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
A student's class level is determined by the total number of credits earned at Gardner-Webb, accepted transfer credit from other institutions, and from approved credit-by-exam courses (AP, CLEP, etc.) Students are classified as follows:
Freshman: 1-29 credit hours completed
Sophomore: 30-59 credit hours completed
Junior: 60-89 credit hours completed
Senior: 90 or more credit hours completed
Non-degree-seeking: students not enrolled in a degree program.
Academic Course Load for Undergraduate Students
A student is considered full-time if enrolled in 12 or more credit hours. The normal academic course load is 16 credit hours during fall or spring semesters. Students in good standing may enroll in up to 21 credit hours. Additional tuition charges apply when a student registers for more than 18 credit hours in a fall or spring semester.
Enrollment beyond 21 credit hours requires the approval of the Educational Policies and Standards Committee (EPSC) and the endorsement of the student’s advisor and the chair/director/dean. Student‑athletes must also obtain approval from the Lead Academic Success Advisor for Student‑Athletes. The academic appeals filing form, available on myGWU, must be completed and submitted electronically with all supporting documentation to epsc@gardner-webb.edu.
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 in which a student may enroll during the summer is 15 credit hours.
No residential student may be enrolled for less than 12 credit hours at any time during the fall or spring semester unless given permission by the Office of Housing and Residence Education.
Course Registration
Registration is conducted year-round. Phone and e-mail registration procedures have been developed for the mutual benefit and convenience of the University and students. If a student is unable to attend the scheduled advising period, it is the student’s responsibility to contact their student success coach or faculty advisor.
New students are contacted by a success coach and registered for the first semester.
Before registration each student must consult with his or her student success coach or faculty advisor on course selection, General Education requirements, major requirements, and other degree requirements. The student success coach or faculty advisor issues a personal identification number (PIN); however, it is the responsibility of the student 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. Unless the student and his or her success coach or faculty advisor consider it essential, a student should not change the schedule after registration.
Auditing Courses
A Gardner-Webb University student may audit a course for a nominal charge. The Audit Form is located in MyGWU 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 MyGWU > Student Documents > Undergraduate Forms.
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.
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.