Academic Regulations and Policy

The procedures, policies, and regulations stated in this section are designed to assist Bethune-Cookman University students during their matriculation.

Academic Regulations

Special attention should be given to the following regulations.

Attendance

Students are expected to take advantage of the educational opportunities available to them by attending classes and laboratory periods.  Class attendance and participation are part of the requirements for passing the course (see individual course syllabi for information regarding class attendance and participation).  Excessive absences may result in lower grades.

Students who are absent are responsible for completing and submitting all assignments.  If students miss a scheduled assignment, quiz, midterm or final exam, students must obtain the instructor’s approval to make up work.

Excused Absences:

Excused absences may include those incurred by the student’s participation in university or class sponsored activities, family emergencies, and significant illness. (Proof of family emergencies and illness is an important factor in being permitted to make up missed assignments).

Verification of Attendance:

At the beginning of each Semester, faculty members are required to verify class attendance per Federal Financial Aid Regulations. The second purpose is to ensure that students sitting in their classes are listed on the official class rosters. Once generated, the Verification of Attendance Report is sent to the Office of Financial Aid according to the published deadline. Students will receive credit only for those courses for which they are officially registered and for which they pay the necessary tuition at the time of registration.

Syllabus:

The syllabus is an agreement between the student and the faculty member. Students will receive a class syllabus at the beginning of the term for each course in which they are enrolled.

Conferences With Student Success Coaches:

Each student is assigned a student success coach. The student success coach will give advice on required courses and other pertinent academic information. It is the responsibility of the student to review his or her progress each Semester with the student success coach and to keep informed of changes, procedures, and regulations which may affect successful pursuit of a university degree.

Before making a final choice of courses, all students should consult with the assigned student success coach and, when in doubt, the instructor in charge of a particular course. Electives should be chosen in support of the student’s major field and in keeping with the interests of the student.

Mandatory conference(s) are required before completing the University’s Application for Graduation.

(Students classified as seniors should submit degree applications to the Office of the Registrar for degree audits as soon as they earn 92 Semester Hours.)

Continuous Enrollment in Certain General Education Courses:

Students must continuously enroll in general education Mathematics, English, and Effective Oral Communication courses each Semester until a minimum passing grade of C is earned.

Final Examination Schedules:

The Office of the Registrar will schedule final examination dates and times.

Physical Education Exemptions:

Students over 30 years of age, at the beginning of their matriculation at the University, may be  exempted from health and wellness courses. Alternative courses are available and may be used to earn credit.

Student Course Load:

Course Load Restriction:

• Students on academic probation will be limited to a maximum load of 15 Semester credit Hours. (See Satisfactory Academic Progress, Academic Probation, and Dismissal)

Overload Requirements:

• The academic requirements for taking an overload, 19-23 Semester Hours, is a minimum 66 cumulative grade point average of 3.0. Course overloads may be granted by permission of the academic deans.

Residency Requirement: In order to earn a degree from Bethune-Cookman University, at least 25% of the credit Hours required for the degree must be earned at the University.

Grades:

Issuance of “I” (Incomplete) Grades:

Instructors may issue “I” or Incomplete grades to students who, for legitimate reasons, have not completed coursework at the time final grades must be submitted. At the time the request is made, the student must be passing the course with the required minimum grade for the course. At the discretion of the instructor, an “I” grade may be given to a student who is experiencing extraordinary personal challenges, but who has not formally requested an Incomplete grade.

Removal of “I” Grades:

It is the student’s responsibility to initiate action to meet with the instructor and complete the work necessary to remove the “I” grade.  Students receiving “I” grades should report to the instructor(s) who issued the grade(s) within the first week of classes in their next Semester of enrollment. The assignments needed to remove the “I” grade(s) must be completed within the first six weeks of the next Semester. Failure to complete the assigned work in the appropriate time frame will cause “I”s to automatically change to “F” grades.

Grade Change Policy:

All grades (A, B, C, D, F) are considered final when assigned by an instructor at the end of a term.  Final grades can be changed if an instructor makes the request based on a computational or procedural error in the original assignment of a grade.  A change of grade may not take place as a result of additional work submitted, re-evaluation, or other special arrangements.  A request for a grade change is accompanied by supporting material.

Procedure:

1. The grade change is initiated by the instructor
2. The instructor submits the grade change form, with supporting documentation to the Department Chair.  If the Chair approves, the form and supporting materials are submitted to the Academic Dean.
3. If the grade change is approved, the Academic Dean submits the form and supporting materials to the Provost.
4. If the grade change is approved, the Provost sends the form to the Registrar.

Grade changes can only happen within a year of the initial assigned grade.  Additionally, grade changes may not occur after a student has graduated.

Grade Repeat Policy:

Students must complete all General Education courses in which they receive and “F” grade.  Students must repeat the following specific General Education courses if they receive grades lower than a “C.”

English, Mathematics, and Effective Oral Communications: EN 131, 132 or (EN 134 & 135 Honors), MAT 131, MAT 132, MAT 134 or (MAT 135, 136 OR MAB 138), (MAT 141 & 142, Honors), and SC 230 (SC 240 Honors).

Students must repeat all major courses if they receive grades lower than a “C.”

Repeat:

The University will only compute the hours earned from the higher grade in the calculation of the cumulative grade point average (GPA). If a student makes the same grade in the repeated course, the grade for the repeated course will NOT be recalculated into the student’s GPA. All grades, courses and hours attempted/earned, remain a part of the student’s permanent record.

Grade Forgiveness:

When students change their major a maximum of two (2) courses, totaling less than nine credits, in one former major may be forgiven (i.e., not calculated in the cumulative grade point average.). This option is available only once. All courses will remain a part of the student’s permanent record.

It is the responsibility of the student to initiate the process of the “forgiveness policy” by obtaining the appropriate approval from their student success coach or faculty advisor and having it approved by the Dean of their new major.

Students must have officially changed their major and spent at least one (1) Semester in the new major (taking and passing at least one (1) course required for the new major). The completed form should be returned to the Office of the Registrar. General education courses are not eligible for grade forgiveness.

Right to Appeal a Final Grade:

Every student has the right to appeal final grades given by an instructor. Steps in the grade appeal process are outlined under “Student Grade Appeal.”

Transfer Academic Credit:

Bethune-Cookman University will accept transferable credits if the following criteria are met:

• The credits are obtained from an institution that is regionally accredited or equivalent.
• A grade of C or better was achieved.
• The credits can be applied to a selected degree program at B-CU.
• Advanced Placement (AP) exam scores of 3 or higher are achieved.
• International Baccalaureate (IB) exam scores of 5 or higher, or if you have an IB Diploma a minimum of 4 must be achieved.
• College Level Examination Program (CLEP) scores of 50 or higher are achieved.
• Official transcripts and appropriate documentation are received for evaluation.

Transfer Students With Associate of Arts Degrees

Students holding A.A. degrees from a regionally accredited College or University will be fully admitted and accepted as upper level transfer students. Students must also meet admission requirements for specific majors.

Additionally:

• Transfer grades are not included in computing a student’s grade point average at Bethune-Cookman University.
• To earn a degree from Bethune-Cookman University, at least 25% of the credit hours required for the degree must be earned at the University (25 percent rule).  As such, a maximum of 90 transfer credit hours may be applied towards the degree.
• For some transfer students additional institutional learning outcomes may be required before graduation.
• For evaluation of International and Military credits the University may require the use of third party services.
• Credits will not be accepted for transfer into the University if courses are more than 10 years old. Exceptions to this policy can only be made by the Office of the Provost.

To Withdraw From Bethune-Cookman University:

Withdrawal from the University can only be successfully completed by following specific prescribed steps. Failure to follow the process to the end may result in unnecessary charges to the student’s account and/or failing grades.

A student who desires to withdraw from the university must contact the Student Success Center and explain the circumstances which he or she feels require him or her to withdraw from the university. The student is then directed to the offices indicated on the Withdrawal Form to secure clearance, including Financial Aid and Office of the Bursar. If living on campus, the student is also required to turn in all residence hall keys to the counselor of the residence hall in which the student is residing and meet all other stipulations required by the university. A student must bring the signed form to the Office of the Registrar for processing. If the student does not return the form, but leaves the university, the student’s classes will NOT be dropped. A student may receive ‘F’ grades for nonattendance. A student must notify the Dean of Students’ and Registrar’s Office in writing within 48 Hours (2 business days) if he or she changes his or her mind about withdrawing from the University.

Students who choose to withdraw after the published Last Day to Withdraw will receive a grade of “WF” on their permanent record. “WF” grades calculate the same as a grade of “F”.

If final examinations are scheduled to take place 10 days or less at the time the student begins the withdrawal process in either the Fall or Spring Terms, he or she will not be allowed to withdraw from the University. If final examinations are scheduled to take place 5 days or less at the time the student begins the withdrawal process during either the Summer A or B Term, he or she will not be allowed to withdraw from the University.

Proper withdrawal from the University will result in a notation of “W” being placed beside each course the student enrolled in the Semester or summer term of the withdrawal. Failure to properly drop classes or withdraw from the university will result in “F” grades for nonattendance.

Note: Adjustments to Tuition will only be made to a student’s account based on the date the student “officially” withdraws from Bethune-Cookman University. For additional details, please review one of the following: “Institutional Refund Policy for Fees” under Student Accounts on the B-CU Website, or see the policy in the university catalog. Students may also contact Student Accounts.

Privacy of Student Records and Information

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 to any party without a written request from the student.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974

Notice to Students

With limited exceptions, including “directory information,” no personally identifiable information from the education records of any current or former student will be disclosed to any third party, except authorized companies providing official services to the College, by any official or employee of the College without written consent of the student or as required by law. “Directory information” includes the student’s name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student. A student has the right to prohibit the release of his or her own “directory information” by advising the Office of the Registrar in writing.

Notification of Rights under FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights include:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the University receives a request for access.
    
   Students should submit to the Vice President for Enrollment Management written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The Vice President for Enrollment Management will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the Vice President for Enrollment Management, he/she shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.

2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education record(s) that the student believes is inaccurate.  
              
   Students may ask the University to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate. They should write the University official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why they believe it to be inaccurate.  
              
   If the University decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the University will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment in writing. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.

3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.  
              
   One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the University has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.  
              
   A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.  
              
   Upon request, the University discloses education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Bethune-Cookman University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:

   Family Policy Compliance Office
   U.S. Department of Education
   400 Maryland Avenue, SW
   Washington, DC 20202-5901

Official Transcripts

Official transcripts of student academic records, for transfer to another institution or for 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 University appears on them. Unofficial copies of transcripts are available only to the student. As a safeguard against improper disclosure of academic information, transcript requests will not be accepted over the telephone or by email.

There is a fee for official or unofficial transcripts. The University issues two complimentary official transcripts, along with the diploma, to each of its graduates. Requests for official 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 made of the required fee. A transcript of a student’s record, received from another university or college, becomes a permanent part of the student’s file at Bethune-Cookman. The transcripts cannot be forwarded to another institution. Should a student need a copy of the transcript, he or she must make an original request from the previous institution.

To order transcripts, go to Getmytranscript.com. 

Course Credit and Grading Information

Unit of Credit:

Bethune-Cookman University awards semester credit hours for both online and residential courses.  A minimum of 750 minutes (fifteen 50 minute classroom hours) of instruction is required for each credit hour, including final examinations for residential courses.  Laboratory practice requires additional hours per week. The content of online courses must be equivalent in depth to residential courses.  Both residential and online courses are 15 weeks in length. Semester hour credits are also awarded for courses which are shorter than 15 weeks; however, in these instances class periods are longer in order to complete the total time required in lecture or laboratory.

Students will receive credit only for those courses for which they are officially registered and for which they pay the necessary tuition at the time of registration. Minimum passing grades are required to earn credit.

Grading System

Students are graded according to the following grade point average (GPA) system

Full-Time Course Load: Students registered for 12 or more Semester Hours.
Part-Time Course Load: Students registered for less than 12 Semester Hours.

Grade Point Average Calculation Example:

If a student received an “A” in three 3-Hour courses, a “B” in two 3-Hour courses, and a “C” in one 1-Hour course, the GPA would be computed by using the following method:

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

Bethune-Cookman University truncates each student’s grade point at the hundredth (e.g. 3.504 = 3.50; 3.506 = 3.50).

Explanation of Course Number System:

 
“H”- Printed next to course number indicates Honors courses.

Student Complaint and Grade Appeal Processes

Each unit will establish a committee, Academic and Professional Standards Committee that will have oversight of the student complaint and grade appeal processes.

Purpose:
The purpose of the Committee is to make recommendations to the Dean of the Unit concerning student progression, retention, dismissal, appeal of grades, and exceptions to established guidelines.

Responsibilities:

1. Review student complaints and make recommendations to the Dean of the Unit.
2. Review student grade appeals and make recommendations to the Dean of the Unit.
3. Review petitions for exceptions to established policies and guidelines and make recommendations to the Dean of the Unit.
4. The Committee may request that a student or faculty person meet with the Committee to provide further edification. No determination will be made in the presence of the student or faculty person.
5. The student may request to meet with the Committee. A meeting may be scheduled at the discretion of the Committee.
6. A determination shall be made and the complainant (student) notified within 10 business days of receipt of the complaint or grade appeal.
7. Determinations are final and binding within the Unit.
8. The Dean of the Unit has the right to review all determinations made by the Committee, and recommend that the decision be overturned if there is evidence of impropriety, unfairness, bias, inequitableness or injustice in the decision making process. The Dean is required to submit concerns and the rationale for the recommendation to the Committee before the student is notified.

Membership:
Membership shall be voluntary for a period of one academic year. The Committee shall include a representative from each program comprising the Unit. There shall be no less than 4 full-time faculty members serving in the role of representative. The Committee shall also comprise 2 student representatives who will serve as voting members. The Dean of the Unit may serve in an ex-officio, non-voting capacity.

Chairperson:
The Chairperson will be elected by a majority vote of the Committee. The position will be held for a period of 2 academic years.

Meetings:
Meetings will be held monthly and as needed.

Student Complaint and Grade Appeal Processes
Bethune-Cookman University is committed to supporting the student matriculation process. It is our intent to positively resolve issues, complaints, and concerns that may impact the success of students in meeting student learning outcomes. The complaint and grade appeal procedures provide students with an opportunity to express their perceptions of conditions within the Unit that may be viewed as an impediment to successful progression in the curriculum, as well as to have grades awarded reviewed by an impartial body; and to provide relief.

Student Complaint Procedure:

1. The student should discuss the matter (issue, concern, complaint, condition, etc.) with the instructor directly involved or whom the complaint is being lodged.
2. If there is no relief or satisfaction, the student may submit written documentation of the complaint to the Dean of the Unit, using the Student Complaint Form.
3. The Dean will convene the unit’s Academic and Professional Standards Committee. The Committee will consider the matter and make a  recommendation to the Dean of the Unit
4. Upon receipt of the recommendation, the Dean of the Unit will render a decision.
5. The student and the instructor have the right to appeal the decision of the college/school Dean to the Office of the Provost.  The Provost may convene an Appeals Committee.  The Provost will investigate and render a decision.  The decision of the Provost is final.

Student Grade Appeal Procedure:

Students have the right to appeal the grades awarded in courses. This may include the following but are not limited to the following:

•  Course exams
•  Course tests
•  Course mid-term exams
•  Course final exams
•  Course projects (individual/group)
•  Course papers
•  Course field experiences
•  Final course grades
•  Other assignments

Students will have 3 business days or 72 business hours from the day that grades are posted or otherwise given to contest a grade. The period in which a grade may be contested will end at 5:00 pm on the 3rd business day after the grade is posted.

1. The student should discuss the contested grade with the faculty person of the course.
2. If there is no relief or satisfaction, the student may submit written documentation and the rationale for the contested grade to the Dean of the Unit.
3. The Dean will convene the Unit’s Academic and Professional Standards Committee. The Student Grade Appeal Form must be used. The Committee will consider the matter and make a recommendation to the Dean of the Unit.
4. Upon receipt of the recommendation, the Dean of the Unit will render a decision.
5. The student and the instructor have the right to appeal the decision of the College/School Dean to the Office of the Provost.  The Provost may convene an Appeals Committee.  The Provost will investigate and render a decision.  The decision of the Provost is final.

Exceptions to Established Policies and Guidelines:

Students have the right to request an exception to any of the Unit’s policies and established guidelines. Letters of Exception should be submitted to the Dean of the Unit who will forward the request to the Academic and Professional Standards Committee. The committee will submit its recommendation to the Dean of the Unit.

Academic Terms

Academic Honesty-Honor Code

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 will result in 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 University. If students receive recognition, the value of the recognition is diminished if the student is accused of academic dishonesty. In such cases, the reputation of the University and its graduates are jeopardized.  Academic dishonesty hurts the University and is unfair to other students.

This information is intended to help students understand academic honesty and provide guidance on how to protect them 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 are found in the University’s Student Handbook.

When there is a 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 dean through the chair. The instructor’s report should include the 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 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 the course during an academic dishonesty investigation. If the student does not request a hearing by the dean, the dean will render a decision and, subsequently, notify the instructor and the student.

A copy of the dean’s decision will be forwarded to the Provost. If the student chooses to appeal the dean’s decision:

1. The student will be permitted five (5) school days from receipt of the dean’s letter to request an appeal before the Appeals Committee. The letter requesting the appeal shall be submitted to the Provost.

2. If the request for appeal is granted, then the Provost 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.

The Appeals Committee will provide a recommendation to the Provost who will render a decision.  The decision is final.

Course Substitutions

Upon the approval of the appropriate academic chair and dean, students may substitute courses in their program of study.  This may include courses transferred into the University.

Students must obtain the Course Substitution Request Form from the Student Success Center and obtain appropriate signatures for processing:  the department chair of the area responsible for the substituted course, the dean of the academic school that offers the course, and the student success coach. The form must then be submitted to the Office of the Provost for final approval.

Credit by Examination

Students desiring credit for a course through examination must contact the department chair of the area which offers the course. SOME 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 and approved by the department chair, the student follows the following steps:

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

2. The student picks up the Credit by Examination Form from the Student Success Center.

3. The student goes to the Office of Student Accounts to determine the cost for the class which is based on the number of credit Hours. The student then goes to the Cashier’s Office to pay for the examination.

4. The student takes the form and the receipt, showing that the examination has been paid, to the department chair or instructor administering the examination. NO EXAMINATION IS TO BE ADMINISTERED WITHOUT PROOF OF PAYMENT.

5. The student takes the examination and leaves all paperwork with the instructor. IF THE EXAMINATION IS FAILED, THE STUDENT LOSES THE PAYMENT FOR THE EXAM. Credit by Examination earns only credit Hours. The grade is not calculated in the student’s grade point average.

Independent Study

1. Independent Study may take place only after other alternatives have been exhausted.

2. Independent Study must be approved by the instructor, the department chair, the school dean, and the Provost.

3. 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.

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

5. Independent Study may be administered only by full-time faculty.

6. Independent Study courses are limited to two (2) during the student’s matriculation.

7. A student will pay the normal course fee for an Independent Study course.

8. Under no circumstances will Independent Study be approved after two weeks from the start of a Semester or after the first week of a summer session.

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

10. This Independent Study policy applies to all students.

Add-Drop Policy

Adding a Class

Students desiring to add a course may do so only during the registration period until the last day of late registration. Approval of the student’s academic student success coach is recommended before any course change can be made. Added courses are not finalized until appropriate forms are delivered to the Office of the Registrar by the student. The student will received a dated and signed copy of the form upon receipt.

Dropping a Class

A student desiring to drop a course should initiate drop procedures via a conversation with the classroom instructor. A course may be dropped from the first day of classes to the last day of the drop period as defined in the University calendar. Dropped classes are not official until a properly completed Drop/Add Form is completed by the student and submitted to the Office of the Registrar. The student will receive a dated and signed copy of the form upon receipt.

A reduction in course load below 12 hours may jeopardize a student’s eligibility to receive a full financial aid package and ability to participate in campus and intercollegiate activities.

Academic Standing Policy

Academic standing provides the University with a measure of academic progress. It aids the University in identification of students in academic difficulty who may need additional assistance. A student’s academic standing determines eligibility for enrollment and participation in extra-curricular activities. Academic standing is separate from financial aid eligibility and does not impact judicial standing.

Undergraduate student academic standing is determined by cumulative grade point average (CGPA).

• Cumulative GPA. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 is required for good academic standing.

• Progress toward degree. A student must successfully complete (with a grade of A, B, C, D or S) a minimum of 67% of all attempted credit hours each semester to remain in good academic standing. Grades of F, U, W, I, DR, NR, NG and WD do not demonstrate successful course completion.

Bethune-Cookman University defines the following four levels of undergraduate academic standing for degree-seeking students:

• Good academic standing -Students in good academic standing are academically eligible for all of the rights and privileges of an undergraduate student at Bethune-Cookman University. A student is in good academic standing if s/he has a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher and has completed 67% of credit hours attempted for the semester.

• Academic warning - Students on academic warning are able to continue enrollment, however, they are not generally eligible for extra-curricular activities (please see specific criteria for the activity) and are required to develop an academic plan with their Success Coach or academic advisor. Students who do not meet the criteria for good academic standing in a given semester (including summer) will have the status of “academic warning” for the following fall or spring semester.

• Academic probation - Students on academic probation are able to continue enrollment, however, they are not eligible for extra-curricular activities. These students must continue to follow the academic plan developed while on academic warning, and must take and pass a minimum of 12 credit hours in the following semester (excluding summer). A student who is on academic warning and fails to meet the criteria for good academic standing in a given semester (including summer) will have the status of “academic probation” for the following fall or spring semester.

• Academic dismissal - Students who are academically dismissed from the University may not enroll at Bethune-Cookman University for the following fall or spring semester. After one semester of absence (excluding summer), an academically dismissed student may apply for re-admission to the University.

Students will be reviewed for academic progress at the end of each semester. If after one semester of review a student is not meeting the minimum academic standards required, s/he will be placed on academic warning. If after two consecutive semesters of review, a student is not meeting the minimum academic standards required, s/he will be placed on academic probation. The student is not academically dismissed from the University, and instead has a last opportunity to recover and meet the minimum academic standards. If after three consecutive semesters a student is not meeting the minimum academic progress standards, s/he will be academically dismissed from the University for one fall or spring semester. 

Overview of Academic Status

Academic Honors

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 college-level Semester credit Hours: 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 at Bethune-Cookman University.

3. Upon the recommendation of the Dean of the Honors College, “Honors Program Graduate” will be written on the diploma of an Honors Program student who has completed 21 college-level Semester credit Hours of honors courses and who has maintained a CGPA of 3.3.

NOTE: Bethune-Cookman University truncates grade point averages to the nearest hundred; i.e., 3.50.

Graduation Requirements:

Only students, who have completed all academic requirements and all financial aid obligations, will be allowed to participate in commencement exercises. Additionally, the Office of the Registrar must receive all official transcripts, which include transfer credits necessary for satisfying graduation requirements, BEFORE a student is allowed to participate in commencement exercises.

Courses can change year-to-year, (for example, in credit hours or in prerequisites) or be discontinued as a result of curricular review.  Therefore, students are eligible for more recent catalog years if it is to their benefit.  Students must consult with their advisor prior to making changes in their catalog year and receive approval from their academic chair or dean.  In addition, students who change majors will be governed by the requirements at the time of acceptance into their new major without change of General Education requirements except as specified by the new major. Due to program accreditation requirements, students in certain majors may not have this option

Students must meet and/or satisfy the following requirements in order to graduate  from Bethune-Cookman University:

1. Satisfactorily complete a major in a field of study with a minimum of 120 Semester Hours of degree level course work and have a minimum cumulative grade point average of “C” or 2.0.
2. Assume full responsibility for all financial obligations to the University, including participating in a financial aid exit interview through the Financial Aid Office.  Reporting for the financial aid exit interview is a FEDERAL GOVERNMENT REQUIREMENT for students who have received assistance through federal student loans during their matriculation at Bethune-Cookman University.

Definition of a Minor

A minor consists of at least 18 hours, with a minimum of eight (8) hours above the introductory level.  A minor is based in a discipline and thus is defined by each academic school and department.  Any student may declare a minor; however, a minor should be considered by students who want to build depth in a subfield complementary to their major, pursue personal interests, satisfy intellectual curiosity, or enhance their opportunities for employment or for admission to graduate or professional schools. 

1. A student is limited to two minors.
2. When taking two minors, at least half of the courses must be counted exclusively for each minor and may not be double-counted.
3. A student must complete a minimum of six credits of course work exclusive to the minor.
4. At least 50% of the credits applied toward the minor must be completed at Bethune-Cookman University.
5. A student who wishes to pursue a minor should do so by the beginning of the senior year.
6. A student must maintain a 2.0 GPA for the coursework used to obtain a minor.

Students who are interested in declaring, changing, or dropping a minor should consult with an appropriate academic advisor and complete a Change of Major/Minor Form which the student must submit to the Office of the Registrar for processing.

Equal Employment and Educational Opportunities

Bethune-Cookman University is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity in all phases of the employment relationship, including advertising, hiring, compensation and other terms and conditions of employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran’s status, or marital status. The University is also committed to the principles of nondiscrimination in its educational programs and activities. No person shall, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability or sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination in any program or activity of the University. Any employee or student who has a complaint regarding the University’s compliance with these standards should contact the Office of Regulatory and Legal Affairs in the Department of Human Resources Management.

Sexual Harassment

Statement of Policy

Bethune-Cookman University is committed to maintaining an educational and working environment free from sexual harassment and sexual violence. Sexual harassment or sexual violence by any employee or student is prohibited and will not be tolerated. Persons violating this policy will be subject to disciplinary action which may include, but is not be limited to, written warning, demotion, transfer, suspension, expulsion, dismissal, or termination.

No employee or student shall sexually harass or commit sexual violence against another employee or student, nor shall any employee or student sexually harass or commit sexual violence against any person with whom they have contact in connection with their employment or academic pursuits. No employee or student shall threaten another current or prospective employee or student by stating, suggesting or otherwise indicating that said individual’s refusal to submit to sexual advances will result in an adverse job or academic action. No employee or student shall promise a current or prospective faculty, staff or student any benefit in return for submission to sexual advances or granting sexual favors. Any employment or academic decisions which carry out such threats or promises are likewise prohibited.