Academic Policies & University Requirements

Credit Hour Policy

The United States Department of Education requires that each institution develop a written credit hour policy that conforms to the definition of a credit hour outlined in the Federal Register (75 FR 66832 p. 66946). In this document the credit hour has been defined as:

An amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than:

1. One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester or trimester hour of credit, or ten to twelve weeks for one quarter hour of credit, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or

2. At least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph (1) of this definition for other academic activities as established by the institution, including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.

At Chicago State University, the credit hour is the unit of instruction used to quantify student learning. One credit hour is constituted by a minimum of three class work hours; where a class hour is defined as 50 minutes. Typically, this will include one class hour of direct instruction and a minimum of two hours of out of class student work each week during the semester for a one credit hour course. However, in courses and academic activities where direct instruction is not the primary mode of learning, such as online and hybrid courses, laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, etc., an equivalent amount of work (minimum of three hours per week for a semester) must be represented for a credit hour. Due to the fact that the pace of reading, writing, and other activities varies widely, time spent in any of these areas will not be identical for all students, instructors and courses. Rather assigned activities should reflect a reasonable expectation by the instructor of the time it would take to meet the learning objectives of the course or assignment.

Grievance Procedure

Each college, program, and/or department has a grievance procedure developed to provide students with a fair method of resolving conflicts with faculty, staff, and administrators.

Students with complaints, grievances, and appeals concerning academic programs should contact the appropriate department chairperson or the dean of the appropriate college.

Graduation Requirements

The following are requirements for graduation:

1. Completion of two writing emphasis courses within the major;
2. Completion of a minimum of 120 semester hours of college level credits.

Additional Requirements

All students, regardless of college and program in which they are enrolled, must complete the following university requirements for graduation:

1. Formal admission into the university;
2. Formal admission into the college and department of their choice;
3. Completion of all curriculum requirements as specified in the required program;
4. Completion of a minimum of 120 semester hours of college-level credits;
5. Completion of 54 hours from a four-year accredited college or university;
6. Completion of the last 30 semester hours at Chicago State University, including six hours in the major field of study (Credit earned through proficiency examinations with the exception of university proficiency examinations and/or military training may not be used to satisfy this requirement.);
7. Minimum overall cumulative Chicago State University grade point average of 2.0 (C) at the time of graduation;
8. For education majors, successful completion of certification requirements for the State of Illinois;
9. Successful completion of university general education requirements;
10. Effective Fall 2010, for all undergraduate students who enroll Fall 2010 or thereafter and who graduate in spring 2015 or thereafter, successful completion of a senior thesis (project/research paper) as defined by the student’s program of study to satisfy one of the culminating university requirements for graduation.

Graduation Application Procedure

Students must file an application for graduation online. Undergraduate students who are in-progress on their degree requirements must apply by the relevant deadline. The responsibility for meeting the deadline for submitting the application for graduation rests with the student. Commencement takes place once a year, at the end of the Spring semester. Students who graduate in the Fall and Summer terms are eligible to participate in the subsequent spring Commencement ceremony. 

Graduation Fee

All undergraduate students are required to pay a $50.00 graduation fee to cover the costs of graduation and the degree. This fee does not cover the cost of the cap, gown, or announcements.

Students who have paid their graduation fee, but do not graduate in the term for which they have applied do not have to pay the fee again. However, they must file another application for graduation. Students who graduate in absentia should arrange with the Office of Evaluations to have their diplomas mailed to them. Because graduation fees cover only a small part of commencement expenses, students who graduate in absentia are not excused from paying the graduation fee.

Undergraduate Students Taking Graduate Courses:

Undergraduate students in their senior year [after completion of 90 credit hours] may be allowed to register for a maximum of two 5000 level courses related to their major as electives to fulfill their graduation requirements. Undergraduate students cannot register for 5000 level courses without the permission of the academic adviser and/or the Chair of the Department. Courses which have a 4000-level counterpart [ 4000/5000 designated courses], individual topics and selected topics courses are not eligible for this purpose. Also, these courses cannot be used for transfer to a graduate program if the student wishes to pursue one.

Class Attendance

Student attendance is critical for academic success. The first class is equally as important as the last. While students are expected to attend all sessions in the course sections for which they are registered, students are required to attend the first week of class. Faculty are expected to identify and document each enrolled student and regularly monitor each student’s academic work and activities. Students who officially register for a session may not withdraw by merely stopping attendance. It is the student’s responsibility to officially drop all registered classes.

Excused Absences

Student and Faculty Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the student to provide the instructor with advance notice of all absences for which advanced notice is possible and to make arrangements to fulfill his or her obligations to the university in advance of such absence to the degree that it is possible. For emergency absences, it is the responsibility of the student to provide notice as soon as possible and make arrangements to fulfill his or her obligations to the university.

It is the responsibility of each instructor to devise a system for addressing missed assignments and examinations that does not penalize the student when an excused absence is accepted.

Excused Absences with Prior Notice

Excused absences for which prior notice is possible include the following:
Participation in an official university activity such as an athletic competition, musical performance, or theatrical performance, or for officially sanctioned representation of the university at meetings or conferences. It is the responsibility of the department or unit of the university sponsoring such activities to provide the student with timely written notification of the need for absence and for the student to share that notification with the instructor.

In accordance with the University Religious Observance Act (110 ILCS 110/1.5), any student in an institution of higher learning, other than a religious or denominational institution of higher learning, who is unable, because of his or her religious beliefs, to attend classes or to participate in any examination, study, or work requirement on a particular day shall be excused from any such examination, study, or work requirement and shall be provided with an opportunity to make up the examination, study, or work requirement that he or she may have missed because of such absence on a particular day; provided that the student notifies the faculty member or instructor well in advance of any anticipated absence or a pending conflict between a scheduled class and the religious observance and provided that the make-up examination, study, or work does not create an unreasonable burden upon the institution. No fees of any kind shall be charged by the institution for making available to the student such an opportunity. No adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to any student because of his or her availing himself or herself of the provisions of this Section. Students and employees who believe they have been discriminated against on grounds of religious observances may seek redress through the Equal Employment Opportunity Office.

Fulfillment of military duty, in accordance with Illinois Public Act 094-0587, which specifically references students called to active military service and states, “The University shall allow a currently enrolled student who is called to active military service to complete any unfinished courses at a later date at no additional charge, unless course credit has already been given or the student received a full refund upon withdrawing from the course (in which case the student’s record shall reflect that the withdrawal is due to active military service). The student must be given priority over other students in reenrolling in the course or courses.”

Fulfillment of required court appearances and legal obligations, including jury duty, with appropriate documentation.

Excused Emergency Absences

A student shall also be excused from class for emergency absences. Emergency absences must be reported to the instructor as soon as possible. Excused emergency absences include the following: Illness or injury on the part of the student or a close family member for which the student has responsibility or obligation when certified by a physician. Death of a close family member, which must be appropriately documented.

Leave of Absence Policy

Periodically students must interrupt their enrollment due to extenuating circumstances. Allowing students to take a leave of absence (LOA) provides students with the opportunity to return to the university under the rules and policies in effect when they left. It also allows the university the opportunity to counsel students about the required actions to return upon the end of the leave. A leave of absence (LOA) is a temporary interruption in a student’s program of study and refers to the specific time period during a program when a student is not in attendance. A LOA, together with any additional leave of absence, must not exceed a total of 180 days in a 12-month period. The 12-month period begins on the first day of the student’s initial LOA. All student requests for a LOA must be submitted in writing, signed and dated. Please refer to the university website for process and procedures in requesting a leave of absence.

Policy on Student Identification Card

COUGAR ONE UNIVERSITY ID CARD
Location: Library First Floor Telephone: (773) 995-2013
Main Office Hours: Monday- Friday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. or by appointment.

The Cougar One Card is the official university identification. Many departments use the Cougar One Card to grant access to their information and services. The Cougar One ID allows students and staff to check out books, check account balances, and receive discounts when applicable. It is a necessity of everyday campus life. There is no charge for the university ID card.

Simply bring a photo ID (driver’s license, state-issued ID card, or passport) and a cashier’s receipt to the Cougar One ID Card Office. A cashier’s receipt will be given once classes are validated. Lost or replacement Cougar One IDs can be issued for $20 (paid to the Cashier’s Office). For a replacement, please bring a photo ID along with a cashier’s receipt for $20 to the Cougar One ID Card Office in Library. The lost card will be deactivated. Students should carry their Cougar One ID cards at all times on campus. We encourage students to email helpdesk@csu.edu to set up an appointment to get their Courage One ID.

Policy on Student Conduct

The Office of Judicial Affairs is responsible for providing oversight of the process for protecting students’ rights to live and learn in a safe and crime-free environment. The office administers CSU’s student judicial process and follows the guidelines established by the University in accordance with State law and due process rights. A judicial hearing committee representing members of CSU’s faculty, staff and students is responsible for hearing students’ responses to charges filed with the Office of Judicial Affairs, if the responding student requests a board hearing. The Committee is also responsible for recommending sanctions in cases when students are found responsible for violating the Student Code of Conduct. The complete Student Code of Conduct can be found online at www.csu.edu/judicialaffairs or by calling 773/821-2156. The Office of Judicial Affairs is located in the Cordell Reed Student Union Building, Room 247.

Students as University Employees

If students are employees of the university, the same policies and obligations apply.

Volunteer Emergency Worker Policy

The University has a policy to cover students called for active duty as a result of serving as a volunteer emergency worker. Refer to the Institutional Policy Manual for the full text, available online at www.csu.edu/ipm/. Students are excused to serve as a volunteer worker and may return to classes when the emergency has ended. The policy covers short leaves of absences (less than three weeks) or complete withdrawal as well as handling loans. Upon receipt of an official request calling him/her to active volunteer service, the student should contact his/her advisor, the Office of Records and Registration, and the Office of Financial Aid. Reasonable accommodation will be made for any student who is a volunteer emergency worker in regard to absence from class caused by the performance of his or her duties as a volunteer emergency worker. If a student believes that he or she has been unreasonably denied this accommodation, he or she may seek redress through the standard grievance procedure as outlined in the Institutional Policy Manual (Article X, Section 2.1: Grievance Procedures). Refer to the full text of the policy online at www.csu.edu/ipm/.

Undergraduate Degrees and Majors at Chicago State University

 Although only one undergraduate major is required for graduation, students may take advantage of the diverse educational opportunities available at the university to complete multiple undergraduate majors. Multiple majors may be completed in the following ways:

Double/Second Major

Students may declare a double/second major with the approval of the participating departments. Students choosing a second/double major must satisfy requirements for both majors. Unless otherwise specified in a particular program, students may use a specific course to meet requirements for both majors. Nevertheless, a double/second major may require more credit hours than the minimum 120 semester hours required for graduation. If the requirements for both majors are fulfilled, both will be indicated on the academic transcript record. The diploma granted will be that of the student’s first or primary major. Double/second majors are categorized as 2 majors in Bachelor of Arts (BA) or 2 majors in Bachelor of Science (BS).

Students pursuing a double major who complete all degree requirements for one major, but not the other, may graduate with a single major by submitting a change-of-major form to change from “double-major” or “second-major” to “single-major” status. For one degree, BA or BS, with a double major, one graduation application is filled out.

Second Baccalaureate Degree

A student who has received one bachelor’s degree from Chicago State University or from another accredited institution may receive a second bachelor’s degree, provided that all specified requirements for the second degree are fully met and provided that the curriculum offered for the second degree includes a minimum of 33 semester hours not counted for the first degree.

Applicants wishing to earn a second bachelor’s degree at Chicago State University must meet all of the following requirements:

1. Be a graduate of an accredited college or university or an admitted second-degree student at Chicago State University.
2. Submit the appropriate application form and academic credentials to the Office of Admissions.
3. Complete a minimum of 33 semester hours at Chicago State University distributed as follows:
   • At least 24 of the 33 semester hours of work required for the second degree must be senior college level, and
   • The general education requirements of the selected degree program must be fulfilled either through courses completed for the first bachelor’s degree or through appropriate courses completed at Chicago State University.
4. Complete the semester hours required for a major as established by the selected degree program and the appropriate academic department. Courses completed as part of the program for the first degree will not be counted for meeting the requirements in semester hours for the new major, unless the major department at Chicago State University approves.
5. Pay the graduation fee and all other appropriate fees.

Applicants for the second bachelor’s degree are subject to the same academic regulations as students earning their first baccalaureate degree at Chicago State University.

NOTE: Graduate tuition rates apply to all students holding a baccalaureate degree, regardless of the level of course work in which they intend to enroll. This policy applies to those who are seeking a second-bachelor’s degree or certificate and to those who are non-degree-seeking.

Concurrent Baccalaureate Degrees

A student may complete more than one major by electing to concurrently pursue multiple degrees: a major in Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a major in Bachelor of Science (BS).

Students may pursue concurrent degrees with the approval of the participating departments. Students choosing to pursue concurrent degrees must satisfy requirements for both degrees. Unless otherwise specified in a particular program, students may use a specific course to meet requirements for both degrees. Nevertheless, concurrent degrees may require more credit hours than the minimum 120 semester hours required for graduation. For concurrent degrees, students will receive two diplomas. In such cases, the transcript and diplomas will read, for example, “Bachelor of Arts: Major in Sociology” and “Bachelor of Science: Major in Mathematics.”

Applicants wishing to earn concurrent degrees at Chicago State University must meet all of the following requirements:

1. Submit the appropriate application form and academic credentials to the Office of Admissions.
2. Complete a minimum of 33 semester hours at Chicago State University distributed as follows:

a.  At least 24 of the 33 semester hours of work must be senior college level.

b.  The general education requirements of the selected degree program must be fulfilled either through courses completed through transfer credit or through appropriate courses completed at Chicago State University.

1. Complete the semester hours required for a major as established by the selected degree program and the appropriate academic department. Courses completed as part of the program for the one degree will not be counted for meeting the requirements in semester hours for the second degree, unless the major department at Chicago State University approves.
2. Pay the graduation fee and all other appropriate fees.
3. Submit two separate graduation applications.

NOTE: Applicants for concurrent degrees are subject to the same academic regulations as students earning their first or second baccalaureate degree at Chicago State University.

College and Departmental Honors

Scholarship is emphasized at the university by giving special recognition to those students who achieve excellence in their university work. At the end of each 18-week semester, students who complete 12 semester hours with a grade point average of 3.50-3.79 receive honors; those with a grade point average of 3.80-3.94 receive high honors; and those with a grade point average of 3.95-4.00 receive highest honors. Students who receive honors, high honors, or highest honors receive a letter of congratulations from the dean of the appropriate college. A variety of professional, departmental, and fraternal honorary organizations offer recognition and membership based upon distinctive achievement. Honors convocation is held annually at the university to give recognition to those students who have a high level of scholastic achievement in specific subject areas and to inspire others to similar high achievement.

University Honors

Students who meet all university graduation requirements and maintain a cumulative grade point average at Chicago State University of 3.5 or better for all courses taken at Chicago State University applied toward the bachelor’s degree are given special recognition on their diplomas and in their academic records and are identified in the commencement program.

The honors categories are as follows: