Placement Tests Procedures
Placement testing at College of Southern Maryland is for the purpose of identifying the academic skill level of entering students. The scores determine academic placement in the appropriate courses within the student’s academic skill level. Because of this goal, preparation for the initial test and/or remediation prior to any subsequent retake is essential.
The purpose of the English, mathematics, and reading placement tests is to assess students’ current entry-level academic skills and to provide options to strengthen them if appropriate. Students have a better chance for success in college if their basic skills are strong enough to meet the rigors of college-level classes. As a result, the use of placement tests for placement into college level courses has a two year expiration date from the date taken. All courses in English and mathematics require that students have completed the appropriate placement tests for placement prior to enrollment, as do many other courses in a variety of disciplines (for example, biology, chemistry, early childhood education, and information technology services). These requirements are listed under prerequisites in the course description section of this catalog. For all of these reasons, students should make it a priority to complete the placement tests as early as possible after admission but no later than the point at which they have accumulated six credits.
No student is denied admission as a result of performance on these tests; however, students whose scores indicate a need for skill development are required to complete the appropriate college preparatory courses. All degree seeking students will be required to enroll in the course or courses at the beginning of your college enrollment and continue to enroll in them each term until you have completed them successfully. In addition, once courses in college preparatory English and /or mathematics are completed, the first college-level English and/or mathematics courses must be taken the following semester.
Students who place in developmental education courses in two or more disciplines are: 1) limited to a maximum of 13 credits, or the equivalent, during their first full-time semester; and 2) required to take FYS 1010A ; and 3) required to consult with an advisor to register and continue to consult with an advisor until all developmental education courses are completed and passed.
Test preparation materials for the placement tests are available from the Learning Support Services website. Visiting the Learning Support Services department is one of several ways students may be set up with placement test preparation.
Re-taking of the Placement Tests
- First Retest
- All students must wait at least 48 hours before attempting a retest.
- Students have two options for their first retest:
- With proof of remediation, no retest fee will be charged.
- Without proof of remediation, a retest fee of $30 will be charged.
Students who place into the same initial courses after their first retest should seriously consider beginning their registration for courses at the recommended course level.
- Second Retest
- To attempt a second retest, all students must wait at least 48 hours.
- The student must complete remediation using Plato Learn’s Web-Based Skill Review software and pay a $30 retest fee. The student must contact a Learning Support Services Coordinator for Plato access, in person or by e-mail at learningsupport@csmd.edu.
- After completion of required remediation, if the student is approved for retest, it will be noted on the student’s record.
- Any Additional Retests
- To attempt an additional retest, all students must wait at least 48 hours.
- The student is required to meet with a Learning Support Services Coordinator or Academic Advisor for discussion covering course expectation and additional remediation alternatives.
- There must be significant extenuating circumstances to justify an additional retest. A $30 retest fee will be charged.
- Exceptions to the above
- A student whose test scores are no longer valid because the scores are at least two years old is able to take the placement test with no retest fee.
- A student who completes a significant portion of a college preparatory course can be considered as having completed sufficient remediation for an additional retest (provided that the course work is consistent with the subject of the retest e.g., RDG-0700 as remediation for a retest in reading).
Waiver of Placement Tests
Students who can document work and/or academic experience that would suggest the ability to do college-level work can provide such documentation to the appropriate division chair for consideration of a waiver of the placement test in English, math, and/or reading.
Students may be waived from taking the Accuplacer exams if they can provide the following documentation:
- SAT Tests: Submit scores of 480 or higher in evidence-based Reading and Writing. Submit scores of 530 or higher in Math. Submit scores of 570 or higher in Math for programs that require a higher level of math (such as STEM programs).
- ACT Tests: Submit ACT scores of 21 or higher in English and/or Reading and/or Math. Submit scores of 24 or higher in math for programs that require a higher level of math (such as STEM programs).
- GED Test: Submit GED scores of 165 or higher in Reasoning Through Language Arts. Submit scores of 165 or higher in Mathematical Reasoning.
- AP Test Scores: Submit scores in English and/or Math of 4 or 5.
Outstanding achievement in higher level math and English courses (honors, AP, etc.) may be considered to determine appropriate placement in college-level courses. Official high school transcripts must be submitted for this option to be considered.
Placement of Transfer Students
Credits in most disciplines may be transferred regardless of how long ago the courses were taken. Transfer students who have not taken a college-level English or a college-level mathematics course in the last two years may be required to take the English and/or mathematics diagnostic or placement test in order to validate their skills in those areas. Students applying to the health sciences programs should consult with the appropriate health science program coordinator.
College and University Transfer Credits
Credit Transfer Policy
Transfer of credits will be considered on the basis of applicability to the student’s chosen program of study at the College of Southern Maryland. Credits/transcripts will only be evaluated for students who have declared a program at CSM. Students will be given thirty (30) days to appeal their evaluation before it is made official. A student must have an official transcript sent directly from the previous institution(s). It is the student’s responsibility to supply the transcript evaluator with the appropriate catalog or course description if one is not already available. Credit may be awarded if one of the following criteria is met:
- The institution is accredited by a commission on higher education approved by the United States Department of Education. To verify accreditation, CSM uses “The Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs,” https://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
- CSM recognizes the following regional accreditation associations: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, New England Association of Schools and Colleges, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
- The institution is legally authorized to grant standard college degrees and is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education. The college may award transfer credit based upon course equivalencies, expected learning outcomes and applicability to the college’s curricula, standards, and course offerings.
- Credit may not be accepted from schools that are candidates for regional accreditation and not fully accredited, or for coursework completed while an institution was not accredited by a commission on higher education approved by the United States Department of Education.
- CSM has an approved articulation agreement with a high school, business or industry. Articulation agreements specify award of credit for meeting certain criteria and presenting certain documents.
- CSM will consider, upon evaluation and review by academic departments, recommendations for credit by American Council on Education (ACE) or National College Credit Recommendation Service (CCRS) and recommended award of college credit. CSM uses ACE and National CCRS recommendations as credit award guidelines with final determination of award of credit made in conjunction with the academic departments. See the section that follows on “Credit for Service School and Other Non-collegiate sponsored Institution” for more information.
- The course(s) in which a grade of “C” or better was obtained from accredited two-year and four-year colleges within the state of Maryland. Course(s) with a grade “D” can only be transferred in if they are General Education courses. Effective August 1, 2017, English composition will transfer only if the student has received a grade of C- or better. Credits earned at accredited institutions outside the state of Maryland will be transferred for courses in which a grade of “C” or better was obtained. For accredited institutions outside the state of Maryland, courses with a grade of “D” can only be transferred in if they are General Education courses and the cumulative grade point average is 2.00 or higher. If the student’s non general education courses average 2.0 or higher, then some non general education courses with a grade of D maybe eligible for transfer. Only the credits (not the grades) for courses completed at other institutions are transferred to the students record at CSM. Therefore, grades earned at other institutions may not be used to erase grades earned at CSM or to improve a student’s grade point average. CSM will convert courses taken at institutions operating on the quarter system to semester hours if the credit transfers. Quarter hours are multiplied by .667 to equate to semester hours. CSM does not automatically honor course waivers or exemptions granted by other institutions. Students seeking such waivers must provide the original basis for the exemption and request an official evaluation. The Programs of Study section of this catalog indicates the number of credits allowable to transfer for each curriculum.
- To earn transfer credit, courses will need to fit the applicant’s proposed curriculum.
- A student who successfully completed an AA, AS or a higher degree at another regionally accredited institution of higher education meets the General Education requirements for a degree at CSM. A student who transfers into CSM and holds an AAS degree will be evaluated on a course by course basis and may be required to complete any General Education courses that they are lacking from the AAS degree.
- Coursework completed at a postsecondary institution outside of the U.S., which is not regionally accredited by one of the aforementioned associations, must be evaluated by a professional transcript evaluation service before CSM will review courses for transfer credit. CSM requires the course-by-course evaluation for transfer credit review and accepts evaluations only from these approved evaluation services: World Education Services (WES), Josef Silny & Associates (JSA), and Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).
Students having questions regarding transfer policies should contact the Advising Office for further information, or refer to the Maryland Higher Education Commission Student Transfer Policies printed in Appendix III .
Credit for Prior Learning
There are several ways in which students may receive college credit for subject matter or skills they have mastered, including the following:
- Career & Technology Education and other articulated high school courses
- Advanced Placement (AP) examinations
- Credit for service schools and other noncollegiate-sponsored instruction
- Credit by nationally standardized examinations
- Credit by departmental assessment
Students may earn up to 30 credits toward a degree through prior learning assessment. No more than 15 of these credits may be earned through departmental assessments (portfolio, certifications, or departmental examinations) toward a degree. Students should be aware of any restrictions on these credits imposed by the institution to which they intend to transfer.
Credit earned by prior learning may not be counted as institutional credit.
Career & Technology Education Articulated High School Courses
Career & Technology Education (CTE) is a means to begin a technical course of study while in high school. CTE courses are taught in the high school and can be applied toward college credit. In a CTE program, a high school student can begin his or her course of study in high school and continue to the College of Southern Maryland. These courses coordinate high school and community college programs, assuring that graduates acquire the technical knowledge and skills required in today’s complex workplace for a particular program. CTE students complete a planned sequence of courses in high school, which articulate to CSM and can be applied to designated letters of recognition, certificates, and associate of applied science degrees in a career field. Please note transferring articulated high school credit courses may not be accepted by the transfer institution.
For further information on CTE articulation agreements, visit www.csmd.edu/cte.
Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations
Eligible students may receive credits for Advanced Placement Examinations administered in the high schools. See Appendix IV for acceptable disciplines and scores with their college course credit equivalencies.
Credit for Service Schools and Other Noncollegiate - Sponsored Instruction
Credits granted for noncollegiate-sponsored instruction are limited to those courses that the college determines to be applicable to its degree and certificate programs. Transcripts from each school or agency attended must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office. These credits will not be posted on the student’s transcript until the student successfully completes at least six institutional credits, unless the courses are part of an articulated program.
The college will consider, upon evaluation and review by academic departments, recommendations for credit for applicable noncollegiate-sponsored instruction, which has been evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the National College Credit Recommendation Service (CCRS). Formal military training evaluations are published in The Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services www.acenet.edu/news-room/Pages/Military-Guide-Online.aspx. The evaluation of other noncollegiate-sponsored instruction is published in The National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programs www.acenet.edu/nationalguide. No credits are granted for instruction not recommended in the ACE or CCRS publications.
Credit by Nationally Standardized Examinations: CLEP and DSST (formerly DANTES)
A student may attempt to earn college credit in some areas by examination. The credit-by-examination program is an option for those who have strong academic high school backgrounds or who have studied on their own. These comprehensive examinations are administered by appointment in the college’s testing centers. Prior to taking any one of these exams, students pay the required test registration/fees.
A passing grade on an examination is recorded with a grade of “P” on the permanent record. While the credits count toward graduation, neither the credits nor the grade is used in the calculation of the student’s grade point average. Examinations that are attempted but not passed are not recorded on the student’s permanent record. Passing scores on nationally standardized examinations or departmental assessments cannot be used to replace grades earned for CSM courses taken previously.
To receive an up-to-date list of courses available through credit by examination, and to register to take an examination, contact the Testing Center or log on to the Learning Support Services web site at www.csmd.edu/StudentSuccess. Students pursuing a program of study at CSM should begin the process by speaking to an academic advisor. Course descriptions in this catalog also indicate if the course is available through credit by examination. Students who fail an examination may attempt most examinations again after six months. (See Appendix VI for a list of the subject exams.)
Credit by Departmental Assessment
An academic department may award course credit to students who document learning comparable to that required in specific college courses. To be eligible for credit by departmental assessment, students must be admitted to the college. Students interested in pursuing credit for prior learning should begin the process by speaking to an academic advisor. The advisor will assist the student in determining if credit by departmental assessment is appropriate to the student’s needs. There are two ways learning can be evaluated: departmental examination and portfolio assessment/certification.
Departmental Examination
A departmental examination is created by the appropriate college department and is typically administered by appointment in the Testing Center. Prior to taking a departmental exam, the student pays the required tuition/fees. Departmental exams must be taken within thirty (30) days of registering for the exam. Fees are not refundable. Students who have not completed the exam by the end of the semester will be withdrawn from the course and issued a “WD” grade.
A passing grade on a departmental examination is recorded with a grade of P on the permanent record. While the credits count towards graduation, neither the credits nor the grade is used in the calculation of the student’s grade point average. Examinations that are attempted but not passed are not recorded on the student’s permanent record. Students who fail an examination must wait a minimum of two weeks to re-take most exams. Specific departmental exams may have longer wait periods between re-tests or required remediation activities, so re-takes also require the permission of the chair of the academic division responsible for the departmental exam. Tests may only be re-taken once.
Please refer to the Appendix for a list of courses for which departmental exams are offered. If you wish to take a departmental examination, schedule an appointment with an academic advisor. For the most up to date information on available tests and testing procedures, please see: www.csmd.edu/student-services/testing-services/credit-by-examination/
Portfolio Assessment/Certification
Credits may be awarded to students who document evidence that course objectives, as outlined in the course syllabus, have been mastered. Such evidence might include professional certificates, examinations, written materials, or other supporting documentation. Students interested in pursuing credit for prior learning should begin the process by speaking to an academic advisor. The advisor will assist the student in determining if credit for prior learning is appropriate to the student’s needs.
Course Selection
Courses are offered at times and locations considered most appropriate for their intended audiences. Since all programs are not offered during both day and evening hours, students should review their intended curriculum to ensure that it is available at acceptable times as well as at an accessible location. An annual schedule is available online. Students should use this information to plan the following academic year.
Schedule of Classes
The college lists class schedule availability through Online Services on the college’s website. Students should be aware that not all courses are offered every semester, nor are they offered at all locations. (Every effort has been made to indicate schedule restrictions in the appropriate course descriptions in this catalog.) Some courses are offered irregularly due to inconsistent demand. Students interested in a course that is offered irregularly should inform the appropriate division chair of their interest.
Prerequisites and Corequisites
Many course descriptions contain statements of prerequisites or corequisites. Prerequisites tell the student the criteria that must be met prior to admission to a course and corequisites tell the student of criteria that must be met during the same or previous semester. Prerequisites or corequisites may include specific college courses, certification from a particular organization or agency, employment in a certain field, etc. The intent of prerequisites or corequisites is to ensure that students have the level of skill and knowledge that will assure them a reasonable expectation of success in the course.
In certain circumstance a prerequisite or corequisite may be waived. A prerequisite or corequisites waiver request must be initiated in one of the advising offices and must be approved by the appropriate Academic Division chair prior to the student’s enrollment in the course. If the student does not satisfy the prerequisite or corequisite criteria prior to the start of the higher level course, the College has the right to remove the student from the higher level course.
Full and Canceled Classes
Seats in classes are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Students should plan to register early to ensure that they are able to enroll in the course and section of their choice. Occasionally, seats will become available in a class that has been filled. Students can monitor seat openings through Online Services. If a seat becomes available, students can add the class through Online Services or in person. In the event that a course or section is canceled, all enrolled students are notified immediately. Those students may elect to enroll in another open course or section, or they may request a refund.
Wait Lists
Students trying to register for a class section that is full may choose the “wait list” option. This option allows students the opportunity to register for a class section if a seat becomes available. Notices of available seats are e-mailed automatically every morning, Monday through Thursday. The student has until midnight of the day the notice is received to enroll in the section. If a student does not enroll in the section, his or her name will be dropped from the wait list and the seat will be offered to the next person. Students having difficulty registering from the wait list should e-mail webreg@csmd.edu between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Fridays. The Wait List will be deactivated with in two days of the start of the term.
Change In Class Schedule
Students may make changes in their schedules according to the dates reflected in the schedule of classes for the respective semester. To accomplish a change in their schedule, students can use online services or file a Change in Class Schedule form available from the Information Counter at the La Plata Campus or one of our four campus locations. Contact the Registrar’s Office for information.
Course Substitutions of Required Courses
There may be exceptional instances in which students are excused from taking a required course in their program of study. A substitution of a course does not reduce the number of credits needed to complete a program of study. Also, a course substitution is not automatically transferred to any other program of study. If the student chooses to change programs, all course substitutions must be reevaluated for applicability. A course substitution must be initiated in any advising office and approved by the Division of Academic Affairs.
Course Substitution Policy for Students with Disabilities
Students who wish to petition for a course substitution based on the presence of a disability may do so through the Disability Support Office. The course substitution policy, procedures, and request forms are available from the Disability Support Services Coordinator at each campus.
Registration
Registration dates and schedule adjustment dates are listed in the college calendar. Students may take advantage of mail-in (continuing education only), fax-in (continuing education only), on-site, online, or advance registration. During the credit priority registration period, the first day is reserved for current students who have attempted or completed 45 credits or more; the second day is for current students who have attempted or completed 30 credits or more; and the third day is for current students who have attempted or completed 15 credits or more.
An applicant whose high school or college record and placement test results indicate a need for a reduced academic load may be restricted to a maximum of 13 or fewer credits per semester, and/or required to enroll in college preparatory courses. Such students are advised to supplement their progress by taking courses during the summer session.
Registration of Full-Time Students
All full-time students (students taking 12 or more credits) should meet with an advisor early on in their program of study. Students may register for up to 19 credits of course work in the fall and spring semesters, or up to 9 credits in the summer sessions or up to 6 credits in the Winter term. Students registering in a Winter term can register for no more than 2 courses. Students wishing to register for course loads in excess of the above limits must have the approval of the director of Advising, Career and Transfer Services.
Registration of Part-Time Students
Part-time students (students taking fewer than 12 credits) should be aware that it may be necessary to take one or more placement tests during the registration process, depending upon the number or type of courses taken. (Refer to the Placement Procedures section of this catalog for complete information.)
Note to Students with Disabilities
The College of Southern Maryland is committed to making it possible for individuals with disabilities to be full participants in its programs, services, and activities in compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities/ADAA, Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and all other pertinent federal and state laws.
Individuals with disabilities, who are seeking services due to the impact of a disability, are required to provide appropriate documentation from a qualified professional. Appropriate documentation must include a diagnosis and its impact in a higher education environment. Students can schedule an appointment to meet with the Disability Support Services staff on the campus that is convenient for them. See additional information under the Learning Support Services section of this catalog.
Advising Requirement
It is important that all students seeking a degree or certificate from CSM, or planning to transfer from CSM to another college, consult (e-mail, phone, or in person) an advisor concerning their career and educational goals. The college recommends that students meet with an advisor prior to beginning a program of study and at least twice during their program to ensure that their courses are appropriate for their career and educational goals. These meetings must take place prior to a student registering for more than 18 credits and again at 36 credits. In addition, all students must consult an advisor if they are considering changing their program of study or are applying for graduation.
Changing a Program
Students are admitted to the college in an academic program specified in their original application. Students who wish to change their program of study at any time during their enrollment must speak with an academic advisor to make the appropriate adjustments. Those who wish to change their program must submit a change of program form with an academic advisor. Students must request a reevaluation of credits (if applicable) by e-mailing transeval@csmd.edu.
- Students declare their major at the time of application and may change their major any time. Only one major may be declared at a time; however, students may apply for multiple degrees and certificates at the time of graduation.
- Students who wish to change their program of study must obtain permission from the athletics department, veteran’s coordinator, financial assistance, international advisor, (if applicable) to help clarify your new educational goals by having them sign the change of program form. International students are required to get the change of program form signed by their international advisor to ensure that their SEVIS record is updated and their I-20 is compliant. Students will be advised that changing majors could result in completed courses not applying to their new major.
- Students changing their major will be assigned to the current catalog year.
- Students requesting an exception to the assignment of the current catalog year need a written recommendation signed by an academic advisor, faculty advisor, or department chair with written justification for the request. This request must be submitted to the Registrar. The Registrar will review the request and make a determination based on the continuous enrollment status of the student.
- To ensure compliance with accreditation and licensing requirements, the student’s clinical portion of an allied health program will be assigned to the current catalog year.
- Students will not be assigned to a catalog more than five (5) years old.
Students who wish to change their program of study at any time during their enrollment must speak with an academic advisor to make the appropriate adjustments. Previous credits will be reevaluated at this time.
Student Progress and Academic Records
Credits
By completing a course successfully, a student earns the number of credits assigned to the course. In the section of this catalog entitled Course Descriptions, the number of credits awarded for each course appears in parentheses following each course title. Credit is not awarded for some of the classes offered by the college.
Grades
Grades are the means by which students assess their progress in course work. Students can expect to be graded frequently and in a variety of ways in each course. Grades are not assigned in many continuing education classes.
Final grades will be available through Online Services within one week of the completion of the semester. Students who need a written grade report may request a transcript through the Registrar’s Office or any administrative office at the Leonardtown or Prince Frederick campuses or the Waldorf Center for Higher Education.
Grading System and Reporting
The following grading system is used:
| CREDIT COURSES |
| Grade |
Evaluation |
Grade Point Value |
| A |
Excellent |
4 |
| B |
Good |
3 |
| C |
Average |
2 |
| D |
Below Average |
1 |
| F |
Failure |
0 |
| I |
Incomplete |
0 |
| AU |
Audit |
NC* |
| WD |
Withdrawn |
0 |
| P |
Average or Above |
NC* |
| NG |
No grade given by instructor |
NC* |
| FX |
Failure, non-attendance |
0 |
| AWD |
Administrative Withdrawal |
NC* |
| NA |
Never Attended |
NC* |
| |
| COLLEGE PREPARATORY SKILL-BUILDING COURSES |
| Grade |
Evaluation |
Grade Point Value |
| P |
Passed |
NC* |
| F |
Failure |
0 |
| I |
Incomplete |
0 |
| AU |
Audit |
NC* |
| WD |
Withdrawn |
0 |
| NG |
No grade given by instructor |
NC* |
| FX |
Failure, non-attendance |
0 |
| *NC-not calculated in GPA |
|
|
FX Grade
An FX grade will be assigned to any student in a web, web-hybrid, or face-to-face course who has failed to (or ceased to) engage in academically related activity before the midpoint of the course. An “FX” grade is used to determine continued financial aid eligibility. An “FX” grade is treated the same as an “F” grade in terms of GPA, probation, suspension, and academic progress.
Incomplete Grade
The decision to award an incomplete in a class is at the discretion of the instructor in conjunction with the division chair. An incomplete (“I”) is a non-punitive grade which may be requested only if:
- The student is passing the course
- The student has a compelling and justifiable reason for not completing work due after the date when he or she can withdraw without penalty, and
- The student and instructor are in agreement regarding work to be completed and have signed the Incomplete Request Form specifying remaining work and due dates for completion. Due dates may not extend beyond 120 calendar days.
Removal of “I”
Upon completion of remaining course work the instructor will change the status of “I” to the final grade in accordance with grade change procedures in place at the time.
Failure to complete the agreed-upon work by the due date(s) specified will result in the grade of incomplete automatically being converted to the grade that the student would have been awarded based on the work completed prior to the incomplete being granted. Such grade will be indicated on the Incomplete Request form signed by the faculty member.
Disciplinary Notes on Transcripts
An Administrative Withdrawal grade “AWD” will be entered for each registered class a person is enrolled in at the time he/she is found responsible for a violation of the student code of conduct.
Never Attended Reporting
A student who registers for a section and does not report to class within the first twenty percent of scheduled class meetings will be reported by the faculty as having never attended which will appear as an “NA” grade on the student’s transcript and will not be calculated into the student’s GPA. A student who receives an “NA” is not eligible to receive a final grade in the course and may not begin attending the course after the “NA” is reported. “NA” grades may affect financial aid, veterans benefits, and tuition assistance, as well as student visa status and athletic eligibility.
Audit
Students should be aware that changing a credit course to an audit can affect their financial assistance. A student may request to audit any class other than a science lab. Students receive no credit for an audited class. One may change from credit to audit or audit to credit, with the instructor’s permission, at any time before the end of the withdrawal period. Failure to complete the instructor’s outlined requirements will result in a grade of “WD” for the course. Students must have this form signed by the instructor and division chair before it will be processed by the Registrar’s Office.
Audited courses require the same tuition and fees as regular courses. Audited courses do not meet prerequisite requirements. Audited courses are noted on the transcript as having a grade of “AU.” The AU grade is not calculated in the GPA.
Grade Calculation
When an incomplete is recorded in a semester, the calculations for the semester grade point average will not include the credits for the incomplete class and no credit points will be recorded for the incomplete. The incomplete will appear as an “I” on the student record and transcript. For the purpose of calculating the grade point average, the credit will not appear in the total credits attempted or earned. When the incomplete is resolved, the calculation for the semester will be updated.
Grade Point Average
The grade point average (GPA) is computed by multiplying the number of credits for a course by the grade point value of the grade received for that course (see grade point values under the Grading System and Reporting section of this catalog). All grade points for all courses taken at the college are then added together and divided by the total number of credits attempted.
An example follows:
| Course |
Credits |
Grade |
Grade Point Value |
Grade Points |
| ENG 1010 |
3 |
B |
(3) |
9 |
| MTH 1100 |
4 |
C |
(2) |
8 |
| BIO 1010 |
4 |
C |
(2) |
8 |
| WFS 1100 |
1 |
B |
(3) |
3 |
| Totals |
12 |
|
|
28 |
| GPA = 28 divided by 12 = 2.33 |
Continuing education courses, transfer courses, credit for prior learning, articulated credit from high schools, and the grades of W, IP, P, and AU are not included in the computation.
Requesting a Grade Review
A student wishing to protest a grade given in a course may do so according to the procedures set forth in the Reevaluation of Academic Work section published in the Student Policy Guide. Students must request a reevaluation of academic work within 30 days of receipt of a course grade.
Withdrawing from Classes
Withdrawal from a course is, for the student, as important as registering for a course, for it can affect academic standing, financial assistance eligibility, and program completion dates. Students should speak to the instructor of the course and an advisor prior to withdrawing from a course.
Students may withdraw by using Online Services. If a student is withdrawing at a campus, the student must complete and submit a withdrawal form at the Information Counter or any student service office at the other campuses by the last day for withdrawing from classes (published in the Academic Calendar in this catalog). If a course is dropped before the withdrawal date, a grade of “WD” will be recorded for the final grade. After that date, students will receive the earned grade of “A” through “FX” for all courses in which they are enrolled.
In the event of medical or personal emergencies, the student may telephone or write the Registrar’s Office for assistance in the process. However, the withdrawal form must be processed by the specified date. (See the Academic Calendar for withdrawal dates.)
A student who receives a failing grade for a course as a result of academic dishonesty may not subsequently withdraw from the course.
Complete Withdrawals
The college requires that any student withdrawing from all classes for a given semester meet with an advisor to discuss options prior to processing the withdrawal. Students may not continue to attend any course from which they have withdrawn. A grade of “WD” will be recorded for all classes.
Emergency Withdrawal and Tuition Refund Policy
An involuntary withdrawal may qualify a student for a partial refund or credit of tuition and course fees after the normal refund deadline. In order to be eligible for a refund or tuition credit, the student, or next of kin, must submit an appeal form and appropriate substantiating documentation to support such a withdrawal request prior to the end of the course. (All fees must be paid prior to receiving a refund or tuition credit). A withdrawal is considered involuntary if it results from one of the reasons described below:
Military Duty
- Student must have entered active duty involuntarily, or have been transferred involuntarily.
- Student must provide a copy of military orders signed by the individual’s commanding officer or other appropriate official.
- Be a dependent of a military person who has been transferred involuntarily.
Hospitalization
- Student must have certification from a physician stating that the student’s medical condition required hospitalization for 72 hours or longer, and/or that the medical condition requires the student’s withdrawal.
- Required certification:
- must be an original letter on official letterhead (no photocopies), and
- must specifically state that the student’s medical condition required hospitalization for 72 hours or longer, and that the medical condition requires the student’s withdrawal from class, and
- must give the date on which the hospitalization began.
Death
- Withdrawal is considered involuntary if the death of the student or immediate family member of the student has occurred. Immediate family members include the following: spouse, parent, child, sister, or brother.
- Appropriate required documentation:
- an official death certificate, or
- a copy of a newspaper obituary notice, and
- a letter from a physician (or other appropriate medical professional) verifying the student’s relationship to the deceased. (If relationship is not evident, additional documentation may be required.)
Other Extreme Situations
Requests for an involuntary withdrawal based on other extreme situations will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Requests will only be considered for the current semester or one prior semester.
Procedure
Students requesting an involuntary withdrawal must complete the appeal form found on the website at www.csmd.edu/about/policies/involuntary-withdrawal-policy and submit it to the Student Appeals Committee. The form must explain in detail the nature of the appeal and any specific circumstances (e.g., illness, death in the family, military transfer, etc.) that may support the appeal.
The following is the procedure for appeals for other than military duty, hospitalization, or death:
- The appeal form must explain in detail the nature of the request, list any specific circumstances that may support the request, and provide available documentation.
- If the request involves academic concerns, the letter is forwarded to the Vice President of Academic Affairs or the Vice President of Continuing Education and Workforce Development for investigation.
- If the request involves situations other than academic concerns, the Student Appeals Committee will investigate the situation for consideration. If the committee determines that a refund is justified, then it may authorize, as appropriate, a full or partial refund. The Student Appeals Committee will inform the student in writing of the decision.
- A student may appeal the decision of the committee, in writing, to the Vice President of Student Equity and Success. The student’s letter must explain the nature of the appeal and include any supporting evidence. The appeal must be initiated within 14 calendar days of notification to the student.
- A written response shall be given to the student within 14 calendar days. The decision of the Vice President of Student Equity and Success is final.
Repeat Policy
The intent of this policy for students is to increase student success and completion. A course should be repeated by a student with the intent to receive a higher grade. Students who have performed poorly in a course should repeat the course as soon as possible. If a failing grade is earned in a required course, students must repeat the course until it is passed. While all grades will appear on the student’s transcript if a course is repeated, only the best grade earned for the course will be calculated into the student’s grade point average. This replacement has an immediate impact on the student’s cumulative GPA. Students may request an appeal of this policy with an academic advisor. Students can take a course for credit no more than 2 times. Once two attempts have been made, the student must receive permission from an academic advisor to take the course again.
Freshman/Sophomore Class Standing
A student who has earned from 0-29 credits is a freshman. A student achieves sophomore class standing after successfully completing 30 credits.
Academic Standing
At the end of each semester a student’s academic performance is reviewed to determine if the student is in Good Academic Standing. The review is based on the cumulative grade point average (GPA) for all academic work attempted at the College of Southern Maryland.
Minimum Standards for Good Standing
| Total Credits Attempted |
Minimum Cumulative GPA |
| 6 - 18 |
1.50 |
| 19 - 31 |
1.75 |
| 32 - 44 |
1.85 |
| 45 or more |
2.00 |
Students failing to maintain these standards are placed into one of the following categories:
Academic Warning (P13)
A student who - at any point after six credits (or two college preparatory courses) are attempted - falls below the prescribed Minimum Standards for Good Standing is placed on academic warning. Students on academic warning may not register for more than 13 credit hours during any semester in this status. Students placed on P13 are required to take STU 1030 . Students on academic warning must meet with an advisor prior to registration each semester until they are off of academic warning. A student on academic warning must achieve a 2.00 or higher semester GPA every semester while in this status.
Academic Restriction (P7)
Academic restriction results when a student on academic warning fails to reach the Minimum Cumulative GPA and does not to achieve a 2.00 semester GPA. Students on academic restriction, with the approval of an academic advisor, may register for up to two courses and are required to take STU 1030 course (if not already successfully completed). Courses must be selected from those that an advisor has approved. Students who fail to achieve the Minimum Cumulative GPA but who achieve a 2.00 or higher semester GPA will return to an academic warning (P13) status.
Academic Suspension
Academic suspension results when a student on academic restriction fails to achieve at least a 2.00 GPA during the current enrollment period. Academic suspension precludes registration for any courses for a period of at least one semester (fall or spring semester). Students returning to the college after being suspended for academic reasons will be placed on academic restriction (P7) upon their return.
Note: Students receiving federally backed financial assistance may be required to meet stricter academic standards to maintain their financial assistance. These guidelines appear in Appendix II. Students in the Nursing and Physical Therapist Assistant programs are required to maintain higher academic standards and must meet specific criteria in clinical practice. See the programs handbooks for complete information.
Academic Dismissal
A student dismissed for academic reasons a second or subsequent time is not permitted to register for any courses for one full calendar year. Students returning to the college after being dismissed for academic reasons will be placed on academic restriction (P7) upon their return.
Attempted Credits
Attempted Credits refers to the number of credits attempted at the institution. An attempted credit includes graded credits (“A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, “F”, “FX”, or “P”), withdrawn credits (“WD”), incomplete credits (“I”), no grade credits (“NG”), and audited courses (“AU”). Only those credits that are dropped by the institution are not considered attempted.
To calculate the percentage of credits completed, total all attempted CSM credits and total all completed CSM credits. Then, divide the number of completed credits by the number of attempted credits.
Appeal of Academic Standing
Students who are placed on academic warning, academic restriction, academic suspension or academic dismissal may appeal their academic standing to the vice president of Academic Affairs whose decision is final. Appeals must be in writing and must be received no later than two weeks prior to the start of the semester in which re-enrollment is sought.
Reinstatement
A student who has been academically suspended or academically dismissed from the college for academic reasons will be reinstated after the prescribed period of time (one semester or one calendar year). Upon reinstatement, the student will be placed on academic restriction (P7), and other requirements such as re-taking one or more placement tests, may be established. Students on academic restriction, with the approval of an academic advisor, may register for up to two courses plus a STU 1010 or STU 1030 course. Courses must be selected from those that an advisor has approved.
Academic Clemency
Students may request to have up to 16 previously earned credits in which grades of D or F were received designated AC next to the section on their transcripts. Such credits must have been earned at least three years prior to the date of the request. Students may not request academic clemency more than once. Please note the fee for the academic clemency form is $40.
A student must be currently registered, and the request for academic clemency must be approved prior to the submission of the application for graduation. The student, with the assistance and approval of an academic advisor, determines which courses are most appropriate for this request. Students are encouraged to consider among these 16 credits courses that cannot be repeated because they are no longer in the college catalog. Upon approval of the vice president of Academic Affairs, the Registrar’s Office will mark AC by the courses on the student’s transcript and recalculate the grade point average. The original grades will not be removed from the transcript but will be removed from the GPA calculation. The registrar will forward a copy of the revised transcript to the student. It is anticipated that this process will be completed within six weeks.
Since the College of Southern Maryland reserves the right to modify its curriculum, academic clemency can be requested for course(s) where a grade of “D” or “F” was earned and the course(s) are no longer offered by the college. Upon approval of the Vice President of Academic Affairs, the Registrar’s Office will mark “AC” by the courses on the student’s transcript and recalculate the grade point average without the grades earned in those course(s) where academic clemency is approved. Students may request this type of academic clemency more than once. The original grade(s) will not be removed from the transcript but will be removed from the GPA calculation. The Registrar’s Office will then forward a copy of the revised transcript to the student. It is anticipated that this process will be completed within six weeks.
Permanent Record Information Policy
The College of Southern Maryland maintains records for each student who attends the college. The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), as amended, affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. For more information on these rights, see Appendix VII , Disclosure of Student Information and Rights of Students under FERPA. A complete copy of the current college policy on students’ rights under FERPA can be found on the college’s website at www.csmd.edu/about/policies/ferpa.
All students have the right to see their own records and to challenge any documentation that they feel is erroneous. A copy of the college’s procedures for challenging file or record contents is available, upon request, from the Registrar’s Office. Records cannot be released without the student’s written authorization, with certain exceptions permitted by FERPA. (Some student information is designated as public or directory information. The institution may disclose such information for any purpose, at its discretion. For more information, see Appendix VII , Disclosure of Student Information and Rights of Students Under FERPA.)
Students who wish to have their records forwarded to other colleges or to prospective employers must complete a written release form before the college can honor the request. The following is a list of the types of educational records maintained by the college:
| Type of Records |
Location/Office |
Title of Responsible Official |
| Permanent Academic |
Registrar’s Office |
Registrar |
| Admission Application |
Admissions |
Director, Admissions |
| Placement Tests |
Admissions |
Director, Admissions |
| Veterans |
Financial Assistance |
Director, Financial Assistance |
| Financial Assistance |
Financial Assistance |
Director, Financial Assistance |
| Continuing Education |
Registrar’s Office |
Registrar |
| Certificates |
Registrar’s Office |
Registrar |
| Disciplinary |
Student Equity and Success |
Vice President, Student Equity and Success |
| Continuing Education Record |
Registrar’s Office |
Registrar |
Transcripts, Diplomas, Certificates, and Letters of Recognition Documents
Students and former students may request academic record transcripts from the Registrar’s Office or any student services office. Effective on or about October 2015, official College of Southern Maryland transcripts are ordered online, to be sent in either an electronic (secure, certified PDF) or paper format. Transcript fees must be paid by credit or debit card when placing order. We cannot accept cash or checks in our office. The cost of each transcript will be $5.00.
No transcripts will be released if any financial obligations to the college have not been met. Transcripts will not be issued to a third party without the written authorization of the student.
Student Conduct
A community of higher learning can make its maximum contribution only if high standards of integrity, courtesy, and accomplishment are maintained by every member of the college. Responsibility for achieving this goal falls upon students, faculty, and administration alike.
The college reserves the right to discipline any student for any behavior, on college premises or in connection with college-sponsored activities, which is judged as detrimental to the aim and objectives of the college. The individual student is responsible for understanding specific regulations set forth in the Student Code of Conduct at www.csmd.edu/StudentConduct.
Students Charged with a Criminal Offense
Any student who is charged with a felony subsequent to applying to the college must report the charge prior to registering for his or her next class. Based on the nature of the offense and other factors, the college reserves the right to revoke admission, limit enrollment and/or restrict activities of a student. Failure to disclose a criminal charge may result in the student being immediately withdrawn from current classes and may result in disciplinary action including dismissal or expulsion, as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.
Academic Honesty
Students are expected to perform their own academic work. Plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty are considered extremely serious offenses. Students are personally responsible for understanding the various forms of academic dishonesty as they are explained in the Student Code of Conduct in the Student Policy Guide. Ignorance of any requirement for academic honesty will not constitute an excuse from disciplinary proceedings.
Requirements for Graduation
Each program description in this catalog lists the requirements for graduation in that curriculum. At the time of application for graduation, students will declare the catalog under which they intend to graduate. (The program of study should be declared at the time of admission to the college.) They will follow the requirements of a catalog of one academic year during which they were registered and attended classes at the college.
Unless required courses have been officially waived, all students must meet the course requirements of their program to graduate. They must also meet the grade requirements for a degree, certificate, or letter of recognition stated below, and must make an appointment with an advisor to complete the application for graduation. The College of Southern Maryland reserves the right to award students all academic credentials earned, including certificates and degrees.
Students have the opportunity to move progressively upward through CSM’s degree options (i.e., letter of recognition course requirements may fulfill certificate requirements; letter of recognition and certificate requirements may fulfill associate’s degree requirements).
Break in Enrollment
Reapplication is required after 2 years of non-enrollment. Upon re-enrollment after this 2 year time period, students fall under the current catalog requirement.
Associate’s Degrees
To qualify for graduation with an associate’s degree, all students must pass all courses required in their curriculum and must have a grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 for all work at the college. The Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) requires a 2.75 GPA. Please note that the Associate of Science Nursing degree, the Associate of Applied Science degrees in Emergency Medical Services, Massage Therapy, Medical Laboratory Technology, Physical Therapist Assistant and Radiography all have different degree requirements regarding specific grades that are required in classes.
Certificates
To qualify for graduation with a certificate, students must pass all required courses and must have a 2.00 grade point average for all courses required by the certificate program. Please note the certificates in Emergency Medical Services, Medical Assisting, Practical Nursing, Pharmacy Technician and Therapeutic Massage all have different requirements regarding specific grades that are required in classes.
Letters of Recognition
A letter of recognition is a sequence of credit courses designed with discrete goals and objectives for a specific population.
A letter of recognition credit course sequence consists of 6 to 11 credits. Currently available letters of recognition are included in this catalog. Students must follow the requirements of the letter of recognition in the catalog of a year during which they were registered and attended classes at the college. To be eligible for the letter of recognition, students must have a 2.00 grade point average for all courses required by the letter of recognition. Students must apply with an advisor for a letter of recognition. The letters of recognition are processed in accordance with the current graduation cycles at the end of the spring, summer and fall semesters.
Application for Graduation
Students must make an appointment with an advisor to complete the graduation application. The last date to apply for graduation to ensure participation in the winter or spring ceremony or to only receive a diploma is stated on the college website. Graduation applications are accepted at any time but diplomas are issued at the end of the spring, summer and fall semesters. There is no graduation fee; however, students must purchase their cap and gown through the College Store. The College of Southern Maryland reserves the right to award students all academic credentials earned, including certificates and degrees.
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