Academic Services and Information

The Catalog

The provisions of the Graduate Catalog are not to be regarded as an irrevocable contract. The Trustees and Faculty reserve the right to modify, revoke, or add to University regulations at any time. If a graduate student leaves the University for two consecutive semesters and later returns, he/she is under the Catalog and regulations in effect at the time of return.

Class Schedule

Class schedules are accessible via MyCSU on our Web site. Visit our Web site today for additional CSU information at http://www.charlestonsouthernuniversity.edu 

CSU Definition of Credit Hour

All credit hours assigned by Charleston Southern University to courses comply with the Federally described definitions of credit hours in terms of appropriate time spent per credit hour on in class and out of class work. As established in the SACS Policy on Credit Hours:

Federal Definition of the Credit Hour. For purposes of the application of this policy and in accord with federal regulations, a credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalency that reasonably approximates:
1.    Not less than one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours out of class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester or trimester hour of credit, or ten to twelve weeks for one quarter hour of credit, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time, or
2.    At least an equivalent amount of work as required outlined in item 1 above for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, clinical education experiences and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours. 

This definition also applies to online and distance education courses; departments offering these courses further verify that the total amount of coursework per credit hour complies with the above-stated SACS policy and federal requirements. 

Graduate Level Study

As noted in SACSCOC Comprehensive Standard 9.6, “post-baccalaureate professional degree programs” and master’s programs are “progressively more advanced in academic content than undergraduate programs.”  These differences should be distinct and made clear in Graduate Curriculum submissions and particularly in those submissions for cross-registered graduate/undergraduate courses.

Note: Graduate Courses which are 500 level are generally offered in support of the master’s degree programs and are introductory graduate courses or graduate level fundamental courses in the discipline.  These may be designated as prerequisites to upper level graduate courses or be foundational in content.

There are two types of Graduate Courses that have 500-level numbering.

The first type includes courses that are generally offered in support of the master’s degree programs and are introductory graduate courses or graduate level fundamental courses in the discipline. These may be designated as prerequisites to upper level graduate courses or be foundational in content.

The second type includes cross-listed courses. Cross-listed courses are courses in which both graduate and undergraduate students attend the same class but receive credit under different course numbers.  Cross-listed courses may serve as electives in a graduate program. Syllabi for cross-listed courses will clearly specify how the nature (quality and/or quantity) of the work expected of students and the criteria for evaluation of the work produced is commensurate with degree level. The nature of the requirements for cross-listed classes may vary by quality and/or quantity. The quality of work may be differentiated by requiring graduate students to engage with material that is more challenging, such as requiring reading of original works of scholarship rather than secondary presentations of scholarly work (textbooks). The quality of work may also include requiring graduate students to assume a leadership role in the course, such as mentoring undergraduate students, serving as discussion leaders, or setting standards for class participation. The quality of work products may be differentiated by level as well.

Graduate-level assignments require a greater degree of analysis, synthesis, or evaluation of knowledge and/or be result of greater independence than undergraduate-level assignments. The quantity of work may be differentiated across levels by requiring additional assignments, projects, or examinations at the graduate level compared to the undergraduate level. At the doctoral level, additional readings, research, and writing are required that extend the analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of knowledge, concepts, and application are required.

Graduate Courses offered at the 600 level or higher are core content courses for the masters degree in the field of study.  These require intensive study, research, and analysis of content. These courses usually require an in-depth knowledge of the discipline that is further developed through classroom, independent work, or collaborative models of learning.

Graduate courses at the 700 level consist of the core courses that require intensive study, research, and analysis of content and require the submission of evidence of theory and application to the content. 800 level courses contain the research and analysis required for advanced studies, to include design, development, application and implementation of research questions, data, and findings. The 900 level designation is for the dissertation phase of the new program where the integration of content, research, and findings are presented as a scholarly work reviewed and approved by a doctoral faculty and content is defended by students prior to the completion of the program.

Admission

An applicant for admission to a graduate program must hold a bachelor’s degree from an educational institution accredited by a regional accreditation agency. Admission may be provisional, regular, conditional, special status or non-degree. See specific admission procedures and requirements for each graduate program in this catalog.
 
Even though one may be accepted as a graduate student, the applicant may be required to take additional undergraduate courses if he lacks any of the undergraduate prerequisites.
 
Charleston Southern University does not discriminate on the grounds of race, religion, color, sex or national origin. The University reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant or to forbid any student’s continued enrollment whose attendance, in the opinion of the appropriate administrative officer(s) and the President, would not be beneficial to the student and/or to the institution.

Transfer Credit

All Graduate programs require 70% or more credits be earned at Charleston Southern University with the exception of holders of the Ed.S. degree seeking the Ed.D.    See the graduation requirements under each program for information about transferring courses into Charleston Southern University.

Orientation

All new graduate students must register and attend an orientation program for graduate students. Students will be given information about graduate programs, oriented to sites on campus, provided an opportunity to meet some of the officials of the University, and given the opportunity to ask questions about the program. The orientation program is offered at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. Registration is required.

• For the Master of Business Administration program BUSI 600  is mandatory. Students will be furnished with general information about graduate education, oriented to sites on campus, given an opportunity to meet some of the officials of the University, and provided the opportunity to ask questions about the program. MBA orientation will also provide students with an introduction to the academic rules and expectations of the program, an orientation to the type of technology they will be using, and an outline of the curriculum. The orientation program may be offered during summer if an adequate number of students register.
• For the Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership,
  BUSI 601
    is mandatory. Students will receive general information about graduate education, an orientation to sites on campus, an opportunity to meet some of the officials of the University, and the opportunity to ask questions about the program. M.A. orientation will also provide students with an introduction to the academic rules and expectations of the program, an orientation to the type of technology they will be using, and an outline of the curriculum. The orientation program may be offered during summer if an adequate number of students register.
• For the Master of Science in Nursing  program orientation is mandatory, students must come to campus. Students will be given important information about graduate programs, oriented to the e-Learning format and to the School of Nursing, and given the opportunity to ask questions about the program. The orientation program is offered at the beginning of the first semester of the program.

Academic Load

Fall and Spring Semesters

By academic definition, a full-time graduate student is one who is enrolled for six (6) or more graduate credit hours. The normal load for graduate students is six (6) to nine (9) graduate credit hours. Graduate students enrolling in more than nine (9) hours per semester must obtain the permission of the graduate director of their program.

Maymester

The maximum course load allowed during Maymester (session held during the month of May) is four (4) credit hours for graduate students. No exceptions.

Extended Maymester

This session runs concurrently with the existing Maymester, Summer I, and Summer II terms. Since students could register for various combinations of courses among the four terms, the following guidelines apply:

1. A student cannot take more than three courses concurrently without permission of the Program Director. For example, a student registered for two Extended Maymester courses could not also take two Summer I courses.  
2. A student cannot take more than five courses total during the four terms. For example, a student could not take one Extended Maymester course, one course in Maymester, two in Summer I, and then two in Summer II, since the total would be six.
3. A student cannot take a 3-week Maymester course and one or more Extended Maymester courses at the same time.

 Summer Sessions

The normal academic load for each summer session is two courses or six semester hours.  The maximum course load allowed in each summer term is seven (7) credit hours.

Attendance

Each graduate program area will determine its own class attendance policy.

“Student of Record” Attending Another Institution

If you are a current student of record at CSU and plan to take a course at another institution during any term, you must receive prior permission to receive transfer credit at CSU. To receive permission you must complete either a “Request to Take Courses at Another Institution” form or a “Cross Registration Form,” depending on the term and the institution. Contact your program director for details.

Undergraduates Receiving Graduate Credit

An undergraduate may be allowed to register for one graduate course, provided all of the student’s undergraduate work would have been completed during that semester. Graduate hours will not be used to satisfy undergraduate requirements. Permission of the Registrar, the Director of Graduate Studies in and the student’s undergraduate academic advisor must be obtained before registering for graduate courses. Refer to academic policy R-35 for details and additional requirements.

Discontinued Enrollment

Once admitted to a graduate program, if the student discontinues taking courses for a period of two consecutive semesters (i.e. Fall, Spring), the student must apply for readmission to continue in a graduate program.

Withdrawal from a Course

Once registered, a student is removed from a class role with no grade recorded, if the class is dropped before the last date to drop/add a class for that term. After the last date to add a class, grades are recorded even if one withdraws.

Withdrawal from the University

A Withdrawal Form must be completed online to officially withdraw from CSU. The form is found in the “Student” section of “MyCSU” under “Forms.” Students must first login using their student ID’s and PIN’s. Students are responsible for appropriate tuition and fees for all courses attempted, regardless of grades assigned. Note that all financial and university property obligations must be satisfied to prevent “holds” from being placed against the student’s academic records. Such holds normally prevent transcript requests from being processed, and can prevent future registration for classes. Other holds may apply.

CSU wishes to have student input regarding reasons for withdrawal, including any problems that may have caused the withdrawal decision. This information is requested during the online withdrawal process. Students may be contacted as part of an effort to improve student services.

Withdrawal by Request of the University

Charleston Southern University reserves the right to require the withdrawal of a student whose conduct, general attitude, or influence is considered harmful to the University. Such administrative withdrawals or suspensions are generally handled through the Dean of Students Office.

Grades

*Note: The grade of “AU” (AUDIT) is assigned, and no grade points or credit hours are awarded for students “auditing” a class. Dean or Director approval is required. The intent to audit a class must be indicated on a registration form and submitted to the Office of the Registrar before the end of the drop/add period for each term or session. Students who register to “audit” a course may not seek to obtain credit for that course after the last date of drop/add. Regular tuition and/or fees for the course apply.

Supplementary grade code (not considered an academic grade):

Incomplete Grade

A grade of “I” (Incomplete) is assigned when, for a reason approved by the professor of the course, a student has been unable to complete the course by the time it terminates. Responsibility for removing a grade of “I” rests with the student. The grade must be removed before midterm the following semester. Otherwise, the “I” automatically becomes an “F.”

Repeating a Course

Students may repeat any course taken at Charleston Southern University in which they have earned a previous grade. However, the University limits the number of times students may attempt a credit-earning course to three, and the number of times students may attempt a remedial, noncredit course to two. All attempts (or repeats) count, including those with grades of “W,” “WP,” “WF” and “FA.” A course may not be repeated within the same semester (i.e., taking an accelerated course within a semester).

Any requests to appeal this policy are treated on a case by case basis. Such appeals must be submitted to the appropriate graduate program director in writing, and will be heard by the Graduate Council or designated subcommittee.

Auditing or Challenging a Course

1. There are no audit or challenge provisions for graduate courses in the MBA or MSCS. However, a student may challenge an undergraduate prerequisite. A challenge requires that the student take a final exam in the course within the first two weeks of class; registration for a challenge must take place during preregistration or on registration day of the semester in which the course is to be challenged. Only students of record may challenge courses and a challenge may not take place in the final semester before graduation.
2. There are no audit or challenge provisions for graduate courses in the PAP, M.AT, MED, MACS, MSCP, or MSCJ program.
3. There is no challenge provision for graduate courses in the MSN program. A student may audit a class with permission of the Director of the MSN Program.

Student Complaints Procedures 

The U.S. Department of Education requires higher education institutions that receive federal funds to provide students and other interested parties with appropriate information regarding the filing of complaints.

Students who wish to lodge formal complaints regarding institutional policies and practices and other circumstances regarding student life should contact the Dean of Students Office, Student Center, second floor. Formal complaints must be written and must be submitted in the form of a letter or an e-mail. The Dean of Students will determine the appropriate channel for addressing the complaint and forward it on, when necessary, to the relevant department.  Formal complaints may be submitted here.

Note that academic complaints should be submitted to the academic department chair or dean if there is not a chair.  There are separate policies for resolution of grade appeals and findings of academic dishonesty. (For graduate studies, see this site for grade appeals and this site for academic dishonesty).

The appropriate department will provide the student with an acknowledgment of receipt of the complaint within 10 business days of the receipt of the complaint. This acknowledgment may take written or verbal form based on the nature of the situation. Within 30 business days after receipt of the complaint, the appropriate department of the university will provide the student and the Dean of Students with the institutional response to the complaint. Records of academic complaints are maintained by the Vice President of Academic Affairs and all other complaints regarding student life are maintained by the Vice President of Student Affairs (the Dean of Students). 

Complaints regarding the institution that cannot be resolved at the institutional level, particularly state related policies and procedures or accrediting concerns, should be filed by the complainants to the S.C. Commission on Higher Education or the appropriate agency. In the case of students enrolled only in online classes who live in states other than South Carolina, further pursuit of a complaint not resolved at the institutional level may be pursued at the NC-SARA site.

The university recognizes the sensitive and confidential nature of many student complaints and as a result documentation and correspondence about written student complaints are kept confidential. This information is shared with other departments only on a need-to-know basis.Please note that Title IX complaints are addressed and investigated by the Title IX Coordinator; for information on Title IX complaints, please visit the Title IX page of the CSU website.

Academic Integrity Policy

A Community of Honor

As a liberal arts university committed to the Christian faith, Charleston Southern University seeks to develop ethical men and women of disciplined, creative minds and lives that focus on leadership, service, and learning. The Honor System of Charleston Southern University is designed to provide an academic community of trust in which students can enjoy the opportunity to grow both intellectually and personally. For these purposes, the following rules and guidelines will be applied.

Academic Dishonesty

“Academic Dishonesty” is the transfer, receipt, or use of academic information, or the attempted transfer, receipt, or use of academic information in a manner not authorized by the instructor or by university rules. It includes, but is not limited to, cheating and plagiarism as well as aiding or encouraging another to commit academic dishonesty.

“Cheating” is defined as wrongfully giving, taking, or presenting any information or material borrowed from another source, including the Internet, by a student with the intent of aiding himself or another on academic work. This includes, but is not limited to a test, examination, presentation, experiment or any written assignment, which is considered in any way in the determination of the final grade.

“Plagiarism” is the taking or attempted taking of an idea, a writing, a graphic, music composition, art or datum of another without giving proper credit and presenting or attempting to present it as one’s own. It is also taking written materials of one’s own that have been used for a previous course assignment and using it without reference to it in its original form.

Students are encouraged to ask their instructor(s) for clarification regarding their academic dishonesty standards. Instructors are encouraged to include academic dishonesty/integrity standards on their course syllabi. For information on Academic Violation charges, penalties, procedures and appeals go to http://www.csuniv.edu/registrar/index.asp and click Policies/Procedures, then click policy GR - 206.

Transcripts

The fee for each transcript request is $10.00. In the event a student requests that a transcript be (1) generated for mailing and (2) generated for faxing, it is considered to be two requests. Fax requests require the generation of a transcript on special “Fax-Safe” paper and are subject to a separate $10.00 processing fee. A transcript cannot be processed and released for a student with a “hold” on their records from any CSU office.

Transcripts received from other institutions become the property of Charleston Southern University and will not be released or copied for third parties. Any exception to this must be approved by the University Registrar.

Confidentiality of Student Records

Annual Notification of Rights under FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students (traditional and those enrolled in distance and online courses)certain rights with respect to their educational records. They are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the University receives a request for access. Students should submit to the registrar, dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official, written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The appropriate University official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the University official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Students may ask the University to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the University official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the University decides not to amend a record as requested by the student, the University will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s educational records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the University has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting school officials in performing legitimate tasks including assignments while working under any College Work-Study (CWS) program agreement. A school official has a legitimate interest if the official needs to review an educational record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the University may disclose records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. Information may be disclosed to parents of dependent children enrolled at CSU if the student is under 23 years of age and is listed as a dependent on the parent’s federal tax return. Our procedure is to verify the student’s “dependent status” through our financial aid office or by requiring documentation before information is released. 
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Charleston Southern University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202

FERPA Notice of Directory Information Policy

The University has designated certain information contained in the educational records of its students as directory information pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This information is not generally considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. Directory information at Charleston Southern University includes, but is not limited to:

• name, address, telephone listing, e-mail address
• date and place of birth
• field(s) of study
• participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• weight and height of student-athletes
• dates of attendance
• degrees and awards received
• photographs
• most recent previous school attended
• enrollment status (full-time, part-time, undergraduate, graduate)

Directory information cannot include a student’s social security number, student ID number, race/ethnicity or gender. Directory information may be disclosed by the University for any purpose considered legitimate without student consent. Students have the right, however, to refuse the disclosure of any or all of the information designated as directory information. Students refusing to have any or all of the designated directory information disclosed without consent must submit written notification to the Office of the Registrar. To properly enforce a refusal request, written notification should be filed no later than one week from the beginning of a term in which a student has enrolled. However, refusal notifications will be accepted, processed and enforced as soon as possible anytime they are received. Careful consideration should be given before any disclosure refusal is submitted. The University’s enforcement of a refusal notification may have unexpected or undesirable ramifications. 

Intellectual Property Policy

All faculty members, staff and students are expected to observe federal copyright law when carrying out their academic and extracurricular duties.  Guidelines have been established for Classroom Copying in Not-For-Profit Educational Institutions, Educational Uses of Music, and Off-Air Recording of Broadcast Programming for Education Purposes. Copies of these guidelines are available to the university community at http://www.csuniv.edu/libary/copyright.html.

The following summary of the CSU Intellectual Property Policy is based upon the five questions required by the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) as components to be included when negotiating a policy on ownership of intellectual property.

What is “intellectual property”?

“Intellectual Property” consists of creative ideas and expressions of the human mind that receive the legal protection of a property right.  The primary legal tools for protecting intellectual property rights are copyrights, patents, trademarks, and trade secrets.  These legal tools enable owners to choose who may use their property.  Note that in most cases student work for academic credit does not constitute intellectual property (exceptions may apply as noted below).

Who owns the intellectual property?

This policy delineates ten types of intellectual property and ownership may accrue to any of the four different entities.  To understand intellectual property ownership, three terms need to be defined: (1) externally sponsored work; (2) internally sponsored work; and (3) substantial use of University facilities.  Externally sponsored work is work conducted under an agreement between an external sponsor and the University.  Internally sponsored work is work for which the University provides funds or facilities that rise to the level of substantial use.  Substantial use of University facilities means the unreimbursed use of University laboratory, studio, computational facilities, or human resources that are worth more than $15,000 (in 2004 dollars).

The creator generally retains ownership of intellectual property in the following instances: (1) traditional intellectual property such as books and artistic creations; (2) creations that do not result from substantial use of University facilities; and (3) creations made with substantial use of University facilities but without external or internal sponsorship.  However, if the creator chooses not to develop this type of intellectual property or is not diligent in its development, the University may acquire ownership of it.  It should be noted that the University is entitled to a perpetual, non-exclusive, non-transferable, royalty free license to use educational course ware.

The University generally owns intellectual property in the following instances: (1) internally sponsored work; (2) creations by employees specifically employed to produce such intellectual property within the normal scope of their employment; an (3) creations made with substantial use of University facilities provided by an external agreement or internal University sponsorship.  However, if the University chooses not to develop this type of intellectual property or is not diligent in its development, the creator may acquire ownership of it.

Negotiated agreements generally control the ownership of intellectual property in the following instances:  (1) externally sponsored work between an external sponsor and the University; (2) individual agreements between the University and creator; and (3) consulting agreements between individuals and outside firms.

Finally, if no other entity has ownership rights except for the creator, the creator may choose to place his or her creation in the public domain.

Who may use the intellectual property

The owner or negotiated agreements generally make this determination.

How are any funds to be distributed?

Funds generally accrue to the owner with the exception of three types of intellectual property:(1) public domain; (2) creations made with substantial use of University facilities but without internal or external sponsorship; and (3) creations make with substantial use of University facilities and internal or external sponsorship but without ownership being specified.  It should also be noted that is the case of both internally sponsored work and externally sponsored work, if the University fails to notify the creator effectively and in advance of limitations imposed on his intellectual property rights, then the creator received 50% of the net proceeds that go to the University.

Works placed in the public domain are owned by the public and there are not funds to be distributed.

The general distribution of funds for intellectual property created with substantial use of University facilities but without internal or external sponsorship is as follows: (1) if the creator chooses to commercially develop the intellectual property then, (a) the creator receives 50% of the net proceeds, (b) the University receives 25% of the net proceeds, and (c) the creator’s department receives 25% of the net proceeds; however, (2) if the creator decided not to commercially develop the intellectual property or fails to show diligence in development, the University can acquire ownership and the creator receives 50% of the net proceeds that go to the University.

The general distribution of funds for intellectual property created with substantial use of University facilities and internal or external sponsorship but without ownership being specified is as follows: (1) if the University chooses to commercially develop the intellectual property, the creator receives 50% of the net proceeds; however, (2) if the University decides not to commercially develop the intellectual property or fails to show diligence in development, the creator can acquire the property and funds are distributed as outlined above for intellectual property created with substantial use of University facilities but without internal or external sponsorship (i.e. 50% creator, 25% University, 25% creator’s department).

How are emerging issues and disputes resolved?

An Intellectual Property Committee maintains and administers the Intellectual Property Policy of the University.  The committee is chaired by a member of the Deans Council appointed by the Vice President for Academic Affairs.  The remaining committee members are two faculty members and one staff member appointed by the President and one representative from the university business office appointed by the Vice President of Business Affairs.  Committee members serve three year terms renewable for one additional term.

Emerging issues are handled by negotiating agreements between interested entities or by making amendment to the policy.  Amendments may be proposed by any member of the University.  Amendments deemed by the committee to be reasonable, appropriate to the Intellectual Property Policy, and consonant with existing intellectual property law may be recommended to the President of the University.  Any proposed changes to the Intellectual Property Policy must be approved by the University trustees.

Disputes are resolved by submitting a grievance letter to the Intellectual Property Committee who issues a decision within 60 days.  If any party to the dispute is not satisfied with the committee’s decision, the party may seek binding arbitration in Charleston, South Carolina.