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Scheduling and Advisement

There are almost 5500 full and part-time students who attend AASU and must select courses. It is advised that you register as early as possible, since classes fill up quickly. The process begins by familiarizing yourself with the AASU Catalog. The catalog describes the different degree requirements for graduation within the different degree programs and provides other important information about the University. The Office of International Support Services will provide you with a catalog prior to your advisement appointment.

At AASU, each college at the undergraduate level and each department at the graduate level handles its own Academic Advisement. Academic Advisors help you decide which courses to take and in which order to take them. If problems arise during the semester with a particular course, students are encouraged to discuss the problems with the professor for the class and/or the academic advisor.

International students at AASU come from a variety of backgrounds and are sometimes part of special programs (GRSP, Exchange programs, etc.) If you are part of a special program, the Office of International Education will help you contact a specially assigned Academic Advisor who will help you plan your academic program and will authorize your registration.

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Course Information

Dropping of Courses

Courses may be dropped only during the officially scheduled drop/add period and with authorization from you academic advisor. Please check with your professor on the deadlines for dropping courses.

Withdrawal from Courses

Students should meet with the instructor of the course from which she/he wishes to withdraw as well as her/his academic advisor before withdrawing from a class. International students must consider Immigration regulations requiring a full course of study before dropping a course.

Class Syllabus

The first day of class is very important because most instructors provide students with a syllabus. The syllabus is the plan or guide for that particular professor’s course. Always read the syllabus carefully. It outlines the responsibilities of the student and the grading criteria of the specific instructor. Be sure to note dates of examinations and when papers are due. It is your responsibility to turn in assignments on time as listed in the syllabus. The instructor may or may not remind you of the due dates for assignments listed in the syllabus. If you do not receive a syllabus or the information is not included in the syllabus, ask the instructor. Not all professors teaching the same subject have the same syllabus, test, grading criteria, or use the same textbooks.

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Professors: What to Expect

Talk to your instructors. It is expected that students ask questions in class, after class, and during office hours. Getting to know your professor will enhance your education. All professors have office hours when they are available for consultation. If they do not provide information about office hours in the syllabus, then ask them specifically for an appointment, particularly if you have some unanswered questions.

The skills that most professors in the Unites States look for are related to analysis and synthesis. Students are encouraged to form and offer their own opinions, to ask questions, and even to challenge presented course material. International students may find that being able to memorize material is less important than being able to synthesize material from many sources.

Instructors will combine and use many methods of instruction in the classroom. The most common method is the lecture, where the instructor highlights the most important information or fills in information not covered in or related to readings. The next most popular method of instruction is discussion. This method relies more heavily on the students. Participation, which consists of asking questions and offering information, is vital. Occasionally, the instructor may even answer a question with "I don’t know." Generally, the instructor will give you the answer at the next class meeting. The last widely used method is a laboratory, where theories are applied to practical problems.

It is important to preview and read assignments prior to class discussions. If you come to class with questions prepared, you will impress your instructor, learn more, and better understand the material. The requirements of each of your classes may be different. Some courses require more reading and writing than others.

Assessment Methods

Most professor will assess your knowledge through testing. Types of tests you might encounter include: quizzes, mid-term and final exams. These may consist of multiple choice, true or false, fill in the blanks, short answer, identification, matching, and essay questions.

Tests are not the only way that instructors assess students. Homework assignments, term papers, and class participation are also considered. Each instructor assigns a different value to these methods. You will find that information included in the class syllabus.

Term and research papers require full and careful preparation. Papers should be typed. Computer word processing programs are invaluable for saving time and effort when typing papers.

The Academic Computer Lab is located on the first floor of Solms Hall. The lab is equipped with PC’s, color monitors and dot matrix printers. Laser printers can be accessed with a copy card that can be purchased from the bookstore. There are lab assistants on duty during normal operation hours who can assist students and inform about cost for laster printers.

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Academic Honesty
International students need to be aware of the potential differences between the American educational system and that of their home countries. As members of an academic community, students are expected to recognize and uphold standards of intellectual and academic integrity. At AASU, all students agree, upon admission, to abide by the code of honor. The academic honor code is found in Students Illustrated and the university catalog. It is important that you read the code carefully so that you understand what constitutes "cheating," plagiarism and dishonesty in your classroom behavior.

Regents’ Exam
All undergraduate students with more than 45 but less than 60 credit hours, must take and pass the Regents’ Exam. If you do not pass the exam, you must take a preparatory course. Transfer students who have not taken (or passed) the exam, must take it before the end of their second semester at AASU. There are two sections to the examination: a reading section and a writing section. International students and non-native speakers of English can apply for additional time to complete the exam. Applications for the Regents’ Exam are located in the Division of Student Affairs. You can consult a staff member at that division if you have any questions.

Applying for Graduation

Undergraduate students must have at last a 2.0 cumulative GPA to graduate (3.0 for graduate students). All candidates for degrees must file a formal application for graduation with the Registrar’s Office. Both graduate and undergraduate students are expected to apply for graduation at least one semester in advance of the semester they plan to graduate.

Your academic advisor in your college will review a graduation checklist with you at any time during your academic program to determine which course you still need before graduation.

Armstrong Atlantic State University
Office of International Education
Gamble Hall 204A
11935 Abercorn Street
Savannah, GA 31419

Phone: (001) 912.344.3128 Fax: (001) 912.344.3456

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AASU Home International Student Admission Information Current Students Credit System Student ID Grading System Advisement Course Information Assessment Academic Honesty Regents' Exam Graduation Immigration Notes: Employment Financial Aid Getting Settled Study Abroad International Week Resources	Academics Armstrong Atlantic State University (AASU) has maintained a tradition of educational excellence since 1935. After Armstrong’s founding as a junior college earlier last century, it developed into a four-year college, in 1964, thereby expanding its academic and non-academic programs. On July 10, 1996, Armstrong State College was granted university status by the Board if Regents and adopted its present name to reflect its geographic location and recognition for its expanded role as a leader in education. The university has four colleges: Education, Liberal Arts, Science, and Technology/Health Sciences. Credit System The university operates on the semester system, thus the unit of credit is the semester hour. Most non-laboratory classes meet either one, two or three times a week and carry a credit of three semester hours. To receive a degree from the University, a student must accumulate a certain number of semester hours of credit, including specific courses and requirements of the department. Credit is only awarded for satisfactory completion of assigned coursework. Immigration regulations require international students to be enrolled full-time. Full-time undergraduates enroll in 12 or more credit hours each semester, and full-time graduates enroll in at least 9 credit hours. Since adjusting to a new school and environment is demanding, it is not recommended that students take more courses than required during their first semester. You must consult both your academic advisor and the Office on International Support Services before making any decision to drop or add any course work. Back to Top Student ID Card and Number When you register at our university for the first time, you will be asked to obtain a student Identification Card. This card will enable to you to access certain university facilities such as the training room or labs. It will also enable you to borrow material from the library and get occasional discounts in athletic and artistic events. To obtain a student ID, please visit Student Affairs (MCC – 2nd floor).
	Grading System
	GRADE	Description	Quality Points per Semester Hour
	A	Excellent	4.0
	B	Good	3.0
	C	Satisfactory	2.0
	D	Passing	1.0
	F	Failure	0.0
	W	Withdrew, no penalty	0.0
	WF	Withdrew, failing	0.0
	I	Incomplete	0.0
	IP	In Progress	0.0
	S	Satisfactory	0.0
	U	Unsatisfactory	0.0
	V	Audit, no credit	0.0
	K	Credit by Examination	0.0
	NR	Grade Not Reported	0.0
	A student’s Grade Point Average (or GPA) provides a measure of his/her cumulative performance on coursework attempted at the university. Generally speaking, an undergraduate student should maintain at least a 2.00 GPA and a graduate student a 3.00 GPA (on a scale of 4.00) for satisfactory performance. The university recognizes four categories of academic standing: good standing, good standing with warning, academic probation and academic suspension. In order not to risk maintaining their I-20 status through INS, it is advisable that international students maintain good academic standing throughout the duration of their stay.
	Classification of Students
	Undergraduate students are classified according to the number of total semester hours of credit earned.
	Hours Earned		Classification
	1-29		Freshman
	30-59		Sophomore
	60-90		Junior
	90-more		Senior
	Back to Top Scheduling and Advisement There are almost 5500 full and part-time students who attend AASU and must select courses. It is advised that you register as early as possible, since classes fill up quickly. The process begins by familiarizing yourself with the AASU Catalog. The catalog describes the different degree requirements for graduation within the different degree programs and provides other important information about the University. The Office of International Support Services will provide you with a catalog prior to your advisement appointment. At AASU, each college at the undergraduate level and each department at the graduate level handles its own Academic Advisement. Academic Advisors help you decide which courses to take and in which order to take them. If problems arise during the semester with a particular course, students are encouraged to discuss the problems with the professor for the class and/or the academic advisor. International students at AASU come from a variety of backgrounds and are sometimes part of special programs (GRSP, Exchange programs, etc.) If you are part of a special program, the Office of International Education will help you contact a specially assigned Academic Advisor who will help you plan your academic program and will authorize your registration. Back to Top Course Information Dropping of Courses Courses may be dropped only during the officially scheduled drop/add period and with authorization from you academic advisor. Please check with your professor on the deadlines for dropping courses. Withdrawal from Courses Students should meet with the instructor of the course from which she/he wishes to withdraw as well as her/his academic advisor before withdrawing from a class. International students must consider Immigration regulations requiring a full course of study before dropping a course. Class Syllabus The first day of class is very important because most instructors provide students with a syllabus. The syllabus is the plan or guide for that particular professor’s course. Always read the syllabus carefully. It outlines the responsibilities of the student and the grading criteria of the specific instructor. Be sure to note dates of examinations and when papers are due. It is your responsibility to turn in assignments on time as listed in the syllabus. The instructor may or may not remind you of the due dates for assignments listed in the syllabus. If you do not receive a syllabus or the information is not included in the syllabus, ask the instructor. Not all professors teaching the same subject have the same syllabus, test, grading criteria, or use the same textbooks. Back to Top Professors: What to Expect Talk to your instructors. It is expected that students ask questions in class, after class, and during office hours. Getting to know your professor will enhance your education. All professors have office hours when they are available for consultation. If they do not provide information about office hours in the syllabus, then ask them specifically for an appointment, particularly if you have some unanswered questions. The skills that most professors in the Unites States look for are related to analysis and synthesis. Students are encouraged to form and offer their own opinions, to ask questions, and even to challenge presented course material. International students may find that being able to memorize material is less important than being able to synthesize material from many sources. Instructors will combine and use many methods of instruction in the classroom. The most common method is the lecture, where the instructor highlights the most important information or fills in information not covered in or related to readings. The next most popular method of instruction is discussion. This method relies more heavily on the students. Participation, which consists of asking questions and offering information, is vital. Occasionally, the instructor may even answer a question with "I don’t know." Generally, the instructor will give you the answer at the next class meeting. The last widely used method is a laboratory, where theories are applied to practical problems. It is important to preview and read assignments prior to class discussions. If you come to class with questions prepared, you will impress your instructor, learn more, and better understand the material. The requirements of each of your classes may be different. Some courses require more reading and writing than others. Assessment Methods Most professor will assess your knowledge through testing. Types of tests you might encounter include: quizzes, mid-term and final exams. These may consist of multiple choice, true or false, fill in the blanks, short answer, identification, matching, and essay questions. Tests are not the only way that instructors assess students. Homework assignments, term papers, and class participation are also considered. Each instructor assigns a different value to these methods. You will find that information included in the class syllabus. Term and research papers require full and careful preparation. Papers should be typed. Computer word processing programs are invaluable for saving time and effort when typing papers. The Academic Computer Lab is located on the first floor of Solms Hall. The lab is equipped with PC’s, color monitors and dot matrix printers. Laser printers can be accessed with a copy card that can be purchased from the bookstore. There are lab assistants on duty during normal operation hours who can assist students and inform about cost for laster printers. Back to Top Academic Honesty International students need to be aware of the potential differences between the American educational system and that of their home countries. As members of an academic community, students are expected to recognize and uphold standards of intellectual and academic integrity. At AASU, all students agree, upon admission, to abide by the code of honor. The academic honor code is found in Students Illustrated and the university catalog. It is important that you read the code carefully so that you understand what constitutes "cheating," plagiarism and dishonesty in your classroom behavior. Regents’ Exam All undergraduate students with more than 45 but less than 60 credit hours, must take and pass the Regents’ Exam. If you do not pass the exam, you must take a preparatory course. Transfer students who have not taken (or passed) the exam, must take it before the end of their second semester at AASU. There are two sections to the examination: a reading section and a writing section. International students and non-native speakers of English can apply for additional time to complete the exam. Applications for the Regents’ Exam are located in the Division of Student Affairs. You can consult a staff member at that division if you have any questions. Applying for Graduation Undergraduate students must have at last a 2.0 cumulative GPA to graduate (3.0 for graduate students). All candidates for degrees must file a formal application for graduation with the Registrar’s Office. Both graduate and undergraduate students are expected to apply for graduation at least one semester in advance of the semester they plan to graduate. Your academic advisor in your college will review a graduation checklist with you at any time during your academic program to determine which course you still need before graduation. Armstrong Atlantic State University Office of International Education Gamble Hall 204A 11935 Abercorn Street Savannah, GA 31419 Phone: (001) 912.344.3128 Fax: (001) 912.344.3456 BACK TO TOP