BOG Academics Rule 2.1 Administration and Practices

Academics

BOG Academics Rule 2.1 - Administration and Practices

Responsible Unit:  Office of the Provost

Amended: [TBD]

Adopted:  May 22, 2018

Effective:  June 11, 2018

Review Date:  April 2022

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1. PURPOSE & SCOPE.

   1. The University seeks to design and administer fair and consistent academic practices for all students.
   2. This Rule outlines the guiding principles for establishing academic policies and practices for all University students and faculty.

2. DELEGATION TO PRESIDENT GENERAL ADMINISTRATION OF ACADEMIC POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND OTHER MATTERS.

   1. To enable the University to function in a proper and expeditious manner and to advance the University’s mission and objectives, the Board of Governors delegates to the President the following authority:
      1. To establish and maintain, with active participation of the faculty, a framework for the routine review and implementation of all academic policies, procedures, and other matters.
      2. To ensure, pursuant to W. Va. Code § 18B-2A-4(h), the appropriate sequence and availability of academic programs and courses offered by the University is such that students have the maximum opportunity to complete programs in the time frame normally associated with program completion. Further, to see that the needs of nontraditional college-age students are appropriately addressed and, to the extent it is possible to control, to assure core course work completed at the institution is transferable to any other state institution of higher education for credit with the grade earned.
   2. At the discretion of the President, the Provost shall serve as the University’s chief academic officer and shall be responsible for the academic affairs of the University.
   3. All academic policies and procedures shall be consistent with Federal and State law and any Rule adopted by the Board of Governors.

3. ENGAGEMENT WITH FACULTY SENATE ON ACADEMIC RULES, POLICIES, AND PROCEDURES.

   1. Pursuant to W. Va. Code § 18B-6-3(f), the President shall meet at least quarterly with the faculty senate to discuss matters affecting faculty and the effective and efficient management of the institution. Where appropriate, the Provost shall make recommendations to the President or Board of Governors to address concerns or issues identified by faculty senate regarding the implementation and effectiveness of the Academic Rules.
   2. Pursuant to W. Va. Code § 18B-6-3-(g), the Board shall meet at least annually with the faculty senate to discuss matters affecting faculty and the effective and efficient management of the institution.
   3. Where appropriate, the Provost is encouraged to seek input from the University community, including, but not limited to, consulting with faculty senate and student government, regarding the development and implementation of academic policies and procedures.

4. ACADEMIC CATALOG.

   1. The University shall, as appropriate, maintain one or more academic catalogs (collectively referred to as the “Catalog”). The Catalog shall serve as the official statement of academic policies under which the University operates internally as well as a historical document that provides information regarding academic offerings, policies, and procedures including, but not limited to: academic standards; professional standards; admissions requirements; advising, enrollment and evaluation; co-curricular programs; degree requirements; undergraduate and graduate certificates; programs, courses and credits; disclosure of student learning outcomes; and standard academic definitions.
   2. As appropriate, the Catalog may include the full text of each academic policy and procedure, or clear instructions on how and where such policies or procedures may be found.
   3. The Catalog shall outline the terms of the academic relationship between the student and the University, which the University reserves the right to change as it deems necessary or desirable.
   4. Further, the Catalog serves as a published reference of official information for the benefit of other academic institutions, for State and Federal agencies, and for prospective and enrolled students.

5. ACCREDITATION.

   1. The University shall be accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, or its successor.

6. MINIMUM DEGREE STANDARDS.

   1. To be eligible to receive an undergraduate baccalaureate or associates degree, a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 and a GPA of 2.0 in the major is required at the time of graduation. To be eligible to receive a graduate degree a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 is required at the time of graduation. Individual degree programs may require a higher grade point average overall or in specified courses, if approved by the Provost, or if already in effect as of the effective date of this Rule. In all such cases, the higher standard shall prevail.

7. GRADE POINT AVERAGE.

   1. The University shall calculate a grade point average (“GPA”) on a four-point scale using only courses taken at the University.
   2. The University shall develop, consistent with this Rule, policies setting forth, among other things, the point value for each letter grade that a student may earn; the criteria for repeating courses; and the minimum standards for extending academic forgiveness.

8. ASSIGNMENT OF ACADEMIC CREDIT AND FINANCING NONCREDIT INSTRUCTION.

   1. All courses and classes offered for academic credit must be acceptable toward a degree or certificate program(s) as approved by the Board or an education program as set forth in the applicable college or university catalog.
   2. As appropriate, courses and classes not offered, or otherwise qualifying for, academic credit may be assigned continuing education value.
   3. Except as may be specifically so allocated or approved by the Board, no state appropriated funds may be utilized for the direct and identifiable costs of noncredit courses and classes. It is expected that course and class fees and/or contract or gift funds will cover all identifiable direct cost of noncredit courses or classes.

9. CREDIT FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL SERVICE

   1. Pursuant to W. Va. Code § 18B-2A-5, the University will implement a policy through which college students obtain credit toward graduation for service performed in the public schools as tutors, student advisors, and mentors to instill in public school students the benefits of postsecondary education attainment.

10. DEFINITIONS.

    1. “President” means the President of West Virginia University or his or her designee.
    2. “Provost” means the Provost of West Virginia University or his or her designee.

11. DELEGATION.

    1. The Board of Governors delegates to the President the authority to adopt additional internal policies and procedures to effectuate the implementation of this Board of Governors Rule or in furtherance of any other authority that the Board of Governors has specifically delegated to the President pursuant to this Rule. Any actions taken pursuant to this delegation must be consistent with the guidelines provided by this Rule.

12. AUTHORITY.

    1. W. Va. Code § 18B-1-6, § 18B-2A-4(h), § 18B-2A-5; and § 18B-6-3-(f) and (g).

13. SUPERSEDING PROVISIONS.

    1. This Rule supersedes and replaces Higher Education Policy Commission (“HEPC”) Series 22 (W. Va. Code R. §§ 133-22-1 to -5.1), which was effective August 1, 2002; HEPC Series 18 (W. Va. Code R. §§ 133-18-1 to -2.4), which was effective June 22, 2002; and any other Rule of the HEPC which relates to the subject matter contained within this Rule. This Rule also repeals and supersedes WVU BOG Policy 7 – Grade Point Average for Associate and Baccalaureate Degree Students, which was adopted September 6, 2002; WVU BOG Policy 9 – Policy Regarding the Assignment of Academic Credit and Financing Noncredit Instruction; WVU BOG Policy 23 – Credit for Public School Service; WVU BOG Policy 35 – Accreditation and Degree Standards; and any other internal academic policy or procedure which relates to the subject matter contained within this Rule.

Effective: June 11, 2018

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