General Academic Information

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The procedures, policies, and regulations stated in this section are designed to assist the Bethune-Cookman College student during matriculation.

Each student is assigned an advisor at the time of admittance to the College according to the major, including undecided majors. The advisor will give advice on appropriate courses and other pertinent academic information. It is the responsibility of the student to review his or her progress each semester with the advisor and to keep informed of changes, procedures, and regulations which may affect successful pursuit of a college degree.

Before making a final choice of courses, all students should consult the assigned advisor and, in the case of doubt, the instructor in charge of a particular course. Electives should be chosen in accordance with the program of the major field and in keeping with the interests of the student.

Special attention should be given to the following regulations.

COMPULSORY CLASS ATTENDANCE: Class attendance is compulsory for freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors, and special students. Absences will result in lower grades earned.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES: No student will be permitted unexcused absences.

EXCUSED ABSENCES: Excused absences include those incurred by the student’s participation in college or class sponsored activities. Examples of excused absences include band, chorale, gospel choir, athletic teams, field trips, proof of illness or other documented reasons.

IMPENDING ABSENCES: Every student is responsible for informing teacher(s) of impending absence(s) from class if the student has such information.

NO EXCUSES FROM THE ACADEMIC AFFAIRS OFFICE: No excuses for absence(s) are issued from the Office of Academic Affairs.

SYLLABUS/OUTLINE: The course syllabus/outline is an agreement between the teacher and the student.

RIGHT TO APPEAL ACADEMIC DECISIONS: Every student has the right to appeal the academic decision of an instructor. Steps in the appeal process are outlined in “Student Grade Appeal.”

FOURTEEN (14) HOUR RESTRICTION: Students entering Bethune-Cookman College as of August of 1999, and thereafter, who must enroll in any two developmental courses are restricted to not more than 15 semester hours credit.

LIMITATION OF CREDIT ON PROBATION: Students on academic probation are limited to a maximum load of 14 hours credit per semester. (See Academic Probation and Dismissal.)

OVERLOAD REQUIREMENTS: The academic requirements for taking an overload, 19-23 semester hours, is a minimum grade point average of 3.0 during the semester/immediately preceding the one in which the student wishes to carry the overload. This permission for overload does include summer sessions with a load of nine hours or more.

FINAL EXAM TIME SCHEDULES FIRM: Final examinations are to be taken at the time scheduled by the Office of the Registrar. Students must be cleared by the Office of Fiscal Affairs/Student Accounts Office. Only students with balances at the time of the exams will be issued an exam permit to take their final examinations. Students with zero balances prior to the beginning of the final exam periods will not need an exam permit to take finals.

ISSUANCE OF “I” (INCOMPLETE) GRADES: Only students who have balances (unless approved by the Fiscal Affairs/Student Accounts Office) at the end of the semester, and/or students who have not completed work for the semester and there is a possibility that the students will pass, should be given “I’s”/Incomplete grades. Note: Students, who are coded with balances at the end of the semester and there is no possibility that the student will pass the course, should not be given “I” grades.

REMOVAL OF “I” GRADES: Students receiving one or more “I” grades are required to report to the instructor(s) who issued the grade(s), within the first week of classes of their next semester of enrollment. Students must, thereby, initiate action to remove the “I” grade(s). The requirements to remove the “I” grade(s) must be completed within the first six weeks of that semester of reenrollment. Failure to do so will cause the I’s to automatically be changed to F’s.

NO GRADE CHANGE AFTER ONE YEAR: No grade change is permitted after one year.

NO GRADE CHANGE AFTER GRADUATION: After graduation, a student’s academic record is closed against grade changes at any time.

TO ADD SUMMER CLASSES: Summer school students will be permitted to add classes through the fifth day of classes, with consideration also given to those who must drop/add because one or more classes have been cancelled.

TO DROP SUMMER CLASSES: Summer school students will be permitted to drop classes through the end of the first full week of the session.

LATE ATTENDANCE IN SUMMER CLASSES: Summer students who have not yet attended class by the end of the first full week of the session will be dropped from the class roll.

MAXIMUM CREDIT IN SUMMER SESSION: Summer students may register for no more than a maximum of 12 semester hours credit, without special permission of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

MAXIMUM CREDIT IN WEEKEND CLASSES IN SUMMER SESSION: The maximum number of semester hours credit permissible for students solely in Weekend Classes during Summer Session is six (6), without special permission of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

OVER THIRTY (30) YEARS OF AGE: Students over 30 years of age at the beginning of matriculation at the College may be exempt from physical education activity courses upon approval of his/her department head.

TRANSFER GRADES NOT COMPUTED IN “GPA”: Student grades from other institutions acceptable to Bethune-Cookman College will, nevertheless, not be computed in that student’s cumulative grade point average.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE GRADES DO NOT QUALIFY AS UPPER SCHOOL: No courses completed at a community or junior college will be accepted by Bethune- Cookman College as upper School (300-400) credit. This restriction, however, does not preclude consideration of courses offered by a university or four-year institution given on a community or junior college campus.

RESTRICTION ON PREVIOUSLY EARNED CREDITS: For persons enrolling in the College after an extended period of time, there is generally a 10-year restriction on accepting previously earned credits unless they are part of a degree earned from a regionally accredited institution. Courses/credits earned at Bethune-Cookman College and from other colleges may be evaluated by departments concerned on a course-by-course basis for possible exceptions. The School of Nursing, however, will not accept courses over five (5) years old.

EXCEPTION TO THE 10-YEAR RESTRICTION POLICY: Academic credit will be granted for credits earned at a regionally accredited college or university for courses in which the student earned a grade of “C” or better for students admitted to the School of Graduate and Professional Studies. The 10-year restriction policy will not apply to undergraduate students on the main campus or to professional studies students transferring to the main campus (Adopted by the College Administration, June 2006).

INDIVIDUAL “D” GRADES NOT ACCEPTED FOR TRANSFER: This institution does not accept transfer of individual “D” grades, but does accept them if they are a part of a previously earned Associate of Arts or Bachelor’s degree from another regionally accredited college or university.

DEVELOPMENTAL COURSES NOT TRANSFERABLE: Although Bethune- Cookman College accepts courses transferred from other institutions that lead to a college degree at this institution, it does not accept developmental/remedial courses from another institution.

THE UNDERGRADUATE CATALOG REQUIRED: Students are required to complete their graduation requirements under the undergraduate catalog in which they first entered, unless he/she leaves the college for five years of more. When a student returns to the college after five years, he/she must follow the current undergraduate catalog. See RESTRICTION ON PREVIOUS GRADES (above).

CONFERENCES WITH ADVISOR: The student is expected to arrange necessary conference (s) with the academic advisor according to the advisor’s posted schedule. Mandatory conference(s) required before registering for each semester and applying for graduation.

REPEAT ARTICULATION: A student may repeat a course in which the student receives a D or F grade, and only the hours earned from the higher grade are computed in the grade point average (GPA). If a student makes the same grade in the repeated course in this situation, only one grade is calculated in the GPA.

GRADES ON PERMANENT RECORD: All grades, courses, and hours attempted and earned remain a part of the student’s permanent record. (Also see academic regulation on GRADE FORGIVENESS.)

GRADE FORGIVENESS: When students change their major from one academic school to another, a maximum of eight failed course hours (or two courses of D or F grades) in one former major may be forgiven; i.e., not calculated in the cumulative grade point average. It is the responsibility of the student to initiate the process of the “forgiveness policy” through the Office of the Registrar after having officially changed the major and spent at least one grading period in the new major (taking at least and successfully passing one course required for that new major).

NONFORGIVENESS OF GRADES: Grades will not be forgiven for a student who registered for 12 semester hours or more for the sole purpose of receiving financial aid.

REQUIRED REPEAT: A student is required to repeat a course and earn, at least, a grade of “C” in the major field and in EN 131, EN 132, MA 131, MA 132, MA 135, MA 136, RE 260, SC 230 or equivalent when the grade of D or F is earned.

CONTINUOUS ENROLLMENT IN CERTAIN GENERAL STUDIES COURSES: Students must be continuously enrolled in general studies mathematics, English, reading, and freshman seminar courses each semester until satisfactory completion.

BEFORE SENIOR SEMINAR: Before students may enter senior seminar classes, they must first pass EN 131 & EN 132, the English subtest and the Essay subtest of the College- Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST) and one other subtest (A total of three subtests).

“CLAST” REQUIRED: All students must satisfy the Bethune-Cookman College requirement for passing CLAST - before graduation. The requirement may be satisfied by either passing the four subtests of the CLAST or by meeting the CLAST exemption requirements. Students transferring with a A.A. Degree from a Florida community college or equivalent credit hours from a Florida public university may use one (1) exemption granted by that college and MUST pass the other remaining subtests. Only one exemption of either subtest of the CLAST is permitted. This exemption must be approved by Bethune-Cookman, not another institution. THE CLAST EXEMPTION POLICY, APPLICATION FOR EXEMPTION, AND APPLICATION FOR A WAIVER CAN BE OBTAINED IN THE TESTING OFFICE (FAITH HALL, #10).

Upon completion of 18 college credits to include reading, math and English, students are required to take the CLAST, and any sections that are not passed should be attempted every semester thereafter. If a student is eligible for an exemption, he or she must submit an application to the Testing Office in Faith Hall. Academic Advisors will track their advisees’ progress and enforce this requirement.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS: Only students who have completed all academic requirements for graduation, including CLAST, are allowed to participate in commencement exercises. Additionally, all official transcripts, which include transfer credits to be used to satisfy graduation requirements must be received in the Office of the Registrar BEFORE a student is allowed to participate in commencement exercises.

RELEASE OF DIPLOMAS: No student will receive a diploma until all grades (including transfer grades) and test scores have been posted to transcript and all final obligations have been cleared.

LAST THIRTY (30) HOURS: In order to graduate, the last 30 semester hours, of major area courses, must be completed in courses conducted by Bethune-Cookman College.

SENIOR STUDENTS: Senior students (those having 93 or more hours completed) may take up to 23 hours each semester during their senior year. Tuition charges will be assessed according to current policies of the Fiscal Affairs Office.

TO WITHDRAW FROM BETHUNE-COOKMAN COLLEGE: A student may withdraw from Bethune-Cookman College and receive the transcript notation “W” by completing a Withdrawal Form available in the guidance department in the Office of Career Services- not later than 10 school days before the final examination period during the fall and spring semesters and five school days before final examination period during the summer term. Failure to withdraw properly will result in F grades for each course that semester or summer.

The Buckley Amendment to the General Education Provisions Act stipulates that students may have access to their official files and that no transcripts may be issued without written requests. The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 gives the College the right to make public, at its discretion and without prior authorization from the student, the following information: name; class; home or college address and telephone number; major field; date and place of birth; dates of attendance at Bethune-Cookman College; degrees, honors and awards received; and previous school most recently attended. The law also gives students the right to place limitations on the release of any of this information. A student who wishes to do so must file a special form with the Office of the Registrar each year by September 15. In practice, the College does not indiscriminately release information about individual students.

Official transcripts of student academic records, for transfer to another institution or any other purpose, may be obtained from the Office of the Registrar upon written authorization by the student. Transcripts are official only if the embossed seal of the College appears. Copies are available only to the student personally. As a safeguard against improper disclosure of academic information, no transcript request will be accepted by telephone. Two complimentary official copies of a transcript are issued at the time of graduation.

A charge of $5.00 is made for all subsequent official copies and $3.00 for unofficial copies. Outstanding balances: Requests for transcripts will not be granted if the student has a balance. However if the student is enrolled during the time of the request, an unofficial copy can be released upon request and payment of same. A transcript of a student’s record received from another university or college becomes a permanent part of the student’s file and is not forwarded to another institution. The student must request a transcript from the original institution.

Unit of Credit: Bethune-Cookman College awards semester hour credits. One semester hour credit is normally given for a class that meets 60 minutes per week in lecture or recitation, or at least 120 minutes per week in laboratory practice, for approximately 16 weeks. Semester hour credits are also awarded for shorter than 16-week sessions, when longer class periods are used to permit the necessary total time required in lecture, recitation or laboratory.

Students will receive credit only for those courses for which they are officially registered in the computer, for which they pay the necessary tuition at the time of registration; and for which they earn satisfactory grades.

Bethune-Cookman College Grading System:

Grade		Interpretation		Point Value
A		Excellent		4
B		Good		3
C		Average		2
D		Passing		1
F		Failure		0
W		Official withdrawal from the college, no penalty		0
DR		Dropped course, no credit given		0
S		Passing grade in pre-college or developmental courses		0
NR		Failing grade in pre-college or developmental courses		0
		sed in the same manner as an “F for repeating courses
AU		Audit, no credit		0
NG		No grade assigned		0
I		Incomplete becomes “F if requirements not satisfied by date stated on the College calendar
R		Repeat articulation agreement
FG		Forgiven grade of D or F; (See Grade Forgiveness)

Required Standardized Grading Scale:

Percent		Grade
90 - 100		A
80 - 89		B
70 - 79		C
60 - 69		D
0 - 59		F

All graduate students must consistently do “B” quality work or better in their coursework and maintain a cumulative 3.00 GPA. The University requires a final cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 (“B”) for receiving the master’s degree. Grades of “C” are considered less than satisfactory. A student may have no more than one “C” in maintaining good standing and must have at least one “A” to offset a “C” in order to maintain a 3.00 GPA. If a student receives a “C” in a second course, she/he will be dismissed from the program. Failing grades are considered unsatisfactory; any failing grade will result in automatic dismissal from the program.

PreCollege Courses: Grades in developmental or precollege courses are S (Satisfactory), NR (Needs to Repeat), or F (Failure). The grade of F indicates that the student had excessive absences and the F will be calculated in the cumulative grade point average until the course is repeated and a better grade earned.

Full-Time Course Load: For a student to be considered full-time, he or she must be registered for not less than 12 semester hours credit.

Grade Point Average Calculation Example: If a student received “A” in three three-hour courses, “B” in two three-hour courses, and “C” in one one-hour course, the GPA would be computed by the following method:

		Credit hours for Course		Quality Points per hour		Quality points per course
				(A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1)
Course I		3		4 (“A grade) =		12
Course II		3		4 (“A grade) =		12
Course III		3		4 (“A grade) =		12
Course IV		3		3 (“B grade) =		9
Course V		3		3 (“B grade) =		9
Course VI		1		2 ( “C grade) =		2
		16 total				56 total quality points

The total quality points (56) divided by the total hours attempted (16) yields the grade point average (3.50) (56 ÷ 16 = 3.50).

Course Number System:

101-199 freshman courses 200-299 sophomore courses
300-399 junior courses
400-499 senior courses
“(H)” when printed by course description indicates “Honors” courses.

A student has the right to appeal decisions regarding the final grade(s) in a specific course. Before initiating a petition for appeal, the student should attempt to resolve the problem directly with the professor and/or area coordinator/department head.

Steps in the grade appeal process are as follows:

1. The student submits a written statement to the professor’s school dean within six weeks setting forth the complaint, efforts to resolve it, and supporting evidence or justification for the complaint. The dean, on receipt of this petition, should provide a copy of the complaint to the professor or person concerned.
    
2. The dean will appoint a committee* to review the written statement from the student, secure additional information that the student may have, and to hear and examine evidence and information that the professor of the person concerned may have in support of his decision. Both the student and the professor shall each receive reasonable notice of the hearing before the faculty committee and be permitted to be present at the hearing. In addition, the parties shall have the right to present evidence and to examine any witnesses who should testify. The committee then makes a recommendation to the dean, along with all of the supporting data, and the dean renders a decision in the case, which is immediately communicated in writing to the student, the person(s) concerned, and the committee.
    
3. If the student or the person(s) concerned is dissatisfied with the decision of the professor’s school dean, the student may appeal to the vice president for academic affairs. If this is done, the vice president for academic affairs will review all of the information and, if the vice president wishes, refer it to a committee** to investigate the situation further and recommend action, and then render a decision in the case which is to be communicated to the student, the person(s) concerned, the dean, and the members of the committee participating in the case.

*This committee may have representation from other academic schools as well as other professionals who have expertise in the particular discipline under discussion.

**Composed of four faculty representatives and senior student(s).

THE GRADE APPEAL MUST BE INITIATED WITHIN SIX (6) WEEKS OF THE DATE CLASSES END.

The Gordon Rule (State Rule 6A-10.30) applies to students who first enrolled in any college or university after October 1982. The rule requires students to complete 24,000 words of composition in four courses (12 semester hours) and to complete two courses (6 semester hours) of mathematics at the level of college algebra or higher. Each course must be completed with a grade of “C” or better. CLEP and other forms of credit by examination may not be used to satisfy the composition portion of the Gordon Rule Requirement.

Some B-CC courses, which are required by the General Education Program, may also be used to satisfy the Gordon Rule. The General Education Program courses may satisfy Gordon Rule requirements as follows:

Gordon Rule Requirement:		GEP Courses Which Satisfy:
1. Six (6) hours of math at the level of college algebra or higher.		(1) College Algebra 131, College Mathematics 132 or equivalents (2) statistics or computer science
Any 300 level or above course in math, statistics or computer science may also be used toward fulfillment of the math portion of the Gordon Rule Requirement.
2. Twelve (12) hours of course work in which the student must complete 24,000 words of composition.		(1) Six (6) hours of College English 131-132 (2) Six (6) hour sequence of History

All literature and composition courses taught by the Department of English fulfill 6,000 words of the composition portion of the Gordon Rule Requirement. Additional specific upper level courses may also be used to meet the Gordon Rule composition requirements.

Fall Semester (14-15 weeks) August - December
Spring Semester (14-15 weeks) January - April
Summer Session (7 weeks) May and June

A student is required to maintain an honor code. Charges of cheating on tests or examinations, plagiarism in the production of written papers, other products or processes subjects the student to disciplinary action by the faculty and administration.

As members of an academic community, which places a high value on truth and the pursuit of knowledge, students are expected to be honest in every phase of their academic life and to present as their own work only that which is genuinely theirs. Students have the responsibility to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity and to refrain from cheating, plagiarism or any other form of academic dishonesty.

Students who are academically dishonest undermine the integrity of the College. If students receive recognition through academic dishonesty, the value of the degrees is diminished, and the reputations of the College and its graduates are jeopardized. Thus, academic dishonesty not only hurts the College, it is unfair to other students.

This information is intended to help students understand academic honesty and protect themselves from academic dishonesty. Consequently, students must maintain close communication with their instructors in order to clarify codes and conditions.

A complete definition of academic dishonesty and disciplinary procedures, followed when necessary, are found in the College’s student handbook.

When there is reason to suspect a student has violated either a University policy on academic honesty, or the instructor’s specific codes as found in the course syllabus, the instructor should discuss the charges and the evidence with the student, preferably in private. Without taking punitive action, the instructor will submit a written report to the school dean through the department head. The report of the instructor should include such information as the instructor’s charge against the student, evidence supporting the instructor’s charge, and a summary of the discussion between the student and the instructor, including any admission or denial of guilt.

Upon receipt of the instructor’s report, the school dean will inform the student in writing of his/her right to a hearing and enclose a copy of the instructor’s entire report. The student will not be permitted to withdraw from a course during such investigation. If the student does not request a hearing by the school dean, the dean will notify the instructor and the student of the consequence, with a copy to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. If the student chooses to appeal the dean’s decision:

1. The student will be permitted five school days from receipt of the dean’s letter to request an appeal before the Administrative Panel. The letter requesting the appeal shall be submitted to the Vice President for Student Affairs.

2. If the request for appeal is granted, then the Vice President for Student Affairs will schedule a hearing.

3. At the appeal hearing, all parties will have an opportunity to respond to the charges, to present evidence and/or argument on all issues involved, and to present rebuttal evidence. The hearing will be conducted in an informal but orderly manner.

4. The decision of the Administrative Panel is considered to be final.

Assignments and coursework should incorporate to the greatest extent possible action research and collaborative learning to facilitate the higher levels of cognitive processes including application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation.

Matriculating students (enrolled students pursuing a degree in a specific major at Bethune- Cookman College) desiring credit for a course through examination must contact the department head of the area which offers the course. ALL COURSES ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR CREDIT BY EXAMINATION.

Credit may be earned for no more than two courses through CREDIT BY EXAMINATION.

If the course in question is available for credit by examination, as approved by the department head:

1. The student makes arrangements to take the examination (date, time, place, who will be administering the exam) with the department head.

2. Student picks up Credit by Examination Form from the Office of the Registrar.

3. Student goes to Student Accounts Office to pay for the examination, which will be the cost of number of hours that the course carries.

4. Student takes the form and the receipt or statement, showing that the cost of the examination credit hours has been paid, to the department head or instructor administering the examination either on the exam date or before. NO EXAM IS TO BE ADMINISTERED WITHOUT PROOF OF PAYMENT.

5. Student takes examination and leaves all paperwork with instructor. IF THE EXAMINATION IS FAILED, STUDENT LOSES MONEY. Credit by Exam determines only credit hours. The grade is not calculated in the student’s grade point average.

Independent study may be taken only by matriculating students who are in acceptable standing.

Independent study must be approved by the instructor, the department head, the school dean, and the vice president for academic affairs.

Independent study may be taken only during the student’s final two semesters and only if there is an absolute need for the course in order to satisfy major area requirements for graduation. Independent study may take place only when other alternatives have been exhausted.

Independent study may be administered only by full-time faculty.

Independent study courses are limited to one (1) in a student’s major program of study.

A student will pay the normal course fee for an independent study course.

Independent study will not be granted if the course is being taught during the same semester at any Bethune-Cookman College location within a 60 mile radius of where the student normally attends class.

Under no circumstances will independent study be approved after two weeks of the start of a semester or after the first week of a summer session.

Independent study must be for a course listed in the undergraduate catalog.

This independent study policy applies also to special students (nondegree seeking) who enroll in certificate/special programs.

Add: A course may be added only during the official “Change of Program” period from the first day of classes to the last day of the add period as defined in the College calendar and/or registration instructions. Approval of the student’s academic advisor is necessary before any course change.

Drop: A course may be dropped from the first day of classes to the last day of the drop period as defined in the College calendar or registration instructions. Approval by the student’s academic advisor is necessary. The teacher has the option to drop a student from the class roster up to mid-term (except for general education mathematics, English, reading and freshman seminar) for reasons of unexcused absences. The drop policy, therefore, does not apply to general education courses in mathematics, English, reading, and freshman seminar.

“W” (withdrawal) is given only when a student has withdrawn from the College by filing the proper forms which may be obtained from the guidance department in Career Services and turned in to Office of the Registrar upon obtaining proper signatures. Continuing Education Site coordinators are responsible for students withdrawing at sites, through the Office of the Registrar. If a student is compelled to withdraw from college because of illness or other conditions beyond control, a grade of “W” will be given. Proper procedure must be followed by the student or proxy for withdrawal. Failure to withdraw properly will result in the grade of “F”.

There is a need to adhere to competency indicators in assuring student development and evaluation. Quality assessment indicators include but are not limited to student learning outcomes, course evaluations, faculty evaluations, program evaluations, and student/employee-employer assessments.

Students should expect a 48 hour turn-around time for responses to questions relating to online courses unless the faculty member has notified the students that he or she will be unavailable, in which case, no examinations or other assignment deadlines may be imposed within the time the instructor is unavailable.

Students must have fully met their financial obligations to the school before taking final examinations. Students who are in default must clear their balances and present a clearance slip to the School of Graduate and Professional Studies before they will be allowed to take final exams. A student who fails to produce a clearance slip will receive an incomplete (“I”) grade for the class provided that the student is passing the course.

As a general rule, the student should spend at least two hours studying for every hour of classroom instruction. For online coursework, the student is expected to spend even more time studying in order to infuse readings, reflection and application into the workplace or internship. Online courses require organization and dedication. Students should expect to spend some time every day online and in study. Procrastination will lead to failure because of the intense reading, writing and response requirements. If a student finds himself/herself behind in a course, it is incumbent upon him/her to contact the instructor immediately, in order to work out a plan to catch up.

1. Students are eligible for academic honors at the end of each semester if they have earned the following averages while carrying at least 12 semester hours for that semester: President’s List, grade point average of 3.75 or above; Dean’s List, grade point average of 3.50 through 3.74; Honor Roll, grade point average of 3.25 through 3.49; and Honorable Mention, grade point average of 3.0 through 3.24.

2. Students are eligible for the following honors at graduation for excellence in scholarship on the basis of the minimum designated cumulative grade point average (CGPA): cum laude, 3.25; magna cum laude, 3.5; summa cum laude, 3.75. Students receiving these honors must have completed at least two years (60 semester hours) of residence work at Bethune-Cookman College.

3. Upon the recommendation of the director of the Honors Program, “Honors Program Graduate” will be designated on the diploma of any honors student who has completed 21 credit hours of honors courses in the Honors Program, and who has maintained a CGPA of 3.3.

The following table indicates the classification of students according to the number of college semester hours, class, minimum acceptable standing, probation, and automatic dismissal.

College Sem. Hrs.		Class		Minimum Acceptable Standing		Probation		Automatic Dismissal
0 - 27		Freshman		1.85		Below 1.85		Below 1.25
28 - 57		Sophomore		2.00		Below 2.00		Below 1.75
58 - 91		Junior		2.00		Below 2.00		Below 1.80
92 - and up		Senior		2.00		Below 2.00		Below 1.90

1. Freshman Forgiveness Policy: A first semester, first-time Bethune-Cookman College freshman will not be dismissed for academic reasons unless the freshman’s CGPA is below 0.50 or less than four hours were earned in the semester. This policy does not apply to transfer students. Developmental courses are considered as credit courses for purposes of this policy only; i.e., satisfactory completion of a three hour developmental course (such as EN 112) will be considered as passing three hours.
    
2. SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS: A student who fails to accumulate 15 college-credit hours AND at least 1.85 CGPA after being enrolled for three semesters will be dismissed for one academic year. A summer session may be included in the three semesters. During the year of dismissal, the student should attend a community college in order to improve basic skills in deficient areas. A transcript of such work must be presented to the Academic Appeals Committee upon application for readmission to Bethune-Cookman College.

3. Academic probation and dismissal will be indicated on the student transcript. A student may matriculate on probation for two consecutive semesters only before being dismissed. A student will be dismissed permanently on the third academic dismissal.

   Students who are academically dismissed, but desire to raise their cumulative grade point average to acceptable standing through summer study, must enroll in the summer session at Bethune-Cookman College.

   Students who attend summer session at Bethune-Cookman College but whose summer session grades do not raise the cumulative grade point average to continuing status will remain on academic dismissal.

4. In order to reenter the College, following at least one semester of academic dismissal, a student must complete a readmission application which may be obtained from the Office of the Registrar.

Appeal Process

A dismissed student may appeal in writing to the Academic Appeals for continuation. Should the committee recommend, the vice president for academic affairs (VPAA) may permit the student to continue for one additional semester. All appeal letters should be sent to the VPAA by the first day of the registration period. If readmitted, the student resumes the exit CGPA subprobationary status with a maximum load of 13 semester hours. Failure to achieve the CGPA required during the semester of readmission will result in dismissal from the College, except in cases where the student achieved at least 3.0 average during that semester.

Should the committee fail to recommend continuation or the VPAA does not grant continuation, the student will be dismissed and will remain on academic dismissal for at least one semester.

Before a student is graduated by Bethune-Cookman College the following are required:

1. Complete satisfactorily a major in a field of study with a minimum of 124 semester hours of work and twice as many grade points as hours earned (a cumulative grade point average at Bethune-Cookman College of not less than “C” or 2.0).

2. Satisfy College-Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST) requirements.

3. Pass at specified level, a senior exit examination that may include a standardized examination and/or a major area comprehensive examination.

4. Complete a senior seminar and senior research paper.

5. File an Application for Degree with the Office of the Registrar at least 60 days prior to the date expected to receive the degree.

6. Demonstrate to the satisfaction of the College sound ethical character and high standards of conduct consistent with the policies of the College.

7. Assume full responsibility for completing all requirements for the degree sought and satisfy fully any financial obligation to the College.

8. Remove any incomplete grade in time for evaluation by the instructor and subsequent submission of grade to the Office of the Registrar.

9. Have on file in the Office of the Registrar all official transcripts from other colleges where  courses were taken and credits earned that will be counted towards degree requirements.

10. Spend at least one full year of residence in study at Bethune-Cookman College. The last semester of study must be pursued in residence at the College.

11. Report for exit interview in the Financial Aid Office. (This procedure applies only to those students who have received assistance from federal student loans during their tenure at Bethune-Cookman College.)

12. File resume/personal data sheet and references with the Career Services Office, 1st Floor, Parlin Center.

13. Return all books and pay all library fines or satisfy other obligations to the Carl S. Swisher Library.

Bethune-Cookman College’s commitment to Civic Participation and Social Responsibility is reflected in the College’s official motto, “Enter to Learn … . Depart to Serve.” Indeed, the spirit of service and outreach has been one of the institution’s guiding principles since its founding in 1904. The College has a long history of service to the surrounding community as evidenced in such programs as its National Youth Sports Program which is almost 30 years old. Through this program, community youth between 10 and 16 years of age are given opportunities to participate in sports programs, health services, educational opportunities, and cultural experiences. The College’s Talent Search Program is more than 30 years old and offers community youth information, educational guidance, counseling, and campus tours designed to encourage low-income and first generation middle and high school students to go on to college.

The College’s International Institute for Civic Participation and Social Responsibility was first introduced to the College family and the community at large as a central component of President Trudie Kibbe Reed’s new administration and long-term vision for the College Family. The presence of the International Institute for Civic Participation and Social Responsibility demonstrates the College’s commitment to continuing Dr. Bethune’s legacy of service to the surrounding community, the city of Daytona Beach, the state of Florida, and the nation. The College is committed to making its resources, including its faculty, staff, students and, whenever possible, its facilities available to the children as well as the men and women of Daytona Beach through an ever-increasing variety of partnerships and collaborations. Several major components are associated with the work of the Institute, including the annual Civic Participation and Social Responsibility Legacy Forum, Campus Living/Learning Centers, Community Outreach Centers, Family Life Literacy Centers, MMB National Institute, Student Internship/Volunteerism, Student Exchange Programs in Foreign Countries, Service Learning Spiritual and Leadership Development Initiatives, an annual International Symposium, and a National Speakers Bureau/Lecture Series. Students as well as faculty and staff are intimately involved in all of the Institute’s components.

The College is also proud to be one of the original 10 Project Pericles institutions in the country. Today, there are 20 Periclean colleges and universities and Bethune-Cookman College is one of only three historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) among the country’s Periclean colleges and universities. The other two are Dillard University and Spelman College. As a Project Pericles institution of higher learning, the Board of Trustees for the College has made a commitment to Project Pericles, Inc., the parent organization that was founded by its President and CEO, philanthropist, Mr. Eugene Lang. Our commitment is that educating the College’s undergraduate student body for active citizenship will forever be an important part of the College’s mission. Through Project Pericles activities and programming, students are exposed to film series, debates, guest lecturers, petition drives, city commission meetings, political task force issues and initiatives, and a wealth of other citizenengagement opportunities. Through both the Institute and Project Pericles, students are reminded of their responsibility as citizens of a democracy and that as “Mary’s children” they are expected to become knowledgeable about issues as well as actively involved as leaders and even change agents for those among our citizenry least able to do so.

Bethune-Cookman students are also participants in the HBCU Mentoring Initiative. Through this civic participation and social responsibility program, 60 Bethune-Cookman students serve as mentors for K-12 students in Volusia County as well as offer mentoring support to fellow freshmen and sophomore students. These students earn a living allowance and, after completing 450 mentoring hours, an educational award. The educational award can be applied to outstanding balances, summer school, or graduate study.

Students are especially proud of the volunteer time they spend with the TKR Community Reading Program because of its impact on the youngest members of the community. TKR children range from five to 10 years old. Scheduled for three hours on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, each child has several Bethune-Cookman College students working with him/her on reading and comprehension skills, and presentation skills as well as critical thinking and vocabulary development. As the program’s founder, President Reed has made a commitment to provide support to the college education of these young children. In 2005 the College’s Board of Trustees voted to set aside interest from an almost 1 million dollar Vision Validators Program. As volunteers, Bethune-Cookman College students provide invaluable support as mentors, tutors, support staff.

The Charles Cherry Community Holiday Festival is possible only because of Bethune- Cookman’s student volunteers who arrive early to set up for the festival and remain after all others have departed to take down the game stations, clean the grounds, load tables, chairs, and other tasks associated with running a successful festival. The festival is a partnership between the Daytona Beach Department of Leisure Services and the Daytona Times Newspaper. The festival is named posthumously after Mr. Charles Cherry, owner and publisher of the Daytona Times Newspaper, five-term city commissioner, and civil rights activist. Members of the Fighting Wildcats are a highlight of the festival and spend hours signing autographs for children and adults alike. Both the College’s Concert Chorale and Marching Band perform regularly at this annual partnership event. The Charles Cherry Community Holiday Festival is a major civic participation and social responsibility event.

The College’s commitment to Civic Participation and Social Responsibility comes alive in its Monthly Community Meetings. These important meetings are held both on and off campus and are facilitated by the President. Each sector of the College plays a vital role in the overall success of the Monthly Community Meeting as issues are brought to the floor for discussion, debate, and consensus building through open dialogue and critical thinking. The Community Meetings offer an excellent opportunity for students to present themselves as team/audience participants as well as facilitators for break-out sessions. Additional community service hours are accumulated by students through participating in follow-up activities such as conducting surveys, preparing neighborhood business directories, and conducting interviews.

The Daytona Beach community benefits daily from the presence of Bethune-Cookman College students who volunteer their time and skills at elementary, middle, and high schools throughout the city. In addition, city agencies and organizations welcome our students as they contribute volunteer hours throughout each academic year worth millions of dollars. Students are required to begin earning community service/outreach hours during the second semester of their freshman year. A minimum of 15 service hours must be completed at that time. Programs such as Word Wizards, which involves students enrolled in Reading 260 classes, have proven invaluable to Turie T. Small Elementary School’s movement from a state-rated F school to a state rated A school. Other Bethune-Cookman students tutor and mentor children at Bonner Elementary School, Westside Elementary School, David Hinson Elementary School, Campbell Middle School, Mainland High School, the Police Athletic League, the Mary McLeod Bethune Community Center’s After School Programs, Daytona Beach Community College’s College Reach-out Program (CROP), Boys and Girls Clubs of America as well as after school and summer programs at the Richard V. Moore and John H. Dickerson Community Centers. Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), a student organization of marketing majors, sponsor an annual Holiday Shop for the community’s children in November. As a completely free service, accounting majors prepare individual federal income tax returns for community residents and fellow college students as a part of their Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Nursing students routinely sponsor blood drives, breast and prostate cancer screenings, and conduct community health fairs.

The College’s commitment to Civic Participation and Social Responsibility is not confined to the efforts and activities of its students. Faculty members, staff, and administrators are committed to the axiom that, “service is the price you pay for the space you take.”

Subsequently, Bethune-Cookman College administrators, faculty, and staff volunteer their time to serve on the boards of various community agencies and institutions. They provide grant writing assistance to nonprofits and serve as leaders of such bodies as the “Friends” an organization that supports area public libraries.

Bethune-Cookman College has built a reputation as a viable center for research, as a supplement to teaching, particularly in the areas of the natural and social sciences. External funds, derived from contracts and grants from private foundations, as well as local, state, and federal agencies, are used to support the research, to provide stipends and research opportunities for students and faculty members, and to improve research facilities.

In addition, the College funds research grants through the Bethune-Cookman College Research Foundation. The Research Grant Program serves to stimulate initial research priorto submission to external sources. Some of the significant research efforts involve the community outreach programs, teaching and learning strategies, drug use prevention among youth, instructional materials development in the basic skills and other areas, political activities, and sociological phenomena.

A National Science Foundation supported Undergraduate Program supports faculty initiated pilot research projects in sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Undergraduate students in the STEM disciplines at the College receive research training and financial support through these research activities.

Modern Language Research is done in International Studies Abroad; in International Business Languages and Cultures; in Foreign Language proficiency; and Foreign Language for functional uses in various career programs, such as Medical Personnel, Social Services, Business and Finance, as well as for Law Enforcement and teachers in multicultural classrooms.

Each academic school requires senior students to write senior theses/research papers. A faculty committee selects the best senior thesis paper from each school for publication in the annual Undergraduate Research Journal. The journal not only showcases the research papers of our graduating seniors but also provides models of excellence to our rising seniors.

A number of faculty and staff members have distinguished themselves and are renowned in their fields. As a consequence, faculty members are (a) listed in some of the most prestigious publications (including but not limited to Who’s Who in American Education, and Who’s Who in America) and (b) recipients of numerous awards and citations, such as keys to cities, and memberships in learned and honorary societies such as Beta Kappa Psi, American Chemical Society, Pi Lambda Theta, Phi Kappa Phi, and Phi Beta Kappa. Faculty members present papers and research findings at state and national meetings.

The College Policy on Academic/Research Honesty

The College takes an uncompromising position against plagiarism, the willful distortion of data and research findings, the deliberate misrepresentation of data and research findings, and the deliberate omission and falsification of data and research findings. The integrity of the institution must be protected at all costs and failure to adhere to the policy unnecessarily jeopardizes the academic and fiscal health of the College. This policy pertains to proposals submitted for external funding; papers presented as public presentations, written publications, both oral and written speeches, and the like.