University Regulations

Students are responsible for knowing and abiding by the policies included in this catalogue.

Academic Honor Code

The University of North Carolina is a community of high academic standards where academic integrity is valued. UNCW students are committed to honesty and truthfulness in academic inquiry and in the pursuit of knowledge. Any member of the university community who has reasonable grounds to believe that an infraction of the Student Academic Honor Code has occurred has an obligation to report the alleged violation. This obligation is a core value of the Honor Code and must be fulfilled by each and every member of the university.

Academic dishonesty takes many forms, from blatant acts of cheating, bribery, or similar misdeeds to the more subtle forms of plagiarism, all of which are totally unacceptable in an institution of higher learning. Reporting and adjudication procedures have been developed to enforce the policy of academic integrity, to ensure justice, and to protect individual rights. Complete details may be found in the current Code of Student Life (http://www.uncw.edu/cosl) and the Faculty Handbook (http://www.uncw.edu/facsen/documents/Faculty_Handbook.pdf).

Academic Honor Societies

A list of academic honor societies with verified chapters at UNCW may be found at http://www.uncw.edu/aa/Academic_Honor_Societies.html

Advising

Students and their advisors confer when necessary, but they must confer at least once before every registration period to review goals, plans for achieving them, and any problems encountered or anticipated. Students have the responsibility to understand and meet the requirements for the curriculum under which they are studying and should seek advice as appropriate.

Auditing

The auditing of courses without credit is approved by special permission of the Office of the Registrar and of the instructor involved. Students who are approved as auditors may enroll in the course if space is available on the first day of classes. Individuals not regularly enrolled as students in the university who wish to audit courses will be classified as special students and will be required to pay regular tuition and fees, unless otherwise exempted. Enrolled students are permitted to audit courses and must pay the same tuition and fees as required in courses where credit is earned. Courses taken as an Audit will not count towards the calculation of a student’s full-time academic status. See also Repeating of Courses. Students are encouraged to consult the Office of Financial Aid because auditing courses may influence Federal Financial Aid.

Cancellation of Course Registration Policy

An instructor of any course may cancel a student’s registration in his/her course if the registered student fails to attend the first class meeting of the term and fails to notify the instructor of his/her desire to remain enrolled within 24 hours of the class meeting time. Student appeals resulting from emergencies or other extenuating circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the appropriate department chair/school director. Students who wish to drop or withdraw from a class should not assume they have done so by not attending the first class or subsequent classes.

The appropriate dean’s office should notify the relevant department chairperson of late-arrival students who cannot attend the first class meeting because of illness or other reasons approved by a dean of the college or the professional schools.

If an instructor takes cancellation action, the registration openings resulting from this action will be offered to students seeking enrollment in the courses during the official drop/add period.

Change of Major or Minor

All declarations of majors, double majors, and/or minors, as well as any changes to degree programs shall be made through the Major Declaration/Curricular Updates system. Students are advised to consult with their advisor in the original major before changing majors.

Change of Name, Address, or Telephone

It is the obligation of every student to notify the Office of the Registrar in writing of any change in name. Documentation in the form of a government-issued identification (such as valid driver’s license or voter registration card) plus a photo identification is required for name changes.

Change of address and telephone may be updated by way of the student information system through mySeaport.

Class Attendance

Students are expected to be present at all regular class meetings and examinations for the courses in which they are registered. All faculty members are responsible for setting policy concerning the role of attendance in determining grades for their classes. It is the responsibility of the students to learn and comply with the policies set for each class for which they are registered.

An instructor of any course may cancel a student’s registration in his/her course if the registered student fails to attend the first class meeting of the term and fails to notify the instructor of his/her desire to remain enrolled withing 24 hours of the class meeting time. Student appeals resulting from emergencies or other extenuating circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the appropriate department chair/school director. Students who wish to drop or withdraw from a class should not assume they have done so by not attending the first class or subsequent classes.

North Carolina General Statute 116-11(3a) and UNC policy authorize a minimum of two excused absences each academic year for religious observances required by the faith of a student. Students must submit a request for an excused absence, within SeaNet, seven days prior to the religious observance. The student shall be given the opportunity to make up any tests or other work missed due to an excused absence for a religious observance.

Classification of Students

Students are classified as freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Semester hours passed are used to determine these classifications. In order to graduate in eight semesters, a student must average 30 hours each year.

The required number of hours passed for each classification is as follows:

Code of Student Life

The Code of Student Life is the primary source of information regarding the rights, responsibilities, and expected levels of conduct of students in the university community. The Code of Student Life is available in hard copy at the Office of the Dean of Students and online at www.uncw.edu/cosl.

Conversion from Unclassified Status

An unclassified student who has not previously attended another college or university and has met all requirements for admission as a degree candidate may apply to the Office of Admissions to convert to degree status upon completing a minimum of 15 credit hours with a “C” (2.00) average or better on all work attempted. These minimum 15 credit hours must include ENG 101  and three hours of basic mathematics with a grade of “C” (2.00) or better in each of these courses.

An unclassified student who has previously attended another college or university and has met all requirements for admission as a degree candidate may apply to convert to degree status if the student has completed ENG 101  and three hours of basic mathematics with a “C’ (2.00) or better in each of these courses and if the student has achieved a grade point average of at least 2.00 on all work attempted at all institutions attended.

Unclassified students intending to pursue a degree are advised to apply for degree status prior to the application deadline established for the semester. Acceptance into certain degree programs will depend on the student’s prior college performance. See also section on Degree Programs and Requirements  in this catalogue.

Credit by Exam

Credit by examination is available at UNCW for undergraduate students in the following circumstances:

The University of North Carolina Wilmington participates in the advanced placement programs of the College Entrance Examination Board. A website listing of the examinations, required minimum scores, course equivalents, and credits awarded is available online at http://www.uncw.edu/reg/transfercredit-examAP.htm. A student who earns the minimum required score or better on the Advanced Placement test will receive appropriate college credit and advanced placement. Incoming students should have the score reports sent to the Office of Admissions for evaluation concerning placement and credit. Individual departments have determined the specific courses for which credit will be given.

Students may also receive credit by examination for achieving acceptable scores on the “High Level” International Baccalaureate (HL IB) examinations.  A student who earns the minimum required score or better on the International Baccalaureate examinations will receive appropriate college credit and advanced placement.  A website listing of the examinations, required minimum scores, course equivalents, and credits awarded is available online at http://www.uncw.edu/reg/transfercredit-examHLIB.htm. Incoming students should have the score reports sent to the Office of Admissions for evaluation concerning placement and credit.  Individual departments have determined the specific courses for which credit will be given.

Students who are talented and well prepared may also receive credit for a variety of courses by achieving a passing score on one of the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests. Students can register for the offered tests at University Testing Services, https://uncw.edu/testingservices/national/index.html.

Students achieving acceptable scores on the Cambridge International Examination (CIE) and/or Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) Diploma may be eligible for advanced credit. A website listing of the A and/or AS Level subject examinations, required grade, and credits awarded is available at https://uncw.edu/reg/transfercredit-examCIE.html. Examination grades should be sent to the Office of the Registrar. Individual departments continue to review and determine appropriate credit awarded for each subject.

Students who have been exempted with credit from courses at an accredited college or university may be exempted with credit from appropriate courses at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. When the exemption is based on a test result, the student should have a copy of the score report sent to the Office of Admissions. In the cases in which a student has demonstrated knowledge of a particular field by more advanced course work, exemptions may be granted on an individual basis by the appropriate department chairperson.

Students can revoke Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate credits earned in high school with approval from a Dean or designee of the student’s College unless a higher- level course for which it is a prerequisite has been successfully completed. Students who choose to revoke credit for a course may not subsequently receive credit by examination for that course. The decision to revoke credit is final and students must consult with their academic adviser before making the request.

Dean’s List

To be included in the Dean’s List at the close of each semester, students must meet one of the following criteria:

1. Students carrying 12-14 hours must earn a grade point average of 3.50 or better with no grade less than “B” (3.00).
2. Students carrying 15 hours or more must earn a grade point average of 3.20 or better with no grade less than “B” (3.00).
3. Students participating in the Honors Scholars College who are carrying 12-14 total hours but are not receiving a grade for the current semester of honors work shall be eligible for the Dean’s List if their grade point average on the remaining 9-11 hours otherwise meets current standards for the Dean’s List.

Students carrying 11 hours or fewer are not eligible for the Dean’s List. Pass/fail hours will not be used in the calculation of Dean’s List.

Declaration of Major

Undergraduate students admitted as first time, first year students may declare and be accepted into a major field of study after completing a minimum of 24 semester hours at the university. After one semester of enrollment, first time, first year students who have earned 30 or more credit hours including UNCW and transfer credit may declare their major with permission from the Director of Center for Academic Advising. 

Undergraduate students admitted as transfer students are required to select a major or a pre-major at the time of admission to UNCW. Advising of transfer students is done within the chosen major field or the Center for Academic Advising when appropriate.

In unique situations and with permission of both the Director of the Center for Academic Advising and the Dean of the receiving College or School or designee, a student may declare their major before the end of their first semester. Colleges, schools, departments, and programs with admission requirements have a pre-major, and that academic unit provides discipline-specific advice. Students accepted into a pre-major status are expected to complete full admission requirements for the major within three semesters.

Degrees with Distinction

Three degrees with distinction are granted to graduating students based on all work attempted in meeting requirements for the degree as follows:

Cum Laude for an overall average of 3.50
Magna Cum Laude for an overall average of 3.70
Summa Cum Laude for an overall average of 3.90

If transfer students first have a UNCW GPA of 3.5 or higher, degrees with distinction are granted to transfer students under the following conditions:

1. The student must have the required overall average on all work attempted (including all transfer courses attempted).
2. The student must have the required average on work attempted at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

Grades issued by a foreign institution are not calculated into the UNCW grade point average in determining degrees with distinction.

For the purposes of the commencement ceremony, including the distribution of honor cords and the printing of the commencement program, distinctions are calculated based on the grades up to, but not including, the student’s final term.

Students who complete the Departmental Honors Program satisfactorily will be graduated “With Honors” in the discipline in which the special work is undertaken. Students who complete the University Honors Program will have the additional designation “University Honors.”

Determining Enrollment Status

Because the university must officially respond to requests for a determination of a student’s enrollment status from outside agencies as well as university offices, the following policy is provided:

UNDERGRADUATE—REGULAR TERM
Full-time status requires a minimum enrollment of 12 credit hours.
Three-quarter-time status requires a minimum enrollment of 9 credit hours.
Half-time status requires a minimum enrollment of 6 credit hours.

UNDERGRADUATE—SUMMER SCHOOL
Full-time status requires a minimum enrollment of 12 credit hours across all sessions in the summer term.
Three-quarter-time status requires a minimum enrollment of 9 credit hours across all sessions in the summer term.
Half-time status requires a minimum enrollment of 6 credit hours across all sessions in the summer term.
Enrollment status for determining financial aid eligibility is calculated across all sessions in the summer term.

E-Mail

The University of North Carolina Wilmington regards e-mail as an official method of communication with students, staff and faculty. The UNCW e-mail address is the official address for faculty, staff and student electronic communications. Faculty, staff and students assume full responsibility for the decision to forward e-mail, and any failure to receive e-mail communications due to an alternative e-mail service does not necessarily constitute a defense for failure to respond. While e-mail is an official method of communication, it is not the only official method of communication and does not exclude alternate methods such as written or oral communications. All members of the university community must maintain good e-mail management habits and adhere to the standards of responsible use specified in the UNCW Responsible Use of Electronic Resources Policy (https://uncw.edu/policies/documents/07.100.00-responsible-use-of-it-resources.pdf) if the institution is to maintain a quality, collaborative computing environment.

Final Examination Policy

University policy requires the scheduling of final examinations. Under this policy, the final examination schedule provides a three-hour period for each examination and allows a maximum of four examinations per day. The length of the final examination, up to a maximum of three hours, is at the discretion of the instructor.

The final examination schedule is published at the beginning of each semester. Courses offered during the day have final examinations during the day. Night courses have final examinations at night.

A student who is scheduled to take three or more final examinations in one calendar day may have one or more rescheduled so that no more than two per day are required. To reschedule an exam the student must notify the three (or four) instructors and the appropriate dean(s) of this desire at least two weeks before the beginning of the final examination period. It will be the responsibility of the instructors, working with the student, to reschedule the exam(s) and so inform the student and the appropriate dean(s) at least one week before the beginning of the final examination period.

Rescheduling of a final examination for an entire class may be done only with the approval of the appropriate dean.

Grade Appeal Procedure

Any student considering a grade appeal should understand that each faculty member has the academic freedom and responsibility to determine grades according to any method, chosen by the faculty member, that is professionally acceptable, communicated to everyone in the class, and applied to all students equally. However, prejudiced or capricious academic evaluation by a faculty member is a violation of a student’s rights and is the valid ground for a grade appeal.

Any student who contests a course grade shall first attempt to resolve the matter with the instructor involved. Failing to reach a satisfactory resolution, the student may appeal the grade in accordance with the procedures outlined below. These procedures are not to be used in cases involving student academic dishonesty. An appeal must be made no later than the last day of the next succeeding regular semester. Grades not appealed by that time become permanent.

1. The student shall present the appeal in writing to the chairperson of the department within which the contested grade was awarded. The written statement shall limit itself to citations of evidence pertaining to the valid ground for the appeal. By conferring with the student and the instructor, the chairperson will seek resolution by mutual agreement.
2. Failing such resolution, the department chairperson shall transmit the written appeal to the appropriate dean who will convene the Grade Appeals Committee.
3. The Grade Appeals Committee shall consist of the convening dean and five faculty members appointed by the dean. If the committee affirms the instructor’s decision, the dean will notify in writing the faculty member, the student, and the department chairperson as appropriate. If the committee supports the student’s appeal, it shall prescribe the method by which the student will be reevaluated. The grade resulting from the prescribed reevaluation is final and may not be further appealed.

Grades and Reports

Unless modified in accordance with established procedures, each grade assigned by faculty (including a grade in a course that has been repeated), or a grade of “W” is permanent and cannot be removed from a student’s official record or transcript.

The University of North Carolina Wilmington uses the grade point system and semester hour credit for calculating student achievement. Plus (+) or minus (-) grades may be awarded at the discretion of the faculty. Grade symbols used are the following:

*Earned grade points equal quality points

The grade point average (GPA) is determined by dividing the accumulated number of grade points (quality points) earned at UNCW by the accumulated number of attempted hours earned at UNCW. Hours for which grades of “F” or “WF” have been assigned are included in the calculation of the GPA. Grades of “I,” “IP,” “W,” “NR,” “Z” and “P” are not included in the calculation of the GPA.

At the discretion of the instructor and in compliance with policies governing appropriate conditions for assigning a grade of Incomplete, a student may be given a grade of Incomplete when the work in the course has not been completed for reasons beyond the control of the student. All incomplete grades must be removed according to a deadline established by the instructor, but no later than the end of the next regular semester, otherwise the “I” becomes “F” and cannot be changed. A student must not register for the class when attempting to remove a grade of Incomplete. No student will be allowed to graduate with an Incomplete grade on his/her academic record. Such grades that have not been resolved at the time of graduation will be converted to an “F.” If a student meets graduation requirements, despite the “F,” the appropriate degree will be awarded.

An “IP” is assigned to departmental honors projects (499) in semesters other than their final one. Upon successful completion of the entire project, “IP” grades from previous semesters are converted to letter grades, and grade points are retroactively awarded.

Grades of “P” and “F” can be assigned to internships designated by a 498 number as described in the section on Internships. The credit hours earned with a “P” will count towards the number of hours required to graduate but will be excluded from the computation of the GPA. Grades of “F” will be included in the computation of the GPA.

Term grades may be accessed via mySeaport.

Indebtedness

All indebtedness to the university must be satisfactorily settled before a diploma or transcript of record will be issued.

Interinstitutional Placeholders

Placeholders are fictitious courses that act as reference points for coursework generated through interinstitutional transfer.  If visible on the transcript, the course will be upgraded as ‘NG’ (Non-Graded) with zero credit hours. The following courses exist as placeholders for interinstitutional relationships with other campuses.

• EXC 294 (Exchange) - appears on an academic transcript with an NG grade and zero credit hours
• STA 294 (Study Abroad) - only appears within registration; appears until foreign transcript is received and processed, then removed
• UPS 294 (University of Paris Sorbonne) - only appears within registration; appears until foreign transcript is received and processed, then removed
• UNCX with any course number (UNC Online) - only appears within registration

Isaac Bear Early College High School Students

Off-Campus Courses

Students may be permitted to earn credits toward degree requirements at UNCW through course work at other regionally-accredited two- and four-year colleges and universities in the United States and abroad, as well as through distance education. To receive permission, a student must submit an online “Permission for Transient Study” request and obtain the approval of his/her department chairperson (or the dean of Center for Academic Advising) prior to registering for the course(s). The online transient study request link and instructions are available at http://www.uncw.edu/reg/transfercredit-transStudy.htm. The permission form must be on file in the Office of the Registrar prior to the student’s leaving campus. Any exception to the residency requirement requires the signature of the department chair and dean. See also Residency Requirement.

Orientation

All new undergraduate students are required to attend an orientation program prior to the beginning of their first term. The purpose of orientation is to acquaint new students with academic requirements, campus resources, and engagement opportunities.

During main campus orientation, first-year and transfer students will work with an academic advisor, meet their peers, learn about campus resources, and register for courses. Transfer students also have the option to complete orientation online. Registration for orientation is required in advance. More information about orientation can be found at https://uncw.edu/admissions/orientation/

All new undergraduate students enrolling in online degree programs will be required to complete an online orientation which will include modules about academics, campus and technology resources, and an overview of e-learning. Academic advising will be provided virtually. Program specific orientations may also be required. For more information, please refer to Distance Education & eLearning webpage, https://uncw.edu/myuncw/academics/deel/online-education/online-orientation

Re-enrolling students admitted to any degree program are not required to participate in orientation, as they previously completed the orientation requirement (either in person or online) at the time of their initial enrollment.

Pass/Fail Courses

Students who have a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or higher and who have successfully completed 45 hours, with at least 12 hours at UNCW, may take up to 9 hours of elective courses on a pass/fail basis. The intent of this option is to encourage students to explore areas of interest beyond their major or minor without concern about compromising their academic record. Students should be selective in choosing such courses. A change of major might mean that a course taken on a pass/fail basis must later be retaken for a grade. In addition, graduate and professional schools and future employers may evaluate such course work differently from graded courses. The following restrictions apply:

• A student may enroll in a course on a pass/fail basis only with the permission of the instructor.
• No more than one course may be taken on a pass/fail basis in a semester or summer session.
• Courses used to fulfill university studies requirements or the requirements of the student’s major, minor, or certificate program may not be taken on a pass/fail basis. Courses repeated to replace a grade may not be taken on a pass/fail basis.
• Students may not change the designation (from graded to pass/fail or from pass/fail to graded) after the drop/add period.
• Pass/fail students are required to complete all course work and examinations and are graded as if they were taking the course for a grade. Students who achieve a passing average receive a grade of “P” for the course. A “P” grade is equivalent to a “D-” or better.
• Credit hours in courses for which a student has earned a “P” are counted toward the hours required for graduation, but are excluded in the computation of the student’s grade point average. Grades of “F” are included in the computation of the grade point average.
• Internships do not count in these elective pass/fail courses.
• Students should be aware of the ramifications which could result from using the pass/fail option:

1. Many graduate schools will not consider “P” grades for entry into a program.
2. Many institutions do not award transfer credit for “P” grades.
3. Pass/fail hours will not be used in the calculation of Dean’s List.

Placement by Examination

For information on credit available by examination through CLEP, IB, AP, etc., see the Credit by Examination section of this page.

Placement into appropriate starting courses in Math, English, and World Languages is in part through examination as detailed below, but is at the discretion of the placing department’s chair.  

English Placement: https://uncw.edu/english/composition/index.html

Math Placement Test: https://uncw.edu/math/placement.html.

World Language and Cultures Placement Test: https://uncw.edu/languages/fllplacementtest.html

Policy Statement on Illegal Drugs

In accordance with policy adopted by the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina and the Board of Trustees of UNCW, disciplinary proceedings against a student, faculty member, administrator, or other employee will be initiated when the alleged conduct is deemed to affect the interest of UNCW. The penalties that may be imposed range from written warnings with probationary status to expulsion from enrollment and discharge from employment.

The full text of the policy appears in the UNCW Policies and Procedures Manual, the Faculty Handbook, and in both the electronic and print forms of the Code of Student Life.

Posthumous Degree

A posthumous degree may be conferred upon a student who dies prior to but close to completion of all requirements for the degree being pursued. Information may be found at http://www.uncw.edu/aa/Policies_Reports/Posthumous-Degree.html.

Progress Toward Graduation in Four Years

To graduate in four years, a student must successfully complete all graduation requirements and an average annual course load of 30 semester hours. This course load requires the student to take approximately 15-16 hours per semester or earn hours through summer enrollment. Among the factors responsible for extending the time necessary to complete degree requirements beyond four years are a student’s late decision to change majors, requiring additional course work; part-time employment while enrolled; family responsibilities; and unilateral decisions to take fewer than the recommended average of 15.5 hours per semester.

Registration

Registration occurs immediately prior to each term and is limited to the time period specified in the university calendar. Classes may not be added after the last day of registration and the add/drop deadline. Degree students may take up to 18 hours without special permission. Students who have a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or higher may be allowed, with special permission of the appropriate dean, to carry up to 21 semester hours.

Cancellation of Registration Due to Failure to Pay Tuition and Fees

Students who fail to pay or make suitable arrangements for payment of tuition and fees will have their registrations cancelled. Non-payment does not constitute official withdrawal from the university. If a student registered, but decides not to attend UNCW, the student MUST notify the Office of the Registrar in writing prior to the first day of the term. Please see Charge for Late Payment of Tuition and Fees  in the section on Expenses , subsection, Tuition and Fees .

Release of Directory Information

The University of North Carolina Wilmington has routinely made public certain information about its students. Typically, UNCW releases the names of students who are selected by the various honorary societies, receive scholarships, make the Dean’s List, hold offices, or are members of athletic teams.

The University of North Carolina defines the term directory information to include the following information: the student’s name, college and major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, dates of attendance, degrees earned, honors and awards received, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student. The university will make public information about each student limited to these categories in ways such as those described above. Of course, information from all these categories is not made public in every listing.

Students who do not wish to have their directory information made public without their prior consent must complete a “Request To Prevent or Allow Disclosure of Directory Information” form in the Office of the Registrar.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Certain personally identifiable information about students (“education records”) may be maintained at the Office of the President of the University of North Carolina, which serves the Board of Governors of the university system. This student information may be the same as, or derivative of, information maintained by a constituent institution of the university; or it may be additional information. Whatever their origins, education records maintained at the Office of the President are subject to the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA).

FERPA provides that a student may inspect his or her education records. If the student finds the records to be inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights, the student may request amendment to the record. FERPA also provides that a student’s personally identifiable information may not be released to someone else unless (1) the student has given a proper consent for disclosure or (2) provisions of FERPA or federal regulations issued pursuant to FERPA permit the information to be released without the student’s consent.

A student may file with the U.S. Department of Education a complaint concerning failure of the Office of the President or an institution to comply with FERPA.

The policies of the Office of the President of the University of North Carolina concerning FERPA may be inspected in the office at each constituent institution designated to maintain the FERPA policies of the institution. Policies of the Office of the President may also be accessed in the Office of the Secretary of The University of North Carolina, Office of the President, 910 Raleigh Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27515-2688.

Further details about FERPA and FERPA procedures at the Office of the President are to be found in the referenced policies. Questions about the policies may be directed to Legal Section, Office of the President, The University of North Carolina, Office of the President Annex Building, 910 Raleigh Road, Chapel Hill, NC (mailing address P.O. Box 2688, Chapel Hill, NC 27515-2688; telephone: 919-962-4588).

Repeating of Courses

Students who receive a grade of “C” (2.00) or better in a course may not repeat the course but may audit without credit. Students who repeat a course in which they have earned credit or for which transfer credit has been awarded, will have the status changed to audit during the term the course is repeated. Students who wish to have the grade for the course repeat show on their transcripts without the course counting in their credit total or grade point average may arrange this before the end of add/drop by submitting an online Graded Course Audit Registration Form. The form and instructions are available in the Office of the Registrar or online at http://www.uncw.edu/reg.

Students who receive a grade below a “C” (2.00) in a course taken at UNCW may repeat the course at UNCW. For the first three different courses repeated, the previous grade and hours of credit for the repeated course will not be used in calculating the student’s grade point average and hours toward graduation. All grades shall remain on the student’s transcript.

In interpreting the policy it is to be understood that:

1. the term “first three times” means
   1. that the policy is automatically operative for a student the first time that the student repeats a course, and
   2. that the three repeats involve three different courses;
2. a student may go beyond three course repeats, but such repeats will not enjoy the privilege of the policy;
3. all students will be able to enjoy the benefits of this policy irrespective of prior course repeat activity;
4. this policy does not govern the repeating of graduate courses (see the Graduate Catalogue for the appropriate policy).

Students enrolled in a special topics course for a grade replacement must enroll in the same topic for which they originally received an unsatisfactory grade. Grades earned in repeated courses will not be used to replace grades earned as part of a degree once it has been conferred.

Note: A failing grade received owing to admitted or adjudicated academic dishonesty shall not be replaced if the course is repeated. Both the penalty grade and the new grade shall appear on the student’s transcript and count in the student’s grade point average. A student may not appeal the policy stated in this paragraph to any faculty or administrative level.

Requirements for a Double Major or a Double Degree

A student may elect to major in two separate disciplines on the condition that the student meets all requirements for each major. A student who completes 120 hours and all requirements for more than one major in the same baccalaureate program will have only one degree conferred, but all majors will be printed on the transcript.

A student who completes 120 credit hours and meets all requirements for majors in different baccalaureate programs may have both degrees conferred. A student may not simultaneously receive two different baccalaureate degrees within the same department (e.g., a B.S. and a B.A. degree).

A student may not normally receive a second baccalaureate degree in a department in which a degree has been earned previously. An exception may be made only when a department has an established policy regarding the circumstances in which a second degree may be awarded.

A student who returns to the university after the initial graduation to complete the requirements for a second major may have the additional major added to the official record upon written notification from the department chairperson that all departmental requirements have been met satisfactorily. A new diploma will be issued reflecting the new major and will be subject to the replacement diploma fee.

Requirements for Another Baccalaureate Degree

A student with a baccalaureate degree from UNCW may receive a second baccalaureate degree in a different major. The student must meet all the requirements for the second degree and major, including 30 hours in residency, at least 15 semester hours in the major at the 300-400 level, and course work that meets the spirit of UNCW’s current university studies requirements.

Requirements for Graduation

Students are expected to request the awarding of degrees prior to the conclusion of their current academic program by applying to graduate. An application for graduation must be submitted online by the date specified in the university calendar for the desired graduation term. A diploma fee is added to the student’s account at the time of application.

Students may qualify for the bachelor’s degree by completing successfully (1) the university studies requirements, (2) the residency requirement, (3) an approved course of study in an academic major, (4) a minimum of 120 semester hours of credit, and (5) fifty percent (one-half) of the minimum semester hours required in the degree must be earned through enrollment in a regionally-accredited 4-year college or university, and (6) a minimum grade point average of 2.00.

Graduation will be certified at the end of the term in which all academic requirements are complete. Upon completion of all requirements, the student will receive the appropriate degree from the following list:  Bachelor of Arts, the Bachelor of Fine Arts, the Bachelor of Music, the Bachelor of Science, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or the Bachelor of Social Work. In advising and registering students, the deans, the Office of the Registrar and advisors try to make certain that every student who intends to graduate from the university registers for those courses that are required for a degree. The student, however, must assume the final responsibility for meeting the graduation requirements set forth in the university catalogue. All degree requirements must be completed within six years of a student’s catalogue.

All graduation requirements must be met before the first day of the subsequent terms, as shown below:

Commencement Participation

A student shall be permitted to participate in the commencement ceremony if the student demonstrates that degree program requirements for graduation are or will be met with the completion of one educational experience (e.g., course, internship, practicum, fieldwork) as defined by their Dean’s office or up to 8 credit hours of coursework during the term immediately following the commencement ceremony. Students who meet these requirements must notify the Office of the Registrar by the posted deadline in the semester of their intent to participate in the ceremony. Their names will not be published in the Commencement Program.

Residency Requirement

To qualify for the bachelor’s degree, students must be enrolled in a degree program at UNCW and must have completed: (1) a minimum of 25 percent of the credit hours required for graduation through courses offered at UNCW and (2) 15 semester hours in the major at the 300-400 level. Exceptions to requirement (2) may be made only with the approval of the department chair or school director, and the appropriate dean. Requirement (1) may not be waived.

Retention, Dismissal and Re-Enrollment

The University of North Carolina Wilmington both encourages and requires intentional pursuit of your degree. In order to remain at the university, all students must meet the requirements outlined below.

Insufficient Academic Progress

An undergraduate is automatically placed on Insufficient Academic Progress if Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is not met. SAP is generally defined as completing 67% of all attempted hours, excluding transfer hours. This is determined by dividing the number of credit hours successfully completed, defined as having earned a D- or better, by the total number of credit hours attempted.

When a student is placed on Insufficient Academic Progress, a notation is placed on the student’s transcript. It is important to note that students on Insufficient Academic Progress may not be making timely progress towards degree completion. It is the responsibility of the student to arrange regular meetings with his or her academic advisor or department chair/director to discuss these issues and to consider specific academic intervention strategies.

Students should refer to the Scholarship and Financial Aid (OSFA) section related to Policy on Return of Title IV Funds for information about how Insufficient Academic Progress impacts financial aid eligibility.

Academic Standing Policy

The academic standing policy is designed to keep students on track to degree completion. Academic standing is calculated to determine a student’s eligibility to enroll in courses. There are four academic standings: Good, Concerning, Warning, and Appeal Required. Students will be notified of their academic standing. Academic programming may be required, as per each college’s discretion, for students who are not in good standing.

Good 
All new students will begin with a standing of Good. Students who earn a 2.000 or higher cumulative GPA will continue to have a standing of Good and may enroll in fall, spring, or summer courses.

Concerning
Students who begin a semester with a standing of Good and earn less than a 2.000 cumulative GPA during that semester will have a standing of Concerning. Students with a standing of Concerning may enroll in fall, spring, or summer courses. Students who begin a semester with a standing of Concerning and earn a cumulative GPA of 2.000 or above will return to Good standing.

Warning
Students who begin a semester with a standing of Concerning and do not earn a cumulative GPA of 2.000 or above will progress to a standing of Warning. Students with a standing of Warning may enroll in fall, spring, or summer courses. Students who begin a semester with a standing of Warning and earn a cumulative GPA of 2.000 or above will return to Good standing.

Appeal Required
Students who begin a semester with a standing of Warning and do not earn a cumulative GPA of 2.000 or above will progress to a standing of Appeal Required and will not be permitted to enroll in courses and any registered courses may be dropped. Students with a standing of Appeal Required who wish to re-enroll must submit an appeal requesting permission to enroll in courses. This appeal will go to a campus-wide Academic Standing Appeal committee that consists of Deans or their delegates, the Director of the Center for Academic Advising, the Director Financial Aid and Scholarships, the Dean of Students, and the Registrar. Students must meet with their advisor to begin the appeal. While appeals will be considered on a rolling basis throughout the year, to enter a specific term, students must submit the appeal 10 business days before the drop/add deadline.

The standings above determine eligibility to enroll in courses at UNCW; however, they do not determine eligibility to enroll in specific programs or colleges.

Readmission

Undergraduate students who left the university in good academic standing for one fall or spring semester do not need to apply for readmission. For those not enrolled at the university for two or more consecutive, regular semesters (excluding summer), a readmission application is required. Applications for readmission and submission deadlines are available from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Readmission to the university does not guarantee readmission to individual academic programs.

Three-year Forgiveness Policy

Any degree-seeking undergraduate student who has not been enrolled at UNCW for three or more years may choose to take advantage of the Three-year Forgiveness Policy. A student must be readmitted and then notify the University of their intention to take advantage of the Three-year Forgiveness policy by the last day of drop/add for the semester in which the student is readmitted. Three-year Forgiveness status, once applied, may not be changed, and will have the following academic consequences:

1. All original coursework attempted is visible on the academic transcript.
2. Any grade of C or higher earned prior to the granting of the Three-year Forgiveness policy will be included in earned credit hours.
3. Any grade of C- or lower earned prior to the granting of the Three-year Forgiveness policy will be excluded from earned credit hours.
4. A failing grade received as a result of a brokered private resolution or adjudicated academic dishonesty shall not be replaced if the course is repeated. A student may not appeal this outcome to any faculty or administrative level.
5. The student’s grade point average will be calculated only for those courses taken after the granting of the Three-year Forgiveness policy.
6. The student will retain all Course Repeat and Grade Replacement options.
7. The course withdrawal bank will reset to 16 credit hours.
8. The student will be ineligible for Degrees with Distinction.
9. This policy may only be applied once.

Student Conduct

The filing of an application for admission shall be construed as both evidence and a pledge that the applicant accepts the standards and regulations of the University of North Carolina Wilmington and agrees to abide by them. Each student, by the act of registering, is obligated to obey all rules and regulations of the university as stated in the Code of Student Life, university catalogue, and other university publications. The university reserves the right to ask for the withdrawal of any student who refuses to adhere to the standards of the institution.

Student Gender-Based/Sexual Misconduct Policy

UNCW is committed to maintaining a positive learning and working environment for students, faculty, and staff.  The University prohibits Sex/Gender-Based Harassment, to include sexual assault, sexual exploitation, sexual violence, stalking, and complicity in the commission of any act prohibited by this policy. These offenses are unlawful, undermine the character and purpose of the University, and will not be tolerated. The Student Gender-Based/Sexual Misconduct Policy reflects UNCW’s continued commitment to provide a safe and non-discriminatory environment for all members of our campus community consistent with the provisions of applicable local and federal laws. The Student Gender-Based/Sexual Misconduct Policy is available in hard copy at the Office of Title IX and Clery Compliance in DePaolo Hall Room 1003 and online at: http://uncw.edu/policies/documents/04130StudentGenderBasedSexualMisconductPolicy.pdf.

Supplemental Credit

Supplementary Math Credit

Students who complete MAT 161  with a grade of “C” (2.00) or better and who receive no advanced placement credit, no transfer credit, and no prior credit at UNCW in mathematics will receive credit for MAT 112 . Students who complete MAT 162  with a grade of “C” (2.00) or better and who receive no advanced placement credit, no transfer credit, and no prior credit at UNCW in mathematics will receive credit for MAT 161 . Students who complete MAT 261  with a grade of “C” (2.00) or better and who receive no advanced placement credit, no transfer credit, and no prior credit at UNCW in mathematics will receive credit for MAT 161  and MAT 162 .

Supplementary World Language Credit

Students who complete, with a grade of “C” (2.00) or better, a French, German, Japanese, Latin, Portuguese or Spanish course numbered 201 or higher (excluding literature and culture classes taught in English) shall be granted supplemental credit as follows: 

·         For completion of a 200-level course, student will receive 3 credit hours for the prior course in the sequence. For completion of SPN 215 , students will receive 3 credit hours for SPN 201 . 

·         For completion of a 300-level course in French, German, Latin or Spanish, student will receive 6 credit hours for 201 and 202. 

·         For completion of SPN 315 , students will receive 6 credit hours for SPN 201  and SPN 215 .

This credit may be used to fulfill university studies requirements.”

Transcripts

Transcripts are permanent student records maintained by the Office of the Registrar. A transcript provides an unabridged chronological listing of the academic history of a student’s study at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. This document is forwarded at the request of the student or former student to persons or agencies for their use in reviewing the academic performance of the student.

The Office of the Registrar issues transcripts to students. Currently enrolled students may request their transcript through mySeaport. Former students may request their transcript through the online ordering portal. Valid picture ID is required for personal pick up of printed transcripts. The fee for each transcript is $8.00 plus delivery costs.

Unless modified in accordance with established procedures, each grade assigned by faculty (including a grade of “W” or a grade in a course that has been repeated) is permanent and cannot be removed from a student’s official record or transcript.

Transfer of Credit

Students transferring to UNCW from another regionally accredited college or university will submit their transcripts to the Office of Admission as part of the application process. Credit will be awarded for all transferable courses earned at another institution for which a grade of C or better is earned. Students are allowed to request a reevaluation of transfer courses by consulting with their academic advisor. To graduate, students must meet the university’s Residency Requirement (see policy). Hours attempted, and grade points earned at other institutions are not used in calculating grade point averages. Transfer credit is used in evaluating eligibility for “Degrees with Distinction“.Colleges and Schools may have more restrictive limits based on the needs of the degree programs as published in the catalogue.

Transient Study

See Off-Campus Courses.

UNCW Policy on Defining a Credit Hour

In defining a credit hour, UNC Wilmington recognizes the University of North Carolina policy on scheduled instructional time or equivalent per credit hour and the Federal definition and Carnegie unit recommendations.

1. For courses taught in a traditional classroom format, a credit hour is normally granted for completion of at least one 50 minute session of classroom instruction per week for 15 weeks, or the equivalent time per semester, and a minimum of 2 hours per week for 15 weeks of out-of-class student work, or the equivalent time per semester.

2. Alternatively, a credit hour may be granted for at least an equivalent amount of work as required in item 1 above for other academic activities or instructional modes of delivery, such as distance education, blended distance and face-to-face instruction, laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.

https://uncw.edu/aa/policies_reports/documents/credithourdefinitionpolicy.pdf

Withdrawal Policy for Undergraduate Students

A student may drop any or all courses without academic penalty through the posted drop-add period for the academic term.  Any student who withdraws from the university or from individual courses by the withdrawal deadline will receive a grade of “W” for each course withdrawal.  A grade of “W” will not affect the student’s grade point average. After the posted withdrawal deadline, a grade of “WF” will be assigned for each course withdrawal and will count as GPA hours. If a student is suspended after the deadline for withdrawal with a “W,” each instructor shall assign a grade of “WF” or “W” based upon the student’s academic performance prior to the suspension. Excluding course withdrawals due to extenuating circumstances, students are limited to a maximum of 16 hours of course withdrawals. After the initial 16 credit hour threshold has been exhausted, students will be required to remain in the course and subject to the grade earned at the conclusion of the semester. Full term withdrawals will not count towards a student’s 16-hour course withdrawal threshold.

A student may withdraw from an individual class or classes by the withdrawal deadline via SeaNet or by reporting to the Office of the Registrar before or on the last day for withdrawal, as indicated in the university calendar. Students participating in abbreviated terms need to be cognizant that the withdrawal period may be very brief. All students should carefully note the last day to withdraw from classes as found in the university calendar.

To withdraw from all classes and the university at any other time during the semester, the student must submit a full term withdrawal request via mySeaport.  No withdrawals (“W” or “WF”) shall be processed during the final exam period. Refer to the Expenses  section of this catalogue for information on the refund policy for complete withdrawal.

Should extenuating circumstances warrant, the grade of “WF” assigned for course withdrawals after the withdrawal deadline may be changed to a ‘“W”. Documented extenuating circumstances may include: death of an immediate family member; traumatic and unforeseen circumstances that are considered beyond a student’s control; serious emotional instability, physical injury or illness that has resulted in the student’s inability to complete academic responsibilities in a given term. Students should note that poor standing in a course does not constitute an extenuating circumstance in and of itself. Withdrawals due to extenuating circumstances are still subject to all financial aid and SAP rules and calculations.

It is the student’s responsibility to initiate an appeal for this change by submitting a written request and supporting written documentation. The student must initiate the appeal with the associate dean who oversees the student’s major or the Center for Academic Advising director, as appropriate. The respective associate dean or Center for Academic Advising director may approve or deny this request for a “W.” In cases where the request is denied, the student may submit, within ten regular class days of the dated decision, a written request for consideration with supporting documentation to the Committee on Withdrawal Appeals. Grounds for appeals are limited to substantive new evidence or material procedural irregularity. All decisions made by the Committee on Withdrawal Appeals are final. The written request with supporting documentation must be made as soon as possible after circumstances requiring the withdrawal. At the latest, by the last day of classes in the semester following the one for which the withdrawal is requested. A grade of “WF” that is not appealed successfully remains a permanent part of the student’s academic record.

Students should refer to the Scholarships and Financial Aid  section related to Policy on Return of Title IV Funds for information about how dropping or withdrawing impacts financial aid eligibility.