Responses to Questions Frequently Asked
Why do I need to see my advisor?
Advisors serve as a resource for students. It is to the students' benefit to remain in close contact with their advisors so that they can get the help and guidance they need. When advisors are updated on the students' academic progress, they will be better able to advise appropriately.
Another benefit for students is that they will understand scheduling and be more likely to choose classes that meet the right requirements. The bottom line is that students must see their advisor to have their advising hold released or they will not be able to schedule.
How many credits should students take each semester?
In order to be considered full-time, students must have 12 credits. Taking less than 12 credits may affect financial aid and campus housing eligibility. Advisors should inform students about these adverse effects to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Most students take 15 credits a semester. There are times when a student may be encouraged to take four courses (12 credits). Reduced loads may be desirable for students who participate in one or more sports, students on academic probation, students who have learning difficulties, or students who work. Students can schedule a maximum of 18 credits without incurring additional fees.
What happens if a student becomes ill and cannot complete the semester's coursework?
Students may request a medical withdrawal from the university with a "W" grade in the coursework, or they may request an "I" grade (incomplete grades). "I" grade requests are negotiated with the professor. Requests for "W" grades are made through the dean's office and are possible if: 1) the student was enrolled in the university for the majority of the semester; and 2) the documentation of the medical condition warrants a medical withdrawal.
What are paired courses and do students have to take one?
Paired courses are a recent addition to the General Education requirements. Students must take one set of paired courses, and it is generally best to take them during their first or second semester.
A paired course is one that is coupled with another course and scheduled together during scheduling time. The classes are linked by cooperation between the professors teaching each section. One of the goals of paired classes is to create a seamless learning experience for students, where the information is presented in a uniform, cohesive manner.
All students entering the University after the fall of 2001 are required to take paired courses to meet the General Education requirement. If a student withdraws from one course in the pairing, he or she must schedule another pair the following semester. However, if a student fails one course in a pairing, he or she has completed the experience and does not need to take a pairing the following semester.
Paired classes can be found on the mainframe and the web. If a student has taken a paired class, it will be shown on REC64 and REC78 with an asterisk next to the course number. On the web, paired courses are indicated with a "Y" in the right hand column headed, "Paired Course."
A student is failing. Can he/she withdraw from a class?
If a course is turning out to be harder than expected, students have options. First, refer to the University calendar to determine the last day to withdraw from a class with a "W" on the transcript.
- If the student can withdraw with a "W," the student should discuss the decision to withdraw with the professor. Additionally, the student must officially withdraw from the class by going to his or her dean's office and completing a withdrawal form.
- If the date to withdraw from a class without a "W" has passed, the student must either finish out the semester in the class, withdraw with an "F" grade, or choose to focus on his or her other classes and repeat the one with which he or she is struggling.
If a student fails a class, what is the best thing to do?
Students should repeat a failed class as soon as possible when the information is fresh in their minds. In addition, this is the fastest way to increase the GPA. Students do not need to take the same professor. For example, students who fail World History I with Dr. A can repeat the course with Dr. B.
There are several things that students should consider before they repeat "D" grades.
- "D" grades have already been counted as earned credit for financial aid. Therefore, repeating a "D" grade does not add credits toward the 24 credits students need each academic year to maintain their aid.
- Improving a "D" grade to a "C" does not significantly improve a GPA. Improve-ment from a "D" to a B" will.
- While some majors accept "D" grades, others require students to repeat any and all "D" grades earned, especially those in the major, such as teacher education.
What grade point average will place a student on academic probation?
To remain in good academic standing, a student must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 ("C").
Can students take courses at another university to improve their grade point average?
No. Only credits, not grades, will be accepted from other institutions. Also, only courses in which a "C"grade or higher was earned will transfer. Approval for transfer credit should be obtained from the academic dean's office prior to enrolling for the course.
If a student gets a "D" or an "F" grade in a course at Shippensburg University, can he or she repeat it at another university?
"D" and "F" grades earned at Shippensburg University must be repeated at Shippensburg.
How can students get back into Shippensburg University if they have been dismissed?
Students who have been dismissed are not permitted to return to campus for one full year. In addition, they must take at least three courses at another institution and earn at least a 2.5 grade point average in these courses before they will be considered for readmission. A readmission application must be filed with the Registrar's Office once the courses are completed.
Can students take a leave of absence?
To obtain a leave of absence, the student must be in good academic standing (at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average). Requests should be made through the appropriate college dean's office.
Can students graduate in four years?
Yes. Most academic programs at Shippensburg are designed so that students taking 15 credits each semester can graduate in four years (eight semesters). Some programs, due to state certification requirements, may require more time.
Must all students take a foreign language?
No. Only students who expect to graduate with a B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) degree must complete six credits of a foreign language at the intermediate level. B.S. (Bachelor of Science), B.S.B.A (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration), B.S.Ed. (Bachelor of Science in Education), and B.S.W. (Bachelor of Social Work) students are not required to take a foreign language.
Students who have completed four years of a single language in high school have satisfied the language requirement.
What should students do if they earn a developmental score on the placement test(s)?
In general, students should remediate a developmental testing placement as soon as possible, preferably during the summer before they arrive at Shippensburg. However, other options are available.
Students will be scheduled for Basic Writing (ENG050) or Reading and Study Skills (RDG 050) during their first year if they earn a developmental score on the English or reading placement test.
Students who score at the developmental level in math can choose from the following different options. Students pursuing math, business or science majors should remediate their placement prior to beginning classes here at Ship. If they chose to wait, they will be scheduled for Developmental Math (MAT 050) their first semester. Students in non-math intensive majors, will take MAT 050 their second semester.
According to University policy, students must begin remediation of any developmental placement within their first academic year. If a student does not follow this policy, they may not be allowed to schedule for the following semester.
