Student Related Policies and Programs

Occasionally student misconduct may disrupt a class. In such cases the faculty member may ask the disruptive student to leave the classroom immediately so that the class may continue. If the student refuses to leave, the instructor may contact Campus Police to have the student physically removed from the classroom. For further instruction regarding the class disruption policy consult the Undergraduate Catalog.

Students who have disputes with faculty or staff members should first report any such grievance to the program head. This step should be followed by conferences with persons at progressively higher levels, including deans and the appropriate vice chancellor. For more information, see WSSU’s Grievance Procedure for Students.

Early registration periods allow students, with the assistance of their assigned advisors, to select and register for courses to be taken during the upcoming semester. Programs should be carefully planned under the guidance of the academic advisor so that changes in registration will not be necessary. A student may officially add/drop courses from his/her schedule until the end of the add/drop period. Change of Registration and Course Withdrawal Forms are available to academic advisors to facilitate and document registration changes. Refer to the university calendar to determine registration periods and the periods within which courses may be added or dropped.

Students with prior college-level learning may receive credit for that learning by several means of assessment. Among the most common measures are course challenges, advanced placement, College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and proficiency examinations. For more information regarding these measures, visit Adult Student Services.

Any student desiring to receive credit toward graduation for courses taken at any other fully accredited institution must secure advanced approval from the department chair and dean of the college/school where the course is taught. For more information, refer to the Undergraduate Catalog.

Current certificates of immunization must be on file for every student enrolled at the university per the General Assembly of North Carolina Section 1. Chapter 130A of the General Statutes. Failure to secure the certificate will result in denial of attendance at the institution. Refer to the Undergraduate Catalog for further information regarding immunization.

Candidates for graduation eligible for Latin honors must complete at least 60 semester hours of graded course work offered by Winston-Salem State University (through traditional and non-traditional delivery) and will be designated on the commencement program as follows:

Summa Cum Laude:   Those having attained a grade-point average of 3.80-4.0

Magna Cum Laude:    Those having attained a grade point average of 3.50-3.79

Cum Laude:   Those having attained a grade point average of 3.00-3.49

Candidates for graduation eligible for honors who have completed at least 30 semester hours and less than 60 semester hours of graded course work offered by Winston-Salem State University (through traditional and nontraditional delivery) will be designated on the commencement program as follows:

Distinction:    Those having attained a grade- point average of 3.00-4.00

Students having received the Honors Program’s General Honors and Departmental Honors Awards will also be eligible for the Honors Bachelor’s Degree. The honors will be recorded on both the student’s academic record and diploma.

Annually at the spring Honors Convocation, students who have achieved academic excellence are honored in four categories:

• High Honors (3.5 to 0 cumulative GPA)
• Honors (3.0 to 3.49 cumulative GPA)
• Highest Class/Department Honors
• Dean’s List (3.0 for a fall semester of each year).

Students who have received an “F” or who have not removed a grade of “I” are not eligible to participate in this annual event. Criteria for academic honors and lists of honor students can be obtained from the director of the Honors College.

In order to graduate from Winston-Salem State University, a student must maintain a minimum cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 2.0. Failure to remain in good academic standing will automatically place students on Academic Probation. Review the revised Academic Probation and Suspension Policy (2007) on the Office of Legal Affairs page (under “Policies and Procedures).

Courses taken at Winston-Salem State University may be repeated only twice; i.e., a course may be taken a maximum of three times. Refer to the Undergraduate Catalog for more information regarding repeating courses (p. 46) and view the university’s grade appeal policy.

Special students are students who wish to take courses for the purpose of broadening their cultural interest or for other personal reasons, students visiting from another institution, or graduates of four- year institutions seeking certification. Interested individuals should

1. Submit an application for admission with the $40 non-refundable application fee;
2. Send unofficial high school and/or college transcripts to the Office of Admissions; and
3. Submit proof of high school graduation or permission from the current

Students admitted as non-degree seeking special students are not eligible to receive any federal or university financial aid. Special students may be considered as degree seeking after all requirements for new freshmen or transfer admission have been met. Special students not seeking certification may take no more than 12 credits. Credits earned while enrolled as a special student will not count toward graduation until all university admission requirements have been met. See the Undergraduate Catalog for more information about special student status.

The normal load for a regular student is the semester requirement as shown for his/her particular curriculum in the catalog or the program as outlined by the respective departments. A special student may take up to 12 credits. Full-time students are those who register for a minimum of 12 credits in a given semester. The maximum course load is 18 credits. No student is permitted to take more than 18 credits unless he/she has a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or better. Students who are on probation are required to carry a reduced load of no more than 13 credits. For more information see the current WSSU Undergraduate Catalog.

Cooperative Education is a program that combines a student’s formal academic course work with periods of practical work experience in business, industry, government, or service organizations. An integral part of the student’s education, these work experiences are closely related to the student’s major field of study and receive a substantial amount of academic credit. Students who wish to participate in cooperative education must have a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.5, receive clearance from the academic department, and complete the cooperative education employability skills training program. For more information, see the current University Catalog or contact the Office of Career Services.

The Honors College provides challenging and stimulating educational opportunities and cultural experiences for the academically talented student. Participation in the Honors Program requires meeting standards in several areas and following a set curriculum. The college frees both the student and the faculty member from many of the restraints of the traditional classroom structure and encourages independence and critical inquiry. Students participate actively in intensive intellectual discussion and debate in small classes and seminars and engage in special projects and research. The Honors College ensures that scholars have a relevant, challenging, and rewarding experience. It promotes a lifelong, disciplined approach to knowledge and scholarship through inquiry and exploration. Through quality educational experiences and co-curricular activities, students are ready to be creative and critical thinking leaders in their professions and communities. Further information is included in the current catalog and in the Honors College (Hall-Patterson 305) and on the Honors Program web page.

Winston-Salem State University believes that academic support structures available during the first year of college are critical in helping students to 1) engage in learning with curriculum, co-curriculum, and academic support; 2) align goals, aptitudes, and learning-paradigm selections; and 3) build relationships with peers, faculty/staff, and the university in ways that provide a foundation for effective learning, retention, graduation, and success in graduate school and professions. Therefore, the university has aligned responsibility for the general education curriculum and assessment, learning support centers, and academic advising in University College. To learn more about the services provided to students and faculty through University College, visit the University College web page.