Academic Policies & Procedures

Four-Year Degree Plans

The four year plans are posted each year on the Music Department webpage at http://www.sckans.edu/undergraduate/music/. Each four year plan is an excellent tool to use for course selection. The plan provides a recommended course enrollment sequence based on the typical course schedule and rotation. 

Full-time Course Load

A full time-load is 12 – 18 credit hours. Students taking 19 or more hours must have the approval of the academic dean. There is also an additional cost associated with credit overload.  

Grading System

The college grading system defines the following marks as graded hours and assigns the grade points shown per credit hour: A = Superior work (A+ or A, 4 points; A-, 3.67) B = Above-average work (B+, 3.33; B, 3; B-, 2.67) C = Average work (C+, 2.33; C, 2; C-, 1.67) D = Minimally-acceptable work for receiving credit (D+, 1.33; D, 1; D-, 0.67) F = Failure (0 points) These additional marks are also used but do not designate graded hours and do not impact calculation of a GPA: WD = Withdrawal from a course AW = Administrative withdrawal from a course I = Incomplete work S = Satisfactory work (equivalent to a C- or better) U = Unsatisfactory work. 

In accordance to SC Academic Policy for obtaining a degree, students must complete specific course requirements for a major field of study together with required cognate courses, with a cumulativeminimumgrade point average of 2.0 (C)in those courses required by each major, minor, or secondary licensure to be granted. See Requirements for Graduation in the Undergraduate Catalog for more information, and see your Degree Checklist for a list of required courses in your major. Music Education majors are required to have a cumulative 2.5 average to be admitted into Education Department.

Advising & Student Responsibilities

Academic advising is an ongoing, multifaceted and developmental process which assists students in the clarification of their life/career goals and in the development of educational plans for the realization of these goals. It is a decision-making process by which students realize their maximum educational potential through communication and information exchanges with an advisor.

EXPECTATIONS OF ADVISORS:

(SC Policy Manual: 4.5.3.2 Service to Students) To be knowledgeable of the goals and objectives of the curriculum of the college and affirm and interpret the same to all advisees. 

• To be able to explain to advisees the registration and enrollment process and to refer advisees to proper persons for specialized information and consultation.
• To know the graduation requirements of the college and refer advisees to the registrar for degree requirement checks as needed. 
• To help advisees to explore various fields of knowledge and career options and develop a plan to promote positive career outcomes. 
• To encourage advisees to develop the written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills needed for effectiveness in all careers. 
• To monitor advisees’ progress at midterm and finals and to make referrals for follow-up action as appropriate. 
• To be available to advisees throughout their educational experience. 

EXPECTATIONS OF ADVISEES:

• Schedule regular appointments with their advisor each semester and when problems first arise: 
  • Come prepared with relevant questions/topics to discuss. 
  • Outline goals and plan to meet those goals. 
  • Keep copies of written records and advising interactions. 
• Learn to use and understand your academic plan. 
• Use the college web site to:
  • Read the catalog. 
  • Understand the academic plan for their major. 
  • Be aware of academic deadlines. 
• Research academic programs and/or future job opportunities. 
• Students are expected to know important academic deadlines including add/drop date, registration, and financial aid. 
• Provide accurate and truthful information about interests and abilities. 
• Accept responsibility for their decisions and actions (or inactions) that affect educational progress. 
• Understand that they have the ultimate responsibility for fulfilling college requirements and meeting deadlines. 
• Outline goals and steps to achieve those goals each semester. 
• Keep written records of all advising interactions. 
• Take responsibility for and follow through on decisions made during each advising session. 
• Be respectful in interactions with advisor. 
• Confirm accuracy of advice or information received from friends, classmates, and family members.

All music majors will be assigned a faculty advisor upon their admittance to the program; music minors are assigned to a full-time faculty member within their primary instrument. Faculty advisors will meet with students each semester during pre-registration to help students plan their course of study. Advisors are available via appointment and it is recommended that students meet with their advisors, at minimum, on a monthly basis. 

It is the responsibility of the student, not the faculty member, to be aware of all rules, expectations, and deadlines for the program, as outlined in the Undergraduate Course Catalog, the Education Department Catalog, and the Music Department Handbook.

Individual advising sessions will also help majors and minors gain necessary skills towards the completion of their degree and job readiness. Topics include, but are not limited to: Using On-Campus Library Resources, Career Exploration, Time Management & Study Skills, Resume & Cover Letters, and Interviews & Internships. 

** Advisors pay special attention to the Math Gen Ed Guidelines for Music Education Majors. These are only guidelines and further questions should be brought to the Math Department.Students who scored a 19 or lower on their ACT or received a grade of C or lower in their High School Algebra 1 class should take Math 105 – Intermediate Algebra. This is a prerequisite to the required cognate to teacher licensure in the Education Department – Math 215 – Intro to Stats. Students who scored a 20 or above on their ACT, or a B or better in High School Algebra 1, or passed Math 105 – Intermediate Algebra, may enroll in the required Math 215 - Intro to Stats.