Graduate School of the
College of Charleston

2003-2004

Catalog

June	3	Classes begin; registration; drop/add; late registration
	13 27	Last day to withdraw with a grade of “W” Last day to register for comprehensive exams in special education
July	1	Last day of classes
	2–3 4 15	Final exams Independence Day holiday Last day to register for fall comprehensive exams in elementary education

June	30	Registration
	30	Classes begin
July	2	Drop/add; late registration
	4 18	Independence Day holiday – no classes Last day to withdraw with a grade of “W”
August	6	Last day of Monday/Wednesday classes
	7 11 12	Last day of Tuesday/Thursday classes Monday/Wednesday exams Tuesday/Thursday exams

July	8	Registration
	8 18 26	Classes begin; drop/add; late registration Last day to withdraw with a grade of “W” Comprehensive exams in special education
August	5	Last day of classes
	6–7	Final exams

August	21	Graduate registration for non-degree students; orientation for new students
	25 26	Convocation Classes begin
September	1	Drop/add ends
	12 19	Last day to register for comprehensive exams in special education Last day to apply for graduation
October	7	Last date to withdraw with a grade "W"
	15 18 20-21 22	Application deadline for spring admission to history program Comprehensive exams in special education Fall break Classes resume

November	1	Application deadline for spring admission to English and marine biology programs
	15 15 26-29 30	Application deadline for spring admission to all M.A.T. degree programs Last day to register for spring comprehensive exams in elementary and special education Thanksgiving holidays Classes resume
December	8	Last day of classes
	8 8 9 10 17 19 19 21	Last day to submit master’s thesis for fall semester degree completion Last day to complete oral exams for fall semester degree completion Reading day Final exams begin Final exams end Grades due to registrar Final grades on Cougar Trail by 5:00 p.m. Midyear commencement – combined ceremony for graduates and undergraduates

January	5	Graduate orientation for new students
	12 14 19	Graduate registration for non-degree students Classes begin Martin Luther King Holiday – no classes
February	1	Application deadline for fall admission to marine biology program
	2 6 25	Last day to apply for spring graduation Last day to register for comprehensive exams in special education Last day to withdraw from classes with a “W”
March	1	Application deadline for summer and fall admission to history program
	7 13 14 15	Spring break begins Comprehensive exams in special education Classes resume Application deadline for certificate program in bilingual legal interpreting
April	1	Application deadline for bilingual legal interpreting degree program
	15 15 28 29 30	Application deadline for summer admission to all M.A.T. degree programs and M.Ed. in Languages Last day to register for summer comprehensive exams in elementary education Last day of classes Reading day Final exams begin
May	5	Reading day
	5 8 11 15 16	Last day to submit master’s thesis for spring semester degree completion Final exams end Final grades due to registrar Graduate commencement Undergraduate commencement

NOTES: (1) Calendar dates are subject to change — for the most current calendar, please see the Graduate School’s website: www.cofc.edu.
(2) Students in the M.Ed., Elementary Education Program must consult with their advisors at least three months prior to the comprehensive exam date.

The College of Charleston Statement of Institutional Mission

The College of Charleston is a state-supported comprehensive institution providing a high-quality education in the arts and sciences, education, and business. Consistent with its heritage since its founding in 1770, the College retains a strong liberal arts undergraduate curriculum. Located in the heart of historic Charleston, it strives to meet the growing educational demands primarily of the Lowcountry and the state and, secondarily, of the Southeast. A superior quality undergraduate program, enrolling 8,000 to 9,000 full-time students, is central to the mission of the College.

The College of Charleston seeks applicants capable of successfully completing degree requirements and pays particular attention to identifying and admitting students who excel academically. The College of Charleston serves a diverse student body from its geographical area and also attracts students from national and international communities. The College provides students a community in which to engage in original inquiry and creative expression in an atmosphere of intellectual freedom. This community, founded on the principles of the liberal arts tradition, provides students the opportunity to realize their intellectual and personal potential and to become responsible, productive members of society.

In addition to offering a broad range of baccalaureate degree programs, the College currently provides an increasing number of master’s degree programs that are compatible with the community and the state. As a prominent component of the state’s higher education system, the College encourages and supports research. Its faculty are important sources of knowledge and expertise for the community, state, and nation. Additionally, the College provides an extensive credit and non-credit continuing education program and cultural activities for residents of the Lowcountry of South Carolina.

The Graduate School of the College of Charleston and the College of Charleston Working Together To Provide Quality Educational Opportunities

Since its inception in 1770, the College of Charleston has been committed to offering a strong liberal arts education. July 1, 1992, marked the beginning of a new era in the College’s long and distinguished history by its being granted university status in a state legislative action.

One of the Graduate School’s central goals is not only to offer nationally unique master’s level programs, but also to provide advanced training to professionals living and working in the Lowcountry. Over time, the 17 existing master’s offerings will be augmented by a wider variety of graduate programs, such as those in historic preservation, arts management, and middle level education now being developed. These new graduate study opportunities are being created in response to the intellectual and professional development needs of the citizens of South Carolina.

Currently, the Graduate School offers 17 graduate programs: accountancy, computer and information sciences, English, environmental studies, history, bilingual legal interpreting, marine biology, mathematics, public administration, and eight in education: Master of Education in languages and language education, early childhood, elementary, special education, and science and mathematics as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching in early childhood, elementary, and special education.

While the Graduate School adds many exciting new opportunities for the institution, its mission, like the College’s, will be as a distinguished liberal arts and sciences university.

Education at The Graduate School of the College of Charleston and the College of Charleston is not limited to the classroom or even to the campus. For our Graduate School and College students, the world is their classroom, and they are encouraged to explore it.

The College and the City

While steeped in the history and traditions of the Lowcountry, the Charleston tri-county area is a major urban center of South Carolina. The cultural life of the city includes symphony, dance, and museums. Major events and happenings abound. Charleston hosts Spoleto Festival, U.S.A., the MOJA Arts Festival, and Southeastern Wildlife Exposition. Popular entertainers perform regularly at the Gaillard Auditorium, Music Farm, and North Charleston Coliseum. The School of the Arts at the College of Charleston schedules 150 performances, lectures, and exhibits throughout the year. Residents also find time to indulge themselves in a day of good shopping, followed by dinner at one of Charleston’s excellent restaurants.

The region’s subtropical climate makes outdoor activities enjoyable throughout the year. There are beaches, resorts, wildlife refuges within easy driving distance of the Graduate School, and South Carolina is known for its golf courses, hiking trails, whitewater kayaking, sailing, and canoeing on its majestic rivers. For a change of pace, one can wander through beautiful parks, gardens, and grand plantations that recreate the lifestyles of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Lowcountry Graduate Center

Director: Dr. Rew A. Godow

Phone: 843-953-GRAD (4723)

www.lowcountrygradcenter.org

In order to further meet the needs for graduate education in the Lowcountry, the College of Charleston, The Citadel, and the Medical University of South Carolina formed in 2001 the Lowcountry Graduate Center. The Center is located in North Charleston and shares the facilities of the College of Charleston North campus. At present, courses are offered in the areas of education, computer science, and business as part of existing master’s degree programs offered by The Citadel and The Graduate School of the College of Charleston.

The Lowcountry Graduate Center recently completed a comprehensive needs assessment to determine what new graduate programs should be established in order to help meet the educational needs of the Lowcountry. It is now working to bring to the Lowcountry the programs identified in the needs assessment.

In addition to offering courses, the Center also acts as a physical point of entry that assists the public in matching graduate needs with available programs by providing academic information, counsel, and advice to interested parties.

Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU)

ORAU is a consortium of colleges and universities and a management and operating contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. ORAU works with its member institutions to help their students and faculty gain access to federal research facilities throughout the country; to keep its members informed about opportunities for fellowship, scholarship, and research appointments; and to organize research alliances among its members.

Through the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education – the DOE facility that ORAU manages – undergraduates, graduates, postgraduates, as well as faculty, enjoy access to a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Students can participate in programs covering a wide variety of disciplines including business, earth sciences, epidemiology, engineering, physics, geological sciences, pharmacology, ocean sciences, biomedical sciences, nuclear chemistry, and mathematics. Appointment and program length range from one month to four years. Many of these programs are especially designed to increase the numbers of underrepresented minority students pursuing degrees in science- and engineering-related disciplines. A comprehensive listing of these programs and other opportunities, their disciplines, and details on locations and benefits can be found in the Resource Guide, which is available on the World Wide Web at http://www.orau.gov/orise/resgd/htm, or by calling either of the contacts below.

ORAU’s Office of Partnership Development seeks opportunities for partnerships and alliances among ORAU’s members, private industry, and major federal facilities. Activities include faculty development programs, such as the Junior Faculty Enhancement Awards and the Visiting Industrial Scientist Program, and various services to chief research officers.

For more information about ORAU and its programs, contact Barbara Gray, director of the Graduate School’s Office of Research and Grant Administration at (843) 953-5885, or contact Monnie E. Champion (champion@orau.gov), ORAU corporate secretary, at (865) 576-3306, or the ORAU Home Page at http://www.orau.org.

Human Relations and Minority Affairs

(843) 953-5580

The Office of Human Relations and Minority Affairs at the College of Charleston addresses the educational and employment needs of individuals and groups who occupy minority status at the College and assures complete access to the College for women, minorities, and the disabled. This effort is in compliance with all federal and state laws, including Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 as amended, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and all other pertinent laws as they pertain to access and equity.

As a resource for the special concerns of women, minorities, and the disabled, the Office of Human Relations and Minority Affairs identifies problem areas, recommends remedial or supportive activities to persons in authority, and supports programs of interest to this constituency in the College community and on the local, state, and national levels.

In order to establish equal opportunity for all persons, the Office of Human Relations and Minority Affairs ensures immediate response to complaints of discrimination based on sex, race, religion, national origin, creed, disability, and age by students, employees, and/or applicants for employment and admission. The director for the Office of Human Relations and Minority Affairs is responsible for coordinating the grievance procedures under the Affirmative Action Program and federal equal opportunity guidelines. The director also coordinates the activities sponsored under the College’s diversity efforts.

(843) 953-5614

Application and Admissions

In order to enroll in graduate-level courses, students must be admitted to some category of graduate studies at the Graduate School. Only students who have been formally admitted as regular degree, non-degree, provisional, or transient students may enroll in graduate courses.

To be considered for admission to degree programs in accountancy, bilingual legal interpreting, computer and information science, education, English, environmental studies, history, marine biology, mathematics, or public administration, students must submit a completed Application for Admission, pay a nonrefundable application fee, and submit official transcripts of all previous academic work either to the Graduate School Office or to the program to which they are applying. All materials should be mailed to The Graduate School of the College of Charleston, Charleston, S.C. 29424. Other admission criteria will vary by program.

NOTE: Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all materials are received by the Graduate School Office for the program to which they are applying.

A candidate’s acceptance into a graduate degree program is based primarily upon his or her previous academic record. Admission decisions for the specific programs and degrees are made by the admission committee for each program. (See departmental statements in this catalog for requirements in specific programs.)

Upon admission as a regular degree student each applicant is sent an admissions letter, an acceptance-of-offer form, and a health form. These forms must be completed and sent to the offices indicated on the forms. Students are also assigned a graduate advisor to assist in developing their plan of study. It is imperative that the appointed advisor be consulted prior to enrolling in courses intended to count toward the degree.

If an applicant has been accepted for a specific term and does not enroll for that term, the applicant’s matriculation will be ended and he/she will be obligated to reapply to the program. Applicants wishing to defer initial enrollment must receive the graduate program director’s written approval stipulating a new start date, before the first day of class of the term in which they were originally accepted.

General Entrance Examinations

Most of the graduate programs at the College of Charleston require some form of entrance examination as part of the application requirements. (Please review the minimum entrance requirements in the individual program sections of this catalog.) The three main tests used are the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), the Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT), or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT).

The GRE and the GMAT exams are computer-based tests and are available at most Sylvan Learning Centers. The Graduate School Office has the test registration booklets and will send one to you at your request. You may request the registration booklet of your choice by either calling 843-953-5614, or by emailing gradsch@cofc.edu. You may also visit the following websites in order to learn more about and register for these two exams: www.gre.org or www.gmat.org.

If your intended program allows you to take the Miller Analogies Test and you choose this option, please call 843-953-2030 at The Citadel in order to receive general as well as testing information about the MAT.

Your results from these examinations will be valid for application to any College of Charleston graduate program for up to five years. Examination results older than five years will not be considered for entrance into a graduate program.

Admission Categories

Regular Degree Student

A prospective candidate for a degree who meets all requirements for admission to the graduate degree program will be classified as a regular degree-seeking student.

Non-Degree Student

Non-degree students are those who desire registration with credit in graduate courses but who are not candidates for a degree. Applicants seeking acceptance in non-degree status must file the regular application for admission, submit the required application fee and transcripts. Depending upon the program, between 6 and 12 credit hours of work taken in non-degree status may be applied toward degree requirements if the student is later admitted to a degree program and the course credit is accepted toward the degree. In order to accomplish reclassification as a regular degree student, the candidate must submit all materials prescribed by the appropriate admission committee.

Students who are not seeking a degree but wish to take courses for the purpose of professional teacher certification renewal and/or for professional and personal enrichment are admitted as non-degree students.

Provisional

A provisional student does not meet all the admission criteria, but in the judgment of the appropriate program admission committee, has the potential to successfully complete graduate work. The student’s application as a degree student will be reconsidered after the student has met the stipulations of the provisional status.

Senior Citizens

Persons 60 years old or older who are residents of South Carolina may take courses without paying a tuition charge on a space-available basis with proof of age. A nominal registration fee (currently $25) will be assessed each semester. Under a legislative provision, courses may be taken either for credit or audit. This category of student may register on the day classes begin, but must have applied to the graduate program offering the course and have received permission to enroll from the graduate program director. Students over the age of 60 who register prior to the first day of classes will be subject to the regular tuition charges. Those who wish to take graduate classes must apply through the Graduate School Office.

Transient

A student in good standing in any regionally accredited graduate school who wishes to enroll in graduate courses for credit for the purpose of transferring this credit to his or her graduate school may be admitted as a transient graduate student. This admission is valid for only one semester or one summer session but may be renewed any number of times upon reapplication. No transcripts are required for transient student enrollment, but a letter from the graduate dean of the home institution certifying student-in-good-standing status must be provided. Transient students must also complete an application form and pay the application fee.

International Students

The Graduate School of the College of Charleston is an internationally oriented institution of higher learning that encourages qualified international students to apply for graduate study.

A high degree of international/intercultural training and experience is characteristic of the Graduate School’s faculty, many of whom regularly engage in foreign travel, study, and research, or serve as consultants to international agencies and foreign universities and governments. Charleston is also an important port city with historic and contemporary ties to major world trading nations. As such, it provides an exciting and attractive setting for a stimulating graduate educational program.

Each international student applying for admission to graduate study at the Graduate School must satisfy the following requirements:

•  Earn an appropriate undergraduate academic degree equivalent to an American bachelor’s degree (B.A., B.S.) prior to enrolling for graduate study.

•  Must have their academic credentials evaluated by one of several credential evaluation organizations from a list provided by the Graduate School Office.

•  Make up any deficiencies in previous college/university academic work by successfully completing appropriate courses at the undergraduate level at the College of Charleston.

•  Meet all admission criteria for the specific graduate program as listed in the Graduate Catalog.

•  Demonstrate proficiency in the English language (if English is not the student’s primary language) as evidenced by a minimum score of 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). TOEFL scores are acceptable for a two-year period after the test.

•  Provide proof of ability to meet all education-related expenses while engaged in graduate studies by completing a Certification of Finances form with official signatures, prior to being admitted to a program.

Note: In some cases a sworn affidavit of support or notarized bank officer’s statement is sufficient. In certain countries, United States Consular officers require prior payment of the first-year tuition and fees before a non-immigrant student visa will be issued. Applicants should inquire about local practices in advance in order to establish their graduate study plans.

Orientation

In order to help new degree-seeking students acclimate to the Graduate School, the Graduate School Office holds three orientation sessions each calendar year: in August (for the fall term), January (for the spring term), and May (for the summer terms). New students will be notified of the orientation sessions available to them.

Post-Admission Policies

All students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the portions of this catalog that pertain to their course of study. Statements concerning courses and expenses should not be regarded as irrevocable contracts between the student and the institution. The Graduate School reserves the right to change the schedule of classes and cost of instruction at any time within the student’s term of residence. Students are also responsible for keeping themselves informed of individual program academic policies. Students should contact their program directors or the Graduate School Office for policy changes.

Health Requirements

The Graduate School of the College of Charleston requires students to demonstrate immunity or proof of vaccination for measles, rubella, mumps, polio, tetanus, and diphtheria. Documentation of TB skin test within a year is required. Requirements for individuals born before 1957 are detailed in the health form.

Health forms are a means for Student Health Services to ensure the optimum health of students on campus; the forms are absolutely confidential and in no way affect student admission status. The health form, however, must be completed and returned with the immunization information in order to complete the registration process.

Other recommended but not required immunizations include the chicken pox vaccination, if never exposed, and the Hepatitis B vaccination series for young adults. In the fall of each year, influenza vaccination is offered to all students without charge.

If problems arise with complying with this policy, or in obtaining adequate vaccinations, please call Student Health Services at 953-5520. Please return the completed forms to:

Student Health Services
181 Calhoun Street
Charleston, S. C. 29424

Grading System

Students may access their grades through Cougartrail.cofc.edu.

NOTE: In order to receive any correspondence from the Graduate School, students must have their current address on file at the Graduate School Office. Address update forms are available at the Graduate School Office.

Students receive letter grades for every course in which they enroll. Each letter grade and its equivalent numerical quality point value are listed below.

 

Grade		Grade Points
A B+ B C+ C F X I W P S U	Superior Very good Good Fair Acceptable Failure Absent from final exam Incomplete Withdrawal Pass Satisfactory Unsatisfactory	4.00 3.50 3.00 2.50 2.00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

 

“W” Grades

The grade of “W” (withdrawal) is recorded if a student withdraws voluntarily from a course before the published date each semester. The grade of “W” may not be awarded after this date except by special permission of the Graduate School Office, and only in those cases when continued enrollment in the course would be detrimental to the student’s health or has been made impossible by circumstances beyond the student’s control. Students wishing to withdraw after the regular withdrawal period must complete a special form in the Graduate School Office.

Absence from Final Exam

Any student who is not present at a final examination receives a grade of “X.” This grade converts to an “F” if an excused absence is not received from the Dean of the Graduate School within 48 hours.

Satisfactory Graduate GPA

Degree-seeking graduate students in The Graduate School of the College of Charleston are required to maintain a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) in their graduate coursework. In addition some students may have specified GPAs for undergraduate coursework required by their graduate programs.

GPA Calculation

The GPA is calculated on the basis of all graduate coursework identified in a student’s program-of-study (POS), as well as any additional coursework that is acceptable to the degree program.

College of Charleston coursework taken prior to acceptance into degree-seeking status will not be used in the calculation of the student’s GPA, unless accepted as part of the student’s POS. Such coursework must be identified at the time the student is accepted into the program.

Decisions concerning an academic action such as probation, academic dismissal, and graduation will be based on the courses and GPA as described above.

“I” Grades

The grade “I” indicates that only a small part of the semester’s work remains to be done, that the student is otherwise doing satisfactory work in the course, and that an extension of time is warranted to complete the work. All work for completion of the course requirements must be submitted within one calendar year. One additional extension may be granted by the instructor, who must notify the Graduate School Office and the Office of the Registrar before the end of the first period. If the student does not complete the work within the prescribed time periods, the “I” is changed to an “F.”

The grade of “I” also signifies that an agreement has been established between professor and student as to the quantity of work remaining to be done, the deadlines established for its completion, and a schedule of meeting times. It is recommended that this agreement be made in writing with both professor and student having a copy.

NOTE: Graduate School students in joint programs with The Citadel who receive a grade of “I” in a course taken at The Citadel have only one semester to complete the course before the “I” becomes an “F.”

Auditing Courses

Permission to audit a regular academic course must be received from the instructor teaching the course. This authorization will be given after late registration has been completed and only if there is a seat available in the class. An audit must be declared no later than the end of the drop/add period; a student may switch from grade to audit status or audit to grade status only within the drop/add period.

An audit will be recorded on a student’s permanent record at the Graduate School. Faculty may set attendance and/or other requirements for audit students; an audit may be revoked if the student does not comply with these requirements. Auditing forms are available from the Graduate School Office.

Withdrawing From Courses or a Program

It is extremely important that any student withdrawing from a course procure a course withdrawal form from the Graduate School Office. The importance of formally withdrawing from a course cannot be overstressed. Students who withdraw from classes without notifying the Graduate School Office will receive the grade of “F” from their instructors.

Students who wish to withdraw from the Graduate School must complete a program withdrawal form. These forms may be obtained from the Graduate School Office. If the student is withdrawing from classes as well, the procedure outlined above must be followed.

Drop for Non-Payment of Fees

Students who have been dropped from their classes for non-payment of fees must seek the permission of the Dean of the Graduate School to pay for the course and be reinstated in classes. The permission form is available at the Graduate School Office. Once permission to pay for courses has been granted, the student must bring a receipt for payment of tuition and fees to the Graduate School Office. A staff member will then enroll the student appropriately.

Academic Probation

Graduate students at the Graduate School are expected to maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a scale of A=4.0 in their programs. Regular degree candidates whose GPAs fall below 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. Students who are on probation must raise their averages to a satisfactory level (3.0 or better) upon completion of three additional courses, or within one calendar year from the date they were placed on probation. During the probationary period, students must also demonstrate that they are making progress by maintaining or improving their grade point averages.

Students whose averages remain below a 3.0 after taking three additional courses, or within one calendar year after being placed on probation, will be withdrawn from their programs. Students whose averages are not maintained or improved upon during probation will be deemed to be making unsatisfactory progress toward their degrees and will be withdrawn from their programs.

Academic Dismissal

Maintaining an adequate GPA is only one criterion for satisfactory academic progress. Students receiving three grades below the grade of “B” or one grade of “F” in their programs will be withdrawn from the Graduate School and will not be allowed to reapply to their programs for one calendar year.

NOTE: Administrative “Fs” will be reviewed before action is taken under this policy.

Other criteria such as progress toward completing a thesis or requests for extensions of a program of study, etc., may be established by individual programs. Students who fail to meet the standards of their programs for satisfactory academic progress may be withdrawn from their programs.

Appeals

Students who have been removed from their graduate programs because of failure to resolve GPA or satisfactory progress issues may appeal these decisions in writing to the Dean of the Graduate School. Written appeals should contain all information pertinent to the issues with special circumstances clearly outlined. The graduate dean in consultation with the program directors will decide on appeals and will inform students of decisions. Decisions of the dean are final.

Readmission

Students who have been removed from their graduate programs because of failure to resolve GPA or satisfactory progress issues may reapply to their graduate programs after one calendar year from the date of their having been withdrawn from their programs. Students must meet all criteria for admissions currently in effect at the time of application for readmission.

Transfer of Credit

Graduate credit work at another institution is not transferred and entered on The Graduate School of the College of Charleston transcripts except in degree programs. Students may transfer graduate credit from an accredited graduate school under the following conditions:

•  The institution transferring the credit is accredited by the cognizant regional accrediting association to offer graduate degree programs.

•  The credit is fully acceptable to that institution in satisfaction of its advanced degree requirements.

•  The credit is applicable in terms of content to the student’s program of study and it has been approved by the graduate program director.

Programs may include no more than 12 semester hours of transfer credit. However, up to 12 hours, the number of transfer credits allowed may vary by program. Credit earned at The Citadel or the Medical University of South Carolina is not considered transfer credit provided the student registers for the course work using cross-registration procedures, or the course is part of a joint graduate program.

The student assumes responsibility for initiating the request for transfer graduate credit on a program of study. An official transcript containing the requested transfer work must be on file in the Graduate School Office. If such work is shown on the transcripts provided in support of the original admission to the Graduate School, a new record is not needed.

Courses considered for transfer credit must carry a minimum grade of “B.”

Transfer credit that is accepted must have been in courses started six years or less before the semester in which the degree work is completed.

Work done in correspondence courses may not be credited toward the degree.

Time Limit Requirements

All work credited toward the M.Ed. and M.A.T. degrees in education must be completed within six years from the date of a student’s initial enrollment in graduate courses at the The Graduate School of the College of Charleston, regardless of classification at the time of initial enrollment. The M.A. in English, bilingual legal interpreting, history, M.P.A. (in public administration), M.S. in accountancy, computer and information sciences, environmental studies, and mathematics degree programs must be completed within five years. The M.S. in marine biology must be completed within four years. The time period begins the term for which the student was accepted. Students who for whatever reason decide to interrupt their studies are still bound by the original time period. Extensions beyond the five- or six-year time period must be approved in writing by the program director and dean of the Graduate School.

Full-Time/Part-Time Status

A full-time academic courseload consists of nine enrolled graduate-level hours; a part-time academic courseload consists of less than nine enrolled graduate-level hours, and a half-time courseload consists of four enrolled graduate-level hours.

Continuous Enrollment

A student who is in the process of completing a research or thesis project or is using library and laboratory facilities and consulting with College of Charleston faculty must maintain continuous enrollment in the program. Continuous enrollment can be maintained by enrollment in a minimum of one hour of graduate credit per semester, excluding Maymester and summer school. The continuous enrollment will entitle the graduate student to a valid ID card, full access to the Robert Scott Small Library and such support from faculty and facilities of the Graduate School as the student’s program of study necessitates.

Continuous Research Enrollment Course

Students who are nearing the end of their coursework for their degree, and who have begun work on their master’s thesis topic, may need to utilize the Continuous Research Enrollment course (e.g. BIOL 900 or EVSS 900, etc.) to maintain a suitable level of enrollment for their programs. Continuous Research Enrollment is linked directly to students’ research on a thesis topic and must be considered as a progress report toward that end when graded by the thesis advisor. The course will be graded on a pass/fail basis.

Students may not enroll in the course until a special approval form has been completed and all appropriate signatures have been applied. The special approval form is then submitted to the Graduate School Office for further processing.

Continuous Research Enrollment hours cannot be used as part of a program of study towards a degree. Continuous Research Enrollment hours may not be taken in lieu of thesis hours, but may be taken in combination with thesis hours, if no additional hours are available.

Graduation

Candidates for the M.Ed., M.A.T., M.P.A., M.A., or M.S. degree must submit an Application for Graduation to the Graduate School Office by the dates indicated on the academic calendar for the semester in which they expect to receive the degree, or on the first day of the Maymester or summer session in which they plan to complete degree requirements. If they subsequently fail to complete the requirements, they must cancel the application at least two weeks before the end of the semester, Maymester or summer session, and must resubmit the notice in whatever semester or summer session they complete the requirements. Students must also pay a graduation fee at the Graduate School Office. No bill will be sent.

Students must be enrolled either in courses or in one hour of continuous enrollment in the semester in which they intend to graduate.

Students who fail to graduate in the term for which they have applied must re-apply for graduation and pay another graduation fee.

Notice of Change

Rules, regulations, fees, course descriptions and program requirements are subject to change without notice. When a change in program requirements is made while a graduate student is enrolled in the program, the student may elect to complete the program under the requirements in effect at the time of matriculation or to shift entirely to the new requirements. As a result of ongoing reviews of all graduate programs, certain course offerings may be deleted or restructured between editions of the Graduate Catalog.

 

(843) 953-5572

Basic Fees and Expenses

Because The Graduate School of the College of Charleston is a state-affiliated institution, its fees are based on appropriations granted by the South Carolina General Assembly. Accordingly, the fees charged by the Graduate School will be directly affected by the action of the legislature and are therefore subject to change without notice.

All fees are due and payable in full before or during the official registration period and registration holds are placed on all students with unpaid balances. Checks for the exact amount of charges should be made payable to the College of Charleston.

NOTE: All fees listed in this section are subject to change at any time.

General Regulations

•  Upon official admission to a graduate program, students accept all conditions of payment and regulations.

•  Diplomas and transcripts are not issued until all university accounts have been paid in full.

•  Each student is liable for any breakage and for any damage to rooms or furnishings.

NOTE: The Graduate School of the College of Charleston assumes no responsibility for losses due to fire, theft, or any other cause.

Residency Status

Initial residency status for applicants to the Graduate School of the College of Charleston will be determined from information on the application form. Under South Carolina law, resident status for tuition and fee purposes may be established by independent citizens, military/dependents, and certain aliens. Physical presence in the state solely for educational purposes does not constitute establishment of South Carolina residency for fees and tuition purposes.

Contact the Office of Legal Residency at (843) 953-7311 or 7312 for information pertaining to residency eligibility and for residency applications or visit www.legalresidency.cofc.edu.

2003–2004 Graduate School Fees Per Semester

(exclusive of bilingual legal interpreting program)

    

 

*S.C. Resident

Non-Resident

Academic and general fees (12 hours or more)

$2,885

$6,516

Part time fees (per credit hour for 11 hours or less)

$238

$541

Computer fee per credit hour

$2

$2

Library fee

$5

$5

Registration fee

$5

$5

Activity/Health fee

$5

$5

Audit fee (per credit hour)

$238

$541

Persons wishing to audit regular academic courses at the Graduate School must pay any special course fees and full per-credit-hour costs. Persons 60 years old or older may qualify for free tuition but will pay a nominal fee.

Special Fees

Applied music fee (per course) 1/2 hour course 1 hour course	$200 $400
Computer science lab fee (per course)	$20
Golf fee	$35
Graduation fee	$25
Horseback riding	$150
Ice skating fee	$195
Language lab fee       (100 and 200 levels and ESL)	$35
Late registration fee	$25
Lost Cougar Card	$10
Matriculation/orientation fee       (one time only)	$45
Outdoor education	$225
PE/Health 202 lab activity fee	$125
Photography courses	$40
Returned check fee (per check)	$15
Sailing fee	$60
Science laboratory fee	$35
SCUBA fee	$85
Senior citizens registration and lab fees	$25
Studio art fees	$20
Thesis binding fee/copy	$10
Transcript fee	$5
Additional fee for fax	$5
Bilingual legal interpreting program fees
Application fee	$150
Tuition per credit hour	$541
Laboratory fee (per course) summers only	$70

 

Meal Plans

All meals plan prices are designed on a per-semester basis and are subject to change each semester. 2003–2004 per-semester prices are:

Platinum (21 café* meals/week / $125 Dining Dollars**/5 guest passes)	$1,030
Gold 19 (19 café meals/wk./ $50 Dining Dollars)	$880
Gold 15 (15 café meals/wk./ $100 Dining Dollars)	$880
Gold 10 (10 café meals/wk. / $250 Dining Dollars)	$880
Silver (any 120 café meals/semester / $200 Dining Dollars)	$780
Bronze ($650 Dining Dollars)	$650
Commuter 80 (any 80 café meals/semester)	$520
Commuter Dining Dollars ($200 Dining Dollars)	$200

 

*Café meals are served at Craig Cafeteria.

**Dining Dollars is a declining balance program that allows students a great deal of choice and flexibility in dining options. Dining dollars work like cash in any dining services location and are stored on the Cougar Student ID Card so they are safe and convenient.

NOTE: Cancellations or decreases are accepted only up to the day prior to classes. Meal plans are nontransferable. Uneaten meals do not carry over to the next week.

Fee Calculation Example

One Semester

(Based on a state resident graduate student enrolled in nine semester hours — no lab).

Academic fees 9 x $238 = $2,142

    

Computer fee 9 x $ 2 = $  18

Other fees

Library fee... $5

Registration fee      $5

Student activity fee  $5

Total =

$2,142 + $18 + $15   =   $2,175

Installment Payment Plan

The Graduate School offers an installment plan that allows the student/parents to pay tuition and fees, room, and board in four equal installments per semester. Information about this option may be obtained by contacting the Office of the Treasurer at (843) 953-5572. This service is available after any financial assistance has been applied to the student’s bill.

Refund Policy

The College of Charleston authorizes academic and general fee refunds for students who withdraw from school according to the following schedules. Refunds to students will not be authorized beyond the period specified. To be eligible for a refund, the request must be submitted in writing to the Office of the Treasurer. Refunds are based on the date of official withdrawal. Students having outstanding balances at the time of withdrawal, including those on the payment plan, must settle their accounts with the Office of the Treasurer.

Fall and spring semesters

Through the official drop/add period 100%

Through the first week following
drop/add 90%

Through the second and third weeks
following drop/add 50%

Through the fourth through seventh week
following drop/add 25%

Maymester, May evening, Summer I day, Summer evening, Summer II day:

Through the official drop/add period 100%

Through the first day following
drop/add 90%

Through the second and third days
following drop/add 50%

Through the fourth through seventh days
following drop/add 25%

NOTE: The refund policy is subject to change.

Institutional Refund Policy

Students who drop classes before classes begin or during the drop/add period will be awarded financial aid based on the actual hours of enrollment the day after drop/add ends. Students who withdraw from classes after the drop/add period ends may be eligible for a refund of fees. The official university policy and procedure concerning refunds resulting from withdrawal or reduction in hours are contained in the “fees” section of this catalog.

Meal Plan Refund Policy

Meal plan refunds will be prorated, based upon withdrawal date from the university.

Parking

(843) 953-7834

Students who wish to purchase a parking permit must apply each semester in advance. A student’s priority for parking is based on the number of cumulative credit hours earned and on file with the registrar’s office.

There are many parking lots on campus that are not ticketed after 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and all day on Saturday and Sunday. Please check the sign posted at the entrance of each lot for permit requirements.

Cougar Cards

(843) 953-1100

The Cougar Card is the official College of Charleston campus card for all students, faculty, and staff. It is used for identification, security, and access to campus buildings and services. The Cougar Card has many features. Funds placed in the discretionary account can be used for purchases at the bookstore, cafeteria and snack bar locations. This is a prepaid account and payments are made in the treasurer’s office. The Cougar Card can be used for campus vending (beverage, snack, and laundry machines) and self-serve copier purchases. Also, a long distance plan can be set up through SC Net by calling the number on the back of the Cougar Card. Report all lost/stolen cards immediately to the Offices of Public Safety or Cougar Card Services.

NOTE: The Graduate School is prohibited by law from performing bank services and therefore cannot make full or partial refunds of discretionary accounts to students still enrolled in school.

Title IV School Code: 003428

(843) 953-5540

financialaid@cofc.edu

Types of Financial Assistance

The Graduate School of the College of Charleston (CofC) uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to award all federal- and state-sponsored financial aid programs, which include work-study and student loans. Work programs require the student to work part time to earn income to supplement expenses. To be considered for work programs, students must have indicated they were interested in work-study when completing the FAFSA. Loans must be repaid, but students are not required to do so until six months after they cease to be enrolled at least half time in a degree-seeking program. In order to qualify for federal funds, a student must meet the eligibility criteria listed on the FAFSA. Students may complete the FAFSA on line at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

A description of federal student financial aid programs can be found in The Student Guide published by the U.S. Department of Education, which can be accessed on-line at  www.ed.gov/offices/OPE/students/ or requested by contacting the Federal Student Aid Information Center at (800) 433-3243.

Entrance Counseling for Loan Recipients

Students at the CofC receive Federal Stafford Loans through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. An Entrance Counseling Quiz is required of all first-time student loan borrowers at CofC prior to disbursement. If you have not previously completed a Entrance Counseling Quiz for loans at the CofC, you may complete this requirement via the CofC Office of Financial Assistance & Veterans Affairs (OFA/VA) website at: www.cofc.edu/~finaid/Counseling/counseling.html.

NOTE: A copy of the Rights & Responsibilities Checklist must be printed off and returned to the OFA/VA as confirmation of successful completion of quiz.

Eligibility Requirements

A student must be 1) a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, 2) accepted into a graduate degree-granting program of study, and 3) enrolled at least half time. Processing of financial aid applications will not begin until a student is admitted to the College, and has returned the Graduate School Acceptance of Admission Offer form.

Continuing education students enrolled in non-degree–granting programs are not eligible for federal financial assistance, but students are encouraged to seek student loan assistance from Alternative Loan Programs (ALP). Information on ALP may be accessed via the OFA/VA website under the Additional Sources of Aid section. For information about additional funding for continuing education students, please contact the College of Charleston continuing education department at (843) 953-5822.

Applying for Financial Assistance

The FAFSA must be completed to apply for financial aid. Students should list the CofC on the FAFSA in order for the OFA/VA to receive financial aid application data. The Title IV school code is 003428. Each year, the FAFSA can be completed any time after January 1 for the upcoming year. We recommend that you complete your federal tax returns before completing the FAFSA since much of the income information comes directly from the completed tax return. Students should file the FAFSA at least 30 days prior to the annual priority deadline of April 1. Applications received