Academic Regulations

Any person enrolled in any course administered through Graduate Studies is subject to the policies and procedures, including but not limited to those found in the University Catalog which include but are not limited to the sections regarding Graduate Studies, the Student Handbook, and the University’s Non-Academic Administrative Policies. Students who are also university employees are also subject to the University’s policies and procedures applicable to employees, including but not limited to those found at policies.furman.edu. Unless otherwise specified, any person enrolled in any course administered through Graduate Studies is subject to the policies outlines in the Undergraduate Catalog, except for those related specifically to attaining a bachelor’s degree.

Graduate degree candidates must complete an approved program of study consisting of no less than 33 credits of graduate courses with a GPA of no less than 3.00. Graduate Studies reserves the right to make substitutions in a given program of study as deemed appropriate. All work for the master’s or specialist degree, including transferred credit, must be completed within six years of establishing degree candidacy.

Academic Credit Hours and Levels of Courses

Academic credit provides a means of measuring and valuing the amount of engaged learning time expected of students enrolled not only in traditional classroom settings, but also in laboratories, studios, internships/practica, independent study, thesis, research and writing, experiential learning, and blended or hybrid learning environments. Academic credit may also help to quantify the level and academic rigor of student learning. This policy applies only to graduate credit granted by Furman University. Undergraduate credit hours are covered under a different policy.

In accordance with Federal regulations and for the purposes of this policy, at Furman University the semester credit hour is the basis for measuring, calculating, recording, and interpreting the number of credit hours accumulated by students in completing degree requirements. Factors for determining semester hours awarded in the Furman definition include student time on task, subject competency, and achievement of learning outcomes attained by a typical student engaged in focused study for a designated period of time.

Factors contributing to student time on task for purposes of awarding academic credit at Furman may comprise direct and indirect instructional time, course-related independent preparation, study, additional out-of- class activities, or related educational experiences.

The 1906 Carnegie Classification Unit is commonly accepted as the historical reference for determination of academic credit in higher education and informs Furman’s policy for determining and awarding academic credit. This policy is also grounded in the fundamental notion that Furman University students receive intensive direct instruction from professors in the form of: substantial individual in-class attention; extensive feedback on written work and assignments; comprehensive academic feedback that involve advisors, and instructors, and frequent meetings between students and faculty instructors and advisors.

In practice and for the purposes of this policy, at Furman University an “instructional hour” is defined as a 50-minute period and a course-related out-of-class activity hour is defined as a 60-minute period.

The standard credit hour is understood to be the equivalent of fifteen instructional hours, plus two or more out-of-class study hours. For example, a class that meets three times per week for 50 minutes each session, for fifteen weeks, and requires two hours of outside student work per meeting would be assigned three credits according to the standard definition. Variance from this standard is allowed for flexibility, so that different kinds of classes can be accommodated. For example, laboratory classes are not primarily seen as lecture courses, so the policy needs to be able to accommodate such instructional methods by relying on a suitable comparison to a standard credit hour in terms of overall student work and/or learning outcomes.

This policy applies to all courses that award academic credit as described in the sections that follow (e.g., any course that appears on an official transcript issued by the University) regardless of the mode of delivery including, but not limited to, traditional lecture-discussion, independent study, hybrid/online, seminar, laboratory, or other formats. Academic units and appropriate faculty governance bodies of the University are responsible for ensuring that academic credit is awarded at appropriate levels for work that meets the requirements outlined in this policy. Specifically, new academic course proposals must originate from an appropriate discipline (e.g., the biology department for a biology-prefix course), and the proposals are reviewed and approved through faculty governance, originating with the Graduate Council.

The Graduate Council reviews all new course proposals that carry graduate credit based on the materials submitted. The course approval process requires submission of a course proposal on Curriculog, which automates the course proposal and review process.  Curriculog proposal forms gather information about the proposed number of credits (with justification) and a description of instruction times, calendar, methods, as well as a description of expected outcomes linked to out-of-class individual study.

If the Graduate Council is unable to make a decision based on the information provided, it will ask for more information from the academic department in order to ensure that the credit policy is adhered to. New courses approved by the Graduate Council are then recommended to the whole faculty for a vote of approval. Once approved by faculty, the courses are added to the University’s Graduate Catalog.

Graduate Credit Amounts

Graduate Studies course credit is determined by (1) the amount of direct instructional time; (2) the nature of the direct instructional time, (3) the amount of expected course-related independent preparation, study, or additional activities; (4) other required educational experience(s); and (5) equivalencies in student engagement time or learning outcomes, as these are judged important by the reviewing committee. The last provision is intended to give the Graduate Council flexibility in adjudicating unusual course types, for example field service.

The following are typical course types with credits assigned. Course credits in graduate courses are typically two, three, or four semester hours of credit per course, dependent upon the level of course-related activities expected outside of direct instructional time. There are occasional opportunities for zero, one, or six hours of credit per course.

Lecture Courses: For a typical graduate course credit the University schedules one (50-minute) hour of direct instructional time per week or the equivalent across a 15-week semester, a total of 15 (50-minute) hours per semester per credit-hour. Course learning outcomes and assignments are designed to require a typical student to spend an additional three hours per week for each credit. This exceeds the Carnegie credit definition, which is justified by the higher level of the course (and full-time students take fewer graduate credits simultaneously).

Example: A typical three-credit graduate course will meet for 150 minutes once per week for 15 weeks, and expect an additional nine hours of work per week in study time by the student.

Intensive Courses: In courses with higher learning expectations due to additional out-of-class work (like research) a slightly higher credit assignment can be justified. This can amount to no more than one additional credit assigned due to the higher expectations in out-of-class work and concomitant learning.

Example: A research seminar that meets three times per week, but expects students to work independently on reading and reporting on literature in the field may be assigned one additional credit, for four instead of three.

Experiential Courses: Course formats that include supervised hands-on work by the student, where learning is a mix of direct instruction and direct student engagement, have a reduced credit assignment, usually computed by dividing by two or three. Common cases include laboratory courses and studio-based courses.

Example: A three-hour laboratory course may be assigned one credit.

Course Formats

Time Formats Academic credit awarded for short-term courses of variable length at the graduate level is determined proportionally based on the comparison to a standard instructional hour over a fifteen-week term.

Example: A lecture course that meets for the equivalent of six 50-minute periods over eight weeks is equated to a three-credit class.

Online Component: An online course is one proposed with more than 50% of its face-to-face content offered online, consisting of a combination of content delivery (e.g., lecture by video). A hybrid course is defined to be one in which up to 49% of face-to-face instruction is replaced with online instruction, consisting of a combination of content delivery (e.g., lecture by video) and active participation by students (e.g., posting to a discussion board). The online course content is required to be analogous to face-to-face instruction, in contrast to study time out of class (e.g., reading assignments, normal homework). This case must be made on the course proposal form, and may include estimated time to complete work and equivalency of learning outcomes to lecture classes, e.g., by comparing final exams.

Academic Integrity

Furman expects every student and graduate degree candidate to maintain high standards of personal honor and to be certain that all academic work is the result of his or her own effort or that of authorities properly identified. If students are uncertain about what constitutes plagiarism or any other form of academic dishonesty, it is their obligation to consult their teachers so they fully understand what is expected. Plagiarism, cheating, inappropriate collaboration, and other misrepresentations of one’s own work threaten the values of the campus community, accordingly violations of the ethical standards of the institution will have severe consequences, such as failure in a course, and/or suspension or dismissal from the University.

Integrity Pledge: It is the desire of Furman University to unite its members in a collective commitment to integrity. In so doing, Furman University strives to teach its members to live lives of humility, respect, and responsibility. Therefore, it is the expectation that all members of the Furman University community will conduct themselves with integrity in all endeavors. In honoring these values and ideals as Furman University’s foundation, it is with utmost faithfulness and dignity that I will ascribe to them.

Any person enrolled in any course administered through the Office of Graduate Studies is expected to uphold the university’s Integrity Pledge and to follow its Code of Conduct. For more information about academic integrity at Furman, students should consult the student handbook or visit www.furman.edu/integrity.

Admissions

See specific admission requirements for each degree program.

Transient Students

Students studying for a degree at another institution must be eligible to return to that institution when registering for graduate courses at Furman. Prior to registration, they should present a statement from the institution to which graduate credits are to be transferred indicating that the student is in good standing and that the course(s) will transfer to the home institution.

Graduate Credit

Courses numbered 600 and above are taken for graduate credit only. Undergraduate courses numbered 300-499 may be taken for graduate credit with the permission of the graduate program coordinator or advisor, the course instructor, and the department chair. When graduate credit is awarded for a course which normally carries undergraduate credit, the professor shall require additional readings, papers, or other appropriate assignments, and shall evaluate the student’s work according to standards appropriate for awarding graduate credit.

Transfer Credit

Not more than six hours of graduate credit verified by an official transcript may be transferred from another institution. Graduate credit is not given for correspondence work, professional development courses, or for portfolios of professional experience. Graduate credit is not transferred for a grade below B unless the college or university granting the credit recognizes the grade for graduate credit.

Registration

First-term graduate degree candidates may register by contacting the Office of Graduate Studies. Online registration is strongly encouraged for continuing students and is available for those paying by credit card or e-check. Please see our website for instructions. Full tuition payment is required at registration. The university reserves the right to restrict enrollment in a course and to withdraw a course, create a new section of a course, or cancel a course for reasons deemed necessary.

Late Registration

Those who miss the registration deadlines may still register for classes in which space is available by contacting the Office of Graduate Studies prior to the conclusion of the drop-add period. There is an additional $100 fee for late registration. Absence caused by late entrance into a course will contribute in the student’s attendance record.

Auditing a Course

Graduate students who wish to audit a course may register as an auditor and pay 50% of the tuition charged for the course. Auditors may not change to credit status once drop-add for the term has ended, nor may they change from credit status to audit status after that date.

Attendance

Instructors establish and announce attendance requirements for their courses. Graduate degree candidates are expected to attend every class and participate in all activities. Absence from class results in missing important classroom instruction and discussion. If an attendance policy is not specifically stated on the syllabus, Furman University’s graduate studies policy will be enacted as follows: A student will be withdrawn from the course if absent 15 percent or more of the class meetings. A failing grade will be recorded unless the absences were due to providential reasons, in which case a course withdrawal (with a grade of W) may be granted after consultation with the Office of Graduate Studies.

Withdrawal from Course(s)

Students who withdraw from a graduate-level course are eligible to receive a prorated refund. The following schedule describes the timeframes and amounts of proration for tuition refunds:

Academic Status

Students earning a final grade of C+ or lower in a graduate course will be notified of their current academic status including possible academic probation. Anyone with a cumulative GPA below a 3.00 will face academic probation and/or possible program expulsion. A student earning a “C” grade in one of the first three courses in his or her respective degree program is required to meet with the program director, while a student earning any type of marginally passing (D+, D, or D-) or failing (F) final grade in a graduate course will be immediately withdrawn from his or her program of study.

Withdrawal from Program

Graduate candidates enrolled in the graduate program who do not register for a course in two consecutive terms (Fall, Spring, Summer) will be withdrawn from the program. To re-enter the program, students are required to submit a letter of re-application to the Office of Graduate Studies and to meet with an academic advisor.

Those students who voluntarily withdraw from the program must do so in writing to the Office of Graduate Studies. To gain re-admittance to a graduate degree program, candidates must re-apply for admission. If a period of seven or more years has passed since original enrollment, students may be required to repeat courses to remain current in the program.

Appeals

Appeals concerning academic regulations or requirements will be considered by the following entities in the order listed:

• Office of Graduate Studies
• Graduate Program Committee or relevant department
• Graduate Council
• Dean of Faculty

Graduate students with a question concerning a grade should discuss the matter with the instructor as soon as possible. After such consultation, if the students believes that the assigned grade resulted from error or malfeasance, the grade may be formally appealed. All appeals should be presented in writing to the Office of Graduate Studies. All grade appeals must be initiated no later than the end of the second semester following the completion of the course for which the grade appeal is being made. Students will be notified in writing of all decisions concerning appeals.

Complaint Procedures

Complaints and concerns unrelated to course grades, academic sanctions, or discipline/conduct matters may be made directly to the Office of Graduate Studies in writing. Anonymous complaints will not be accepted.
Furman University is a member of the NC-SARA reciprocity agreement for distance learning through the SC Commission on Higher Education. The SC Commission on Higher Education responds to formal complaints from students against public, independent non-profit and proprietary institutions of higher education in South Carolina. However, the Commission has limited authority over public and non-profit independent colleges and universities and cannot offer legal advice or initiate court proceedings. Here is the link to the guidelines and form: https://che.sc.gov/sites/che/files/Documents/Institutions%20and%20Educators/Complaint_Procedures_and_Form.pdf

Academic Transcripts

Official transcripts reflect the student’s complete academic record and are issued once the transcript fee has been paid. Requests for official transcripts should be submitted on-line via secure means. Transcripts will not be issued to a student who has a hold placed on their account for any reason.

Student Resources

ID Cards

Graduate degree candidates must have a Furman photo ID to be able to access certain resources (such as checking out materials from the James B. Duke Library or use of the Physical Activities Center). Identification cards are issued by Enrollment Services and can be picked up in the Office of Graduate Studies (appointment recommended). A fee is charged to replace lost identification cards.

Libraries

The Furman University Libraries contain more than a million items, including over 400,000 bound volumes, the complete ERIC microform collection, and access to articles in 14,000 print and online journals. Students can search over 100 research databases, including Education Full Text and ERIC. Access to the library catalog, databases, and on-line journals is available off-campus through a Furman network login account. Items not available in the Furman library may be borrowed via the South Carolina academic libraries consortium or interlibrary loan at no charge.

The James B. Duke library serves as the main campus library and houses materials on education and children’s literature and curriculum collections. The Maxwell Music Library, in the Herring Music Pavilion, and the Science Library serve the needs of students in music and the sciences respectively. The hours for each library, including break and holiday schedules, are posted at the entrance and on the library website.

Center for Academic Success

From tutoring and refinement of your study skills to collaboration for written and multimedia assignments, the Center for Academic Success extends Furman’s commitment to you. Our professional staff provides academic support and counseling related to study skills, time management, and other academic success strategies. Our peer tutors and Writing & Media Lab consultants provide student-to-student support in all academic disciplines. The Center serves as a hub for professional support and peer collaboration where you can join other students to enhance your education.

Bookstore

The Furman Barnes & Noble bookstore, located on the ground level of the University Center, carries textbooks, supplies and many other items which can enhance your Furman experience.

Office of Career Services

Career planning services are available to graduate degree candidates. Located in the University Center, the Office of Career Services administers career inventories, maintains a comprehensive alumni network, assists in educating students about job-search strategies, and aids in the placement of graduates. Interested persons should contact the office for more information regarding services and programs.

Campus Map

The Furman campus map is available on-line. Printed maps are also available in specially marked kiosks on campus.

Dining Services

The PalaDen food court is located on the ground level of the University Center. Meals are also available in Daniel Dining Hall, a small cafe attached to the library, and at the Furman Golf Club. Hours are limited.

Parking Permits

Graduate degree candidates can park in the parking lot on either side of the Charles E. Daniel Memorial Chapel. All students enrolled for graduate courses on campus with a motor vehicle must have a Furman parking permit. Students should complete online parking registration to obtain a permit. There is a $10 annual fee for parking; vehicles without permits will be ticketed. Permits are mailed directly to students.

Financial Aid

Furman University offers students many types of financial assistance in the form of scholarships, grants, and loans. In most cases, graduate students are only eligible for Federal Direct or private loans and Federal Work Study.

Definitions

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is used to determine eligibility for awarding federal loans and Federal Work Study.

Cost of Attendance (COA)

Cost of Attendance includes tuition, fees, estimated room, estimated board, estimated cost of books and supplies, estimated personal expenses, and estimated transportation costs. “Direct COA” includes only tuition and fees (if applicable to your program).

Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

Expected Family Contribution is the minimum amount a student is expected to contribute for educational expenses for a given academic year. The EFC is calculated by the FAFSA and assumes students will finance education utilizing current income, past savings, and student loans.

Demonstrated Need

The difference between the Cost of Attendance (COA) and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

Need-Based Financial Aid

Aid awards for which a student must demonstrate financial need to qualify. Awards include Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG, Federal Direct Subsidized Student Loans, Federal Work Study, South Carolina Tuition Grant, and Furman Grant.

Financial Aid Package

A financial aid package is an offer of financial aid awards for which a student is eligible. Students are notified of their financial aid package via their Financial Aid Worklet in Workday.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for Federal Title IV Financial Aid

All graduate students must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements to receive Federal Title IV financial aid at Furman University. Federal regulations require each institution to have an SAP policy, which establishes the minimum standards that must be applied consistently to all students. Students who fail to meet SAP will not be eligible for Title IV aid.

Federal aid programs affected are Federal Direct Loan, Federal Direct PLUS Loan, and Federal Work Study. Students receiving federal aid will be evaluated at the end of each academic period. A student who is not making SAP will be notified by the Office of Financial Aid and may submit an appeal if extenuating circumstances led to the student’s failure to maintain SAP.

Explanation of Requirements

The university measures your academic performance based on three standards: grade point average (GPA), pace, and maximum time.

Grade Point Average: A student cannot graduate with a GPA below 3.0. Students earning a final grade of C+ or lower in a graduate course will be notified of their current academic status including possible academic probation. Anyone with a cumulative GPA below a 3.00 will face academic probation and/or possible program expulsion. A student earning a “C” grade in one of the first three courses in his or her respective degree program is required to meet with the program director, while a student earning any type of marginally passing (D+, D, or D-) or failing (F) final grade in a graduate course will be immediately withdrawn from his or her program of study. (Monitored by: Office of Graduate Studies)

Pace: A student must have earned a minimum of 67% of all hours attempted after each academic year. This calculation is performed by dividing the number of credit hours earned by the number of credit hours attempted. Credit hours attempted include all work at Furman plus any credit hours earned elsewhere that contribute toward the degree. However, credit hours earned elsewhere that contribute toward the degree are not used in computing grade point averages. (Monitored by: Office of Financial Aid)

Maximum Time: You must complete all requirements within six years from the date of registration for the first course in the graduate program. (Monitored by: Office of Financial Aid)

Satisfactory Academic Progress Categories

Satisfactory Academic Progress will be evaluated at the end of each academic period for all graduate students. Students will receive an email of their Satisfactory Academic Progress status from the Office of Financial Aid. The following Satisfactory Academic Progress categories are applicable to student financial aid records.

• Passed: (passing all SAP measures) - Student may receive aid for the next academic period.
• Warning: (after one semester of not making SAP) - Student may still receive aid for the next academic period.
• Failed: (after two semesters of not making SAP) - Student cannot be awarded Title IV financial aid. The student must appeal to the Office of Financial Aid & then the student may be advised for temporary measures. If no temporary measures are provided by the Office of Financial Aid, then Title IV aid ends altogether. If Title IV aid is ceased, then the student must pay out of pocket or find alternative sources of payment.
• Probation: (passed temporary measures) -student may continue receiving financial aid.

Appeal Process

Furman students who are not making satisfactory academic progress at the end of the academic term will be notified via Workday that they are not meeting federal standards. These students will not be awarded federal financial aid for the upcoming semester. The student may submit an appeal in Workday along with documentation to the Office of Financial Aid. This appeal will earn you consideration for a probationary semester.

Submitting an Appeal

A formal submission from the student explaining any mitigating circumstances and how the circumstances have or will be resolved to achieve academic progress must be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid. Mitigating circumstances are considered to be any situations beyond the student’s control that prevent them from successfully completing the required number of hours attempted or earning the required cumulative GPA.

Some examples of mitigating circumstances include student illness, family illness, other family problems, interpersonal problems with other students, balancing school and employment obligations, and others. A financial aid counselor may determine if other circumstances documented by the student may be considered.

Appeal Decision Process

In most cases, financial aid counselors have the responsibility of reviewing and making a decision regarding an appeal. However, if the counselor cannot make a decision, the financial aid appeals committee will meet and make the decision to approve or suspend aid.

If the appeal is approved, the financial aid counselor will award aid only for one semester on a probationary status. The student will be sent a notification in Workday explaining that if the student fails to make satisfactory academic progress for that semester, Title IV financial aid will not be awarded in the future unless an additional appeal is submitted and approved. All instructions will be sent again to the student.

When a subsequent appeal is submitted, the financial aid counselor may approve it and follow the same procedures. However, students who are not meeting satisfactory academic standards for consecutive or multiple terms are likely to be presented to the financial aid appeals committee for review.

If the financial aid appeals committee agrees that the student should be denied Title IV aid based on the latest appeal, notification will be sent via Workday, and alternative financing options will be suggested to the student. The student may decide to self-pay or take a leave of absence. However, a student does not regain eligibility for Title IV aid by sitting out a semester. Instead, that student will need to make an additional appeal prior to returning to Furman to be considered for eligibility. A student does not automatically regain eligibility for Title IV aid if it has been suspended for a semester.

Financial Aid Application Procedures for New Graduate Students

• Submit the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1st
• Furman University FAFSA School Code: 003434
• After the student has been accepted for admission, and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is reviewed, notifications of award packages will be sent to students who qualify. Students are then asked to accept or decline their financial aid awards.

Financial Aid Application Procedures for Returning Graduate Students

Returning students (enrolled in a previous term at Furman) who wish to continue eligibility for Title IV financial aid must complete the FAFSA each year. The U.S. Department of Education will send renewal FAFSA notices to students each year, typically via e-mail.