Dec 08, 2024  
2023 - 2024 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog 
    
2023 - 2024 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Academic Information



General Information

Academic Year

The academic year consists of two semesters, August through December and January through May, and a summer session in June and July, with Intersession classes between semesters.

Semester Hour

A semester hour consists of one class period per week in a subject for one semester, with the exception of laboratories, practicums, or activity classes in which two periods per week is a semester hour. In the summer session, the period of class contact per semester hour is doubled. It is the University’s policy that each semester hour represents 16 faculty-student contact periods per term, or 32 hours of regularly scheduled laboratory or other formal course activity per term.

Course Numbering System

Courses are numbered to indicate the degree of advancement. The first digit indicates level of study: 1000 freshman level, 2000 sophomore level, 3000 junior level, 4000 senior level, and 5000 graduate level. In general, courses numbered lowest are those that should be completed first. The last digit of the course number indicates the amount of semester credit hours awarded for the course. For example, ENGL 1113  is a freshman-level, three-hour course.

Students with fewer than 45 credit hours are encouraged not to enroll in 3000-level and 4000-level courses. Second semester sophomores may take 3000-level or 4000-level courses with caution.

Student Course Load Limits & Enrollment Status Designations

The maximum load that an undergraduate student will normally be permitted to carry is 18 hours during fall and spring semesters, and nine hours during the summer term. Graduate students are permitted to carry 15 hours during fall and spring semesters and 6 hours during the summer term.

Student Level Credit Hour Load Time Status Definition
Undergraduate 0 - 5.99 Less than Half Time
Undergraduate 6 - 11.99 Half Time
Undergraduate 12 - 18 or higher Full Time
Graduate 0 - 5.99 Less than Half Time
Graduate 6 - 8.99 Half Time
Graduate 9 - 12 or higher Full Time

To qualify for permission to exceed the maximum load, undergraduate students must have attained a retention/ graduation grade point average of 3.0 and have earned a minimum of 15 semester credit hours. Qualified students may enroll in up to 21 hours for the fall and spring terms and 12 hours in the summer term with the permission of the department head and dean of the School in which the student is majoring. The student must meet these Regents’ guidelines for overload, with eligibility verified by the Registrar.

A student wishing to carry an academic load in excess of 21 hours must have the approvals and qualifications listed below as well as have the permission of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Permission to Exceed Limit
Term Credit Hours Signature Required
Undergraduate 0 - 5.99 Less than Half Time
Undergraduate
Fall/Spring 19-21 Dept. Head & Dean
  21 and over Dept. Head, Dean & VP for Academic Affairs
Summer 10-12 Dept. Head & Dean
  12 and over Dept. Head, Dean & VP for Academic Affairs
Graduate
Fall/Spring 13-16 Dept. Head & Dean
  16 and over Dept. Head, Dean & VP for Academic Affairs
Summer 7-9 Dept. Head & Dean
  9 and over Dept. Head, Dean & VP for Academic Affairs

Intersession course hours and grades will be calculated with those of the following semester to determine academic progress in compliance with state and federal regulations. Intersession courses will be posted but not counted toward the academic course load of the semester following the intersession course. A student simultaneously enrolled in two or more institutions should not exceed the standards set forth in the stated policy.

The Office of the Registrar will provide verification that the above criteria have been satisfied.

Course Balancing

Consistent with maximum course limits, academic departments have the option to level course enrollments in order to provide optimal faculty instruction and ensure course availability. Prior to the start of the semester, if a course has higher enrollment than another section of the same course, students from the larger section may be moved to the smaller section in order to level the enrollments. The two courses must be equivalent, have the same delivery system, and, if on-ground or blended, they must be at the same day, time, and on the same campus. Instructors may vary based on availability.

Auditing Courses

Audit status is used for the student not interested in obtaining a course grade, but who is enrolled simply to gain course information. The allowable time to change an enrollment status from audit to credit or credit to audit is within the first five class days of a regular semester and within the first three days of the summer term. A grade of “AU” will be issued and is GPA-neutral. Financial aid will not be awarded for classes that are taken for audit. Written permission from the instructor of the class must be presented at the time of registration.

Admission to the University is required, and audit status is contingent upon seat availability.

Auditing for Age 65 and Older

Tuition will be waived, but fees are required, for residents of Oklahoma who are 65 years of age or older who wish to audit courses at Rogers State University. Auditing a course is contingent upon space available in the classroom or laboratory.

Written permission from the instructor of the class must be presented at the time of registration. Applicants should contact financial aid for the tuition waiver application.

Resident Status

All applicants are classified as resident or nonresident for purposes of admission and tuition based on information provided on the application for admission. Applicants may be required to submit evidence to substantiate their claim to resident classification. Since residence or domicile is a matter of intent, each case will be judged on its own merit by the appropriate institutional official(s) consistent with this policy. No definitive set of criteria can be established as sufficient to guarantee classification as a resident of Oklahoma. A uniform policy concerning resident status exists for all state-supported institutions of higher education in Oklahoma. Copies of this policy are available from the Office of the Registrar.

To apply for Oklahoma residency or for questions concerning resident status, contact the Office of the Registrar, Rogers State University, [email protected], or call 918-343-7552.

Veterans Services

Programs at Rogers State University are approved for the use of VA education benefits through the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs State Approving Agency. Veterans and their dependents can receive information about educational benefits available under the appropriate Title(s) of the United States Code by visiting https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/.

Students may receive information and applications on these programs by contacting the School Certifying Official at 918-343-8358, by visiting the School Certifying Official located in the Office of the University Registrar in Markham Hall on the Claremore campus, or by visiting the RSU website at https://www.rsu.edu/admissions/admission-requirements/veteran-students/.

Along with all other admission documents, students seeking to utilize VA Education benefits must turn in all previous transcripts to be evaluated for prior credit, whether or not prior credit is granted, in order to be admitted and eligible for VA benefits. Transcripts and previous military training will be evaluated by the department for the major the student is pursuing and if applicable substitution forms will be completed.

Enrollment - Registration days and times are based upon currently enrolled degree seeking status. Check the RSU website and MyRSU for information on registration dates and times.

Students receiving Veterans education benefits must meet satisfactory academic progress (SAP) and attendance requirements in accordance with the University’s SAP and Attendance policies in order to remain eligible to be certified for VA education benefits. VA students on academic probation are considered to be maintaining satisfactory progress and will continue to be certified for education benefits with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

If students fail to meet academic requirements while on probation, their enrollment certification will be terminated which may result in VA requiring students to repay a portion or all benefits received. Once benefits are terminated due to SAP or attendance, students are ineligible to be certified for VA education benefits until SAP is once again met or they have successfully appealed for readmission.

RSU has an active chapter of Student Veterans of America (SVA). Additional information can be found at https://www.rsu.edu/campus-life/student-organizations/#orgs.

Military Service Leave of Absence

RSU shall grant a leave of absence, which shall not exceed a cumulative five (5) years, to a student who is a member of the active uniformed military services of the United States and called to active duty. The student shall be eligible to:

  1. Withdraw from any or all courses for the period of active duty service without penalty to admission status or GPA and without loss of eligibility for institutional financial aid upon enrollment; or
  2. Receive an “I” for any or all courses for the period of active duty status irrespective of the student’s grade at the time the “I” is awarded; provided, however, that the student has completed a minimum of fifty percent (50%) of all coursework prior to being called to active duty and the student completes all courses upon return from active duty. The student’s admission status and GPA shall not be penalized, and the student shall not experience loss of institutional financial aid.
  3. Return to the Bulletin in effect at the time of the student’s approved leave of absence. If courses or programs are no longer available or changes have been mandated by the Oklahoma State Regents or the Higher Learning Commission (regional accrediting body), RSU will identify low or no cost solutions working with the affected student to identify substitutions that would not hinder the student from graduating in a timely manner.

Assessment

All students admitted to Rogers State University are required to participate in a variety of assessment activities. Tests or programs of evaluation may be initiated, implemented, or administered at any time without prior notice to or the approval of any student who is enrolled or who is planning to enroll in Rogers State University.

Program of Study

A major is a set of courses in a student’s declared area of primary academic study that, when accompanied by appropriate supporting courses, leads to a degree. The master’s degree is based on a minimum of 36 or 60 graduate semester credit hours in the area of study. The baccalaureate degree is based on a minimum of 120 semester hours of credit. An associate degree has a minimum of 60 semester hours of credit. All undergraduate degrees, except the Associate in Applied Science, require a minimum of 41 hours of required courses in English, literature, mathematics, science, history, and the arts.

Majors are recorded on the student’s permanent record. The requirements for a major specified in the Bulletin are in effect at the time of the student’s initial continuous enrollment at Rogers State University or an Oklahoma educational institution governed by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

Specific courses are required for the major, but electives may be selected from a range of alternatives prescribed by the department. Some majors have options. An option area includes specified courses that provide a coherent group of courses within a major. Option areas for majors are recorded on the student’s permanent record.

Students who have not declared a major may enter the University as “undecided.” Students are strongly encouraged to choose a major by the time they have completed 30 credit hours. Students may transfer from one major or minor to another by filing a “Change of Major/Minor” form available within the academic departments.

In contrast to a major, an academic minor involves less extensive concentration in a discipline but still imposes specific requirements. An undergraduate minor is a specific set of courses in a subject area or academic discipline. A minor alone does not lead to an academic degree but may be required by some majors. A minor differs from an option area in that a minor is not a coherent group of courses within the student’s major. The requirements for a minor specified in the Bulletin are in effect at the time of the student’s initial full-time enrollment at Rogers State University. Minors are recorded on the student’s permanent record.

My Degree Progress (Degree Audit)

My Degree Plan is an individualized degree audit for students using their specific major and catalog year. Each degree plan report includes detailed information such as completed major requirements, the courses applied to each requirement, the semester courses were taken, the grade in each course, and the requirements that remain incomplete.

The online degree audit can be a useful tool in the advisement process. Students may view their individual Degree Plan online by visiting https://my.rsu.edu/ICS/ MyRSU/Students/My Academic Life/My Degree Progress/View All Details. An academic advisor can assist individual students with interpreting their Degree Plan.

Course Re-Use, or Double Counting Policies

Use of Courses

When applicable, no more than a single course (up to four hours) may apply toward general education requirements in either a major or a minor without additional courses being required in that major or minor. In such a case, the major or minor requirement and the general education requirement will be considered met; the credit hours toward graduation, however, count only once.

Double Major and Dual Degree

Students can declare more than one major - a Double Major and Dual Degrees. Students fulfilling all requirements of a major requiring a minor are not required to complete an additional minor for a Double Major or Dual Degree.

Double Major

A Double Major is a single degree with two distinct academic disciplines (i.e., two majors) in the same degree program. For example, a student pursuing a Military History major and a Political Science major will receive a single diploma listing both Military History and Political Science. A student pursuing a Double Major must complete the requirements for each selected major.

Dual Degree

Dual Degrees are two degrees from different degree programs. For example, a student pursuing a Military History major and a Sociology major will receive two diplomas. A student pursuing a Dual Degree must complete the requirements for each selected major plus an increase in overall hours required for graduation. After completing one degree, the student will have to take at least 30 additional hours to complete a second degree. The total number of additional hours required may vary depending on the majors a student pursues. A student interested in pursuing Dual Degrees should consult an academic advisor for more information.

A student completing a second major cannot be required to take a minor.

Degree Audits and Graduation Application Policy

When an Associate Degree Candidate (AA/AS/AAS) has accumulated 30 hours, or a Baccalaureate Degree Candidate 60 hours, the student should meet with his/her advisor and complete a degree audit.

To complete a graduation application and graduate with a degree from RSU, students must meet all requirements for the major, minor, or certificate from RSU, and pass all required courses with a final grade of C or better. Required courses at RSU are defined as identified general education, major, option, concentration, and/or minor or designated elective categories required by the school and the department from which students select a major, minor or certificate. These requirements vary and are specifically stated in the section of this Bulletin that summarizes each academic department’s offerings including its general education, major, minor, or certificate programs.

Each undergraduate student is strongly encouraged to work closely with his or her assigned advisor in selecting General Education courses, major, minor and/or certificate offerings, and elective courses from other disciplines. However, students must bear primary responsibility for their program. It is the student’s responsibility to understand general education and program requirements.

Discontinuation of Programs

A Student must complete a discontinued degree program within three (3) years of Rogers State University’s effective deletion date for that program. A currently enrolled student may not declare a degree program that has been deleted, regardless of the student’s catalog year. Students who have stopped out for standard term or more may not be readmitted into a program that has been deleted. Exceptions to this policy may be considered on a case-by-case basis and require the approval of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Rogers State University will make a reasonable attempt and use available contact information to notify students when a degree program is scheduled to be deleted.

Course Substitutions

Courses taken at RSU or at other institutions may be eligible for course substitutions. A course substitution allows one course (or more) to take the place of a different course. Substitutions are used if course content is similar between the two courses, but the name or subject code differs from the RSU requirement. Students should work with their advisor to identify courses that may be eligible for substitution in meeting general education, major or minor degree requirements. Substitution forms are submitted by advisors to Department Heads and Deans for approval and processed by the Registrar.

Course substitutions carry the credit hour total and level of the originating institution. Although a substitution can fulfill a course requirement, the student may have to take additional credits to fulfill degree or graduation requirements.

Classification

Freshman Less than 30 semester hours
Sophomore 30 - 59 semester hours
Junior 60 - 89 semester hours
Senior 90 semester hours or more
Graduate Earned baccalaureate degree

Special Student

To be classified as a “Special Student,” one or more of the following criteria must be met:

  • Admission as Special Non-Degree seeking student.
  • Taking courses for enrichment.
  • Upgrading job skills.

Note: Classifications do not include zero-level courses.

Transfer Policies

Oklahoma Public Colleges and Universities

Students who transfer to a four-year university from within the state of Oklahoma system with an Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, or baccalaureate degree, will have satisfied freshman and sophomore general education requirements at the four-year university.

If specific general education courses are noted as required by the major, students must complete those courses to earn the degree. If students transfer before completing an Associate in Arts or an Associate in Science degree, general education credit for courses that match those at the receiving college may be awarded. Credit transfer eligibility will be established on a course by course basis for students who transfer from an Oklahoma college or university that is not part of the state of Oklahoma system.

Out-of-State Colleges and Universities

Nonresident applicants must have made satisfactory progress (an average grade of “C” or better or met RSU’s retention standards, whichever is higher) in the institution from which s/he plans to transfer.

Students who transfer to RSU from an out-of-state two or four-year college or university will have their coursework evaluated for transfer by an academic or faculty advisor. Course substitutions will be used to grant credit on a course-by-course basis.

Requesting RSU Transcripts

Academic transcripts may be obtained from:

Rogers State University
Office of the Registrar

1701 W. Will Rogers Blvd.
Claremore, OK 74017

Monday through Friday during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.).

You may request an official transcript online or in person. A valid photo ID will be required for in-person requests.

For more information or go to http://www.rsu.edu/admissions/enrollment/request-a-transcript/.

Grading Policy and Grade Point Calculations

Definitions of Grading Terms

In accordance with the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education Grading Policy, the following types of grading entries with respective definitions will be used for institutional transcript notations:

  1. Grades Used in the Calculation of Grade Point Average (GPA)
Grade Note Grade Point per Hour
A Excellent 4
B Good 3
C Average 2
D Below Average 1
F Failing 0
     
  1. Other Symbols
I An Incomplete grade is used to indicate that additional work is necessary to complete a course. It is not a substitute for an “F,” and no student may be failing a course at the time an “I” grade is issued. To receive an “I,” the student should have satisfactorily completed 70 percent of the course for the semester but be unable to complete the remaining work due to extenuating circumstances. In order for an “I” to be awarded, the faculty member and the student must have an agreement to complete the coursework within an allotted time frame prior to one year from the end of that term of enrollment.

If the agreement is not fulfilled within one year from the end of the original term of enrollment, a grade of “F” will replace the grade of “I” for the course.
AU Audit status is used for a student who is not interested in obtaining a course grade, but who is enrolled to get course content knowledge. An “AU” is GPA neutral. The allowable time to change an enrollment status from audit to credit or credit to audit is within the first five class days of a regular semester or within the first three days of a summer term. Students who change their enrollment status from audit to credit must meet institutional admission/retention standards.
N Used to indicate that the instructor did not submit the semester grade to the Registrar by the appropriate deadline. The “N” must be replaced by the appropriate letter grade prior to the end of the subsequent semester. An “N” is GPA neutral.
W A “W” will be recorded on the transcript for all withdrawals occurring during the third through the twelfth week of a regular semester and during the second through sixth week of a summer term. No course withdrawals, including complete withdrawals, are permitted during the last four weeks of the regular term or the last two weeks of the summer term. These deadlines are for regularly scheduled full-term courses. All other courses will have proportional withdrawal timelines. A “W” is GPA neutral.

Students cannot be graded with a “W” unless they have initiated a withdrawal during the proper date guidelines as listed in the Withdrawing from Courses section.
AW Administrative Withdrawal may be assigned by the Office of Academic or Student Affairs to indicate that a student has been “involuntarily” withdrawn from class(es) after the institution’s drop-and-add period for disciplinary or financial reasons or inadequate attendance. Such withdrawals must follow formal institutional procedures. Administrative withdrawals are GPA neutral.
P-NP The “P” grade is neutral indicating minimum course requirements have been met and credit has been earned. The “P” grade may also be used to indicate credit earned through advanced standing examinations. The grade of “NP” indicates that a student did not meet minimum requirements in a course designated for “P/NP” grading. While both grades “P, N/P” are GPA neutral, they are counted in the total number of attempted hours for retention and the total number of attempted and earned hours for graduation.
P-F An institution may elect to use Pass-Fail as an option for students in specified courses. The Pass grade indicates hours earned but does not contribute to the GPA. The Fail grade is an “F” and is calculated into the GPA.
   
  1. Grade Point Averages
    The retention/graduation GPA is used to determine a student’s eligibility to remain enrolled or graduate from an institution. Activity courses and forgiven coursework are not calculated in the retention/graduation GPA.

    The cumulative GPA includes grades for all coursework, including activity courses and forgiven coursework.

    Developmental courses, audited courses, and courses in which the grades of I, W, AW, P, NP, or N are given are not calculated in the retention/graduation or cumulative GPAs.
  2. Mid-Term Grades:
    Instructors will be required to submit grades of P (passing), D, or F, at the mid-term of any semester/term for all lower division (defined as 1000 and 2000 number courses) and developmental (defined as below 1000 numbered courses) undergraduate courses at Rogers State University. Instructors will also have the option to assign a letter grade of A, B, C, at their discretion at mid-term of any semester/term. Student grades at mid-term are used for counseling purposes and are not recorded on a student’s permanent record.
  3. Developmental Courses
    Developmental courses are pre-college courses designed to prepare students for collegiate-level coursework. Thus, developmental courses are to be coded as zero-level, and collegiate-level credit is not awarded for the completion of such courses. Developmental courses are graded with letter grades. Regardless of the grades awarded, developmental courses are not calculated in the retention/graduation or cumulative GPAs. A grade of “C” or better must be attained to clear a developmental course requirement.
  4. The 12 / 24-Credit Hour Rule
    When students with documented deficiencies in certain academic areas begin their studies at RSU, they are allotted, by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, a certain amount of time to pass the courses needed to strengthen their skills. These courses are known as developmental (or zero- level) courses and are offered in the following areas: English (writing), reading, mathematics, and science. The area(s) in which a student is deficient is determined by the student’s scores on the ACT, SAT, ACCUPLACER, or Stanford Test of Academic Skills in Science.

    The key is to take any necessary zero-level courses as quickly as possible. Successful completion is a grade of “C” or better. The longer it takes a student to successfully complete required zero-level courses, the more likely it becomes that this student will reach or surpass his/her credit hour limit.

    The 24-hour rule, established by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, applies to students who have not attended another college or university or who have fewer than seven (7) attempted credit hours from another institution. This rule states that the student has 24 credit hours - roughly two semesters - in which to pass the required developmental courses in all deficient academic areas. Zero-level courses do not count as “credit” hours toward graduation. If a student attempts 24 credit hours before clearing all deficiencies, that student’s future enrollments will be restricted to those courses necessary to clear any remaining deficiencies.

    The same holds true for transfer students who are under a 12- hour rule, which mandates that all deficiencies must be cleared within their first 12 credit hours attempted at RSU. If a transfer student attempts 12 credit hours before clearing all deficiencies, that student’s future enrollments will be restricted to those courses necessary to clear any remaining deficiencies.

    Students placed in developmental courses are encouraged to successfully complete CS 1113  (Microcomputer Applications) within the 24-credit hour period. Transfer students who have taken and passed a course equivalent to CS 1113  will have satisfied the CS 1113  requirement.
  5. Computer Proficiency
    1. Students must demonstrate computer proficiency, which includes the competent use of a variety of software and networking applications. This requirement may be completed through one of three options:
      1. successfully complete a high school computer science course that meets the State Regents’ high school curricular requirements; or
      2. satisfy RSU’s computer proficiency assessment; or
      3. successfully complete college-level course work that is designated at the academic department level for specific degree programs or successfully complete CS 1113 . Students are encouraged to complete the computer proficiency requirement within the first 24 semester hours attempted.

        Students who graduated from accredited institutions in the Oklahoma State System with an Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, or baccalaureate degree have satisfied the computer proficiency requirement. Transfer courses from accredited institutions deemed equivalent to RSU’s CS 1113  will satisfy the computer proficiency requirement.
  6. Additional History Requirement
    All first-time and transfer students must meet the Oklahoma Regents curricular requirements regarding History and Citizenship Skills. This may require students to complete an additional course in the subject areas of history, government, geography, economics, and/or non-Western culture. Transfer students with an earned AA, AS, and/or bachelor’s degree from any Oklahoma State system institution meet this requirement. Others will be reviewed on a course-by-course basis in order to meet this requirement.

Academic Standing

  1. Retention Standards and Requirements
    Each student’s transcript will list the student’s current retention/graduation GPA and will denote each semester when a student is placed on academic probation or is academically suspended from the institution.
  2. Academic Forgiveness Provisions
    Circumstances may justify a degree-seeking student being able to recover from academic problems in ways that do not forever jeopardize his/her academic standing. The student’s academic transcript, however, should be a full and accurate reflection of the facts of the student’s academic life. Therefore, in situations that warrant academic forgiveness, the transcript will reflect all courses in which a student was enrolled and in which grades were earned, with the academic forgiveness provisions reflected in such matters as how the retention/graduation GPA is calculated. Specifically, for those students receiving academic forgiveness by repeating courses or through academic reprieve, the transcript will reflect the retention/ graduation GPA excluding forgiven courses/semesters. The transcript will also note the cumulative GPA, which includes all attempted regularly graded coursework.

    Academic forgiveness may be warranted for currently enrolled degree-seeking undergraduate students in three specific circumstances:
    1. For pedagogical reasons, a student will be allowed to repeat a course and count only the second grade earned in the calculation of the retention/graduation GPA under the prescribed circumstances listed below;
    2. There may be extraordinary situations in which a student has done poorly in up to two semesters due to extenuating circumstances that, in the judgment of the appropriate institutional officials, warrant excluding grades from those semesters in calculating the student’s retention/graduation GPA; and
    3. A student may be returning to college after an extended absence and/or under circumstances that warrant a fresh academic start.

Degree-seeking, undergraduate students may seek academic forgiveness utilizing the following institutional procedures. A student may receive no more than one academic reprieve in his/her academic career. The repeated courses provision may be utilized independent of reprieve within the limits prescribed below. All Oklahoma institutions conform to the “repeated courses” forgiveness provision.

  1. Repeated Courses
    All State System institutions are required to offer the repeated courses provision.

    A student shall have the prerogative to repeat courses and have only the second grade earned, even if it is lower than the first grade, count in the calculation of the retention/graduation GPA, up to a maximum of four (4) courses but not to exceed 18 hours, in the courses in which the original grade earned was a “D” or “F.” Both attempts shall be recorded on the transcript with the earned grade for each listed in the semester earned. The EXPLANATION OF GRADES section of the transcript will note that only the second grade earned is used in the calculation of the retention/graduation GPA. If a student repeats an individual course more than once, all grades earned, with the exception of the first, are used to calculate the retention/graduation GPA. Students repeating courses above the first four courses or 18 credit hours of “Ds” or “Fs” repeated may do so with the original grade and repeat grades averaged.

    It is the student’s responsibility to notify the Office of the Registrar when a repeated course situation occurs, whether the original course or the repeated course was taken at Rogers State University or any other institution. If either course (original or repeated) was taken at another institution, it may be necessary for the student to obtain verification from the appropriate Rogers State University academic department that the original course and the repeated course are in fact deemed to be equivalent courses.
  2. Academic Reprieve
    In accordance with the policies of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and Rogers State University, a degree-seeking, undergraduate student may request an Academic Reprieve if he/she meets the following guidelines:
    1. The student must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate.
    2. At least three years must have elapsed between the period in which the grades being requested reprieved were earned and the reprieve request.
    3. Prior to requesting the academic reprieve, the student must have earned a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher with no grade lower than a C in all regularly graded coursework (a minimum of 12 hours) excluding activity and performance courses. This coursework may have been completed at any accredited higher education institution.
    4. The request may be for one semester/term or two consecutive semesters/terms. If the reprieve is awarded, all grades and hours during the enrollment period are included. If the student’s request is for two consecutive semesters, the institution may choose to reprieve only one semester.
    5. The student must petition for consideration of Academic Reprieve according to institutional policy.
    6. All courses remain on the student’s transcript, but are not calculated in the student’s retention/ graduation GPA. Coursework with a passing grade included in a reprieved semester may be used to demonstrate competency in the subject matter. However, the coursework may not be used to fulfill credit hour requirements. Academic Reprieve may not be helpful for students transferring to another institution outside of the Oklahoma state system or for financial aid eligibility.
    7. The student may not receive more than one academic reprieve during his/her academic career.
    8. Academic reprieves will not be granted for students who have received a baccalaureate or higher degree from any institution.
  3. Academic Renewal
    Academic renewal is a provision allowing a degree-seeking, undergraduate student who has had academic trouble in the past and who has been out of higher education for a number of years to recover without penalty and have a fresh start.

    In accordance with the policies of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and Rogers State University, a student may request an Academic Renewal if he/she meets the following guidelines.
    1. At least five years must have elapsed between the last semester being renewed and the renewal request;
    2. Prior to requesting academic renewal, the student must have earned a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher with no grade lower than a “C” in all regularly graded coursework (a minimum of 12 hours) excluding activity or performance courses;
    3. The request will be for ALL courses completed before the date specified in the request for renewal;
    4. The student must petition for consideration of academic renewal according to the institutional policy; and
    5. All courses remain on the student’s transcript, but are not calculated in the student’s retention/graduation GPA. Neither the content nor credit hours of renewed coursework may be used to fulfill any degree or graduation requirements. Academic Renewal may not be helpful for students transferring to another institution outside of the Oklahoma state system or for financial aid eligibility.

Retention and Readmission Policies

Rogers State University, in cooperation with the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, has adopted the following policy relating to retention of students pursuing undergraduate coursework. The policy combines an early notification of students experiencing academic difficulties with a gradual increase in the overall standards required for retention/continued enrollment at the University. All courses in which a student has a recorded grade will be counted in the calculation of the retention/graduation grade point average (GPA) with the exception of those courses excluded as part of the Academic Forgiveness Policy, developmental courses, and activity courses.

Definition of Terms

  • Good Academic Standing: Any student who meets the retention requirements as set forth in this section is in good academic standing.
  • Academic Notice: Any student with 30 or fewer credit hours, with a retention/graduation GPA of 1.7 to l.99 will be placed on academic notice.
  • Academic Probation: Any student whose retention/graduation GPA falls below that listed in Retention/Graduation GPA Requirements will be on academic probation. The student will remain on probation as long as he/she maintains a current term/ semester GPA of 2.0 each semester until his/her retention/graduation GPA is a 2.0. If the student does not maintain a current term/semester GPA of 2.0, he/she will be placed on academic suspension.
  • Academic Suspension: Any student who is on academic probation and who does not achieve a Retention/Graduation GPA of 2.0 (excluding developmental courses and activity/performance courses) will be suspended and will not be eligible for reinstatement until one regular semester (fall or spring) has elapsed.
  • Permanent Academic Suspension: A student who has been reinstated and is suspended a second time from Rogers State University is permanently suspended from the institution. The student may not return to RSU until such time as he or she has demonstrated, by attending another institution, the ability to succeed academically. The student’s retention/graduation GPA must meet the retention standard to be considered for re-admission to RSU. There is no appeal for permanent suspension.
  • High School Concurrent Suspension
    Any high school concurrent student whose cumulative college GPA falls below 2.0 will be academically suspended. If suspended, high school concurrent students will be ineligible to pursue future concurrent enrollment until such time as they graduate from high school.

Retention/Graduation GPA Requirements

A student must maintain a 2.0 retention/graduation GPA for the duration of his/her college experience with the exception of freshmen on academic notice. A student will be placed on academic probation if he/she fails to meet the following requirements:

Credit Hours Attempted Retention/Graduation
GPA Requirement*
0 through 30 credit hours 1.70
Greater than 30 credit hours 2.00

Any student not maintaining satisfactory progress toward his/her academic objective as indicated above will be placed on probation for one semester. At the end of that semester, he/she must have a semester/term GPA of 2.0 in regularly graded coursework, not to include developmental courses or activity or performance courses, or meet the minimum retention/graduation GPA standard required above in order to continue as a student.

Students not meeting either of these criteria will be immediately suspended and cannot be reinstated until one regular semester (fall or spring) has elapsed. Students suspended in the spring semester may attend, at the discretion of the University or if approved by the Suspension Appeals Committee, the summer session immediately following spring suspension. However, such students may enroll only in core academic courses that meet the general education requirements or degree requirements. Only students under first-time suspension status at the University are eligible. To continue in that fall semester, such students must achieve a 2.0 semester/term GPA or raise their retention/graduation GPA to the required level.

*Note: All courses in which a student has a recorded grade will be counted in the calculation of the grade point average for retention purposes excluding any courses repeated or reprieved as detailed in the University’s Grading Policy, developmental pre-college courses, and physical education activity courses.

Suspension of Seniors

The University may allow a student with 90 or more hours in a specified degree program who has failed to meet the retention/graduation grade point average of 2.0 or the semester/term GPA of 2.0 to enroll in up to 15 additional semester hours in a further attempt to achieve the retention/graduation GPA requirement. During these 15 hours of enrollment, the student must achieve a minimum 2.0 semester/term GPA during each enrollment or raise his/her retention/graduation GPA to 2.0 or above. This senior suspension exception can be exercised only once per student.

Readmission of Suspended Students

Students who are academically suspended from Rogers State University will not be allowed to reenter the University for at least one regular semester (fall or spring) except as provided in the suspension appeals process. Any student who has been suspended for at least one regular semester may apply for readmission to Rogers State University. Along with an application for admission, the student will need to send a letter of reapplication to the Office of Admissions declaring his/her intent and a plan of action. The Office of Admissions will determine if the conditions that led to the academic suspension have been corrected. If, in the judgment of the Office of Admissions, the student has a reasonable chance of academic success, he/she will be permitted to reenter the University.

The following criteria will apply to all students readmitted to Rogers State University after serving at least one regular semester on academic suspension.

  1. Suspended students can be readmitted only once.
  2. Such students will be readmitted on probationary status and must maintain a 2.0 semester/term grade point average (GPA) each semester attempted while on probation or raise their retention/graduation GPA to the designated retention level.
  3. Students admitted after a suspension may be limited to 12 credit hours of enrollment during their first semester at RSU.
  4. Should a student who has been reinstated be suspended a second time from Rogers State University, this suspension will be permanent and may not be appealed. See Academic Permanent Suspension for more information.

Appeal for Immediate Readmission after Suspension

Students who feel that they have had extraordinary personal circumstances that contributed to their academic difficulties may petition for immediate reinstatement by completing an “Application for Academic Suspension Appeal” from the Office of the Registrar, Markham Hall, 918-343-7552. If, in the judgment of the Dean of the School where the student has their major, the Registrar, and the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the student has a reasonable chance of academic success, he/she will be permitted to reenter the University. If approved, the student will be reinstated for one semester on a probationary basis and must meet the retention requirements at the end of the semester for continued enrollment at Rogers State University. Should the student fail to meet the retention standard, the student will be permanently suspended.

Grade Appeals and Academic Misconduct

To initiate a grade appeal, the student should first discuss the issue with the instructor and, if dissatisfied, then with the Dean of the School. If the matter is unresolved, the student may file a formal grade appeal request with the Dean of the School in which the course is offered. Policies and procedures outlining the grade appeal process and academic misconduct are found in the Student Code.

Adds, Drops and Withdrawals

Adding Courses

The last day to add, or enroll in, regular 16 week classes is the fifth day of the fall or spring semester, and the third day of the of the summer term and 8-week courses. Short-term classes add dates are listed in the Schedule of classes.

Dropping Courses

To avoid charges, a student who will not, or cannot, attend the classes in which he/she has enrolled, is responsible to drop as follows:

Term Refund
16 weeks 2 weeks
8 weeks 1 week
Under 8 weeks First business day after the second day of class.
Under 4 weeks First business day after the first day of class

Drops may be completed online via MyRSU if given permission or with a paper form at the Claremore, Bartlesville, or Pryor campuses. Students should retain a copy of the form.

*Note: Neither Drops nor Withdrawals may be completed by phone or after the final postdate to drop or withdraw.

Drop for Non-Attendance

If a student is reported as “never attended” all courses on the census date, the student will be dropped from all coursework enrolled in for the current term.

If the student receives Title IV and institutional funds, those funds will be removed from the student’s account.

If a student receives financial aid, but is later determined to have never attended a course, the student’s aid is adjusted accordingly by the RSU Financial Aid Office and returned to the appropriate federal programs.

Withdrawing from Courses

Students may withdraw from courses after the drop period has ended. The date the student initially signs the institution’s official withdrawal form, or officially provides written notification (email, fax, text) to the Office of the University Registrar of their intention to withdraw. A grade of “W” is issued when a student initiates a withdrawal during the allowable withdrawal period (through the twelfth week of a regular semester, the sixth week of a summer term, or the first 3/4 of a short-term course). After the allowable with- drawal period (final date to withdraw published in the course schedule), only the following grades will be given: “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” “F,” “P”, “NP,” or “I.” An “I” may be given only if the student is passing and has completed a substantial part of the coursework.

Students with a recorded grade, including a “W” or “AU,” on their transcript will be charged for the course. A student should drop during the “drop” period to avoid charges.

Late Withdrawal/Drop Appeal

Students who feel that they have had extraordinary personal circumstances that contributed to their academic difficulties may petition for late withdrawal or drop consideration via MyRSU by clicking Students/Student forms.

Students may submit an appeal within one year of the conclusion of the semester or term of enrollment in question. Documentation that supports the circumstances of the appeal must be submitted by the student for consideration.

Appeals are reviewed by the Registrar, Bursar, Director of Financial Aid and the Vice President of Academic Affairs. If approved, the student’s academic record will be changed accordingly. Any financial liabilities resulting from the appeal approval will be the responsibility of the student.

The Vice President’s decision is final.

Honor Roll Qualification

Undergraduate students who have achieved superior academic performance are recognized by Rogers State University each semester by being named to the President’s Honor Roll or the Dean’s Honor Roll. Eligibility for this recognition is as follows:

President’s Honor Roll

For a fall or spring semester, the student must complete a minimum of twelve (12) semester hours of college-level courses at Rogers State University with a 4.0 term grade point average and no grade lower than an “A”* and be in good academic standing at RSU with a 2.0 retention/graduation GPA.

For a summer term, the student must complete a minimum of six (6) semester hours of college-level coursework at Rogers State University with a 4.0 term grade point average and no grade lower than an “A”* and be in good academic standing at RSU with a 2.0 retention/graduation GPA.

Dean’s Honor Roll

For a fall or spring semester, the student must complete a minimum of twelve (12) semester hours of college-level courses with a 3.5 term grade point average and no grade lower than a “B”* and be in good academic standing at RSU with a 2.0 retention/graduation GPA.

For a summer term, the student must complete a minimum of six (6) semester hours of college-level courses with a 3.5 term grade point average and no grade lower than a “B”* and be in good academic standing at RSU with a 2.0 retention/graduation GPA.

*Note: Courses graded with an “I,” “N,” or “P” are excluded from the minimum credit hours required to be considered for the honor roll. Developmental courses (those with course numbers under 1000) are not included in the honor roll determinations.

Graduation

Commencement

All students who have met Graduation Requirements are eligible to participate in Commencement. Graduation exercises are held at the end of each spring semester. Students completing degree requirements in the current academic year or preceding summer may take part in the spring commencement exercises. Upon verification of grades, degrees will be noted on transcripts at the close of the graduating term. Students planning to graduate with a baccalaureate degree must file a degree completion plan worksheet with their major department at the end of their junior year.

Nonrefundable graduation fees must be paid at the Office of the Bursar after candidacy for graduation has been approved. Graduation candidates not successfully completing all required coursework within their candidacy term will forfeit any graduation fee payments and must reapply for graduation. Diplomas will be mailed approximately 8-10 weeks after the completion of the term in which all degree requirements have been completed.

  • Prospective Spring Graduates: Completed prior to the second Friday of November
  • Prospective Summer Graduates: Priority-completed prior to the second Friday of March (to walk in commencement in May). Final-second Friday of June
  • Prospective Fall Graduates: Completed prior to the second Friday of September.

Honors Graduates

Rogers State University recognizes associate and baccalaureate degree candidates who have demonstrated superior academic performance. Honor candidates are approved based upon the retention/graduation grade point average of all college-level coursework completed the semester prior to graduation and will be recognized in the commencement program as candidates for honors. Final designation of honors will depend on all grades including the last semester and will be noted on the transcript. Any student with an incomplete grade (I) in any course required for graduation will not be considered for honors designation.

Honors GPA:

The honors designation and graduation/retention grade point average for Associate and Bachelor’s graduates shall be:

  Summa Cum Laude 4.0  
  Magna Cum Laude 3.80-3.99  
  Cum Laude 3.60-3.79  

Graduation Requirements

Master’s Degree

A master’s degree is an academic title granted to a student who has completed a specific course of study. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education authorize degree titles. The University, a school, and a department administer programs leading to the degrees.

In conformance with the requirements established by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, the faculty at Rogers State University has established the following guide- lines for a student to earn a master’s degree.

  1. Students accepted into the MBA graduate program will enroll in 36 total credit hours of graduate coursework. Students accepted into the MS in Community Counseling program will enroll in 60 total credit hours of graduate coursework.
  2. Students are expected to complete the degree within five years.
  3. Students must maintain good academic standing. No more than one “C” grade will be accepted.
  4. Students may request that a maximum of six applicable graduate credit hours, earned at any institutionally accredited institution, be applied toward their master’s degree. Grades of “B” or better will be considered for transfer credit. Graduate work earned more than five years prior to admission will not transfer. Coursework applied to a previous graduate degree will not apply.
  5. Only one degree will be awarded upon the completion of the master degree requirements. Students satisfying requirements in more than one option area will earn two or more option and these will be posted on their transcript.

Baccalaureate Degree

A baccalaureate degree is an academic title granted to a student who has completed a specific course of study. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education authorize degree titles. The University, a school, and a department administer programs leading to the degrees.

In conformance with the requirements established by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, the faculty at Rogers State University has established the following guidelines for a student to earn a baccalaureate degree.

  1. At 90 earned hours, a student should apply for graduation through their academic department. (Application for Graduation form).
  2. Upon completion of the Application for Graduation, the student and advisor must complete a Degree Completion Plan Worksheet. Variation from the filed degree completion plan may result in delay of graduation.
  3. Degrees are conferred when earned. Students who have completed all requirements, or are completing all requirements for the current term, are candidates for graduation. If students are within nine hours of graduation in the spring semester and if they have pre-enrolled for the needed courses in the subsequent summer term, the students may participate in commencement exercises. The degree will not be awarded until all coursework is satisfactorily completed.
  4. The minimum number of semester hours required for a degree is 120. A minimum of 60 hours, excluding physical education and activity courses, must be taken at a baccalaureate degree granting institution. At least 40 of the required 120 semester hours must be at the 3000- 4000 level, excluding physical education and activity courses.
  5. Candidates for baccalaureate degrees must earn 30 credit hours in residence at Rogers State University. At least 15 of the final 30 hours applied toward the degree must be satisfactorily completed at Rogers State University. The Bachelor of Technology degree is exempt from the 15 of 30 final credit hours applied toward the degree policy. Resident credit is earned by completion of regularly scheduled RSU courses offered on campus, by interactive television, by telecourse, or by Internet.

    Credit earned through CLEP, AP, correspondence, DANTES, advanced standing, and continuing education is not considered resident credit.
  6. Forty-five hours of prior learning credit awarded by RSU may be applied toward a baccalaureate degree (30 in lower division 1000 and 2000-level courses, and 15 in upper division 3000 and 4000-level courses).
  7. Students must earn a combined retention/graduation GPA of 2.0 in all coursework attempted. No grade lower than a “C” will be accepted in the major, the Technical Specialty of the Bachelor of Technology degree or the minor.
  8. At least one-half of the major’s credit hours must be earned at Rogers State University. At least one-half of the upper division credit hours in the major must be earned at RSU. For the Bachelor of Technology degree, the major is defined as the Core and the Option. The Technical Specialty courses are not included in this policy. To complete a minor, a student is required to earn six 3000-4000 level credit hours in that minor at RSU (a total of 9 upper division credits required).
  9. Individual departments, with the appropriate University approval, may set admission or graduation standards that are higher (but not lower) than the minimum University- wide standards. These departmental requirements can be found in the Bulletin under the degree requirements for the specific program.
  10. The Rogers State University Bulletin in effect at the time of the student’s initial full-time enrollment, whether at Rogers State University or an Oklahoma educational institution governed by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, shall govern general education and degree requirements for the major, minor, and/or certificate provided that the student has had continuous enrollment. Continuous enrollment is defined as making significant progress toward degree and/or certificate completion by earning at least six hours toward the degree and/or certificate per semester and not being out of Rogers State University or an Oklahoma educational institution governed by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education for more than one enrollment period, excluding the summer term. Students not enrolled for two consecutive semesters will return under the RSU Bulletin in effect at the time of their readmission and will be subject to any new degree requirements as established by the effective RSU Bulletin.
  11. The Rogers State University Bulletin expires after seven years for students pursuing a baccalaureate degree. When that Bulletin has expired at the end of the seven- year limit, the students who have been continuously enrolled must select a subsequent Bulletin up to and including the current one.
  12. Students may elect to meet the degree requirements in a Rogers State University Bulletin adopted by the University after their initial continuous enrollment, but the student will then be governed by all of the requirements of that RSU Bulletin. Candidates for fall graduation in any year may not move forward to the RSU Bulletin year effective during the fall of their final semester of enrollment and degree conferral.
  13. A departure from general education courses required for graduation may be obtained only by petition to the appropriate Department Head and Dean by submitting a substitution form to the Registrar’s Office. A departure from major and minor courses required for graduation may be obtained only by an approved substitution form from the appropriate Department Head and Dean of the School offering the major or minor. Transfer credit will only be accepted from institutionally-accredited institutions.

    Transfer credit for specific courses and programs is granted upon recommendation of the appropriate Faculty, Department Head, and the Dean of the School accepting the credit.
  14. Students must demonstrate computer proficiency, which includes the competent use of a variety of software and networking applications. This requirement may be completed through one of three options:
    1. successfully complete a high school computer science course that meets the State Regents’ high school curricular requirements; or
    2. satisfy RSU’s computer proficiency assessment; or
    3. successfully complete college-level course work that is designated at the academic department level for specific degree programs or successfully complete CS 1113. Students are encouraged to complete the computer proficiency requirement within the first 24 semester hours attempted.

      Students who graduated from accredited institutions in the Oklahoma State System with an Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, or baccalaureate degree have satisfied the computer proficiency requirement. Transfer courses from accredited institutions deemed equivalent to RSU’s CS 1113 will satisfy the computer proficiency requirement.
  15. Any college work earned more than 15 years before the time a baccalaureate degree is granted at Rogers State University may be applicable toward a degree at the discretion of the departments that offer equivalent or similar courses and the approval of the appropriate Department Head and Dean.
  16. Only one degree will be awarded upon the completion of the baccalaureate degree requirements. Students satisfying requirements in more than one major area will earn two or more majors and these will be posted on their transcript. A student completing a second major cannot be required to take a minor. Students satisfying the requirements in more than one minor area will earn two or more minors and these will be posted on their transcript.
  17. Students who have completed a degree from another accredited university may earn another degree in a different field at Rogers State University by completing all general education, departmental, and residence requirements for that degree not satisfied by the previous degree already earned.
  18. Students who have earned a baccalaureate degree from Rogers State University may earn a second baccalaureate degree by fulfilling the following: a) all the requirements for the second degree; b) a minimum of 30 additional undergraduate semester hours, of which 15 must be in residence at RSU and not used in meeting any requirements for the first degree; c) a minimum of 15 of the additional 30 hours must be at the 3000-4000 level.

Associate Degree

An associate degree is an academic title granted to a student who has completed a specific course of study. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education authorize degree titles. The University, a school, and a department administer programs leading to the degrees.

In conformance with the requirements established by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, the faculty at Rogers State University has established the following guide- lines for a student to earn an associate degree.

  1. At 45 earned hours, a student should apply for graduation through their department. (Application for Graduation form).
  2. Upon completion of the Application for Graduation, the student and advisor must complete a Degree Completion Plan Worksheet. Variation from the filed degree completion plan may result in delay of graduation.
  3. Degrees are conferred when earned. Students who have completed all requirements, or are completing all requirements for the current term, are candidates for graduation. If students are within nine hours of graduation at the end of the spring semester, and if they have pre-enrolled for the needed courses in the subsequent summer term, the students may participate in commencement exercises. The degree will not be awarded until all coursework is satisfactorily completed.
  4. The minimum number of semester hours required for a degree is 60.
  5. Candidates for associate degrees must earn 15 credit hours in residence at Rogers State University. At least 15 of the final 30 hours applied toward the degree must be satisfactorily completed at Rogers State University. The Associate in Applied Science degree is exempt from the 15 of 30 final credit hours applied toward the degree policy. Resident credit is earned by completion of regularly scheduled RSU courses offered on campus, by interactive television, by telecourse, or by Internet. Credit earned through CLEP, AP, correspondence, DANTES, advanced standing, or continuing education is not considered resident credit.
  6. Thirty hours of prior learning credit awarded by RSU may be applied toward an associate degree.
  7. Students must earn a combined retention/graduation GPA of 2.0 in all coursework attempted. No grade lower than a “C” will be accepted in major, the Technical Specialty, Technical Related Coursework, and/or Recommended courses of the AAS degree or minor.
  8. Candidates for the AAS degree are exempt from Regents guidelines regarding completion of a second collegiate-level history course. Additionally, AAS candidates must clear deficiencies in English and Reading to be awarded the degree, but are exempted from remediation in Math and Science, unless the student attempts a course that requires such remediation be completed. Students continuing in AA, AS or bachelor’s degrees must clear any high school curricular requirements as specified by the particular degree program.
  9. At least one-half of the major must be taken at Rogers State University. For the Associate in Applied Science degree, at least 9 credit-hours in the Technical Specialty, Technical Related Coursework, and/or Recommended courses must be taken at Rogers State University.
  10. Individual departments, with the appropriate University approval, may set admission or graduation standards that are higher (but not lower) than the minimum University-wide standards. These departmental requirements can be found in the Bulletin under the degree requirements for the specific program.
  11. The Rogers State University Bulletin in effect at the time of the student’s initial full-time enrollment, whether at Rogers State University or an Oklahoma educational institution governed by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, shall govern general education and degree requirements for the major and/or certificate provided that the student has had continuous enrollment. Continuous enrollment is defined as making significant progress toward degree completion by earning at least six hours toward the degree per semester and not being out of Rogers State University or an Oklahoma educational institution governed by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education for more than one enrollment period, excluding the summer term. Students not enrolled for two consecutive semesters will return under the RSU Bulletin in effect at the time of their readmission and will be subject to any new degree requirements as established by the effective RSU Bulletin.
  12. The Rogers State University Bulletin expires after seven years for students pursuing an associate degree. When that Bulletin has expired at the end of the seven-year limit, students who have been continuously enrolled must select a subsequent Bulletin up to and including the current one.
  13. Students may elect to meet the degree requirements in a Rogers State University Bulletin adopted by the University after their initial continuous enrollment, but the student will then be governed by all of the require- ments of that RSU Bulletin. Candidates for fall graduation in any year may not move forward to the RSU Bulletin year effective during the fall of their final semester of enrollment and degree conferral.
  14. A departure from general education courses required for graduation may be obtained only by petition to the appropriate Department Head and Dean by submitting a substitution form to the Registrar’s Office. A departure from major courses required for graduation may be obtained only by an approved substitution form from the appropriate Department Head and Dean of the School offering the major. Transfer credit will only be accepted from institutionally-accredited institutions. Transfer credit for specific courses and programs is granted upon recommendation of the appropriate Faculty, Department Head, and the Dean of the School accepting the credit.
  15. Students must demonstrate computer proficiency, which includes the competent use of a variety of software and networking applications. This requirement may be completed through one of three options:
    1. successfully complete a high school computer science course that meets the State Regents’ high school curricular requirements; or
    2. satisfy RSU’s computer proficiency assessment; or
    3. successfully complete college-level course work that is designated at the academic department level for specific degree programs or successfully complete CS 1113. Students are encouraged to complete the computer proficiency requirement within the first 24 semester hours attempted.

      Students who graduated from accredited institutions in the Oklahoma State System with an Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, or baccalaureate degree have satisfied the computer proficiency requirement. Transfer courses from accredited institutions deemed equivalent to RSU’s CS 1113 will satisfy the computer proficiency requirement.
  16. Any college work earned more than 15 years before the time an associate degree is granted at Rogers State University may be applicable toward a degree at the discretion of the departments that offer equivalent or similar courses and the approval of the appropriate Department Head and Dean.
  17. Only one degree will be awarded upon the completion of the associate degree requirements.
  18. Students who have completed a degree from another accredited university may earn another degree in a different field at Rogers State University by completing all general education, departmental, and residence requirements for that degree not satisfied by the previous degree already earned.
  19. Students who have earned an associate degree from Rogers State University may earn a second associate degree by fulfilling the following: a) all the requirements for the second degree; b) a minimum of 15 additional undergraduate semester hours, of which 9 must be in residence at RSU and not used in meeting any requirements for the first degree.

Minimum Total Credit: Refer to major area for details.

  Associate Degree 60*  
  Baccalaureate Degree: 120*  
(*Excluding physical education and activity courses.)

Credit for Prior Learning

All institutions that are part of the Oklahoma State System shall provide students with a means of evaluation of prior learning. Prior Learning is acquired outside the sponsorship of legally authorized postsecondary and higher education institutions accredited as degree-granting institutions. The term applies to learning acquired from, but not limited to, work and life experiences, non-degree granting institutions, professional training, military, training, or open source learning. Students must meet the following criteria before credits for prior learning can post to student transcripts.

  1. Students eligible to receive credit for prior learning must be enrolled at Rogers State University.
  2. Students eligible to receive credit for prior learning must have completed 12 or more semester hours at Rogers State University before prior learning credits can being placed on the student’s official transcript. Rogers State University shall review and validate the learning using State Regents’ recognized or approved methods. These include American Council on Education recommendation on the Joint Service Transcript; standardized exams such as College Board Advanced Placement (AP); College Level Examination Program (CLEP); and the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES); credit awarded for prior learning in programs for which RSU is approved to offer by the State Regents (Advanced Standing); Extra-Institutional Credit.
  3. All credit through extra-institutional means will be recorded with a grade of “P.” Only those courses for which the minimum passing scores are attained will be recorded.
  4. Forty-five hours of prior learning credit awarded by RSU may be applied toward a baccalaureate degree (30 in lower division and 15 in upper division). Thirty hours of prior learning credit awarded by RSU may be applied toward an associate degree.

Prior Learning:

Advanced Standing Credit

Advanced standing credit can be earned at RSU by evaluating a student’s previous learning experiences through testing. Most departments offer some courses by examination.

Students should consult with the Department Head offering the course of interest as to whether it can be taken by examination. Students must be currently enrolled and complete 12 credit hours in residency at Rogers State University prior to recording of advanced standing credit on their permanent records. Advanced standing cannot be taken for a course previously failed. A fee is assessed for administering an institutional advanced standing examination. The fee must be paid prior to taking the examination. Current fee information can be found on the tuition and fee schedule.

Advanced Standing Credit for Practical Nurse, Paramedic Education, and Associate/Diploma RN

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) and nationally licensed paramedics (NREMTP) are eligible to receive college credit. The number of credit hours granted is determined by the nursing faculty. Qualified candidates may earn credit. Students must complete 12 credit hours in residency at Rogers State University and provide documentation of licensure prior to recording the advanced standing credit on the permanent record. The faculty determine the specific criteria for awarding credit for prior educational experiences. The faculty also determine the admission and progression policies and clinical practice experiences.

Advanced Placement Program

The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program (AP) examination is available to students while enrolled in high school. Advanced Placement credit may be awarded if a student scores at a level of “3” or higher. The number of credits awarded is based on the American Council on Education Guidelines. Advanced Placement credit may be awarded only for courses that are taught at Rogers State University. The grade of “P” will be placed on a student’s transcript after the completion of 12 credit hours at RSU. A grade of “P” is GPA neutral. To see the most updated score equivalency chart please visit: https://www.rsu.edu/admissions/testing-center/ap-clep/ Scores must be sent directly from College Board to Rogers State University.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

CLEP exams allow you to test out of introductory courses and move to more advanced courses. For information on CLEP testing and a list of available CLEP tests/study guides please visit www.collegeboard.com. Scores must be sent directly from College Board to Rogers State University.

Credit for Military/Training

Credit may be granted for basic training, formal service school courses, and approved college-level examinations passed while in military service. In general, the credit is granted in accordance with recommendations of the Commissions on Accreditation of Service Experiences, an agency of the American Council on Education (ACE). An official copy of the military transcript must be on file before credit will be placed on a student’s transcript. Course substitution forms are submitted by advisors to Department Heads and Deans for approval and processed by the Registrar.

ACE College Credit Recommendation

The American Council on Education (ACE) administers the Registry of Credit Recommendations for organizations participating in the College Credit Recommendation Service (CCRS) (formerly called Program on Non-Collegiate Sponsored Instruction or PONSI). The registry offers sponsor’s course participants a permanent, computerized record of courses evaluated by the College Credit Recommendations Service.

Currently enrolled students may be granted credit in accordance with the American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations after completion of 12 semester hours of coursework at Rogers State University. To obtain credit, the student must have a transcript provided by the American Council on Education (ACE). Institutions may accept any level of credit up to that recommended by ACE.

Correspondence Study

Correspondence courses are not offered at Rogers State University; however, credit is accepted for most courses completed through correspondence at other accredited institutions. Correspondence courses will be recorded on the transcript only if the student is currently enrolled and has successfully completed 12 or more semester hours of academic work at Rogers State University.

Independent Study Courses

Independent study courses provide structured learning opportunities for students. Generally, these courses are textbook based and reading intensive. Independent study is usually offered to students approaching graduation and when another course substitution cannot be made. Students who select this method of instruction must have good reading and comprehension skills.

Distance Learning

Rogers State University established itself as a leader in distance education with the building of a television station in 1987. This station, KRSC-TV, remains today the only public full power, over-the-air broadcast television station licensed to a college or university in the state of Oklahoma. The television station added a new dimension to the more traditional independent study or live-interactive course by enabling students to actually be a part of a class that was a live broadcast.

Mindful of RSU’s mission, distance learning at RSU remains committed to excellence in teaching and student service, regardless of the location. Continually evolving and growing, flexibility is the central concept that guides this segment of the RSU campus.

Following is a list of specific types of distance education courses and programs available through distance learning:

High Definition Telepresence System (HDTS)

A high definition telepresence system course is a class that originates from one campus and is transmitted to other campuses. It offers two-way audio and video communication between students and instructor. Students who select this method of instruction should be aware that the instructor may or may not be physically present in the classroom. Otherwise, this class follows the same procedures and attendance requirements of a traditional class. High definition telepresence system classrooms are arranged to encourage interaction between students in the host classroom and all branch campuses.

Live Broadcast Courses

These courses are broadcast live on the campus television station from a specially equipped classroom on the Claremore campus. Students have the option of attending the class in the studio-classroom or viewing the class from their home, high school site, or other location. Students who select this method of instruction should plan to attend or view the course as it is being taught.

Online Courses

Online courses provide students with a flexible and interactive learning experience. Rather than attending traditional on-campus meetings, students can complete online coursework in their own learning environment. Learning is achieved through textbook readings, writing, online discussions, individual and group projects, and video or audio posts from the instructor.

Blended Courses

Blended courses combine two course formats: traditional classroom meetings and Internet-based delivery. Blended courses combine the best of both environments: the personal contact, discipline, and discussion of a traditional classroom; and the opportunity to view instructor-generated lecture material, engage in online discussion, and communicate with professors and classmates online. A significant amount of the course learning activity is online, reducing the amount of time spent in the classroom. Reduced time in class decreases travel time for commuting students while still providing the personal contact with professors and classmates that many learners prefer. The ability to access the Internet and to attend class as indicated in the Class Schedule is required.

Two-Year and Four-Year Graduation Guarantee

Students at Rogers State University may follow many diverse paths to complete associate or baccalaureate degrees. Students may elect to complete the associate degree requirements within two years of their initial freshman enrollment and/or complete the baccalaureate degree requirements within four years of their initial freshman enrollment.

Rogers State University has developed plans to help students who wish to complete an associate degree in two years and students who would like to complete their baccalaureate degree in four years. Students who elect to participate in one of Rogers State University’s Graduation Guarantees must work closely with their advisor(s) and faculty to ensure that courses are taken in the appropriate sequence. Students who elect to participate in the agreement outlined below can be assured that they will be able to graduate in either two years or four years, depending on the degree.

By completing the appropriate documents, a student agrees to participate in the guarantee. Rogers State University assures the student that he/she will be able to enroll in courses that permit graduation in either two or four years. Graduation will not be delayed by the unavailability of courses.

Conditions the student must satisfy:

  1. Enter Rogers State University as a freshman.
  2. Choose a major that qualifies for the Two-Year or Four- Year Plan.
  3. Have the preparation to begin the appropriate plan of study in a qualified major upon entry to the University.
  4. Complete a minimum of one-fourth of the necessary credits per semester for the associate degree or one-eighth of the credits per semester for the baccalaureate degree.
  5. Meet with his/her advisor in a timely manner to discuss progress toward registration and graduation.
  6. Enroll in available courses needed for his/her selected program of study considering that any specific course may not be available at the time or semester in which the student would prefer to take it.
  7. Accept responsibility for monitoring his/her own progress and understanding advice given by his/her advisor so that he/she stays on track toward graduation.
  8. Change majors only if, at the time of the change, all requirements can be met within the designated two- or four-year plan.
  9. Remain in good academic standing as determined by the department, school, and University.
  10. Accept responsibility for timely annual applications for financial assistance.
  11. In writing, notify the Dean of the School that offers the student’s major that his/her graduation may be delayed due to the unavailability of a course. This written notice must be submitted prior to the beginning of classes during the term in which the course is needed.

In the event that the University does not satisfy the commitments made herein, and the student is unable to register for needed courses due to the unavailability of a course (or courses), the department and school will choose one of the following:

  1. Allow the student to graduate in two or four years by substituting a different course (or courses), as determined by the Dean of the School that offers the student’s major.
  2. Allow the student to graduate in two or four years by substituting an independent study assignment, as determined by the department and the school.
  3. Allow the student to graduate in two or four years by waiving the requirement to be met by the unavailable course (or courses), as determined by the department and the school.
  4. Allow the unavailability of a course (or courses) to delay the student from graduating in two or four years, in which case, the University will pay the tuition for the student to take the course(s) in a later term.

These procedures shall constitute the exclusive remedy for the guarantee. Rogers State University is under no obligation to provide these adjustments unless the student fulfills his/her obligations as stated above.