ACADEMIC LOAD

A semester hour consists of one hour of recitation with two preparation hours per week. Twelve semester hours per semester constitute a minimum full-time academic load. The normal load is 16 hours per semester thus making 128 hours in eight semesters (four years). One hundred twenty-eight hours are required for a bachelor's degree.

Course loads in excess of 16 hours may be taken; however, the academic load for the first semester should generally not exceed 17 hours. Thirty-two semester hours each year will usually prove sufficient for the average student. Students may register for a maximum of 19 credit hours per semester, exclusive of private applied music lessons and ensembles. A student who wishes to register for more than 19 hours, including non-Shepherd University courses, must first secure the written approval of his or her advisor, department chair, and vice president for academic affairs.

Procedures for Exceptions to the 19 Credit Hour Course Load Policy: A student must 1) currently be carrying a 3.0 or higher overall grade point average, and 2) demonstrate evidence that current and previously enrolled courses have been successfully completed. If the above two criteria have been met, approval shall be sought from the student's advisor, department chair, and vice president for academic affairs. Any exceptions to this rule must be appealed to the Admissions and Credits Committee with documentation and support from the faculty advisor and the student who desires this exception. In no case may a student enroll for over 23 hours per semester.

The normal summer load is six semester hours of credit for each term, with a total of 12 semester hours for the summer sessions. Fourteen semester hours is the maximum load during the two terms. Exceptions can be made on petition to the respective advisor, department chair, and vice president for academic affairs.