Academic Policies
Subpages
Carson-Newman University's academic policies serve as the foundation for maintaining educational excellence and institutional integrity. These comprehensive policies are designed to:
Clearly define student rights, responsibilities, and expectations within the academic community
Preserve and protect the academic rigor and reputation of Carson-Newman degrees
Establish equitable and transparent standards for all teaching, learning, and assessment activities across all academic programs
Ensure consistent application of academic standards university-wide
Policy Guidance and Support
Students who require additional clarification regarding academic policies—whether those outlined on this website or other institutional policies—are encouraged to contact the appropriate academic or administrative office. University staff are available to provide detailed explanations and guidance to ensure students fully understand how policies apply to their specific academic circumstances.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
Academic dishonesty may include, but is not limited to, the following: giving or receiving aid on tests; plagiarizing papers, assignments, book reviews; removing and/or copying test questions from office files. The course instructor/professor will address any incidents of suspected dishonesty.
After hearing the student and considering all the evidence, this person will levy sanctions if guilt is determined. The instructor/professor will report these actions to the Provost for undergraduate students. The Provost shall levy any sanction more severe than the loss of course credit. For graduate students the instructor will levy sanctions if guilt is determined after conferring with the Program Director. The Program Director shall report the incident to the office of the Provost, who may levy sanctions more severe than the loss of course credit.
Academic dishonesty may result in sanctions including, but not limited to, an immediate F and loss of credit for the course, and/or removal from the academic program.
Additionally, the effect of these sanctions on the student’s GPA may impact financial awards. Gross dishonesty or a recurrence of academic dishonesty may result in expulsion from the University. Any student who receives an F in a course due to academic dishonesty will not be allowed to drop the course even if the F is assigned prior to the last date to drop a course with a W.
The student may appeal a finding of academic dishonesty and the resulting sanction first to the Department Chair or Program Director, then the Dean; further recourse is to the Provost. For updates and questions related to this area, please contact the Office of the Provost. The student has until the end of the semester immediately after the class in question to submit the appeal (i.e., if the appeal involves a class in the spring term, then the student has until the end of the summer semester to file the appeal).
REGISTRATION AND CHANGE OF COURSE (DROP/ADD)
Each semester, during a period of time designated in the University calendar, students may register for courses to be taken the following semester. During spring, students may register for May-term and summer terms. Enrollment confirmation is required for all students prior to attending class. Enrollment confirmation is scheduled immediately prior to the beginning of classes during the fall and spring semesters. In the summer all tuition and fees are to be paid before a student begins classes unless other arrangements have been made with the Student Accounts Office.
The student may add a new class during the first week of classes or drop an existing class without a grade during the first week of classes, by completing a change of course (drop/add) form. Registration for all classes must be completed by the end of the drop/add period.
Financial aid is based on a student’s enrollment status. Financial Aid eligibility may be adjusted if the student’s enrollment status changes. A grade of “W” will be assigned when the student drops a course between the end of the drop/add period and the last day to drop with a “W”.
The “W” will not be reflected in the student’s GPA, but the class and grade will show on the student’s permanent record (transcript).
Any student who receives an F in a course due to academic dishonesty will not be allowed to drop the course even if the F is assigned prior to the last date to drop a course with a W. After the last day to drop with a W grade, the student will be automatically assigned a “WF” for any drop. The “WF” will be reflected in the GPA, and the class will also show on the student’s permanent record. Changes in registration after the drop/add period will be assessed and a $10 fee for each class change made.
UNDERGRADUATES TAKING GRADUATE COURSES
This policy allows qualified undergraduate students to earn graduate credit hours while completing their bachelor's degree, providing an opportunity to begin graduate-level coursework at no additional cost.
Eligibility Requirements
Academic Standing:
Must have completed 90 semester hours of undergraduate credit
Must maintain full-time undergraduate enrollment (minimum 12 credit hours per semester)
Must have an approved degree plan showing graduation within two semesters
Must meet all admission requirements for the specific graduate program
Credit Limitations
Maximum Allowable Hours:
Total limit: 6 graduate credit hours
Per semester limit: 3 graduate credit hours maximum
Cost: No additional tuition charges beyond standard undergraduate fees
Important Restrictions
Degree Requirements:
Graduate coursework cannot fulfill undergraduate degree requirements
Graduate credit hours do not count toward undergraduate enrollment status
This may affect federal financial aid eligibility calculations
Financial Aid Impact: Graduate credit registration hours are excluded from undergraduate enrollment status determinations for federal aid purposes. Students should consult with Financial Aid services to understand potential impacts on their aid packages.
Application Process
Contact Information:
Graduate Program Chair for program-specific requirements and applications
University Registrar for general policy information and application materials
Next Steps: Students interested in this opportunity should reach out to both offices early in their academic planning to ensure all requirements are met and proper documentation is completed before registration.