This document summarizes the body of academic regulations in place at American University for the conduct of undergraduate education.
American University uses the Carnegie Classification definition of a credit hour. A credit hour is defined as at least 12.5 hours of direct instruction (in class or remote sites) with at least 25 hours of student work outside of that direct instruction, usually spread over 15 weeks, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time. The definition covers all types of courses, disciplines, programs, degree levels, formats, and modalities of instruction (including hybrid and online).
Typically, courses are 3 credit hours each, meaning that students meet in class and/or online for 2.5 hours a week and complete academic work outside class at least five hours a week over a fifteen-week semester or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time. Courses that carry 4 or 5 credit hours require additional hours of direct instruction that meet the minimum standards as defined by the Carnegie Classification and, respectively, require at least 1.67 or 3.33 additional hours of academic work outside class each week over a 15-week semester or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time. Courses that meet fewer than 2.5 hours a week for 3 credit hours must require students in those classes to complete additional work outside of class in order to achieve the expected learning of a 2.5 hours per week class.
The curriculum committees for each academic unit and the AU Core Committee (as appropriate) are charged with following the Faculty Senate’s Undergraduate Curriculum Committee policies (see Faculty Senate by-laws) for approving such courses and certifying that the expected student learning for the course meets the curricular standard. Department Chairs and Deans are expected to periodically review courses to ensure that credit hour policies and procedures are applied consistently across the full range of offerings and that the credit hour policy is being met.
Research, internships, independent studies, labs, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of academic credit, at a minimum, should clearly state learning objectives, expected outcomes, and workload expectations that meet the standards set forth above.
2.1.1. Students must complete at least 120 credit hours with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or better.
2.1.2. At least 45 of the last 60 credit hours must be completed in residence at American University.
2.1.3. Students may transfer a cumulative total of 60 credit hours from the following: 1) a maximum of 60 credit hours from approved four-year or two-year institutions; 2) a maximum of 30 credit hours from one or a combination of Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate, CLEP subject examinations, or other American University-approved test credit; or 3) a maximum of 30 credit hours for a combination of relevant work completed satisfactorily in college-level Armed Services School course, or US Armed Forces institute correspondence or extension courses, completed with a grade of 70 or better, as recommended at the baccalaureate level by the American Council on Education and which is appropriate for academic credit as determined by the Office of Admissions after consultation with the appropriate academic unit. Military Occupation Services (MOS) credit may be evaluated separately for academic credit.
2.1.4. All students must complete the minimum graduation requirement of 120 credit hours and must satisfy all requirements for a major. Students matriculating before Academic Year 2018-2019 must also satisfy the requirements for the General Education program, the College Writing requirement, and the University Mathematics requirement. Students matriculating during or after Academic Year 2018-2019 must satisfy the AU Core requirements.
A (Excellent) 4.00 A- 3.67 B+ 3.33 B (Good) 3.00 B- 2.67 C+ 2.33 C (Satisfactory) 2.00 C- 1.67 D (Poor) 1.00 F (Academic Fail)* 0.00 FX (Administrative Fail in Course for Grade)** 0.00
*Academic Fail: Academic fail indicates the student’s continued enrollment in the course and that the student did not satisfy the instructor’s summative requirements for passing the course.
**Administrative Fail: Administrative fail is assigned by the instructor in lieu of a grade of “F” when a student never attended or ceased attending the class, rendering an assessment of academic performance impossible. Instructors will be asked to provide the last date of attendance.
3.1.1. Students are responsible for identifying implications for their progress and status at the university, including effects on financial aid that result from any change in registration. Students are also responsible for verifying that all changes in registration are reflected in their official student record.
R = Follows grade entry indicating course has been repeated
N = No grade or invalid grade submitted (assigned by the academic unit or appropriate administrative officer when an expected final grade has not been received before the grade posting deadline. The academic unit and the Office of the University Registrar are expected to secure an appropriate final grade within one semester)
IP = Course in progress