Online Programs

Application of These Provisions

The provisions of this portion of the catalog apply to online students. These are students who have been accepted into and enrolled in the online program. Online students may be degree- or non-degree seeking. Online students will be enrolled in classes that are taught in an online format and/or a format specifically designed for working adults. The provisions of the Shorter University Catalog for traditional students apply to students who are not classified as online students even if they are enrolled in an online class.

Academic Affairs

The Executive Vice President and Provost of the University is the chief academic officer of the University. Under his direction, a number of offices work to facilitate student learning and complement the work of the faculty in classrooms, laboratories, practice rooms, and the library. These professionals work closely with the faculty and staff of the University to provide students with every opportunity to accomplish their educational goals.

Office of The Provost

The Provost and his staff manage the academic life of the University. He works closely with Deans, Department Chairs, and faculty committees to ensure the very highest quality of course offerings and instructors. His office is responsible for academic ceremonies, such as Convocation, Awards Day, and Commencement.

Registrar

The Registrar’s Office is located in ST-102 and maintains academic records for current and former students at Shorter University. For more information, please visit www.shorter.edu/registrar.

Institutional Effectiveness & Research

The Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Research collects and analyzes data, reporting the results for both internal and external consumers. The office manages the Shorter University webpage and many of the surveys given at various times throughout the year, in addition to overseeing the assessment and quality improvement process for the University.

Library Facilities And Services

The Shorter University library is maintained to support Shorter University’s educational mission. The library provides the university with a means to meet its various informational needs for lifelong learning and living by being a pedagogical unit and an intellectual asset of the university. The library provides access to a sufficient range of resources and services in support of the school’s curriculum and augments the student’s classroom experiences with independent learning. By providing these resources and services, the library develops the student’s understanding of how recorded knowledge is organized and structured so that they become self-directed, information literate, lifelong learners in the liberal arts tradition. Access to the collection and to information is facilitated by the online catalog and electronic indexes to online books, periodicals, and newspapers. The library belongs to OCLC (formerly Online Computer Library Center), Georgia’s Private Academic Libraries (GPALS), and Georgia Library Learning Online (GALILEO), which provide access to remote databases offering electronic articles, proceedings, and books as well as interlibrary loan sources. The library’s online catalog provides students, faculty, and staff immediate information on the availability of resources. Qualified library staff assist students in their use of the online catalog, electronic resources, and locating resources within the library.

Honor Societies

Groups which recognize excellence and foster achievement, whether in general academics or in a professional field, include:

• Pi Gamma Mu, Georgia Epsilon Chapter, the international social science honorary society, has superior students in the areas of social sciences and business as its elected membership.
• Theta Alpha Kappa, Alpha Beta Omega Chapter, is the honor society for religious studies and theology. To be eligible, students must have completed at least 12 hours in religion with a minimum 3.5 GPA in those courses, at least a cumulative GPA, and rank in the upper 35% of the class.
• Sigma Beta Delta, Shorter University Chapter, is the honor society for business, management, and administration. Members are business students who rank in the top 20% of the junior or senior class.
• Kappa Delta Pi is an international honor society in the field of Education.

Pi Gamma Mu, Theta Alpha Kappa, and Sigma Beta Delta are members of the Association of College Honor Societies.

Honor Code Actions and Appeals for Online Students

Because breaches of academic integrity vary in degree and seriousness, actions taken against violations, in some cases, will be left to the discretion and judgment of the individual faculty member. If requested, the Academic Dean will serve as a mediator in any case.

Student Affairs

The Office of Student Affairs provides opportunities and programs for the development of Christian and personal values, effective interpersonal relationships, community and social responsibility, and positive health and wellness habits among students. They offer personal and career counseling to individuals and groups. In cooperation with the faculty, they help students gain the skills to make the most of their university experience and to plan for a future career. All University regulations and policies concerning student life can be found online in the Student Handbook, The Pinnacle.

Principles of Conduct

Shorter University encourages positive values of human development, individual freedom with responsibility, and of development of skills in community living in accordance with its commitment to the teachings of the Christian faith. The University affirms and expects behavior consistent with the following values:

• PRINCIPLE I: Honesty in all personal relationships, academic responsibilities, and use of the property of others.
• PRINCIPLE II: Concern for the safety and welfare of others.
• PRINCIPLE III: Recognition of the worth of each individual, including persons who are different in cultural background, attitude, and origin.
• PRINCIPLE IV: Personal responsibility for the care of one’s body and for the development of self-discipline and constructive self-image.
• PRINCIPLE V: Obedience to local, state, and federal laws.
• PRINCIPLE VI: Respect and acceptance of community standards of conduct.

A complete description of the Principles of Conduct and the judicial process is given in the Student Handbook. Each student should be aware of and responsible for the rules and regulations, as well as the policies stated in the student handbook.

Counseling Services

Short-term individual counseling services are offered by a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) to assist enrolled students in overcoming personal and academic difficulties. Counseling appointments are confidential are available throughout the business week (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; Monday-Thursday and 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Friday). Shorter University Counseling Services is not a substitute for psychiatric or medical intervention, though these may be recommended as adjuncts to, or in lieu of, counseling. Referrals to community professionals will be made for long-term counseling issues.

Career Development Services

This office provides material and online resources for Shorter students and alumni. Job postings, as well as personal interest assessments and job search aides, are posted on the Career Center page of the Shorter University website.

Disability Services

Shorter University strives to provide access to programs and services to all qualified students with disabilities and is committed to adhering to the guidelines of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (PL 93-112 Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. The Student Support Services office is responsible for the coordination of services to students with disabilities. The student is responsible to identify himself/herself voluntarily as disabled to the Director of Student Support Services to receive services. Upon presentation of acceptable documentation, the Director will then address the needs of each student on an individual basis. Documentation of disability is kept confidential. Students are encouraged to become self-advocates

Accommodations Grievance Procedure

If a student with a disability feels that he or she has not received the accommodation(s) he or she is entitled to, the following information may be helpful:

• The ADA requires that accommodations be developed in a give-and-take dialogue process between the institution and the person with a disability. The student might need to meet with the Director of Student Support Services to discuss and explore appropriate, reasonable accommodations more completely. Students may need to meet with their professors, as well.
• Universities are not required to provide the requested or preferred accommodation. They are required to provide reasonable, appropriate, and effective accommodations for disabilities which have been adequately documented and for which the accommodation has been requested. The question, therefore, should be asked, “Is the accommodation that has been offered reasonable and effective?”

If reasonable accommodations are not implemented in an effective or timely manner the student should contact the Director of Student Support Services. The Director works with students with disabilities and University personnel to resolve disagreements regarding recommended accommodations. If no resolution is obtained, students who believe they have been discriminated against on the basis of disability may choose to file a written grievance with the Disability Services Committee. Once the Director of Student Support Services receives such a written request, the Director will call a meeting of the Disability Services Committee for such a review and determination. The Director will inform the student in writing of the Committee’s decision within 48 hours of the Committee’s meeting.

If the student believes he or she is entitled to accommodations not approved by the Director of Student Support Services, the student may request in writing to the Vice President for Student Affairs for the Disability Services Committee to review his or her documentation and the request for accommodation for reconsideration. Once the Vice President for Student Affairs receives such a written request, a meeting of the Disability Services Committee will be called for such a review and determination. The Vice President for Student Affairs will inform the student in writing of the Committee’s decision within 48 hours of the Committee’s meeting. A student may, at any time, choose to file a formal complaint with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) instead of or in addition to requesting a review by the Director of Student Support Services and/or the Disability Services Committee. The contact information for OCR:

OCR Atlanta Office
U.S. Department of Education
61 Forsyth St., SW, Suite 19T70
Atlanta, GA 30303-6350
Voice: 404-562-6350
TDD: 404-331-7236
Fax: 404-562-6455
Email: OCR_Atlanta@ed.gov
http://www.ed.gov/offices/OCR/index.html

Student Health Services

The purpose of the Student Health Services is not only to provide quality first-aid care for students but also to teach awareness of health habits which may help maintain wellness. Student Health Services works with individual students in long- and short-term health plans and to educate students as consumers of health services. There is no cost for routine treatment; however, there is a nominal fee for lab screenings and to see the campus physician. The cost of prescription medicine, special treatment, or tests ordered by the physician is the responsibility of the student. Student Health Services will make appointments with physicians, specialists, or make other referrals as needed. If long-term health care plans are needed, the student’s doctor or specialist will provide that education for the student and Student Health Services will support the student to maintain the highest level of self-care.

Insurance Information

The University recommends that each student have personal health insurance coverage.

Student Athletic Insurance

Athletic insurance for both domestic and international athletes is mandatory and offered through the Athletic Department. All athletes must sign up for it in the Athletic Department in the Winthrop-King Centre prior to playing their college sport. More information on the athletic insurance can be found at: http://goshorterhawks.com/information/sportsMedicine/index.

Select “Athletic Department” from the header selections, then scroll down to sports medicine, and click the link at the bottom: New Athlete or Returning Athlete Physical Packet.

Domestic Student Insurance

Shorter University does not supply a domestic health insurance policy for students. Students may be covered by a parent’s insurance, a personal policy, or insurances such as Medicaid and Peachcare. For students seeking insurance coverage, we recommend either a private personal policy or checking the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The Affordable Care Act (ACA) and what it means for most college students:

https://www.shorter.edu/wp-content/uploads/affordable_healthcare_act_flyer.pdf

http://www.acha.org/Topics/Affordable_Care_Act/ACA_Updates.cfm

Shorter University is not liable for accidents or injuries occurring anywhere on the University campus. Shorter University will only be financially responsible for the payment of medical bills/expenses that result from injuries occurring during supervised athletic trips, practices, or games. However, the University will pay the balance of these bills only after each bill has been filed with and processed by the primary and/or secondary insurance company of the student-athlete. Shorter will make payment on the balance of these bills only after receiving notification that the primary/secondary insurance company has paid their maximum eligible amount, or that insurance has denied the payment of the bills. The exact procedure for handling these medical bills is outlined on the Medical Expense Payment Procedure page of the Shorter insurance letter found under Shorter University Sports Medicine at www.shorter.edu. Neither the Business Office nor Student Health Services file insurance claims; that is the responsibility of the student and the healthcare provider.

Campus Safety

The primary responsibility of Campus Safety is to provide a safe and secure environment so that the university community can achieve its purposes. Campus Safety patrols and monitors the campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week when classes are in session. The office supervises emergency procedures, traffic flow, and crowd control. The gatehouse officers monitor vehicles entering the campus. The office is also responsible for enforcing regulations, registering vehicles, and the distribution of decals. Campus Safety provides an annual uniform crime report and works closely with local law enforcement officials.

Admissions

General Admissions Policies

Shorter University strives to enroll a diverse student body so that the best possible learning environment will be provided. The University does not obligate itself to admit all students who meet admission requirements. In determining admissions, consideration is given to the compatibility of the student’s purpose and interests with the basic philosophy of the University as a Christian liberal arts institution, as well as to the student’s ability to benefit from a university education at Shorter.

The Admissions Office makes admissions decisions in accordance with the guidelines set by the Admissions Committee at the beginning of each academic year. Each candidate’s application is reviewed by a member of the Admissions staff before the final decision is made. Final admissions decisions are made by the Director of Enrollment Services, or if required by policy guidelines, by the Admissions Committee.

Admissions decisions are based on a combination of the following, depending on the candidate’s prospective classification (freshman, transfer, etc.): the candidate’s academic course curriculum; academic grade-point average; and the compatibility of the student’s purpose, interests, and character with institutional values. Other information which may be considered in individual cases includes class rank, the personal written statement as recorded in the application, the recommendation of a guidance counselor or other appropriate official, TOEFL scores (international students only), the results of a personal interview if required, and the recommendation of the Shorter Admissions staff.

Files are reviewed as soon as all required credentials are collected. After the application is evaluated, a letter is sent notifying the applicant of his/her status.

If the applicant is accepted, an “Intent to Enroll/ Deposit” can be viewed in the student’s application portal. Student can accept their admission through is sent, along with other applicable forms pertaining to the application portal, creating a digital signature for their Intent to Enroll. Once admission is accepted a student is assign an academic advisor. A student’s academic advisor will provide an advising plan, along with other applicable forms pertaining to financial aid, scholarships, and the like. If the student is denied admission, he or she may appeal this decision through the Provost’s Office.

Types of Admission

Regular Admission

When an applicant meets all guidelines as set by the Admissions Committee, he or she is admitted unconditionally. The Admissions Committee reserves the option to offer other types of admission based on the merits of the individual applicant.

Conditional Admission

Conditional admission is offered to students who do not meet regular admission standards, but who in the opinion of the Committee demonstrate the potential for academic success at Shorter. This is a full admission to the University with the requirement that an academic condition be satisfied; typically, the student is limited to 12 academic credit hours during the first semester and must earn no less than a 2.0 grade-point average. The Admissions Committee reserves the right to adjust the conditions for the individual applicant in question.

Provisional Admission

A student may be admitted on a provisional basis if all credentials have not been received. Students are admitted with the provision that the required documents are received and approved by the Office of Admissions no later than the Friday of the add/drop period of the student’s beginning semester. Failure to provide the necessary documentation will result in the loss of tuition and fees and dismissal from course(s) the provisionally admitted student is attending. Provisional students are not fully admitted, and may not receive institutional, federal, or state funded financial aid until the required documents are received and approved.

Degree-Seeking Applicants: Definitions

Traditional Freshman

An applicant who has had no previous college course work, other than courses completed through joint enrollment in a university or college while still in high school, and who completed high school less than five years before applying to Shorter.

Non-Traditional Freshman

An applicant, like the above, with no previous college courses, but who is older than the traditional freshman, typically 23 years old or more, and who completed high school five or more years before application to Shorter. Some of the academic requirements for admission may be waived at the discretion of the Admissions Committee.

Home-Schooled Freshman

An applicant who has received all or part of his or her secondary schooling at home and who therefore has not received a traditional college preparatory high school diploma. Each applicant will be reviewed individually according to the materials submitted. A personal interview with the Admissions Committee may be required before a decision is reached.

Traditional Transfer

An applicant who has been enrolled at another institution after high school graduation and wishes to seek a degree at Shorter.

Non-Traditional Transfer

An applicant who has been enrolled at another institution, but who is older than the typical transfer; at least five years have elapsed since the nontraditional transfer’s last university or college enrollment. Some of the academic requirements for admission may be waived at the discretion of the Admissions Committee. An interview may be required.

Advanced Freshman

A transfer student who has earned less than 24 transferable college credit hours or equivalent.

International Student

An applicant who is not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. The United States government makes special requirements in addition to Shorter’s admissions requirements.

Readmission Student

A student wishing to return to Shorter, who has been absent for one full semester, excluding summer must apply for readmission through the Office of Admissions. Students who withdrew or were academically, socially, or judicially suspended or administratively withdrawn from the previous semester must also apply for readmission.

Admission Of Degree-Seeking Students Without Previous College Work

Traditional Freshman

The applicant must:

• Complete the online application at http://apply.shorter.edu
• Provide an official high school transcript or official GED scores, embossed or stamped and signed as official by the high school guidance office.

Additional information which may be required at the discretion of the Admissions Committee:

• A written personal statement which reflects compatibility between the student’s goals and the mission and goals of the University.
• An essay written by the student discussing topics as determined by the Admissions Committee.
• A recommendation from the high school guidance counselor or principal or another appropriate official approved by the Admissions Committee.
• Interviews with officials as deemed necessary by the Director of Enrollment Services.

An academic grade-point average is computed as follows: A’s receive 4 points, B’s receive 3 points, C’s receive 2 points, and D’s receive 1 point, with 0 points given for F’s. Advanced Placement courses will only be given one extra quality point per unit when evaluating academic GPA. If quality points have already been factored into the student’s grade, the additional point will not be added. Applicants must have a minimum high school GPA of 2.25 to be admitted under unconditional acceptance as a traditional freshman.

Admissions staff will process the application and get back to you with an application confirmation email which will inform you of all the admissions requirements.

High School Transcript Requirements

A minimum of 16 academic units, distributed as follows:

• English: 4 units
• Mathematics: 4 units
• History/Social Science: 3 units
• Science: 3 units
• Foreign Language: 2 units

Non-Traditional Freshmen

The applicant must:

• Complete the online application at http://apply.shorter.edu
• Provide an official high school transcript or official GED scores, embossed or stamped and signed as official by the high school guidance office.

International Freshmen

The credentials, which are required from an International Student include:

• A completed online application which is available at http://apply.shorter.edu.
• Official translated transcripts from secondary school
• Official translated documentation of graduation from secondary school, showing class rank
• Official SAT or ACT scores
• Official scores from approved English proficiency test. An English proficiency test is required of all international students whose native language is not English. Students living in a foreign country, who attended English speaking secondary schools, are NOT exempt from this requirement. If the native language is not English, ONE of the following kinds of evidence of English ability must be provided to Shorter University:
  • An official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score report showing a paper score of no less than 500 or a computer-based score of not less than 173.
  • Official reports showing a Michigan Test Battery score of 80 or better.
  • Certification of Level 109 completion from ELS Language Centers.
  • A transcript from a United States high school or equivalent.
  • In unusual cases, a written essay to be reviewed by the English faculty, or satisfactory SAT or ACT scores.
• Official bank statement or letter from a sponsor as evidence that the prospective international student, or families or sponsors are financially able to support the student while attending Shorter. This may be in the form of a letter from the sponsor’s bank, a statement from the sponsor’s employer, a report from a commercial rating concerning the sponsor’s business, or an account of investments owned by the sponsor.
• A Cambridge English Scale score of at least 160 for undergraduates or 170 for graduates (Cambridge English Exams: First, Advanced or Proficiency).
• iTEP- International Test of English of at least 3.0-3.4 for undergraduates or 3.5-3.9 for graduates.

If an international student is already in the United States on any visa other than a tourist/business visa (B-1/B-2), the above steps may not be necessary: for example, if the student is on a nonimmigrant dependent visa. However, if the student holds a nonimmigrant dependent visa as a child of a person with another nonimmigrant visa, he or she must petition for a change of visa status to F-1 Student before reaching age 21.

Sometimes it is necessary to secure evaluation and interpretation of a prospective student’s academic credentials from an outside agency. If engaging such a service is necessary to determine a student’s eligibility to enter Shorter University, the student will be asked to pay for this service.

Home-Schooled Students

A home-schooled student is an applicant who has received all or part of his or her secondary schooling at home and who therefore has not received a traditional college preparatory high school diploma. A home-schooled applicant must submit the following portfolio:

• The completed online application at http://apply.shorter.edu/.
• Transcripts, listing all classes taken as high school courses, including numeric grades if possible.
• Reading list, including all required reading for classes such as literature classes and a list of books used (titles and publishers) of all books used for high-school level courses.
• A resumé listing all extra-curricular, volunteer, and work experience.
• A written personal statement reflecting compatibility between the student’s goals and the mission and goals of the University.

Each home-schooled applicant will be reviewed individually according to the materials submitted. A personal interview with online admissions personnel and/or the Admissions Committee may be required before a decision is reached.

Admission of Degree-Seeking Students With Previous College Work

Traditional Transfers

The applicant must:

• Complete the online application at http://apply.shorter.edu/.
• Provide an official high school transcript or GED transcript, embossed or stamped and signed as official by the high school guidance office, UNLESS the applicant has earned 24 or more transferable college credit hours.
• Provide an official university or college transcript from EACH institution previously attended, embossed or stamped and signed by the appropriate official. Failure to inform Shorter University of all institutions previously attended, regardless of status upon leaving those institutions, may result in denial of application, or dismissal from Shorter University.

Additional information which may be required at the discretion of the Admissions Committee:

• A written personal statement which reflects compatibility between the student’s goals and the mission and goals of the University.
• An essay written by the student discussing topics as determined by the Admissions Committee.
• A recommendation from the appropriate administrator at the last university or college attended.

For information regarding the acceptance of transfer credit, see the Traditional Academic Policies section. For unconditional acceptance as a transfer student, the applicant must have a college grade-point average, based on grades from transferable courses, of not less than 2.0 on a 4.0 scale through at least one year (24 or more transferable credit hours) of full-time enrollment at a regionally accredited postsecondary institution.

After receiving and processing the application staff will check for official transcripts from all colleges attended, official high school transcript (if required; see Advanced Freshman below), and recommendation. The Registrar will evaluate all college transcripts for transferable credit and will calculate the applicant’s college grade-point average from these transcripts. After the application is evaluated, a letter will be sent notifying the applicant of his or her status. If the applicant is accepted, an “Intent to Enroll/Deposit” can be viewed in the student’s application portal. Students can accept their admission through the application portal creating a digital signature for their Intent to Enroll.

Advanced Freshmen

If an applicant with previous college work has earned less than 24 credit hours of transferable college credit, he or she is considered an advanced freshman and must supply a high school transcript. Evaluation of the high school transcript is described under Traditional Freshmen, above.

Non-Traditional Transfers

The applicant must:

• Complete the online application at http://apply.shorter.edu/.
• Provide an official college transcript from EACH institution previously attended, embossed or stamped and signed as official. As with Non-Traditional Freshmen, Non-Traditional Transfers may not be able to satisfy all the academic requirements for admission. Each case will be handled on its own merits. Aside from this point, the admissions procedure, including evaluation of college transcripts by the Registrar, is described under Traditional Transfers.

International Transfers

If the international student is transferring from another United States postsecondary institution, the requirements for ordinary transfers apply. If the student also holds an F-1 Student visa, the student is ineligible to attend the online program as the F-1 Student visa requires students to attend an on-ground program. If he or she holds another United States nonimmigrant visa and is transferring from another United States postsecondary institution and wishes to enroll in the online program, a petition to change visa status may or may not be necessary. The Foreign Student Advisor will review such situations.

International students attending from outside of the United States will be subject to all previously mentioned admissions requirements, including financial verification, but visa status does not apply.

In the case of an international student without a United States visa who wishes to transfer credit, the requirements for an international freshman apply. Shorter University independently evaluates foreign credentials for credit towards a degree. However, international students also have the option of obtaining credit by contacting contact World Education Services via e-mail at info@wes.org or via phone at (212) 966-6311. After a course by course evaluation has been submitted the Registrar will determine which credits can be used towards a degree at Shorter. Once Shorter has received an official copy of that formal evaluation, the Registrar’s Office will determine transfer course equivalencies.

Readmission Students

Students who have been absent from classes at Shorter University for one or more semesters, excluding summer should contact the Office of Admissions to determine whether they need to be readmitted to their chosen program. Students who have not taken a class at Shorter for more than one academic year have broken their enrollment and will need to complete the admissions process again.

Students who were academically or socially suspended must also apply for readmission.

The applicant must:

• Complete the application at (no fee is required).
• Provide official transcripts from ALL colleges attended since leaving Shorter, embossed or stamped and signed by the appropriate official.
• Additional documentation may be requested for admissions at the discretion of Admissions personnel.

Students cannot be readmitted if terms of suspension have not been met, whether that suspension was at Shorter or at another institution. If a student who was on academic probation or suspension when he or she left Shorter is readmitted, this readmission will be on academic probation regardless of performance at the interim institution. Even though courses from other institutions may count towards graduation requirements, they may not be used for purposes of removal from probation or suspension.

All readmitted students must meet the graduation and major sequence requirements in effect for the academic year in which he or she is readmitted. Students may petition the Registrar for an exception. The cumulative college GPA, as computed by the Registrar determines readmission status:

• If the college GPA is 2.0 or higher, the student will be readmitted unconditionally.
• If the college GPA is below 2.0 Admissions staff may request additional documentation to be submitted to the Director of Enrollment Services in appeal for provisional admission.
• If the college GPA is less than 1.40, the student will not be readmitted unless the Admissions Committee finds that there are circumstances which warrant an exception and acceptance on probation.

Internal Transfers

Students who are transferring to an online degree from a traditional degree at Shorter University or vice versa will be required to complete the Change of Program process with their Academic Advisor or Enrollment Specialist.

Acceptance of Credit

For information regarding the acceptance of transfer and alternate credit, see the Acceptance of Transfer Credit Policy in the Traditional Academic Policies section.

Joint-Enrollment Credit

Shorter University may accept joint-enrolled credit from accredited institutions. A transcript must be submitted from the higher education institution where the joint- enrollment credits were earned. For information regarding the acceptance of the credit, see the Acceptance of Transfer Credit policy in the Traditional Academic Policies section.

Special Admission Requirements

Some degrees may have other requirements for admissions. These requirements (if any) will be detailed in the Major Sequence Sheet for the degree in the Online section of this catalog.

Non-Degree Seeking Students: Definitions and Requirements

All are required to complete an application. Tuition and fees apply as detailed in this catalog. Students wishing to take individual courses at Shorter University but who are not seeking a degree must also submit the following dependent on their student category:

Transient Students

Students who are currently enrolled in another postsecondary institution who wish to take online courses are considered to be transient students. Transient students are limited to taking a total of 24 credit hours at Shorter. Transient students wishing to enroll must submit a Statement for Good Standing from the Registrar or other appropriate academic official at their current postsecondary institution.

Special/Non-Degree Student (For Credit)

A person who wishes to take courses for credit, but who does not plan to seek a degree must provide an official transcript from all institutions he or she attended.

Auditor

A person who wishes to take courses on a non-credit basis is an auditor. He or she must receive permission from the faculty member teaching the course he or she wishes to take.

Dual Enrollment

High school students entering their junior or senior year may be admitted as joint or dual enrollees. The Admissions Committee will also consider sophomores. Students should have at least a 3.0 GPA, with a letter of approval from the applicant’s high school guidance counselor or administrator sent to the Office of Admissions verifying the particular courses in which the student plans to enroll for each term. Additionally, students must complete a Dual-Enrollment Registration form to register for courses. Applicants that are not in this classification should contact the Office of Admissions for specific admission requirements. Dual enrollment students may not exceed 30 credit hours per student per academic year.

Graduate Admissions

General Admissions Policy and Procedures

Shorter University strives to enroll a diverse student body so that the best possible learning environment will be provided. The University does not obligate itself to admit all students who meet admission requirements. In determining admissions, consideration is given to the compatibility of the student’s purpose and interests with the basic philosophy of the University as a Christian liberal arts institution, as well as to the student’s ability to benefit from a university education at Shorter.

The Graduate Council makes admissions decisions for all potential graduate students in accordance with the guidelines set by the Graduate Council at the beginning of each academic year. Members of the Graduate Council are chosen annually, and members are listed on the Provost Office webpage under the “Committees, Councils and Taskforces” link. Each candidate application is reviewed and voted on by the entire council, with decisions requiring a majority vote from the council. In the case there is an absence of council members, the tiebreaking vote is made by the Chair of the Graduate Council.

Admissions decisions are based on a combination of the following, depending on the candidate’s prospective classification (international, transfer, etc.): the candidate’s academic course curriculum; undergraduate grade-point average; the compatibility of the student’s purpose, interests, and character with institutional values; demonstration of the ability to perform graduate work in areas specific to intended degree; business performance and objectives; recommendations; and possible GMAT scores. Other information which may be considered in individual cases include TOEFL or other language proficiency exam scores (international students only), institutional recommendations or records, etc.

Files are sent to the Graduate Council for review as soon as all required credentials are collected. After the application is evaluated, a letter will be sent notifying the applicant of his or her status.

If the applicant is accepted, an “Intent to Enroll/ Deposit,” can be viewed in the student’s application portal. Students can accept their admission through the application portal creating a digital signature for their Intent to Enroll. The student’s academic advisor will provide all applicable forms pertaining to graduate prerequisite requirements, financial aid, etc. If the student is denied admission, he or she may appeal this decision through the Provost’s Office.

Categories for Graduate Admission

Regular Admission

When an applicant meets all guidelines as set, he or she is admitted unconditionally. The Graduate Council reserves the option to offer other types of admission based on the merits of the individual applicant.

Conditional Admission

Conditional admission is offered to students who do not meet regular admission standards, but who in the opinion of the Graduate Council demonstrate the potential for academic success at Shorter. This is a full admission to the University with the requirement that an academic condition be satisfied; typically, the student is limited to 15 academic credit hours during the first semester and must earn no less than a 3.0 grade-point average. The Graduate Council reserves the right to adjust the conditions for the individual applicant in question.

Provisional Admission

A student may be admitted on a provisional basis if all credentials have not been received. Students are admitted with the provision that the required documents are received and approved by the Office of Admissions by the Friday of the add/drop period of the student’s beginning term. Failure to provide the necessary documentation may result in the loss of fees and dismissal from course(s) the provisionally admitted student is attending. Provisional students are not fully admitted, and may not receive institutional, federal, or state funded financial aid until the required documents are received and approved.

Readmission to Graduate Program

This policy applies to all students, whether voluntarily withdrawn from the program or withdrawn by the school for any reason for a period exceeding one semester.

To be readmitted to a program, the student’s account must be in good standing. Students must contact Business Office to ensure no holds are present on their account. Any required payments must be received before initiating the readmission process.

• Students seeking re-entry must talk with an Enrollment Specialist to work out the specifics for readmission.
• An application to re-enter any program may require the approval of Graduate Council. In determining whether or not to readmit a withdrawn student, several aspects will be considered: academic performance, class participation, general attitude, exhibited behavior when previously enrolled, and any extenuating circumstances.
• The Admissions Office will complete the necessary paperwork for readmitting the student and arrange for the placement of the re-entered student.

Special Admission Requirements

Some degrees may have other requirements for admissions. These requirements (if any) will be detailed in the Major Sequence Sheet for the degree (see the Online Sequence Sheet sections below).

Military Service Members

The following would qualify as Military Students: Current service members who have completed basic training, veterans who have received an honorable/general discharge, Department of Defense employees, and spouses of Military students. Pursuant to Article I. Section IV. Paragraph I of the Constitution of the State of Georgia only the union of man and women shall be recognized as marriage.

Tuition: Online Courses

Tuition rates for online classes for all Military Students pursuing an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s level programs are discounted by 20%. Note that service members cannot receive the discount while simultaneously receiving other military benefits.

Residency Requirements

Shorter University limits academic residency to no less than twenty-five percent of the degree requirements for all undergraduate degrees for active-duty service members. Academic residency can be completed at any time while active-duty service members are enrolled. Reservists and National Guardsmen on active duty are covered in the same manner.

Transfer and Alternate Credit

For information regarding the acceptance of transfer and alternate credit, see the Acceptance of Transfer Credit policy located in the Traditional Academic Policies section.

Military Credit Evaluations

Shorter University evaluates credits for prior military experience based on the recommendations of the American Council of Education (ACE) guidebook, Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services. Military students who want their military work and experience evaluated for possible credit should submit military transcripts, certificates of completion, diplomas, or documentation from their branch of the service. Active-service members should submit Form DD295. Non-active service members should submit form DD214.You can order your military transcript from your branch of the military below:

Army AARTS Transcript
Requests may be mailed, faxed, or submitted online.
Phone: 1-866-297-4427 (TOLL-FREE)
Fax: 1-913-684-2011

Navy/Marine Corps SMART Transcript
Requests may be mailed or faxed.
Phone: 1-877-253-7122 (TOLL-FREE)
Fax: 1-850-452-1281

Air Force CCAF Transcript
Requests accepted by mail only.
Phone: 1-334-953-2794
E-Mail: registrar.ccaf@maxwell.af.mil
Web: www.maxwell.af.mil/au/ccaf/

Coast Guard USCG Transcript
Requests accepted by mail only.
Phone: 1-405-954-0072
Web: www.uscg.mil

Prior Learning and Experience

In addition to credit for military training, Shorter University gives credit for other forms of prior learning. These forms of credit include the following:

• College-level examination program (CLEP)
• Credit for Military Training [See above]

Military Deployment Policy

Students who cannot attend school due to military service should:

• Contact the instructor to see if they are able to continue and to complete their coursework while deployed.
• Contact their advisor to discuss how a deployment may impact their education and to provide information on their options.
• An academic plan will be put into place for the student prior to deployment.

Students who are deployed may request an administrative withdrawal that will note the reason of the withdrawal as military. Military personnel that need to repeat a course due to deployment will not be charged for the repeated course.

Students who withdrawal for deployment reasons will be guaranteed readmission under the following conditions:

• The student must give written or verbal notice of such service to his or her academic advisor, military liaison, or the registrar. This notice may come from the student or from an appropriate officer of the U.S. Armed Forces or from a U.S. Department of Defense official. Notice is not required if precluded by military necessity. The requirement to give notice may be fulfilled at the time that the student seeks readmission by submitting an attestation that the student performed the service.
• The student must give written or verbal notice of their intent to return to Shorter University to his or her academic advisor, military liaison, or the Registrar within three years after the completion of the period of service. A student who is hospitalized or convalescing due to an illness or injury incurred or aggravated during the performance of service must notify the school within two years after the end of the period needed for recovery from the illness or injury.
• The cumulative length of the absence and of all previous absences from Shorter University for military service may not exceed five years. The student’s cumulative length of absences period does not include any period of service that is specified in 34 CFR 668.18 (e).
• The student cannot have received a dishonorable or bad conduct discharge or have been sentenced in a court-martial.

Students who meet these conditions will be re-admitted on the following terms:

• Students will receive student account credit toward the course from which they withdrew, allowing them to retake those classes without charge. If that class is no longer offered, the student will receive a credit toward any course considered most similar to the original course by the institution.
• The student is eligible to re-enroll in the same program in which he or she was enrolled at the time of the withdrawal. If that program is no longer offered, the student may enroll in whatever program is most similar to the original program, or any other program offered at time of readmission, granted program requirements have been met.
• If re-admitted to the same program, the student’s tuition and fees for the first academic year in which the student returns will be the same as those that would have been charged during the year that the student left the school.
• Any re-enrollment fees or deposit requirements will be waived.

Military Support Office

Military Liaison, Bethany Brady, at Shorter University serves as the point of contact for service members, veterans, and family members seeking information about academic counseling, financial aid counseling, and student support services. The military liaison may be reached at bbrady@shorter.edu. See below for contact information for our VA Coordinators.

Military and Veteran Benefits Counselor

Shorter’s benefits counselor provides student guidance on any military and veteran benefits for military students and ensures benefits are processed swiftly and smoothly. The benefits counselor can be reached at bbrady@shorter.edu.

VA Coordinators

Bethany Brady - University Registrar - bbrady@shorter.edu and Teresa Cushing - tcushing@shorter.edu

VA Benefit Programs

Shorter University has been approved by the State of Georgia as a training facility for veterans applying for VA Educational Benefits.

The following VA Benefit programs are in place at Shorter University:

• Montgomery GI Bill/Chapter 30: (active duty or veteran status) must have served in the United States Armed Forces and participated in the GI Bill program. In most instances, veterans must also have been honorably discharged.
• Montgomery GI Bill/Chapter 1606: (selected guard and reserves) must have completed all initial entry training (IET) and are now assigned to a Reserve and/or a Georgia National Guard Unit.
• VA Vocational Rehabilitation/Chapter 31: (service-connected disabled veterans) must make application with local VA caseworker to have rehabilitation plan developed indicating a Shorter University degree plan.
• REAP/Chapter 1607: (reservists who were activated for at least 90 days after September 11, 2001).
• Post 9/11 GI Bill/Chapter 33: must have active-duty service on or after September 11, 2001. Benefit is based on service credits.
• Survivors and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program / Chapter 35: (dependents and spouses of 100% disabled or deceased Veterans).

Specific information on each chapter can be found on the Veteran’s website: www.gibill.va.gov.

Getting Started

After applying for admission to the university, students should complete the Veterans Enrollment Data Sheet. The following documents should be included with the Veterans Enrollment Data Sheet when making application for VA benefits:

• NOBE (Notice of Basic Eligibility) for the Select Reserves and Georgia National Guards
• DD Form 214
• Kicker/Buy Up documentation
• College Fund documentation
• Veterans Enrollment Data Sheet

University Charges

Students are responsible for paying all university bills. Shorter University and the VA do not have an agreement to process tuition/fee waivers; therefore, failure of the VA to pay students in a timely manner does not eliminate or delay a student’s financial responsibility to Shorter University. It normally takes the Atlanta VA processing center 6-8 weeks to process new educational claims, so please plan accordingly. The University will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds, on any covered individual because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement funding from VA Chapter 31 or 33.

Veterans’ Benefits

The University is on the approved list of the Georgia State Approving Agency for the training of veterans, disabled veterans, and the children and widows of deceased/disabled veterans who are eligible for benefits under the G.I. Bill.

Students using Chapter 33 (Post 9/11) benefits under the G.I. Bill are required to pay (by the Final Payment Deadline) any tuition and fees not covered by the VA. The VA does not pay tuition and fees to Shorter University for students using Chapter 30, Chapter 1606, or Chapter 35 benefits. These students are responsible for payment of their tuition and fees by the payment deadline since they are paid benefits directly through Veterans Affairs. Students using VA Chapter 33 or VA Chapter 31 education benefits will be allowed to attend and participate in their course of education provided they have submitted to their Veteran Certifying Official a current Certificate of Eligibility or Statement of Benefits “eBenefits” (for Chapter 33) or a current VA Form 28-1905 (for Chapter 31). If the VA delays in submitting funds to Shorter University for these students, these students will have full access to their classes, libraries, and other institutional facilities. They will not be required to borrow funds and will not have penalties or late fees imposed because of the VA’s delay.

Shorter University and the VA do not have an agreement to process tuition/fee waivers; therefore, failure of the VA to pay students in a timely manner does not eliminate or delay a student’s financial responsibility to Shorter University. Each VA beneficiary should make financial preparation for at least one semester because benefit checks are sometimes delayed.

Eligible veterans and the children and widows of veterans must make application for the benefit to their regional Veterans Affairs. The Military and Veteran Services Office can assist with the application process.

Veterans who wish to use VA Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation benefits must contact the VA Regional Office to be assigned a counselor to help with the application process. All other benefits can be applied for online at www.vets.gov. Students in training under Chapter 31 are responsible for making sure their counselor has provided a current VA Form 28-1905 for their benefit, and should check with the University Business Office regarding the handling of their account for fees, supplies, etc.

Students attending on the G.I. Bill are certified for VA benefits only for those courses required in their program of study. Courses taken for audit are not payable by the VA. Such students must maintain Shorter University standards for academic performance. Those students who are academically dismissed from school will have their benefits interrupted. Upon readmission and re-certification for benefits at Shorter University, the VA will decide if further benefits may be paid for continuation of the program in which the academic deficiency occurred.

Current VA standards require that students attend class and that benefits be terminated when the student has stopped attending or has been suspended for academic or disciplinary reasons. Since VA regulations are subject to periodic change, it is the student’s responsibility to keep up to date on requirements for VA benefits while in attendance at Shorter University.

Any veteran or dependent wishing to use the G.I. Bill benefits must contact their VA Certifying Official. The offices of the VA Certifying Officials are in the Registrar’s Office in the Sheffield-Thompson administration building.

Students using VA education benefits must submit their letter of eligibility to their Veteran Certifying Official no later than the first day of the course of education. Students who do not have the full Chapter 33 benefit (less than 100%), or who enroll in classes not required for their degree program, or who have other financial obligations to Shorter University, are still responsible for their portion by the payment deadline. Failure to pay non-VA covered charges are subject to deletion of classes and late fees.

Veteran Students’ Responsibilities

Veteran students at Shorter University have ongoing responsibilities to the VA. The Shorter University VA Coordinator closely monitors each student’s enrollment status and academic program. The student’s entitlement is based upon the number of credit hours for which they are enrolled. Current pay rates can be viewed at: www.gibill.va.gov.

Veteran students must notify the VA Coordinator of any of the following:

1. change of degree program
2. change of address
3. out more than three semesters
4. when a veteran does not want a semester certified

Chapter 30, 1606, and 1607 Monthly Verification

All students who are receiving Chapter 30, Chapter 1606, and Chapter 1607 benefits must verify their monthly enrollment on the last day of each month or after. The benefit (monetary award) will not be released by the VA until this is done. Enrollment verification can be accomplished by using the VA toll-free telephone number 1.877.823.2378 or the WAVE feature found on the VA website www.gibill.va.gov.

Academic Policies

Registration

All persons who plan to attend any course on a regular basis must complete formal registration. Online students will be registered for their classes by their Enrollment Specialist.

Academic Advising

Each online student is assigned an Enrollment Specialist based on his or her program of study. Enrollment Specialists are trained professionals who provide students with important information and assistance relative to their academic success in their educational program. They are responsible for registering online students after conferring with the online student via their Shorter e-mail account. The Enrollment Specialist will assist students in arranging their schedule each semester; however, students are responsible to become familiar with and fulfill all requirements for their degree.

Length of Courses/Program

Each online class lasts for 8 weeks. There are six 8-week sessions/subterms a year. Two of these 8-week sessions/subterms run during the fall semester, two during the spring semester, and two in the summer. Typically, a student takes 1-2 three credit hour classes during each 8-week session.

Schedule Load (Full and Part Time Status) Students are classified as full or part time each semester based on federal, state, and institutional regulations. The following table provides guidance on how that is done at Shorter University at the institutional level.

Maximum Course Load

Undergraduate Programs

A normal course load for an undergraduate student is two three-credit hour courses per online session, or four three-credit hour courses per semester. Undergraduate students may not take more than five three-credit hour courses per semester without the approval of the Provost.

Graduate Programs

A normal course load for a graduate student is two three-credit hour courses per online session. A graduate student may not take more than a normal course load. Any exceptions to this policy must be approved by the Provost.

Drop/Add

Registration changes may be made during the drop/add period in consultation with an Enrollment Specialist.

Automatic Drop from Online Courses

If a student fails to both log into their online course and post within the Mandatory Introduction Forum in the first 9 class days from the start of the session, he or she will be automatically dropped from the course. Simply logging into a course will still constitute as an automatic drop for the course if an introduction post within the actual online course platform is not completed before or within the first 9 class days from the start of the session.

Students who do login and complete an introduction post before or within the first 9 days from the start of the session, but who then stop participating in their online class will NOT be automatically dropped from the class. Completing the Mandatory Introductory Forum counts as attendance in the course. To drop or withdraw from the class, the student must follow the procedures described in the Drop/Add and Withdrawal from Courses portions of this section.

Withdrawal from Courses

A student may withdraw from individual courses after the drop/add period and until the last day specified in the academic calendar for withdrawals published by the Office of the Registrar. To withdraw from an online course the student must send an e-mail to his or her Enrollment Specialist from his or her Shorter e-mail account requesting. The withdrawal will be effective from the date of the e-mail request.

Class Cancellation

Shorter University reserves the right to cancel a class if it deems by the first day of class that there are not enough enrolled students to make the class viable.

Changing a Major

If a student desires to change his or her major, he or she should contact his or her Enrollment Specialist.

Withdrawal from the University

An online student leaving the University must formally withdraw by sending an e-mail to his or her Enrollment Specialist the from his or her Shorter e-mail account requesting to withdraw. The withdrawal will be effective from the date of the e- mail request. Clearances must be obtained from the Financial Aid Office, the Business Office, and the Library. No refund of fees will be calculated until the withdrawal process is complete.

Requests for withdrawal from the University after registration but before the beginning of a session must be made in writing to the student’s Enrollment Specialist and sent from the student’s Shorter email account. The University reserves the right to request, at any time, the withdrawal of a student who does not maintain the required standard of scholarship, or whose continued attendance would be detrimental to the student’s health or the health of others, or whose behavior is out of harmony with the Christian philosophy of the University. For regulations regarding nonacademic or disciplinary suspension, see the Shorter University Student Handbook.

Grades Credit & Quality Points

Shorter University defines the term “credit hour” as the amount of credit awarded for one hour of classroom instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work per week for one semester of approximately fifteen weeks or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time. This definition applies to any academic activities for which credit is awarded, including laboratory work, internships, practical, studio work, independent studies, and tutorials, as well as courses offered in accelerated and/or nontraditional formats.

A student’s standing in any course may be determined according to the following grades:

Except in cases of clerical error, a faculty member may not change a grade which has been forwarded to the Registrar’s Office. Grades may only be changed as the result of an appeals process as described below.

Grade Point Average

A student’s academic grade-point average (GPA) is obtained by dividing the number of quality points earned by the number of credit hours scheduled (except grades of “W”, “WA”, “WP”, “P”, “S” or “U”). For more information about transfer GPA, see Acceptance of Transfer Credit in the Traditional Academic Policies section.

Non-Credit Grades (W, WP, WA, I, AU)

Students may withdraw from a course and receive a “W” during the first two weeks of a session. After the first two weeks of the session, students wishing to withdrawal may do so, but will receive a grade of “WP” or “WF”, assigned by the professor based on the grade in the course at that time. The withdrawal period will end one week before classes end. Withdrawals are not accepted after the withdrawal period. All students remaining on the course roster should receive the letter grade they earned in the course at final grade entry. A grade of “WA” will be assigned in cases in which a university administrator initiates a student withdrawal due to, but not limited to, disciplinary or academic issues. An incomplete grade of “I” can be assigned by the instructor only when a deficiency exists in a relatively small portion of the course. A student with a grade of “I” should work closely with their instructor to complete the deficiency. Doing so enables the instructor to submit a grade change form on SCHOLAR before the deadline on the academic calendar. A grade of “I” remaining after the deadline will default to a failure grade of “F”. After the incomplete deadline and “I” grades are changed, academic standing will be re-calculated for students with previous “I” grades. See the Undergraduate Academic Progress section later in this catalog for academic standing details.

The grade of “AU” denotes a course taken as an audit. Auditors receive no credit; they participate in the course at the option of the instructor.

Official Transcript And Enrollment Verification Requests

Shorter University has authorized National Student Clearinghouse for transcript ordering and credit card payment through a secured internet transaction. A $3.00 processing fee will be charged per recipient in addition to Shorter’s transcript fee. Visit http://www.shorter.edu/registrar/ for more information.

Transcripts and enrollment verification letters may also be requested in writing with the signature of the student. E-mail, fax, and telephone requests will not be honored. Request forms are available at the Registrar’s Office location in Sheffield Thompson and on SCHOLAR.

All transcript requests must be prepaid with a fee of $5.00 for regular service or $10.00 for immediate service, when available. Official transcripts will not be issued for those who are delinquent in their financial obligations to the University. In addition, official transcript requests will not be processed for students with transcript holds on their records from any Shorter University department.

Guidelines For Changing/Appealing Course Final Grades

Grade Changes/Appeals

Based on individual student circumstances, a professor may change a grade within the six-month period following the end of the course. Between six months and one year, both the professor and the department head must approve the grade change. After one year, the Provost must also approve the grade change. A grade change after one year must be due to clerical error.

Appealing a Final Course Grade

1. The first level of appeal for a student who is dissatisfied with a grade received is to the professor assigning the grade. The student should make contact with the professor to explain the basis of dissatisfaction and the professor should explain the basis for the grade. This meeting should be face to face; however, the professor may allow other forms of communication (via telephone or email, for example). The student must request this interview in writing to the professor within 10 days of the posting of the final grade. Once the faculty member has received the request, the interview (or other communication) must be scheduled within normal working hours (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.), Monday through Friday within 10 days of the student’s request (unless the request does not fall within a major term; see paragraph D below). Failure by the faculty member to respond to the student’s request within the established time will be considered a violation of the University policy. Failure of the student to appear at the scheduled interview ends the appeals procedure. If the student has not been contacted by the professor within 30 days of mailing the appeal, the student should file the appeal directly with the department chairperson.
2. If the student wishing to appeal a final course grade is still dissatisfied after an interview (or other agreed upon communication) with the professor, the student should then submit a written statement to the chair of the department within 10 days of the interview. This should contain the reasons for dissatisfaction and the specific changes the student regards as fair and desirable. The burden of proof lies with the student in such a case to show that an error of malfeasance has occurred. Within 10 days of receiving the written appeal, the department chair will notify in writing both the professor and the student of the chair’s decision (as noted in Paragraph D, this deadline is extended when the appeal is not lodged during a major semester). When, in the opinion of the chair, the student fails to show reasonable cause for further investigation, the chair may deny the appeal without taking further action.
3. When, in the opinion of the department chair, a student’s appeal raises reasonable doubt as to whether a mistake or malfeasance has occurred, the chair shall appoint within 10 days a committee of three faculty members whom the chair considers most nearly competent in the subject matter. This committee will meet and issue a decision in writing to the department chair, professor, and student within 10 days of the request. Both the professor and student should be asked to bind themselves in advance to accept the committee’s decision. Neither may be required, however, to bind themselves.
4. If the student files the initial request at a time other than during a major term (fall or spring semesters) and if the professor or department chair are not available during that time, all of the foregoing deadlines begin to run with the first day of class in the next major term.
5. Any student who has exhausted the remedies open under the procedures outlined above may appeal the entire matter to the Faculty Appeals Committee. The student should be advised by the department chair that the Faculty Appeals Committee will not alter a grade under these circumstances, but if the student can show compelling evidence that the procedures outlined above have been violated, the Committee may recommend that a reexamination or other appropriate assignment be given to the student, that the appropriate academic dean investigate the entire matter or other appropriate action be taken.
6. All results from these proceedings of the Faculty Appeals Committee should be reported to the appropriate academic dean and Provost as information.

Regulations Regarding Special Study Courses

Special Study includes Independent Study and Internship or Field Work. Department Chairs, Deans, and the Provost must approve Special Study Courses.

Independent Study

Independent Studies are catalog courses taken independently. Three further regulations govern Independent Studies:

1. A student may take no more than two Independent Studies at one time.
2. A student may take a maximum of four Independent Studies in a degree program.
3. A student earning a grade of “D” or “F” in a regular classroom course may not repeat it as an Independent Study.
4. The must be a compelling reason for allowing a student to take an Independent Study: the course was not offered in its regular rotation; the course was cancelled due to low enrollment and will not be offered again in its regular rotation before the student graduates.
5. Only catalog courses can be offered as Independent Studies.
6. The course in question must be part of the degree requirements for the student’s major or minor.

Internship

Internships at Shorter are semester long, supervised work experiences related to a student’s major or vocational area for which the student earns academic credit. The internship experience may be paid or unpaid, on or off campus. An internship combines supervised work experiences with academic activities. It allows a student to augment classroom learning by working in a social, business, political, cultural or community organization. By completing suitable academic work under the direction of a faculty member, students may earn course credit for internships.

The following are the regulations governing internships:

1. Students must register for internships during the semester in which the internship begins. If an internship extends beyond the semester registered, the hours will be sub-divided according to the percentage of the internship scheduled for each semester. A grade for both semesters will be submitted at the conclusion of the second semester after the full internship is completed.
2. Faculty supervision includes advisement on choice of internship, contact with the work supervisor, and assignment of a written report.
3. Students must work in a career field off campus unless special permission is given by the Provost.
4. Students must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.75 and permission of the department chair to participate in an internship. If the GPA is below 2.75 overall, the students must obtain the permission of the department chair or dean.
5. Students must have earned at least 60 hours (junior status) to participate in an internship.
6. Students must work a minimum of 112 hours on site.
7. All students requesting an internship must submit an internship form and an internship description to the Registrar’s office no later than the last day of Add/Drop. Any requests received after Add/Drop closes will be deferred to the following semester.
8. The maximum number of credit hours that a student may take for an internship is 6, unless their degree specifically requires more. Any exceptions must be approved by the Provost.

Online Class Attendance

Online courses are typically delivered asynchronously, meaning that there are no fixed times when students need to be online. While there is no standard attendance policy for online classes, students are expected to log-in to class several times each week to check for updates and to communicate with the professor and/or with other students. There will also typically be deadlines for the completion of assignments, and there may be requirements that the student participate each week in online chats or forum discussions. In some cases, there may be a requirement for the student to log-in at a particular time during the week to participate in a group chat or discussion. As with any course, a student cannot skip several weeks of online classes and expect to succeed. Students should consult each class syllabus for specific requirements.

If a student fails to both log into their online course and post within the Mandatory Introduction Forum in the first 9 class days from the start of the session, he or she will be automatically dropped from the course. Simply logging into a course will still constitute as an automatic drop for the course if an introduction post within the actual online course platform is not completed within the first 9 class days from the start of the session.

Students who do login and complete an introduction post within the first 9 days from the start of the session, but who then stop participating in their online class will NOT be automatically dropped from the class. To drop or withdraw from the class, the student must follow the procedures described in the Drop/Add and Withdrawal from Courses portions of this section.

Requirements Outside of Courses

Assessment Testing and Surveying

Shorter University’s commitment to its mission and goals requires conducting regular evaluations of progress in achieving those goals. Testing and surveying of students at matriculation, during studies, and after completion of studies is an essential part of this evaluation program. In addition, students may expect to be asked to cooperate in various surveys, interviews, focus groups, and other data-collection efforts conducted by the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Research.

Since the goals of Shorter University are directed to the education of the whole person, their achievement can be measured only by evidence concerning the whole person. To protect confidentiality of data, the Office of Institutional Research never releases personal information about individuals and, wherever possible, avoids attaching names to personal data during analysis.

Interruption of Online Courses

Shorter University Online Programs and all online instructional activities are conducted through Canvas, a trusted open-source learning management system (LMS) platform contracted for use by Shorter University. Shorter University provides all support services for Canvas, including ongoing maintenance and administration of online instructional activities.

In the event of an unplanned interruption to service due to failure on the part of Shorter University or its contracted LMS, all faculty will work with students to ensure that students are not held liable for any periods where Canvas is inaccessible (“Site Downtime”). Any periods of Site Downtime will be verified by personnel from Shorter University’s Office of Information Technology, who will confirm the outage to the faculty.

In the event of an extended service interruption lasting at least 14 days, rendering it impossible to complete initiated coursework, Shorter University will offer students enrolled in in-progress courses the option to:

• Accept a grade of “Incomplete,” with the option to resume coursework when the online platform is reestablished, OR
• Receive a refund of tuition and fees paid for the courses that cannot be completed in accordance with all accreditation policies and applicable federal regulations.

Inability to access Shorter University’s online platforms due to service failures not stemming from circumstances within the control of Shorter University or its contracted partners, including but not limited to the interruption of the student’s Internet access, failure of the student’s computer hardware or software, or life circumstances that render the student incapable of completing coursework, shall not fall under the scope of this policy.

Undergraduate Program Policies

Foundations

The Foundation courses are the general education core that unifies the curriculum and supports the mission of Shorter University as a Christian liberal arts institution. Every Shorter University graduate should have established the habit of continuous learning within the context of knowledge and values that defines contemporary civilization.

The following categories of courses are required in order for students to complete their work for an Associate or Bachelor’s degree at Shorter University through the Online Programs:

General Education Student Learning Outcomes, as they align with these categories, are assessed over a five-year period. The assessment process is overseen by the General Education Assessment Committee (GEAC). The following are the General Education Student Learning Outcomes:

Effective Communication

Students will develop their abilities in collegiate research, writing, public speaking, and literary and rhetorical analysis in order to analyze and create effective, strategic texts. Student proficiency in reading and expression encourages academic, spiritual, and professional growth to impact culture in conscientious, biblically truthful ways.

Biblical Perspective

Students will establish an understanding of biblical worldview through the application of biblical content to all areas of life that informs spiritual growth, Christian leadership, and service to others. The biblical admonition to love God with all of one’s heart, soul, and mind supports the institution’s emphasis on academic excellence.

Historical & Social Perspective

Students will apply historical and social perspectives to provide the contextual framework necessary for understanding the societies that make up our world. Therefore, these perspectives supply foundational components to advancing academic excellence, Christian leadership, and global service within the context of a biblical worldview.

Artistic Expression

Students will develop their creative capacity, sensitivity, and appreciation for artistic expression through art, dance, music, or theatre within the context of a biblical worldview.

Quantitative & Scientific Reasoning

Students will demonstrate the ability to understand mathematical and scientific problems, apply the correct strategies and methods to solve them, and to communicate these solutions with academic excellence and in accordance with the University’s mission.

Student Class Standing

Shorter officially recognizes four classes: freshman, sophomore, junior, senior. A student’s classification is based upon earned hours toward degree.

Dean’s List

Any full-time, degree-seeking student who earns a minimum GPA of 3.5 on 12 credit hours or more (without any grades of “Incomplete”) for a semester will be placed on the Dean’s List for that semester.

Academic Standing & Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

It is important to note that academic standing is separate from financial aid SAP. Academic standing pertains to whether or not a student is eligible to enroll in courses. SAP pertains to whether or not a student is eligible to receive financial aid. These use different criteria and require independent appeals for suspended students. See the financial aid section for more information on SAP.

Academic Good Standing

Good standing is defined as being eligible to continue as a student at Shorter University the following academic term.

Academic Standing Regulations

Academic Warning, Suspension, and Probation regulations apply to any student enrolled in a part time status or higher. Even though courses accepted from other institutions may count toward graduation requirements, they may not be used for purposes of removal from Warning, Suspension, or Probation.

Academic Warning

All students will be placed on Academic Warning at the end of any 16-week semester in which the student’s Cumulative GPA is below the minimum GPA to avoid Academic Warning (see table). The minimum GPA the student must meet is based on the student’s number of Attempted Hours at Shorter (also referred to as Attempted Local Hours). A student on Academic Warning may be prohibited from participating in any extracurricular activity or representing Shorter University.

Academic Suspension

A student on Academic Warning who does not successfully bring their GPA above the minimum GPA to avoid Academic Warning the immediately following 16-week semester will be placed on Academic Suspension. The minimum GPA the student must meet is based on the student’s number of Attempted Hours at Shorter (also referred to as Attempted Local Hours).

First-time Suspension: Students suspended at the end of a Fall semester will be eligible to apply for readmission for the following Fall semester. Students suspended at the end of a Spring semester will be eligible to apply for readmission for the following Spring semester. An academic suspension hold (AS) will be applied in order to prevent registration. It will be removed at the appropriate time if a readmission application is submitted from the student to the Admissions Office and fully approved.

Second-time Suspension: Only through written appeal to the Provost can permission to return to the university be granted. This appeal must be received 30 days prior to the registration date of the semester the student wishes to enter. A minimum of one calendar year must elapse before a student on second suspension may be readmitted. No student will be readmitted after his or her third suspension. A readmitted student will have two semesters, or one semester and a summer term, to reestablish the required 2.0 cumulative GPA. The student must be enrolled full-time during these periods.

A student who does not fully complete 12 semester hours for each of these semesters and obtain a 2.0 cumulative GPA after the second semester, will be subject to suspension.

Academic Probation

Students placed on Academic Suspension with significant extenuating circumstances may submit an Academic Appeal to the Appeals Committee for review. Students whose appeals are granted and are then allowed to re-enroll the following semester will be moved to Academic Probation.

Academic Dismissal

Academic dismissal may result from repeated failure to make academic progress and/or meet the academic requirements set forth in the catalog.

Students will be subject to dismissal if they:

1. Incur a third academic suspension; or
2. Are unable to successfully complete a foundations course or general education course with an acceptable grade within three attempts.*
   *A grade of “WF” is considered an attempt.

Disciplinary Suspension

Students may also be suspended from the university for disciplinary reasons. When a student receives a disciplinary suspension, he or she is automatically withdrawn from all courses, and will be assigned grades of “WA” for all courses at the time of withdrawal. For other rules regarding disciplinary suspension, see the Shorter University Student Handbook. NOTE: Academic Renewal GPA is used to determine academic status for students admitted under Academic Renewal.

Course Repeats

A student will have a maximum of two repeats after the first attempt of a course to increase a grade from a “D” or an “F.” Therefore, a student may attempt a course for a total of three times before accepting the highest grade in the amount of course attempts. If the student is unsuccessful in the third attempt of a required major course, he or she may be required to change his or her major to one that does not require that major course. If the same course is repeated after January 1, 2013, the highest grade will be used in the calculation of the student’s GPA. Exceptions may be made, with permission from the Registrar, for a student to retake a course resulting in a final grade of “C.” Repeating a course may affect a student’s financial aid or athletic eligibility.

Transfer Credit Policy

Shorter University (SU) accepts undergraduate transfer credit from other institutions of higher education based on the following policies. These are effective for students entering SU beginning with the 2016-17 academic year and previously enrolled students who submit transfer or transient work for evaluation after 5/2/2016:

• Official final transcripts from ALL institutions attended must be received at SU before a transfer credit evaluation can begin through the Registrar’s Office. Failure to submit official transcripts from ALL institutions attended prior to enrollment at SU may lead to academic dismissal. For status updates pertaining to transfer credit evaluations, prospective students should contact Admissions; currently enrolled students should contact the Registrar’s Office.
• Current students planning to take coursework at another institution during any term must receive prior permission from the SU Registrar’s Office in order for it count as SU credit.
• Transfer credit evaluations performed by the SU Registrar’s Office are performed at no cost.
• Courses in which the student earned a grade of “C” or above may be accepted for transfer credit.
• Accepted transfer credit quality points will not be used for calculating the cumulative academic GPA.
• Accepted transfer credits will be counted as earned hours towards a degree.
• Shorter University may accept a maximum of 60 earned credit hours from two-year schools for credit and no more than 90 earned credit hours will be accepted from four-year schools.
• Technical school three-digit course codes of 190 and above and four-digit course codes of 1100 and above will be accepted for transfer credit unless otherwise stated in an articulation agreement. Technical school course codes below 190 or 1100 are not eligible for transfer credit unless otherwise stated in an articulation agreement.
• A maximum of 30 credit hours of alternate credit (AP, IB, CLEP, DSST, etc.) may be accepted for credit at SU. For information regarding which alternate credit organizations are eligible to receive credit and minimum scores, please contact the Registrar’s Office. Credit by examination for AP, CLEP, and IB can be viewed at www.shorter.edu by clicking Academics | Registrar | Alternate Credit.
• Each quarter credit hour counts as 2/3 of a semester credit hour. For example, 5.00 quarter hours equals 3.33 credits of semester credit.
• Remedial course work is deemed unacceptable for transfer credit.
• English as a second language, practicum, internships, clinical experiences, and orientation courses may transfer in for credit towards major or elective credit depending on specific details on each course.
• Courses transferred in may be matched with equivalent SU courses or may be given elective credit if no SU course match can be found as long as the above policies are followed.
• Articulation agreements can be viewed at www.shorter.edu by clicking Academics | Registrar | Articulation Agreements.
• Previously evaluated courses by school can be viewed at www.shorter.edu by clicking Academics | Registrar | Transfer Credit.
• International students may utilize World Education Services at www.wes.org or Josef Silny and Associates at www.jsilny.com for transfer evaluations for credit towards a degree. SU does independently evaluate foreign credentials, however.
• Institutional and governmental regulations followed by other SU administrative and academic departments to calculate a GPA may differ from the cumulative academic GPA calculated by the Registrar’s Office.
• Given approval by the Registrar, if credit was awarded for a “P” grade from a pass/fail grade - then Shorter University will accept the course as a credit with the institution.

Inclusion of Previously Enrolled SU Students

Students currently enrolled or those who readmit on 05/02/2016 or later whose transfer work was evaluated according to the prior transfer credit acceptance policies may petition the Registrar’s Office in writing to registrar@shorter.edu to have their transfer work reevaluated under the current policy. Students should take special note that once a petition has been submitted and the reevaluation has been completed, the student is ineligible to return to the prior credit acceptance policies and no reversal of the evaluation may take place.

Online Course Exemptions

Students transferring in 12 or more hours of Business courses (ACC, BUS, ECO MGT, or MKT), at the 3000+ level in degrees that require BUS 1010  may exempt BUS 1010 , but may have to make up the hours with electives.

Transient Credit

Students may take a limited number of courses at another institution as a transient student, usually during the summer. Transiency does not break a student’s affiliation with Shorter University or establish permanent admission to the host institution.

To apply to take a course at another institution as a transient student, a student may obtain an application from the Registrar’s Office. The Enrollment Specialist should be consulted when selecting classes to take as a transient student. Once the completed application is received in the Registrar’s Office, a transient letter is sent from the registrar to the chosen host institution granting permission to study specific courses and indicating the Shorter University equivalent courses. Transient letters will only be granted to students who are in good academic and financial standing with the University. Any student who completes transient work must request a transcript from the host institution be sent to Shorter University upon completion of the course(s). Any student who does not provide a transcript for transient work will have a hold placed on his or her account prohibiting registration until the transcript is received.

For information regarding how transient credit is accepted, see the Acceptance of Transfer Credit policy in the Traditional Academic Policies section. Courses previously taken at Shorter that were not successfully completed may not be taken at another institution as a transient student.

Graduate Program Policies

Academic Standing & Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

It is important to note that academic standing is separate from financial aid SAP. Academic standing pertains to whether or not a student is eligible to enroll in courses. SAP pertains to whether or not a student is eligible to receive financial aid. These use different criteria and require independent appeals for suspended students. See the financial aid section for more information SAP.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Graduate students are expected to earn a GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in the graduate program for which they are enrolled. While graduate students may occasionally earn a grade of C or below, this may not occur more than two times during the pursuit of a graduate program at Shorter University. The following probation and suspension procedures will apply to all Shorter University graduate students.

Academic Status Letter

When a graduate student receives a grade of “C” or below, he or she will receive a letter of notification from the Registrar’s Office. Advisors will receive copies of all letters issued and will be required to contact students to discuss any ramifications of the notification letter as well as the cause of the low grade.

Academic Warning

If a student’s cumulative graduate GPA drops below 3.0 and/or a student earns two final course grades of “C” or below in the graduate program for which they are enrolled, that student will be placed on Academic Warning. Academic Warning status will be evaluated by the Registrar’s Office at the end of each subterm. Student will have 2 consecutive subterms after the initial Academic Warning status to raise their GPA to 3.0 or above. Students will not be allowed to graduate while on Warning. Academic Warning status may be removed by passing approved graduate courses with grades sufficient to raise the student’s cumulative graduate GPA in the graduate program for which they are enrolled to a minimum 3.0.

Graduate students may petition the Registrar for permission to repeat a maximum of two courses in the graduate program for which they are enrolled for credit if necessary, to raise their GPA to 3.0 in order to graduate. The highest grade from the course attempts will be used to calculate the cumulative graduate GPA. Only courses in which the student previously earned a grade of “C” or below may be retaken for credit. Even if a course is retaken, each final grade of “C” or below counts in the total number of final course grades of “C” or below in the program for which the student is enrolled.

Academic Suspension

Any graduate student who earns three final course grades of “C” or below in his/her graduate courses and/or who is on Academic Warning and does not raise his/her GPA to a 3.0 or above within the 2 consecutive subterms after the initial Academic Warning status in the graduate program for which they are enrolled will be dismissed from further graduate study at Shorter University and will not be eligible for readmission as a graduate student in the graduate program for which they were suspended. The student may appeal this suspension by submitting a letter to the Registrar describing the circumstances which resulted in the suspension and stating a valid basis for the appeal. Students whose appeals are granted and are then allowed to re-enroll will be moved to Academic Probation.

Transfer Credit for Graduate Program

On a case-by-case basis, Shorter University may accept courses for transfer credit within the graduate program. For courses to be acceptable for transfer credit, the course content must be deemed equivalent and compatible with the appropriate graduate curriculum, the student must have earned a “B” or better in the course, and the course must be from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. The appropriate Program Director will evaluate the course content for all courses offered for transfer credit. Each graduate program may specify its own special transfer credit requirements but in general no more than six credit hours will be accepted for transfer credit. Any exception must be approved by the Provost. Most of the credit must be earned at Shorter, even when an exception is granted.

Online Course Exemption

Students accepted into the MBA program who have an earned undergraduate degree in a business-related field may be exempt from BUS 5001 . Any exceptions but be approved by the Dean of the College of Business.

Graduation Requirements

Associate Degrees Graduation Requirements

General

While the distribution of credit hours varies for the different associate degrees, most have the following constituent elements:

• a foundations core, and
• a field of concentration.

The list of candidates for graduation, after approval by the faculty, shall be recommended to the President and Board of Trustees for the conferring of degrees. By vote of the faculty on December 2, 1993, no student will be allowed to march with a class or participate in any way in the graduation ceremony until all requirements are met. All financial obligations to the University must be cleared before graduation. This includes library fines, all other fines and fees collected by the Business Office, and the graduation fee.

Credit Hour and Grade Standards

For any associate degree, a candidate must have earned a minimum of 60 credit hours. Some degrees require hours above the minimum.

In order to graduate, a student must have a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA, with a grade of “C” or better in concentration courses.. Some degree programs require a GPA above the minimum. All candidates must file an application for graduation and audit with the Registrar by the deadline indicated on the Academic Calendar and meet with their academic advisor to check progress toward completion. It is the students’ responsibility to see that all general and special requirements for their respective degrees have been met.

Minimum Residence Requirement

A minimum of 25 percent of the credit hours required for any degree must be earned from Shorter University. Any courses taken elsewhere - while a student at Shorter University - must be approved in advance by the Registrar to guarantee transfer and proper application to the student’s program of study. A grade of “C” or higher is required for transient course credit.

Proficiency in Written Communication

Educational Goal III of the University states that curriculum and the educational environment “ensures that students reach the levels of skill in written and oral communication…necessary to take full advantage of university coursework and that they continue to exercise and enlarge these skills.” Effective written communication at Shorter University will be measured by students successfully completing ENG 1010  and ENG 1020  with a “C” or better.

Baccalaureate Degrees Graduation Requirements

General

While the distribution of credit hours varies for the different baccalaureate degrees, most have the following constituent elements:

• a foundations core,
• a major field,
• a group of related or supportive courses, and
• electives.

The list of candidates for graduation, after approval by the faculty, shall be recommended to the President and Board of Trustees for the conferring of degrees. By vote of the faculty on December 2, 1993, no student will be allowed to march with a class or participate in any way in the graduation ceremony until all requirements are met. All financial obligations to the University must be cleared before graduation. This includes library fines, all other fines and fees collected by the Business Office, and the graduation fee.

Credit Hour and Grade Standards

For any baccalaureate degree, a candidate must have earned a minimum of 120 credit hours. Some degrees require hours above the minimum.

In order to graduate, a student must have a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA. Some degree programs require a GPA above the minimum. All candidates must file an application for graduation with the Registrar by the deadline indicated on the Academic Calendar and consult with their academic advisor to check progress toward completion. It is the student’s responsibility to see that all general and special requirements for their respective degrees have been met.

The minimum acceptable grade in a course required of or applied to the major or minor is C. No courses numbered 1000-1999 which meet general education requirements may be counted toward the major or the minor. Transfer students must take at least 12 credit hours at 3000 level or above in the major at Shorter, and at least 6 hours in the minor, if the student has a minor.

Completion Requirements

Minimum Residence Requirement

A minimum of 25 percent of the credit hours required for any degree must be earned from Shorter University. At least 12 upper level hours (3000-4000 level) in the major and, if a minor is chosen, at least 6 upper level hours in the minor must be taken in residence. Any courses taken elsewhere - while a student at Shorter University - must be approved in advance by the Registrar to guarantee transfer and proper application to the student’s program of study. A grade of “C” or higher is required for transient course credit.

Proficiency in Written Communication

Educational Goal III of the University states that curriculum and the educational environment “ensures that students reach the levels of skill in written and oral communication…necessary to take full advantage of university coursework and that they continue to exercise and enlarge these skills.” Effective written communication at Shorter University will be measured by students successfully completing ENG 1010  and ENG 1020  with a “C” or better.

The Major

In contrast to the breadth of study provided by the general education requirements, the major provides a degree of mastery in a particular field of study. Total major sequence requirements are designed by the departments offering the majors, and requirements, which vary by degree and discipline, are listed in the Catalog under Online Degrees and Major Sequence Sheets.

Additional Credentials

Minors

A minor consists of at least 18 semester hours in a discipline, with specific requirements set by the department or school offering the minor.

Courses taken in the Major AND Minor

Students may minor in any area outside of their major, provided that the University offers the minor and that the student meets the prerequisites for and completes the requirements for the minor. Students majoring in one specific area may not also minor in the same area. However, students majoring in one area may minor in other categories within the overall academic discipline of the area; for example, a student majoring in Sport Management may minor General Business but may not minor in Sport Management, or a student majoring in Christian Studies may minor in Human Services but may not minor in Christian Studies.

The credits awarded toward the major (but not the Major Courses area in the B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies) can also be used to fulfill the minor, but students must meet the minimum total credit hours for a degree. Where an overlap in specific course requirements occurs in the major and minor, approved substitutions can be taken. Students should consult the requirements for specific minors and any notes concerning the overlap of specific majors and minors in the academic catalog.

Second Degrees and Majors

Occasionally, a student who already has a Bachelor’s degree will choose to pursue a second Bachelor’s degree. A second degree carries a different letter designation. If the student has a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and seeks a second Bachelor’s degree from Shorter University, they must complete all courses within the major field and any necessary prerequisites for the program or the major courses. A minimum of 30 semester hours and 60 quality points must be earned at Shorter University beyond the first degree and the Minimum Residency requirement must also be met. Students may use courses completed during their first degree towards their second degree so long as the minimum semester hours at Shorter (30) and Minimum Residency requirement are still met. Students admitting to pursue a second Bachelor’s degree are exempt from the Foundations courses with the exception of the Examined Life requirement (CST 1011  and CST 1012 ) and any Foundations courses that are required by the program (Ex: MAT 1110  for BBA degrees).

They must also have obtained a C or better in ENG 1010  and ENG 1020  (or their equivalents as evaluated by the Registrar or Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences). Students admitting to pursue a second Bachelor’s degree are also exempt from any required minors and general electives that are required outside of the major field courses since they have already completed a degree in a secondary area of study. Students who completed their first Bachelor’s degree at another regionally accredited institution and seek a second Bachelor’s degree from Shorter University will be treated as transfer students.

A student pursuing two Bachelor’s degrees from Shorter University at the same time must earn a minimum of 30 semester hours and 60 quality points in the second degree beyond the requirements for the first degree, with any additional Foundations and all major field requirements satisfied. Students completing two Bachelor’s degrees at the same time are exempt from any required minors but must still complete all other courses and any prerequisites or requirements for each program.

A second major within the same degree does not require a minimum number of additional hours. A student pursuing more than one major within the same degree must complete only the necessary courses to complete the additional major (including any prerequisites or program related requirements). Double majors are exempt from any required minors.

Graduation With Honors

Candidates for a bachelor’s degree who during their university course maintain high academic standing, and who have not at any time been suspended, may receive recognition on their diplomas in one of the three degrees of honors: (1) cum laude; (2) magna cum laude; (3) summa cum laude. Students who have a local cumulative GPA of 3.5 - 3.749 will receive their diplomas cum laude; students who have a local cumulative GPA of 3.75 - 3.874 will receive their diplomas magna cum laude; students who have a local cumulative GPA of 3.875 - 4.0 will receive their diplomas summa cum laude.

Master’s Degree Graduation Requirements

To graduate with a Master’s degree from Shorter University the student must have:

• Completed all program requirements including a minimum 30 hours with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Some degrees require hours above the minimum.
• Completed all program requirements within 5 years of originally being admitted to the graduate program. To exceed this limit the student must submit a written petition to the graduate faculty.
• Completed and submitted a graduation application form to the Registrar by the deadline indicated in the Academic Calendar.
• It is the students’ responsibility to see that all general and special requirements for their respective degrees have been met.
• The approval by the Shorter University faculty and Board of Trustees of Shorter University.
• Paid all tuition and fees, including library fines, educational resource fees and any other fines or fees collected by Shorter University.

Posthumous Degrees

In the event of a student’s death during his or her final term of study, a member of the student’s family will be invited to accept the diploma during commencement exercises. In order to receive a posthumous degree, the student must have been in the final semester of study - or within 15 credit hours of graduation - and expected to graduate.

Special Degree Requirements

All specific requirements for each degree and major are listed on its page in the Degree Descriptions section.

Online Financial Information

Other Fees

Graduation Application Fee

This application fee is posted to the student account at the time of his or her application for graduation and is due whether or not the student graduates or participates in Commencement Exercises. Fees for caps and gowns are in addition to the graduation application fee. For application deadlines, see the academic calendar.

Tuition Deposit

Students are required to pay a tuition deposit when they confirm their intent to enroll at Shorter University. This fee is refundable if by the first day of classes the student notifies the Admissions Office of their decision not to attend Shorter University; otherwise, the deposit is non-refundable. All notices must be sent to online@shorter.edu.

Payment

Online students are responsible for paying their student account. Half of the amount is due the first day of class and the other half is due by the last day of drop/add for the first 8-week online session. See the academic calendar for more information.

Refund Policy

All charges for tuition and fees for a class are refundable if the student withdraws from the class during the first week; otherwise, the tuition and fees are non-refundable. See the Online Academic Policies section for additional information regarding withdrawal.

General Financial Stipulations

Students must have settled all financial obligations to the University in order to receive grade reports, have a transcript issued, or to be granted a diploma.

Because of the uncertainty of economic conditions, the University reserves the right to vary charges at any time, including during any session, without prior notice.

The registration of a student signifies the assumption of definitive obligations between that student and the University. It is an agreement on the student’s part and, in the case of minors, on the part of his parents to fulfill the terms of the contract for the semester and indicates acceptance of financial and general regulations of the current catalog. Accounts for the semester are payable as specified in the schedule of payments option above. The University may assess interest on unpaid balances.

Shorter University cannot assume responsibility for loss or damage of personal property on the campus. The institution’s annual campus security report can be accessed at www.shorter.edu.

Financial Obligations

Students receive a payment schedule at registration and are expected to meet their financial obligations according to the published schedule.

Students are responsible for maintaining accounts in good standing. Cash-paying students must complete payment for courses at least one week prior to class. Students who do not meet this requirement may be denied entry into courses and/or withdrawn from the program.

Other

• Application fees are not refundable.
• Grade and tuition charges will be assigned based on the number of class sessions a student attends in a course. Students are eligible for tuition refund under the conditions as listed under the drop policy.
• Students who begin class as provisional students pending the completion of their admission file subsequently may be denied admission. Any tuition paid for a course previously completed by the student is not refundable. Provisionally admitted students are not eligible for any form of financial aid until they are fully accepted, at which time financial aid becomes retroactive.
• In compliance with federal regulations, funds for students receiving financial aid will be returned to the appropriate financial aid sources upon official withdrawal from the program.

WARNING: If a student withdraws from the entire program before earning 12 semester hours of credit, the student will not be eligible for state grants. Any federal money for which the student qualifies will be returned to the financial aid source on a prorated scale. The student will be personally responsible for several hundred dollars of costs which otherwise would have been paid by these grants. This is true for each segment of 12 hours during the program.

Bookstore Purchases

If a student has a credit balance on his or her account, Shorter University will allow textbooks and course materials (paper, pens, scantrons, bookbags, laptops, and tablets) purchased at the Shorter University Bookstore to be charged to the Shorter Student Account for a 4-week time frame. The time frame is as follows: Two weeks before classes start, the week of drop/add, and the week following drop/add. After that time frame, no more bookstore charges can be charged to the student account. Choosing this method for purchasing books, authorizes Shorter University to deduct all bookstore charges from any funds posted on the student account, including Title IV financial aid. In the event the student does not receive enough funds to cover the balance due, he or she is responsible to pay these charges in full or a hold will be placed on the account. No student is required to use this service.

Online Financial Aid Information

Shorter University has a long-standing tradition of assisting students in financing their college education. Financial aid is available from a variety of sources, including: the university, its own funds and endowments; the state of Georgia; and the Federal Government.

The best source of information regarding financial assistance for educational expenses while enrolled in college is the financial aid office. This office seeks to enable all qualified persons to attend Shorter University by putting together the best financial aid package possible for each student applicant. Guidelines must be observed in order to make the financial aid program equitable and to provide financial assistance for as many students as possible. Please refer to our extensive website at www.shorter.edu.

GENERAL REGULATIONS

Students must apply for financial aid each year. The financial aid office will coordinate which documents are required for application and renewal each year. These processes are electronic. For need-based programs, proper need analysis must be used to determine eligibility for those programs by completing the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov each year. Shorter’s ID # for the FAFSA is 001591. Shorter University’s online financial aid system can be accessed at finaid.shorter.edu.

Once a student has been properly admitted to Shorter University, and the financial aid processes completed, a financial aid offer will be available to the student through Shorter University’s online financial aid system. Please review the financial aid policies and procedures regarding the receipt of financial aid. The Shorter University financial aid office uses the Shorter University email system as its official means of documented communication. If any student prefers to receive printed correspondence, please let the financial aid office us know.

Upon being offered, an email notification is sent to the student stating that financial aid awards are ready for review. Financial aid will not be disbursed to the student’s account until he or she is properly enrolled and attending classes for the specific period of enrollment. Financial aid will be credited to the student account one half of the total award each semester. Student work earnings are paid to the student monthly by direct deposit. Most financial aid is based on full-time enrollment status, which is defined as a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester. Any deviation from full-time status may result in re-calculation of financial aid offers.

A student’s eligibility to participate in the financial aid programs is contingent upon the student’s academic standing. Regulations regarding Satisfactory Academic Progress for financial aid are found in this section.

Online students are not eligible for institutional aid due to the already discounted tuition rate. On rare occasion a student athlete who graduated from Shorter University may be eligible to receive a graduate athletic scholarship if approved by the Director of Financial Aid and the Director of Athletics. Students who are receiving institutional scholarships and wish for those scholarships to continue to the following year must complete the necessary financial aid forms and register for fall semester classes in the previous spring semester in order to maintain those scholarships. Graduate Assistants are only eligible to receive graduate tuition remission and federal loan aid. Graduate Assistants are not eligible for any other type of institutional or federal aid. A Graduate Assistant, employee, or student may only receive one graduate degree from Shorter University using institutional financial aid.

State Aid

Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant (GTEG)

Under current state regulations, qualified Georgia residents are eligible to receive the Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant (GTEG) to be applied directly to reduce the costs of attendance for full-time undergraduate students who attend private colleges and universities in Georgia. Application for the GTEG is made once at the student’s initial registration at Shorter University by applying at www.gafutures.org or annually through FAFSA at https://studentaid.gov. Residency status is checked each year to verify the student’s eligibility to renew and maintain the GTEG. GTEG recipients can currently receive the scholarship for up to 127 paid credit hours. GTEG awards are established each year by the legislature of the State of Georgia and are subject to change.

HOPE Scholarship

Initial HOPE scholarship eligibility is determined by the Georgia Student Finance Commission. HOPE scholarship recipients are reviewed through the GSFC CHECS system upon high school graduation, as well as at the end of each semester. The GPA must be 3.0 or higher in all core classes and meet the State required academic rigor requirements. To receive HOPE, a student must file a FAFSA or complete the HOPE application on the www.gafutures.org website. HOPE is also reviewed once the student has attempted the 30th, 60th, and 90th attempted semester hour levels to ensure they are eligible to continue to receive the Scholarship. HOPE recipients can currently receive the scholarship for up to 127 attempted credit hours. HOPE Scholarship funds are available to eligible undergraduate students only. Continued eligibility is based on the number of hours attempted, Georgia residency and cumulative grade point of average of 3.0 or higher. HOPE awards and regulations are established by the legislature of the State of Georgia and are subject to change.

Zell Miller Scholarship (ZMS)

Students graduating from high school with a 3.7 HOPE GPA and 1200 on the math and reading portions of the SAT or 26 on ACT (both are single test scores, not best from multiple testing) and graduate from high school in 2007 or later are eligible. Students who graduated as Valedictorian or Salutatorian if they meet HOPE requirements (NOTE: only 1 each per high school per year) are eligible. Students who entered college between 2007-2010 and are currently in college with a 3.3 GPA at the most recent checkpoint and met all other high school graduation requirements listed above for the ZMS are eligible. Students must maintain the 3.3 GPA at all usual HOPE checkpoints; end of each spring semester and once completed 30, 60, and 90 attempted credit hours to maintain eligibility. If a student loses ZMS at any checkpoint, they can continue to receive HOPE, assuming all requirements, including the 3.0 GPA are met. The Zell Miller Scholarship eligibility is determined by the Georgia Student Finance Commission. Zell Miller Scholarship recipients are reviewed through the GSFC CHECS system at the end of each semester to determine if they are still eligible to continue to receive the funds. For additional information go to the www.gafutures.org website.

Student Access Loan (SAL) Program

The Student Access Loan (SAL) Program is administered through the Georgia Student Finance Authority (GSFA). Application is made directly thorough GSFA during a limited period of time each year. The SAL loan program is designed to be funding of last resort for college students who have a gap in their college financing. The interest rate on the loan is 1% and the repayment term is ten years after graduation. Interest payments are required while the student is enrolled. Loan funds may be used towards any part of the student’s cost of attendance. GSFA randomly selects recipients for the SAL loan. Successful applicants must complete a Promissory Note with GSFA prior to the loan being disbursed. For additional information go to www.gafutures.org. Shorter University reserves the right to deny a Student Access Loan (SAL) to a student who previously received a SAL loan and defaulted on Keep in Touch Payments due to Georgia Student Finance Commission

Federal Aid

All Federal Student Aid programs are subject to regulations set forth by the US Department of Education and are subject to change or cancellation by Congressional action. Eligibility for Federal Student Aid programs is determined by a student’s submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA must be renewed each year. The FAFSA is available electronically at www.fafsa.ed.gov. For current information concerning Federal Student Aid programs, go to www.shorter.edu/financial-aid.

Pell Grants

Pell Grants are federal grants made available to undergraduate students who demonstrate sufficient financial need. As a grant program, the funds do not have to be repaid. Application for Pell grant eligibility is made with the submission of the FAFSA.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)

FSEOG funds are provided by the US Department of Education for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need in connection with college expenses. As a grant program, FSEOG funds do not have to be repaid. FSEOG funds are limited each year. Recipients of FSEOG funds must also be eligible to receive Pell grant funds.

Federal Work-Study Program (FWS)

The FWS program provides job opportunities to students demonstrating financial need so they can earn part of their educational expenses. Eligibility for the work-study program is determined by the financial aid office based on a student’s indication of interest, demonstration of financial need, and the availability of campus work-study positions.

Loan Programs

Shorter University participates in the Direct Loan program, the Direct PLUS Parent Loan program, and the Perkins Loan Program. Each of these loan programs is regulated by the US Department of Education. As loan programs, the funds must be repaid, and a variety of deferred repayment options exist. Application for these loan programs begins with the submission of the FAFSA each year. Students and parents can apply for the Federal Direct and PLUS Loan funds by completing entrance counseling and a master promissory note (MPN) and parent PLUS loan request form at https://studentaid.gov/. Loan funds are available to undergraduate and graduate students.

Withdrawal From University

Online students who plan to withdraw from the university must notify their Enrollment Specialist and the Registrar of the intent to withdraw. The Office of Financial Aid will review and determine based on federal return to Title IV regulations the portion of aid the student is eligible to keep. Funds may be returned to the following sources: Loan (Unsub, Sub and Plus), Pell, SEOG, Perkins and Teach grant. If a student stops attending and receives a 0.00 GPA for the semester the Office of Financial Aid in conjunction with the Registrar and Enrollment Specialist will determine if the student earned the Fs by participating in classes through the end of the semester or if the student unofficially withdrew. If the student unofficially withdrew the Office of Financial Aid will review and determine based on federal return to Title IV regulations the

portion of aid the student is eligible to keep. Funds may be returned to the following sources: Loan (Unsub, Sub, Plus) Pell, SEOG, Perkins and Teach grant.

Satisfactory Academic Progress For Financial Aid

In order for a Shorter University student to receive financial aid from federal assistance programs, the student must demonstrate satisfactory academic progress. Students will be notified by email if they are not meeting Satisfactory Academic Program requirements.

Evaluation of satisfactory academic progress will be based on all courses at Shorter University and all previous credits transferred in and applied to the student’s degree program at Shorter. Hours attempted at previous colleges but not applied to the student’s degree program will not be included in the assessment of Satisfactory Academic Progress for financial aid. At Shorter University, satisfactory academic progress for financial aid will be evaluated by the Offices of the Registrar and Financial Aid according to the following schedule:

Semester-based programs - at the end of the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

Per federal statute, satisfactory academic progress for continued receipt of federal financial aid is measured in terms of three components:

• qualitative component (GPA)
• quantitative component (completion of attempted credit hours)
• length of time to complete the program.

Qualitative Component

Undergraduate students must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) for Satisfactory Academic Progress in order to retain federal financial aid. Please see below. These standards apply to full-time and part-time enrolled students. Graduate students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Quantitative Component

Full-time and part-time students must successfully complete 2/3 (67%) of their attempted cumulative coursework at each checkpoint for Satisfactory Academic Progress. Successful completion of courses means the student has received a grade of A, B, C, D, S or P. (Exception: some courses require a C or higher) Receipt of grades F, I, W, WF, WA, or NG (except labs) does not constitute successful completion.

Timeframe Component

Students must complete their degree program within 150% of the normal timeframe. All attempted classes at all colleges that are attributable to your degree at Shorter University must be considered in this calculation. Normally 120 credit hours are required to earn a bachelor’s degree at Shorter University. Therefore, an undergraduate student shall be deemed in good standing and eligible to receive federal financial aid for up to 180 credit hours. If the degree requires more than 120 credit hours, the maximum timeframe to receive aid is 150% of the required hours for that program. All semesters enrolled and credit hours attempted are counted toward the SAP maximum time allowance, regardless of whether or not a student received financial aid for the period of enrollment. All repeated courses, failed courses, withdrawals, and transfer hours will be counted as credit hours attempted toward the maximum time frame.

An entering freshman will be understood to be maintaining satisfactory academic progress during the first semester of attendance; a transfer student with a GPA below 2.0 will be placed in an initial warning status for their first semester of attendance. They must successfully complete 67% if the classes that they attempted and achieve a 2.0- semester GPA. If a degree change is necessary, a maximum of one-year extension will be granted. These changes must be officially recorded in the Office of the Registrar, and the student must notify the Financial Aid office in writing. Incomplete coursework (“I” grades) will be used in calculating hours earned for satisfactory academic progress. In the case of a student who has an incomplete grade, the GPA will be calculated for that enrollment period with the “I” grade being used. The incomplete, when cleared to a letter grade, will be counted in the cumulative GPA and for completion at the next satisfactory academic progress check point. Transient work approved by the Provost or Registrar may be used to make up deficiencies. Transcripts of such work must be received by the Office of the Registrar before federal aid will be disbursed. Online students not maintaining satisfactory academic progress will have only one warning period of enrollment (one semester) during which they may receive federal and/or state aid. This is an automatic extension with no appeal required. At the end of the warning period of enrollment, the student must have attained the required GPA for the number of hours attempted (3.0 for Graduate) and have a completion rate of 67% of all attempted credit hours or have improved their GPA and completion rate. The Office of Financial Aid may consider the completion rate for the term to determine if the student is making progress toward meeting SAP.

If the student does not successfully maintain a required GPA (3.0 for Graduate) during the warning period of enrollment, and 67% completion rate will be placed on financial aid Suspension. No financial aid will be made available to the student until he/she meets the appropriate requirements for Satisfactory Academic Progress based on GPA and completion OR files an appeal and is approved for continuation. Specific circumstances must exist for an appeal to be considered. Students who experience mitigating circumstances, such as personal illness or injury, injury or death of an immediate family member, fire or violent crime which requires the student to withdraw temporarily from college, drop out, or receive grades of incomplete, may have an extension of time in meeting the foregoing requirements for satisfactory academic progress. To receive the extension, the student must appeal by providing a personal statement and/or other documentation detailing why they did not meet the requirements and what has changed in their situation to allow them to be successful. Specific documentation such as notes from a physician, death certificate, etc. to verify the life event is required. The Financial Aid Committee will have final discretion. The student will be notified of the decision by email and by U.S. mail. If approved, the student may continue on a probationary status with progress to be evaluated each semester. An academic plan must be implemented with his or her Academic Advisor to ensure the student can meet the required criteria by end of program. The student must achieve a semester GPA of 2.0 (3.0 for Graduate) and successfully complete 12 credit hours (9 credit hours for Graduate) if full-time enrolled and 67% if part-time enrolled each semester in order to continue on the warning status, until which time they have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 (3.0 for Graduate) and complete the prescribed academic plan. Students may appeal their financial aid suspension twice. If approved the second appeal cannot be based on the same circumstances as the original appeal. A graduate student that receives 3 grades below a B in his or her degree program will be automatically suspended from receiving financial aid.

This statement of Satisfactory Academic Progress for financial aid supersedes all previous regulations regarding Satisfactory Academic Progress for financial aid at Shorter.

Grade Forgiveness

All grades received at Shorter University will be included in grade point average calculation for determining eligibility for financial aid. Academic policies allow for grades to be forgiven. Financial Aid regulations do not allow for grades to be forgiven. Therefore, all classes with grades that have been forgiven will be included in the financial aid GPA for determining Satisfactory Academic Progress.