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Registration and Records

Change of Name

A student may change his or her name by completing a Name Change form in the Office of the Registrar. Certain types of identification (i.e. driver’s license, marriage license) are required depending on the type of name change (i.e. clerical error, legal change).

Categories of Students

Regular

An individual who is admitted to a degree program is defined as a regular student and is classified according to the total number of semester credits completed. A regular student may enroll either full-time, two- thirds time, half-time, or less than half-time for a given semester.

Non-Degree

An individual who is not admitted to a degree program is defined as a non-degree student. A non-degree student may register for a maximum of fifteen (15) undergraduate-level semester credits in one semester. This includes non-credit and audit courses. Although there is no limit to the number of credits that may be earned as a non-degree student, a maximum of 32 semester credits is acceptable toward a baccalaureate degree. Non-degree students are not eligible for financial aid, including student loans. All non-degree students are governed by university regulations, including academic warning and probation, and are encouraged to seek official admission at the earliest possible date.

Auditor

Students who wish to enroll for no credit may register as auditors with the approval of the department offering the course. While no credit or grade may be earned, auditors may, at the discretion of the instructor, receive the same class privileges as other students. Auditing students whose performance in class is considered unsatisfactory may be dropped from the university, if a written authorization, signed by the instructor, Academic Dean, and Provost is filed in the Office of the Registrar. Auditors are not eligible to receive financial aid, including student loans.

Classification of Students

Students admitted to undergraduate degree-programs are classified by the Office of the Registrar based on the number of semester credits they have completed:

Freshman:

29 credits or less

Sophomore:

30-59 credits

Junior:

60-89 credits

Senior:

90 credits or more

Term Status

For all semesters (including summer):

Full-Time:

12 credits or more

Two-Thirds Time:

9-11 credits

Half-Time:

6-8 credits

Less than Half-Time:

0-5 credits

Period of Instruction

Instructions and specific dates for registration, as well as fee deadlines, are available on the NSU website and in the Office of the Registrar prior to the beginning of each semester. Registration may be cancelled for nonpayment of fees.

Registration Enrollment Dates

Enrollment for each semester begins on or around the following:
  • Summer/ Fall Semester: First week of April
  • Spring Semester: First week of November

Military Veterans*, Seniors, Juniors, Sophomores, and Freshmen have specific dates and time for registration referred to as Enrollment Appointments. To view the enrollment date and time assigned, login to the Student Center via myNevadaState or the NS Portal.

*Veterans receiving VA benefits who self identify to Nevada State University as a veteran will be placed in a priority registration status and will be allowed to register the first week of registration.

Requirements for Registration

Registration is done online at nevadastate.edu via the NS Portal or myNevadaState.

 

Students must complete a Registration Special Approval or Pre-/Co-Requisite Block Override petition to obtain permission from the school offering the course for the following registration transactions: 

  • Full Class
  • Instructor Permission
  • Pre-/Co-requisite Waiver
  • Two classes at the same time

Clearance of Accounts

Students who have a prior unpaid balance on their account are not allowed to register, receive a transcript of record, receive their diploma, or certification of enrollment.

Credit Load

The maximum number of credits that a degree-seeking student may take each semester is 21 credits. To enroll in more than 21 credits a semester, students must be approved for a Credit Overload (degree-seeking students only). Noncredit courses are considered as credit equivalents. Any exception to these regulations requires the advance written approval by the Dean of the student's school.

Non-degree students may take a maximum of 15 credits per semester and are not eligible for overload.

Spanish Language Placement

  1. Initial Placement: The default placement for Spanish coursework at NSU is SPAN 113: Elementary Spanish I. No placement exam is required to enroll in SPAN 113. Heritage Speakers who have regressed in Spanish read and writing skills may self-place into SPAN 226.
  2. Raising Initial Spanish Placement: Students who wish to place into a higher course may take a placement exam to determine the appropriate course placement. Placement exams are available to NSU students via Canvas in the Spanish Language Placement course shell.
    1. Students may take each level of the test or take the specific test they believe is suitable for their level of mastery. A score of 75% or higher is required to pass a level.
    2. NSU offers six placement exams, corresponding with SPAN 113, SPAN 114, SPAN 213, SPAN 214, SPAN 301, and SPAN 302. The course placement will correspond to the lowest level exam passed. For instance, if a student passes the exam for SPAN 213 but does not pass the exam for SPAN 214, the student will be placed into SPAN 213.
    3. Placement exams are for course placement purposes only. Students do not earn college credits for passing an exam.
    4. Students are encouraged to complete the Spanish Language Placement exam as early as possible. Course enrollment changes are dependent upon the availability of seats in the appropriate course, and may not be possible in the immediately upcoming term.

To view the full Placement Policy, visit https://nevadastate.edu/college-policies/placement-testing-policy/.

Adding Courses

Students may add courses/classes up until the last day of registration. See Academic Calendar for specific dates.

Late Registration

Students may enroll in classes up until the first week of instruction.

Auditing Courses

Students who wish to attend a class without being graded or receiving credit may choose to audit the course. Credit to Audit status must be made in the Office of the Registrar. See Academic Calendar for specific deadlines.

Class Absences

There are no official absences from any university class. It is the personal responsibility of the student to consult with the professor regarding absence from class.

Note, students who do not begin participating in a class during the first two weeks of instruction will be administratively dropped for nonattendance. For more information about enrollment cancellation for nonattendance, visit https://nevadastate.edu/college-policies/enrollment-cancellation-for-nonattendance-policy/.

Religious Holiday Policy: It is the policy of NSHE to be sensitive to the religious obligations of its students. Any student missing class, quizzes, examinations, or any other class or lab work because of observance of religious holidays shall, whenever possible, be given an opportunity during that semester to make up the missed work. The make-up will apply to religious holiday absence only. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor in writing if the student intends to participate in a religious holiday which does not fall on state holidays or periods of class recess. This policy shall not apply in the event that administering the assignment at an alternate time would impose an undue hardship on the instructor or the institution which could not have reasonably been avoided. Any student who is denied a make-up option after appropriately notifying the instructor shall have the right to appeal that decision through the normal appeal mechanism in place at the university. A student must make the initial appeal to the department chair or coordinator of the program in which the class is offered. If it is not resolved at that level, the student may appeal to the Dean or Director.

Class Conduct

Students may be dropped from class at any time for negligence or misconduct, upon recommendation of the instructor and with approval of the Dean.

Cancellation of Courses

The university reserves the right to cancel any course in which the enrollment is insufficient to warrant offering the course.

Dropping/Withdrawing Courses

Students may drop or withdraw from a course(s) without penalty until the last day of registration. Dropping a course(s) may affect a student’s financial aid.

After the last day of registration and up until 60 percent of the course instruction has occurred, students may drop or withdraw a course(s) with a “W” grade posted on the transcript. Refer to the academic calendar and your student center on myNevadaState for refund dates.

Students are not permitted to drop/withdraw from courses after 60 percent of the course instruction has occurred. A grade of “F” will be assigned for the unofficial drop/withdrawal.

Students with extenuating circumstances may file a petition for a “W” or “I” grade on one or more courses or withdraw completely from the university in lieu of the “F” grade assigned for unofficial drop or withdrawal. In both cases, students must follow the rules regarding policy for incomplete grade and complete withdrawal from the university.

Extenuating circumstances include but are not limited to:

  1. Deployment of the student in the United States Armed Forces;
  2. Death or incapacitation resulting from an illness or injury of the student or the student’s spouse, child, parent, or legal guardian that prevents the student from returning to the school for the remainder of the semester;
  3. Involuntary job transfer outside of the service area of the institution as documented by employer; or
  4. Other exceptional circumstance beyond the control of the institution or the student.

Withdrawal from the University

Students wishing to withdraw from the university for the semester should contact the advising staff for an exit withdrawal interview and assistance in finalizing their withdrawal from the university. Students who withdraw from the university after 60 percent of the course instruction has occurred and are passing, will receive grades of W on their transcript. Students who withdraw after 60 percent of the course instruction has occurred and are not passing, receive a grade of F.

Students who leave the university without officially withdrawing receive a failing grade in all courses.

Academic Standing

This policy updates and clarifies the thresholds for each level of Academic Standing and associated Academic Actions for undergraduate students. For more information, visit the https://nevadastate.edu/university-policies/ website.  

I. Calculating Academic Standing for Undergraduate Students

All levels of Academic Standing are considered part of a student's academic record and are noted on official transcripts.

  1. Incomplete grades: For students, receiving grades of Incomplete (I), the GPA shall be calculated for the semester or summer term in which the Incomplete grade was assigned, with an “I” assigned for the course. Any change to Academic Standing that is necessary due to a change from an Incomplete grade to a letter grade shall be calculated at the end of the semester or summer term in which the Incomplete grade is changed.
  2. Withdrawing from courses:Courses from which a student has withdrawn and received a "W" shall not impact Academic Standing calculations.
  3. Grade Appeals: If a student's final course grade is adjusted as a result of a grade appeal, the student's Academic Standing will immediately be re-calculated.

II. Academic Warning for Undergraduate Students

A student who fails to earn a minimum 2.0 NS Semester GPA based on Attempted Earned Credits at the end of any fall or spring semester or any summer in which the student was enrolled is placed on Academic Warning.

A registration hold will be placed on the student’s account for the enrollment period following placement on Academic Warning. The student is required to meet with an advisor in the Academic Advising Center in order to remove this hold. This meeting is intended to help the student identify changes that will allow the student to improve the student’s academic performance and return to Good Academic Standing.

A student on Academic Warning whose NS Cumulative GPA is below 2.0 but who earns an NS Semester GPA of 2.0 or higher based on Attempted Earned Credits shall remain on “Continued” Academic Warning until the point at which their NS Cumulative GPA rises above 2.0.

III. Academic Probation for Undergraduate Students

A student on Academic Warning who fails to earn a minimum 2.0 NS Semester GPA based on Attempted Earned Credits at the end of any fall or spring semester or any summer in which the student was enrolled is placed on Academic Probation.

A registration hold will be placed on the student’s account for the enrollment period following placement on Academic Probation. The student is required to meet with an advisor in the Academic Advising Center to remove the hold.

A student on Academic Probation who has an NS Cumulative GPA below 2.0 but who earns an NS Semester GPA of 2.0 or higher based on Attempted Earned Credits shall remain on “Continued” Academic Probation until the point at which their NS Cumulative GPA rises above 2.0.

IV. Academic Suspension for Undergraduate Students

Any student on Academic Probation who fails to earn a minimum 2.0 NS Semester GPA based on Attempted Earned Credits at the end of 1) any fall or spring semester or 2) any summer in which the student was enrolled will be placed on Academic Suspension until the end of the following full fall or spring semester. During this time they are not allowed to enroll in courses at the University.

  1. Returning from Academic Suspension: To enroll in classes after a first Academic Suspension, a student is required to meet with an advisor in the Academic Advising Center prior to the term in which the student wishes to return. Once re-enrolled, a student whose NS Cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 but who earns an NS Semester GPA of 2.0 or higher based on Attempted Earned Credits shall be allowed to enroll the following semester or summer term on Probationary Enrollment Status.
  2. Second Academic Suspension: A student who re-enrolls subsequent to a first Academic Suspension and fails to earn a minimum 2.0 NS Semester GPA at the end of any semester or summer term based on Attempted Earned Credits shall be placed on renewed Academic Suspension and will be prohibited from enrolling at NS until two (2) consecutive full academic semesters (fall and spring terms) have passed.

V. Academic Dismissal for Undergraduate Students

Any student who returns to the University after a second Academic Suspension who fails to earn a minimum 2.0 NS Semester GPA in any semester or summer term based on Attempted Earned Credits will be Academically Dismissed from the University. Any student who is Academically Dismissed is prohibited from enrolling at the University for three (3) full academic years from the date of dismissal.

  1. Return after Academic Dismissal: A student may reapply for admission to the University at the end of the dismissal period. The student must provide evidence that the student is capable of performing at the level required to meet University standards.
  2. Early return from Academic Dismissal: A student who has been Academically Dismissed may apply for early reinstatement from Academic Dismissal if:
    1. The student earns an associate's or bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited institution after Academic Dismissal from NS;
    2. The President approves a petition for an exception to policy based on exceptional circumstances. Such approvals are granted at the President's sole discretion on a case-by-case basis and are not subject to appeal.

VI. Return to Good Academic Standing for Undergraduate Students

Any student who has been placed on Academic Action shall return to Good Academic Standing when the student earns a NS Semester GPA of 2.0 or higher and has an NS Cumulative GPA above 2.0.

Once a student returns to Good Academic Standing, the student’s Academic Action progression resets (i.e., the student must progress through Academic Warning and Probation prior to being Academically Suspended). If a student returns to Good Academic Standing and subsequently is again Academically Suspended, the student shall fall under section IV.2 of this policy, “Second Academic Suspension."

VII. Financial Aid Implications

This policy defines calculations for Academic Standing. It does not apply to calculations of eligibility for financial aid. Students should contact the Office of Financial Aid to discuss how their Academic Standing impacts their financial aid packages and whether they have made satisfactory progress. Refer to Financial Aid’s policy on Satisfactory Academic Progress for information on financial aid calculations.

Grades and Examinations

Grades and Marks

A
the highest grade, is given for work of exceptional quality. Each credit earned with a grade of "A" carries 4.0 grade points.  
A-
carries 3.7 grade points for each credit earned. 
B+
carries 3.3 grade points for each credit earned.  
B
is awarded for better-than-average work. Each credit earned with a grade of "B" carries 3.0 grade points. 
B-
carries 2.7 grade points for each credit earned. 
C+
carries 2.3 grade points for each credit earned.
C
represents average work. Each credit earned with a grade of "C" carries 2.0 grade points. 
C-
carries 1.7 grade points for each credit earned. Grades below a "C-" carry no credit towards major requirements. 
D+
carries 1.3 grade points for each credit earned.  
D
carries 1.0 grade point for each credit earned.  
D-
carries 0.7 grade points for each credit earned. "D-" is the lowest passing grade for undergraduate credit that is allowed.  
F
represents failure. No credit or grade points are earned with a grade of "F." Failed courses count as credits attempted. 
S/U
indicate satisfactory or unsatisfactory performance in courses offered with this grading option. The grade of "S" indicates achievement equivalent to a "C" or above. The grade of "U" represents performance equivalent to a "C-" or below. Neither the "S" nor "U" grades are assigned a grade-point value. 
AD
indicates audit and is given when a student registers in a course for no credit and no grade. 
W signifies that a course has been dropped or that a student has withdrawn from the university with passing grades. The grade of "W" is not included in the grade-point average. Students who withdraw from the university after 60 percent of the course instruction has occurred and are not passing, receive a grade of "F."
I
is a neutral mark and represents incomplete. An "I" is given when a student is performing passing work, but for some uncontrollable reason is unable to complete the course requirements during the instructional period. "I" mark is excluded from grade-point average computation. Nonattendance, poor performance or requests to repeat the course are unacceptable reasons for issuance of the "I" mark. When the student's request for an incomplete mark is deemed acceptable, the instructor is required to indicate the specific work that is necessary to complete the course. Marks of "I" are automatically changed to "F" if they are not made up by the last day of the next regular semester (Summer Session excluded). Students are not permitted to graduate with an outstanding incomplete mark issued under this policy. The extension of an incomplete mark for one semester must be requested and approved by the instructor. The instructor will need to notify the Office of the Registrar, at least two weeks before the end of the semester in which the approved "I" mark expires. Students may make up incomplete marks by completing outstanding course requirements before the end of the next regular semester. The requirements must be submitted to the student's instructor, who is responsible for reporting the final grade and acquiring the approval of the Academic Director. The written approvals must appear on the Grade Change Form before the form can be filed with the Office of the Registrar.  
NR
signifies that an instructor has failed to assign a grade to a student's course work. This grade is assigned by the Office of the Registrar until the proper grade is determined. Students may not graduate with grades of "NR" on their record. All grades of "NR" must be resolved by the last day of the following semester. Unresolved grades of "NR" become grades of F. 

  

Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree may earn a maximum of 30 semester credits in courses graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) basis, subject to the approval of each program.

  • Transfer students may earn a maximum of one-fourth (1/4) of their remaining credits at the university on an S/U basis, providing the total does not exceed program policy.
  • Transfer students with more S/U credits than allowed by the program policy are ineligible for additional S/U registration, except for required courses offered on an S/U basis only.
  • Each course taken to satisfy a university requirement must be completed with a regular letter grade, unless the course is only offered for S/U.
  • Each program is responsible for determining the total number of credits earned with grades of 'S' and the specific courses (transfer, elective, or required) that are acceptable toward a degree in that program, within the limits of the university maximum.
  • Each course that is approved for S/U grading only is so designated in this catalog for reference.
  • Credits and grades recorded in accordance with the satisfactory/unsatisfactory policy are applicable toward meeting graduation requirements, but are excluded when calculating the grade point average (GPA).
  • Credit by exam is S/U only, except for those courses used to satisfy university, major, or minor program requirements that require a letter grade.

Credit by Exam

Students may earn credit by exam in department approved undergraduate courses offered at Nevada State University subject to the following rules:

  1. Students must be currently enrolled at Nevada State University.

  2. Students must have completed a minimum of 12 credits at Nevada State University and have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.

  3. A maximum of 30 semester credits may be obtained by credit by exam.

  4. Credits earned do not count towards residency credits.

  5. Credit by exam cannot be obtained in a course that is more elementary in content than that which a student has already received credit.

  6. Credit by exam cannot be obtained for a course a student is currently registered for or previously completed.

  7. Credit by exam cannot be obtained in a lower division foreign language course in a student’s native language.

  8. Credit by exam is not allowed for Non-Degree students.

  9. Students are not allowed to repeat an exam.

  10. The credits are not considered part of the student’s semester credit load.

  11. Credit by exam is graded S/U only and has no effect on the GPA.

  12. Students pay a $60 fee per exam.

  13. Students must apply for credit by exam and be approved prior to taking the exam.

Repeat

Students may repeat courses if they wish to obtain a higher grade. Only the most recent attempt will be used in the grade point average (GPA) calculation and credits earned. The previous attempt(s) will remain on the transcript but will not be calculated into the GPA and credits earned.

Repeating a Course at another Institution after taking the Course at NSU

The grade earned for a course repeated at another institution will not replace the grade earned at NSU for purposes of GPA calculation.

Final Grades

Instructors are responsible for determining and submitting final grades to the Office of the Registrar, where they become official records of the university.

Grade Point Average

The grade point average (GPA) is determined by dividing the sum of earned grade points by the total number of credits attempted for a regular letter grade. The I, AD, W, NR, S, and U grades are excluded from the calculation of the GPA.

Transcript of Record

The official transcript is the complete history of work completed at Nevada State University, including, but not limited to, grades, credits earned, previous colleges/universities attended, and an indication of repetition of coursework. Official transcripts can be requested from the Office of the Registrar, in writing. All requests require a 48-hour processing time, exempting high-volume periods of the year, when the processing time may be extended. Students requesting transcripts with degrees posted should submit request forms in advance of the completion of the semester.

Grade Changes/Appeals

Changing a Final Grade

After the final grades are filed in the Office of the Registrar, a grade may normally be changed only to correct a clerical error. For these changes, the instructor must file a completed Change of Grade form in the Office of the Registrar.

Appealing a Final Grade

The academic evaluation, resulting in grade assignment, will be subject to appeal if the instructor’s evaluation is based on any factors other than the student’s performance in the course and/or adherence to course requirements. Refer to the Grade Appeal Policy and Procedure under the Student Code of Conduct and Policies section of the catalog for additional information.

Appealing Grades Received for Improper Withdrawal

Under certain circumstances, students who do not withdraw from the university in accordance with official procedures may appeal the grades they have received that semester. The appeal procedure applies only to emergency or hardship situations, as defined below:

  • Personal illness or accident involving extended hospitalization
  • Sudden and unexpected departure from the area resulting in the student’s inability to return to the university (e.g. death in the immediate family, induction to military service)

The appeal must be made for all course work in the semester in question and must be made within six months of the issuance of final grades, unless the student can demonstrate incapacity beyond that date. It is the student’s responsibility to support the appeal with written, documented evidence, such as an official hospital record, to substantiate the claimed hardship. In addition, if the date of departure from the university comes after the 60 percent of the course instruction, the student must also provide documented evidence from each instructor that he/she was passing each course listed on the record for that semester. Students who meet the specified criteria and elect to file an appeal must submit a written statement with supporting documentation to the Dean of their school.

Academic Renewal

Under certain circumstances, undergraduate students may petition the Office of the Registrar for Academic Renewal. Eligible students may have a maximum of two (2) consecutive semesters of coursework disregarded. This calculation does not affect Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) calculations required for financial aid eligibility. Students may have eligible unsatisfactory coursework removed from all calculations regarding academic standing, grade point average (GPA), and graduation eligibility.

Eligibility for academic renewal is subject to the following conditions:

  • The student’s overall or NS cumulative GPA is below 2.0;
  • The student has completed all necessary credits and all major, core curriculum, and college graduation requirements;
  • At the time the petition is filed, at least five (5) calendar years must have elapsed since the most recent coursework to be disregarded was completed.

Students must file a petition with the Office of the Registrar to apply for Academic Renewal. The student's filed petition shall specify the semester(s) or term(s) to be disregarded. If more than one semester or term is to be disregarded, the semester(s)/term(s) must be consecutive. If summer work is to be included in the disregarded coursework, a six-week summer term shall count as one-half semester.

If the petition qualifies under this policy, the student’s permanent academic record will be suitably marked to indicate that no work taken during the disregarded semester(s), even if satisfactory, may apply toward graduation requirements. However, all coursework will remain on the student’s academic record, ensuring a true and accurate academic history.

Academic Renewal can only be applied prior to graduation with the first earned undergraduate degree. After a student graduates, Academic Renewal cannot be retroactively applied.

For additional information, refer to the Undergraduate Academic Renewal Policy located in https://nevadastate.edu/college-policies/.

Academic Recognition

This policy (AE 3.1) established the criteria by which undergraduate students are recognized and awarded for their excellent academic performance at Nevada State University.

Definitions

Cumulative Grade Point Average: The Grade Point Average as calculated for all higher education institutions attended.

Latin Honors: Level of distinction with which an academic degree may be earned.

Dean's List

To be placed on the Dean’s list, students must meet the following requirements:

  1. Be a degree-seeking student at NSU:
  2. Complete twelve (12) or more letter-graded (A-F) credits in an academic semester (not counting any remedial credits);
  3. Earn a semester grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher.

A notation  is added to eligible students’ academic transcripts indicating their status as a member of the Dean’s list. The lists are generated at the end of each semester after final grades posting and repeat course processing and are not recalculated based on grade changes or the removal of Incomplete grades.

President's List

To be placed on the President's List, students must meet the following requirements:

  1. Be a degree-seeking student at NSU;
  2. Complete twelve (12) or more letter graded (A-F) credits in an academic semester (not counting any remedial credits);
  3. Earn a semester grade point average (GPA) of 4.0.

A notation added to eligible students’ academic transcripts indicating their status as a member of the President’s list. Students who are placed on the President’s List receive a commendation from the President of the University. The list is generated at the end of each semester after final grades posting and repeat course processing and is not recalculated based on grade changes or the removal of Incomplete grades.

Latin Honors

Students are eligible to receive Latin Honors at the time of graduation if:

  1. At least half of the required degree credits are letter graded (A-F);
  2. The student completed a minimum of thirty (30) upper-division credits at Nevada State University;
  3. The student's Cumulative GPA, as calculated by the Office of the Registrar, is 3.5 or higher.

Graduation honors are designated as follows:

  • Cum Laude: GPA of 3.50 to 3.69
  • Magna Cum Laude: GPA of 3.70 to 3.89
  • Summa Cum Laude: GPA of 3.90 to 4.00

Requirements for Graduation

Application for Graduation

Students must apply for graduation by the following deadlines.

  • Spring graduation application due by October 1st
  • Summer graduation application due by October 1st
  • Fall graduation application due by May 1st

Baccalaureate Degree Requirements

To view the full policy, visit nsc.edu/college-policies/baccalaureate-degree-requirements/.

Choice of Catalog

According to the Nevada Revised Statues that guide the Nevada System of Higher Education, “a student at a university or state college within the System completes the full course of study for a diploma of graduation if, in accordance with the policy of the Board of Regents, the student satisfies the requirements for graduation and a degree as set forth in the catalog of the university or state college that is in effect at the time the student: (a) First enrolls in the university or state college or is admitted to the academic program or department of the student’s major if the program or department has a formal process for admitting students to the program or department; or (b) Graduates, whichever the student elects. A student who changes his or her major must elect the catalog of the year of the latest change of the major or the year of graduation. A student may not elect a catalog that is more than 10 years old at the time of his or her graduation.” (NRS 396.560(3)).

Students at Nevada State University are allowed to remain on the catalog in effect during their term of entry for up to ten (10) years. If a catalog is more than ten years old, the student must follow the catalog requirements in effect for the year in which the student graduates.

The University does not guarantee the awarding of a degree based on the unchanged requirements of a particular catalog. Periodic revisions of degree requirements are made because of changes in occupational qualifications or the expectations of accrediting or licensing authorities. If such revisions have occurred, the appropriate academic dean, with approval from the Provost and President, may require reasonable adherence to School and departmental requirements published in a recent or current catalog. In cases where such requirements are approved, the School must communicate the changes to affected students.

The following stipulations regarding choice of catalog apply in specific circumstances:

A. Change of major: The year in which a student enrolls as a degree-seeking student at Nevada State University is the student’s assigned catalog year. If a student changes major, or is classified as Undecided and selects a major, the catalog year changes to the year in which the student changed or selected the major.

B. Multiple majors: Students who declare multiple majors may graduate with the additional majors under the catalog year in which they declared each additional major or the year they graduate. The catalog year for additional majors does not affect the catalog year of the first major.

C. Summer Bridge Programs: Students in College-sponsored Summer Bridge Programs (such as Nepantla) who apply for fall admission and are re-classified as summer enrollees for the purposes of the Summer Bridge Program shall be assigned to the catalog in effect for the immediately following fall term.

D. Other summer admits: Students who applied and were admitted for a summer term (excluding Summer Bridge Students) may, at their discretion, choose to follow the catalog of the fall semester immediately following their summer enrollment. Students must formally request to be updated to the fall catalog through the Office of the Registrar. Students are encouraged to visit the Academic Advising Center prior to making the request.

E. Returning Students: Returning Students are assigned to the catalog year in which they are re-admitted. Returning Students may request to follow the catalog in effect at the time of their initial admission and enrollment at the University, providing that catalog is not more than ten (10) years old at the time of their graduation. Such requests should be submitted to the Office of the Registrar. Students are encouraged to visit the Academic Advising Center prior to making the request.

1.  Students returning from a University - approved leave of absence (e.g., a military leave) may follow the catalog rights specified in the relevant leave of absence policy.

2.  In cases of unusual circumstances that led to an extended absence without approved leave, a Returning Student may petition for an exception to policy in order to re-enroll without reapplying and being readmitted to the University. Such exceptions must be approved by the Provost (or designee).

F. Transfer students: Any exceptions to this policy for students transferring from other NSHE institutions will be stated in relevant transfer agreement documents.

G. Other exceptions: The President may waive catalog requirements or approve exceptions to catalog year policies. Such exceptions are made solely at the President’s discretion on a case-by-case and are not subject to appeal.

Academic Requirement

In order to graduate, students must meet the following requirements:

A. Minimum GPA: Earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, including all post-secondary coursework attempted, as well as an overall NSU GPA of at least 2.0, as calculated by the Office of the Registrar. This requirement excludes those courses in which the student has received marks of Audit, Incomplete, Not Reported, In Progress, Satisfactory, Unsatisfactory, and Withdrawal (AD, I, NR, X, S, U, and W, respectively).

B. Four-year Institution credits: A minimum of half of the required credits for a baccalaureate degree must be earned at a 4-year institution.

C. Other academic requirements: Additional academic requirements may be established by the Dean of each School.

Resident Credit Requirement

Candidates of a bachelor’s degree at Nevada State University must complete 30 upper-division credits in residence. Resident credits are defined as regular classroom instruction, as well as correspondence courses and other distance education courses offered through Nevada State University.

Additional Baccalaureate Degrees

  1. After Previous NSU Degree: The following requirements apply to students pursing an Additional Baccalaureate Degree after completing a previous degree at Nevada State:
    1.  The student must reapply for admission to the University;
    2. The student will be held to all School, major, and graduation requirements for the catalog year in which they are readmitted;
    3. Core curriculum requirements completed for previous degrees completed at Nevada State will satisfy core curriculum requirements for the Additional Baccalaureate Degree, with the exception of any new or additional core curriculum requirements effective in the catalog year of readmission;
    4. The student must complete 30 upper-division credits in residence for the Additional Baccalaureate Degree. Credits that applied to earlier degrees earned from Nevada State, even those in excess of the 120 required for graduation, may not be applied towards the residency requirement for an Additional Baccalaureate Degree. Specific courses required for the Additional Baccalaureate Degree that were taken for an earlier degree earned at Nevada State will be waived; however credits towards residency must be made up through general electives.
  2. After Previous Baccalaureate Degree from Another NSHE Institution: : The core curriculum will be fulfilled by the previous degree, with the exception of any variation to core requirements required by the school or degree. A student who has earned a baccalaureate degree from another NSHE institution must meet the following requirements for an Additional Baccalaureate Degree at Nevada State:
    1. Complete all school and major requirements for the Additional Baccalaureate Degree;
    2. Complete a minimum of thirty (30) upper-division credits in residence at Nevada State University;
    3. Complete any variations to the core curriculum required for the Additional Baccalaureate Degree.
  3. After Previous Baccalaureate Degree from an Institution outside of NSHE:  A student earned a baccalaureate degree from a U.S. regionally-accredited institution must meet following requirements:
    1. Complete all school and major requirement for the Additional Baccalaureate Degree;
    2. Fulfill all core curriculum requirements that have not been fulfilled by the previous degree;
    3. Complete the Nevada Constitution core curriculum requirement, either by taking a relevant course at an NSHE institution or via Credit By Exam;
    4. Complete a minimum of thirty (30) upper-division credits in residence at Nevada State University.

Unsatisfactory Academic Status

Undergraduate students who have less than a 2.0 GPA for any given semester as well as less than a cumulative 2.0 on all university work are making unsatisfactory academic progress. This endangers students' academic standing and leads to the penalties described in the following sections on warning, probation and disqualification.

Students pursuing the bachelor's degree may not earn credits or grade points in university courses numbered below 100 in an attempt to apply those credits toward a four-year degree or to raise their GPA.

Declare and/or Change of Major

Students wishing to change their major may submit a change of major request via the NSC Portal.

Students may pursue separate undergraduate majors or degrees at the same time. Students must meet the requirements of the catalog year in which they declare the first major or degree. A student cannot graduate until all requirements are met for all declared degrees or programs; students who choose to not complete one or more declared program(s) must officially drop that major or degree.

To view the full policy, visit nsc.edu/college-policies/multiple-majors-degrees/.

Multiple Majors (Similar Degree Types)

The following requirements apply to students pursuing Multiple Majors:

  1. The student must meet all admission requirements (e.g., minimum GPA or standardized test scores) for each declared major;
  2. The student must complete all core curriculum and program requirements for each declared major;
  3. Limitations and prohibitions:
    1. Except as noted in I.3.a below, students who declare more than one emphasis, track, or concentration within a major are classified as pursuing a single major with multiple emphases, tracks, or concentrations, but do not qualify as pursuing Multiple Majors:
      1. Secondary Education majors may pursue more than one concentration as Multiple Majors, provided they meet the exclusive credits requirement in I.4 below;
      2. Students may Double-Dip classes between emphases, tracks, or concentrations within a single major;
    2. Students may not pursue a major in a discipline and a major in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in the same (or a substantively similar) discipline (e.g. Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Criminal Justice) as Multiple Majors. If there is a question regarding whether an Interdisciplinary Studies concentration is substantively similar to a major in a discipline, the relevant academic Dean(s) will make a final determination;
  4. Double-Dipping courses is allowed between declared Multiple Majors. However, a minimum of twelve (12) credits required for the major (not including core curriculum, or other non-major-specific credits) must be exclusive to each declared major and may not be Double-Dipped. Any twelve (12) distinct major credits may fulfill this requirement; they do not have to be specifically approved. If the published coursework for the majors cannot be completed in a manner that allows for 12 distinct credits between them, they are not eligible to be pursued as Multiple Majors;
  5. Required courses from one major may be applied as general electives for the other declared major(s);
  6. No additional credits are required beyond the minimum credits required for graduation (120 for most majors) as long as the requirements for all declared majors are completed at the time the degree is conferred;
  7. All declared majors will appear on the student's transcript and diploma. Only one diploma is issued.

Simultaneous Degrees

When a student declares majors that involve different degree types, additional credits are required.

  1. Degree Types: Nevada State University offers the following distinct types of baccalaureate degrees:
    • Bachelor of Arts;
    • Bachelor of Science;
    • Bachelor of Science in Business Administration;
    • Bachelor of Science in Nursing;
    • Bachelor of Public Administration;
    • Bachelor of Arts in Education;
    • Bachelor of Science in Education;
    • Bachelor of Applied Science
  2. Prohibited Degree Combination: The following degrees may not be pursued as Simultaneous Degrees:
    1. Due to their unique admissions and core curriculum requirements, Bachelor of Applied Science degrees cannot be combined with any other type of degree and so cannot be pursued as Simultaneous Degrees;
    2. Students may not declare the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Bachelor of Science in Psychology as Simultaneous Degrees.
  3. Secondary Education Degree Exceptions: Combining a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education or Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with the corresponding discipline-specific Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science is not considered a different degree type and does not qualify as a Simultaneous Degree (e.g. Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with a Concentration in Mathematics and Bachelor of Science in Mathematics are not considered separate degree types). Students combining such degrees will follow the requirements stated above for Multiple Majors.
  4. Degree Requirements: The following requirements apply to students pursing Simultaneous Degrees:
    1. All School, major, and degree requirements must be met for each declared degree, including any variations to the Core Curriculum approved by the School offering each degree;
    2. Students must complete sixty (60) total upper-division credits in residence at NSC;
    3. Required courses from one degree may be applied as general electives (lower- or upper-division) for the other declared degree(s);
    4. Double-Dipping is allowed between declared Simultaneous Degrees. However, a minimum of twelve (12) degree-specific credits (not including core curriculum, elective, and other non-degree-specific credits) must be exclusive to each declare degrees and may not be Double-Dipped;
    5. Students must file separate graduation application cards for each degree type;
    6. All degrees will appear on the student's transcript and a separate diploma is issued for each type of degree.
  5. Financial Aid Considerations: Students receiving financial aid should consult with a financial aid counselor before declaring Simultaneous Degrees to carefully assess the impact on their eligibility for financial aid. Because Simultaneous Degrees require additional coursework, students may need to enroll in additional terms.

Declaring Three or More Majors or Degrees

Students wishing to pursue three (3) or more majors or degrees, or four (4) or more of any combination of majors, degrees, or minors, must make an appointment with the Academic Advising Center to discuss all degree requirements for the full set of programs. If the credits required to complete all requested majors, degrees, and/or minors totals more than one-hundred eighty (180) credits, the Academic Advising Director must review and approve the declaration of all programs beyond two (2). The Academic Advising Director may consult with relevant academic Deans as needed to reach a decision.

Removal from a Major

Students on disqualification are removed from a major status by the Office of the Registrar. Students may also be removed from a major at any time if they are not making satisfactory progress toward a degree or are in violation of university conduct regulations or ethical standards of the professional program in which they are majoring. This action must be approved in writing by the Provost, upon recommendation of the Academic Deans, and filed with the Office of the Registrar.

Undergraduate Minors

A minor program requires students to complete at least 18 credits, including nine or more credits in upper division courses. Students wishing to declare a minor may submit a change or add minor request via the NSC Portal. The student's minor is indicated on his/her official transcript when all graduation requirements are satisfied.

Regulations for Student Records

Confidentiality and Release of Information

The confidentiality and security of student educational records are of primary importance to the university. As amended, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 ensures that eligible students have the right to inspect and review educational records, files and other data; to waive the right of inspection and review of confidential letters and statements of recommendation filed since January 1, 1975; to challenge the content of educational records to ensure that it is not misleading or inaccurate; and to preclude any or all directory information from being released.

Most university discipline records are defined as education records by FERPA and therefore protected from disclosure without written consent of the student. Two exceptions to this are: (1) the outcome of any disciplinary proceeding alleging a sex offense must be disclosed to the accuser, and (2) some records of the Police Department created and maintained solely by that unit are not protected from disclosure by FERPA.

Student access is not permitted to the financial statements of parents; to confidential statements and recommendations filed prior to January 1, 1975; to records that the student has waived the right to inspect; to records of instructional, supervisory and administrative personnel; to records created by a law enforcement unit, for a law enforcement purpose, and maintained by a law enforcement unit; to records that are created and maintained by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist or other recognized professionals or paraprofessionals acting or assisting in a professional or paraprofessional capacity; or to university records that contain only information relating to a person after that person is no longer a student. Requests for review of educational records are processed within 45 days of submittal.

The university does not allow access to, or the release of, educational records or other personally identifiable information without the written consent of the student, and, when in person, verification through picture identification, except that the university must disclose information to students requesting review of their own records and to authorized governmental officials or agencies for audit and evaluation of state and federally supported programs.

The written consent must be signed, dated and should include the birth date of the student. The written consent must specify the educational records to be disclosed, the purpose or purposes of the disclosure and the party or parties to whom the disclosure may be made.

The university may disclose, without a student's written consent, educational records or other personally identifiable information to full-time university employees having authorized access; to the Office of the Registrar and/or appropriate officials of another school or school system in which the student intends to enroll; to people or organizations providing student financial aid; to accrediting agencies involved in accrediting functions; to parents of a student whose status as a dependent has been established according to the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, Section 152; to an alleged victim of any crime of violence the results of any institutional disciplinary proceeding against the alleged perpetrator of that crime with respect to that crime; in compliance with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena, provided the university makes a reasonable attempt to notify the student of the order or subpoena in advance of compliance, except if commanded not to do so in a subpoena, if the subpoena has been issued for a law enforcement purpose or by a federal grand jury; to authorized officials in connection with an emergency, if knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of a student or other people.

Directory information is considered public and may be released without written consent unless specifically prohibited by the student concerned. Data defined as directory information includes: student names, addresses, telephone numbers, e-mail addresses, major fields of study, student participation in officially recognized activities, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, photographs for university use, and listings of the most recent educational agency or institution that students have attended.

A student may restrict the publication of information by completing a Request to Prevent Disclosure form which can be found in the Office of the Registrar. Students may also update this authorization via myNSC.

Each office in which students' financial records are filed maintains a record of requests for the release of personally identifiable information.

Retention and Disposition

The maintenance, retention and disposition of documents relating to student educational records are governed by institutional policy.

A listing of documents and disposition schedules filed in the Office of the Registrar includes:

  • The permanent academic records of students which are retained indefinitely.
  • Applications for admission and/or readmission; transcripts issued by other institutions; applications for resident fees; military service documents; undergraduate admission evaluations; advanced standing admission evaluations, including CBAPE, CLEP and ACT PEP; changes of major or advisor; and pertinent correspondence which are retained for one year after the student's last date of attendance. In the case of a student who graduates, only the permanent academic record is maintained.
  • The admission files of students who do not register, are disapproved or have incomplete admission files.
  • Transcript requests and disciplinary action notices which are retained in the Office of the Registrar for one year.

Policy on Credit Hour

Credit hour is the unit by which an institution measures its course work. The number of credit hours assigned to a course quantitatively reflects the outcomes expected, the mode of instruction, the amount of time spent in class, and the amount of outside preparatory work expected for the class.

Nevada State University (NSU) measures students learning in accordance with the Northwest Commission on Colleges and University (NWCCU) Policy on Credit Hour, which relies on federal regulations on the definition and assignment of credit hours.

Federal regulation mandate that all candidate and accredited institution comply with the definition of the credit hour as set forth in section 600.2, which defines the credit hour as:

An amount of work represent in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than:

  1. One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester or trimester hour of credit or ten-to-twelve weeks for one quarter hour of credit, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or
  2. At least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph (1) of this definition for other academic activities as established by the institution, including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.

In general, unit value for course offerings is governed by the NSU Faculty Senate Curriculum Committee and Common Course Numbering Committee. Schools and departments are responsible for submitting course approval requests that include a detailed description of how unit value is justified. In addition, periodic compliance review of the credit hour policy will be incorporated into each school’s established curriculum review schedule to ensure a course’s credit hours reflect the amount of work required to earn those credits.

Review Policy for Compliance with University Credit Hour Requirements

The Office of the Registrar regularly audits scheduled courses offerings to ensure compliance with the credit hour requirements through its processes for class scheduling each semester. This review is conducted across all schools, disciplines, courses levels, and modes of instruction. The Office of the Registrar maintains a historical method of its review of each semester.

For additional information, visit nsc.edu/college-policies/policy-on-credit-hour/.

Student Email Policy