STUDENT HANDBOOK 2021-2022 The University reserves the right to amend or supplement this handbook at any time upon such notice to the students as it deems suitable. It is the student’s responsibility to read and adhere to University policies and procedures. Contents MISSION STATEMENT ................................................................................................................................................. 9 VISION STATEMENT .................................................................................................................................................. 10 FOREWORD............................................................................................................................................................... 10 HISTORICAL SKETCH .................................................................................................................................................. 10 THE ALCORN ODE ......................................................................................................................................... 12 COVID-19 .................................................................................................................................................................. 13 SMOKE-FREE CAMPUS .............................................................................................................................................. 14 COMMUNICATIONS .................................................................................................................................................. 16 UNDERGRADUATE ACADEMIC STANDARDS .............................................................................................................. 18 REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION ............................................................................................................................. 18 ACADEMIC ADVISING ................................................................................................................................................ 18 ACADEMIC RECORDS ................................................................................................................................................ 19 FERPA LAWS (CONFIDENTIALITY) .............................................................................................................................. 19 ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY’S COMPLIANCE WITH FERPA ......................................................................................... 20 CLASSIFICATION OF STUDENTS ................................................................................................................................. 20 STUDENT LOAD ......................................................................................................................................................... 20 GRADING SYSTEM ..................................................................................................................................................... 21 GRADE POINT AVERAGE............................................................................................................................................ 22 RESIDENCE REQUIREMENTS ...................................................................................................................................... 22 Unexcused Absences ................................................................................................................................................ 23 Excessive Absences ................................................................................................................................................... 23 Late Registration and Financial Aid ........................................................................................................................... 23 2 Non-Attendance No Show Purged Form ................................................................................................................... 23 Tardiness .................................................................................................................................................................. 23 DECLARING A MAJOR ................................................................................................................................................ 24 DEGREES OFFERED AT ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY ................................................................................................... 24 ACADEMIC STANDARDS ............................................................................................................................................ 24 SCHOLASTIC HONORS ............................................................................................................................................... 25 WITHDRAWAL PROCESS ........................................................................................................................................... 25 REQUIREMENTS FOR A BACHELOR’S DEGREE ............................................................................................................ 26 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................................................. 26 APPLICATION FOR DEGREE........................................................................................................................................ 27 ACADEMIC HONORS ................................................................................................................................................. 27 UNIVERSITY LIBRARY ................................................................................................................................................ 27 THE STUDENT COMMUNITY ...................................................................................................................................... 28 ORIENTATION ........................................................................................................................................................... 28 COMMUNITY SERVICE ............................................................................................................................................... 29 STATEMENT OF NON DISCRIMINATION .................................................................................................................... 29 CONTACTING STUDENTS IN AN EMERGENCY ............................................................................................................ 29 STUDENT AID PROGRAMS....................................................................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. Applying for Financial Assistance ..................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Satisfactory Academic Progression (SAP) Policy ............................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Satisfactory Academic Progression (SAP) Definitions ....................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Financial Aid Probation .................................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Financial Aid Suspension .................................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. Appeals Process ............................................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Financial Aid Committee and Decision ............................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. 3 SAP Appeal Deadlines…...........................................................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.5 BUSINESS OFFICE POLICY AND REGULATIONS ........................................................................................................... 35 College Expenses ...................................................................................................................................................... 35 Refund of Charges ..................................................................................................................................................... 35 DINING SERVICES ...................................................................................................................................................... 38 Dining Facility………………………………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………….…39 Retail Outlets ............................................................................................................................................................ 39 MULTICULTURAL/GLOBAL PROGRAMS CENTER ........................................................................................................ 41 CAREER SERVICES ...................................................................................................................................................... 41 COOPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM ..................................................................................................................... 42 HEALTH AND DISABILITY SERVICES ........................................................................................................................... 42 Health Providers’ Services........................................................................................................................................