Grades and Grading

For a more detailed discussion of the grading policies at Hampton University, the reader should refer to the Graduate College Catalog and the University Student Handbook. However, these points are stressed:

1. No undergraduate courses (100-400 level) will be used in calculating the GPA.
2. A minimum GPA of 3.0/4.1 is required.
3. Any student whose cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 at the end of any term will be placed on academic probation. This probationary status must be removed by the time he/she completes nine (9) additional hours. If the GPA has not reached 3.0 on the 4.1 scale or higher by that time, the student is subject to academic dismissal.
4. All “I” grades must be removed before the close of the next semester following the semester in which the grade was earned.
5. The grade “IP”—“In Progress”—will be assigned in such courses as thesis, research, internship, and practicum when they are not completed at the end of the term.

Change of Major/Program

Students wishing to change to a graduate program outside their present general area must submit an application to the new program along with all the credentials required of new applicants. A student must submit to the Graduate College a “Petition for Change of Major Form” to change major and/or concentration within the same general field. Whenever a program change is affected, the cumulative graduate grade-point average remains intact.

Course-Load Limitations

Full-time students in good academic standing may enroll for nine (9) credit hours. Permission to exceed this limit must be secured from the chairperson. Non-degree students must obtain permission from the Dean of the Graduate College to exceed nine (9) hour limit. Students on academic probation should consider reducing their credit hour load until such status is removed.

Regulations for Probation and Academic Dismissal of Graduate Students

The minimum standard for graduate work leading to a master’s degree is a 3.0 grade point average. A student whose overall grade point average falls below 3.0 at the end of any term will be placed on academic probation and must raise this average to 3.0 by the time he or she completes nine (9) additional hours. A student who fails to comply with this requirement will be subject to dismissal from the degree program or from the Graduate College by the Graduate Council based on the recommendation of the department chair or the Dean of the Graduate College.

Grades below “C” carry no credit. However, such grades will be used in computing the overall grade point average. An earned grade below “C” in any course requires that the course be repeated.

An accumulation of no more than eight (8) hours of grades below “B” may be counted toward degree requirements.

The University reserves the right to terminate the registration of any student whose record falls below the standard acceptable to Hampton University. The department, with the concurrence of the Graduate Dean, can recommend to the Graduate Council that a student be withdrawn from the degree program for unsatisfactory performance.

Readmission Procedures

The student may appeal the dismissal decision to the Graduate Council by submitting such in writing through the department chair and the Graduate Dean. If the student has engaged in graduate study at another post-secondary/baccalaureate institution since dismissal, official transcripts should accompany the appeal. If health conditions contributed to the academic decline, a statement from the attending physician should accompany the appeal.

Readmission to the Graduate College after separation for whatever reason requires the submission of a current formal application for admission and any other documents in the term of planned re-entry.

The Appeals Process

1. Student appeals should take the form of a letter addressed to the Graduate Council.
2. All letters should be typed and follow the conventions of formal correspondence.

Procedures for Appeals

1. Appeal letters should be made on the basis of evidence.
2. Appeal letters must be initiated at the level of graduate faculty member and/or advisor.
3. The graduate faculty member/advisor reviews the appeal letter and submits a summary and recommendation for action to the program coordinator and chair of the department in which the student is enrolled. The recommended action may be to accept the appeal or deny the appeal. The graduate faculty member/advisor must provide evidence to justify the recommended action.
4. The program coordinator or chair reviews the student’s appeal and the graduate faculty member/advisor’s summary and recommendation and submits a recommendation for action to the school dean.
5. The school dean reviews the appeal letter, summary, and recommendations and provides a final recommendation to the Graduate Council for consideration and action.
6. The Graduate Council shall inform, in writing, the school dean, department chair, program coordinator, and student of action taken by the Graduate Council.

Academic Integrity

Academic Integrity is the component of students, faculty members, staff, administrators, and officials adhering to the principle of honesty in all activities which involve or influence teaching, learning, research, and decision-making within the University community.

Personal, professional, and academic integrity are paramount to the survival and potential of the Hampton family. Therefore, individuals found in violation of the University’s policies against lying, cheating, and plagiarism, or stealing are subject to disciplinary action which could possibly include dismissal from the University.

Medical Clearance

Hampton University requires every graduate student to meet medical clearance requirements prior to coming to campus. Specific requirements are listed in the Student Health Center section of this catalog and on that unit’s website: https://home.hamptonu.edu/healthcenter. A student who fails to comply with these stipulations may be prohibited from registering for or attending classes.

Office of Access and Learning

Hampton University is committed to a policy of ensuring that no otherwise qualified individual with a disability is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in University programs or activities due to his or her disability. The University is fully committed to complying with all requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and to providing equal educational opportunities to otherwise qualified students and employees with disabilities.

The Office of Access and Learning provides and coordinates accommodations, support services and auxiliary aids for qualified students with disabilities and qualified employees with disabilities. Any member of the campus community in need of disability services should contact the Director of

Access and Learning, located in the Student Success Center and can be reached at 757-727-5493 or via email: disabilityservices@hamptonu.edu. Students should refer to the Official Student Handbook and the website of the Office of Access and Learning for more detailed information regarding disability services and forms used for requesting accommodations. Employees should also refer to the website.