Academic Definitions and Regulations
The Credit Hour
The credit hour is the basic unit of credit awarded for progress toward a degree. Gardner- Webb University defines a credit hour as a reasonable approximation of the student learning outcomes that can be achieved in the context of a course which requires 42-45 hours of student work including both contact time between student and faculty and the student’s independent work. While hours of work and contact time can provide guidance in the establishment of credit hour equivalencies, it is understood that the student achievement associated with credit hours can only be measured adequately in terms of documented qualitative and quantitative outcomes. The successful completion of a credit hour will always take into consideration expectations based on degree level, discipline, the type of learning experience (e.g., didactic, clinical, practica, or internships), and the mode of delivery (e.g., face-to-face or online). This definition is a minimum standard that does not restrict faculty from setting a higher standard that requires more student work per credit hour. This policy defines a credit hour at Gardner-Webb University in accordance with applicable federal regulations.
Classification
Classifications are made at the beginning of the academic year in August or at the time of the student’s enrollment.
A sophomore must have removed all entrance conditions and have completed 30 credit hours of work toward a degree.
A junior must have completed 60 credit hours, and a senior, 90 credit hours of credit toward a degree.
Non-degree-seeking students include all persons not enrolled in a degree program.
Academic Course Load
A student is considered full-time if enrolled for 12 credit hours or more. The normal academic course load is 16 credit hours. However, any student in good standing may take up to a maximum of 21.5 credit hours. Academic course load limits include all transient coursework, i.e., work taken concurrently at other institutions. The approval of Educational Policies and Standards Committee (EPSC) and the endorsement of the student’s advisor and Chair of the Department/Dean of the School are required to exceed 21.5 credit hours. In the case of student-athletes, the approval of the Director of Academic Support for Student-Athletes is also required. The academic course load appeal form should be submitted to the EPSC Chair. Electronic submission of the form and all supporting documents is recommended. A paper submission should include the original plus three copies. There are additional tuition charges when exceeding more than 18.5 hours per semester.
No residential student may be enrolled for fewer than 12 credit hours at any time during a semester unless given prior permission by the Office of Housing and Residence Education.
The normal academic course load for each term of summer school is six credit hours or a four-credit-hour laboratory course plus one three-credit-hour course. The maximum number of hours for which a student may enroll in summer is 15 credit hours.
Course Registration
Students register for classes online through WebbConnect according to the posted schedule on the official Academic Calendar. Before registration, each student must consult with his or her academic advisor on course selection, General Education requirements, major requirements, and other degree requirements. After a face-to-face advising session for each semester, the student will be given a registration PIN (Personal Identification Number) to allow the student to enroll in classes. However, it is the responsibility of the student, not the academic advisor, to ensure that all University graduation requirements are met. A student will not receive credit for any course for which registration has not been completed. At the time of registration, the student is responsible for updating their anticipated date of graduation and contact information.
Online Enrollment Policy
A traditional undergraduate (TUG) student wanting to take online courses must complete and submit the Online Course Request Form in WebbConnect.
A TUG student may request to take up to two (2) online Gardner-Webb courses in a fall and/or spring semester. TUG students are allowed to take Gardner-Webb online courses without additional approval during the summer semester. In extenuating circumstances, students may request to exceed this fall or spring online course limit by completing the Request for Additional Online Course within the Online Course Request Form in WebbConnect. The Dean of the appropriate college of the student’s major will review the additional request. Upon approval of the request, the student will be registered for the online course(s). If the request is denied, the student may follow the General Academic Decision Appeals Procedure found in the Academic Catalog and submit an appeal to the Educational Policies and Standards Committee (EPSC).
Currently, students on an F1 visa may take no more than one (1) online course in a semester that counts toward their full-time status.
Email notifications will be sent to the student’s academic advisor upon submission of the Online Course Request Form. An email notification will be sent to the student once the student is registered for the online course(s). Schools/colleges may restrict TUG students from enrolling in courses that the school/college determines are not appropriate for their major/minor.
Auditing Courses
A Gardner-Webb University student may audit a course for a nominal charge. For full-time Traditional Undergraduate students, the fee is waived. The Audit Form is located in WebbConnect under the Registration link and must be submitted to Registrar Services prior to the end of the schedule modification period (first week of classes). Individuals who are not Gardner-Webb students may audit a course for a nominal charge provided an application is filed with the Admissions Office.
Auditors are subject to the attendance regulations of the University. Auditors are eligible to participate in class activities and assessments but faculty are not obligated to provide services including, but not limited to, grading, advising, mentoring, or counseling. Additional requirements, if any, are the responsibility of the instructor. Credit will not be allowed for any course for which a student registers as an auditor.
Administrative Changes in Class and Schedule
The University reserves the right to cancel or discontinue any course because of insufficient enrollment or for other valid reasons. In order to assure quality instruction, the University reserves the right to close registration when the maximum enrollment has been reached, or to make changes in the schedule, delivery format, and/or faculty assignment.
Adding, Dropping, and Withdrawing from Courses
The student’s schedule may be adjusted by adding and dropping courses with the approval of the academic advisor during the schedule modification period. Check the Academic Calendar for dates. Courses that are officially dropped by a student do not appear on a student’s transcript. If a student does not officially drop a class but never attends the class, a grade of “@W” will appear on the student’s transcript.
Any student wanting to withdraw from one or more, but not all, courses should attempt to do so during the schedule modification period (“Add/Drop”) in consultation with an academic advisor. After the schedule modification period, any official withdrawal from a class must be done by the student through the online Withdrawal Form located in WebbConnect.
The academic calendar publishes “Last Day to Withdraw w/ a W” dates for each semester. This date for withdrawing from an individual course is set after no more than 75% of the course has been completed, depending on the program level and delivery (i.e., online, graduate, etc.). Please note, this date will be different for 8-week and 16-week classes, even if the classes overlap.
When a student officially withdraws from one or more, but not all, courses prior to or on this last day, a grade of “W’’ (withdrew) is recorded. The hours attempted are recorded for a “W’’ grade. After this date only a complete withdrawal from school will be processed.
If a student withdraws from certain General Education courses (e.g., English 101/102), continuous enrollment is expected until the class is passed. For example, if a student withdraws from
ENG 101 in a fall semester, it is expected the student will enroll in the class again during the spring semester immediately following, and will continue to enroll repeatedly until the class is passed.
Given the financial implications of withdrawing from a class after the Add/Drop period and registering for an eight-week class with a future start date in the same semester (i.e., possibility of additional charges), students should consult with the Student Accounts office. Charge reductions do not apply when a student withdraws from a class, only when they initiate a full institutional withdraw.
The directions for withdrawing are listed below.
1. Log in to WebbConnect
2. Click Withdrawal Form for Traditional Day Program
Notification of the request is sent to the student upon the
processing of the withdrawal.
Change of Name or Address
Students are requested to contact Registrar Services at 704-406-4260 in the event of any change of name or address.