Academic Regulations and Procedures

Application for Resident Status for Tuition and Fee Purposes

Any student or prospective student who is uncertain about payment of in-state tuition and fees has the responsibility of securing a ruling from The Citadel by providing all relevant information on special application forms. These forms can be obtained from the Office of the Registrar, Bond Hall, Room 173, or online at http://www.citadel.edu/registrar/forms/. Completed forms must be returned to that office at least four to six weeks prior to registration for any semester or summer term for which the student is attempting to qualify for in-state tuition and fee rate.

Requirements for Graduation

In addition to the program requirements, the following requirements must be met for graduation.

The Citadel Principled Leadership Seminar

The Citadel Principled Leadership Seminar, LDRS 500  - Introduction to Principled Leadership, is an online seminar in which graduate students at The Citadel learn about principled leadership and the institution’s core values. Participants focus on what it means to be a member of The Citadel community, and the application of core values as a guiding feature of one’s place in life and in leadership within an organization. Students must complete LDRS 500 and the protection of minors module in their first two semesters of study at The Citadel. Students who fail to successfully complete LDRS 500 after two semesters will be placed on academic hold and will not be allowed to continue in their coursework until LDRS 500 is successfully completed.

Protection of Minors

The Citadel is committed to the safety of all individuals in its community. The College has particular concern for those who are potentially vulnerable, including minor children, who require special attention and protection. Our online training requirement establishes guidelines for those in the college community who may work or interact with individuals under 18 years of age, with the goal of promoting the safety and wellbeing of minors.

All degree-seeking graduate students (including those enrolled in graduate certificates) who enroll in Citadel course(s) are required to successfully complete our designated protection of minors training module at the beginning of their graduate program. Graduate students complete the training through their participation in LDRS 500. Students who have completed equivalent training in the last five years may provide a copy of their certificate of completion by uploading it through their Principled Leadership Seminar course - LDRS 500.

The Citadel Student Honor Code

Honor Code Statement: It is the responsibility of all community members to promote, abide by, and enforce the following honor code: “A Citadel student (e.g. graduate, undergraduate, or veteran) does not lie, cheat, steal, nor tolerate those who do.”

It is the responsibility of all Citadel community members to promote, abide by, and enforce the following honor code. Every non-cadet student (which includes undergraduates, graduate students, day veterans, fifth-year students, and all active duty students) must uphold the honor code as well as The Citadel’s Core Values of Honor, Duty, and Respect. Each student is required to represent him or herself honestly in all college business matters and on all documents. Each student does his or her own work and refrains from any form of academic dishonesty, including plagiarism and cheating. In personal conduct, each student acts in a professional and ethical manner and refrains from any form of disrespectful behavior to any other member of The Citadel community.

In addition to students enrolled in degree programs and certificates, or as part of a joint program with other institutions, this honor code is also applicable to transient students and cadets who enroll in courses during the summer.

Definition of Terms:

In general, four types of conduct fall under the honor code: lying, cheating, stealing, and the toleration of those who engage in any of these activities.

1. Lying. Defined as any attempt to deceive, falsify, or misrepresent the truth in any matter involving college business. This includes but is not limited to matters involving academic standing, participation in courses, financial information, or any false statements to faculty, staff, administrators, or university officials.
2. Cheating. Defined as taking or attempting to take, or otherwise procure intellectual property in an unauthorized manner; selling, giving, lending, or furnishing to any unauthorized person by a student enrolled in that course, material which can be shown to contain the questions or answers to any exam from any course offered at The Citadel. Academic Dishonesty also includes plagiarism, including fabricating, forging, or falsifying laboratory results or reports, or using work from other courses or from previous assignments for a current class.
   
   The term cheating includes, but is not limited to: 1) the use of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor for written assignments; 2) the use of any unauthorized assistance in taking exams or quizzes; 3) the unauthorized acquisition of tests or other academic material belonging to a faculty or staff member or a student.
   
   The term plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, the use of published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgement. It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic material.
3. Stealing. Defined as taking without authority, personal, government, or college property.
4. Toleration. Defined as the failure to report a case of lying, cheating, or stealing as defined above to the proper Honor Council authorities.

Academic Integrity Policy and Procedures:

Absolute integrity is expected of every Citadel student in all academic undertakings. Academic integrity is grounded on the concept of honesty with respect to the intellectual efforts of oneself and others. A student’s submission of work for academic credit indicates that the work is the student’s own. Students are responsible for knowing what constitutes violations of the Academic Integrity Policy. Examples of violations of the Academic Integrity policy include, but are not limited to the following:

• Plagiarizing or representing the words, ideas, or information of another person as one’s own without documentation;

• Giving or receiving, prior to an examination, any unauthorized information concerning the content of that examination;

• Using, without authorization of the instructor, notes, books, prompts, or other materials, or receiving verbal assistance to aid in answering questions on an examination;

• Giving or receiving substantive aid during the course of an examination;

• Asking or permitting another person to take a test or engage in other academic work; or taking a test or engaging in academic work for another, whether voluntarily or for hire, in conjunction with class work or for admissions purposes;

• Violating personal property rights (for example, stealing or attempting to steal tests, keys, or grade books);

• Fabricating data in support of laboratory or fieldwork;

• Engaging in other acts of academic misconduct.

While academic integrity is a shared responsibility, it is incumbent upon the student to abide by the academic integrity requirements. It is the responsibility of the faculty member to inform the student of any atypical academic integrity requirements.

Violations of the Academic Integrity Policy: 

A. When a faculty member suspects or has been informed that a student may have violated the Academic Integrity Policy, the faculty member should inform the student in writing within ten working days of discovery. Some situations may require more time; however in no case should this written notification be delayed by more than one month. Written notification should include the allegation and a suggested time, place, and date for a meeting of the student, the professor, and Department Head or Associate Dean of the school in which the alleged violation took place. If the faculty member making the allegation is the Department Head or Associate Dean of the school in which the alleged violation took place, the meeting should include the student, the faculty member, and Dean of that school.

B. After this meeting, if the faculty member decides that no violation occurred, the matter will be dropped. If the faculty member decides that a violation has occurred but that only a grade penalty is warranted, the student may be assigned an “F” for the work in question, or, in more serious cases, an “F” in the course. If it is determined that a more serious penalty is warranted, or if the student does not accept the grade penalty offered, the accusation will be remanded to the Dean of the school in which the alleged violation occurred. If that Dean participated in the meeting with the faculty member and the students, the matter is referred to the Associate Provost.

C. Upon receiving the allegation, the Dean of the school where the alleged violation occurred or the Associate Provost will appoint a threemember hearing board comprised of two faculty members from outside the program of the accused student, and a currently enrolled student of the same student classification, but outside the program of the accused student. The hearing will be convened within two weeks from the date the hearing board receives the case. If circumstances preclude meeting this deadline, the accused will be so informed in writing. A minimum of seven days’ notice will be provided the student prior to the hearing. The accused student may be assisted by another student, not to exceed two. No legal counsel is allowed. The student and/or the student’s advisor may crossexamine all witnesses and the accuser. A tape recording of the hearing, which will be closed, will be made. Upon conclusion of the hearing, the hearing board will vote and report its findings and recommendation to the Dean of the school in which the alleged violation occurred or the Associate Provost.

D. Upon reviewing the recommendation, the Dean of the school where the alleged violation occurred or the Associate Provost will either exonerate the student; impose a sanction less than suspension, dismissal or expulsion; or recommend a sanction of suspension, dismissal, or expulsion to the Provost. If the sanction is not suspension, dismissal, or expulsion, the student may appeal this sanction to the Provost who makes the final decision. If the sanction is for suspension, dismissal, or expulsion, the Provost will review the case and the process that has been followed and make the final decision on removal of the student from The Citadel for a violation of academic integrity. The student may appeal that decision to the President of the College.

Appeals of Violations of Academic Integrity:

Students who have been found guilty of a violation of academic integrity where the punishment is suspension, dismissal, or expulsion shall be entitled to petition an Academic Integrity Board of Review to hear an appeal provided the petition is submitted to the Office of the President within five working days after receiving notice of the findings of the Provost, and provided the petition states the grounds on which the appeal is based. An Academic Integrity Board of Review is established by the President. An Academic Integrity Board of Review will consist of a dean, who serves as chair; a department head; a senior member of the faculty; and a non-voting recorder. Once established, an Academic Integrity Board of Review will be furnished the record of the original proceedings and will evaluate the petition of appeal to determine if any of these grounds have been met:

• new evidence has been found since the individual was found guilty;

• the individual’s rights were not protected;

• there was a procedural error during the trial.

If after considering the petition of appeal, the Academic Integrity Board of Review determines that the request for appeal sets forth reasonable grounds for appeal and agrees to hear the appeal, the accused student and advisor (another student or a member of the permanent faculty or staff, not to exceed two) will be present during the formal portion of the hearing, which will be taped. Oral arguments from the student or advisor will be heard and will normally be limited to 30 minutes each. In addition, the accused or advisor will have the opportunity to question any witnesses called by the Academic Integrity Board of Review. The formal appeal hearing will be taped, and the tape will become part of the record of the Academic Integrity Board of Review. The findings of the Academic Integrity Board of Review will be transmitted to the President in the form of sealed, confidential written recommendations, with appropriate justifications.

Violation of Honor Code for Behavioral Actions

All students at The Citadel are responsible for conducting themselves in a manner that helps enhance an environment of learning in which the rights, dignity, worth, and freedom of each member of the academic community are respected. Violations of Citadel policies, rules or regulations, or federal, state, or local law may result in a violation of the Code of Student Conduct and imposition of sanctions.

This Honor Code establishes the expectations for student conduct in the Citadel community. The Code, therefore, proscribes the types of behavior that adversely affects the school community, and the resulting actions that may be taken to both educate students about behavioral expectations and to protect The Citadel’s community.  Students accused of non-academic integrity related violations will be brought up in front of an institutional Honor Council.

Honor Council Composition:

Faculty: Six members; one from each Academic School and one from the Library. Honor Council members are appointed by Graduate Council and serve three-year terms.

Students: Two members appointed by The Citadel Student Government Association.

Chair: A faculty member elected by members of the Council. Calls meetings, ensures procedures are followed, and is non-voting but casts the deciding vote in the event of a tie.

Training of Honor Council Members: All members are required to participate in a workshop/training seminar on Citadel Honor Code and procedures. Note: this training should be similar in nature to what cadet honor court members receive on procedures and content.

Procedures:

Any student, faculty member, or administrator may charge a student with an honor code violation. All accused students participating in Honor Council hearings are guaranteed the following rights during a hearing:

1. The right to a representative. In all college hearings and boards in which a student faces suspension, dismissal or expulsion, the student may be represented by up to two student representatives. Representatives must be students in the same academic program as the student facing disciplinary action, i.e., graduate students or evening undergraduate students may not serve as representatives for cadets, nor may cadets serve as representatives for graduate or evening undergraduate students. Representatives may participate in the board or hearing, including speaking directly to the board or hearing officer and questioning witnesses.
2. The right to question all witnesses. In cases where the complainant is an alleged victim, accommodations may be made.
3. The right to present evidence and call witnesses.
4. The right to decline making any statements or answering questions. In doing so, the Council may draw inferences, either positively or negatively, from such a refusal.
5. The right to an audio copy of the hearing upon written request.
6. The right to appeal the decision of the Honor Council.

Honor Council Hearing Procedural Guidelines:

All student conduct hearings shall be conducted according to the following guidelines except as provided below:

1. Hearings will be conducted in private.
2. The complainant, accused student, and their representatives, if any, shall be allowed to attend the entire portion of the hearing at which information is received (excluding deliberations). Admission of any other person to the hearing shall be at the discretion of the Honor Council Chair.
3. In hearings involving more than one accused student, the Honor Council Chair, at his or her discretion, may permit the hearings concerning each student to be conducted either separately or jointly.
4. The complainant and the accused student have the right to be assisted by a representative of his or her choosing. Representatives must be students in the same academic program as the student facing disciplinary action, i.e., graduate students or evening undergraduate students may not serve as representatives for cadets, nor may cadets serve as representatives for graduate or evening undergraduate students. Representatives may participate in the board or hearing, including speaking directly to the board or hearing officer and questioning witnesses.
5. The complainant and the accused student may arrange for witnesses to present pertinent information to the hearing. Witnesses will provide information to and answer questions from the Honor Council.
6. Pertinent records, exhibits, and written statements may be accepted as information for consideration during the hearing at the discretion of the Honor Council Chair.
7. All procedural questions are subject to the final decision of the Honor Council Chair.
8. After the portion of the hearing concludes in which all pertinent information has been received, the Honor Council shall determine whether the accused student is in violation of the Non-Cadet Honor Code.
9. The determination shall be made on the basis of a preponderance of the evidence–whether it is more likely than not that the accused student violated the Honor Code. Formal rules or process, procedure, and/or technical rules of evidence, such as those applied in criminal or civil court, are not used in these proceedings.
10. There shall be a single audio recording of all student conduct hearings (not including deliberations). Deliberations should not be recorded. The record shall be the property of The Citadel. If an accused student, with notice, does not appear for a hearing, the information in support of the charges shall be presented and considered even if the accused student is not present.

Hearing Protocol:

1. Introductions of the participants in the hearing
2. Chair or Administrator reviews hearing process and procedures
3. Chair or Administrator confirms charges and statements of responsibility
4. Complainant/university calls witnesses
   1. Complainant asks questions of witnesses
   2. Board/Administrator asks questions of witnesses
   3. Accused student asks questions of witnesses
   4. All parties have opportunity to ask any additional questions
5. Accused student calls witnesses
   1. Accused student asks questions of witnesses
   2. Board/Administrator asks questions of witnesses
   3. Complainant asks questions of witnesses
6. All parties have opportunity to ask any additional questions to accused student and/or complainant
7. Deliberations by Board - Student will be notified of the decision in writing via university e-mail, with a hardcopy sent by registered mail, within three business days.

Range of Sanctions:

Note: This list is not exhaustive and may be modified to meet particular circumstances in any given case. All sanctions become a part of student’s official record. Final appeals of Honor Council rulings are made to the President. The procedure for appeals is found in the campus policies and procedures manual.

1. Expulsion-Permanent forced withdrawal from The Citadel. Although this may be imposed as a first offense for serious cases, it is usually imposed after other disciplinary methods have not achieved desired results. In all cases in which expulsion is appropriate, the Associate Provost of Enrollment Management will submit documentation and findings to the President of the college for final disposition. The President may elect, at his discretion, to impose another penalty. The student will be notified of the President’s decision, and that decision is final. A student’s suspension or expulsion will be noted on his or her transcripts.
2. Dismissal-Forced withdrawal from The Citadel for two semesters.
3. Suspension-Forced withdrawal from The Citadel for one semester. In instances of both dismissal and suspension, students may not visit campus or participate in any campus- related activities. An exception to this rule is if the student is seeking clarification of his or her academic record and a physical visit to campus is required.
4. Reprimand-Written notice to student that behavior was unacceptable and that further issues could result in suspension or expulsion.
5. Restriction-Loss of privileges including but not limited to parking on campus, access to university facilities, etc.
6. Course Withdrawal-From the course in which the offense occurred.
7. Grade Change-Only for cases involving academic integrity. Such a sanction must be approved by the Provost or the Associate Provost of Enrollment Management.
8. Restitution-Reimbursement for physical damages or loss of property.

Appeals:

Grounds. An appeal does not provide a second forum in which to present the case. Appeals deal only with how a decision has been reached and not with the decision itself. The following are the exclusive grounds for all disciplinary and academic appeals:

1. That the hearing officer or board failed to provide due process;
2. That significant information has been discovered since the board or hearing, which would probably change the result, but which could not, in the exercise of due diligence, have been presented to the board or hearing.

A review by the President is not considered an entitlement but is within the scope of authority of the President. This is the final appeal at the institution and if applicable, all imposed sanctions are implemented after the President issues his decision.

Title IX at The Citadel

Title IX of the U.S. Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”) is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities. The Citadel does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education programs or activities that it operates including admissions and employment.

Under Title IX, discrimination on the basis of sex can also include sexual harassment which is defined as conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following:

1. An employee of the College conditioning the provision of education benefits on participation in unwelcome sexual conduct (i.e., quid pro quo); or
2. Unwelcome conduct that a reasonable person would determine is so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the institution’s education program or activity; or
3. Sexual assault (as defined in the Clery Act), dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking as defined in the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

Any person may report sex discrimination, including sexual harassment (whether or not the person reporting is the person alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sex discrimination or sexual harassment), in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail, using the contact information listed for the Title IX Coordinator, or by any other means that results in the Title IX Coordinator receiving the person’s verbal or written report. Such a report may be made at any time (including during non-business hours) by using the telephone number, electronic mail address, or by mail to the office address listed for the Title IX Coordinator. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries related to Title IX: Valerie Mercado, Title IX Coordinator; 171 Moultrie St, Bond Hall 192, Charleston, SC, 29409; 843-953-6881; vmercado@citadel.edu.

The Citadel Policy https://www.citadel.edu/root/title-ix provides information on The Citadel’s grievance procedures, including how to report or file a complaint and how The Citadel will respond.

Inquiries can also be made to the Assistant Secretary. The Assistant Secretary contact information is U.S. Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20202, Main Telephone: 202-453-6914.

NCAA Regulation Related to Campus Sexual Violence

Title In compliance with the NCAA regulations related to campus sexual violence response, The Citadel has adopted Memorandum 2-029 Annual Discloure Requirement For Compliance With The NCAA Board of Governors Police on Campus Sexual Violence. This policy outlines the disclosures required of all incoming, continuing and transfer student athletes. The policy can be viewed here:

https://www.citadel.edu/root/images/policies/annual-disclosure-requirements-for-compliance-with-the-ncaa-board-of-governors-policy-on-campus-sexual-memoviolencev4.pdf

Academic Standards

All students are expected to maintain high academic standards. In addition to the grade point average requirements for satisfying degree standards, the following policies set minimum guidelines for all graduate programs. Specific programs may establish more rigorous criteria for satisfactory progress. Students should carefully study the sections of this catalog pertinent to their degree program for statements about expectations, which may exceed these minimal criteria.

Any grade of “C” (ie. “C”, “C+”) is a warning that the individual is not performing at the level expected of graduate students; a grade of “F” is a clear statement of inadequate performance. Either a “C” or “F” grade calls into question the expectation of reasonable progress toward the degree. In order to maintain appropriate academic quality, the following policy applies to students enrolled at The Citadel:

1. If a student receives a grade of “F” in a graduate course, regardless of his or her status, the student will be terminated from the Citadel Graduate College. The student may appeal in writing to his or her Dean for reinstatement. If the student is granted reinstatement status before the end of the drop/add period for the next academic term, he or she may register for that term.
2. If a student receives seven (7) or more credit hours of graduate course work with a grade of “C” or “C+” regardless of his or her status, the student will be terminated from the Citadel Graduate College. The student may appeal in writing to his or her Dean for reinstatement in the program. If a student is granted reinstatement status before the end of the drop/add period for the next academic term, he or she may register for that term.
3. Any student admitted to a graduate program who has earned or attempted twelve (12) hours of graduate credit must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher to continue in the program. If a student’s GPA falls below a 3.0 any time after the completion of twelve (12) hours of graduate credit, the student must improve his/her GPA to a minimum 3.0 by the time he/she has completed nine (9) additional graduate credit hours. If the student achieves a minimum 3.0 while completing these nine (9) additional graduate credit hours, the standard of maintaining a 3.0 GPA begins again.

Some programs have stricter program requirements. Check with your program advisor for the standards for your program. Generally, a student can expect to receive a decision on an appeal within 10 working days. 

Catalog of Record

The catalog bearing the academic year in which the student enters The Citadel will be his or her catalog of record for academic program requirements.

Class Attendance

Regular attendance is required of all Citadel students, and the attendance record maintained by the instructor is official. In case of absences due to illness or other circumstances beyond their control, students should notify the instructor as soon as possible.

Online Course Attendance Policy

Distance education (online) students are subject to The Citadel’s attendance policy. Attendance in a distance education (online) course is defined by active participation. Logging into Canvas does not qualify as sufficient evidence of attending as per federal financial aid guidelines, and nonattendance may affect financial aid and/or veterans’ benefits. Completion of tests, submission/completion of assignments, and participation in discussion forums are activities used to document enrollment. (Note: logging into the course does not qualify as participation and will not be counted as meeting the attendance requirement). Students who have not documented enrollment and participation by the end of the official drop/add period will be administratively dropped from the roll as “never attended.”  Students who fail to maintain active participation throughout a distance education (online) course also may be administratively dropped after the official add-drop date without the possibility of reimbursement. For this purpose, an unexplained absence from the course for more than two weeks is considered “non-participation.”

Comprehensive Examinations

The Citadel graduate programs vary in their exit requirements. While all degree programs require at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA (3.25 for Ed.S.) for graduation, some have a comprehensive exam or an exit examination or exit project requirement. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of these standards.

Confidentiality of Student Records

The Citadel maintains and discloses information from student records in accordance with the provisions of the “Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974” (FERPA), as amended. This law requires that educational institutions maintain the confidentiality of student educational records. The Citadel accords its students all rights under the law. FERPA coverage applies to all educational records that contain a student’s name, social security number, or other personally identifiable information, in whatever medium, to include electronic form. No one outside of The Citadel shall have access to nor will the institution disclose any information from a student’s educational records without the written consent of the student except in compliance with the provisions of Federal and State law.

Educational records may be disclosed to personnel within the institution who have a legitimate educational interest, to parents of students who are dependents as defined by IRS standards, to persons or organizations providing students financial aid, to accrediting agencies carrying out their accreditation function, to persons in compliance with a judicial order, or in an emergency, to persons in order to protect the health or safety of the student or others.

Within The Citadel community, only those members, individually or collectively, acting in the student’s educational interests are allowed access to student educational records. These members include the Board of Visitors, Faculty, and personnel in the Offices of the President, Provost and Dean of the College, Associate Provost of Academic Affairs, Associate Provost of Enrollment Management, Registrar, and Vice President for Finance and Business Affairs. Directory information about a student may be disclosed at the discretion of The Citadel without the consent of the student unless the student has notified the Registrar within two weeks of the beginning of the academic year (fall semester) that the student refuses to allow the disclosure of such information. Any student desiring to keep directory information confidential must give notice at the beginning of each academic year and the notice is valid only for that year.

Course Cancellation

It occasionally becomes necessary to cancel a course. The Citadel reserves the right to cancel any course for which there is insufficient enrollment. This cancellation may be done without notice. Students affected by a course cancellation will receive due consideration and notification by the department offering the course. If no other satisfactory arrangements can be made, the student will receive a complete refund of all tuition and fees paid.

Degree and Certification Requirements

Specific requirements are detailed in the appropriate sections of the catalog. The general requirements include completing all specific program requirements and coursework while maintaining at least a “B” (3.0) GPA. Students should check the specific requirements of the program in which they are enrolled. State certification requirements are determined by external agencies over which The Citadel has no control. It is the student’s responsibility to meet these requirements, which are subject to legislative change. Advisors will assist students in staying current with these requirements and adjusting programs of study to reflect any change.

Earning a Second Master’s Degree

The College permits a student to earn a second Citadel master’s degree in a different program as long as no more than twelve credit hours in common course requirements are applied to the second master’s degree. The Second Master’s Degree must be significantly different in subject matter.

Professional Conduct

Responsibility for professional conduct rests with students as adult individuals and as members of The Citadel community. CGC students are expected to conduct themselves as the responsible adults they are. All members of the campus community are expected to use reasonable judgement in all aspects of campus life and activity and to show due concern for the welfare and rights of others. Students are expected to adhere to all federal, state, and local laws.

The Citadel protects freedom of action and speech, so long as the exercise of this freedom is not of an inflammatory or demeaning nature and does not interfere with the operation of the College. The Citadel’s Conduct Policy prohibits the possession of drugs, destruction of property, making false statements of emergency situations, physical or verbal abuse, or harassment of any sort.

Students who violate the rules and regulations of The Citadel are subject to expulsion or lesser sanctions. These rules and regulations are published in “Regulations for Non-Cadet Students for Fall and Spring Semester And All Students, Including Cadets, for Maymester or Summer School,” which can be found online at: http://www.citadel.edu/root/images/BOV/Policies/03-provost/3-107-regulations-for-non-cadets.pdf.

The Provost or her designee is responsible for administering the disciplinary conduct code for CGC students unless they reside in the barracks during Maymester and Summer School, in which case the commandant is responsible for discipline.

Grades

Only letter grades are given to evaluate a student’s progress. No numerical symbol or percentage is fixed or assigned to the equivalent of any grade.

A: A grade of “A” represents work of a high quality. Four quality points are awarded for each credit hour.

B+: A grade of “B+” represents above average quality work. Three and one-half quality points are awarded for each credit hour.

B: A grade of “B” indicates average graduate work. Three quality points are awarded for each credit hour.

C+: A grade of “C+” indicates below average graduate work and is an unsatisfactory grade. Two and one-half quality points are awarded for each credit hour.

C: A grade of “C” is unsatisfactory. Two quality points are awarded for each credit hour.

P: A grade of “P” indicates work of acceptable, graduate- level quality. While it signifies work of “A” or “B” level, it carries no quality points and is awarded only for designated courses such as workshops, internships, etc.

F: A grade of “F” indicates that the minimum requirements have not been met. No quality points are awarded.

I: A grade of “I” represents work of satisfactory quality incomplete for authorized reasons. (See section below.)

W: A grade of “W” represents withdrawal from a course prior to the scheduled withdrawal deadline. No quality points are associated with the “W”, and there is no academic penalty for the student.

IP: A grade of “IP” assigned for courses in which requirements are not expected to be met in one academic term. The grade of “IP” must be removed after two full semesters, or the “IP” becomes an “F.” The summer session will not be considered a semester in this case. Under extenuating circumstances, an extension may be awarded by the Associate Provost of Enrollment Management with the recommendation of the instructor. The removal of the “IP” is the responsibility of the student. Students may not enroll in a course in which they currently have an “IP.”

Grade of “I”

Incomplete “I” grades must be made up during the term following the recording of the grade. A grade of “I” received in the fall term must be made up by the end of the following spring term. A grade of “I” received in either the spring or summer term must be made up by the end of the following fall term. An extension of time not to exceed one additional term may be authorized for extenuating circumstances by the appropriate dean. Grades not made up within the authorized time limit will convert to a grade of “F,” and such courses will be included in calculating the GPA.

Pass-Fail Courses

For certain courses, such as internships, practica, workshops, professional development courses, etc., a grade of pass or fail may be appropriate. Students taking courses of this nature need to discuss such arrangements with their advisor. Quality points will not be awarded for pass or fail work, and performance that is barely adequate (C+ or below) will not receive credit.

Cumulative Grade-Point Average

In addition to completing all specific program requirements, in order to remain in good academic standing, The Citadel Graduate College requires students to maintain a 3.0 GPA. Failure to maintain this GPA results in dismissal from that program. Should a student be enrolled in multiple programs or certificates, a cumulative GPA is not sufficiently accurate in determining a student’s academic standing. In such cases, the standard used to determine their eligibility is the student’s GPA in that particular program, not their cumulative GPA.

Graduation

The Citadel Graduate College is committed to making the graduation and commencement experience a special one for its students. The following policy outlines the procedures for applying to graduate and participation in the annual CGC commencement ceremony. It is each student’s responsibility to apply to graduate.

There are three graduation dates each calendar year. There is a May graduation date at the end of the Spring period of instruction, an August graduation date at the end of the Summer period of instruction, and a December graduation date at the end of the Fall semester period of instruction. There is one commencement ceremony each calendar year, in May, following the Spring semester.

Graduation

1. Applications for graduation are available on Lesesne Gateway, via the Student Tab. Failure to apply by the deadline incurs a late fee, may delay receipt of the diploma, and may prevent the student from participating in the commencement ceremony.
2. The graduation date is the term in which the student completes all requirements. An incomplete grade is a delay in the completion of a requirement, and the posting of the final grade determines the completion of that requirement.
3. Do not select a graduation date until you plan to meet all requirements by that date as applications are processed and diplomas are ordered based on your graduation application. If the graduation date submitted is not met, a new application will be required along with applicable fee, and the diploma will need to be reordered.
4. To be recommended for a degree, students must satisfactorily complete the program requirements and non-program requirements for the degree. Students must be free from all financial indebtedness to The Citadel.
5. Students may apply for graduation and participate in commencement during the academic year in which they are completing their degree requirements.

Participation in the CGC Commencement Ceremony

1. Students must indicate on their application for graduation they intend to participate in commencement ceremonies. If a student does not confirm intent, they will not be permitted to participate in the ceremony.
2. All grade-point average (GPA) requirements have been met. The cumulative grade-point averages for graduate students must be at least 3.000.
3. Graduate students must be no more than 9 credit hours short of meeting degree requirements.
4. Students must properly wear official regalia for the commencement ceremony.
5. Students who complete all coursework and degree requirements during the summer session following that year’s commencement exercises may participate in that ceremony or can decide to participate in the commencement ceremony the following year.
6. In some cases, students have completed their program requirements but are unable to participate in the commencement ceremony during the year they intended to graduate (e.g. military deployment, career relocation, or illness). In such cases, students may apply to graduate and participate in the next year’s commencement ceremony. Students exceeding this one year of eligibility will not be allowed to participate in the CGC commencement ceremony.
7. Students who have earned a second master’s degree within the same academic year will be recognized for both programs of study.
8. Children, parents, step-parents, or grandparents who are either graduates of the Corps of Cadets, the Veterans Program, or The Citadel Graduate College may present diplomas to their children, parents, step-parents, grandchildren or grandparents at the CGC commencement ceremony. The graduate must provide the CGC with their full name, relationship, and graduation year before the stated deadline and for approval.

Intellectual Property Policy Preamble

The Citadel has among its primary purposes teaching, research, and the expansion and dissemination of knowledge. Products of these endeavors include the development and use of intellectual property. It is the policy of the College that its faculty, staff, and students carry out their scholarly work in an open and free atmosphere that encourages publication and creation of such works without constraint but consistent with applicable laws and College policy. This policy will be in accord with the guidelines and criteria published in The American Association of University Professors’ “Statement of Copyright” (Policy Documents and Reports. Ninth Edition, 2001, or subsequent editions).

Intellectual Property

Ownership of intellectual property will reside with the originator, whether a member of the faculty, staff, or a student, unless: (a) the property is created at the specific direction of the College; or (b) the originator has made exceptional use of College resources in creating it.

At the time when the work is directed by the College or at the time when the College makes exceptional resources available to the originator of intellectual property, the Provost and the originator will together determine ownership and will negotiate a written agreement concerning that property. These determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Nondiscrimination Policy

The Citadel is committed to providing equal opportunities to men and women students in all campus programs, including intercollegiate athletics, in order to make The Citadel the best coeducational college in America.

This commitment requires that no discrimination shall occur in our admissions policies, academic programs or services, as well as employment practices on the basis of sex, race, color, religion or national origin. This policy is in accordance with Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as amended. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX and other nondiscrimination laws may be referred to The Citadel’s Affirmative Action Officer and Title IX Coordinator, Bond Hall, Room 369, 171 Moultrie Street, Charleston, South Carolina, 29409, 843-953-6989, or the Assistant Secretary of Education, Civil Rights Division, US Department of Education, Washington, DC 20201-2516.

Repeating a Course

Courses may be repeated only under the following circumstances:

• No courses may be repeated once a grade of “B” or higher has been earned.
• If a class in which a “C+” or “C” was earned is repeated, it may be repeated only one time.
• If a course is repeated, the last grade of record is used to determine whether course requirements for graduation have been met.
• The hours may be used only once toward graduation.
• All courses, previously passed or repeated, will be figured in the student’s GPA. No grade previously recorded is removed from the transcript.

Satisfactory Progress and Length of Academic Program

Unless otherwise stated, students are expected to complete all degree requirements within a six (6) year period from the time of registration for the first graduate course in that program. Students enrolled in the Ed.S. in School Psychology program have seven (7) years to complete the degree. Students enrolled in the MA in Psychology: Clinical Counseling degree program have a five (5) year limit. Requests for an extension must be initiated by the student to the appropriate Department Head, who is responsible for notifying the student of the decision. Department Heads will forward recommendations through the program extension form, provided by the Office of the Registrar, to their appropriate academic dean. Extension approvals must be on file in the Registrar’s Office prior to application for graduation. If an extension is granted, a probationary extension for one year is authorized. At the completion of that year, an additional extension may be authorized (if necessary) contingent upon the student having made adequate progress. “Adequate Progress” is defined as completing graduate work in two of the three semesters (summer session counting as a semester) of the year of probation. An average grade of “B” (3.0) for that year is also required.

Pace of progression is the quantitative standard for Satisfactory Academic Progress. Graduate students must complete 67% of all courses attempted to remain in a graduate program.

At all levels, the department or school will be responsible for oversight of student progress and initiation of action related to unsatisfactory progress. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of courses that will not meet graduation time lines for satisfactory progress. Advisors should assist students with this calculation.

Student Academic Grievances

The academic grievance process of the college is reserved for the most serious alleged offenses. These matters deal not with differences of opinion, but with violations of due process; denial of individual rights; or unequal treatment/ discrimination based on sex, race, color, or national origin. Students who feel that they have an academic grievance are directed first to confer with the instructor or other individual(s) involved. Where this does not result in satisfaction or if this step is not feasible, the student should present the grievance in writing to the lowest appropriate level not involved in the grievance, department head or Dean.

If the student does not receive a response within a reasonable period of time, normally considered two weeks, a copy of the written grievance may be provided to the next higher academic level not previously involved in the grievance, i.e. the department head or the school Dean, with a request for assistance in resolving the grievance. A final appeal for satisfaction may be made to the Provost. The purpose of this process is to permit each level of the academic level of authority to have the opportunity to resolve the grievance satisfactorily. The Graduate College does not process academic matters. However, students are encouraged to provide a courtesy copy of grievances and appeals to the Associate Provost for Enrollment Management for record. The Associate Provost or her designee will monitor time lines and processes for compliance with procedure and will inform the appropriate level of the academic authority if procedure is not followed.

Student Appeal of Final Grade

A student will have three weeks from when final grades are released to begin this process.

1. The student presents his/her concerns in writing to the instructor and then discusses these concerns. The instructor will respond to the student within 3 business days. If the student’s concerns are not resolved or if the instructor fails to respond within the allotted time, the student can proceed to the next step.
2. The student presents his/her concerns in writing to the department head. (In the event the instructor is the department head, then the dean will play this role, and if the instructor is a dean, then the Associate Provost of Operations will play this role.) The student then meets with the department head to discuss these concerns. The department head will respond to the student within 3 business days. If the student’s concerns are not resolved or if the department head fails to respond within the allotted time, the student can proceed to the next step.
3. The student presents his/her concerns in writing to the dean. (If the student is uncertain of who the dean is, he/she should contact the Associate Provost who will direct the student appropriately.) The student then meets with the dean to discuss these concerns. If the student is not satisfied with the outcome of the discussion, the student will submit a grade appeal form and provide required material to the dean of the school within four weeks from when grades were released.
   
   ​Examples that can lead to a grade appeal include:
   1. The instructor has miscalculated a final grade.
   2. The instructor has violated the grading policies outlined in the syllabus.
   3. The instructor has violated a college or departmental policy or procedure.
4. The dean will form a grade appeal committee consisting of at least three (3) tenured or tenure-track faculty (two from the relevant academic department and one from outside the department). The dean will provide direction to the committee, including emphasizing the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of the process.
5. The dean may request materials as needed from the instructor regarding the grade appeal, including but not limited to grades, syllabus, and assignments, for the grade appeal committee.
6. The dean may request additional information from the student as needed for the grade appeal committee, as well as ask the student to craft a detailed letter about why he/she is appealing the grade. Note: The grade appeal committee does not interact with the student or instructor. Any needed materials are to be gathered and disseminated by the dean.
7. The grade appeal committee submits its recommendation to the Associate Provost. Potential recommendations that may be forwarded include, but are not limited to:
   1. Change of grade
   2. Late Withdrawal
   3. Change of grade to Pass/Fail option
   4. Opportunity to repeat class at no cost
   5. Appeal is denied
8. The Associate Provost will notify the student and instructor of the appeal decision within 15 business days of receipt of the grade appeals form. The names of the members of the grade appeal committee are not shared in the decision letter nor are they shared with the course instructor or the student.

Student Responsibility

The College and departments establish certain academic requirements that must be met before a degree is granted. Advisors, department heads, and Deans are available to help the student understand and arrange to meet these requirements, but the student is responsible for fulfilling them. If, at the end of a student’s course of study, the requirements for graduation have not been satisfied, the degree will not be granted. For this reason, it is important for each student to be acquainted with all academic, financial, and administrative requirements within the prescribed deadlines and time limits.

Transcript

A transcript is a confidential document and is released only when students make a request online at www.citadel.edu/root/registrar-transcripts. The transcript fee is based on the method of delivery. Transcripts can be sent electronically, mailed, or picked up in the Registrar’s Office. An official college transcript is one that is sent directly from The Citadel to the requestor. It bears the college seal, along with a date and official signature. Most colleges require the official record.

Transcripts sent from other colleges to The Citadel become the property of The Citadel and cannot be issued to the student as a third party.

Leave of Absence Policy

There are many reasons why graduate students could miss courses in a given academic year. These include medical reasons, military deployment, temporary changes in job status, or other reasons. In an effort to better identify students in these situations, along with providing a mechanism that grants a respite from the time limits for degree completion, a leave of absence policy has been created. This policy also excludes students who have not enrolled in courses in a given semester. Since they will be recognized as “on leave,” these students will not be included in the list of students eligible to be contacted by Graduate College staff. The following outlines the parameters of The Citadel Graduate College’s Leave of Absence Policy.

Leave Of Absence Request

Students who intend to take a pause from enrolling in courses for up to three semesters in a given academic year can communicate this to the Office of the Registrar through an online web form, available at http://www.citadel.edu/registrar-forms. Students may request a leave of absence for up to three semesters in an academic year (including summer, which constitutes a single term). Students with an approved leave of absence need not reapply for admission to the Graduate College unless the leave extends beyond three semesters in a given academic year. In such cases, they must request to reactivate their student record for their program of study using the form available on the Registrar’s Office webpage mentioned above.

A leave of absence request should normally occur prior to the drop/add date. If the student’s request is made after these deadlines, a reasonable and compelling explanation for the delay must accompany the request. In such cases, supporting documentation (e.g. medical, mental health, deployment, temporary job transfer) should be provided with the request. The decision to grant the leave of absence is at the discretion of the Associate Provost of Enrollment Management. Students who request a leave of absence after the drop/add date during the semester may be responsible for at least a portion of the tuition for the classes in which they are enrolled. In such cases, students should consult with the Treasurer’s Office as well as the Office of Financial Aid to determine if their time away from campus impacts their student loan eligibility.