Academic Requirements

Certain conditions concerning the number and level of courses required, the patterns they must follow, the amount of time to be spent as a full-time student, grades and conduct have been established by the University Senate for all University of Kentucky students who are pursuing a degree. Those which relate to academic requirements are listed below. Others will be found in the University Senate Rules, pertinent portions of which are printed in the booklet Student Rights and Responsibilities, which is available to all students through the Dean of Students Office.

Student Load

With the exceptions noted below, the maximum load to be carried during any semester by an undergraduate student (including courses taken on an audit basis) shall be 19 credit hours.

The maximum allowable load to be carried during any summer term/session for undergraduate students (including residence or audit courses) shall be nine (9) credit hours in the eight-week summer session and four (4) credits in the four-week term, but under no circumstances no more than 13 credits during the summer term and summer session.

Students may be enrolled in a maximum of nine credit hours of classes meeting concurrently during an eight week session. For this purpose, a course meeting for a four-week period during the eight-week session must be counted double. Thus a student may enroll in two consecutive four-week (three credit hours) classes plus one eight week class, or as many as three eight week (three credit hour) classes. A student would not, however, be able to enroll in two four-week (three credit hour) classes meeting concurrently. A student may be enrolled in a maximum of seven credit hours for a six-week summer term.

A student may be permitted by the dean of his or her college to carry such extra credit hours as in the dean’s judgment, based upon the student’s past performance, the student can complete successfully.

A student on academic probation shall take no more than fifteen (15) credit hours in a semester, three (3) credit hours in a four-week term, or seven (7) credit hours in a six- or eight-week session. This rule may be waived by written permission from the student’s academic dean or the dean’s designee. The waiver and the rationale for the waiver must be documented in the student’s record maintained by the college.

Students in the combined Bachelor’s/Master’s or Bachelor’s/Graduate Doctoral degree program (University Scholars Program) shall not take more than 16 credit hours per semester. Permission to exceed that number is subject to approval by the Director of Graduate Studies and the Dean of the Graduate School.

The professional colleges and the Graduate School may set lower maximum loads which are consistent with their degree requirements.

The maximum allowable load to be carried during any summer term for graduate students is nine (9) credit hours in the eight-week summer session and four (4) credit hours in the four-week term. The maximum load for graduate students in any combination of the four- and eight-week sessions/terms shall be twelve (12) credit hours.

A student may be registered simultaneously at the University of Kentucky and at another institution only with the approval of the dean of the college in which the student is registered at the University of Kentucky, the credit hours obtained at the other institution being considered a part of the student’s maximum load. If the simultaneous registration has not been authorized, the transfer of credit from the other institution may be denied.

Classification

Any undergraduate student shall be classified by the Registrar as a freshman if fewer than 30 hours have been completed; as a sophomore upon completion of 30 credit hours; as a junior upon completion of 60 credit hours; and as a senior upon completion of 90 credit hours.

A Law student shall be classified as a second-year student upon completion of 24 credit hours and as a third-year student upon completion of 53 credit hours. However, a Law student is not classified as a second-year student until that student has been in residence at least two semesters, nor as a third-year student until that student has been in residence at least three semesters.

A Pharmacy student shall be classified as a second-year student upon completion of 28 credit hours and as a third-year student upon completion of 56 credit hours.

Credit granted by examinations shall count in determining a student’s classification.

General Grading System

The general grading system uses a series of letters, to which are assigned grade-point values. The system is based neither on an absolute numerical system nor on a distribution curve, but on the following descriptions:

Grade A represents exceptionally high achievement as a result of aptitude, effort, and intellectual initiative. It is valued at four (4) quality points for each credit hour.

Grade B represents a high achievement as a result of ability and effort. It is valued at three (3) quality points for each credit hour.

Grade C represents satisfactory achievement for undergraduates; represents unsatisfactory achievement for graduate students and is the minimum passing grade for which credit is conferred. It is valued at two (2) quality points for each credit hour.

Grade D represents unsatisfactory achievement for undergraduates and is the minimum grade for which credit is conferred; the grade is not to be used for graduate students. It is valued at one (1) quality point for each credit hour.

Grade E represents unsatisfactory performance and failure in the course. It is valued at zero (0) quality points and zero (0) credit hours. A student receiving this grade can obtain credit in the course only by repeating the entire work of the course in class, or by special examination in accordance with the procedures outlined under Special Examinations. In rare cases in which undue hardship is involved in repeating the work in class, the dean of the college in which the student is enrolled may approve repeating the work by correspondence.

Grade P represents a passing grade in a course taken on a Pass/Fail basis. It may also be assigned by the University Appeals Board in cases involving a violation of student academic rights. Credit hours successfully completed under this grade will count towards graduation but will not be used in calculating grade- point averages.

Grade F represents failure in a course taken on a Pass/Fail basis. It is valued at zero (0) quality points and zero (0) credit hours.

Grade AU represents a completion of a course attended on an audit basis. It is valued at zero (0) quality points and zero (0) credit hours.

Grade CR (credit) is a grade assigned to AP or CLEP or bypass work to reflect that credit is granted for a course. Credit hours will count towards graduation but will not be used in calculating grade-point averages.

Grade I (incomplete) means that part of the regularly assigned work of the course remains undone. It shall be conferred only when there is a reasonable possibility that the student can complete the work within the allowable period of time for removal of an I grade and that a passing grade will result from completion of the work. Except under exceptional circumstances, the student shall initiate the request for the I grade. An I grade shall not be conferred when the student’s reason for incompleteness is unsatisfactory to the Instructor of Record.

A grade of I must be replaced by a regular final letter grade not later than 12 months from the end of the academic term in which the I grade was awarded or prior to the student’s graduation, whichever occurs first. The Registrar’s Office shall notify the Instructor of Record at least two months prior to expiration of the allowable period. The Instructor of Record can extend the allowable period for up to an additional 12 months by completing a grade assignment form. If the Instructor of Record is not available, the department chair or dean of the college in which the course is offered may complete a grade assignment form to extend the allowable period for up to 12 months. In the event the grade of I is not replaced by a regular final letter grade within the allowable period, the Registrar shall change the I grade to a grade of E on the student’s permanent academic record and adjust the student’s GPA accordingly. In the event that an I becomes an E, the Instructor of Record may submit a grade assignment form to replace the E within 12 months from the time the E was assigned. A graduate who had an I grade on his or her academic record at the time of graduation (and which grade was subsequently changed to an E by the Registrar) may be allowed a maximum of 12 months following the end of the semester, term or session in which the course was taken to satisfactorily complete the course and receive a grade change.

Each department is responsible for recording information for each incomplete, specifying:

1. the student name and student number;
2. the course and section number, hours of credit, semester, year, Instructor of Record;
3. the work to be completed and basis for grading;
4. the time frame for completing the incomplete (not exceeding 12 months); and
5. documentation that the student has been advised of the conditions for removing the incomplete.

This information shall be filed with the department chair or chair’s designee. It is preferable that the information be signed and dated both by the student and the Instructor of Record. A standard form is available at the University Senate website, but each department is welcome to create its own form and scheme for recording this information.

The Instructor of Record shall provide a completed copy of this record to the student and the department chair at the time the I grade is reported. The term student in this context excludes only students in the Graduate School and the Colleges of Medicine and Dentistry.

Grade IP represents satisfactory work in progress in courses carrying no academic credit. It is valued at zero (0) quality points and zero (0) credit hours. The grade IP may be recorded for students in zero-credit courses of research, independent work, or seminar-type, if at the end of a semester the student, because of the nature or size of the project, has been unable to complete the course. The project must be substantially continuous in its progress. When the work is completed, a final grade will be substituted for the IP. This grade may not be conferred to a student who has done unsatisfactory work or to one who has failed to do a reasonable amount of work.

Grade N represents a temporary grade to be submitted for students who have been entered by the Registrar into official class rolls but have never attended class and who have not officially withdrawn. The Registrar shall remove their names from the official class roll and the student’s enrollment in the class shall not be recorded in the student’s official academic record. (As a temporary mark, N carries no credit hours or quality points).

Grade S represents a final grade in courses carrying no academic credit or in courses used for residency credit or dissertation/thesis credit. It is valued at zero (0) quality points.

Grade SI represents an interim grade in credit-bearing seminars, independent work courses, or research courses if these courses extend beyond the normal limits of a semester or summer term. This grade signifies that both the quality and quantity of the student’s academic work were satisfactory during the applicable term. All SI grades must be replaced by a regular final letter grade prior to the Qualifying Examination or Final Examination for doctoral students or prior to graduation in all other cases As a temporary mark, SI carries no credit hours or quality points.

Grade UI represents an interim grade in credit-bearing seminars, independent work courses, or research courses if these courses extend beyond the normal limits of a semester or summer term. This grade signifies that the quality or the quantity of the student’s academic work was unsatisfactory during the applicable term. All UI grades must be replaced by a regular final letter grade prior to the Qualifying Examination or Final Examination for doctoral students or prior to graduation in all other cases As a temporary mark, UI carries no credit hours or quality points.

Grade UN represents a final grade in courses carrying no academic credit, in graduate residence courses, or as an interim grade in specific types of courses for which a student has done unsatisfactory work or has failed to do a reasonable amount of work. It is valued at zero (0) quality points and zero (0) credit hours.

Grade XE represents failure in a course due to an academic offense. It is valued at zero (0) quality points and zero (0) credit hours. The repeat option may not be exercised for any course in which the grade of XE was received. A grade of XE normally may not be changed to a W by retroactive withdrawal, except upon appeal to the University Appeals Board as prescribed by University Senate Rules.

Grade XF represents failure in a course taken on a Pass/Fail basis due to an academic offense. It is valued at zero (0) quality points and zero (0) credit hours. The repeat option may not be exercised for any course in which the grade of XF was received. A grade of XF may not be changed to a W by retroactive withdrawal, except upon appeal to the University Appeals Board as prescribed by University Senate Rules.

Grade W denotes withdrawal from class. It may be assigned by the University Appeals Board in cases involving a violation of student academic rights. It is valued at zero (0) quality points and zero (0) credit hours.

Grade Z. The grade Z means that the student has made significant progress but needs and deserves more time to achieve a passing level. The student should reenroll in the course in order to continue advancement to a level of competence set for the course. Re-enroll grades may be assigned only for development courses numbered 000-099.

Official Withdrawal from a Course: A student may withdraw from a class, or from the University, after the withdrawal period but through the last day of classes for the semester/session/term upon approval by the dean of the student’s college of a petition certifying urgent non-academic reasons including but not limited to:

1. illness or injury of the student;
2. serious personal or family problems;
3. serious financial difficulties; or
4. having excused absences for the dates and times associated with more than one-fifth of the required interactions in a course.

Before acting on such a petition, the dean will consult with the Instructor of Record of the class. The dean may not delegate the authority to approve or deny a petition to withdraw to the University Registrar or to any other agency external to his or her college. If such a petition is approved by the dean of the student’s college, the dean shall inform in writing the Instructor of Record of the class of his/her action, and the student shall be assigned a grade of “W”.

Unilateral removal for failure to attend a course. If from the first day of classes to the last day to add a class, inclusive, students neither show evidence of participation in the course nor notify the Instructor of Record of their intent to complete the course, the Instructor of Record may report these students to the Registrar who shall remove the students from the class roll and who shall inform such students that they have been removed. The students will have no record of the class appear on their transcripts.

Withdrawal to Enter Military Service: Students who withdraw (and within ten (10) days enter the Armed Services either mandatorily or voluntarily) after completing the twelfth week of the semester, the third week of the four week summer term, or the sixth week of the 8 week summer session, or later, shall be entitled to receive full credit and residence for the course. The grade report shall be that attained in the course up to the time of withdrawal. If, with the credit and residence time granted, the student has fulfilled all requirements for a degree, the student shall be recommended for that degree by the University Senate. If a comprehensive course examination is required for graduation, this requirement shall be waived.

Retroactive Withdrawal: Typically, a student may withdraw from a given semester only if the withdrawal is from all classes. A grade of E or XE assigned as a result of an academic offense may be changed to a W only by a petition to the University Appeals Board and only after a retroactive withdrawal for the semester in which the grade was assigned is granted. The student must demonstrate that the hardships enumerated in the request for the Retroactive Withdrawal also resulted in the academic offense in a manner that the student’s culpability was severely diminished as a result.

Requests for retroactive withdrawals shall be made of the Dean of the college in which the student was enrolled at the time the classes were taken. The complete request shall be made before a student has graduated and not later than two calendar years from the last day of class for the semester for which the withdrawal is requested, unless the Senate Retroactive Withdrawal Appeals Committee votes to waive the two year limit. The fully complete request shall be submitted using the University Senate Retroactive Withdrawal Application, which includes a form on which an instructor can offer feedback, along with the documentation required by the University Senate as described on that form. Retroactive withdrawals may be granted only when the student has demonstrated satisfactory evidence that the student has incurred:

1. a serious injury or illness;
2. serious personal or family problems;
3. serious financial difficulties; or
4. permanent disability verified by the Disability Resource Center and diagnosed after the semester for which the withdrawal is requested.

Retroactive withdrawal from a class in which an XE or XF has been imposed shall not be granted.

Audit. Students who register for an audit do so for reasons other than fulfilling explicit requirements. They must come to individual agreements with the instructor as to what responsibilities they will be expected to perform. Normally, students who audit would be expected to do the readings and attend class; they may be required to enter more fully into the class work. In any case, they will receive no credit hours or grades. Any change from audit to credit or credit to audit by a student regularly enrolled in a college must be accomplished within three (3) weeks from the beginning of classes in the fall or spring semester (or a proportionate amount of time in the summer term/session or other courses of less than a full semester’s duration). No credit can be conferred for a class audited nor is a student permitted to take an examination for credit except for the special examinations described under “Special Examinations”. A student who initially enrolls in a class as an auditor must attend at least 80 percent of the classes in the course (excluding excused absences). If a student changes her or his enrollment from credit to audit, s/he must attend at least 80 percent of the remaining classes (excluding excused absences). If an auditor fails to attend the requisite number of classes, the Instructor of Record may request that the Dean of the instructor’s college award a grade of W for that course and the Dean shall report the grade to the Registrar. No instructor is authorized to admit anyone as an auditor to any classes unless the auditor has registered as such.

Repeat Option

An undergraduate student has the option to repeat once as many as three different completed courses (including special exams as described below) with only the grade, credit hours, and quality points for the second completion used in computing the student’s academic standing and credit for graduation. The limit of three repeat options holds for a student’s entire undergraduate career (including when academic bankruptcy is exercised as described below), no matter how many degrees or programs are attempted. A student may not use the repeat option when retaking a course on a Pass/Fail basis if the course was originally taken for a letter grade. A student may use a repeat option when repeating a course for a letter grade if the course was originally taken pass/fail.

A student exercising the repeat option must consult the student’s advisor and must notify the Office of the Registrar. A student may exercise the repeat option at any time prior to graduation and must be enrolled at UK.

If a student officially withdraws from the second attempt, then the grade, credit hours, and quality points for the first completion constitute the grade in that course for official purposes. Permission to attempt again the same course may only be granted by the Instructor of Record and the dean of the college in which the student is enrolled. (Note: The repeat option cannot be used to raise the student’s standing for admission to the University of Kentucky Graduate School.)

The repeat option may be exercised only the second time a student takes a course for a letter grade, not a subsequent time (excluding audits).

The repeat option shall not be exercised for any course in which the grade of XE or XF was received.

Prohibition of Duplicate Credit for Undergraduate and Graduate Students

A student may earn credit hours and associated quality points for a course only once unless the course is designated as repeatable. A student who nonetheless has enrolled more than once for the same nonrepeatable course will be awarded credit hours and associated quality points only for the first time the course is completed during the student’s academic career, regardless of the source (e.g. transfer, A.P., etc.) unless the student properly exercises the Repeat Option.

• The dean of a student’s college may elect to count the grades of subsequent attempts for selective admission purposes only, and not for calculating the grade-point average for graduation or any other purpose.
• The Graduate Faculty Rules, as codified in the Graduate Bulletin, concerning the repeat option are in force and must be applied by the Registrar to all students enrolled in particular graduate degree program, or while in postbaccalaureate status.

Pass/Fail Option

Undergraduate students above the freshman level and not on academic probation may select a maximum of four (4) elective courses, with certain restrictions, to be taken on a Pass/Fail basis. Students in the Lewis Honors College above the freshman level may, with advance written approval of the Dean of the Lewis Honors College, select additional elective courses to be taken on a Pass/Fail basis. Credit hours successfully completed under this option shall count toward graduation but shall not be used in calculating GPA.

Courses taken on a Pass/Fail basis (including transfer courses) shall be limited to those considered as elective in the student’s program and such other courses or types of courses as might be specifically approved by the Senate Council for a college or department. Prerequisites for such courses may be waived with the consent of the Instructor of Record. Students are expected to participate fully in these courses and to take all examinations. Any student may change his or her grading option (Pass/Fail to letter grade or letter grade to Pass/Fail; credit to audit or audit to credit) within three (3) weeks from the beginning of classes in the fall or spring semester (or a proportionate amount of time in the summer term/ session or other courses of less than a full semester’s duration). After such time, a student may not change his or her grading option without the express approval of the student’s academic dean or the dean’s designee. The waiver and the rationale for the waiver must be documented in the student’s record in the college.

Courses offered only on a Pass/Fail basis shall not be included in the maximum number of elective courses which a student may take under these provisions.

The Instructor of Record shall not be notified by the Office of the University Registrar or by another office of the University of those students who are taking the course Pass/Fail. However, if an Instructor of Record is also the student’s designated academic advisor, then the Instructor of Record shall have access to a student’s Pass/Fail status in a course for the purpose of advising the student.

The Instructor of Record shall submit a regular letter grade to the Registrar’s Office which will take the appropriate action to change the grade into Pass/Fail grading track for records. Neither a grade of P nor a grade of F shall be taken into consideration in calculating a student’s GPA, except as described in Senate Rule 5.1.2.1.

Giving a P/F credit for AP tests and for CLEP tests does not mean that students may elect to take a required course for P/F. If the student elects to take the course he or she must get a letter grade to satisfy the UK Core requirements.

Temporary Notations

Course in Progress. Three dashes (—) appear in a grade report prepared during the term in which the student is enrolled in the course. It is to be replaced by a final grade. The Registrar shall notify all unit or program heads at the end of each semester regarding “Course in Progress” notations (—) in all courses offered by that unit or program. The unit or program head shall have six weeks from the date of notification by the Registrar to assign a grade in the course. If no change is made by the unit or program head, the “Course in Progress” notation (—) will be replaced with a “Missing Grade” notation (***).

Missing Grade. Three asterisks (***) appear in a grade report when no grade has been reported to the Registrar. The Registrar shall notify all unit or program heads at the end of each semester or term regarding all “Missing Grade” notations (***) in all courses offered by that unit or program. If a missing grade notation can be replaced with a grade, it should be done as promptly as possible.

Procedures for Changing Temporary Notations. The unit or program head will consult, if possible, with the Instructor of Record for the course when assigning a grade. The Registrar shall notify the student at the student’s address of record of any assignment of a grade. Appeals shall be taken to the Academic Ombud.

Grade-Point Average (GPA)

GPA is the ratio of the number of quality points gained to the number of credit hours (whether earned or not) in courses for which the grades A, B, C, D, or E were conferred, excluding grades in developmental or remedial courses.

If a student repeats a course in which a grade of B or better has been received, any subsequent grades of B or better and credit hours earned for those courses (if any) shall be ignored in computing the student’s grade-point average, unless the repeat option has been exercised according to Rule 5.3.1.1. A student does not repeat a course within the meaning of this rule if he or she only repeats the same course number where there are multiple topics, subtitles, independent study, or other courses allowed by the student’s program using a common course number.

Credit hours are considered as earned only if a grade of A, B, C, D, P, or S was conferred.

Exceptions to the Grading System

Design and Landscape Architecture

Students enrolled in courses numbered 800 or higher in the College of Design or the Program in Landscape Architecture in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment shall be conferred the following grades with the respective quality point value indicated:

The use of the plus-minus system does not change any college or university GPA requirement, nor the method by which GPAs are computed, nor the interpretations of other grades awarded, such as F, I, P, W, and S.

All students enrolled in courses using the plus/minus grading system will have the appropriate point value calculated into their GPA regardless of their college of origin.

In the Program in Landscape Architecture, students must earn a C grade or better in major design studios in order to advance to the next level in the curriculum.

College of Dentistry

An A, B+ or a B is within the expected range of performance. A C is a marginal level of performance. To remain in good academic standing and to graduate, a student must maintain a grade-point average (GPA) of 2.75 or more. Student performance will be reported to the University Registrar’s Office as follows:

A represents exceptionally high level of performance; four (4) quality points are awarded to each credit hour.

B+ represents a high level of performance; three and one-half (3.5) quality points are awarded for each credit hour.

B represents the minimum expected level of performance; three (3) quality points are awarded for each credit hour.

C represents a marginal level of performance; two (2) quality points are awarded for each credit hour.

E represents an unacceptable level of performance; zero (0) quality points are awarded for each credit hour.

P represents a passing grade in courses taken on a Pass/Fail basis. It is not used in GPA calculations.

F represents an unacceptable level of performance in courses taught on a Pass/ Fail basis. It is not used in GPA calculations.

I - incomplete - course objectives have not been completed during the allotted course time due to circumstances usually beyond the student’s control. An I grade shall be conferred only when there is a reasonable possibility that a passing grade will result when work is completed. An I must be replaced by another grade within 12 months or before graduation, whichever occurs sooner. After this period, an I grade will automatically convert to an E or an F grade as appropriate.

W - withdrawn - this grade will be awarded to a student who withdraws from a course or from the college. It shall be awarded only after recommendation by the Academic Performance Committee and approval by the dean.

College of Law

The College of Law uses a special letter grading system in which the following grades are conferred with the respective quality point values indicated:

A student’s academic grade record is expressed as a grade-point average computed by multiplying the semester hours of credit for each course by the quality point value of the grade received in the course. These products are added together, and the sum is divided by the total semester hours attempted. The grade-point average thus derived is the basis for each student’s academic status as indicated in the published rules and policies of the College of Law Faculty.

Selected College of Law courses are graded on a Pass/Fail basis, and law students enrolled in courses enrolled in graduate school courses for which the College of Law grants credit toward graduation are treated by the College of Law as Pass/Fail courses. A failing grade (F) in any Pass/Fail course in the College of Law or any graduate school course in which a student in the College of Law enrolls for credit toward graduation from the College of Law will be taken into account at a quality point value of zero (0) in computing the student’s grade-point average.

Limitation on Pass-Fail Units Creditable for College of Law Students

In determining the number of hours credited toward the requirement for the J.D. degree:

1. No more than 6 hours of graduate courses outside of the College of Law shall be counted. All such courses must be approved by the faculty in advance. The College of Law will assign a grade of P if a student receives an “A” or “B” in the course; the College of Law will assign an “E” if the student receives a C, D, or E.
2. No more than 9 hours of courses in the College of Law that are offered on a pass-fail basis shall be counted.
3. No more than 12 of the total number of pass-fail credit hours, whether earned under 1. (above) or under 2. (above) shall be counted.
4. No more than one graduate course outside the College of Law, graded on a pass-fail basis, may be credited in any one semester.

Students in joint degree programs may only take up to nine pass-fail course credit hours in the College of Law and may take no courses outside the College of Law for credit toward the J.D.

College of Medicine

All professional program (MD degree) courses in the College of Medicine will determine a minimum level of competency. Students will receive one of the grades below.

E represents failure to achieve competency and unacceptable performance in a pass/fail course.

P represents achievement of competency and a passing grade in a pass/fail course.

W denotes withdrawal from the college or from an elective course. W must be approved or recommended by the Student Progress and Promotion Committee. Withdrawal from a required course is not permitted, except when a student withdraws from the college. A student may withdraw from an elective and the W will remain on the record.

I represents incomplete work at the time grades are submitted for courses. It is conferred only when there is a reasonable possibility that achievement of competency will be demonstrated upon completion of the work. All I grades in required courses must be replaced by a passing grade before a student can be promoted to a subsequent year. If a student later withdraws from the College, an outstanding I grade can revert to a W grade at the discretion of the Student Progress and Promotion Committee.

College of Pharmacy - Experiential Course Work

Grades in all experiential course work in the professional curriculum (i.e., Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences, IPPE I and IPPE II; and Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences, APPE) are assigned on the following basis:

PH - Pass with Honors. Represents exceptionally high achievement in all course requirements as a result of aptitude, effort and intellectual initiative. Credit hours under this grade will count towards graduation, but will not be used in calculating grade-point averages.

P - Pass. Represents high achievement as a result of ability and effort and reflects student competence in all course requirements. Credit hours under this grade will count towards graduation, but will not be used in calculating grade-point averages.

F - Fail. Represents a marginal or unsatisfactory level of achievement in any of the course requirements. Credit hours under this grade will not count towards graduation but will be used in calculating grade-point averages.

Other Regulations

Definition of a Major

A major is a primary area of study defined by a set of course and/or credit hour requirements within specified disciplines. Within degree programs, majors may be further defined by requirements in an area of emphasis (also known as an “option”).

Undergraduate Major Requirements

Students at the University of Kentucky who have not chosen a major or been admitted to a selective admissions college and who have earned at least 45 credit hours should meet regularly with an advisor who will help the student to choose a major or seek admission to a selective admissions college. Students at the University of Kentucky who have not chosen a major or been admitted to a selective admissions college and who have earned at least 60 credit hours will not be permitted to register for classes, except registration will be permitted for the following students if they have earned no more than 75 credit hours:

1. Students lacking specific courses to gain admission to a college or to declare a particular major who have a written commitment from the college of their choice to accept them upon successful completion of specified courses;
2. Students who have been dropped from a college for academic reasons, or who have been readmitted or transferred to the University of Kentucky.

This rule may be waived by the dean of the college in which the student is currently enrolled or into which the student wishes to transfer or be readmitted.

Language Limitations for Foreign Students

Students whose native language is other than English and who have had formal instruction in schools of their own country shall not be permitted to take elementary, intermediate or conversation courses or examinations for credit in that language.

Late Registration

After the sixth day of classes for a 15-week semester term or a proportionate number of days for shorter terms as determined and published by the Registrar, no student may register for an organized class without written permission from the student’s academic dean (or dean’s designee) and the course instructor. The college in which the course is listed may require additional approval. The waiver and the rationale for the waiver must be documented in the student’s record in the college.

The Registrar may set a later date for final registration in classes that do not start on the first day of a semester or a summer session, or for the registration of a group of students who were not present at the regular registration time.

Participation in Intercollegiate Athletics

The University accepts the eligibility rules for intercollegiate athletics as set up by the Southeastern Conference, National Collegiate Athletics Association, Region II, the Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women, and the Kentucky Women’s Intercollegiate Conference.

Attendance and Completion of Assignments

For each course in which the student is enrolled, the student shall be expected to carry out all required work including laboratories and studios, and to take all examinations at the class period designated by the instructor.

Each instructor shall determine the policy regarding completion of assigned work, attendance in class, absences at announced or unannounced examinations, and excused absences in excess of one-fifth of class contact hours. This policy shall be presented in writing to each class at its first or second meeting. Students’ failure to comply with the announced policy may result in appropriate reductions in grade as determined by the Instructor of Record.

Excused Absences

A student shall not be penalized for an excused absence. The following are defined as excused absences:

1. Significant illness of the student or serious illness of a member of the student’s household (permanent or campus) or immediate family. The Instructor of Record shall have the right to request appropriate verification.
2. The death of a member of the student’s household (permanent or campus) or immediate family. The Instructor of Record shall have the right to request appropriate verification. For the purpose of this rule, immediate family is defined as spouse or child or parent (guardian) or sibling (all of the previous include steps, halves and in-laws of the same relationship); and grandchild or grandparent.
3. Trips for members of student organizations sponsored by an educational unit, trips for University classes, and trips for participation in intercollegiate athletic events, including club sports registered with the university as well as varsity sports. When feasible, the student must notify the Instructor of Record prior to the occurrence of such absences, but in no case shall such notification occur more than one week after the absence. Instructors of Record may request formal notification from appropriate university personnel to document the student’s participation in such trips.
4. Major Religious Holidays. Students are responsible for notifying the Instructor of Record in writing of anticipated absences due to their observance of such holidays. Faculty shall give students the opportunity to make up work (typically, exams or assignments) when students notify them that religious observances prevent the students from doing their work at its scheduled time. Faculty should indicate in their syllabus how much advance notice they require from a student requesting an accommodation. Faculty shall use their judgment as to whether the observance in question is important enough to warrant an accommodation, although the presumption should be in favor of a student’s request. The Offices of Institutional Diversity, the Dean of Students, and the Ombud are available for consultation.
   For additional information on excused absences due to the observance of major religious holidays; visit: www.uky.edu/ombud/religious-observation-accommodations.
5. Interviews for full-time job opportunities post-graduation and interviews for graduate or professional school. The student must notify the Instructor of Record prior to the occurrence of such absences. Instructors of record have the right to request appropriate verification.
6. Any other circumstance which the Instructor of Record finds reasonable cause for absence.

Students missing any graded work due to an excused absence bear the responsibility of informing the Instructor of Record about their excused absence within one week following the period of the excused absence (except where prior notification is required), and of making up the missed work. The Instructor of Record shall give the student an opportunity to make up the work and/or the exams missed due to an excused absence, and shall do so, if feasible, during the semester in which the absence occurred.

The instructor shall provide the student with an opportunity to make up the graded work (e.g., quiz, exam, homework, etc.) and may not simply calculate the student’s grade on the basis of the other course requirements, unless the student agrees in writing.

For students who add a class after the first day of classes and miss graded work, the instructor shall provide the student with an opportunity to make up the graded work (quiz, exam, homework, etc.). The instructor may not simply calculate the student’s grade on the basis of the other course requirements, unless the student agrees in writing.

If the course syllabus does not require students to interact with other students, an instructor, or an instructor’s proxy and if such interactions are not a criterion for a grade in the course, then the Instructor of Record shall not take any account of a student’s excused or unexcused absences from such interactions when assigning a grade.

If the course syllabus requires students to interact with other students, an instructor, or an instructor’s proxy or if such required interactions are a criterion for a grade in the course, the following rules apply:

1. Excused Absences: If a student has excused absences for the dates and times associated with more than one-fifth of the required interactions for a course, the student shall have the right to receive a “W”, or the Instructor of Record may award an “I” for the course if the student declines to receive a “W”.
2. Unexcused Absences: The Instructor of Record shall define any course policy relating to unexcused absences in the course syllabus. If a policy is not stated in the course syllabus or the policy does not allow for a penalty to the student, the Instructor of Record shall not penalize the student for any unexcused absences.

With respect to nonattendance for reason of an employment-related schedule conflict, the student who is a UK employee has exactly the same standing as a student who is working for some other employer.

Dead Week

1. The last week of instruction of a regular semester is termed “Dead Week.” This term also refers to the last three days of instruction of a summer session, a summer term and a winter intersession.
2. In cases of “Take Home” final examinations, students shall not be required to return the completed examination before the regularly scheduled examination period for that course.
3. No written examinations, including final examinations, may be scheduled during Dead Week.
4. No quizzes may be given during Dead Week.
5. No project/lab practicals/paper/presentation deadlines or oral/listening examinations may be scheduled to fall during Dead Week unless it was scheduled in the syllabus AND the course has no final examination (or assignment that acts as a final examination) scheduled during finals week. A course with a lab component may schedule the lab practical of the course during Dead Week if the lab portion does not also require a Final Examination during finals week.
6. Make-up exams and quizzes are allowed during Dead Week; these are exempt from the restrictions stated in 3, 4, and 5 above.
7. Class participation and attendance grades are permitted during Dead Week.

Final Examinations

If an instructor is administering a final examination, and he or she is requiring students to take the exam in a particular place at a particular time, then he or she must administer the exam during the examination period scheduled by the Registrar.

1. The Registrar shall schedule two-hour periods for final examinations for courses offered during the fall and spring semesters. The faculties of colleges that have Senate approval for their own special calendars may instruct the Registrar to schedule final examination periods of a different length. The Registrar shall schedule spring and fall semester final examination periods during the last five (5) days of the semester; that five-day period shall be preceded by a study day or weekend on which no classes or examinations for weekday classes will be scheduled. Final examinations for weekend classes will be administered the weekend before this five-day period and need not be preceded by a study day.
2. The Registrar shall schedule final examinations for courses offered during the four-week summer term, the eight-week summer session, and winter intersession for the time of the last scheduled class period.
3. An instructor may allow students less than the full period scheduled by the Registrar to complete the final examination, but he or she must inform the students at least two weeks before the start of the examination how much time they will have to complete the examination (one week in advance for winter intersession, four-week summer term and eight-week summer session.)

In cases of take-home final examinations, students shall not be required to return the completed examination before the end of the regularly scheduled examination period.

Final examinations may be given at times other than the regularly schedule times in the following instances:

Faculty: In the case of conflicts or undue hardship for an individual instructor, a final examination may be rescheduled at another time during the final examination period upon the recommendation of the chair of the department and with the concurrence of the dean of the college.

Students: Any student with more than two final examinations scheduled on any one date shall be entitled to have the examination for the class with the highest catalog number rescheduled at another time during the final examination period. In case this highest number is shared by more than one course, the one whose departmental prefix is first alphabetically will be rescheduled. The option to reschedule must be exercised in writing to the appropriate Instructor of Record or his/her designee two weeks prior to the last class meeting.

If a conflict is created by rescheduling of an examination, the student shall be entitled to take the rescheduled examination at another time during the final examination period.

Any student whose name is on the approved degree list who has a conflict between a final exam scheduled by the Registrar and a University-sanctioned commencement ceremony may reschedule their final examination for another time agreed to by the Instructor of Record during the final examination period. The notice to reschedule must be given to the class instructor no later than two weeks prior to the scheduled examination.

In the case of undue hardship for an individual student, a final examination may be rescheduled by the instructor.

Final Examinations Scheduled for the Same Time

A student for whom two examinations have been scheduled for the same time shall be entitled to have the examination for the class with the higher catalog number rescheduled. In case both classes have the same number, the one whose departmental prefix is alphabetically first will be rescheduled. This rescheduling must be requested of the appropriate instructor in writing at least two weeks prior to the scheduled examination.

Common Examinations

A student enrolled in a course where a common exam is scheduled may also enroll in a class scheduled in the time slot of the common exam.

If a student has a course scheduled at the same time as a common exam and the student has given written notice of the conflict to the instructor at least two weeks prior to the common exam, the student shall be entitled to an excused absence from the conflicting common examination.

Common Examinations Scheduled for the Same Time

Any student for whom two examinations have been scheduled for the same time shall be entitled to have the examination for the class with the highest catalog number rescheduled. In case both classes have the same number, the one whose departmental prefix is first alphabetically will be rescheduled. The option to reschedule must be exercised in writing to the appropriate instructor two weeks prior to the scheduled exam.

Special Examinations

Any full-time or part-time student enrolled in the University, and in good academic standing, has the right to request a special examination for credit in many courses offered (check with the offering department), regardless of whether the student has audited the course, is currently enrolled in it, or has studied for it independently. Please note, most elementary and intermediate foreign language courses are not available on the basis of a special examination.

Application for a special examination must be made in writing. (Students should obtain application forms in the Registrar’s Office.) Undergraduates will address requests to the chair of the department in which the course is given, or to the office of the educational unit responsible; graduate students, to the Director of Graduate Studies in the department in which the course is given. Approval of requests from undergraduate students rests with the department chair; from graduate students, with the Dean of the Graduate School, acting upon recommendation of the Director of Graduate Studies.

The request for special examination may be denied by the department chair or the office of the educational unit responsible, or the Dean of the Graduate School acting upon recommendation of the Director of Graduate Studies, if it is decided that the student has not furnished evidence that he/she is reasonably prepared to take the examination, or that the course is of such a nature that credit by examination is inappropriate. (The fact that a student has failed the course within the last semester may be regarded as evidence that the student is unprepared to take a special examination.)

The examiner designated by the educational unit may schedule the examination at his/her convenience, but must offer it within a reasonable time after the student has submitted his/her request.

The examiner shall inform the Registrar of the student’s grade in the course. A student currently enrolled in the class who successfully completes a special examination will be formally removed from the official roll by the Registrar, unless the student is dissatisfied with the results, in which case he/she may continue in the course and be graded in the usual manner. The examiner then may or may not include the results of the special examination in computing the final grade.

Credit earned by special examination may be counted as residence credit by the dean of the student’s college. The limits on maximum loads are waived in cases where the excess is due to special examination credits.

The student, with the educational administrator’s consent, may take the special examination on a Pass/Fail basis, including any course not otherwise available under the Pass/Fail option. Credit derived in this manner does not reduce the number of courses permitted under the Pass/Fail rules.

Academic Requirements and Expectations

Grade Appeals

If a student believes that he or she has been graded unfairly on a particular paper, test, or other assignment, or if the student believes that his or her final course grade is unfair, the student is expected to share those concerns with the instructor of the course and/or the chair of the department where the course is taught. If the student’s issues are not resolved in conversation with the instructor and department chair, the student may contact the Office of the Academic Ombud at 859-257-3737 or Ombud@uky.edu. The Academic Ombud will discuss the matter with the student to assess the merit of the complaint. If the Academic Ombud agrees that the complaint has merit, the Ombud, with the student’s permission, will contact the instructor and attempt to resolve or mediate the dispute.

If a student’s grade dispute involves a final grade and the Ombud cannot resolve the issue informally, a student is entitled to have the University Appeals Board hear the complaint. That body is the only University entity that can modify a grade. If a student wishes to file an appeal with the University Appeals Board, the student will be asked by the Ombud to prepare a written appeal. The Ombud will also approach the instructor for his or her perspective. If the Ombud determines that the appeal has merit, the matter will be sent to the University Appeals Board for a hearing. If the Ombud determines that the case does not have merit, the student will be notified in writing and will then have 30 days to appeal to the University Appeals Board directly, requesting that a hearing be granted. It is important to know that there is a 180 day statute of limitations for grade appeals. The Academic Ombud is empowered to hear only those grievances directed to the Office of the Academic Ombud within 180 days subsequent to the conclusion of the academic term in which the problem occurred.

Course Syllabus

The course syllabus is the first indicator of an instructor’s expectations. The syllabus contains a detailed description of both course content and assignments. It functions as an academic “contract” between an instructor and the students in his or her class. It must be provided to students free of charge and distributed to student on the first or second meeting of the class. A course syllabus may be posted electronically, although it must be available online by the first class meeting of the semester and the syllabus must remain available electronically for the entire semester.

The syllabus must provide relevant details about regularly scheduled office hours during which students may seek consultation and advice. It must also provide information about all course-related policies, such as the instructor’s policy on attendance or make-up exams.

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to pursue their studies with steadfast commitment to intellectual honesty and personal integrity. The University defines as an academic offense any act of plagiarism, cheating, or falsification or misuse of academic records.

Plagiarism. All academic work, written or otherwise, submitted by students to their instructors or other academic supervisors, is expected to be the result of their own thought, research, or self-expression. In cases where students feel unsure about a question of plagiarism involving their work, they are obliged to consult their instructors on the matter before submission.

Cheating. Cheating is defined by its general usage. It includes, but is not limited to, the wrongfully giving, taking, or presenting any information or material by a student with the intent of aiding himself/herself or another on any academic work which is considered in any way in the determination of the final grade.

Falsification or Misuse of Academic Records. Maintaining the integrity, accuracy, and appropriate privacy of student academic records is an essential administrative function of the University and a basic protection of all students. Accordingly, the actual or attempted falsification, theft, misrepresentation or other alteration or misuse of any official academic record of the University, specifically including knowingly having unauthorized access to such records or the unauthorized disclosure of information contained in such records, is a serious academic offense. As used in this context, “academic record” includes all paper and electronic versions of the partial or complete permanent academic record, all official and unofficial academic transcripts, application documents and admission credentials, and all academic record transaction documents.

All incidents of cheating and plagiarism are taken very seriously at the University of Kentucky, and there are specific policies and procedures in place to prosecute them. A student accused of an academic conduct offense may not withdraw from the class in which the academic conduct violation is alleged to have occurred.

If a student is formally accused of and found responsible for an academic offense, the individual will be informed in writing and given 10 days to appeal the ruling by contacting the Office of the Academic Ombud. Penalties for academic offenses range from a zero on the assignment (for a first offense) to suspension or expulsion. A record of an academic offense for which a student is found responsible will be filed in the University Registrar’s Office, and in some cases may be recorded on the offending student’s transcript. A student charged with an academic offense may contact the Office of the Academic Ombud for an explanation of the procedural steps in cases involving academic offenses, including the processes for appealing one’s responsibility or the severity of the sanction being imposed.

Students shall have the right to attend classes, to pursue their academic programs, and to participate in University functions during the consideration of any appeal.

Academic Rights of Students

Students attending the University of Kentucky are afforded a set of academic rights. A summary of those academic rights is found below. The comprehensive source for the academic rights of students is found in the University Senate Rules. Any issue regarding an interpretation of those academic rights will be determined finally by the language in the Senate Rules, not this summary. A student who believes his or her academic rights have been violated should contact the Office of the Academic Ombud.

Students have the right to expect that:

• all instructors will provide students with a written class syllabus by the first or second class meeting outlining the nature of the course content, the activities to be evaluated, and the grading practice to be followed.
• all instructors will permit students to express reasoned contrary opinions in their classes without being penalized.
• all instructors will award grades based only upon fair and just evaluation measured by the standards outlined in the syllabus. Grades will never be based on “irrelevant considerations,” such as sex, sexual orientation, race, ethnic origin, religion, age, etc.
• a student’s academic records will be kept confidential and access will be authorized by University personnel for official use only.

A student who believes that his or her academic rights have been violated is encouraged to talk with the instructor or the chair of the department where the course is taught. The student may also contact the Office of the Academic Ombud for assistance in addressing those concerns.

Religious Observances

The University strives to create an environment where students of all different religious views are welcome. If a student needs to miss class in order to fulfill a bona fide religious observance or practice, he or she should inform the instructor, who will treat it as an excused absence. If the religious observance or practice makes it difficult or impossible for a student to take an exam or to complete a graded assignment by the scheduled due date, the student’s instructor, if given sufficient notice, will give the student the opportunity to make up the work. Instructors will note in their syllabi how much notice they require from students who are requesting accommodations due to religious observances or practices.

Discrimination and Harassment

The University is committed to maintaining an environment free of prohibited discrimination, which includes sexual and other forms of harassment. Discrimination and harassment are prohibited between members of the University community and are not tolerated. The Office of Institutional Equity and Equal Opportunity is the University office charged with handling reports of discrimination and for developing procedures for the investigation and resolution of reports. A report of discrimination may also be initiated by contacting any dean, director, faculty member, department head, manager, supervisor, or other individual with administrative responsibility. Any such individual who receives a report of discrimination shall contact the Office of Institutional Equity and Equal Opportunity (859-257-8927) as soon as possible after receiving the report.

Scholastic Probation, Academic Suspension and Reinstatement

General Regulations for Undergraduate Students

Academic Probation and Suspension

The academic probation and suspension standards that are used to determine a student’s academic standing University-wide are based on grade-point average.

Individual colleges may establish policies regarding academic probation and suspension with regard to a student’s academic standing within the college in addition to the University-wide policies prescribed in Senate Rule 5.3.1. If a college establishes such a policy, the policy must be approved by the University Senate and made available in writing to the students.

A student suspended from a college or program may transfer to another college or program which has a 2.0 grade-point average admission requirement for transfer students, even if the student has a GPA lower than 2.0, provided he or she is not subject to the provisions for suspension from the University. However, the student must meet all other admission criteria established by the college or program. If the student would have been placed on academic probation by the college to which he or she is transferring had he or she been previously enrolled in that college, then the college may place the student on probation at the time of admission.

Academic Probation

Students are placed on probation if:

1. Their cumulative grade-point average (GPA) falls below 2.0. Students on probation for this reason who achieve a cumulative 2.0 GPA or higher shall be removed from probation.
2. They have two consecutive UK academic terms with term GPAs below 2.0 regardless of their cumulative GPA. Students who achieve a 2.0 or better in the next term and have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher will be removed from probation.
3. If the student has completed all the academic and procedural requirements for the degree while still maintaining an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher (or the minimum GPA established by a specific college), the degree shall be awarded and the student placed in good standing.
4. The Summer Session and Summer Term are considered two separate academic terms and are subject to the same probation and suspension provisions as Spring and Fall.

Removal from Probation

Except as provided for by specific college probation policy, an undergraduate student may be removed from probation by the dean of the college when the student on scholastic probation has earned 90 semester hours (senior standing), and at the end of a semester or session has a cumulative grade-point standing of 2.0.

Academic Suspension

Students are suspended if:

1. They fail to earn a 2.0 term GPA for any term while on probation;
2. They have three consecutive UK terms in which their cumulative GPA remains below 2.0;
   or
3. Their GPA is below 0.6 after their first term, if the semester’s GPA is based on at least 9 hours of grades, A, B, C, D or E.

Notwithstanding the provisions above, in the case of a student eligible for suspension, the dean of the student’s college may continue a student on academic probation if the individual case so justifies with notification to the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

General Rules Pertaining to Students Under Academic Suspension

A student academically suspended from the University may not enroll in any courses offered by the University, nor take any special examination for University credit.

A student academically suspended from the University a second time shall not be readmitted to the University except in unusual circumstances and then only upon recommendation of the dean of the college in which the student plans to enroll and approval of the University Senate Council.

Once reported to the Registrar, an academic suspension may be rescinded by the dean only in the event of an error in the determination of the student’s eligibility for suspension, an official grade change that alters the student’s suspension eligibility, or exceptional circumstances.

Reinstatement

After they have remained out of the University for at least a semester and a summer session (a semester for students academically suspended at the end of a summer session), students who have been academically suspended may only be reinstated by the dean of the college in which they plan to enroll when they present evidence that they are capable of performing at the level required to prevent being suspended a second time. The deadline for students to schedule an appointment for reinstatement in all colleges is May 15 for the fall semester and October 1 for the spring semester.

General Rules for Reinstated Students

A student who has been academically suspended shall, upon reinstatement, be placed on scholastic probation and be subject to final academic suspension from the University if:

1. They acquire any additional deficit during any semester or session while on academic probation;
2. They have failed to meet the requirements for removal from academic probation by the end of the third semester following the reinstatement.

Once reinstated students have been removed from scholastic probation, they will be subject to the same conditions for subsequent academic suspension as students who have not previously been academically suspended.

Readmission After Two or More Years (Academic Bankruptcy)

Undergraduate students who have been readmitted through the usual channels after an interruption of two or more continuous years, and who have completed at least one semester or 12 hours with a GPA of 2.0 or better, beginning with the semester of readmission, may choose to have none of their previous University course work counted toward graduation and in the computation of their GPAs. Enrollment for a semester, when terminated by a withdrawal before completion of the semester (grades all Ws), in the two years preceding readmission is not an interruption. Under this circumstance, a student cannot invoke the academic bankruptcy rule.

In addition, the dean of the student’s college may permit such a readmitted student who has elected not to count past work to receive credit for selected courses without including those grades in the computation of the student’s GPA (cumulate or otherwise).

Part-time as well as full-time students can take advantage of the academic bankruptcy rule. Students need not have been originally suspended from the University to qualify for this option.

In calculating the 2.0 GPA, a student must have taken all of the 12 hours necessary to apply for bankruptcy for a letter grade. Course numbers ending with a suffix of R, if taken for a letter grade, shall count toward the 12-hour minimum of eligibility for bankruptcy under this rule.

If a student has completed a bachelor’s degree and re-enrolls, he/she may not apply the academic bankruptcy rule to courses taken for the degree already completed.

The Academic Bankruptcy option may be used only once.

Specific Probation and Suspension Policies for Individual Colleges

College of Design

A student may be placed on probation in the College of Design or suspended from the College of Design, but not necessarily the University, according to the College of Design standards that follow.

A student enrolled in the College of Design who is placed on college probation may continue with studies in the college and university subject to general University regulations concerning academic standing. A student enrolled in the College of Design who is suspended from the college may not take classes offered in the College of Design until reinstated. A student who is suspended from the College of Design may take classes outside the college subject to general University regulations concerning academic standing.

A grade of C or higher is required to advance to the next level of studio in the College of Design. A grade below C in an architectural design studio is considered unacceptable for majors in the College of Design. A student who earns a grade below C in a design studio will be placed on College probation. This probation will be removed when the student earns a grade of C or higher in the same studio.

A student will be suspended from the college for:

1. failing to earn a grade of C or higher in a particular architectural design studio for the second time; or
2. failing to earn a grade of C or higher in a particular design studio in its first or second offering after the semester in which the student earned a grade below C in that studio, provided the student remains in the University, except that students are not required to enroll in summer sessions; or
3. failing to earn a grade of C or higher in any design studio while the student is on University probation for two or more consecutive semesters.

Provision 3 does not apply to first year architectural design students.

College of Design rules on probation and suspension may be waived by the Dean of the College of Design under extraordinary circumstances, with notification to the Faculty.

A student who has been suspended from the College of Design may petition the Dean for reinstatement after a period of no less than 12 months.

College of Education

See the policies of the College of Education .

College of Engineering

Probation and Academic Suspension

The following rules apply to the College of Engineering.

1. Any engineering student who has completed two or more semesters at UK and who fails to maintain a cumulative UK GPA of 2.0 or higher will be suspended from the College of Engineering and will not be readmitted until this GPA is 2.0 or higher.
2. Any student enrolled in the College of Engineering who earns a UK GPA of less than 2.0 in any semester will be placed on academic probation.
3. Any student on academic probation who fails to earn a 2.0 or higher semester GPA will be suspended from the College of Engineering and will not be readmitted until he or she has obtained a semester GPA of 2.0 or higher for one semester and the student’s cumulative UK GPA is 2.0 or greater.
4. Students who are suspended twice from the College of Engineering will not be readmitted.

Gatton College of Business and Economics

See the policies of the Gatton College of Business and Economics .

The Graduate School

When graduate students have completed 12 or more semester hours of graduate course work with an average of less than 3.0, they will be placed on academic probation. Students will have one semester to remove the scholastic probation by attaining a cumulative 3.0 average in graduate course work. If the probation is not removed, the student will be dismissed from The Graduate School.

A student who has been dismissed from The Graduate School for these reasons may reapply for admission to The Graduate School after two semesters or one semester and the eight-week summer term.

Exceptions to this policy can be made only by the Graduate Dean.

With the approval of the Graduate Dean, a student may repeat a graduate course and count only the second grade as part of the graduate grade-point average. This action will be initiated by petition of the Director of Graduate Studies and may be done only once in a particular degree program or in post-baccalaureate status.

College of Health Sciences

The following standards apply to Health Sciences students in professional programs:

Placement on Probation

A student will be placed on probation in the professional program when:

1. the semester GPA falls below 2.0 in courses required by the professional program; or,
2. a failing grade is earned in any course required by the professional program.

Removal from Probation

A student may satisfy the deficiency warranting probation and will be removed from probation when:

1. in the semester following probation, a 2.0 or above semester GPA is achieved in courses required by the professional program; and
2. a passing grade is earned in any previously failed course required by the professional program.

Suspension

A student will be suspended from the professional program when:

1. The student does not earn a 2.0 semester GPA in courses required by the professional program is not earned either at the end of the probationary semester, or in any subsequent semester; or
2. The student fails a course required by the professional program a second time; or
3. The student fails two courses required by the professional program, unless alternative action is recommended by the Program Director and approved by the Dean.

It is important to note that our college has high admissions standards for each of our selective admissions programs. Thus, this is taken into consideration when making readmission decisions in the College of Health Sciences .

Student Affairs Academic Standing Sub-Committee

An Academic Standing Committee will be formed and comprised of a representative from each of the undergraduate programs, the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, Academic Affairs Chairperson, and an academic advisor. The Assistant Dean of Student Affairs will serve as the chair of this committee. The Academic Standing Committee will meet regarding suspension and probationary status once a semester after final grades are posted. The committee will convene to hear appeals at least twice a year and more often as needed.

Appeals

Students who are placed on suspension may appeal their status to the College of Health Sciences Student Affairs Academic Standing Sub-Committee. The student must submit documentation regarding any circumstances that influenced their academic performance for review by the committee. This includes, but is not limited to, a personal statement explaining their situation and how they plan to rectify this in the future. Students are welcome to submit letters of support from individuals who have knowledge about their situation and can provide insight into how the student is addressing the issue(s).

All appeals must be submitted electronically by January 10 or July 1 to the Office of Student Affairs. While students are in the appeals process, he/she may maintain their current major in the College of Health Sciences .

College of Nursing

The following standards apply undergraduate students in the professional nursing program:

Undergraduate Program Dismissal

A student shall be dismissed (subject to appeal) from the undergraduate nursing program when the student:

1. earns less than a semester GPA of 2.0 in courses required by the CON either at the end of the first probationary period or in any subsequent semester; or
2. for a second time fails to earn a grade of C (2.0) or higher in a completed attempt of a course required in the CON (NUR prefix); or
3. fails to earn a grade of C (2.0) or higher on the first completed attempt of any two courses required in the CON (NUR prefix); or
4. earns less than a GPA of 1.5 in the courses required by the CON at the end of any semester, except for the first semester at the University, with a preliminary probationary period.

Dismissal

Repeat options are not recognized by the College of Nursing for dismissal decisions based on failure to earn a C (2.0) or higher on the first completed attempt of any two NUR courses. The original grade received in each NUR course will be considered for the dismissal decision regardless of any grades earned in repeated courses.

Professional Colleges

NOTE: All students in the professional colleges are subject to the rights, rules and regulations governing University of Kentucky students in all matters not specifically covered in these rules.

College of Dentistry

The following academic disciplinary policies for students in the professional dental educational program are initiated upon unsatisfactory academic performance.

Academic Probation

Placement on Probation. A student will be placed on probation immediately after any of the following has occurred:

1. The student has completed any academic year with a grade-point average (GPA) for the academic year less than 2.75 or
2. The student has received a failing (E or F) final course grade; or
3. The student has failed Part 1 of the National Dental Board Examination, or
4. The student has been placed in a modified curriculum, or
5. The student has been reinstated after suspension.

Methods and Procedures:

Limitation on the Use of Probation. The Academic Performance Committee (APC) shall place a student on probation only if, based on the student’s performance in the College of Dentistry’s course work (including but not limited to grades, attendance, motivation, work ethic, and professionalism), it has determined that the student has the potential of meeting graduation requirements after addressing academic shortcomings and receiving counseling to address issues that may be contributing to the academic problems.

Duration of Probation. The duration of probation shall be established by the APC. The following rules for establishing the minimum duration of probation shall apply:

1. In the case of probation for a low GPA, the minimum duration of probation shall be one academic term following the academic year in which the low GPA occurred.
2. In the case of a failing grade, the minimum duration of probation shall begin the day a failing grade is reported to the registrar and continue at least one academic term after the term in which a passing grade in the course has been achieved.
3. In the case of a failed Part 1 NBDE, probation shall begin the day the failure is reported to the Office of Academic Affairs. Retaking and passing the failed NBDE before a deadline to be set by the APC shall be among the terms of probation. The minimum duration of probation shall be at least until the end of the term in which the retake of the NBDE is passed.
4. In the case of a student who has been placed in a modified curriculum, the minimum duration of probation shall be the entire period in which a student is enrolled in a modified curriculum and at least one academic year after the student has been allowed to resume in the College’s regular curriculum.
5. In the case of a student who has been suspended, the minimum duration of probation shall be at least one academic year after the student has been readmitted after suspension.

Terms of probation. The terms of probation will be established by the APC.

The terms of probation may also include required activities to help the student prepare to pass Part 1 of the NBDE. The APC may decide to include in the terms that during probation the student is ineligible for certain curricular or extracurricular College activities, within parameters established by higher University rules and regulations. Policies for the terms of probation, including those for a modified curriculum arising from academic suspension of clinical privileges, shall be as elaborated in the College Academic Policies.

Notification of Probation. Probation is triggered automatically by the situations listed in the Policy Statement, not by decision of the APC. The student shall be notified by letter of the date when the probation began. This letter shall explain the student’s status and inform him or her that the terms of probation and minimum duration of probation will be established by the APC the next time it meets.

When an APC places a student on probation or affirms an automatic probation, its Chair shall notify the student by a letter with verified receipt of the terms of probation, including the minimum conditions that must normally be fulfilled before the APC will consider removal from probation.

Academic Suspension

Placement on Academic Suspension. The Academic Performance Committee (APC) shall in the absence of extraordinary circumstances suspend a student if any of the following is true AND, in judgment of the APC, she or he is likely to be helped by experiences exclusively outside of the College. The student has:

1. Received, within the last four academic terms (or, for first-year students, within two academic term) two or more failing (E or F) final course grades or
2. Received a failing (E or F) final course grade and an annual grade-point average for all other courses of less than 2.75 or
3. Received a failing (E or F) final course grade while on probation or
4. Failed to meet the terms of probation or
5. While on probation after the first year of the curriculum, achieved a cumulative GPA of less than 2.75 at the end of any term or
6. Failed Part 1 of the National Dental Board Examination (NBDE) a third time.

Methods and Procedures:

Limitation on the Use of Suspension. The Academic Performance Committee shall suspend a student only if, based on the student’s performance in the College of Dentistry’s course work (including, but not limited to grades, attendance, motivation, work ethic, and professionalism), it has determined the student has the potential of meeting graduation requirements after addressing academic shortcomings and receiving counseling to address issues that may be contributing to the academic problems.

Deadline to Notify Student of Suspension. Except under extraordinary circumstances, the APC shall notify the student that he or she is being suspended within 15 working days of the date when a triggering condition occurs (a failing grade is turned into the registrar, the Office of Academic Affairs is notified of a failed NBDE, etc.).

Terms of Suspension. The APC shall recommend to the Dean the terms for consideration of reinstatement following suspension. If the APC determines the student might benefit from additional course work or other remediation experiences available outside the College, it shall specify the particular course work and/or the particular customized experiences the student must complete prior to consideration of reinstatement. Terms for reinstatement shall include grades of B or better in courses and evidence of completion of any specially designed curriculum offered outside the College. A student who has been suspended because of a third failure of Part 1 of the NBDE must pass this exam to be eligible for reinstatement. The terms of suspension must include the maximum time within which the student must gain readmission.

Notification of Suspension. The student shall be notified by a letter with verified receipt from the Chair of the APC of the terms of suspension, including the minimum conditions that must normally be fulfilled before the Dean will consider reinstatement of the student in the regular College curriculum. The letter must include notification of the student’s right to appeal and a summary of the procedures for appealing the decision.

Appeal. A suspended student may appeal this decision. The appeal request must be made in writing to the Dean within five working days of receipt of notification of suspension, as elaborated by the College Academic Policies for the program.

Reinstatement following suspension. When the student has demonstrated he or she can perform at the level required to graduate from the College, and has met the terms of readmission recommended by the APC, the Dean may readmit him or her. However, granting a request for reinstatement is not automatic. Procedures for considering and granting reinstatement shall be elaborated by the College Academic Policies for the program.

Consequences of Failure to Gain Reinstatement. If a student who has been suspended for a third failure of Part 1 of the NBDE does not pass the Boards within two months of the date when he or she is first eligible to retake the exam after the third failure, that student shall be dismissed. A student who has not been reinstated within the maximum time allowed by the APC shall be dismissed and will no longer be eligible for reinstatement.

Responsible Agent. The Academic Performance Committee.

Dismissal

Placement in Dismissal Status. The Academic Performance Committee (APC) shall in the absence of extraordinary circumstances dismiss a student if the student has:

1. Failed to Part 1 of the National Board Dental Examination a fourth time or
2. Failed to meet the terms of a modified curriculum or suspension or
3. Become eligible for either a modified curriculum or suspension and has been previously placed in a modified curriculum or suspended or
4. Failed to be reinstated in the regular College curriculum after being placed on a modified curriculum within the maximum time allowed by the APC or
5. Failed to be reinstated to the College after being suspended within the maximum time allowed by the APC or
6. Failed to retake Part 1 the NBDE within two months of being eligible to retake it when on a modified curriculum or when under suspension for a third failure of the exam or
7. Failed to convince the APC, based on the student’s performance in the College of Dentistry’s course work (including, but not limited to grades, attendance, motivation, work ethic, and professionalism), that she or he has the potential of meeting graduation requirements.

Reinstatement following dismissal. The dismissed student shall not be reinstated.

Methods and Procedures:

Deadline to Notify Student of Dismissal. Except under extraordinary circumstances, the APC shall notify the student that he or she is being dismissed within 15 working days of the date when a triggering condition occurs (e.g., a failing grade is turned into the registrar, the Office of Academic Affairs is notified of a failure of Part 1 of the NBDE, etc.).

Notification. The student shall be notified of the decision to dismiss by a letter with verified receipt from the Dean. The letter must include notification of the student’s right to appeal and a summary of the procedures for appealing the decision.

Appeal. A dismissed student may appeal this decision. The appeal request must be made in writing to the Dean within 5 working days of receipt of notification of dismissal (see Academic Disciplinary Policy for the program, “Appeal Procedures”).

College of Law

Probation

Placement on probation. A student is placed on probation in any of the following circumstances.

1. After completion of the first semester, the student’s grade-point average is below 2.0.
2. After completion of any other semester, the student’s cumulative grade-point average is below 2.2.

Consequences of probation. A student on probation:

1. Must have all course enrollments approved by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs;
2. May not have outside employment;
3. Must raise his or her grade-point average as follows: a. In the first following semester to 2.2 for that semester, and, by the end of the second following semester, to a cumulative average of 2.2; or b. If the first following semester is intended to be the student’s final semester, to a cumulative average of 2.2 by the end of that semester.
4. Must enroll in and attend all Academic Success classes offered during the period of probation.
5. May not graduate from the College of Law.

Removal from probation. A student who meets requirements 1 through 4 [“Consequences of probation” above] shall be removed from probation.

Suspension

Placement on suspension. A student is suspended from the College of Law if:

1. The student is on probation and fails to meet the requirements 1 through 4 of “Consequences of probation” above within the time frame provided; or
2. The student’s cumulative grade-point average is below 2.2 at the end of any semester after having been removed from probation under Rule 5.3.4.1.1.1(c) [“Removal from probation” above].

Consequences of suspension. A student on suspension may neither attend nor graduate from the College of Law.

Removal from suspension. A student may not be removed from suspension except upon approval of the College of Law faculty (after consideration by the Academic Status Committee) and the Dean. The faculty may impose additional academic standards in individual cases, and in any case may impose other reasonable conditions of readmission including, but not limited to, specification of schedule of study (including specification of particular courses and limitation of hours), and the limitation of extracurricular activities. The faculty may also require the repetition of courses either with or without substitution of the grades awarded in the courses retaken. The student may have an opportunity to be heard at any Committee or faculty meeting hereunder. A student removed from suspension is placed on probation for the student’s next semester or summer term but is not thereby subject to subsection (a) (ii) of this Rule [“Placement on Suspension,” item 2 above]. A student suspended for a second time may not be removed from suspension.

Repetition of courses. Any student who receives a grade of E in a required course must reregister for the course and complete all requirements therefor. A student who receives a grade of “D+” or lower in any first-year class must repeat that class until the student receives a grade of “C-” or better. When such a required course is retaken or when a student elects to repeat an elective course in which the student received a failing grade, both the initial and subsequent grade will be reflected on the student’s record and counted in the computation of grade-point average for purposes of this Rule.

Requirements for Graduation

Juris Doctor Degree

Students admitted to the College of Law are eligible for the degree of Juris Doctor (J.D.) upon completion of a minimum of three academic years (six full time semesters or equivalent) of residence and 90 semester hours of courses in the College of Law with a grade-point average of at least 2.2.

All courses in the first year of law study are required, as is a course in professional responsibility, an upper division writing course, six upper division substantive courses, and six credit hours of experiential courses.

Upper Division Substantive Courses. A student must successfully complete Professional Responsibility as well as six of the following courses: Administrative Law, Business Associations, Constitutional Law II, Criminal Procedure, Evidence, Family Law, Secured Transactions, Taxation I, Trusts and Estates.

Limitation on Pass-Fail Units Creditable for College of Law Students

In determining the number of hours credited toward the requirement for the J.D. degree:

1. No more than 6 hours of graduate courses outside of the College of Law shall be counted. All such courses must be approved by the faculty in advance. The College of Law will assign a grade of P if a student receives an “A” or “B” in the course; the College of Law will assign an “E” if the student receives a C, D, or E.
2. No more than 9 hours of courses in the College of Law that are offered on a pass-fail basis shall be counted.
3. No more than 12 of the total number of pass-fail credit hours, whether earned under 1. (above) or under 2. (above) shall be counted.
4. No more than one graduate course outside the College of Law, graded on a pass-fail basis, may be credited in any one semester.

Students in joint degree programs may only take up to nine pass-fail course credit hours in the College of Law and may take no courses outside the College of Law for credit toward the J.D.

College of Pharmacy

Academic Performance, Progress and Guidelines

The Academic Performance Committees (APC) are charged with monitoring students’ progress through the curriculum. The Committees regularly review (during and at the end of each semester) the performance of each student based on course grades and on written comments on each student’s performance, both of which are shared with the student and are part of the student record. The APC for students in a particular year will consist of the course directors and laboratory instructors for that academic year plus a standing core of faculty. The APC will recommend an action appropriate to the particular student standing and record, i.e., proceed to the next series of courses, promotion to the next year, graduation, probation, probation with remedial action, removal from probation, academic leave, suspension, dismissal, or other action. Recommendations for graduation are made through the dean for approval by the Faculty. All other recommendations are to the Dean. Students must be promoted to subsequent year standing by action of the APC. Promotion is not automatic, but must be earned based on appropriate performance and satisfactory completion of course work. The APC may also recommend other remedies including but not limited to adjustment of academic load, repetition of curriculum segments and participation in counseling sessions. Although the APC considers the overall record of the student in making decisions, the APC will rely heavily on the following:

All students must maintain a minimum Pharmacy GPA of 2.0 and earn a minimum grade of C in each course taken during the time they are students in the College of Pharmacy. This includes all course work, including PHR and non-PHR electives, which comprise the first through fourth professional years of the Pharmacy program.

Further:

1. Any student with a GPA less than 2.0 in a single semester or with a cumulative GPA less than 2.0 will be placed on probation or may be suspended from the College.
2. Students who fail to earn a minimum of C in any one course may be placed on probation. The APC will determine the level of remediation required.
3. Students who fail to earn a minimum grade of C in two courses will be placed on probation and remediation may be required. The APC will determine the level of remediation required.
4. Students who fail to earn a minimum of C in three or more courses will be suspended from the College of Pharmacy, regardless of GPA.
5. A failure in a Pass/Fail course will be considered a grade less the C.
6. Students who satisfactorily complete the remediation requirements for probation will be removed from probation.
7. Students who are on probation and fail to meet the requirements for remediation or fail to meet the requirements needed to remove them from probation.
8. Students eligible for probation on a second occasion may be suspended from the College.

Probation

Students who are on academic probation may not be allowed:

1. To serve as officers or committee members in any campus organization.
2. To participate in any University extracurricular activities or in the activities of any University organization if the participation involves the expenditures of any appreciable amount of time.
3. To be employed by the University.

Students on probation may have a restricted academic schedule as dictated by the APC. Students placed on probation must meet the requirements dictated by the APC before being removed from probation.

Suspension

Students suspended from the college may petition the APC for reconsideration of their case and for permission to re-take College of Pharmacy courses to correct their academic deficiencies. That permission may or may not be granted by the APC. If a student is allowed to re-take required College of Pharmacy courses, and the academic deficiencies have been satisfactorily addressed, these students may re-enter the College of Pharmacy but will do so on probation status. If the student is judged after 2 semesters to be performing satisfactorily by the APC while taking normal academic course loads, their probation status may be removed by the College Faculty.

Special Considerations

1. Because of the demands of the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum upon acceptance to the program of study students are expected to devote their energies to the academic program. The college actively discourages employment while courses are in session and cannot take outside employment or activities into account when scheduling classes, examinations, reviews, field trips or individual course functions or special projects.
2. Due to curricular requirements course functions and/or examinations outside the normal Monday through Friday, 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. business hours time frame will occur.
3. Clinical responsibilities include evening and weekend work.
4. All College of Pharmacy students are subject to the rights, rules and regulations governing University students in all matters not specifically covered in College of Pharmacy documents.

All Undergraduate and Professional Colleges

Each student has access to rules that deal with scholastic probation, academic suspension, and reinstatement through the printed class schedule, this Bulletin, and Student Rights and Responsibilities.