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 the 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

The maximum load for undergraduate students is 18 credit hours during the semester or any combination of fall or spring sessions, 12 credit hours during the 8-week session, 14 credit hours during the 10-week session or any combination of summer sessions, and 4 credit hours during the Intersession.

Students on academic probation are ineligible to take courses in sessions shorter than 8 weeks.

Semester: A semester is defined as the regular 16-week academic terms, to include the fall term beginning in August and ending in December; and the spring term beginning in January and ending in April or May.

Sub-term: A sub-term is defined as any of the accelerated terms that may occur during a semester, in the summer, or during an intersession. Sub-terms may range from two weeks to ten weeks in length.

Academic Overload 

On approval of the Dean, students may enroll in an academic overload for any session with the exception of the intersession. In order to be eligible for an overload, a student must have completed a minimum of 66 credit hours and have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00. The maximum student course overload is 24 credit hours in a single semester or any combination of fall or spring sessions and 18 credit hours during the 10-week session or any combination of summer sessions.

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

Revised July 1, 2018

Faculty members 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 faculty member, 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

Revised July 1, 2018

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.

It is the student’s responsibility to initiate action to meet with the faculty member and complete the work necessary to remove the “I” grade.  Students receiving “I” grades should report to the faculty member(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 the “I”(s) to automatically change to “F” grades. 

At the end of the time period specified, the original faculty member will file the necessary form and submit the appropriate final letter grade to the Office of the Registrar. (Revised July 2018)

Grade Change Policy

Revised July 1, 2018

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 grade can also be changed as a result of a grade appeal.  See student grade appeal procedure. 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 initially 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 an “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 in which 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 a written request that identifies 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 to be 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 Grade Appeal Processes

Revised July 1, 2018

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 grade appeal procedure provides students with an opportunity to have awarded grades reviewed by an impartial body and to provide relief.  Before initiating a petition for appeal, the student should attempt to resolve the problem directly with the professor and/or department chair.  Should efforts to resolve the problem with the professor and/or department chair be unsuccessful, the student has the right to file a formal appeal.  Students must consult their respective academic college or school guidelines which may differ.

Student Grade Appeal Procedure:

Students have the right to appeal the grades awarded in courses.

1. Students will have ten business days from the day that grades are posted or otherwise given before initiating the appeal.  The student should submit a written statement to the academic dean within ten days setting forth the complaint, efforts to resolve it, and supporting evidence or justification for the complaint. The academic dean, on receipt of this petition, should provide a copy of the complaint to the faculty.
2. The Dean will convene the committee charged with reviewing matters of concern. The Committee will 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 may have in support of her/his decision. Both the student and the faculty 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. Students enrolled in online degree programs will be granted the option of attending the hearing via Skype or Zoom. 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 faculty concerned, and the committee. 
3. If the student or the faculty concerned is dissatisfied with the decision of the academic dean, either may appeal to the Office of the Provost. If this is done, the Provost will review all of the information and the Provost may convene a committee to investigate the situation further and recommend action.  The Provost will render a decision in the case which is to be communicated to the student, the faculty concerned, the academic dean, and the members of the committee participating in the case.  The decision of the Provost is final.

Academic Terms

Academic Honesty-Honor Code

Revised July 1, 2018

Bethune-Cookman University students are expected to abide by the B-CU Student Honor Code in all academic activities. 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 any form of academic dishonesty.

Academic dishonesty, such as cheating, plagiarism or other actions to create an unfair academic advantage for oneself or a disadvantage for another other member or members of the academic community, is antithetical to learning and inconsistent with the Institutional Core Values. 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. A complete definition of academic dishonesty and disciplinary procedures are found in the B-CU Student Honor Code.

Suspected violation of either a University policy on academic honesty or the instructor’s specific codes, as found in the course syllabus, will be handled in accordance with the B-CU Honor Code.

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 to 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 receive 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

(Revised September 20, 2017)

Academic standing provides the University with a measure of academic progress. It aids the University in the 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 both semester and cumulative grade point average (GPA).

• Semester GPA. A minimum semester grade point average of 2.00, and;
• Cumulative GPA. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 is required for good academic standing.

Bethune-Cookman University defines the following 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 (CGPA) of 2.00 or higher and a semester GPA of 2.00 or higher for the last semester enrolled.

• Academic warning -  A full-time student who maintains a CGPA of 2.0 or higher, but does not achieve a semester GPA of 2.00 or higher in a given semester (including summer) will have the status of “academic warning” for the following fall or spring semester. Students on academic warning are able to continue enrollment and are required to develop an academic plan with their Success Coach or academic advisor.
• Academic probation - A student (full-time or part-time) whose CGPA falls below a 2.00, in a given semester (including summer) will have the status of “academic probation” for the following fall or spring semester. Students on academic probation are able to continue enrollment and are required to develop or continue to follow the academic plan developed while on academic warning. A student on academic probation who fails to meet the minimum CGPA requirement, but passes 100% of his/her classes and meets all other requirements, including achievement of the milestones set forth in the academic plan, may continue on academic probation.
• Academic dismissal - A student who is on academic probation and fails to make sufficient progress as outlined above will be academically dismissed. Students who are academically dismissed from the University may not enroll at Bethune-Cookman University for the following fall or spring semester. A student who is academically dismissed may apply for re-entry to the University after one semester of absence (excluding summer), as outlined below. Students who are academically dismissed will be allowed to take up to six credit hours in summer school beginning the first summer session after dismissal to demonstrate an ability to recover. The process for appeal of an academic dismissal is outlined below. Upon reentry to the University, all academically dismissed students will have the status of “academic probation” and adhere to the following in order to maintain enrollment:
  • The student, in conjunction with the Student Success Coach or academic advisor, must develop and implement an academic recovery plan;
  • The student cannot be enrolled in more than 15 total credit hours if enrolled in a regular academic semester, or in a total of six credit hours in if enrolled in the summer or enrolled only in a sub-term.
  • The student must achieve a GPA of 2.00 or higher for the new enrollment term;
  • The student must pass all classes taken in the first enrollment term, or the first 12 credit hours if the student is not a full-time student or is enrolled in subterms. (Note: these courses must be courses that count toward graduation);
• Final Academic Dismissal: A third academic dismissal from the University, will be considered final.

Appealing academic dismissal

The student must complete the academic dismissal appeal form and submit the form to the Dean of the student’s College/School for review by their designated committee. In addition, the student must submit a letter of support from a faculty member in the department of the student’s major. Should the student wish to change their major, the appeal should be to the new College/School and letters are required from a faculty member in both the current and the intended major.

Reentry after academic dismissal

When a student is dismissed from the University the student is dropped from all courses and may not return for the next fall or spring semester following the dismissal.

Reentry into the university is not automatic or guaranteed and each individual case is reviewed carefully by the designated committee of the student’s academic unit.  Although the lack of a 2.00 CGPA contributes to the dismissal it is not the absolute threshold to be readmitted.  The designated committee carefully reviews the student’s attempts to rectify what led to the dismissal, the student’s readiness to return as well as the student’s potential for success.

A student can repair his or her academic record by enrolling in no more than six hours in summer school.  This may aid a student in improving his or her CGPA; however, courses in summer sessions are intense and students should carefully select courses that will benefit their academic career.  A student who wishes to enroll in summer sessions should contact the Office of the Registrar.

A student can demonstrate a commitment to improving his or her academic record by enrolling in courses at another institution. While performance in the courses will be taken into consideration by the designated committee in the students’ academic unit and the courses can be transferred, the grades do not transfer, and will not serve to improve the student’s academic record. A student who wishes to enroll at another institution should complete the Transient Student Permission Request form.

In order to be considered for reentry, an academically dismissed student must complete the reentry application and submit it along with a letter of appeal and a letter of recommendation from a faculty member in the student’s major. The application package should be submitted to the Dean of the College or School in which the major resides. Reentry applications are due October 30 for the spring semester and March 30 for the Fall semester. The reentry application will be reviewed by the College/School Committee, and the student will be notified of the decision by December 1 for the spring semester and May 1 for the fall semester. If a student has been absent from Bethune-Cookman University for more than one calendar year, the student must also apply for resubmission.

Overview of Academic Status

^*Full or part-time status is determined by the prior academic semester.

^*Full or part-time status is determined by the prior academic semester.

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 Associate Provost, “Honors Program Graduate” will be placed on the diploma of an Honors Program student who has completed 21 college-level semester credit hours of honors courses and who have 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 a 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 coursework 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 coursework 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.