Academic Information | 2

Graduate Admissions

Students seeking admission to the School of Graduate Studies must provide:

1. Official transcript documenting completion of a bachelor's degree (or a student at senior standing, who will complete his/her degree prior to enrolling) from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States (or the foreign equivalent from an accredited college or university for an international applicant) with a minimum 2.75 grade point average (four-point scale). A student who has an undergraduate grade-point average below 2.75 or a graduate grade-point average below 3.00 will be admitted conditionally and will be allowed to take the first 12 hours of graduate work. If a grade point average of 3.00 or higher is achieved in the first twelve (12) hours, regular admission to the graduate program may be granted and these credit hours may apply toward a degree.
2. Official score on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) (Verbal and Quantitative) [Code: 1737].  Official scores may be no older than five years at the time of application to graduate school.  (Required for specific programs)
3. Official transcripts from all universities attended

Students enrolled in educator preparation programs in the College of Education must also submit:

• Fingerprint clearance by ABI and FBI through Cogent. For more information, go to the following website: www.cogentid.com/al/index_ade.htm
• A copy of valid teaching certificate.

A candidate whose suitability determination precludes admission to a State-approved educator preparation program has the right to due process procedures in accordance with rules from the Educator Preparation Chapter of the Alabama Administrative Code, Revocation and Suspension of Certificates and Unsuitability Determinations.

Students may not be allowed to begin graduate work prior to submission of the above requirements.

Note: Admission to Graduate School does not imply admission to a specific degree program. Graduate programs may have additional admission requirements. Check carefully the admission requirements for individual programs.

Transfer Credit and Transfer Students

Master's and Specialist Degree Programs

Students who plan to take courses from other institutions must receive written approval from the Graduate Dean before registering to be sure that the desired courses fit their specific programs.

All coursework that contain Alabama Teaching Standards for programs leading to certification by the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) must be completed at the University of West Alabama. 

As many as fifteen semester hours of graduate credit from an accredited institution may be accepted by UWA toward a master's degree in a program that does not lead to certification by the ALSDE, depending on requirements of the specific program. The transfer credit must have been earned within a nine-year period prior to completion of the graduate program to which it is applied. No transfer credit below "B" level is acceptable. Transfer credit cannot be used to raise grade point average deficiencies at UWA. No credit by correspondence can be used toward a graduate degree. An official record of transferred credit must be sent to the Office of Graduate and Online Admissions by the institution from which the credit has been earned before such credit will be considered for acceptance.

Courses, credits, and/or degrees accepted from institutions outside the United States shall be substantiated by an evaluation of the foreign credentials from a state, federal, or private foreign credential evaluation service recognized by the Alabama State Department of Education Teacher Education and Certification Office. The evaluation must show that courses, credits, and/or degrees were earned at an institution equivalent to a regionally accredited institution in the United States.

Courses over nine years old are not accepted toward graduation, nor are they considered in calculating G.P.A.

Doctoral Programs

With no intervening time limitations, fifteen hours of appropriate graduate credit beyond the master's degree, Specialist (Ed.S.) or Doctoral Level (Ed.D./Ph.D.), that was earned in other accredited institutions may be transferred (with the academic unit and School of Graduate Studies approval) and applied to doctoral requirements, but in no case can the amount of transferred credit exceed one-half of the hours required for the degree. Transfer credit must constitute a fair and reasonable equivalent to current UWA course work in the specific doctoral program.

No transfer credit below "B" level is acceptable. Transfer credit cannot be used to raise grade point average deficiencies at UWA. No credit by correspondence can be used toward a doctoral degree.

To request credit for appropriate graduate credit, a student must complete a Request for Transfer of Graduate Credit Request form and submit it to the School of Graduate Studies. The student also must ensure that the School of Graduate Studies has an official transcript of the credit involved and provide course descriptions of the credit to be reviewed. Evaluation of credit for transfer will not be made until after the student has enrolled in the Graduate School of The University of West Alabama.

Transient Students

Students who are pursuing advanced study at other institutions may be enrolled as transient students at UWA. These students must obtain permission from their colleges on official forms or letters from their deans.

UWA students may be permitted to take work from other institutions as transient students. Transient credit cannot be used to raise grade point average deficiencies at UWA. A grade of "D" or lower earned in residence may not be raised by study at another institution. Official forms for this work will be provided to these students when they are approved for this work by the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies in consultation with the Dean of the College. Any transient work to be counted toward a degree at UWA must have the prior approval of the Dean of Graduate Studies. Grades for transient courses must be in the office of the University Registrar two weeks prior to commencement if they are to be used for meeting graduation requirements at that time.  Any courses and/or credits verified on an official transcript and used to meet State-approved program requirements for teacher certification must be from regionally accredited institutions.

Enrollment as an Auditor

Any person wishing to audit a course in which college degree credit may be earned must follow standard application procedures. He/She must be registered for the course and must pay all required fees. He/She is expected to attend class meetings and to conform to all requirements of the instructor of the course. An auditor (a student wishing to attend such courses on a non-credit basis) ordinarily will satisfy all requirements for admission to the University. He/She also must pay the application fee. Upon approval of the dean of the college in which a course is housed, a student may be permitted to attend a course as an auditor without satisfying normal admission requirements. The University reserves the right to establish appropriate standards for such enrollments. Under no circumstances can a student receive credit toward a degree by auditing a course, and in no case can a professor assign a grade (other than AU) to any work presented by an auditing student.

Acceptance of National Board Certification for Graduate Credit

A graduate student who has been admitted to a degree program in the School of Graduate Studies at The University of West Alabama and who has successfully completed all requirements of the National Board Certification process as an Early Childhood Generalist, Elementary or Middle Childhood Generalist may receive three semester hours of graduate credit. These hours will be transfer credit substituted for an elective.

To receive graduate credit for National Board Certification, the graduate student must submit to the School of Graduate Studies a transfer request form, a copy of the dated "Letter to the Candidate" sent by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) informing the candidate that he/she has met the standards for National Board Certification, and a copy of the National Board Certificate. Upon receipt of the documents and approval from the School of Graduate Studies, the student may register for three semester hours of CE 598 , ED 598 , EE 598 , LM 598 , CO 598 , or SE 598 .  *Credit will only be granted for a certificate that is in the same field as the desired graduate degree program. Students receiving graduate credit for NBCT will be billed for tuition and fees for three online credit hours.

No graduate credit will be granted for the completion of any part of the National Board process without certification. The School of Graduate Studies will grant graduate credit for National Board Certification awarded within the five years preceding admission to the graduate program, and that certification must be retained through completion of the master's program.

To earn graduate credit for National Board Certification, please complete the following steps:

1. Apply for admission to a teacher education graduate program at UWA.
2. Once admitted to the School of Graduate Studies, submit a request for credit, along with the NBCT certificate and transcripts. *Credit will only be granted for a certificate that is in the same field as the desired graduate degree program.
3. Have ACE send an official transcript to:
        School of Graduate Studies
        The University of West Alabama
        Livingston, Alabama 35470
4. Upon approval of credit, the student may register for the course during a registration period, as outlined on the University Academic Calendar.  
5. Students receiving graduate credit for NBCT will be billed for tuition and fees for three online credit hours. Students should check carefully the Academic Load policy, which is found in the Graduate Catalogue.  
6. Upon successful completion of the term, a letter grade will be posted to Web Advisor. Contact the Registrar's Office for more information on official transcript requests.

Grades

The following is the grading system of the School of Graduate Studies at UWA: "A, B, C, D, F, P, I (Incomplete), IP (Internship in Progress), and X (Absent from Examination). It is the student's responsibility to complete the necessary work to remove a grade of "I" or "X" at least ten class days prior to the last class day of the following on-campus semester or second online session. For example, if a student receives a grade of "I" or "X" in the Spring 1 online session, the necessary work would need to be completed at least ten class days prior to the end of the summer online session. Failure to remove the "I" or "X" grade during the specified time will result in the student receiving an "F" grade.   Students are limited to no more than three academic withdrawals (W, WP, and/or WF) after the established drop date, as stated in the University Catalogue, during their entire degree program.  The Dean of the School of Graduate Studies may grant exceptions to this policy.

The entire graduate program rests upon high academic standards. No grade below "C" will be accepted for graduate credit.

Change of Program

Graduate students in good academic standing may apply to change their program by filing a request for degree change through The School of Graduate Studies at least two weeks prior to the next academic term in which they intend to enroll. The School of Graduate Studies reserves the right to deny a change of degree request on the basis of Alabama State Department of Education requirement, college or departmental requirements, program similarity, probationary status, academic record, academic standing, or excessive prior degree changes.  Students are limited to a maximum of three degree program changes. The Dean of the School of Graduate Studies may grant exception to this policy.

Admission to the School of Graduate Studies is not equivalent to unconditional admission to an approved program. Candidates admitted to the institution or graduate school on or after August 1, 2012, to enroll in courses in a Class A (master's level) or Class AA (education specialist level) teaching field program may complete no more than five approved program courses prior to unconditional admission to the program. Transfer credit accepted for a previous program must be evaluated for credit in a new program. Students may not enroll in new degree coursework without prior approval from The School of Graduate Studies.

Students approved for changes will be automatically enrolled under the requirements of the most current Graduate Catalogue.

Size of Classes

The University reserves the privilege of withdrawing any course in which an insufficient number of students have enrolled (generally, fewer than eight in graduate courses). Large classes are closed or divided into sections whenever the interests of the students are better served by so doing. Decisions involving course enrollments are made by the Dean, with the approval of the Provost.

Withdrawal from College

If a student decides to withdraw from the University during any semester after officially registering, he/she must notify the Registrar's Office in person or by written notification. Graduate Dean's office in writing. No student is allowed to withdraw within the last ten (10) class days (two weeks) of the semester except in an extreme medical emergency or similar situation, as determined by the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies. A student failing to attend classes without officially withdrawing will automatically receive a grade of "F."

The student will also be required to pay full tuition and fees for the course(s).

Students are limited to no more than three (3) academic withdrawals (W, WP and/or WF) after the established drop date, as stated in the University Catalogue, during their entire degree program. The Dean of the School of Graduate Studies may grant exceptions to this policy.

The University reserves the right to discontinue the enrollment of any student at any time when University officials judge that such action will serve the best interest of the institution.

Academic Standing Policy

GOOD ACADEMIC STANDING: Graduate students at The University of West Alabama must maintain an overall grade point average of 3.0 (master's level) or 3.25 (M.Ed. in Instructional Leadership, Ed.S, and Ed.D. programs) to be considered in "Good Academic Standing." No grade below a "C" will be accepted for graduate credit. Students are responsible for monitoring their own compliance and student status as stated in this policy. The School of Graduate Studies is not required to officially notify a student of a change in his/her academic status.

*Specific programs may require a higher GPA than what is required for Good Academic Standing for the School of Graduate Studies. Check carefully the completion GPA required for graduate educator preparation programs.

ACADEMIC WARNING: After completing 12 semester hours, a student will be placed on "Academic Warning" if he/she does not meet the required overall grade point average specified in his/her program. Academic Warning may be removed if the student raises the overall grade point average to a 3.0. (master's level) or 3.25 (M.Ed. in Instructional Leadership, Ed.S, and Ed.D. programs) by the end of the online term or campus semester in which the student was placed on Academic Warning.

ACADEMIC PROBATION: A student on "Academic Warning" who fails to raise his/her grade point average to a 3.0 will be placed on "Academic Probation." The student will be removed from Academic Probation if the cumulative GPA is raised to a 3.0. (master's level) or 3.25 (M.Ed. in Instructional Leadership, Ed.S, and Ed.D. programs) by the end of the online term or campus semester in which the student was placed on Academic Probation.

IMPORTANT: A student on academic probation or dismissed from UWA may not use credit earned at another institution for clearing his/her academic probation for meeting degree requirements for graduation from UWA. Any credits earned by a student at another institution while he/she is on probation or dismissed will not transfer back to UWA.

Federal Regulations limit the number of times a student may repeat a course and receive financial aid for that course. Questions about these regulations should be addressed to the UWA Financial Aid Center.

ACADEMIC DISMISSAL: A student on academic probation who again fails to earn the required overall grade point average required in his/her program will be dismissed from the School of Graduate Studies after the probationary period. In the following circumstances a student will be dismissed regardless of whether or not he/she has been placed on Academic Warning or Academic Probation:

1. A student earns a D and/or F or WF in the same course two times
2. A student earns three grades of W, WP, and/or WF
3. Students within the MBA program must exhibit a cumulative 3.0 graduate GPA to graduate.  Any awarding of an F or D grade results in immediate dismissal from the graduate program.  A maximum of two C grades is allowable; however, the awarding of a third C grade results in dismissal from the MBA program.
4. Students within the MS in Experimental Psychology program (all tracks) must exhibit a cumulative 3.0 graduate GPA to graduate. Any awarding of an F grade results in immediate dismissal from the graduate program. A maximum of two C grades is allowable; however, the awarding of a third C grade results in dismissal from the MS in Experimental Psychology program (all tracks).
5. Students within the Ed.D. program must exhibit a cumulative 3.25 graduate GPA to graduate.  Any awarding of an F or D grade results in immediate dismissal from the graduate program.  A maximum of two C grades is allowable; however, the awarding of a third C grade results in dismissal from the Ed.D. program.

A student who is preregistered for courses for a subsequent online term or campus semester and is dismissed will be dropped from his/her preregistered courses.

Degree requirements and academic performance standards outlined in this section are the minimum required. Satisfying these general requirements and standards does not imply that all degree and program requirements have been met. Some departments and colleges establish additional GPA requirements for their programs. 

* A minimum GPA of 3.25 for master's level programs and 3.50 for education specialist programs is required for program completion of any graduate student enrolled in educator preparation programs in the College of Education.

PROCEDURES FOR ACADEMIC APPEAL: One on campus semester or two online terms after dismissal, the student may appeal to the Graduate Appeals Committee for readmission. A student who wishes to appeal for readmission must submit a written request to the Graduate Dean, who will present it to the Graduate Appeals Committee.

1. The appeal must be based on extenuating circumstances which may have caused the student to have academic difficulties for a particular online term or campus semester.
2. Documentation of circumstances which led to dismissal is encouraged. Supporting documentation from professionals providing assistance in the student's attempt to overcome challenging circumstances may include applicable official reports (e.g., police reports, hospital records, medical notes, death notices, travel documents, etc.). Factors generally not accepted for an academic appeal include, but are not limited to such things as poor academic performance in class, personal time management problems, work or family commitments, and lack of awareness of University policies or deadlines.
3. The appeal must also provide adequate evidence of ability, maturity, and motivation on the part of the student. Appropriate letters of support from faculty or employers may be included.  Notification of denial or approval of the appeal will be provided to the student within ten (10) business days after the decision of the Graduate Appeals Committee.  The decision of the Committee is final and not subject to negotiation or further appeal.
4. Readmitted students must maintain satisfactory academic progress in all subsequent terms or semesters until degree completion. Should a readmitted student achieve less than a 3.0 grade point average (3.25 for Instructional Leadership and education specialist programs) in any subsequent term or semester, the student will be academically dismissed without the possibility of readmission.

Course grades will be included in the overall grade point average, even when the required time period to obtain a degree has expired. However, course grades over 9 years old cannot be used to determine hours for program completion.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is one of the highest values held by the University of West Alabama. Academic integrity compels everyone in the University community-faculty, staff, and students alike-to conduct his or her work with honesty, transparency, and honor. In all academic courses, a commitment to academic integrity entails working within the established codes and respecting intellectual property and its proper use. The enforcement of the academic integrity policy, then, is intended to protect the integrity of the University as well as the honor and standing of its students.

Academic dishonesty is defined as any attempt made by a student that potentially could have given them an ill-gained advantage in any academic pursuit that would not have been available if left solely to the student's own abilities and performance. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, assisting in cheating, plagiarism, theft or possession of examinations or other unauthorized class materials, submitting the same assignment in more than one course without the instructors' consent, knowingly furnishing false academic information (such as falsified transcripts or excused absences, especially medical documents) to the University, altering or attempting to alter a grade or information on any University record, misrepresenting oneself to submit work for another student, or enlisting someone else to submit work falsely for oneself.

Plagiarism is defined as the failure to document properly all materials from sources, published or otherwise, that are included in an essay, research paper, examination, or other assignment. This includes items such as definitions of particular terms taken from a research source. Incidents of plagiarism include quoting or paraphrasing without properly crediting the author, using the syntax of a source document in a paraphrase without significant modifications, or incorporating the ideas of another without attribution by standard documentation. The actual words of a published or online source must be cited properly and enclosed in quotation marks according to the documentation style of the appropriate academic discipline. Failure to do so is plagiarism. Paraphrased material must also be documented accurately and appropriately and must represent the student's own words and own unique sentence structure. Failure to do so, again, is plagiarism. Finally, material which is carelessly or incompletely paraphrased is also regarded as an incident of plagiarism. It is the responsibility of the student to learn these academic conventions and abide by them. Further information about using sources and citations may be found via the Julia Tutwiler Library Home Page (http://library.uwa.edu/). This same page provides information on avoiding plagiarism in any of the style manuals given in the links.

The University of West Alabama reserves the right to use electronic means to detect and help prevent plagiarism. By enrolling at UWA, students agree to have course documents submitted to www.Turnitin.com or other means of electronic verification. All materials submitted to Turnitin.com will become source documents in Turnitin.com's restricted access database, solely for the purpose of detecting plagiarism in such documents. Students may be required by instructors to submit individually course documents electronically to Turnitin.com.

In instances where a faculty or staff member believes a student has committed or assisted in an act of academic dishonesty, the student is consulted to determine if the matter can be resolved. Following consultation with the student, if the faculty member believes an act of academic dishonesty has been committed and that punitive action is warranted, the matter is referred to the Academic Integrity Committee in writing in the form of an Academic Dishonesty Incident Report, which is available in the Handbook for Faculty and Professional Staff. The faculty member may also include a recommendation for possible disciplinary action consistent with those listed in accordance with the University Student Code of Conduct.

In a case of determination of academic dishonesty related to a specific class assignment, such as an act of plagiarism or cheating on an exam, the faculty member must notify the student and explain the nature of the charge and the nature of the punishment to be imposed. The faculty member is authorized to choose from the following options for such an offense:

• Having the student rewrite the assignment, with or without a grade penalty
• Giving the student an "F" or a zero for the assignment or a portion of the assignment
• Giving the student an "F" for the course, if justified by the seriousness of the offense

Should the professor feel the incident needs further action, he or she may refer the student to the Academic Integrity Committee by filing an Academic Dishonesty Incident Report Form detailing the infraction with the Chairperson of the committee.

A student accused of academic dishonesty is afforded due process and has the right to request a hearing, in writing, to the Dean of their College, who will in turn refer the matter to the Academic Integrity Committee. All students charged have the right to have legal counsel present during that hearing. In adjudicating the case, if the Academic Integrity Committee finds the student guilty, it may impose the following action(s):

• No further action
• Written reprimand
• Disciplinary suspension for one or more semesters
• Expulsion
• Other penalties as appropriate

A decision rendered in a hearing by the Academic Integrity Committee will be conveyed in writing to the student, the accusing professor, and the Provost. The student may appeal the decision in writing to the Provost no later than five working days after being notified of the committee's decision. Assistance of legal counsel is also a right of the student during the appeals process.

Cases of academic dishonesty will be pursued under this policy regardless of when they are discovered, and grades and diplomas may be rescinded as a result.

October 14, 2008; Rev. April 24, 2009; November 13, 2012; January 8, 2016; January 17, 2017

Academic Load

To be considered full-time, a graduate student must enroll in a minimum of six (6) hours a semester.  The maximum load for a graduate student is thirteen (13) semester hours of course work a semester. This total applies to combined graduate/undergraduate hours online and on-campus. The maximum load for an eight-week online session is seven semester hours.

For each Summer session only, the maximum load for a graduate student is nine (9) semester hours of course work. This total also applies to combined graduate/undergraduate hours online and on-campus.

Students holding graduate stipends must take at least three semester hours and no more than ten semester hours of graduate work a semester (online and on-campus combined).

With approval of the Graduate Dean, students registering for  SC 559, SC 569 or LM 569  may take an additional three hours that semester (online and on-campus combined).

With approval of the Graduate Dean, students who have completed 15 or more hours with a graduate GPA of 3.40 or higher may register for an additional three hours.

The Graduate Dean must approve all graduate student overloads.

Time Limit

All requirements for the master's, specialist, and doctoral degrees (including dissertation defense) must be completed within nine years of the initial date of enrollment.

Doctoral students that fail to meet this requirement may have to be readmitted to the program, take additional coursework and complete another preliminary examination.

Students who are not enrolled for twelve consecutive months may be required to follow the catalogue that is in effect at the time of their return.

A candidate cannot be recommended for teacher certification based on completion of a program for which State approval expired more than five years (60 months) prior to the date of program completion.

Courses over nine years old are not accepted toward graduation, nor are they considered in calculating G.P.A.

A complete history of courses will appear on the student's transcripts regardless of whether the courses are or are not included in the program or in the calculation of G.P.A.

Absences

Students are expected to display responsible judgment in regard to class attendance, and faculty members are expected to keep an accurate record of attendance in all classes, recording all absences, including those due to late registration or change of schedule. It is also the student's responsibility to keep a record of absences.

An absence policy will be provided in each course, and a student's grade may be lowered for excessive absences. A student cannot receive credit for a course if he/she is absent more than one-third of the class meetings, regardless of the reason for the absences.

Absences may be excused by a professor if the student presents adequate evidence of a legitimate reason, such as illness or other emergency. In the event that the student and the professor do not agree on the acceptability of the excuse presented, the matter should be referred to the Graduate Dean for determination. The professor or the Graduate Dean may require the student to have written evidence sent directly from the student's doctor, or other persons involved.

Professors are not expected to provide make-up examinations for students absent from an announced test without legitimate excuse. Either the professor or the Graduate Dean must judge the legitimacy of the absence before a make-up test is given. In the event a student is absent from a final examination, he/she must present evidence to the student's Dean to justify a make-up examination. When professors receive authorization from the student's Dean to provide such examinations, they will set a mutually agreeable time for them.

Policies of the Julia Tutwiler College of Education

The following policies should be observed carefully by those students enrolled in the Teacher Education Program:

1. In the event a student does not complete the requirements for the graduate degree within a period of six years from the date of admission to the University, the College of Education reserves the right to modify the student's program in such a way as to bring it into harmony with current degree requirements, to re-evaluate credits transferred from other institutions, and to require further work in some areas in which the courses are over nine years old. Courses over nine years old may not be used in the teaching field or professional education for certification without approval of the Dean.
2. The Educator Preparation Program and the Educator Certification Program are governed by the Alabama State Department of Education, and the College of Education reserves the right to change requirements in these programs at any time when such changes are mandated by the State Department.

• For Class A (Master's) program completion, a minimum GPA of 3.25 is required for candidates unconditionally admitted to a program July 1, 2017, and thereafter.
• For Class AA (Education Specialist) program completion, a minimum GPA of 3.50 is required for candidates unconditionally admitted to a program July 1, 2017, and thereafter.
• An individual who completed a survey of special education course prior to meeting requirements for unconditional admission to any Class A or Class AA program July 1, 2017, and thereafter, must earn credit for an ALSDE approved diversity course.
• A candidate who completes a survey of special education course after meeting requirements for unconditional admission to any Class A or Class AA program on July 1, 2017, and thereafter, is required to earn credit for an ALSDE approved diversity course. Once the Class A or Class AA certificate is issued, the individual would be required to earn credit for an ALSDE approved diversity course prior to being recommended for an additional Class A or Class AA certificate in a teaching field or area of instructional support.
• A candidate who earns credit for an ALSDE approved diversity course to meet requirements for Class A or Class AA certification in one teaching field or area of instructional support is not required to earn credit for another ALSDE approved diversity course to add certification in an additional Class A or Class AA teaching field or area of instructional support.
   

3. When students enroll in the College of Education, they are assigned advisors who are responsible for providing general guidance as students plan their work toward graduation. Each student, however, is responsible for determining his/her own status in regard to meeting the particular requirements for graduation in the chosen area of study. Exceptions to the requirements stated in the catalogue must be approved in writing by the student's advisor, the chairperson(s) of all departments involved, and the Dean of the Julia Tutwiler College of Education. A record of the exception is placed in the student's folder in the Office of the Dean and the official record folder in the Office of the Registrar.
4. Students who are not enrolled for at least two consecutive semesters may be required to follow the catalogue that is in effect at the time of their return.
   
    

Official Student Records

Access to Student Records

Attention of all students, their parents, and UWA alumni is called to the provisions of Public Law 93-380, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, also known as "The Buckley Amendment." Under the provisions of this law, all students and former students of the University have the right to inspect their official educational records in the Office of the Registrar. This right of inspection does not apply to any information submitted to this office as confidential prior to January 1, 1975, nor to access by students to financial records of parents. Parents or guardians of a student may not see records nor receive any grades unless the student specifically designates that his/her records and/or his/her grades may be made available to the parents or guardians. Grades are mailed to the address indicated by the student on his/her registration form.

Information classified as "Directory Information" may be released by the University unless a student specifically informs the Registrar in writing that his/her written consent is necessary before even this information may be released. "Directory Information" includes the following:

1. Name, address, telephone listing
2. Date and place of birth
3. Major and minor fields of study
4. Participation in officially recognized athletics and other activities, including weight and height of members of athletic teams
5. Dates of attendance
6. Degrees and awards received
7. The most recent previous educational institution attended.
    

Other information from a student's record will be released only to UWA officials, including professors, who have legitimate educational interests, unless the student has given his/her written consent for the release of specific information to others. For example, such a request as the release of a student's grade-point average to other students for consideration of eligibility for a student organization will not be honored by the Registrar's Office unless the student involved has specifically requested the release of this information.

Students who have questions regarding their official records should address them to the Registrar.

Transcripts of Credit

In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, UWA does not release transcripts of a student's work at the University without the student's authorization. A student may secure an unofficial transcript for his/her own use, but official transcripts are sent only to other colleges or organizations for reference purposes. Students may request transcripts by visiting http://transcripts.uwa.edu. In addition, ordering kiosks are set up in the Registrar's Office for your convenience.

For electronic delivery: There is a $3.25 processing fee per transcript charged by National Student Clearinghouse.

For paper delivery: Costs of transcripts that are mailed will vary depending on shipping method (standard or expedited).

Transcripts are not issued for students who have holds on their accounts or who have outstanding obligations to the University.

Service Members Opportunity College

In cooperation with thirteen higher education associations and a large number of colleges and universities, UWA participates in a network of four-year Service Members Opportunity Colleges, designed to provide opportunities for men and women in the armed services of the United States to pursue educational programs and complete degrees through a variety of traditional and non-traditional means. Among the features of this program are flexible entrance requirements, increased study opportunities, opportunities for completion of interrupted work, special academic assistance, credit for certain in-service educational experiences, and adaptable requirements.

Members of the armed services desiring more information should write to the Dean of Admissions and Enrollment Management, Station 4, the University of West Alabama, Livingston, Alabama 35470.

Veterans and Veterans' Dependents

UWA is an accredited institution under provisions of all the public laws providing educational benefits for qualified veterans and dependents of veterans. The UWA Registrar is Veteran's Coordinator.

The following individuals shall be charged a rate of tuition not to exceed the in-state rate for tuition and fees purposes:

• A Veteran using educational assistance under either chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill® - Active Duty Program) or chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill®), of title 38, United States Code, who lives in Alabama while attending a school located in Alabama (regardless of his/her formal State of residence) and enrolls in the school within three years of discharge or release from a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.
• Anyone using transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits (38 U.S.C. § 3319) who lives in Alabama while attending a school located in Alabama (regardless of his/her formal State of residence) and enrolls in the school within three years of the transferor's discharge or release from a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.
• Anyone described above while he or she remains continuously enrolled (other than during regularly scheduled breaks between courses, semesters, or terms) at the same school. The person so described must have enrolled in the school prior to the expiration of the three year period following discharge or release as described above and must be using educational benefits under either chapter 30 or chapter 33, of title 38, United States Code.
• Anyone using benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (38 U.S.C. § 3311(b)(9)) who lives in Alabama while attending a school located in Alabama (regardless of his/her formal State of residence).
• Anyone using transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits (38 U.S.C. § 3319) who lives in Alabama while attending a school located in Alabama (regardless of his/her formal state of residence) and the transferor is a member of the uniformed service who is serving on active duty.
• Anyone using educational assistance under chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation/Employment (VR&E), also be charged the resident rate.  Effective for courses and terms beginning after March 1, 2019, a public institution of higher learning must charge the resident rate to chapter 31 participants, as well as the other categories of individuals described above.  When an institution charges these individuals more than the rate for resident students, VA is required to disapprove programs of education sponsored by VA.
• Students utilizing VA education benefits shall not be charged a penalty, including assessment of late fees, denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or be required to borrow additional funds because of the individual's inability to meet their financial obligations due to the delayed disbursement of a payment to provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• The policy shall be read to be amended as necessary to be compliant with the requirements of 38 U.S.C. 3679 as amended.

Complaint Policy for Students Receiving VA Education Benefits

For students receiving VA education benefits, any complaint against the school should be routed through the VA GI Bill® Feedback System by going to the following link: http://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/Feedback.asp.  The VA will then follow up through the appropriate channels to investigate the complaint and resolve it satisfactorily.

Career Services

The Career Services Office, located in Foust Hall, is available to assist students who are in the process of making career decisions. The office also offers services to assist students and alumni conducting a job search through resume and job search counseling, on-campus interviews, career fairs, job listing, placement file referrals and a resume referral service.

Certification

Upon satisfactory completion of requirements for the Master's or Education Specialist degree (including the State approved professional education requirements and experience) educator candidates who initially held or met requirements for an Alabama Class B or A Professional Certificate will qualify for the appropriate Alabama Class A or AA Professional Certificate.

Out-of-state candidates who plan to qualify for master's degrees or higher level certificates or for special endorsements for their respective states should check carefully the requirements of their states. The application for certification or appropriate form(s) must be submitted to the Certification Officer within five years of the graduation date or the individual will be required to meet the current Alabama State Approved program requirements. If an individual is admitted to an Alabama Class A program based on a bachelor's level professional educator certificate in another state, completes a Class A program and desires Alabama certification, he/she must earn a Class B Alabama Professional Educator Certificate prior to applying for Class A certification.

If an individual is admitted to an Alabama Class AA program based on a master's-level professional educator certificate in another state, completes a Class AA program, and subsequently applies for Alabama certification at the Class AA level, then the individual must earn at least an Alabama Class A Professional Educator Certificate before applying for Class AA certification.

Application for certification is the candidate's responsibility and is made through the Certification Officer at the University of West Alabama. Please go to www.uwa.edu/certification to obtain information regarding the process of applying for certification.  The State of Alabama requires that application for certification be submitted within five years of the graduation date.

A candidate cannot be recommended for certification based on completion of a program for which State approval expired more than seven years prior to the date of program completion.

An Interim Employment Certificate (IEC) allows a superintendent or administrator to employ an applicant who is completing requirements for Class A certification in a teaching field through a State-approved  Alternative Class A program or a State-approved program in an area of Special Education at an Alabama institution. Additional information, including requirements and restrictions, is provided in the Education Certification Chapter of the Alabama Administrative Code.

An Interim Employment Certificate (IEC) allows a superintendent or administrator to employ an applicant who is completing requirements for Class A certification in library media, school counseling, or instructional leadership through a State-approved Class A program at an Alabama institution. Additional information, including requirements and restrictions, is provided in the Educator Certification Chapter of the Alabama Administrative Code.

As stated in the Educator Certification Chapter of the Alabama Administrative Code, courses that were taken as part of the degree used to meet the admission requirement for a bachelor's or higher degree with a minimum grade point average of 2.75 cannot be used again to meet Alternative Class A program requirements.

Coursework used to meet Class B certification requirements may not be used to meet requirements for Class A certification in any teaching field or area of instructional support. Coursework used to meet Class A certification requirements may not be used to meet certification requirements for Class AA certification in any teaching field or area of instructional support.

• For Class A program completion, a minimum GPA of 3.25 is required for candidates unconditionally admitted to a program July 1, 2017, and thereafter.
• For Class AA program completion, a minimum GPA of 3.50 is required for candidates unconditionally admitted to a program July 1, 2017, and thereafter.
• An individual who completed a survey of special education course prior to meeting requirements for unconditional admission to any Class A or Class AA program July 1, 2017, and thereafter, must earn credit for an ALSDE approved diversity course.
• A candidate who completes a survey of special education course after meeting requirements for unconditional admission to any Class A or Class AA program on July 1, 2017, and thereafter, is not required to earn credit for an ALSDE approved diversity course. Once the Class A or Class AA certificate is issued, the individual would be required to earn credit for an ALSDE approved diversity course prior to being recommended for an additional Class A or Class AA certificate in a teaching field or area of instructional support.
• A candidate who earns credit for an ALSDE approved diversity course to meet requirements for Class A or Class AA certification in one teaching field or area of instructional support is not required to earn credit for another ALSDE approved diversity course to add certification in an additional Class A or Class AA teaching field or area of instructional support.
   

Prerequisite Certificates for Traditional Class A and AA Programs

Individuals who have completed an approved program at an institution during one semester may enroll in coursework in a traditional Class A or Class AA program for the following semester in the SAME institution. These individuals may enroll for one semester of up to 15 semester hours of coursework prior to holding the prerequisite certificate. Any transferred courses must be included in the 15 semester hour limit. The prerequisite certificate must be verified prior to enrollment in any additional coursework.

Changes in Education Preparation and Educator Certification Requirements

The Educator Preparation Program and the Educator Certification Program are governed by the Alabama State Department of Education, and the College of Education reserves the right to change requirements in these programs at any time when such changes are mandated by the State Department.

Degree Programs

The Degree of Master of Education

Certification

Educator candidates who complete requirements for the degree of Master of Education and who meet all requirements specified by the State Board of Education may be recommended for educator certification in one of the following areas as determined by the nature of their work: Early Childhood; Elementary; High School; Pre-school-Grade Twelve; School Counseling; Instructional Leadership; Library Media and Special Education.

The purposes of a Class A program for areas of Instructional Support shall be to prepare educators to serve effectively in instructional support positions.

Non Alabama Educator Certification

The degree of Master of Education (Non Alabama Educator Certification) is designed for non-certified educators who would like to advance their knowledge in the area of early childhood development, elementary education, secondary education, school counseling, and library media.

The Degree of Master of Arts in Teaching

Certification

The degree of Master of Arts in Teaching (Certification) is designed for those students who are already certified at the baccalaureate level and wish to pursue a master's degree program. Specific certification requirements can be met while students are working toward the M.A.T. degree.

Non Alabama Educator Certification

The degree leading to the Master of Arts in Teaching (Non Alabama Educator Certification) is available to those students who hold a non-teaching bachelor's degree and would like to prepare more thoroughly in a specialized academic area. This degree is oriented toward the preparation of students who plan to teach in the junior and community colleges or pursue advanced studies beyond the master's level.

The Degree of Master of Business Administration

The degree of Master of Business Administration is designed to prepare individuals for leadership positions in business and industry, government, education, and non-profit sectors of employment.

The Degree of Master of Science

The degree of Master of Science is focused on research, adding to the body of knowledge in the field, and advanced study or specialization in the field.

The Degree of Master of Science in Adult Continuing Education

The Master of Science in Adult Continuing Education degree is designed to meet the needs of those students who are interested in pursuing graduate work as a means of personal development and/or preparation for certain professional areas requiring a master's degree.

Second Master's Degree

For a second master's degree, the graduate student must fulfill all requirements for the degree program. The graduate student may transfer a maximum of up to nine semester hours from the first master's degree in Non Alabama Educator Certification programs. Credit from the previous degree cannot be over nine years old. Educator candidates in certification programs are required to complete at least 30 new semester hours of credit.  Specific program requirements, including applicable score on the GRE, must be met for programs requiring additional admission requirements.

The Degree of Education Specialist

Certification

The Education Specialist degree is specifically designed to meet the Alabama State requirements for Class AA Certification in the following areas: Elementary Education, School Counseling, Instructional Leadership, Teacher Leader, Collaborative Special Education (K-6), Collaborative Special Education (6-12), Early Childhood Education and Library Media. The Education Specialist degree is also designed to provide the educator candidate with the skills necessary to become creative problem solvers, leaders, and instruments of change in the school.

Non Alabama Educator Certification

The Education Specialist degree (Non Alabama Educator Certification) is designed to extend the expertise and further develop knowledge, skills, and competencies of post masters professionals who have earned a minimum of 18 semester hours in one of the following areas: Library Media and Counseling 

The Degree of Doctor of Education

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) is designed to support the mission of UWA.  The program is designed to prepare adult learners to fulfill their professional and personal academic goals.  It provides opportunities to enhance the core knowledge, skills, and values essential to competent and ethical practitioners and leaders of organizations in the fields of education and related areas.

Degree Requirements

Level of Courses

Graduate students who have taken a 400/500 level course as an undergraduate will not be allowed to take the course again at the 500-level for graduate credit. Courses at the 600-level are restricted to students in the Education Specialist programs. Courses at the 700-level are restricted to students in the Doctor of Education program.

Completion of a Class A program for instructional support personnel requires at least 30 semester hours of graduate credit not used for prior level certification in the same field.

Comprehensive Examination

All graduate students are required to pass a comprehensive or exit examination in order to successfully complete master's and education specialist degree programs.

Educator candidates in the Alternative A programs, the M.Ed. programs in School Counseling, Library Media, Instructional Leadership, and the M.S.A.C.E. programs in Guidance and Counseling and Library Media must pass the Praxis II as their comprehensive examination. Information on the Praxis II can be obtained at www.ets.org/praxis or 1-800-772-9476.

Students enrolled in the M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling must earn a passing score on the comprehensive examination, known as the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE), which can be taken no earlier than the completion of forty-eight (48) semester hours of coursework in the program.

Students in the M.B.A. in Business Administration must complete a capstone project.  A Master's Thesis is required in the M.S. in Experimental Psychology.

Graduate students in all other programs must successfully complete a UWA administered comprehensive examination designed to determine a candidate's ability in his/her particular field of study.

Eligibility to Take Comprehensive Examination

Students pursuing the M.S.A.C.E. degree and students in the M.Ed. (Elementary, Early Childhood, and Special Education), and Ed.S programs in the School of Graduate Studies are eligible to take the comprehensive examination upon completion of twenty-four semester hours of coursework in their programs, twelve of which must be in the teaching field.

In the College of Liberal Arts and in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics students in the M.A.T. Certification programs are eligible to take the comprehensive examination upon completion of twenty-four semester hours, fifteen of which must be in the teaching field, and students in the M.S. and M.A.T. Non-certification programs are eligible upon completion of twenty-four semester hours, twenty-one of which must be in the teaching field.

In the College of Education, College of Liberal Arts, and the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics students in the M.Ed. (Secondary/Content Area) programs are eligible to take the comprehensive examination upon completion of twenty-four semester hours, twelve of which must be in the teaching field. Moreover, to be eligible to take the examination, all students must have a minimal GPA of 3.0 (3.25 for the Ed.S.) on all work attempted as well as in the teaching/subject area.

Scheduling of Examinations and Application Process

Comprehensive examinations are scheduled once each on-campus semester (Fall, Spring, Summer) and once each online term. Dates for comprehensive examinations can be found in the academic calendar in the Graduate Catalogue and on the following website: www.uwa.edu/Academic_Calendars.aspx.

Application to take the examination must be made two weeks prior to the examination. The application must be approved by both the Dean of Graduate Studies and the academic Dean of the student's field. Applications are available in the Office of the School of Graduate Studies and at secure.uwa.edu/application/compexam/default.asp . Applications are to be submitted to the Office of the School of Graduate Studies for processing.

Repeating a Comprehensive Examination

• A student who fails the comprehensive examination in his/her declared degree program will not be allowed to enter another degree program until he/she has completed the first program.
• A student who fails the comprehensive examination upon the first attempt will be permitted to take the examination a second time (based on the date(s), as listed on the academic calendar).
• If a student fails a comprehensive exam, he/she must submit a new application in order to take the examination again at a later scheduled time
• If a student fails the comprehensive examination on the second attempt, he/she must wait at least one full on-campus semester or two online terms before taking the test the third time. The student must complete six semester hours of coursework as specified by his/her advisor and approved by the Graduate Dean in addition to the number of semester hours normally required for his/her master's degree program. Additional coursework may be a repetition of courses already taken.
• If a student fails the comprehensive examination a third time, or at any time thereafter while enrolled in the degree program, he or she will be dismissed from the School of Graduate Studies and may not apply for readmission to the School of Graduate Studies until after a period of one year. (Note: Courses cannot be over nine years old at the time of graduation).
• Failure of the comprehensive exam due to academic dishonesty will result in dismissal from the School of Graduate Studies for a period of two calendar years.  In the event a student is dismissed for academic dishonesty, the student should adhere to the following procedures for academic appeal.

PROCEDURES FOR ACADEMIC APPEAL: Two calendar years after dismissal, the student may appeal to the Graduate Appeals Committee for readmission. A student who wishes to appeal for readmission must submit a written request to the Graduate Dean, who will present it to the Graduate Appeals Committee. The appeal must also provide adequate evidence of ability, maturity, and motivation on the part of the student. Students are limited to no more than two academic appeals. Any subsequent incidents of academic dishonesty will result in indefinite expulsion from the School of Graduate Studies.

Thesis Requirements

A thesis evidencing research capacity, independent thought, and the ability to interpret materials is required of all candidates for the master's degree who pursue the thesis option. The subject chosen must be in the major field and must be approved by the thesis committee of the major department or school, by the head of the major department or division, and the dean of the college.

A completed copy of the thesis must be submitted to the major department at least four weeks before the date the candidate expects to receive the degree. At least three weeks before graduation, two copies of the thesis, approved by the thesis committee, the head of the major department or division, and the Dean of the College must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies, along with an abstract not exceeding 350 words and a receipt for the binding fee. Theses must comply with the regulations set out in the publication The UWA School of Graduate Studies Thesis Manual (2020) "Thesis Manual", which is available in the Graduate School office and through additional online resources. Approval of the thesis by the Graduate Dean is necessary before graduation.

The thesis should be completed, if possible, while the student is in residence at the University. To request permission to complete a thesis in absentia, the student must, before leaving the University, submit a satisfactory outline of the thesis, as well as evidence that adequate facilities are available where the work will be done, to the head of the major department or school.  Students who continue to work on the thesis in absentia must continuously register for thesis or research hours.

Thesis

1. A program may require or allow a candidate for the master's degree to prepare a thesis. A maximum of six semester hours of a "599" thesis credit may be counted toward meeting the minimum hours required for a degree; some programs may allow fewer than six semester hours (see specific program).
2. The grade of "IP" (in progress) is assigned to the thesis credit; upon completion and approval of the thesis by the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, a grade point grade (A, B, C, D, F) and accumulated credit are assigned. If not changed to a grade point grade by the end of two years after the first "IP" is given, the "IP" automatically becomes "WF".
3. A student in a thesis option program will be required to prepare a thesis prospectus.  The thesis advisor, thesis committee, department chair, college dean, and the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies will be given copies of the prospectus.  See specific program requirements for prospectus deadlines.
4. An oral defense of the thesis is required with the complete thesis committee in attendance and it is open to all members of any relevant discipline employed by the University of West Alabama. A detailed announcement will be publicly posted and communicated to the University community two weeks prior to the defense.
5. The student must be enrolled in at least one hour of thesis during the semester in which the thesis is approved by the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies. Normally, thesis students should be enrolled in "599" continuously from inception of the project until final approval of the thesis by the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies. A maximum of six semester hours of thesis credit will be counted toward the student's degree program.
6. See "Guidelines for Theses" and "Standards for Theses" in the Graduate Catalogue.

Guidelines for Theses

1. Students who intend to write a thesis should, early in their programs, consult with the department chair for a list of members of the graduate faculty from which to select an advisor to supervise and direct their research.
2. If the member of the graduate faculty selected by the student consents to serve as a thesis advisor, then the advisor and student initiate a recommendation for the thesis committee using the appropriate thesis recommendation form [available from the School of Graduate Studies].  The thesis advisor will serve as the thesis committee chair.
3. A Master's thesis committee must have a minimum of three members (maximum of five) of the graduate faculty with at least one member from outside the student's major department.
4. The Dean of the Graduate School is the appointing authority for the thesis committee on the recommendation of the Dean of the respective college. Once the Graduate Dean has appointed/approved the committee, the student prepares a thesis prospectus under the direction of the committee.
5. The UWA Thesis Manual is the guide for preparation of the thesis. The Thesis Manual is available in the School of Graduate Studies and/or from the thesis course instructor.
6. Some programs require thesis students to be enrolled in "599" continuously from inception of project until final approval of the thesis by the Dean of the Graduate School.  See specific program requirements.
7. The student must be enrolled in at least one hour of "599" in the semester in which the thesis is approved by the Dean of the Graduate School.
8. To be considered for approval by the Dean of the Graduate School, an acceptable thesis must be submitted to the Graduate School office by the specific deadline announced in "School of Graduate Studies Thesis Calendar" as set forth by the Thesis Manual.
9. The final thesis must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies in electronic format as instructed by the Thesis Manual.

Standards for Theses

1. A thesis should demonstrate that the student has the capacity for original research, facility in the use of the English language, the ability to review appropriate background material, formulate and address significant questions, obtain, collate, and analyze appropriate data and draw logical conclusions therefrom, and integrate in a meaningful way the new knowledge into the greater body of existent knowledge and state its significance. The final thesis must be acceptable to the major professor, a majority of the thesis committee, the chair of the student's department, the dean of the student's college, and the Dean of the Graduate School.
2. Thesis research will be consistent with the standards established by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. These standards are described in detail in the document, Standard of the College Delegate Assembly, Commission on Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
3. The thesis must be an original research and/or creative project and demonstrate the student's ability to:
   1. Select a topic and delineate a problem that can be studied in terms of time, equipment needs and experimental populations available to the faculty sponsor.
   2. Search adequately the literature for relevant studies on the topic of choice.
   3. Organize and analyze the information that is available, using logical and/or statistical analysis appropriate for the project.
   4. Present the results orally and in written form to the satisfaction of the Faculty Thesis Committee and the graduate faculty.
   5. Present a final document as a Thesis to the Graduate School office in an acceptable form and by the procedures outlined in The UWA Thesis Manual.

Praxis II

As a precondition of certification, anyone completing a M.Ed. program in Instructional Leadership, Library Media, or School Counseling must earn a specific minimum score on the Praxis II.

Alternative Class A educator candidates must have a passing score on the content area Praxis II as one of the requirements for admission to the program. The appropriate Praxis II exam maybe found at http://www.uwa.edu/apttp.aspx. Additional Praxis II tests are required for Internship eligibility and completion of degree.   * Educator candidates in the Alternative A programs, the M.Ed. programs in School Counseling, Library Media, Instructional Leadership, and the M.S.A.C.E. programs in Guidance and Counseling and Library Media must pass the Praxis II as their comprehensive examination.

Course Requirements for the Master's Degree

Course Substitutions

Any substitutions of courses or other exceptions of the requirements for a degree must have the written approval of the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies after appropriate consultation with the Dean of the College.

Special Education Requirement

All students seeking Class A or AA Certification in any field shall be required to complete a general survey course in Special Education (three semester hours) if such a course was not a part of their undergraduate or graduate program. This course must be an elective in education if the specific program has elective hours.

Filing for a Degree

Each candidate for a master's or education specialist degree must apply for the degree through the Registrar's Office no later than the registration period of the semester in which he/she expects to meet requirements for the degree. Application forms are available online or in the Registrar's Office. It is the responsibility of the student to file this application. The last day for filing an application for a degree is shown in the University calendar. Students who fail to meet the degree requirements after filing for the degree or diploma, must refile for the degree when requirements are completed.