Academic Policies

Contents

Southeastern University is a Christ-centered institution of higher learning. The educational programs of Southeastern University are designed to foster successful academic achievement in order to equip students to discover and develop their divine design, to serve Christ and the world through Spirit-empowered life, learning, and leadership. We are committed to equipping the next generation of leaders so that they can go into the world as influential servants in their careers and their communities.

This catalog gives general information on the academic regulations and degree requirements. In upgrading all areas of the university, Southeastern University reserves the right to change the rules regulating admission, instruction, graduation and any other activity affecting the student body, including prospective students and currently enrolled students.

New Students

New students must complete all of the Admission process before they may register for classes. New students must submit:

A high school transcript with the graduation date listed by the beginning of the semester. Transfer students with at least 60 earned credits on a college or university transcript that are eligible for transfer will not need to submit the high school transcript.

Test scores (ACT, SAT, COMPASS, PERT) in order to be placed in the correct Math and English courses. Students that are eligible for a course waiver due to test scores must make up the waived credit in general elective.  A waiver does not grant academic credit.

Students who have completed the admission process will receive an instructional email from the Registrar’s office that includes all of the needed information for new student registration. Students needing assistance may call or email the Registrar’s office (phone: 863-667-5015; email: registrar@seu.edu) or the student’s assigned Academic Advisor.

Class Attendance Policy

Students are both expected and encouraged to attend classes regularly. The lack of attendance may affect a student’s grade.

In online courses, attendance is collected in the first week when the student completes the SEU Student Acknowledgement. Failure to complete the acknowledgement will result in the student being dropped from the course. Ongoing participation in the online course is expected through class discussions, assignment submissions, synchronous sessions, and other integrated assessments. Please review the online course syllabus for details.

Students in face to face courses must complete the Student Acknowledgement in MyFire during week 1 of the course. Failure to complete the acknowledgement will result in the student being removed from the course. A student may miss a class without penalty equal to the number of times a class meets per week as follows:

• If the class meets once a week, a student may miss one class.

• If the class meets two times a week, a student may miss two classes.

• If the class meets three times a week, a student may miss three classes.

If a student’s absences exceed the number of times a class meets per week, a professor may:

• Subject the student to a penalty of not more than one letter grade based on attendance alone.

• Recommend to the Registrar that a student with excessive absences be withdrawn from the course.

Working within the framework of the above guidelines, faculty will clearly articulate their attendance policy in the course syllabus.

Prolonged and/or unusual absences not covered by the policy may be appealed to the Office of the Registrar by either the professor or the student. Appeals must be submitted in writing.

Orientation

Upon acceptance, new students will receive a link to access the new student Next Steps virtual orientation.  While receiving answers to many frequent questions along the way, students will learn about financial aid details, student support services, and how to decide and execute registration for the appropriate courses. The virtual orientation also directs students to our online bookstore where they can purchase all required textbooks and course materials they will need. This portal walks each student through all necessary steps to launch a successful start!

Syllabi

Please refer to our Academic Policies: Syllabi  page.

The Academic Year

Southeastern University offers nontraditional programs to non-residential students through an online format, as well as evening classes that are eight weeks in length. Online and evening Programs are designed for adult learners, who desire to complete a degree while continuing with work and life activities. Online and evening Programs feature a limited number of degrees, described under the Academic Programs section.

Southeastern University has established extension sites in a variety of locations throughout the United States. These sites consist of students who are enrolled in online and face-to-face courses in specific degree programs, and are facilitated by meeting with a face-to-face professor and a coordinator for the site. They are advised by our Office of Academic Advising and served by the College of Unrestricted Education.

Classification of Students

A student is classified as a degree seeking or non-degree seeking student.

Degree Seeking

Definition of Degree Seeking: A student who is systematically pursuing a degree program and is classified by the number of earned semester hours of credit. The minimum qualifications for each class are:

• Freshman 0 to 29 hours
• Sophomore 30 to 59 hours
• Junior 60 to 89 hours
• Senior 90 or more hours

Non-Degree Seeking

A student who is not pursuing a degree program.

• Audit status - The student is enrolled in a course for which he or she will not earn credit. An audit student may enroll for a class during the regular registration period, but the enrollment will be held until students taking the course for credit have been placed.
• In-service Teacher status - The Polk County teacher-employee taking courses to meet requirements for certain state certifications.
• Special status - An individual taking any course for personal or professional reasons without the intent of acquiring a degree.
• Academy Program - student taking annual courses to obtain certification, licensing, or ordination with the Assemblies of God.
• Transient status - The student classified as a degree candidate from another institution who enrolls for the purpose of transferring credits back to his or her original school. A transient student must present an official statement attesting to good standing at his/her institution, and approval of courses to be taken at Southeastern University generally in the form of a transient letter.
• Dual-Enrolled status - The high school student taking courses to gain both high school and college credit. Courses taken must be approved through the student’s high school guidance counselor.

Students Seeking a Second Bachelor’s Degree

Any student with an earned bachelor’s degree from any school including Southeastern University may apply for a second bachelor’s degree. The transferring degree is evaluated on a course-by-course basis, according to the credit transfer policies described in the credit transfer policies section of this catalog. The student may have the unofficial transcript evaluated by submitting it to his/her Admission Counselor prior to admission. The student must complete all degree program requirements that have not been met by transfer or other acceptable credit granting means as described in the credit transfer policies of this catalog. The student must take a minimum of 25% of the program requirements in pursuit of the second degree at Southeastern. These students are generally admitted at the senior level, when the transferred credit was earned from a regionally accredited institution.

Course Schedules and Registration

The class schedule is developed with the degree-seeking student in mind. Certain courses are offered every semester. Others are offered during alternate semesters or as needed. The university reserves the right to regulate the number of students in a class and to cancel any class with insufficient enrollment to justify its continuance.

Students may use the add/drop period to adjust their schedules due to canceled classes without incurring fees. Students are responsible to check the website, their student web access, during the add/drop period for class cancellations and additions, room relocations, class enrollment fluctuations, and assigned faculty changes.

In registering for specific courses, students are expected to note prerequisites or other special requirements. Students are not permitted to register for courses without completing prerequisites unless special permission is obtained from the Chair of the department or Dean of the college which offers the course.

The four digit numbering of courses represents the level of enrollment: freshman-1000; sophomore - 2000; junior - 3000; senior - 4000. The credit value of a course is listed with the description of the course in this catalog and appears in the Student Information System under the course offerings each term.

Appeals that concern enrollment and registration may be submitted to the Registrar.

Registration

All students register themselves according to advisor recommendations and the degree program 2 or 4 Year plan via the online JICS Student Information System. Instructions and assistance are available through the Office of Academic Advising or the Office of the Registrar. Technical issues should be reported to helpdesk@seu.edu. Academic Advisors, are available to students year round, by phone, email or by appointment, as well as during Orientation.

Incoming Student Registration

• To qualify for registration, the student must complete all requirements for admission or readmission, and be accepted to the university.

• Incoming students may register for classes after receiving registration information from the Office of the Registrar. This indicates the student has met requirements for Admission.

• New students may use registration information sent to them, to guide them in the selection of courses.

• A student should indicate their major or program of interest on their initial application. An advisor is assigned according to the indicated major or interest.

• The student’s advisor is listed in the JICS Student Information account by accessing Student → Degree Info → Degree Audit Portlet.

Two and Four Year Plans and Audit Sheets are available in the University Catalog on the Program of Study page. Students can find these plans by selecting their major of study in the catalog. See your advisor for assistance.

Returning Student Registration

Returning students may register for the upcoming semester when course registration opens each semester.  Students must have all holds cleared to obtain registration access.  Students on Academic Probation must register through their assigned academic advisor.  Students enrolled at a Partner Site must complete necessary Financial Clearance steps prior to registering, according to Student Financial Services policies.

Late Student Registration

All students are expected to complete registration prior to the first day of class. However, schedule adjustments are permitted during the add/drop period without penalty. The add/drop deadline is posted in the Academic Calendar for each term. Late registration after that deadline is permitted only by the permission of the Registrar and requires a written appeal.

Add/Drop Policy

The add/drop period is designated as the first week of each term. Add/drop deadlines are one week after the start of the term for all courses, as designated in the Academic Calendar. Students may add, drop or make changes to their class schedule during this period. Students should see an academic advisor prior to making a scheduling change; however, the student is ultimately responsible for his or her educational choices, and following the course plan for his or her degree.

Students are required to complete the SEU Student Acknowledgement in MyFire for every course enrolled by the add/drop deadline. Students who do not complete the SEU Student Acknowledgement may be removed from the course.  This does not absolve the student from responsibility to drop from the class. The student will be charged for every class on their schedule.

The web registration permissions will be inactivated at 11:59 p.m. on the last day of the add/drop period. Failure to attend class or drop the course via your online account access is not proper procedure and may result in the recording of “F” grades. Technical difficulties on the final day of the drop/add period do not absolve the student from responsibility. Contact the Office of the Registrar for assistance.

Dropped course(s) will not appear on any permanent academic record, and full tuition refund is permitted within this period. The add/drop period ends after the first full week of classes, and no additional changes are normally permitted.

Financial Aid is based on the total number of hours a student is enrolled in on the last day of the add/drop period. While some additions may be allowed mid-semester, drops are not permitted after the add/drop deadline for this reason. Registration errors may be appealed by contacting the Office of the Registrar during that same semester.

Course Load

The normal academic load is 15-16 hours per semester. This enables the student to complete degree requirements in approximately four years. A student may register for up to 17 hours per semester after consultation with his or her academic advisor. To register for 18 to 21 hours, the student must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher and permission from the Registrar. The maximum course load permitted with special approval is 21 hours, and may require the student to sign a Course Overload Request with the Office of Academic Advising.

The minimum course load for full-time classification is 12 hours per semester. A student enrolled in the summer sessions may not exceed a total of (6) six hours per summer session. Traditional students are permitted to take up to two online courses in a normal semester as part of their total course load. They may take more online courses in the summer, with the total of all credits not to exceed 21 in the summer. Students in the traditional campus program must fill out the Online Course Permission form to participate in online courses.  All courses will be billed according to the traditional student tuition rate or tuition package pricing, for traditional students.

Course Registration Appeals

Course drops after a semester add/drop deadline are not allowed without a written appeal from the student to the Registrar. The appeal must contain reasons that justify such an exception to the deadline. The outcome of a student appeal request will be based on the student’s financial aid awarded, the point in time during the semester, and other contributing factors. A class that has been attempted cannot be dropped without an approved written appeal.

Semester Continuance Policy

Semester Continuance Policy:  Medical

A student may occasionally have an issue or life event that prohibits him/her from finishing a semester successfully within the 15 week or 8 week term. This Semester Continuance Policy is designed to assist a student in completing a semester of courses successfully by extending the deadline for a specified time in order to complete required coursework. Reasons can be varied and unexpected. Various triggers for continuation may be identified as medical, such as an accident resulting in an injury or hospitalization due to an unexpected illness, or  emotional and psychological issues due to a personal trauma or criminal attack. A requested semester continuation for any of the above listed reasons will be coordinated by the Director of Academic and Auxiliary Services.

In order to be granted a semester continuance, a student must have successfully completed 60% of the course or courses, which is 9 weeks of a 16 week semester or 5 weeks of an 8 week semester, with satisfactory progress in each course under consideration for an extension of the coursework deadline.

Requests for semester continuance are submitted to the Director of Academic and Auxiliary Services at 863-667-5041.  Submission of medical or other appropriate documentation will be required. If the student has not yet completed 60% of the course and course work, it will be recommended that the student withdraw from the course. Depending on the situation and the amount of time that has been spent so far in the course or courses, a written appeal to drop the course or courses and financial charges or proration of charges will be considered. The written appeal must be from the student rather than the parent, if the student is able to write an appeal. The appeal will be reviewed by the Registrar. Southeastern University is under no obligation to drop charges for any course that has been attempted past the drop/add deadline.  

Professors of each course under consideration for an extension of the deadline will be consulted. The extension will be determined and documented in writing with a definite list of expectations and the new deadline for all assignments to be submitted. Failure to finish the course work by the new deadline will result in the grade earned by the student.  Again, if satisfactory progress has not been made in a course at the point of the need for continuance, the professor and the Director of Academic and Auxiliary Services will recommend the student withdraw from the course. A grade of W will be posted, which does not impact the GPA. The student may appeal to have a late withdrawal granted after the 60% mark has passed.   Arrangements and notifications to Housing, Financial Aid and other pertinent departments of the university must be made by the student.

Communication with parents or family members may take place as needed while guarding specific student academic records, based on the FERPA authorization that the student has made or not made. Protected information may include the courses in which the student is enrolled.

Semester Continuance Policy: Non- Medical

The coursework to be completed by the student will be determined by each professor based on the number of weeks that have passed and the progress made so far in each course. Every consideration should be given in order to assist the student to finish the course successfully within the guidelines described in the policy. The requirements for completion of the course will not be reduced or waived.

Once the Director of Academic and Auxiliary Services has determined a course of action based on the feedback from professors or the Registrar, Semester Continuance forms will be signed by the student. Professors will be notified that the semester has been extended for the student with a definitive deadline for all work to be submitted.

The following points should be understood and communicated to the student:

• A shorter extension will result in better outcomes. Financial aid for future semesters is impacted by having Incompletes in courses when a new semester begins. If the work can be completed within 30 days, agree to that time frame; however, the student may be given up to one full semester to complete all course work.

• The student must be advised that if the deadline is not met for all course work, the grade earned will be issued. The grade for non-completion will be F.

• Professors may not be accessible in the summer, since it is not a recognized semester. Agreement should be made in advance as to when the professor will be available.

The Director of Academic and Auxiliary Services will set a reminder to follow-up on the student’s progress in courses by contacting the student and the professors, as needed. Follow-up attempts and outcomes will be documented in the student’s record.

Directed Study

Directed Study is a regular course taken by special arrangements under the supervision of an instructor. A student enrolled as a degree-seeking candidate may apply for Directed Study. Forms for Directed Study are available from the Office of the Registrar. Directed Study must be approved by the supervising instructor, department chair, Academic Dean for the College of Unrestricted Education, and Provost prior to registration.

The following apply to Directed Study registration:

1. Students may earn a maximum of 12 hours through Directed Study. Of these, only six can be in their major.

2. Directed Study is available only for 3000 and 4000 level courses.

3. Students must have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA and at least 64 earned credit hours (junior status) to apply.

4. Registration for Directed Study must be completed during the regular registration period as stated in the academic calendar.

5. Directed Study courses must be completed within one semester. Extensions must be requested and approved in the same manner established for standard courses (see university policy on incompletes).

6. The regular grading scale applies to courses completed by Directed Study.

7. The following additional conditions must be met for Directed Study requested in a fall, spring, or summer semester:

   1. The course is required for the student’s major.

   2. The student has an unavoidable scheduling conflict.

   3. The course will not be offered again before the student’s scheduled graduation date.

8. Directed Study is restricted by faculty availability.

9. Directed Study may be utilized to pursue an area of study that can be individually designed by the professor in collaboration with the student.

10. The professor and the student should not proceed with the course of study until the registration is approved, entered, and reflected on the student’s official course schedule.

Grades and Quality Points

The following scale of letter grades is used in recording a student’s academic progress:

GPA Calculation

Quality points are the numerical equivalent of the letter grades and are assigned for each credit hour earned as indicated by the above scale. For example, a three credit hour course with an earned A grade equals 12 quality points.

In determining a grade point average (GPA):

Total number of quality points earned divided by total number of semester hours attempted for which quality point values are assigned = GPA.

Grades for all attempted courses will remain on the student’s permanent record. If a course is repeated, the highest of the grades will be computed in the student’s grade point average (GPA). Students who wish to appeal a grade must do so within the immediate succeeding semester. Otherwise, the recorded grade is permanent and can be changed only by repeating the course. No grades, GPA or test scores may be changed or added after the degree and diploma are awarded.

Incomplete Grades

An “I” grade indicates incomplete course work and may be recorded when a student is passing but cannot complete the course due to illness or serious personal emergency. The student is required to initiate consultation with the professor and the Department Chair or Dean of the college by filing a written request for an “I” grade. Supporting documentation must accompany the written request which must be submitted to both the Professor and the Department Chair or Dean of the college. An “I” may be recorded for a maximum of one semester and is not computed in the student’s GPA. If an “I” is not changed by the end of the immediately succeeding semester, the grade automatically converts to an “F” and is recorded on the student’s permanent record. An “F” grade is computed in the GPA. Students with an incomplete in a previous semester may not register for more than 17 hours including the current semester and the previous incomplete hours. Students should be aware that an incomplete course may hinder the award of financial aid in a subsequent semester.

Grade Forgiveness Policy

In order to improve their knowledge of a subject and cumulative grade point average, students may elect to repeat a course in which they have earned a less than satisfactory grade, especially a “D” or an “F.” The higher grade will be the grade that contributes toward the cumulative grade point average, however all attempts will be posted on the student transcript. Students may only attempt a failed course up to three (3) times total.  Should the student not pass the course with three attempts, the student must complete the course via transient, or petition the Chair or Dean for a course substitution.  In situations where the course needed to be repeated is no longer available or offered, a similar course may be substituted with the approval of the Dean of the college and the Registrar. A major core course in which a grade of “F” was earned at Southeastern can be repeated only at Southeastern, unless dean or department chair approval has been granted to take it elsewhere as transient.  The failed course will remain on the student’s transcript, even after the course has been repeated.

Academic Integrity

Southeastern University seeks to foster a spirit of honesty and integrity in students.  The University expects students at SEU to embody the same spirit of commitment to high ethical standards and academic integrity in all aspects of their participation within the program.

Therefore, any work submitted by a student must represent original work produced by that student.  Any source used by a student must be documented using appropriate scholarly references and citations.The university commonly uses MLA, APA, AMA, and Turabian citation and writing styles. Students may find additional information about these general styles by clicking on the following link: Steelman Library Citation Education and Resources

“Academic dishonesty” (regardless of intention) refers to plagiarism, cheating, and fabrication (see definitions below). Should a professor suspect academic dishonesty of any kind, the professor will follow the guidelines below and will refer the student to the Academic Center for Enrichment (ACE) by submitting an Early Alert (the Early Alert link is available through JICS). The intervention will be noted in the student’s file. University personnel will follow up assuring that all consequences dictated by the professor and university policy have been completed.  To effectively counter academic dishonesty, professors must follow these guidelines in all instances of plagiarism and cheating. The processes stated in the Student Appeal and Complaint Policy are to be utilized should a student seek an appeal of any decision rendered under the Academic Integrity policy. 

University Expectations

The university maintains a high expectation of student character and ethical conduct. The university expects students to apply critical thinking to ethical standards and to appropriately use summarizing, paraphrasing, quoting, and citation of all sources according to the writing style required by the professor. 

The university commonly uses MLA, APA, AMA, and Turabian citation and writing styles. Students may find additional information about these general styles by clicking on the following link: Steelman Library Citation Education and Resources

This policy applies to all coursework, assessments, and comprehensive exams.

Undergraduate - Academic Dishonesty Reporting & Procedure

In each instance of academic dishonesty, the professor will (a) contact the Academic Center for Enrichment to determine the level of the offense and the appropriate consequences according to the guidelines listed below; (b) communicate with the student to discuss the nature of his or her academic dishonesty, the academic integrity policy, and the consequences to be assigned; and (c) submit an academic dishonesty report to the Academic Center for Enrichment and, as appropriate, to the department chair or program director.

The academic dishonesty report should include: 

• Name and ID number of the student

• Professor, course, and term

• Description of the academic dishonesty (plagiarism or cheating), indicating the level of offense (See Academic Levels and Outcomes Chart)

• Documentation of each step of the academic integrity procedure that has been followed

• Copy of the TurnItIn plagiarism report, if applicable

• A copy of the plagiarized work, if applicable

• Any other supporting documentation

• An indication of the consequences already assigned (See Academic Levels and Outcomes Chart for outcomes that may be determined by the professor).

Outcomes

When an allegation of academic dishonesty has been made, the university and students will follow the process listed below to resolve the case:

1. Professors (mandatory case reporters) will submit the case to the academic integrity program facilitated by the Academic Center for Enrichment and, as applicable,  to the department chair or program director.

2. The Academic Success Coordinator will contact the student to schedule a hearing to research the case. If the hearing aligns with the professor’s report, the case will progress according to the outcomes assigned to the level of the case. 

   • If a student is placed in the Academic Integrity course a hold will be placed on the student’s account until the final grade is posted.

3. Students may appeal the findings or outcomes of a case by submitting an appeal to the Academic Integrity Committee. All decisions of the Academic Integrity Committee are final.

   • The processes stated in the Student Appeal and Complaint Policy are to be utilized should a student seek an appeal of any decision rendered under the Academic Integrity policy. 

If an allegation of Academic Dishonesty has been confirmed by the university, students must comply with the following policies:

• Complete an assigned Academic Integrity course (if not taken previously). 

  • The student must successfully complete the course prior to registering for additional courses or continuing the dissertation/capstone process. 

  • The Z grade annotation may be placed on the student’s transcript if the Academic Integrity Course is not completed successfully.

• Students may not withdraw from a course in order to avoid consequences for academic dishonesty. 

• Complete any plagiarism and ethics education/tutoring assigned by the university. 

• Complete all requirements prescribed by the university according to level assigned to the individual case.

  • A case may be escalated to a Level 3 at any time if the student becomes defensive or belligerent when any level of academic dishonesty is addressed.

Please refer to the Academic Levels and Outcomes Chart for additional details.

Undergraduate - LEVEL 1

Level I is only used for undergraduate students. Academic Dishonesty for undergraduate students will be considered a Level 1 offense when it is the first instance of plagiarism in a student’s career at Southeastern 

Outcomes for a Level 1 plagiarism offense must include one or more of the following:

• Completing an Academic Integrity (AI) course that includes strategies for avoiding plagiarism and cheating.

  •  Failure to complete the course may result in a “Z” annotation on the student’s transcript. 

  • The course must be completed prior to registration for additional courses.

• Complete any plagiarism education or tutoring assigned by the university. 

Additional outcomes may include one or more of the following

• Correcting the plagiarism in the assignment for a grade.

• Receiving a grade penalty up to the total grade value of the assignment.

Undergraduate - LEVEL 2

Academic Dishonesty will be considered a Level 2 offense when it is:

• The second instance of plagiarism in an undergraduate student’s career at Southeastern; OR

• The first instance of cheating.

 Consequences for the student for a Level 2 offense must include:

• Completing an Academic Integrity (AI) course that includes strategies for avoiding plagiarism and cheating (required if not already taken); AND

• Receiving a grade penalty in the course; AND

• Receiving a Z grade annotation (may only be removed by successful completion of the AI course).

Additionally, the consequences may include any or all of the following:

• Correcting the plagiarism in the assignment for a grade

• Failing the course

• In the first instance of cheating, at the discretion of the professor of the course in which cheating occurred, the student may be required to retake the academic course the next time it is offered to replace the course grade.

• Students may lose eligibility to take online courses for the remainder of their careers at Southeastern.

Undergraduate - LEVEL 3 

Academic Dishonesty will be considered a Level 3 offense when it is:

• The third (or higher) instance of plagiarism in an undergraduate student’s career at Southeastern

• Is the second instance of cheating.

Consequences for Level 3 offenses must include the following:

• Receiving a grade penalty in the course; AND

• Completing an AI course that includes strategies for avoiding plagiarism and cheating (required if not taken previously); AND

• Receiving a Z grade annotation (required, see below);

Additionally, consequences may include any or all of the following:

• Failing the course; AND OR

• Losing eligibility to take online courses for the remainder of their careers at Southeastern; AND OR

• Expulsion from the University at the discretion of the Provost.

Definitions

For the purpose of this policy, 

• “professor” is defined as any person providing academic support or assessment of a student’s work.  These persons include course instructors, mentors, writing support professors, and members of the dissertation/capstone committee (chair, methodologist, content specialist, and third reader), and

• “submission” is defined as all coursework, comprehensive exams, as well as drafts and final versions of the dissertation/capstone projects and/or sections of the dissertation/capstone project submitted to professors and to graduate writing support. 

Plagiarism

Plagiarism occurs when a writer (regardless of intent) uses someone else’s language, ideas, or other original material without acknowledg­ing its source.

Plagiarism includes unattributed use of any source, in any medium, published or unpublished.  Work already submitted for a grade in another course may not be resubmitted unless the professor specifically states otherwise.

 Some examples of plagiarism include but not limited to:

• Quoting or paraphrasing material without attributing it to its source

• Copying segments from the work of others without giving proper credit

• Submitting as original work written entirely by someone else

The policy also applies to incidents of self-plagiarism, resubmission, or multiple submissions (the use of a single project in two or more academic settings either at Southeastern University or another academic institution). Work submitted in another course may not be resubmitted unless both professors specifically state otherwise.

Some examples of plagiarism include, but are not limited to:

• Quoting or paraphrasing material without attributing it to its source

• Copying segments from the work of others without giving proper credit

• Submitting work written by someone else

• Allowing another student to submit their work to use as his or her own when that individual had not done the work

Widely known facts do not require citation and do not count as plagiarism as long as they are communicated in the writer’s own words. Ideas and observations original to the writer also do not require citation.

Avoiding Plagiarism

Professors at Southeastern University work diligently to help students understand and avoid plagiarism. However, the responsibility ultimately rests on students to make sure that their work does not contain plagiarism. Students can avoid plagiarism by properly citing and quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing all material they use from sources.

Common forms of citation include parenthetical citations, footnotes/endnotes, and attributive statements such as “According to Smith and Rodriguez…” 

Quotations include entire sentence(s), key phrase(s), or specific term(s) that match a source word for word.  All quotations must be cited using the appropriate quotation format.  

Paraphrases and summaries include material (usually information or ideas) taken from a source and put into a writer’s own words.  All paraphrased and summarized materials must completely rephrase the original source and be properly cited. 

The bottom line in avoiding plagiarism is that students must clearly indicate the material in their writing that is original to them and the material taken from sources.

Cheating

Cheating is attempting to present (regardless of intent), as one’s own, work that one has not performed, or using improper means to pass an examination. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• The sharing of unauthorized information regarding specific content of assignment/examinations or using books, notes or other material without the instructor’s permission.

• The discussion of any aspect of the assignment/examination before all students have completed it.

• Speaking or otherwise communicating with one another in English or any other language or manner during an examination.

• Submitting work the student has not personally completed.

• Submitting of the same paper or assignment, or material portions thereof, for more than one course (except by both instructors’ approval and in accordance with criteria established by each of them).

• Falsifying of research data.

• Preventing student or faculty access to course material. This includes mutilating or stealing materials provided by the university for the examination, and/or disabling and interfering with required equipment (i.g. computer equipment or databases.

• Using electronic devices such as cell phones or calculators to store/share information or materials that are not authorized by the instructor.

Fabrication

Fabrication is (regardless of intent) falsification or creation of false data or information.  If fabrication is discovered, the case level may be escalated at any time. 

Other violations may include:

• Failing to follow any other explicit regulation or expectation announced by the instructor, and/or circulated to each student.  This includes failure to use surveillance equipment or software as required by the professor. It is the responsibility of the student to confer with an instructor when procedures are unclear.

• Falsifying a signature on any official university document.

• Altering any official university document.

• Intentionally helping or attempting to help another student to violate any provision of this policy.

Undergraduate Z Grade Annotation

When a professor, Academic Integrity Committee, or Academic Deans conclude that academic dishonesty has occurred (plagiarism or some other form of cheating), the following will occur:

• A report will be submitted to the Academic Integrity office for processing.

• The student will be informed of the report and the university policies that apply to the report.

• The student may submit an appeal to the Academic Integrity Committee (See Student Appeal and Complaint Policy for the complete process)

• When submitting final grades, the intervention coordinator will inform the Registrar’s Office, which will affix a “Z” in front of the grade. 

• The intervention coordinator will also inform the faculty and appropriate college personal involved in this process.

• The student’s course grade will be preceded by the letter Z (ZB, ZC, ZD, ZF, with +/- designations as appropriate). 

• The transcript key will indicate that the Z grade annotation is assigned in cases of cheating. 

• If the student has withdrawn from the class in which the cheating occurred, he or she should be added back to the roster and assigned a Z grade annotation. 

After the first cheating offense in the student’s SEU career:

• The student may complete a required AI course, normally prior to the start of the next eight-week term. 

• At the discretion of the professor of the course in which cheating occurred, the student may be required to retake the academic course the next time it is offered to replace the course grade.

•  Upon receiving documentation of successful completion of the AI course and, if required, the retaken academic course, the intervention coordinator will instruct the Registrar to remove the Z from the student’s transcript. After a second or subsequent cheating offenses, the Z grade annotation cannot be removed. This penalty may be requested at the professor, coordinator, chair, Academic Dean for the College of Unrestricted Education, Executive Director for the College of Unrestricted Education, or Academic Integrity Committee level. All requests will be processed by the Academic Integrity Office according to university policies.   The processes stated in the Student Appeal and Complaint Policy are to be utilized should a student seek an appeal of any decision rendered under the Academic Integrity policy.

Summary of Civil and Criminal Penalties for Violation of Federal Copyright Laws 

Copyright infringement is the act of exercising, without permission or legal authority, one or more of the exclusive rights granted to the copyright owner under section 106 of the Copyright Act (Title 17 of the United States Code). These rights include the right to reproduce or distribute a copyrighted work. In the file-sharing context, downloading or uploading substantial parts of a copyrighted work without authority constitutes an infringement. 

Penalties for copyright infringement include civil and criminal penalties. In general, anyone found liable for civil copyright infringement may be ordered to pay either actual damages or “statutory” damages affixed at not less than $750 and not more than $30,000 per work infringed. For “willful” infringement, a court may award up to $150,000 per work infringed. A court can, in its discretion, also assess costs and attorneys’ fees. For details, see Title 17, United States Code, Sections 504 and 505. 

Willful copyright infringement can also result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to $250,000 per offense. 

Violation of Federal Copyright Laws 

“102. Subject matter of copyright: In general

(a) Copyright protection subsists, in accordance with this title, in original works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression, now known or later developed, from which they can be perceived, reproduced, or otherwise communicated, either directly or with the aid of a machine or device.” (https://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html).

“506. Criminal offenses

(a) Criminal Infringement.—

(1) In general.—Any person who willfully infringes a copyright shall be punished as provided under section 2319 of title 18…” (https://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap5.html).

For detailed information, please see the website of the U.S. Copyright Office at www.copyright.gov.

Transcripts

The official academic record for each student is maintained in the Office of the Registrar. Signed authorization from the student must be received before an official transcript can be released as is required by law. Students should request a transcript through the  SEU website, which leads to the  transcript ordering service through Credentials, Inc. Manual transcript requests are also accepted in the Office of the Registrar with cash payment or money order only. The student may submit a transcript request in person or through the web service found on the university’s web site. Transcripts are normally processed within five days upon receipt of the request. A transcript cannot be released if the student has financial obligations to the university or other account holds. This includes past due payments on financial aid. Some of these hold types are listed below:

• Business Office Hold - Call 863.667.5018

• Library Fine or Property Hold - Call 863.667.5089

To order a transcript from Southeastern University’s site:

• Go to www.seu.edu

• Click “Transcripts/Verifications’ link under “Academics”  at the bottom of the homepage

• The Office of the Registrar page will open

• Click on “Transcript Request”

• Choose the first link for ordering a transcript or the second link for checking on the status of your transcript order

The Credentials, Inc. web service will require the following information:

• Full name including maiden if married; student’s current mailing address

• Social security number and date of birth

• Name and complete address for recipient of transcript

• If not automatically authorized, student’s signature and date

• Number of copies requested

• Make sure you get a transcript order number after clicking the “submit” button

• Check your email or fax machine for updates on your transcript request, as you may be sent an authorization form to sign and return to us

• Payment for transcripts ($7.00 per copy — no personal checks accepted)

A rush option is normally available, except during the Christmas holidays. To make sure all grades are included for a semester, check your Student Information account to see if the grades have been posted. Current semester grades are posted approximately two weeks after final exams end.

Withdrawals

Withdrawal from a Course

Students may withdraw from a course without academic penalty through the withdrawal deadline, which is notated on the academic calendar and occurs at the 60% point of the course. The official course withdrawal date will be the date the Course Withdrawal form is filed with the Office of the Registrar. A grade of “W” will be recorded on the student’s record. Complete withdrawal from the university is not part of this policy. Forms for course withdrawal are available in the Office of the Registrar and on the Southeastern University website. There is no refund for a course withdrawal. Too many “W” grades will hinder academic progress and financial aid coverage. Withdrawn courses are not covered by Veteran’s benefits.

Withdrawal from the University

A University Withdrawal occurs when a student officially communicates with the Office of Student Success and Retention that he/she wishes to withdraw from all courses and exit the institution. University Withdrawals happen after the add/drop period through the withdrawal period (60% mark of the term/semester). Upon completion of the University Withdrawal process, a grade of “WD” will be recorded for each current course as a final grade. The “WD” has no impact on a student’s cumulative or term GPA.

Withdrawing from the University may impact financial aid and could result in a balance owed, as students will remain financially responsible for all tuition and fees incurred. Any refunds for which the student is eligible will be processed in accordance with the refund policy described in the Financial Information section of the catalog. 

The Office of Student Success and Retention will guide students throughout the process to ensure informed decision-making.  Students who wish to pursue a University Withdrawal will initiate the process by contacting the Office of Student Success and Retention by emailing retention@seu.edu for assistance. Communication will be directed to the student’s official @seu.edu email account. It will be the student’s responsibility to check this account for information and/or documentation regarding the University Withdrawal process.

Students seeking to exit the University between semesters/terms will initiate the process by contacting the Office of Student Success and Retention by emailing retention@seu.edu for assistance.

Transient Policy

Transient enrollment means a degree seeking student is enrolled at a second school with the intention of transferring credits to Southeastern. A request for a transient letter from Southeastern University to the second school is required for credits to be considered for transfer. Transient letters are issued by the Office of the Registrar. Students who have earned an associate degree or 64 semester hours may not enroll at the junior college level unless they are deficient in specific general education courses. Students are responsible for the applicability of courses taken elsewhere to their Southeastern program. Students are strongly encouraged to obtain written advisor, department chair, or Academic Dean for the College of Unrestricted Education approval for major core course transiency.

Transfer credit on the college level is accepted according to the following guidelines, from regionally accredited schools:

Up to 62 general education credits are accepted with a State of Florida AA degree in order to cover our general education core. AS and AAS degrees are evaluated on a course-by-course basis for acceptance into the general education core.

Up to 90 transfer hours can be accepted when a student comes to SEU, but there will be no other transient credits approved during the student’s tenure at SEU.

Transient status is permitted for current students, with specific limitations, including the following:

1. Transient credit must be taken at a regionally accredited school.

2. The Transient Status form, available on the MySEU website, must be submitted and approved by the Office of the Registrar in order to consider any course for transfer while you are a student at SEU.

3. Major core requirements must be completed at SEU. Any exception made must be approved by the Department Chair or Academic Dean for the College of Unrestricted Education.

4. 25% of all degree programs must be completed through SEU. Once a student is accepted at SEU, a bachelor degree candidate may not take transient courses if they have transferred in and/or earned test credit for a combined 90 hours or more and an associate degree candidate may not take transient courses if they have transferred in and/or earned test credit for a combined 45 hours or more. 

5. Students are responsible for the applicability of courses taken elsewhere to their Southeastern program.  A transient course must receive a grade of “C” (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) or above to be considered for transfer to SEU.

6. Students must obtain written department chair or Academic Dean for the College of Unrestricted Education approval for financial aid coverage of the transient registration.

A student’s enrollment in an SEU-approved program of study at a different college or university may be considered for the purpose of applying for financial aid assistance through SEU.  Please contact the Office of the Registrar (863-667-5015)  for more information, or you may contact the Student Financial Services department (863-667-5018)

Academic Advising

The Office of Academic Advising provides comprehensive services to help students achieve academic success. Academic advising is an interactive process in which the advisor helps the student set and achieve academic goals and make responsible decisions consistent with degree requirements. Advising is personalized to consider the needs of each student, which may include appropriate referral services. Academic advisors serve as a guide to students along their academic journey, but it is the student’s responsibility to know and meet the program requirements of their declared major.

Academic Advisor Assignment

All enrolled students are assigned an academic within the Office of Academic Advising. The assigned academic advisor is based on which extension site or regional campus the student is enrolled in. Students can view their assigned academic advisors on the university’s student information system (JICS).

Academic advisors will help students plan an educational program consistent with their interests and abilities, assist students by monitoring their academic progress using the JICS degree audit, advise students on course selection which moves students toward graduation, refer students to university services as needed, and help students understand university policies and procedures.

Degree Audit (JICS)

All enrolled students are provided an electronic degree audit within the university’s student information system (JICS). The degree audit is used as an internal document to communicate the student’s degree requirements to the student, Office of Academic Advising, and Office of the Registrar.

The degree audit is a personalized document listing the student’s major/minor requirements based on their declared catalog year. The audit provides up-to-date course information listing in progress, met, and unmet requirements. On a regular basis, students should utilize the JICS degree audit, as an advising tool, to assist in registration planning, track course requirements, and monitor progress toward graduation.
 

Declaration of Major

Every student who is accepted for enrollment as a degree-seeking student should declare their major as soon as possible, for the best advisement and degree plan. Your initial indication of a major or interest in a major based upon your admission application will be honored. A student may change his/her program of study by filing a new Declaration of Major form at any time during his/her period of enrollment. Change of major may place a student under different catalog requirements, and may impact federal financial aid eligibility. Counsel from academic advisors and student financial services counselors is encouraged. 

If a student chooses to declare more than one major, course credits earned may be used to meet the same requirements of both declared majors.   This multiple-use policy has only one limitation and that is the student must meet the appropriate number of credit hours for his or her primary major, or major requiring the highest number of credit hours.  If a student chooses to declare a major and a minor within the same discipline, a maximum of six credit hours may be applied toward both the major and the minor; twelve or more unique credit hours must be earned in the minor separate from the major.

Academic Standing

Academic Standing is evaluated by the Office of the Registrar at the end of the Fall and Spring semesters. Students with a 2.0 or higher semester and cumulative GPA are considered to be in good academic standing. Students with a semester or cumulative GPA below a 2.0 are placed on academic condition status, as noted in the chart below.

Academic Conditional Process

At the end of each fall and spring academic semester, the Office of the Registrar reviews student academic progress.  Students that earn below a 2.0 semester GPA but retain above a 2.0 cumulative GPA will be placed on Academic Notice (AN).  Students that earn below a 2.0 semester GPA and cumulative GPA will be placed on Academic Probation (P1) and will be eligible to register at a limited load of 13 credits for the upcoming semester (fall or spring). A second consecutive semester of Academic Probation (P2)  is granted if the student earns a 2.0 or better semester GPA but the cumulative GPA is below a 2.0. Students on P2 will be eligible to register at a limited load of 13 credits for the upcoming semester (fall or spring). If at the end of Academic Probation (P1 or P2) a student’s cumulative and semester GPA is below a 2.0, the student will be recommended for Academic Suspension (SU) for one regular semester (fall or spring).  If a student is placed on academic suspension at the end of the spring semester, the student will not be eligible to register in both the summer and fall semester.  Students on Academic Suspension have the option to appeal their suspension standing. If approved, the student will be permitted to return at the P2 level.

Academic Expulsion

Permanent separation, or expulsion, from the University are to be decided by the Academic Condition Committee.  Expulsions disallow future participation in University-wide academic programming.  The Committee will review each case and make a decision.  The student will be notified of the Committee’s decision through email.  Documentation of the expulsion will become part of the student’s permanent academic record at the University.  Expulsions will be considered based on factors that could include:

• repeated offense(s) of the University’s Academic Integrity policy

• severe offense(s) of the University’s Academic Integrity policy

• offense(s) with malicious intent or blatant disregard for the University’s Academic Integrity policy

• lack of compliance/follow through with suspension sanctions

Students have the right to appeal the expulsion decision within 3 days.  Appeals are submitted to the Committee then forwarded to the Provost for final decision.  The student will be notified of the appeal decision through email.   Documentation of the appeal decision and expulsion will become part of the student’s permanent academic record at the University.  

Non-Academic Expulsions

Permanent separation, or expulsion, from the University for non-academic reasons is to be decided by the Student Development Assessment Committee.  Expulsions disallow future participation in University-wide programming.  The Committee will review each case and make a decision.  The student will be notified of the Committee’s decision either face to face, when possible or through email if necessary.

Documentation of the expulsion will become part of the student’s permanent transcript record at the University.  

Expulsions will be considered based on factors that could include, but are not limited to:

• repeated offense(s) of the University’s Conduct/Title IX policies

• severe offense(s) of the University’s Conduct/Title IX policies

• offense(s) with malicious intent or blatant disregard for the University’s Conduct/Title IX policies

• lack of compliance/follow through with previous sanctions assigned.

Students have the right to appeal the expulsion decision within 3 business days.  Appeals are submitted to the Committee then forwarded to the Executive Director of Student Development for final decision.  The student will be notified of the appeal decision via email.   Documentation of the appeal decision and expulsion will become part of the student’s permanent transcript record at the University. 

Academic Recovery

Federal regulations require students to maintain satisfactory academic progress in order to remain eligible to receive financial aid. Your academic probation/suspension may indicate you are also at risk for losing all or a portion of your federal, state, or institutional financial aid. To determine if you are at risk, please contact Student Financial Services (sfs@seu.edu) to ensure you have all the information you need for your next steps.

Academic Intervention Initiative

Academic Center for Enrichment (ACE), administers a process in which students in jeopardy of failing courses or having an unsatisfactory attendance record are identified and referred. This intervention initiative occurs during the midterm of each semester. Students who are identified in the initiative will be required to participate in online tutoring for subjects that directly relate to their status and are required to contact their academic advisor.

Willingness to participate in the Academic Intervention Initiative on the part of the student will be considered in the probation/suspension process.

Credit and Transfer of Credit

Definition of Credit Hour

One semester credit hour will be awarded for a minimum of 750 minutes (50 minute class x 15 weeks) of formalized instruction that typically requires students to work at out-of-class assignments an average of twice the amount of time as the amount of formalized instruction (1,500 minutes). It is acknowledged that formalized instruction may take place in a variety of modes.

While awarding of semester credit hours typically occurs for instruction delivered in accordance with an institution’s standard semester calendar, it may also occur for instruction that may not follow the typical pattern, as long as the criteria for awarding such credit is met. The expectation of contact time inside the classroom and student effort outside the classroom is the same in all formats of a course whether it be fully online, a hybrid or face-to-face contact with some content delivered by electronic means, or one delivered in lecture or seminar format. Courses that have less structured classroom schedules, such as research seminars, independent studies, internships, practicums, or any other academic work leading to the award of credit hours should state clearly learning objectives, expected outcomes and workload expectations that meet the standards set forth above.

This credit hour policy applies to all courses at all levels (graduate, professional, and undergraduate) that award academic credit (i.e. any course that appears on an official transcript issued by the University) regardless of the mode of delivery including, but not limited to, self-paced, online, hybrid, lecture, seminar, and laboratory. Academic units are responsible for ensuring that credit hours are awarded only for work that meets the requirements outlined in this policy.

General Test Credit Parameters

A maximum of 45 semester hours of credit may be earned by degree-seeking students through any combination of the following: AP, CLEP, IB, Military, Credit by Assessment, Credit by Examination or Specialized Training/Certification that are approved by the Registrar. Students must earn 25% of their degree through Southeastern University courses, per SACSCOC regulations. The 45 hour maximum of experiential learning credit may be reduced for transfer students in order to meet their 25% coursework requirement.  Please see credit hour limits for specific tests in the sections to follow. Test credit is not evaluated by Southeastern University for non-degree-seeking students.

Advanced Placement (AP)

Southeastern University awards college credit to students who participated in the Advanced Placement program in high school. Students receive college credit based on credit recommendations of the Florida Articulation Coordinating Committee. Most courses with a score of three, four or five earn three college credits. No grade or quality points are assigned for awarded credit. Applicants must submit official AP scores directly from The College Board to Southeastern University for evaluation.  Transcripts received from the student will not be considered official.  A maximum of 45 semester hours of credit may be earned through any combination of the following: AP, CLEP, IB, Military, Credit by Assessment, Credit by Examination or Specialized Training/Certification that are approved by the Registrar.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

The College Level Examination Program provides an opportunity for a student to earn college credit by examination.

Southeastern University accepts all CLEP exams listed on www.collegeboard.com, with these exceptions:

• Intro to Educational Psychology (general elective credit only)

• College Composition Modular

For a detailed list of CLEP exams approved for credit through SEU, visit this link. 

SEU Approved CLEP Tests

CLEP exams are offered through the SEU Testing Center. You do not have to be a Southeastern University student to utilize our Testing Center.  Contact the SEU Testing Center (testing@seu.edu) to schedule an appointment to take a CLEP exam. All SEU degree-seeking students must complete an eligibility form before an appointment can be scheduled. The form will be reviewed to determine if the student meets SEU guidelines for awarding CLEP credit. These guidelines are listed below. One form per CLEP exam must be completed.

SEU Guidelines for Awarding CLEP Credit

• Southeastern University recommends that degree-seeking students interested in CLEP credit complete the CLEP by the end of their sophomore year.

• Official CLEP scores must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar before the student’s 90th hour of earned credit for evaluation.

• To receive credit, a minimum scaled score at or above an established national percentile must be earned on each area tested. Details are available at www.collegeboard.com.  

• To receive credit for a qualified CLEP test, a degree-seeking (Associate’s or Bachelor’s) SEU student must not be currently enrolled in, have completed, or earned a “W” in an equivalent or more advanced course.

• Twenty-five percent of college courses must be earned through Southeastern University.

• Credit cannot be duplicated.

• For non-SEU students, please contact your host institution regarding CLEP eligibility.

Testing Conditions

To receive credit a CLEP test must be taken before a student earns credit in a comparable college/university course or subject area. Credit cannot be duplicated. To receive credit, a minimum scaled score at or above an established national percentile must be earned on each area tested. Details are available at www.collegeboard.com. Official CLEP scores must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar before the student’s 90th hour of earned credit for evaluation. Seniors are not allowed to receive CLEP credit. No grade or quality points are assigned for awarded credit. A maximum of 45 semester hours of credit may be earned through any combination of the following: AP, CLEP, IB, Military, Credit by Assessment, Credit by Examination, or Specialized Training/Certification that are approved by the Registrar.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

Students who have received the International Baccalaureate Diploma and have earned a score of four or better in the higher level and standard level examinations may qualify for credit for subjects taken. Without the earned diploma, a score of five is required and credit is only given for higher level examinations. No grade or quality points are assigned for awarded credit. Applicants may submit official IB scores to the Office of the Registrar for evaluation.  Request transcripts from www.IBO.org.  A maximum of 45 semester hours of credit may be earned through any combination of the following: AP, CLEP, IB, Military, Credit by Assessment, Credit by Examination or Specialized Training/Certification that are approved by the Registrar.

Credit for Military Education

Veterans who have successfully completed courses in the military service training program may submit a record of the courses to the Registrar for review. The amount of credit granted will not exceed that recommended by the American Council on Education in the “Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Forces.” No credit is awarded for technical or vocational training. No grade or quality points are assigned for awarded credit. A grade of “CR” is recorded. Students must submit an official transcript available from the military. AARTS Transcripts are for Army and Army National Guard personnel and reservists.  Request transcripts from http://aarts.army.mil/. SMART transcripts are for Navy and Marine Corp personnel.  Request transcripts from https://www.navycollege.navy.mil/transcript.html.  A maximum of 45 semester hours of credit may be earned through any combination of the following: AP, CLEP, IB, Military, Credit by Assessment, Credit by Examination or Specialized Training/Certification that are approved by the Registrar.

Credit by Assessment

Credit by Assessment is a means to gain credit for courses offered at Southeastern University by demonstrating knowledge of the course content. Students enrolled at Southeastern University who wish to attempt credit by examination or other appropriate assessments, or to challenge a course in which they are enrolled, may petition the Department Chair or Dean of the college for the opportunity to demonstrate competency in the usual material covered in the course. The petition must be approved by the Department Chair or Dean of the college. The Department Chair and/or Dean of the college will determine if a standardized test is appropriate. The testing instrument will become part of the student’s academic record.

For the successful petition, the examination or assessment will be scheduled at the convenience of the Office of Testing and Proctoring Services.  At the equivalent minimum grade of “C” earned on the examination or assessment, a grade of “CR” will be recorded on the student’s academic record for the subject tested. Credit by Assessment fees must be paid prior to test administration. Credit by Assessment forms are available in the Office of the Registrar.

Hours earned through the Credit by Assessment method, including through Prior Learning Assessment, may not exceed 25% of any degree program (a maximum of 15 credit hours may be awarded for an Associate’s degree; maximum of 30 credit hours may be awarded for a Bachelor’s degree).  A maximum of 45 semester hours of credit may be earned through any combination of the following: AP, CLEP, IB, Military, Credit by Assessment, Credit by Examination or Specialized Training/Certification that are approved by the Registrar.

Prior Learning Assessment

Students with significant experience in a subject area that could possibly be aligned with a course at a college or university may be able to gain credit through the prior learning assessment process. For guidance through the process, read the document, Prior Learning Assessment Instructions and the Prior Learning Assessment Handbook, located in the SEU catalog.  

At the equivalent minimum grade of “C” earned on the assessment, a grade of “CR” will be recorded on the student’s academic record for the subject. Prior Learning Assessment fees must be paid prior to the credit posting to the student’s transcript record. 

Hours earned through the Prior Learning Assessment method may not exceed 25% of any degree program (a maximum of 15 credit hours may be awarded for an Associate’s degree; maximum of 30 credit hours may be awarded for a Bachelor’s degree).  A maximum of 45 semester hours of credit may be earned through any combination of the following: AP, CLEP, IB, Military, Credit by Assessment, Credit by Examination or Specialized Training/Certification that are approved by the Registrar.

Policy for Virginia Students. Students with significant experience in a subject area that could possibly be aligned with a course at a college or university may be able to gain credit through the prior learning assessment process. For guidance through the process, read the document, Student Instructions on Gaining Credit through PLA (Prior Learning Assessment) and the Prior Learning Assessment Handbook. A maximum of 36 semester hours of credit may be earned through any combination of the following: AP, CLEP, IB, Military, Credit by Assessment, Credit by Examination or Specialized Training/Certification that are approved by the Office of the Registrar.

Transfer of Credit from Other Institutions

Southeastern University (SEU) and the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) share a common mission of providing Christian higher education for the future leaders of the church and the wider world.

 SEU has thoroughly vetted ABHE requirements for its member institutions relative to curriculum, faculty credentials, assessment, governance, student records and other standard accreditation compliance issues. SEU’s provost, vice president of institutional research and effectiveness, and other accreditation and compliance team members have visited the ABHE headquarters in Orlando, Florida on two occasions, meeting with its president and chief accreditation officer at length in order to verify the equivalence of its academic quality, standards, and practices with regional SACSCOC standards. ABHE’s president and other representatives of the organization have visited SEU and met with our academic and administrative teams. (ABHE’s accreditation standards are attached at the link below.)

 Our findings are that ABHE standards are equal to that of SACSCOC with regard to the key areas mentioned above as well as other areas such as facilities, financial reporting, strategic planning, etc. Based on our shared mission and ongoing relationship (SEU is an associate member of ABHE) as well as the quality of ABHE’s standards and practices, the following statement regarding acceptance of credit from ABHE schools can be found in the SEU catalog:

 Southeastern University accepts ABHE accreditation for transfer credit into SEU programs. All courses, credits, and faculty credentials must be vetted by SEU staff for approval. Southeastern University retains the right to approve or deny acceptance of individual students into its degree programs based on its published admission criteria. Southeastern University also retains the right to approve or deny specific substitutions of courses for SEU courses.

ABHE Accreditation Standards: http://www.abhecoa.org/forms.abhe.org/webdocs/Institutional%20Accreditation%20Standards.pdf

General Conditions for All Credit Transfer

• New transfer students must submit an official transcript from all previous institutions by the end of the student’s first semester in order to have credit transferred in.

• An official transcript must be submitted in a sealed envelope or electronically delivered from the college or university. We will not accept an opened transcript as official.  Southeastern University requires all college-level work to be represented on an officially approved and sealed transcript from the originating institution in order to award credit for transferred courses.

• Credits accepted in transfer must be graded with a “C” (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) or higher.

• Courses accepted in transfer are calculated into the student’s GPA.

• 25% of credit for any program must be earned at Southeastern University.

• To take credits through another institution while enrolled in a degree program at Southeastern University, a student must obtain transient approval to have credits accepted from another institution.

Transfer Practices

1. The Transfer Credit Practices of Designated Educational Institutions published by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers is referenced.

2. The university reserves the right to deny credit for specific courses from any college or university, regardless of accreditation.

3. Credits earned by degree-seeking students at an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association or the Association of Biblical Education are transferred on an unconditional basis with the exception of developmental, vocational, technical, or occupational courses.

4. Southeastern University will normally only accept in transfer credits earned at an institution which is regionally accredited or complies with article one of this transfer policy.

5. Students who are transferring from an unaccredited institution may petition the Office of the Registrar for an exception to the policy by appealing to have their credits evaluated through a Credit Evaluation Worksheet.  The Office of the Registrar will send a Credit Evaluation Worksheet with the courses eligible for evaluation. The Credit Evaluation Worksheet must be returned with all requested information to the Office of the Registrar.  A positive evaluation is essential for the credit to be accepted. Southeastern University recognizes that quality instruction and learning can and does take place in non-traditional settings, but the university is also committed to the concept that coursework transferred or accepted for credit must represent collegiate coursework relevant to the degree being sought, with course content and level of instruction resulting in student competencies at least equivalent to those of students enrolled in Southeastern University’s own degree programs.

   1. To facilitate the evaluation of the student’s credits, he or she will be asked to supply the following documentation:

      • an official transcript;

      • full course descriptions form the awarding institution;

      • information regarding the credentials of instructors;

      • information regarding course contact hours;

      • information regarding textbooks used;

      • any other documentation deemed necessary by the Registrar or the department in which the course of study is being pursued, for example, exams, research papers, original course syllabus, and other relevant documents by which the rigor of the course may be determined by the appropriate faculty or evaluator at Southeastern University.

   2. A maximum of 15 credit hours at the Associate degree level or 30 credit hours at the bachelor degree level may be accepted in transfer and are normally applicable to general education requirements or electives in any given degree program. Courses may be applied to general education or major requirements upon the advice and consent of the appropriate department chair or dean of the college and the Registrar.

   3. The student must provide scores from ACT or SAT to demonstrate the ability to work at the baccalaureate level.

6. International credits must come from a college or university recognized by the country’s department of education or ministry. Credits will only be reviewed after an official transcript has been submitted to the Office of the Registrar and an evaluation has been performed by an approved independent evaluation service. Contact the Office of the Registrar for a list of approved service providers. The student is responsible for the cost of this service.

7. Southeastern University does not generally accept credit given by one institution for another institution’s transferred credits.

8. Credits eligible for transfer will not be removed at a student’s request.

Transfer Credit Appeals

Transfer students have the right to appeal transfer credit decisions made by the Office of the Registrar. The student must write a letter of appeal accompanied by any additional documentation requested by the Office of the Registrar. The appeal will be reviewed by the appropriate academic department chair/college dean with additional documentation and the student will be notified of the decision rendered.

Transfer of Credit to Other Institutions

The transferability of credits earned at Southeastern University is at the discretion of the receiving college, university, or other educational institution. Students considering transferring to any institution should not assume that credits earned in any program of study at Southeastern University will be accepted by the receiving institution. Similarly, the ability of a degree, certificate, diploma, or other academic credential earned at Southeastern University to satisfy an admission requirement of another institution is at the discretion of the receiving institution.

Accreditation does not guarantee credentials or credits earned at Southeastern University will be accepted by or transferred to another institution. To minimize the risk of having to repeat coursework, students should contact the receiving institution in advance for evaluation and determination of transferability of credits and/or acceptability of degrees, diplomas, or certificates earned.

Degree Requirements

A candidate for the associate’s or bachelor’s degree must complete the required number of hours for his/her chosen degree program with an overall average grade of 2.0 in order to graduate. Various colleges and departments within the university may require a higher GPA to qualify for graduation. Refer to the program of study section of the catalog for details. Each candidate for a degree must complete the required foundational education core, including 6 hours of college-level math and 6 hours of English Composition, unless ACT or SAT scores qualify the student for an exemption from English Composition I. Each candidate for a degree must complete the required foundational education core, discipleship/community service requirements and major requirements in the selected program of study. Students seeking teacher certification must complete requirements in appropriate professional education and teaching specialization courses.

Degree requirements are based on the requirements in effect at the time the student first declares a major. Students may elect to complete the requirements in effect at the time the student first declares the major or they may elect to complete the requirements of the current catalog. The degree requirements of the current catalog must be applied for all students who are readmitted to degree seeking status and have not attended Southeastern University for two or more semesters.

Candidates for the associate’s and bachelor’s degree must complete 25 percent of their program of study at Southeastern University.

Dual Major vs. Dual Degree

A dual major is a program of study that meets the requirements of two distinct majors in a Bachelor’s degree. The program of study consists of courses required to meet the degree requirements for each of the two majors, together with the foundational core courses needed to meet the general education requirements for the degree. The minimum number of credit hours required for a dual major equals the total number of credit hours required for the major comprising the larger number of credit hours for the degree; however the student may be required to complete additional credit hours to fulfill the second major core when the major core exceeds the general elective core of the primary major.  Students must complete both majors prior to degree conferral.
Dual major programs lead to a single Bachelor’s degree when both majors are the same degree type (ie. Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Science).   Students who complete the requirements for a double major in the same degree type receive a single diploma that acknowledges both majors.
Dual major programs that lead to two Bachelor’s degrees upon completion (ie. Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts) will receive two separate diplomas acknowledging each major upon degree conferral.

Confidentiality of Student Records

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.
FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children’s education records. These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level, except in certain specified circumstances. One of these exceptions permits the nonconsensual disclosure of information derived from education records to that student’s parent if the student is a dependent for tax purposes. Neither the age of the student, nor the parent’s status as custodial parent, is relevant to determining whether disclosure of information from the education records of eligible students to a parent without written consent is permissible under FERPA. If a student is claimed as a dependent by either parent for tax purposes, then either parent may have access under this provision, absent a court order specifically prohibiting it.Students to whom the rights have transferred are “eligible students.”

• Eligible students have the right to inspect and review their education records maintained by Southeastern University. SEU is not required to provide copies of records unless, for reasons such as great distance, it is impossible for parents or eligible students to review the records.
• Eligible students have the right to request that SEU correct records which they believe to be inaccurate or misleading.
• Generally, SEU must have written permission from the student in order to release any information from a student’s education record. However, FERPA allows schools to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions (34 CFR § 99.31):
  • School officials with legitimate educational interest;
  • Other schools to which a student is transferring;
  • Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes;
  • Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student;
  • Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school;
  • Accrediting organizations;
  • To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena;
  • Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; and
  • State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law.

Schools may disclose, without consent, “directory” information such as a student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance. SEU notifies students annually of their rights under FERPA.

Disclosure of Information in Health and Safety Emergency

Based on 34 FERPA CRF 99.36, an educational agency or institution may disclose personally identifiable information from an education record to appropriate parties, including parents of an eligible student, in connection with an emergency if knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals.

SEU may include in the education records of a student appropriate information concerning disciplinary action taken against the student for conduct that posed a significant risk to the safety or well-being of that student, other students, or other members of the school community;

SEU officials may disclose appropriate information to teachers and school officials within the institution who it has been determined have legitimate educational interests in the behavior of the student; or

SEU officials may disclose appropriate information to teachers and school officials in other schools who have been determined to have legitimate educational interests in the behavior of the student.

SEU officials may take into account the totality of the circumstances pertaining to a threat to the health or safety of a student or other individuals, in making this decision. If the institution determines that there is an articulable and significant threat to the health or safety of a student or other individuals, it may disclose information from education records to any person whose knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals.

Graduation

Application

In order to graduate, a student must fulfill the following responsibilities by the deadline provided by the Office of the Registrar. Students gain a thorough understanding of these requirements in the published graduation documents in MySEU.

• Clear all incomplete grades in courses;

• Provide transcripts of all transferred courses by the semester deadlines that are 6 weeks before graduation;

• Complete the exit exam required for student’s major;

• Have no departmental holds on the student’s account;

• Meet all academic requirements, non-academic, and program-specific requirements to graduate.

Students on academic probation or otherwise academically deficient will not be eligible to apply for graduation or participate in commencement until the condition of probation or deficiency is removed.

Senior Degree Audit Policy

Students who have earned 96 credit hours and are within one year of graduation must file an Application for Graduation Form to the Office of the Registrar. Graduation advisors in the Office of Academic Advising use this application to process and complete a student’s graduation degree audit.

A degree audit is an outline of degree requirements based on a specific catalog year that enables the student and his/her advisor to assess the student’s academic progress and additional coursework needed to fulfill specific minor, undergraduate and graduate requirements. The audit is a valuable tool in guiding students in the right direction towards academic planning, course selection and degree completion.

How to Complete an Application for Graduation

1. Obtain and submit an electronic Application for Graduation Form from the Graduation Information page on MySEU.
    

2. After the request form is submitted, an official graduation audit will be processed and completed by a graduation advisor. The student will receive an email from the advisor directing him/her to contact them to review the analysis of the degree audit, highlighting final degree requirements for the student. All final academic requirements specified on this audit must be completed in order for the student to graduate.

Honors

Honors recognition is made at commencement based on the cumulative grade point average at the end of the penultimate semester. If the grades of the final semester change a student’s honors status, the correct status is noted on the official transcript.

A transfer student must complete a minimum of 45 semester hours of credit at Southeastern University to be considered for honors. In addition, the hours and quality points accumulated at previous schools will be averaged with the Southeastern GPA to determine the GPA for honors recognition.

A candidate for the bachelor’s degree will graduate with honors as follows:

• Cum laude (honors) -cumulative grade point average of 3.50-3.74

• Magna cum laude (high honors) -cumulative grade point average of 3.75-3.89

• Summa cum laude (highest honors) -cumulative grade point average of 3.90-4.00

Adornment

Honor cords and approved medallions are the only graduation adornment that graduates will be allowed to wear at official graduation ceremonies of Southeastern University. Graduation stoles, decorations, or other adornment are not permitted. Honor cords should represent high academic achievement by graduates as recognized through their respective departments and colleges. Membership in departmental honor societies may also be represented by appropriate honor cords.

Recognition of Academic Excellence

Alpha Chi

Alpha Chi is a national honor scholarship society which promotes academic achievement, ethical character, and professional advancement. Members of this society must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher, comprise no more than 10% of junior and senior classes, and be elected to the society by the faculty. Alpha Chi sponsors forums, seminars, scholarships for students, and regional and national conventions for the exchange of scholarly papers and for professional networking.

Alpha Phi Sigma

Alpha Phi Sigma recognizes academic excellence of Undergraduate and Graduate students of Criminal Justice, as well as Juris Doctorate students.

The four goals of Alpha Phi Sigma are to honor and promote academic excellence, community service, educational leadership, and unity.

Alpha Phi Sigma is the only Criminal Justice Honor Society which is a certified member of the Association of College Honor Societies and affiliated with the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.

Southeastern University’s assigned chapter name is Pi Beta Kappa. This chapter has been organized to promote the highest standards of criminal justice practice and to recognize and promote the four goals of Alpha Phi Sigma.  

Student members must have declared a major in Criminal Justice and must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5.

Dean’s Honor

Southeastern honors students who excel academically may qualify for the Dean’s Honor List. To qualify, a student must be enrolled for 12 hours or more and attain or surpass a scholastic average of 3.5 from the previous semester of enrollment. Letters of Achievement are awarded to honor students who demonstrate good Christian character, attitude, and sincerity in all areas of university life.

Delta Mu Delta

Delta Mu Delta is a business honor society that recognizes and encourages academic excellence of students at qualifying colleges and universities to create a DMD community that fosters the well-being of its individual members and the business community through lifetime membership.

Military Honor Cord

A red/white/blue cord designates faculty or graduating students who are honorably discharged U.S. veterans, are currently serving in the U.S. military (active duty, National Guard, or Reserves), or will be commissioned upon graduation.

Psi Chi

Psi Chi, the national honor society in psychology, promotes excellence in scholarship and advancement in the science of psychology. Qualification for membership requires the completion of three semesters, or the equivalent, of college or university courses, completion of nine semester hours or the equivalent toward a declared major or minor in psychology, a 3.0 GPA in psychology courses, a cumulative 3.0 GPA, and rank in the upper 35% of their class in general scholarship.

Sigma Chi Pi

Sigma Chi Pi, the honor society for the Alliance for Assemblies of God Christian Higher Education, accepts into membership qualified graduates from Southeastern University. Nominations for membership are restricted to no more than seven percent of the graduating class and are made by the Registrar. Qualifications for membership require a scholastic average of not less than 3.5 on a four point system, or the equivalent, approved Christian character, and diligent servant leadership.

Graduation Requirements

To receive a graduate degree from Southeastern University, students must meet the minimum graduation requirements set forth by the University along with specific requirements established by the degree program. Each individual degree may specify additional requirements; the University Catalog lists these requirements under the respective degree programs.

The student is responsible to know and comply with the regulations and requirements contained in the catalog(s). Graduate academic advisors are helpful in preparing degree plans and assisting students in their degree progress, but the primary responsibility is the student’s. The following are the minimum requirements for all programs:

1. Completion of an approved program of study (programs are described in Programs of Study)

2. For master’s degree: completion of all undergraduate prerequisites or co-requisites as applicable to the program of study with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.

3. Successful completion of required hours for the chosen graduate program with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale computed on all graduate work taken at Southeastern University or transferred. 

   1. No grade of less than C- and no more than six semester hours with the letter grade of C-, C or C+ earned at Southeastern University will be accepted as credit for any graduate degree. 

   2. No course with the grade of less than B (3.0) will be accepted as transfer credit. 

   3. Any course in which a grade of C- or less was received may be repeated no more than one time.

4. Completion of all degree requirements, which were in effect at the time of the student’s initial entrance into the program or which are currently in effect – within a period of seven years for master’s programs and six years for doctoral programs.

5. Approval by the graduate faculty for graduation as certified by the dean of the college in which the program is offered by completion of an approved Graduation Degree Audit and filing the audit report with the Registrar.

6. Discharge of all financial obligations to the University. All financial holds must be cleared.

7. The filing of all necessary forms including the Application for Graduation in accordance with the timetable provided in the program schedule.

8. For master’s degrees: successful completion of the graduate program’s comprehensive examination(s), if any. These examinations are taken in the final semester or term of the program.

9. Successful completion of the graduate program’s specific thesis, dissertation, or capstone project requirements, if any, including the successful completion of the oral defense of the thesis, dissertation, or project, if required.

10. Successful completion of the residency requirement, if required.

Legal Name Changes

Students and former students/alumni may submit documentation of a legal name change to the Office of the Registrar. A color copy of the Social Security Card, Driver’s License, or passport indicating the new name is required. Current students submit the documentation through Student Information System; alumni submit the documentation to the Alumni Office.

Constitution Day

Pursuant to federal regulations, (Division J of Pub. L. 108-447, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005,” Dec. 8, 2004; 118 Stat. 2809, 3344-45 Section 111), Southeastern University sponsors a Constitution Day annually, open to students and members of the community, with political and government representatives as featured speakers. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to attend.