not permitted to change from audit to credit after the last day to add a course, or from credit to audit after the last day for dropping a course, without academic penalty.

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Baccalaureate Degrees
Note: Students earning a degree in education should refer to that section for special requirements.

Course Requirements
In order to receive the baccalaureate degree, the student must complete all course requirements for the degree being taken.

Credit Hours
The student seeking a baccalaureate degree must meet the following requirements:

1. A minimum of 120 semester hours.
2. At least 50% of the degree program must be traditional academic credit (excludes credit by correspondence, challenge exams, etc.).
3. No more than 25% of the degree may be earned using portfolio-based credit. (See Cross Discipline Courses for additional information.)
4. At least 25% of the credit hours required for the degree must be completed in residence with Troy University.
5. Twelve semester hours of work in each major field must be completed in residence with Troy University. (See Residency Credits for additional information.)
6. A minimum of 50% of all degree program hours must be completed on a senior college (four-year degree) level.

Grade Point Average

1. A candidate for graduation must have a C average at Troy University (2.0 on a 4.0 scale).
2. A candidate for graduation must have a C average in the major field. This includes hours and grade points earned at other universities and colleges as converted to the Troy University system scale (2.0 on a 4.0 scale).

General Education Competency Exam
Students are required to take the General Education Competency Exam (GECE) upon completion of the general studies program. For specific requirements for this examination, refer to www.troy.edu/irpe.

Second or Subsequent Baccalaureate Degrees
In order to earn a second or subsequent baccalaureate degree, a student must:

1. Complete the first degree as certified by the registrar.
2. Declare a new program of study after the first degree has been certified as completed by the registrar.
3. Earn an additional 30 semester hours (beyond the previously earned degree).
4. Earn a minimum of twelve semester hours (beyond the previously earned degree) in the major field.
5. File an Intent to Graduate form with the registrar as prescribed in the class schedule.
6. Meet all current requirements for the second or subsequent degree.

Class Cancellation
The institution reserves the right to cancel any class for insufficient enrollment.

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College Credit Definitions
Regular Credits
College credits are expressed as semester hours or credit hours.

Laboratory Credits
Two hours of laboratory work are usually accepted as the equivalent of one hour of regular class work. The actual number of hours will be determined in order to satisfy the course objectives.

Credit by Examination
Credit is allowed for CLEP, General and Subject Examinations, the Advanced Placement program, and DANTES examinations as approved by the Academic Council and department chairs. The number of credits allowed for satisfactory performance on the general examinations may be reduced by the amount of credit the student has previously earned in the subject matter areas covered by the examinations.

Some departments of the University have developed challenge examinations in areas which, with approval of the Academic Council, can be used in lieu of certain required courses. Consult the appropriate department chairs for additional information.

Experiential Credit
Troy University recognizes that learning equivalent to the college level can occur outside the formal structure of accredited colleges and universities. Policies and procedures have been established for the assessment of this learning based upon the
“Principles of Good Practice in Assessing Experiential Learning” recommended by the Council for the Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL).

In addition, credit as recommended by the American Council on Education may be granted for learning acquired through military, industrial, or regionally accredited technical school training programs where the learning is applicable to the student’s degree program.

Experiential credit is considered non-traditional credit and will be posted only after the student has satisfactorily completed 12 semester hours of undergraduate credit with Troy University and has attained unconditional admission status.

Transient Credit
A currently enrolled student who wishes to study at another institution for a term should consult with the Records Office concerning procedures and required approvals. Any courses taken by a student after the initial registration with Troy University must have prior approval by the University, and transient hours must be included with the student’s semester load for load-limit purposes. If a student takes coursework at another institution without proper transient authorization, the University reserves the right to deny credit for these courses.

Course Sequences
Advanced Courses
Advanced courses are courses at the sophomore level or above.

Upper level courses
Upper level courses are courses at the junior level or above.

Numeric course sequencing

• 0090 sequence: Remedial credit courses (Remedial courses do not count toward degree requirements.)
• 1100 sequence: Freshman level (Exceptions are noted in course descriptions)
• 2200 sequence: Sophomore level
• 3300 sequence: Junior level
• 4400 sequence: Senior level
• 5500 sequence: Graduate courses (open to seniors by permission)
• 6600 sequence: Graduate students only

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Credit Load
Fall, Spring, and Accelerated Semesters

• Minimum Full-Time Undergraduate Load: 12 semester hours (six semester hours for accelerated semester schedules)
• Maximum: 18 semester hours (10 semester hours for accelerated semester schedules)
• Overload: 19-21 semester hours (11-13 semester hours for accelerated semester schedules) Credit overload requires unconditional admission status, a minimum institutional GPA of 3.5, recommendation of the student’s academic adviser, and signature of the department chair.
• Students on academic probation: Limited to 13 semester hours (seven semester hours for accelerated semester schedules)

Summer Semesters

• Minimum Full Time Undergraduate Load: Nine to 12 semester hours (over the entire summer). Students are advised that full-time status for federal financial assistance is 12 semester hours.
• Maximum: 13 semester hours
• Overload: 14-15 semester hours. Credit overload requires unconditional admission status, a minimum institutional GPA of 3.5, recommendation of the student’s academic adviser,
  and signature of the department chair.
• Students on Academic Probation: Limited to 10 semester hours

Drop
Also see “withdrawal.”
A student who wishes to reduce, but not entirely eliminate, his or her credit load may drop a course. The following policies apply:

Date of Drop
• Before classes begin
Students who, for any reason, drop class(es) before classes begin must complete a drop form and submit it to the appropriate office before the semester or term begins. Any student who fails to complete the form and attend classes will be responsible for payment of tuition and fees and will be assigned failing grades.

• After classes begin
The Troy University calendar specifies a date in each semester or term that is the deadline to drop a course without academic penalty. See the Schedule of Classes for the exact date.
     − Prior to this deadline, students who drop must complete a drop form and submit it to the         appropriate office in order to protect their records and qualify for partial refunds. (Contact the         appropriate office for specific refund policy.) The grade DR will be entered on the student’s         records for each course dropped, and hours will not be calculated in the grade point average.
     − After this deadline, students who drop will be assigned the grade of DP (drop passing) or DF (drop         failing).

• The DP will be assigned to students with documented reasons for dropping after the deadline for reasons beyond their control. An assignment of DP does not affect the grade point.
• The DF will be assigned to students without documented reasons for dropping after the deadline. Students who receive the DF will be charged with hours attempted, therefore affecting their overall grade point averages.

Grade Appeals
Faculty members have the authority to grade student work and to assign grades; these are academic judgments. A faculty member’s syllabus enumerates student academic performance expectations and consequences. Faculty members render academic judgments when a student’s academic performance violates established standards or fails to meet stated expectations. Academic judgments, made by faculty, are based on academic content, course requirements, and student performance. Students may not appeal grades based on allegations concerning the competence of a faculty member, the fairness of examinations, the difficulty of a course, or other matters of a purely academic nature. Grades for individual assignments and exams may not be appealed. While it is recognized that faculty hold the right and responsibility to grant a grade, a student who receives a course grade that he or she believes to be unwarranted for reasons other than those listed above may appeal that grade using these stated procedures.

Step 1. Within the first four weeks of the start of the following term or semester in which the grade is received, the student shall have informally appealed the grade to the instructor. If that instructor is not teaching at Troy University during the term following issuance of the grade, the student will make contact with the instructor through the department chair to informally appeal the grade. In the case of a course taught through University College or eCampus, students should contact their home campus to determine the person designated by the appropriate college dean to assist the students with their appeals.

Step 2. If the issue is not resolved at this informal level and the student wishes to pursue the appeal, the student shall request in writing a meeting with the respective department chair. This request shall be addressed to the department chair and shall be received no later than the end of the fifth week of instruction for the term or semester following issuance of the grade. The request must summarize the student’s complaint and the student’s informal appeal to the instructor. In the case of a course taught through University College or eCampus, students should contact their home campus to determine the person designated by the appropriate
college dean to assist the students with their appeals.

Step 3. Within two weeks of receipt of the request, the department chair shall discuss the appeal with the student and with the instructor, separately or at the same time. If the department chair upholds the decision, the matter is closed. decision is final.

Step 4. If the department chair does not support the decision of the instructor, the matter shall be appealed within two weeks of the department chair’s decision to the designated associate dean or dean of the college. The department chair will forward the appeal package to the designated associate dean or dean. The designated associate dean or dean will empanel three full-time faculty colleagues from the department and/or discipline to review the matter. The decision of this panel shall be final and binding on all parties.

Note: Students may not use this procedure to appeal grades resulting from violations of academic honesty. Students should refer to the Oracle, the University’s official student handbook for those appeals.

Grade Point Average (GPA)
The grade point average is computed by dividing the number of credit hours attempted into the total number of grade points earned.

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Grading System
Note: Some grades, in addition to the F, calculate as an F in the grade point average.

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Honors and Awards
Chancellor's Honor List
Full-time undergraduate students who are registered for 12 semester hours and who earn a grade point average of 4.00 qualify for the Chancellor’s List, which is published at the end of each term. A Troy University part-time student who earns a 4.00 grade point average on twelve consecutive semester hours of credit will also be named on the Chancellor’s List.

Provost's Honor List
Full-time undergraduate students who are registered for 12 semester hours and who have a grade point average of 3.65 or higher qualify for the Provost’s List, which is published at the end of each term. A Troy University part-time student who averages 3.65 or higher on twelve consecutive semester hours of credit will also be named on the Provost’s List.

Graduation with Honors
To be eligible for graduation honors, students must have earned a minimum of 30 semester hours of non-pass/fail work at Troy University prior to their final registration. Honors will be computed based on the average of all hours attempted at Troy University and transfer credit, excluding any remedial courses. The last term of enrollment is NOT calculated towards graduation honors.

Undergraduate honor students are awarded differentiated diplomas as follows:

• Cum Laude: Grade point average of 3.40
• Magna Cum Laude: Grade point average of 3.60
• Summa Cum Laude: Grade point average of 3.80

Inclement Weather and Emergency Situations
Both faculty and students are responsible for meeting all assigned classes. In the event of inclement weather, faculty and students will be expected to attend classes as usual as long as they may do so without risking peril to themselves or to others. During periods of inclement weather, faculty and students will not be penalized for absences dictated by perilous conditions. In severe cases of inclement weather or other emergency conditions, each campus will announce cancellation of classes through local and regional media as well as through the University’s web site.

Incomplete Grade
This incomplete grade policy replaces all other incomplete grade policies as of Aug. 1, 2006.

The instructor may report an Incomplete (grade of I) for a student whose progress in a course has been satisfactory (e.g. the student is passing the course), but who is unable to complete the course grading requirements because of documented circumstances beyond his/her control.

Time limit for removal of incomplete grade
No incomplete may exceed nine weeks from the date it is assigned. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor regarding the deadline for completing all course requirements. Any student who receives a grade of incomplete must adhere to the work completion deadline set by the instructor, not to exceed the end of the designated ten week period. This deadline applies whether or not the student re-enrolls for the semester or term following the assignment of the incomplete grade(s). Failure to clear the incomplete within the specified time period (not to exceed ten weeks) will result in the assignment of a grade of F for the course.

For the purposes of implementation of this policy, the day the grade is assigned is determined by the University master calendar. A student who wishes to be assigned an incomplete grade must request this from the instructor prior to the assignment of final grades for the course.

Learning Contracts
Troy University Montgomery Campus Division Distance Learning and Extended Academic Services offers courses using public and cable television, print, and the Internet/World Wide Web. This instruction is delivered to students both within the University's local service territory and beyond through the use of a range of traditional and newer communication technologies.

The Division subscribes to the Southern Regional Education Board's Principles of Good Practice as developed by the Educational Technology Cooperative's Electronic Common Market.

A list of resident courses developed as contract learning courses that may be taken in a distance learning environment are available in print from the Learning Contract Office or online at http://montgomery.troy.edu/DL/learningcontracts/.

Placement in Academic Courses
A student may be placed in an advanced section of a given subject area if the student’s record indicates a high degree of achievement or if it indicates the student has successfully completed
studies that should not be duplicated. Troy University does not accept placement exemptions granted by other institutions. For more information, students should consult their academic advisers and/or the respective academic departments.

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Readmission
To be readmitted to the University, students who have been out of attendance with the University for one year or more must apply through the Admission’s Office. The following categories are available:

1. Former Students in Good Standing: Troy University students who have been out of college for one year or more must apply for readmission before they will be permitted to register. Any student attending the Troy campus who has not filed a Student Medical Record with the University Health Center within the last six months must submit a new Student Medical Record.
2. Students Suspended from Troy University: Students who have been suspended from Troy University must apply for readmission and may be readmitted under probation after serving suspension. However, students may appeal to the Provost for readmission under certain mitigating circumstances to avoid suspension. Appeal forms are available in the Registrar’s Office.
3. Troy University Transient Students: Upon receipt of an official transcript, Troy University students who have attended another college as a transient may reenter the University via the readmission process if they had permission from Troy University to attend the other college as a transient and if their records there are clear. If permission is not secured before entering the other college, they will have to re-enter Troy University as transfer students. See the index for additional information regarding transient status.

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Registration
Students should register during designated registration times. Once students have registered for a course or courses, they have incurred a financial commitment which must be met. Students have not completed registration until arrangements have been made for the payment of tuition and fees. Students can pay their tuition on line by accessing the Trojan Web Express. Registration is not final until tuition and fees are paid.

Students who fail to attend a class without following drop/ withdrawal policies will receive a grade of FA, and those students will still be charged full tuition and fees. Students with an outstanding balance will not be permitted to register for future terms.

Registration in Special Programs
1. Contract Program
Entering students who do not find a stated program which meets their specific needs should consult the department chair to discuss the possibility of a contract program, which normally consists of at least 30 hours of a regular academic major and 30 hours of agreed upon electives which contribute to the student’s programof study, not to exceed 77 semester hours. All General Studies
requirements must be met. See the appropriate department chair.

2. Accelerated Study for Superior Students
This opportunity permits enrollment in an accelerated or broadened program through registration for credit hours above the normal load. For specific credit loads permitted, see Credit Load.

3. Independent Study and Research
This program consists of several special study and research courses.

Guided Independent Research, Guided Independent Study, and Honors Independent Study are offered in various departments.

Guided Independent Research (course numbers 4491 and 4492, one to three credit hours per course): Undergraduate research with attention to critical evaluation of research techniques,
methods and procedures. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, permission of guiding professor, approval of the department chair and dean. A written request must be submitted to the department chair at least two weeks in advance of the term the research is to be undertaken; application forms are available in University Records. Guided Independent Research may be taken only in the applicant’s major or minor field.

Guided Independent Study (course numbers 4493 and 4494, one to three credit hours per course): Supervised study through internship, field or laboratory projects, guided readings, creative endeavors, or achievement in specific skills. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing, permission of guiding professor, approval of the department chair and dean. A written request must be submitted to the department chair at least two weeks in advance of the term in which the study is to be undertaken; application forms are available in the University Records.

Honors Independent Study (course number 4498, one to three credit hours per course).

4. Non-traditional Study
See Credit by Examination and Experiential Credit.

5. Off-campus Courses
Courses offered to groups of a minimum of 20 students, prepared on demand with approval of the Provost. Students admitted to a Troy University off-campus course will be admitted on a conditional basis and must earn a minimum of 20 semester hours with a grade point average of 2.0 or better to be admitted as a regular student to the campus.

Repetition of Courses
(Troy University courses only)
Students who were enrolled prior to Fall 2005 need to see their academic adviser before repeating a course.

Effective Fall 2005, a student may repeat a course in which a grade of D, F, FA, DF, NG, or WF is received. However, permission to have the previous grade removed, or “forgiven,” from the GPA calculation will be granted only one time. Any subsequent attempts will be counted in the GPA. The last grade received will be the grade counted.

A student may repeat a course in which a grade of C is received provided advance permission is obtained from the dean. The option to repeat a prerequisite course must be exercised before any course is taken for which the repeated course is a prerequisite. A student may not repeat a course after graduation in order to alter the GPA at the date of graduation.

Permission may be granted only one time per course to have the previous grade not counted in the GPA calculation. No course can be used more than once towards degree requirements, unless the course is specifically designated by the department as a repeatable credit (e.g. some music courses may be taken more than once for credit).

No student shall receive credit for the same course twice, unless the course description specifically states that the course may be repeated for credit.

Requirements for Graduation
Students who do not complete degree requirements within eight years after first entering Troy University, and students not attending Troy University for three consecutive calendar years, must meet all degree requirements current at the time of readmission.

Students who were enrolled at the time Troy University merged under one accreditation may remain with their bulletin or elect to change permanently to the current undergraduate catalog. No student will be academically penalized because of the University’s decision to consolidate under one accreditation.

Filing for Graduation
An Intent to Graduate form should be filed with the Record’s Office according to the published dates.

Degree Plans / Academic Evaluations
Academic evaluations are available in the Record’s Office. Unofficial academic evaluations are available to students on the Trojan Web Express at www.troy.edu.

Residency
Residency Credits
Effective Fall 2005, credit taken through any Troy University location will be counted towards residency credit for graduation. Students enrolled prior to fall 2005 should see their academic advisers concerning residency credit.

Residency Requirements
A candidate for graduation must have attended Troy University for at least two semesters and must have earned at least 25% of the degree in residence. This may include the semester in which graduation is scheduled.

Any Troy University course for credit counts toward residency (excluding remedial courses and institutional credit AEG courses).

Retention
Conditionally Admitted Students
These students must earn a 2.0 or higher grade point average on the first 24 semester hours attempted or be dropped from program.

Unconditionally Admitted Students
Probation
A student must earn or maintain a 2.0 average or higher or be placed on probation. A student on probation is limited to 13 semester hours (seven semester hours for accelerated terms) and must earn a minimum of a 2.0 average each subsequent term until the overall grade point average reaches the 2.0 level.

Suspension
A student on probation who fails to earn a term grade point average of 2.0 or higher will be suspended. A student’s first academic suspension will be for one semester/term; the second suspension will be for two semesters/terms; and a third suspension will be for an indefinite period.

Suspension Period Regulations
Courses completed at any institution during a suspension period will not be accepted for credit. Students placed on indefinite suspension may petition for readmission following a period of twelve months.

Readmition after Suspension
A student returning after a suspension will be readmitted on probation. A student must earn or maintain a 2.0 average or higher or be placed on probation. A student on probation is limited to 13 semester hours (seven semester hours for accelerated terms) and must earn a minimum of a 2.0 average each subsequent term until the overall grade point average reaches the 2.0 level. Failure to meet the 2.0 term/semester GPA will result in further suspension. Suspension from all other colleges will be honored, including all Troy University locations.

Servicemembers' Opportunity College Program
Troy University is an affiliate member of the Servicemembers’ Opportunity College (SOC) network which is designed to permit active duty military service students/spouses/dependents/ Civil Service employees to pursue college level programs without penalty for unusual situation and transfer over which they have no control. Upon request, Troy University will issue an SOC agreement for degree completion to any military or civil service student or his/her dependent(s). In order to obtain an SOC agreement, the student must have successfully completed six semester hours and met admissions requirements. The SOC contract will list all of the courses required for graduation with Troy University. All coursework must be completed at accredited colleges or universities or from acceptable non-traditional sources, if applicable. Students must complete degree requirements within eight calendar years after the SOC contract is approved.

Withdrawal
Also see “drop.”
Withdrawal from the University is defined as a resignation or withdrawal from all courses for the current semester and/or term. The student is no longer enrolled in any course(s). The following policies apply:

Date of Withdrawal

• From early registration through late registration
  − Students who wish to withdraw from all classes during the time period from early registration    through the last day of late registration must CANCEL their registrations (in writing) through their    home location’s Records Office.
  
  − This written cancellation does not require the completion of the withdrawal form or an exit    interview. Financial obligations for payment of course tuition and fees will only be removed    when written requests for cancellation of registration have been received.
  
  
• From end of late registration through midterm
  − Students who wish to withdraw from the University during the time period from the end of late    registration through midterm must complete an official withdrawal form and an exit interview with    the designated withdrawal official at the student’s home location.
  
  − Withdrawal prior to midterm will result in a grade of W, withdrawal, which is non-punitive.
  
  
• After midterm through first day of final exams
  − Students who wish to withdraw from the University during the time period after midterm through    the first day of final exams must complete an official withdrawal form and an exit interview with    the designated withdrawal official at the student’s home location.
  
  − Withdrawal after midterm will result in a grade of WP or WF, depending on the instructor’s    assessment of the student’s academic performance in the class at the time of withdrawal. A    WP, withdrawal passing, is nonpunitive. A WF, withdrawal failing, is punitive. The grade WF will    be calculated as an F in the student’s grade point average.

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DANTES SUBJECT STANDARDIZED TEST SCORES

Effective Fall 2005

Application of DANTES credit
DANTES credit cannot be awarded for any courses for which credit has already been awarded.

Required Score
Students must meet the required score in effect as of the date of the exam.

Test availability
Tests on this list may not always be available. The listing changes frequently.

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CLEP EXAMINATIONS

Troy University accepts a variety of CLEP exams. For more information, please contact the appropriate registrar.

Application of CLEP credit
CLEP credit cannot be awarded for any courses for which credit has already been awarded.

Required Score
Students must meet the required score in effect as of the date of the exam.

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ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) EXAMINATIONS

Troy University accepts a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) exams. Students must have official score reports sent directly to the Dean of Enrollment Services, Troy, Alabama, and make a request to have credit awarded through the appropriate registrar. Credit is not automatically awarded upon receipt of official scores. For more information, please contact the appropriate registrar.

Required Score
Students must meet the required score in effect as of the date of the exam.

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