Grade Point Average Computations
The grade point average (GPA) is computed only for college-level courses completed with grades of A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, F and AF with grade points assigned.
The GPA is computed according to the steps given below:
1. For each University-level course in which a grade of A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, F, and AF is given, the number of quality points for the course having that grade is found by multiplying the number of semester hours the course carries times the number of quality points determined by the grade given. For transfer courses, quality points will be assigned consistent with the policy of the institution at which the courses were taken, if that institution is using the four point scale; otherwise, the assignment of quality points will be based on the formula generally used by the Harris-Stowe’s Director of Admissions.
2. The sum of the quality point products for all college-level courses taken by the student with any one of the letter grades then divided by the sum of the semester credit hours for those courses equals the GPA.
Credit/No Credit Status (CR/NC)
All one-credit courses and those numbered in the 800 series will receive the grade of Credit (CR) or No Credit (NC) except as otherwise approved by the vice president for academic affairs.
Graded Status (Gr)
Grades are awarded at the end of the term in accordance with the University’s 4.0 point system. Under the University’s grade system, students in University level courses will receive at that time one of the following grades: A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, F or AF.
Incomplete Grade (I)
An incomplete grade (I) is given rarely and not in lieu of an official withdrawal from the course. An incomplete grade can be given only when all of the following conditions have been met by the student:
1. The student could not complete the course work because of reasons beyond his or her control.
2. The course work yet to be completed comprises no more than 20 percent of the total course requirements.
3. The tests or examinations yet to be taken do not exceed two in number.
Grade Points **
|B+||3.50||Very Superior Performance|
|C+||2.50||Above Average Performance|
|D+||1.50||Below Average Performance, But Passing|
|D||1.00||Poor Performance, But Passing|
|F||0.00||Unsatisfactory Performance (Failing)|
|AF||0.00||Failure due to excessive absences and performance is judged to be unsatisfactory.|
|AW||—||Student is administratively withdrawn from a course (after Census Date) because of conditions judged as being beyond the student’s control as approved by the Chief Academic Officer.|
|WA||—||Administrative withdrawal granted either (1) directly by the vice president of academic affairs based on conditions which are deemed beyond the student’s control -or- (2) automatically when a student is absent from a particular class from its first session through the University’s Census Date.|
|WN||—||Authorized withdrawal initiated by the student during either of the following periods:|
(a) During a regular semester – from the Official Census Date to the end of the 14th week of the semester; or
(b) During a summer session – from the official Census Date to two days before the last day of class.
|I||—||Course work that is required for the successful completion of the course remains unfinished. The student must complete the work within the first nine weeks of the subsequent semester. Note: An Incomplete may not be made up during the Summer Session.|
|AU||—||Auditor Status — No credit or grade will be given. Note: Normal tuition fees will be charged for credit hours audited by the student.|
|CR||—||University credit earned in a course which has been identified in the Course Scheduler as a credit/no credit course. Hours earned in such courses are not considered in the computation of the semester or cumulative grade point average.|
|NC||—||University credit not earned in a course which has been designated in the Course Schedule as a credit/no credit course. This lack of earned credit has no effect on the student’s grade point average because it is not entered into the computation.|
**Courses numbered below 0100 are developmental. These courses receive institutional credit only, are excluded from grade point computations and class status determination, and fulfill no degree or certification requirements.
When a course is repeated under the grade forgiveness policy, the new grade will be calculated under the grade point computation procedure. It is understood that all recorded grades (A, B, C, D, F) are considered in the GPA. Prior to Spring 2000, only repeated related grades of WL or WR are excluded from the grade point computation. Beginning the spring 2000 Semester, courses taken and repeated are automatically calculated and the application for grade forgiveness is not required. The course credit will be counted only once, as appropriate, toward satisfaction of degree requirements. Application for grade forgiveness grades by WL or WR must be made to the registrar.
A grade of WR or WL may occur only once for each course taken prior to Spring 2000. Courses taken spring 2000 and after maintain the grade earned but reflect that the course was repeated. A complete explanation of this policy is available in the Office of the Registrar.
Courses completed at Harris-Stowe State University with final grades, whether initial or repeat of "C" or higher cannot be repeated for credit or for revision of previously earned grades in those courses.
All candidates for initial teacher education certification must receive a grade of "C" or higher in all professional teacher education courses and a grade of "C+" or higher in the subject matter courses for the Middle School and Secondary Education programs. A grade of “C” or higher is required for all professional-level courses in all degree programs.
Repeat of courses taken prior to spring of 2000 in which a C- or less was earned require a grade forgiveness form. Courses repeated after that time does not.
STANDARDS OF ACADEMIC PROGRESS
The Standards of Academic Progress for students of Harris-Stowe State University are set forth below. These standards have been established in compliance with laws and regulations of the United States regarding student financial aid, and they are consistent with guidelines of relevant state agencies and national accounting groups.
Academic Standards Policy
In order to maintain good academic standing at Harris-Stowe State University, a student must achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.0.
Whenever a student’s CGPA falls below the minimum 2.0 requirement, the student will be placed on academic probation. Enrollment for the next semester will be limited to 12 credit hours (six hours for part-time students) and the student will be required to meet with the University’s retention specialist and participate in academic support programs throughout the probationary period. The student must earn at least a 2.0 semester GPA or higher for that semester for continued probation. A student is taken off academic probation once a 2.0 CGPA is achieved.
A student will be suspended for one semester if he or she does not achieve a semester GPA of 2.0 during the academic probationary period. After being on academic suspension, the student may seek reinstatement to the University through an appeal to the Academic Standards Committee. If such an appeal is approved by the committee, the student will be required to sign an academic contract developed by the Academic Standards Committee which will set forth specific actions that the student must successfully perform toward achieving the 2.0 minimum CGPA. A student must achieve a minimum semester GPA of 2.0 during the probationary period.
If a student is academically suspended after reinstatement, the length of the suspension shall be at least two semesters. If a student is suspended for a third time, the academic suspension shall be permanent.
Note: Summer sessions do not constitute a semester.
Student Academic Grievance Procedure
The Academic Grievance Procedure is established for the purpose of reviewing grades contested by students. During the follow-up investigation of the academic grievance, efforts are made to determine whether established grading criteria were fairly applied.
The following grievance procedure is to be followed by any student who believes he or she has received an unjustified grade in a course and wants a review of the matter.
Step 1 – At the Instructor’s Level
(30 days in the succeeding semester)
If a student has an academic grievance, he or she must present to the instructor in writing a grievance statement, which sets forth the following:
1. What did or did not occur;
2. Why the grade received should be reviewed:
- Instructor’s clerical error
- Instructor’s assignment of the grade was not based on the
student’s performance in the course.
- Instructor’s assignment of the grade was the result of standards
that were not applied to other students in the course.
- The instructor is required to respond in writing to the
Note: If the student is not satisfied with the instructor’s written response, he or she may make a second step appeal to the department.
Step 2 – At the Department Level
(10 days after the deadline identified in Step 1)
The student is required to secure a copy of the Departmental Academic Grievance Procedure from the appropriate department. This document will inform the student of all appropriate instructions for processing this review at the department level. The departmental chairperson shall notify the student, in writing, of the department’s decision within 30 days of receipt of the student’s Second-Step appeal.
Step 3 – At the Vice President for Academic Affairs’ Level
1. If the student is NOT satisfied with the results of the Second-Step of his or her grievance, he or she may make a Third-Step appeal to the vice president for Academic Affairs. This Third-Step appeal must be in the form of a memorandum similar in format and attachments to that used in Step 1, including the student’s reasons for regarding the Step 2 responses as unsatisfactory.
Note: The Third-Step appeal memorandum must be submitted by the student to the vice president for academic affairs within five school days after receipt of the Chair’s response.
2. Within SEVEN SCHOOL DAYS after receipt, the vice president for Academic Affairs will appoint a Hearing Committee consisting of at least two faculty members and at least one student.
Note: All appointees to this committee must be disinterested persons.
3. The Hearing Committee must conduct and conclude an investigation of the matter aggrieved within 30 days after its appointment.
4. Within 10 school days after the conclusion of the committee’s investigation of the matter, it must submit a written report to the vice president of Academic Affairs. This report must include (1) the committee’s findings, (2) the committee’s conclusions, and (3) the committee’s recommendations for a resolution of the grievance.
The decision of the vice president for Academic Affairs is final.
ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY
Harris-Stowe State University assumes that all students are enrolled for the purpose of learning; therefore, academic dishonesty of any kind is considered to be contrary to the purpose of both the student and the University. Academic honesty consists of truth telling and truthful representations of all academic works. Any academic dishonesty detected and verified as such in a course (including such acts during examination or the submission of plagiarized material) may result in the student failing the course and academically dismissed or suspended from the University. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to:
- Copying from others on an exam
- Offering another person’s work as your own
- Stealing or attempting to steal an examination or answer key from any instructor
Academic Dishonesty Procedures
1. Faculty members should clearly identify course-specific standards, which interpret University and departmental policies related to academic integrity. These explanations should appear in the course syllabus and in all other explanations of course requirements. Faculty should require the inclusion of the honor pledge on all academic work submitted for grading.
2. Faculty members who discover evidence of academic dishonesty will arrange to meet with the student(s) suspected of the alleged infraction as soon as possible. Prior to this meeting the faculty member may choose to consult with the vice president or the hearing officer.
3. If the student(s) acknowledge(s) the act of academic dishonesty and the faculty member is satisfied that the incident can be effectively resolved with a grade sanction:
a. The faculty member will assign either an F in the course or an F for the assignment or exam during which the cheating occurred; and
b. A written summary of the incident will be forwarded by the faculty member to the hearing officer.
c. The hearing officer will contact the student to arrange a conference to review the policy related to academic dishonesty.
d. If the student is currently in good disciplinary standing, the student will be placed on disciplinary probation for one calendar year.
e. If the student is not in good disciplinary standing or if the student has previously acknowledged an act of academic dishonesty and received a grade sanction as a result, disciplinary proceedings will be instituted in accordance to those listed below to determine the appropriate disciplinary sanction. Such sanction may include suspension or dismissal from the University.
f. All official disciplinary sanctions, including grade sanctions, which are assigned to a student as a result of an act of academic dishonesty, will be recorded on the student’s official University transcript.
4. If the student denies the allegation of academic dishonesty or if the faculty member believes the severity of the incident may warrant a sanction more severe than disciplinary probation:
a. The faculty member will forward a written summary of the incident to the hearing officer. The summary must contain copies of all evidence, including the names of any known witnesses to the alleged act of academic dishonesty.
b. The hearing officer will institute disciplinary proceedings in accordance with those listed below.
c. No grade penalty should be assigned by the instructor until the case is finally resolved, including the processes of hearing the student’s appeal, if any. If the charges cannot be resolved prior to the end of semester, a grade of “I” should be assigned by the instructor.
5. Students may file a grade appeal if a grade penalty for alleged academic dishonesty violation occurs without proper adherence to the above procedures.
Institution of Disciplinary Proceedings
Disciplinary charges brought against a student or a recognized student organization shall be resolved in the following manner:
1. Upon written notice of an alleged violation of this policy and regulation, disciplinary proceedings shall be instituted by a hearing officer by the issuance of notice of charges. The written notice of complaint may be initiated by faculty, staff and students or through a campus police summons.
2. The notice of charges and all other written notices shall be delivered by the method deemed most effective by the hearing officer to the student’s or organization’s address as it then appears on the official records of the University. If the address is not current, other reasonable attempts will be made to deliver the notice. The notice shall include the portion of the policy and regulation allegedly violated; the reported circumstances of the alleged violation and a request that the student appear at a specified time, date and place for a hearing. A copy of the notice of charges may be sent to the student’s parents/guardians if the student is a dependent as defined in Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.
3. If the notice of charges requests an appearance at a hearing and if a student fails or refuses to appear, the hearing officer may after such investigation that is deemed sufficient: dismiss the charges; take administrative action or impose a disciplinary penalty. Requests for continuance must be timely and made by the student in writing to the hearing officer, who may reschedule the hearing if the request is timely and for good cause. If the hearing officer takes administrative action, the accused student or organization shall be notified in writing of such action and such action shall not be subject to further hearing or appeal. If the hearing officer imposes a disciplinary sanction, the student or organization representative shall be notified in writing of such action. Appeals of disciplinary sanctions imposed at a hearing held in the absence of the accused student or organizational representative shall follow the procedures outlined in these regulations.
4. When an accused student or organizational representative appears in response to the notice of charges, the hearing officer shall review the facts of the alleged violations and of the names of witnesses then known. The student or organizational representative shall be advised that no response is required and that any statement made shall become a part of the official evidence of the case. The accused may advise the hearing officer of any witnesses or evidence supporting the student’s position. The hearing officer shall also advise the accused that if any new evidence is discovered during an investigation subsequent to the hearing, it will be shared with the accused. The accused will have an opportunity to respond to the evidence.
5. After the hearing with the student or organizational representative and such further investigation as the hearing officer deems necessary, the hearing officer shall proceed as follows:
a. If the hearing officer determines that the alleged violation is not supported by the evidence, the charges shall be dismissed and the accused student so notified.
b. If the hearing officer is satisfied that the violation occurred as alleged, but that no disciplinary sanction should be imposed, the hearing officer may levy administrative action and notify the student accordingly.
c. If the hearing officer is satisfied that the violation occurred as alleged and that a disciplinary penalty should be imposed, the hearing officer shall so notify the accused student or organizational representative, describing the sanction which the hearing officer will impose.
6. The accused may accept the decision and sanction(s) proposed by the hearing officer and waive his or her right to any further hearing or appeal. Or, the accused may reject the decision of the hearing officer and request an appeal hearing before the University president/designee.
An accused student or organization appealing the decision of the hearing officer should file a notice of appeal to the Office of the President. Such an appeal must be physically received in the President’s Office within seven business days from the date of the letter containing the findings in the case. The appeal must include the specific grounds for the appeal and must be personally signed by the student or an organization officer. The notice of appeal shall contain, at a minimum, a statement of grounds for appeal and a summary statement of the facts supporting such grounds. Grounds for appeal may include:
1. A claim that the decision was not made in accordance with prescribed procedures and identification of the procedures which were not followed;
2. A claim that the sanction(s) imposed was (were) inappropriate or overly harsh;
3. A claim that the decision was clearly erroneous;
4. New evidence, not available in a previous hearing, which could exonerate the accused student.
Rules of Procedure in Hearings
1. In cases involving more than one student, the hearing officer may consolidate the cases for hearing but shall make separate recommendations for each accused student.
2. The accused student may have an advisor of the student’s choice present during the hearing. Generally, the adviser shall be present for consultation purposes only and shall not be permitted to speak on the student’s behalf. However, an adviser may be permitted to address the committee at the discretion of the hearing officer. If an accused student elects to be represented by a third party adviser, the accused must provide a signed letter designating that person as his or her official representative before the University can communicate otherwise privileged information to the adviser.
3. Rules of common courtesy and decency shall be observed.
4. The questions of any person appearing before the hearing officer by an individual participating in a hearing shall not be in a badgering, unduly repetitious or irrelevant manner. It shall be at the discretion of the hearing officer to curtail a participant’s further opportunity for questioning if such behavior occurs.
5. Any person may be dismissed from the hearing who interferes with or obstructs the hearing or who fails to abide by the rulings of the hearing officer.
6. The hearing officer shall have the right to call additional witnesses, require the presentation of additional evidence and require additional investigation.
7. A taped or stenographic record of a hearing shall be maintained. The notice, exhibits and taped or stenographic records shall become the record of the case and shall be filed in the Office of the President. This hearing record shall be retained for a period of no more than five years.
8. The president/designee shall examine the record of the case and any additional evidence provided. president/designee may interview witnesses to the case or engage in whatever investigation he or she deems appropriate to fully hear the student’s appeal. The president/ designee shall consider the recommendations of the hearing officer and may accept or reverse the finding by reducing or increasing the sanctions imposed by the hearing officer. Within seven working days after receiving the recommendation of the hearing officer, the president/designee will advise the accused student of his or her recommendation concerning the final disposition of the case.
The decision of the president is final.
CLASS ATTENDANCE/ABSENCE POLICY
Due to regulations set forth by the U.S. Department of Education, Harris-Stowe State University is required to report attendance for all students enrolled at the University.
Because the penalties related to attendance can have legal implications for the University, attendance policies must be clearly defined on each syllabus. The attendance policy should include expectations for labs and or discussion sections. Faculty should clearly explain and enforce their attendance policies, as defined in the course syllabus. When policies are specified in the course syllabus, faculty may take attendance into account when evaluating student performance, provided that absences are accurately documented by the instructor. Absences that are avoidable, unavoidable and due to University-sanctioned activities are subject to the specific conditions described below:
In the case of an avoidable absence, the faculty is not required to allow the student to make up missed assignments. It is up to the discretion of the faculty member to accept late assignments due to avoidable absences.
Unavoidable absences are those due to debilitating illness or personal emergency. Students must immediately inform their instructors in a timely manner with supporting documentation (i.e. a doctor’s statement or University team schedule) of the reason(s) for the absence. If unanticipated absences from class exceed one week, the student must inform Academic Affairs and provide supporting documentation. Academic Affairs will notify the student’s instructors. Unavoidable absences approved by Academic Affairs entitle the student additional time to make up all missed worked by an agreed deadline between the instructor and the student. Unavoidable absences still count as absences in courses where grade penalties are imposed for inadequate attendance.
Absences Due to University-Sanctioned Activities
Students who participate in officially sanctioned University activities should be allowed to make up all missed assignments, tests and exams as a result of participating in these events. Certain assignments such as group projects or presentations may not be possible to make up. If the instructor intends to deny the opportunity to make up such assignments, the instructor should inform the student so that the student may be aware of the consequences. The student may then decide to take the course during another semester, to make other arrangements for the University-sanctioned event or to accept the consequences of the absence.
If the number of University-related absences is not larger than those allowed for all students by the course policy, the student should not be penalized for these absences. In such cases, however, the student does not have a right to any additional absences in the event of illness or family emergency. If the University-related and unexcused absences exceed those allowed by course policy, the instructor will determine the appropriate penalty.
To minimize conflict regarding absences due to University-sanctioned events, students should:
• Plan his or her schedule accordingly to minimize activity and travel conflicts.
• Arrange with the faculty member to turn work in during the absence prior to leaving for the University-sanctioned activity.
• Obtain class notes or other materials missed prior to taking any subsequent exams or submitting assignments.
• Make every effort to schedule classes that will minimize activity and travel conflicts.
• Provide a schedule of all activities and related travel to all their instructors within the first week of the semester, or as soon as possible for non-scheduled events.
Eligibility for Inclusion on the Vice President for Academic Affairs Honors List
At Harris-Stowe State University, the Honors Lists are the equivalent of the Dean’s List. There are two such lists at this University, one for fulltime classified students and one for part-time classified students. At the end of each Fall and Spring Semester, the names of those classified students who during that semester:
1. Were enrolled at the Official University Census Date in 12 or more University-level credit hours of Harris-Stowe State University course work;
2. Earned a term GPA of at least 3.50;
3. Received no grades of F, AF or NC
4. Earned quality points in at least nine credit hours of course work;
5. Are listed on the Vice President for Academic Affairs Honors List for full-time students.
At the end of each Fall and Spring semester, the names of those part-time classified students who during that semester:
1. Were enrolled at the Official University Census Date in 6-11 University level credit hours of Harris-Stowe State University course work;
2. Earned a term GPA of at least 3.50;
3. Received no grade F, AF or NC;
4. Earned quality points in at least six credit hours of course work;
5. Are listed on the Vice President for Academic Affairs Honors List for part-time students.
ACADEMIC HONOR SOCIETIES
The University has charters for a number of honor societies. These societies and the eligibility criteria for admission or election to them are set forth below.
Alpha Chi is a national honor scholarship society founded in 1922 for accredited colleges and universities. Its purpose is to promote and recognize high academic achievement and those elements of character, which make scholarships effective for students in the various academic divisions of colleges and universities, both in the United States and in other countries.
Active membership is restricted to regular undergraduate students of junior and senior standing in programs leading to a baccalaureate.
Members of the Missouri Zeta Chapter at Harris-Stowe State University are elected by the total faculty group based on the following eligibility criteria:
1. The student must have been a regular student at Harris-Stowe State University for not less than one academic year prior to election.
2. The student must have completed not less than half of the University credits required for graduation.
3. The student must have an overall cumulative grade point average (OCGPA) of at least 3.5.
4. If the CGPA earned at an institution previously attended is higher than that earned at Harris-Stowe State University, only grades earned at Harris-Stowe State University will be considered; otherwise, all grades earned at all institutions shall be considered.
5. The student must be in the top ranked 10 percent of students in his or her academic classification, including those previously elected to membership in the society.
6. The student must be rated by the University’s total faculty group as successfully meeting the University’s character requirements
Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society
In an effort to promote a closer relationship among students in the field of education and to develop a more intimate fellowship with those dedicated to the teaching profession, the Illinois Education Club at the University of Illinois made a resolution to sponsor a national society similar to its own organization. Subsequently, the honorary education fraternity, Kappa Delta Pi, was incorporated on June 8, 1911. Local chapters of Kappa Delta Pi were soon in existence at several colleges and universities with schools of education. On June 6, 1931, Harris Teachers College, now Harris-Stowe State University, established the Gamma Lambda Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi.
Qualifications for undergraduate membership include the following:
1. The student must have full standing as a junior.
2. Rank in the upper quartile of the University.
3. Have an overall cumulative grade point average (OCGPA) of 3.0 or above.
4. Have been admitted to the professional level of Teacher Education programs.
5. Exhibit worthy educational ideals.
6. Intend to continue in the field of education.
7. Manifest desirable personal qualities.
8. Give evidence of leadership attributes.
Sigma Tau Delta
Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society, is open to students interested in English and who rank in the upper third of the student body for the semester of initiation. The resulting GPA for this ranking is usually 3.0 or higher. The purpose of Sigma Tau Delta is to promote written expression, encourage worthwhile reading, and to foster a spirit of good fellowship among men and women professionally engaged in the study or teaching of the English language and literature. The Phi Beta Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta annually produces a publication of students’ literary works called The Triangle. For further information, contact the Department of Arts and Sciences in Room 210 of the Dr. Henry Givens Jr. Administration Building.
Kappa Mu Epsilon
Kappa Mu Epsilon is a specialized honor society in mathematics, which was founded in 1931 to promote an interest in mathematics among undergraduate students. It has been a member of the Association of College Honor Societies since 1968. Its chapters are located in colleges and universities of recognized standing, which offer an appropriate mathematics program.
The Missouri Mu Chapter of Kappa Mu Epsilon was installed at Harris-Stowe State University on April 25, 1998. The chapter’s members are selected from students of mathematics and other closely related fields who have maintained standards of scholarship, have professional merit and have attained academic distinction. The primary purposes of being a member of Kappa Mu Epsilon include the following:
1. To further the interest of mathematics in those schools, which place their primary emphasis on undergraduate programs;
2. To help undergraduate students realize the important role that mathematics has played in the development of civilization;
3. To develop an appreciation of the power and beauty possessed by mathematics;
4. To provide a society for the recognition of the outstanding achievement in the study of mathematics at the undergraduate level;
5. To disseminate the knowledge of mathematics and familiarize its members with the current progress in this important area of human interest.
Qualifications for membership:
1. Must be, or have been, a faculty member or regularly enrolled student at an institution where a Kappa Mu Epsilon Chapter is installed;
2. Must have completed at least three semesters at the institution ranking in the upper 35 percent of their class;
3. Must have completed at least three college courses in mathematics, including at least one semester of calculus and attained an average grade of B or higher in all mathematics courses;
4. Must have completed at least one semester at the institution, after having transferred from another institution, and have completed at least one mathematics course with a grade of B or higher at the institution, prior to his or her induction. Meetings and activities of Harris-Stowe’s chapter of Kappa Mu Epsilon are held twice a semester in conjunction with the Mathematics Club. There are also national conventions held annually.
The Commencement Convocation is held at the end of the Spring Semester. Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the University Bulletin and all pertinent literature/documents that govern the requirements for graduation. Students are also responsible for maintaining a satisfactory GPA, completing all requirements of their degree program, and satisfying all other requirements for graduation. It is strongly recommended that students complete a Degree Audit at the end of the student’s completion of 60 credits.
Students are required to file papers for graduation in the semester prior to the semester of anticipated degree conferral. Specific dates are listed in the Course Schedule each semester or session. To complete degree requirements the students must:
1. Complete degree conferral papers in the Office of the Registrar (HGA Room 116).
2. Complete and submit all required paperwork to the Office of the Registrar.
3. Complete all clearance procedures identified by the respective degree programs and other University office/departments. (The Office of the Registrar will distribute the clearance forms to the candidate for graduation).
4. Satisfactorily complete all requirements in the degree program.
5. Earn the required CGPA for the degree program.
6. Complete, in residence, the final 30 semester hours of course work, unless permission is granted otherwise.
7. Achieve at least the required score on all required examinations of the degree program.
Eligibility for Graduation Honors
Graduating seniors whose OCGPAs are at the levels cited below, who meet the residency requirements for degree conferral and who have met all other academic and nonacademic degree requirements are graduated from Harris-Stowe
State University with the following Latin Honors:
CGPA of 3.75 or higher
Summa Cum Laude
CGPA between 3.5 or 3.749
Magna Cum Laude
CGPA between 3.25 and 3.499
In case of unusual circumstances, students who are unable to participate in the Commencement Convocation are required to notify the Office of the Registrar, in writing, and request permission to pick up or receive the diploma in the mail after commencement. The University is not responsible for diplomas once mailed.
THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Membership in the Harris-Stowe State University Alumni Association is available to all persons who have ever attended this University or any of its predecessor institutions.
The Alumni Association is an autonomous body of members who have come together to accomplish the following three major purposes:
1. To make known, celebrate and perpetuate the institution’s desirable customs, spirits, ideals and philosophy.
2. To promote in every way possible, the interest of the University and thereby the educational interest of the region Harris-Stowe serves.
3. To revive and establish acquaintances and maintain good fellowship among the alumni, wherever they may be.
The policy making body of the Harris-Stowe State University Alumni Association is that body’s Executive Board.
The days seniors graduate from the University, they officially become members of the HSSU Alumni Association. From that day to the last day in May of the following year, recent graduates enjoy free membership to the Alumni Association, which includes many benefits. For more information, please call (314) 340-5754, e-mail firstname.lastname@example.org, stop by HGA Room 110 or go to www.hssu.edu/alumni.
DEGREE PRODUCTION AND GRADUATION RATES
During the 2010-2011 academic year, Harris-Stowe State University graduated 141 students. The overall graduation rate is also known as the "Student Right to Know" or the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) graduation rate. IPEDS tracks the progress of students who began their studies as full-time, first-time degree-seeking students to determine if they complete their college degree within 150 percent of "normal time" (or six years) for completing the program in which they are enrolled. The six-year graduation rate of Harris-Stowe’s 2004 cohort stands at 13 percent.