College of Graduate Studies

Graduate Vision Statement

The College of Graduate Studies fosters an intellectual community of advanced learning within an environment of scholarship, research, and creative activities engaging faculty and students with partnerships representative of a global society.

Graduate Mission Statement

The College of Graduate Studies develops advanced programs and services addressing national needs, and provides a mechanism for collaborative opportunities in research, creative and scholarly activities. These connect university expertise with private and public resources, and contribute significantly to the intellectual, economic, social, physical, and cultural development of the region, and therefore the nation. The College of Graduate Studies engages students in graduate education that promotes the knowledge of society, global awareness, and continuous learning.

Admission to Graduate Studies

All applicants wishing to pursue a graduate degree at APSU must formally apply to the College of Graduate Studies. Applications must be submitted to Graduate Admissions, P.O. Box 4458, Clarksville, TN 37044. You can also apply online at www.apsu.edu/cogs. A non-refundable, one-time application fee of $25 is required for all new applicants. Admission to graduate study permits the student to enroll in graduate courses for which he or she is prepared, but does not imply that the applicant will be approved as a candidate for a degree. Applicants to the Department of Psychology, School of Nursing, and the Department of Social Work must be formally accepted by the department before they can enroll in any courses. Students who do not enroll for a Fall or Spring semester must re-apply for admission. All students born after 1956 are required to submit proof of two doses of Measles, Mumps and Rubella immunization (see Health Services ). Applicants who have earned a master’s degree and may request exemption from re-taking the entrance examination.

Applicants interested in a graduate assistantship must be fully admitted in their program and submit their application for Graduate Assistantship to the College of Graduate Studies by March 1 for the Fall semester (see Graduate Assistantships). The application is available in the Graduate office or online.

Master’s Degree Program Admission Requirements

Admission to any Austin Peay State University master’s program is based on a careful review and evaluation of a complete application for admission that includes the following credentials.

1. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be issued directly to APSU, showing:
   
   1. That a bachelor’s degree has been earned,
   2. The cumulative grade point average (GPA) attained, and
   3. Undergraduate preparation and licensure appropriate to the graduate program selected.
2. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, for all graduate coursework completed.
3. Official scores on Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and/or the General Test of the Graduate Records Examination (GRE) on the verbal and quantitative sections of the exam that are not more than five years old. (See departmental admission requirements for specific program information that may apply to GRE/GMAT scores). APSU code for GRE is 1028. Another test may be required or accepted by some departments. Please review specific departmental requirements in this bulletin.
4. Three letters of recommendation from former college professors and/or university instructors verifying that the applicant has demonstrated evidence of the ability to do graduate level academic work successfully. If one or more college/university professors are not available, students may provide a letter from someone (i.e., supervisor) who can verify the applicant has the ability to complete graduate course work successfully. (See departmental admission requirements for specific program information related to these recommendations). Any exceptions should be requested through the departmental Graduate Coordinator.
5. All military personnel (active duty and veterans) must submit the following documents as appropriate:

Categories of Admission

Degree Seeking

1. Regular admission status will be granted to applicants who have met all entrance requirements prescribed by the College of Graduate Studies, the department and the program to which they apply. It is the applicant’s responsibility to understand specific admission requirements. Locate departmental requirements for each program using the index on page 173. 
2. Conditional admission status may be granted to an applicant who is ineligible for regular admission, but who shows potential for academic success at the graduate level. In consultation with the department that agrees to allow a conditionally admitted student to enroll in specified courses, the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies stipulates conditions of the student’s admission, to which he/she may be required to agree in writing. Conditional admission decisions made by the college are final and may not be appealed. Students admitted conditionally must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 during the initial 12 graduate semester hours completed at Austin Peay State University. Compliance with all established conditions enables students to be upgraded to regular admission status. For students in the conditional admission status, failure to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 during the first 12 semester hours of graduate course work results in suspension from Graduate School.

Non-Degree Seeking
(Limited to nine graduate semester hours, unless specified below.)

1. Unclassified status may be granted to applicants who desire to enroll in graduate studies for reasons other than to seek a degree. With the approval of a department, students who change their minds and decide to pursue a degree while they are in the unclassified status may apply up to nine acceptable graduate semester hours toward that degree. Admission to the Graduate College must be sought and attained prior to the completion of more than nine semester hours in order for those credits to be applied toward a degree. Applicants who have been denied regular or conditional graduate admissions are ineligible to enroll in courses as an unclassified student. Credits obtained under unclassified status will not be accepted by some programs. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of departmental regulations regarding unclassified status. Locate departmental guidelines for each program using the index on page 161.
2. Undergraduates Taking Graduate Credits.
   
   1. Senior I status is for graduating APSU students who are within nine hours of completing baccalaureate requirements, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and satisfactory scores on the GRE as prescribed by the intended graduate program. Students admitted to this status are eligible to hold a graduate assistantship. Graduate credits may not be applied to the bachelor’s degree.
   2. Senior II status is for APSU students who are within 21 hours of completing a baccalaureate degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75. Students may register for only one graduate class per term, reapply for each subsequent semester and are not eligible to hold a graduate assistantship. Graduate credits may not be applied to the bachelor’s degree.
   3. Selective Admission (Psychology) – Seniors may enroll in graduate level psychology courses and apply the credit to their undergraduate degree. These students must have completed 24 hours of undergraduate credit in psychology, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, a minimum GRE of 400 verbal and 400 quantitative, completed all necessary course prerequisites and approval of the psychology department chair. The credit for the course may not be counted toward a graduate degree.
3. Postgraduate status is for applicants with a master’s degree or greater who are not seeking another degree. No credit limitation applies to the post-masters status. Students must submit an official copy of their transcript showing the master’s degree to clear admission. Students enrolled in postgraduate study may enter the Educational Specialist degree program by meeting all regular admission requirements for the Ed.S. Students may only utilize credit that is six or fewer years old at the time of completion of the Ed.S. (Applicants for a teaching endorsement in Educational Leadership Studies should refer to “Programs with Special Admission Requirements”, see page 26.)
4. Transient Status is granted for applicants enrolled in graduate programs at other colleges or universities who wish to take courses at APSU for transfer credit. A letter of good academic standing from the Graduate Dean at the other institution must be secured by a student prior to granting him/her transient admission at Austin Peay.

Education Specialist Programs Admission Requirements

Admission to the education specialist program is based on an application for admission and the following minimum credentials:*

1. Official transcript from a college or university showing:
   
   1. That the master’s degree has been earned,
   2. A minimum graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) and
   3. Academic preparation and licensure appropriate to the graduate program.
2. An official transcript from each college or university for all graduate course work.
3. Official scores on the General test of the Graduate Record Examination with minimum 350 verbal and 350 quantitative scores. (See here). APSU code for GRE is 1028.
4. Three letters of recommendation in support of the applicant from faculty members who taught courses within the student’s master’s degree program. (See here). Not needed from applicants who already have a master’s degree from APSU.
5. All military personnel (active duty and veterans) must submit the following documents as appropriate: Refer to this section for documents needed.

* Administration and Supervision and School Counseling concentrations include additional requirements as listed below.

Administration and Supervision Concentration

Students must meet the requirements above as well as submit GRE scores that total a minimum of 800 with a minimum verbal and quantitative score of 350 each, and their three letters of recommendation must be from school administrators.

School Counseling Concentration

Students must meet the requirements above as well as submit GRE scores with a minimum verbal and quantitative score of 400 each. They must also have completed the competency courses or their equivalent necessary for licensure as a guidance counselor in the state of Tennessee and attain Psychology Department admission approval. Any course deficiencies may be made up during the pursuit of an Ed.S. degree. Applicants to the Department of Psychology must be formally admitted by the department before they can enroll in any courses. Possible changes in Tennessee certification requirements of accreditation may significantly alter this program of study. Please consult with the Coordinator of School Counseling for current information.

Departmental Requirements for Admission

Admission to each program at APSU is determined by specific departmental guidelines. Locate departmental guidelines for program requirements in the index on page 173.

Admission of International Students*

The Office of Admissions processes the applications of all international students. Before being considered for graduate study at Austin Peay State University, the following documents must be received for review:

1. Completed graduate application,
2. Application fee, $25.00 payable by credit card, check, or bank draft.
3. Official copies of all transcripts, certificates, diplomas and degrees (translated to English and a course-by-course equivalency performed by an educational credential agency), showing GPA based on a 4.0 scale and bachelor’s or master’s degree earned.
4. Official acceptable GRE (with scores on the verbal and quantitative sections meeting the specific requirements), see page 15. APSU code for GRE is 1028.
5. Official acceptable TOEFL scores (a minimum score of 500 on paper-based test, or 173 on computer based test or 61 on the internet based TOEFL test is required), APSU code for TOEFL is 1028.
6. Three favorable letters of recommendation (from former college and university professors/instructors verifying that the applicant has demonstrated evidence of the ability to do graduate level academic work successfully),
7. Financial statement with proof of resources sufficient to pay educational expense (must be notarized by bank official certifying deposit),
8. Certification of freedom from Tuberculosis and proof of two immunizations with the Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine.

International students are required to submit evidence that they have obtained medical insurance for themselves and any family members who accompany them prior to registration (see page 14).

*Corporate Communication, General Communication, Health Services Administration, Management, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics, Regents Education, Human Resouces Leadership, Training and Development and Strategic Leadership programs are not available to International students on F-1 or J-1 Visa.

General Academic Information

Credit and Course-Related Matters

Unit of Credit

The University offers instruction and grants credit on the semester system, with the academic year on the Main Campus including Fall and Spring Semesters, and Summer Term. One semester hour of credit is equivalent to 1 1/2 quarter hours credit. One quarter hour of credit is equivalent to two-thirds of a semester hour credit.

Credit Load

The maximum load per semester for full-time students who are not graduate assistants is 15 hours of combined credit earned in course work and research. Graduate assistants are limited to 12 hours. The minimum number of credits which may be taken in a semester by a graduate assistant is eight hours, unless otherwise approved by the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies.

Fully employed students, such as in-service teachers, will be limited to a maximum of six hours per semester. The Tennessee State Board of Education’s rules limiting in-service teacher’s registration state:

“Training acceptable for licensure and for salary ratings shall be limited to six hours during any one semester of the school year. However, teachers wishing to exceed six hours of work may do so provided prior approval of the local board of education is granted before the teacher enrolls in classes offered by institutions of higher learning.”

Academic Time Status Classification and Maximum Load

¹ Graduate students enrolled in undergraduate credits may also refer to credit load in the Undergraduate Bulletin

² Applies to APSU Center at Fort Campbell terms and Main Campus Summer Term.

Course Offerings and Schedule of Classes

Courses offered during the Fall and Spring Semesters and Summer Terms, together with the time and place of class meetings and official calendar, are available online at www.apsu.edu/Registrar/ under the SCHEDULE OF CLASSES link.

The University reserves the right to cancel any course listed in the SCHEDULE OF CLASSES.

Prerequisites and Corequisites

It is the student’s responsibility to check for satisfactory completion of prerequisites and necessary corequisites as listed in the BULLETIN. Students must have passed or be currently enrolled in the appropriate prerequisite(s) or meet specified conditions prior to registration. Corequisites are courses in which students must register concurrently.

Problem Courses

The maximum total of semester hour credits allowed for all types of problem courses is six.

Inclement Weather

During severe inclement weather the University will remain open, classes will be held and the faculty and staff will be expected to perform their normal duties. Unless a modified schedule or an official closing due to catastrophic conditions (such as loss of heat, power outage, etc.) is announced over radio or TV broadcasts, all employees are expected to report for work at the normal times. Should the University close due to catastrophic conditions; certain key personnel will still be expected to report to work.

In cases of severe inclement weather and hazardous roads, students are to exercise their own judgment in making decisions about class attendance.

Course Registration, Course Repeats, Dropping and Withdrawal

Registration

Students are responsible for the schedule of courses for which they register, unless they officially change it. To make an official change in schedules the students must use AP One Stop or submit required forms. This process must be completed within the required timeframe for adding or dropping a course as stated in the University Calendar.

Undergraduates Registering in Graduate Courses

Undergraduates interested in registering in graduate courses must apply for admissions to the College of Graduate Studies and must meet minimum requirements as listed in the GRADUATE BULLETIN here.

Course Repeats

Students who are repeating courses with grades other than “A” or “B” must complete a Course Repeat form. Permission from the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies is required. The Request to Repeat Graduate Course form is located on the College of Graduate Studies website at http://www.apsu.edu/cogs/ this form must be completed two weeks before the semester in which the course is repeated.

Dropping Courses

After a student has officially registered for a class, the student is considered to be a member of the class unless the student officially drops the class, withdraws from the University, cancelled by administrative authority, or is permanently excluded by the Student Academic Grievance Committee. Discontinuing class attendance without officially dropping or withdrawing from the University will be an unofficial withdrawal, and the student will retain financial obligation. Failure to drop a class via AP One Stop or file a notification on the approved form in the Office of the Registrar will result in the grade of “F” or “FA.”

Reporting Grades for Courses Dropped

The grade awarded for a dropped course or for courses from which the student withdrew depends on the date the student withdrew from the course or from the University. The dates for awarding grades appear in the official University calendar.

1. A grade of “W” is awarded when the student drops or withdraws within the time period the University has established for awarding an automatic “W.” The grade has no impact on the student’s cumulative GPA.
2. A grade of “F”, “FA” or “W” will be awarded if the student drops or withdraws between the automatic “W” date and the automatic “F” date. A grade of “W” will only be awarded if the instructor determines the student is passing at the time of withdrawal.
3. A grade of “F” or “FA” is awarded during the mandatory “F” period. Very limited exceptions are made and require that the student present to the Dean of College of Graduate Studies documenting acceptable reasons that establish the existence of extenuating circumstances. The dean’s decision is communicated to the instructor.

Withdrawal from the University

Official withdrawal requires that all courses be dropped by submitting the required form located online at http://www.apsu.edu/Registrar/forms.aspx, obtaining the necessary signatures, and be based on the published schedule for fee adjustments included in the official University calendar and the date the completed withdrawal form is submitted to the Office of the Registrar. Withdrawal from the University may require repayment of financial aid. Students receiving financial aid should meet with a financial aid counselor prior to withdrawal.

Grade-Related Information

The Grading System

At the end of each semester the student’s quality of work is graded by the instructor. The grades are indicated by letters, with a four-point system being used:

Graduation Grade Requirements

Grades of “A”, “B”, and “C” carry the appropriate quantity and quality credits. No credit will be given for the grades of “D” or “F”. Students will not be awarded a graduate degree if they have received grades of “D” or “F” in any courses taken to satisfy requirements in the field in which they are earning their graduate degree. However, all grades earned as a graduate student will be used to calculate their overall GPA. In order to re-calculate grades of “D” or “F” in the current field of study the student must receive permission from the Dean of Graduate Studies. The Request to Repeat Graduate Course form is located on the College of Graduate Studies website at http://www.apsu.edu/cogs/. This form must be completed two weeks before the semester in which the course is repeated.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

The grade-point average (GPA) is determined by dividing total quality points earned by total hours attempted.

Pass-Fail Grading

Students taking the practicum experience in psychology or counseling have the option of taking the course on a pass-fail basis. To exercise the option, the student must sign a Pass-Fail Card the first week of the semester at the Office of the Registrar. Students taking the practicum experience in education take it on a pass-fail basis.

Class Attendance And Grading

Statement of Policy

Class attendance is a key attribute to academic success. Though the matter of class attendance is in the purview of the teaching faculty, the University requires faculty to routinely report students who have never attended class (“FN” – Failure, Never Attended) within 21 days of the first day of class. For those students who stop attending class and/or are no longer receiving instruction, a grade of “FA” (Failure, Stopped Attendance) should be reported. Faculty members will inform students of policies applicable to their classes through a syllabus distributed early in each semester/term. These punitive failing grades reported during the semester/term may affect the student’s time status, financial aid repayment, and/or veteran benefits.

Absence from Announced Tests and Examinations

Students who are forced by circumstances beyond their control to be absent from announced tests and examinations should request approval from the instructor. At the discretion of the instructor, the student will receive the grade of “I”, “F” or “FA.”

Auditing of Courses

An auditor is one who enrolls in a course without expecting to receive academic credit. The same registration procedure must be followed and the same fees are charged as for courses taken for credit.

Audited courses cannot be used toward any degree. Audit hours will not be considered part of the minimum credits required for full-time enrollment but will be counted in determining overloads. Courses may be audited provided instructor gives consent to enroll, space is available, and students satisfy any necessary prerequisites.

Regular class attendance is expected of an auditor. Auditors are not required to take examinations and do not receive a regular letter grade. The student and the instructor should reach a precise agreement as to the extent and nature of the student’s participation in the course, including class discussion, projects and readings. A successful audit will be recorded on the transcript with the designation AU. Audited courses may be repeated for credit.

After the published “Last Day to Add a Course” students may not change their enrollment status in a course from credit to audit or from audit to credit.

Incomplete Grades

A temporary grade of I/IP indicates that a student has performed satisfactorily in the course, but due to circumstances beyond the student’s control, was unable to complete the course requirements. It also indicates that the student has received consent from the instructor to complete the work for which an I/IP has been assigned.

The I/IP grade cannot be used to enable a student to do additional work to raise a deficient grade. The course will not be counted in the cumulative grade-point average until a final grade is assigned.

An I/IP must be removed no later than one calendar year from the time the grade was initially assigned. Time extensions must be submitted and approved by the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies before the time expires. An I/IP not removed within the specified time will be converted to an F, except in courses involving thesis, field study reports, research project papers, and research literacy papers. A student cannot make up an I/IP by registering and paying for the course again. No student may graduate with an I/IP on their academic record.

Proficiency in English and Grading

Students are expected to maintain satisfactory standards of oral and written English in all of their courses. The faculty of the University has agreed to accept English usage as a University-wide responsibility. Deficiencies in the use of English will be taken into consideration in assigning course grades, and students who fall below acceptable standards may make low grades or fail.

Grade Reporting

Students may obtain their grades through AP One Stop after each semester/term. Grade reports are not mailed to students.

Grade Appeal

Students may appeal course grades with their instructor within one calendar year from the date the grade was submitted to the instructor. Once a degree has been posted to the transcript, the academic record is deemed complete and changes will not be made on grades earned prior to the posted degree. Review the Academic Grievance Policy section in the STUDENT HANDBOOK for appeal procedures.

Academic Status and Retention

The academic status of a student is denoted by one of four conditions:

Good Standing
Academic Probation
Academic Suspension
Academic Dismissal

Students who fail to meet prescribed academic standards are subject to disciplinary action. Official notification of academic probation, academic suspension and academic dismissal is sent to students at the end of the Fall and Spring semesters, Summer term or Fort Campbell term.

At any time a student’s academic performance becomes deficient, he/she is placed on probation. When established standards are met, probationary status is removed. Two terms of deficient academic performance will result in a one semester suspension, after which a student is eligible to appeal for readmission. More than two suspensions result in dismissal from Graduate School.

Good Standing

Students are in good standing as long as their cumulative grade point average is 3.0 or higher. Good standing indicates only that the student is meeting the minimum standard for retention.

Academic Probation

Students whose cumulative GPA in graduate courses that fall below 3.0 are placed on academic probation.

A probationary student who does not achieve a minimum 3.0 GPA for two consecutive semesters will be suspended.

Academic Suspension

Probationary students, whose GPA falls below 3.0 for two consecutive semesters, are suspended. Students suspended for the first time may not enroll in Graduate School for at least one semester following their suspension. The University reserves the right to cancel a student’s registration with full fee adjustment should the student enroll prior to being notified of an academic suspension. A student on academic suspension from Graduate School may not be admitted to, or continue in, any graduate program at APSU for credit or grade point average.

Readmission After Academic Suspension. After an absence of at least one semester, suspended students must request readmission by appealing to the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies. The Graduate Academic Appeals form is located on the College of Graduate Studies website at http://www.apsu.edu/cogs/. This form must accompany the other required documents as noted. Accompanying the request must be written supportive recommendation(s) for readmission from the student’s graduate committee chair and the department chair. The Graduate Dean presents the appeal to the Appeals Sub-committee of the Graduate and Research Council for its review and action. Decisions of the Appeals Sub-committee regarding readmission are final and may not be appealed.

Upon a second suspension, the student will be suspended from Graduate School for a minimum of one calendar year. Students seeking readmission must follow the same procedure specified herein.

Care Policy

Persons seeking admission to the College of Graduate Studies who have not taken graduate courses for at least six years and who have grades of “D” or “F” in previous graduate courses may appeal to the graduate dean for consideration within the CARE (Credentials Analysis and Re- Evaluation) Policy. Appeals will be granted only in cases where special circumstances exist. Courses and grades will remain on the student’s transcript but the grades and hours earned will neither be calculated into the GPA nor counted as credit toward a graduate degree. Only one semester of graduate course work may be removed from the GPA calculation but all credit earned during that semester will be lost.

Student Due Process

Students have the right to due process. If a student believes their rights have been violated, he/she may appeal that perceived violation to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Affairs. Judgments at this level will be made only in relationship to procedural matters. All decisions made by the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies or the Graduate and Research Council that are substantive in nature, are not subject to appeal at the level of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Affairs.

Research Requirements

Research Plans

To meet research literacy and writing requirements for a graduate degree, the student must select one of the following research plan options. All options are not necessarily available in each department. All students seeking a master’s degree must register for the appropriate research foundations course the first time it is offered, after they are admitted to the College of Graduate Studies.

Plan I (Demonstration of Research Literacy)

The student must complete a minimum of 30 hours, including the research foundations course (5000 – 3 hours). Some departments require a research literacy paper. Other departments administer a comprehensive examination. The penultimate draft of the research literacy paper must be approved by the student’s graduate committee chair or the instructor of the research course and be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies no later than two weeks prior to the end of the semester, in which the student expects to complete degree requirements. All final research literacy papers must be approved by the graduate dean and will be filed in the College of Graduate Studies office.

Plan II (Research Project)

The student must complete a minimum of 30 hours, including the research foundations course (5000-3 hours) and a research project paper. A research project proposal must be approved by the student’s graduate committee chair and the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies. The penultimate draft of the research project paper must be approved by the student’s graduate committee chair and be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies no later than two weeks prior to the end of the semester, in which the student expects to complete degree requirements. All final research project papers must be approved by the graduate dean and will be filed in the College of Graduate Studies office.

Plan III (Thesis)

The student must complete a minimum of 30 hours, including the research foundations course (5000-3 hours) and a three or six semester hour thesis. A thesis proposal must be approved by the student’s graduate committee and the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies. The penultimate draft of the thesis must be approved by the student’s graduate committee and be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies no later than two weeks prior to the end of the semester, last day of class, in which the student expects to complete degree requirements. All final theses must be approved by the graduate dean. It is the student’s responsibility to duplicate four copies of the thesis. Information regarding the duplication and binding of theses is available in the College of Graduate Studies office.

Plan IV (Field Study Report)

The student must complete a minimum of 30 hours beyond a master’s degree, including a four-hour field study. A field study proposal must be approved by the student’s graduate committee chair and the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies. The penultimate draft of the field study report must be approved by the student’s graduate committee chair and be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies no later than two weeks prior to the end of the semester in which the student expects to complete degree requirements. All final field study reports must be approved by the graduate dean. It is the student’s responsibility to duplicate four copies of the field study report. Information regarding the duplication and binding of field study reports is available in the College of Graduate Studies office.

Research Involving Humans and Animals

All research concerned with human subjects must be approved by the Austin Peay Institutional Review Board. Most departments with graduate programs have representatives on this review board. Forms for submitting human research proposals and guidance in their preparation are available in the College of Graduate Studies, located in Room 203, of Kimbrough Hall and may be obtained from the web site.

All research involving animals must be approved by the University Animal Care and Use Committee. Departments that conduct animal research are represented on this committee. Forms for submitting animal research proposals and guidance in their preparation are available in the Office of Grants and Sponsored Research, located in Room 06 of the Browning Building.

Continued Enrollment to Complete Graduate Research Requirement

There will be an assessment of tuition and fees for the continued enrollment of those graduate students who have completed all course work, but not the research literacy component of their degree requirements. During a two-semester “grace period,” tuition and fees will be waived and enrollment is not required. Summer terms are not considered to be semesters. Beginning the third semester, students who have not completed their theses, field study reports, research project papers, or research literacy papers must reapply for graduate admission and will be assessed tuition and fees for a one credit hour course each semester until completion of the requirement.

Residency, Program of Study, Change of Graduate Program and Degree Completion

Residency for Academic Purposes

The graduate student must earn a minimum of 30 graduate hours to complete a program with at least 21 graduate hours earned at Austin Peay State University.

Residency for Fee Purposes

A student’s classification for fee purposes is made upon admission in accordance with Tennessee Board of Regents regulations (see Appendix A here ). “IN STATE” fees are assessed to Tennessee residents classified “in state,” as well as military personnel, their spouses and dependents stationed in Tennessee or at Fort Campbell, residents from the Kentucky counties of Allen, Calloway, Christian, Logan, Simpson, Todd or Trigg (within 30 miles of APSU), and part-time students employed full-time in Tennessee. The Admissions Office clerk is responsible for classifying applicants for admission or readmission as either “in-state” or “out-of-state.” A decision by the Admissions Office clerk may be appealed in writing to the residency classification officer in the Office of Admissions on an Application for Residency Classification form.

Program of Study/Admission to Candidacy

Students admitted to a degree-seeking program must complete the following prior to the completion of 9 semester hours of graduate credit.

Program of Study/Admission to Candidacy/Graduate Committee Assignment Form

Candidacy packets are available in the academic departments or from the College of Graduate Studies website at http://www.apsu.edu/cogs/. Form must be approved by the student’s graduate committee, chair of the department and the graduate dean.

Request to Change Graduate Program

After a student begins pursuit of their intended graduate program and wish to change the original graduate program, approval must be granted by proposed department before the change can be initiated. Permission to grant this graduate program change must be approved by the proposed department chair and/or graduate coordinator and supported by the graduate dean. The Request for Change of Graduate Program form is located on the College of Graduate Studies web site at http://www.apsu.edu/cogs/. After completion, the form must be received in the graduate office. The graduate dean presents the Request of Change of the Graduate Program to the proposed graduate department for review and action. Student will be notified of the intended graduate department’s decision from the graduate office.

Teacher Licensure Requirement

Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.) degree programs, with the exception of the Special Education and Instructional Technology, require licensure. All Education Specialist degree programs (within Education), with the exception of Administration and Supervision Non-Licensure Specialization, also require teacher licensure. A copy of a valid teaching license, if held, must be submitted to the College of Education’s Graduate Coordinator at the time program of study/admission to candidacy is sought. Students seeking a teaching license while completing a master’s degree must complete the Master of Arts of Teaching (M.A.T.) degree program.

Transfer Credit

A maximum credit of nine hours earned at another regionally accredited graduate college or university may be accepted for transfer by the student’s graduate committee and the Dean of Graduate Studies. The transfer credits must be submitted by completing the Program of Study (or Change of Program of Study) with appropriate notation as instructed on the form. To be acceptable, the transfer credit must fall within the time limit governing the completion of requirements for the degree and have not been used for a previous degree.

Time Limit for Completing the Degree

The requirements for the degree must be completed within six calendar years from the date of initial enrollment in graduate courses at Austin Peay. This includes all required course work, research and comprehensive examinations. Appeals to extend time limit for completion of the degree are made in writing to include the completion of the Graduate Academic Appeals form to the graduate dean. Accompanying the request must be written supportive recommendation(s) for the time extension from the student’s graduate committee chair and the department chair. The Graduate Academic Appeals form is located on the College of Graduate Studies web site at http://www.apsu.edu/cogs/. The Graduate Dean presents the appeal to the Graduate and Research Council’s Appeal sub-committee for its review and action. Student will be notified of the Appeals subcommittee in writing form the Graduate Office.

Earning Double Master’s Degrees

A student who pursues two distinct master’s degrees at APSU either simultaneously or consecutively, may have up to 9 credits of graduate course work accepted for both degree programs if:

1. The courses being double counted are perceived as reasonable substitutions for courses in the program;
2. Written approval of the graduate chairs/coordinators of both programs and the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies is obtained; and
3. The course work for each degree must fall within the prescribed time limits.

Departmental Comprehensive Examination

During the last term in residence, or as otherwise specified, the candidate must pass a departmental oral and/or written comprehensive examination on all work used to meet the requirements for degree. The examination is a test of the candidate’s ability to integrate knowledge of the major and related fields, including material in the research literacy paper, research project paper, and thesis or field study report. Upon completion the approved Verification of Thesis/Field Study/Research and/or Written-Oral Exam Completion Form must be turned into the College of Graduate Studies for the dean’s approval two week’s prior to the end of the semester in which student expects to graduate. If the performance is unsatisfactory, the candidate may be reexamined after a minimum of three months and before a maximum of twelve months, unless otherwise approved by the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies. The result of the second examination will be final. Unanimous agreement by the student’s graduate committee is necessary for passing the examination.

Application for Degree and Commencement

Students must file formal application for degree online at www.apsu.edu/Registrar/ according to the published University Calendar at the beginning of the term during the semester of completion. Applications for the degree will not be accepted from students who do not have at least a 3.0 GPA. All applicants for the degree must notify the Office of the Registrar in writing whether they will or will not participate in Commencement. After the application for degree is filed, the student’s record is audited against his/her Program of Study/Admissions to Candidacy; the student will be notified by the Office of the Registrar of their graduation status.

Graduating with Honor

Graduate students who complete their degree with a minimum cumulative graduate GPA of 3.85 or higher will be awarded their degree “with honor.”

Academic Honors and Awards Ceremony

This ceremony, produced by the Honors and Awards Committee, recognizes all students holding a 3.65 GPA for undergraduates fully enrolled (12 units or more in all classes except freshman, where a minimum of 16 units are required) and a 3.85 GPA for graduate students fully enrolled (eight hours or more). The student must be fully enrolled in the previous fall term and fully enrolled per the criteria for the current spring term. The student receives a certificate/instruction letter in the mail as well as an invitation is sent to the student(s) family. The student is given individual recognition and an “Honor Student” gift bag for their distinguished achievement. It is a yearly program given in the month of April. The ceremony also showcases recipients of departmental awards, senior student awards and outstanding faculty awards culminating in a reception. For more information call (931) 221-7676.

Graduate Fees and Expenses

Registration Fees for 2009 - 2010 Fiscal Year

All fees are subject to change per Tennessee Board of Regents policy

The Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) recently voted to change the policy related to charging tuition to students who are taking courses at TBR schools. Effective with the Fall 2009 semester, students will be charged tuition based on the number of credit hours for which they are enrolled; the maximum charge for students taking 12 or more credit hours has been removed. Students attending either main campus or Fort Campbell Center will be charged for each credit hour taken. Students attending classes both on main campus and Fort Campbell Center will be charged for each credit hour for which they are enrolled at each campus. There is no change for students taking RODP courses; they are now being charged for each credit hour for which they are enrolled.

Graduate Fees

* In-State (includes residents of Todd, Trigg, Logan, or Christian counties in Kentucky). For enrollment reporting purposes, students residing in the Kentucky counties of Allen, Calloway and Simpson will be coded as out-of-state students but will not be charged the out-of-state tuition.

Note: Fees for Regents courses have no cap (do not max out at 12 hours). Undergraduate students are charged $191 tuition and $76 online course fee for each credit hour taken. Graduate students are charged $308 tuition and $76 online course fee for each credit hour taken. The online course fee may not be waived. Fees for Regents courses are charged separately from other registrations.

Board and Room

Returnable Deposits

Special Fees & Charges

Fee Discounts

Employees of Austin Peay State University

Full-time employees of APSU may enroll for one course per term on a space available basis without paying tuition charges, maintenance fees, debt service fees, general access fees, and registration fees. The approved PC 191 form must be submitted to the Business Office each term. APSU employees may also use the Employee Scholarship Application form.

Children of Vietnam Conflict Veterans

Children of Vietnam Conflict Veterans who died while either serving in Vietnam or as a result of injury sustained while serving in Vietnam or who have been declared missing in action in Vietnam, may be eligible for waiver of registration and maintenance fees. The parent who is deceased or missing in action must have been a resident of Tennessee. Contact the Veterans Affairs Office in Atlanta, Georgia at 1-888-442-4551 for more information and verification procedures.

Employees of the State Of Tennessee

Full-time employees of the state may enroll in one undergraduate or graduate course without paying tuition charges, maintenance fees, debt service fees, general access fees, and registration fees. The approved form (available from the Office of Admissions) must be submitted to the Business Office each term / semester.

Registration for Students 60 and 65 Years of Age and Over, and Students with Disabilities

A student domiciled in Tennessee who is 60 years or older, or one who is permanently and totally disabled, who wishes to audit a course and be exempt from paying fees as provided by Tennessee law may do so by filing in the Office of the Registrar a birth certificate or an acceptable physician’s certificate of permanent, total disability (these documents will be duplicated and originals will be returned to the student). A student domiciled in Tennessee who will become 65 years of age or older during the semester/term, or one who is permanently, totally disabled, may register in courses for credit on a space available basis for a maximum fee of $75. Appropriate documentation is required. Contact the Registrar’s Office for registration timetables and procedures (931) 221-7121.

Payments and Fee Adjustments

1. The University operates on the semester plan and students are expected to pay all expenses when registering at the beginning of each semester. Students expecting to pay a portion of their expenses by working for the University should bring sufficient money to pay all fees, to make all returnable deposits, to pay board charges for one semester and to pay for at least one month’s rent. The University accepts cash, checks, VISA and Master Card.
2. Out-of-state, full-time students will be charged each semester for tuition in addition to the graduate maintenance fee. This charge does not apply to students living in Kentucky counties of Allen, Calloway, Christian, Logan, Simpson, Todd and Trigg, which are within the legal service area of APSU (30 mile radius of Clarksville).
3. Fee adjustment procedures for maintenance fees, out-of-state, debt services, music lessons, student activities, student government activity fees and deposits are as outlined:
   
   1. Maintenance Fee Adjustments
      
      1. Fee adjustments are 100 percent for courses canceled by the institution.
      2. Changes in courses involving the adding and dropping of equal numbers of student credit hours for the same term at the same time require no fee adjustment or assessment for additional maintenance fees.
      3. The basic fee adjustment for withdrawals or drops during regular terms (fall and spring) is 75 percent from the time of enrollment through the 14th calendar day of classes and then reduced to 25 percent for a period of
         time which extends 25 percent of the length of the term. There is no fee adjustment after the 25 percent period ends.
      4. For summer sessions, Ft. Campbell and other short terms, the fee adjustment periods are adjusted in proportion to III.A.3.
      5. All fee adjustment periods will be rounded to whole days and the date on which each fee adjustment period ends will be included in publications. In calculating the 75 percent period for other than the fall or spring and in calculating the 25 percent length of term in all cases, the number of calendar days during the term will be considered. When the calculation produces a fractional day, rounding will be up or down to the nearest whole day.
      6. A 100 percent fee adjustment will be provided for students who enroll under an advance registration system but who drop or withdraw prior to the first day of class. No fee adjustment will be made during the registration
         period.
      7. A 100 percent fee adjustment will be provided to students who are compelled by the institution to withdraw when it is determined they are academically ineligible for enrollment or were not properly admitted to enroll
         for the course(s) being dropped. An appropriate official must certify in writing that this provision is applicable in each case.
      8. When courses are included in a regular term’s registration process for administrative convenience, but the course does not begin until late in the term, the 75 percent/ 25 percent fee adjustments will be based on the particular course’s beginning and ending dates. This provision does not apply to classes during the fall or spring terms which may meet only once per week. Those courses will follow the same fee adjustment dates as other regular courses for the term.
      9. Students receiving Title IV financial aid who withdraw during their first term at the University will have their fee adjustments calculated and applied to outstanding balances in accordance with the Department of Education
         Higher Education Act of 1965 as amended.
      10. The fee adjustment percentage is applied to the differencebetween the per hour rate (for maximum) for the number of credit hours immediately before the drop or withdrawal and the number immediately afterward.
   2. Out-of-State Tuition Fee Adjustments
      The fee adjustment provision for out-of-state tuition is the same as that for maintenance fees. A 75 percent fee adjustment is made for the same period and a 25 percent fee adjustment is made for the same period. When 100 percent of maintenance fees are fee adjusted, the 100 percent of out-of-state tuition is fee adjusted. Calculation procedures are the same as those specified for maintenance fees.
   3. Debt Service, Music Lesson, Student Government, General Access Fee and Technology Access Fee Adjustments
      These fees will be subject to the same fee adjustment policy as maintenance fees.
   4. Student Resident Hall/Apartment Rent and Deposit Fee Adjustments
      
      1. RENT
         
         1. A pro-rated rent fee adjustment will be made if a student is forced to move out of the residence halls due to personal illness (confirmed in writing from a licensed physician) or at the request of the University for other than disciplinary reasons (i.e. marriage, academic suspension). Full fee adjustment will be made in the case of death to the student.
         2. A percentage fee adjustment of rent will be made if the student is forced to move out of university housing due to withdrawal from the University. This percentage fee adjustment will be the same as the percentage fee adjustment policy for general maintenance fees.
         3. No fee adjustment of rent will be made if the student moves out of the residence halls for any other reason except those noted in a. and b. above.
      2. DEPOSIT
         The deposit will be fee adjusted if:
         
         1. The student cancels the license agreement by August 1 for the academic year. (For all new students applying for Spring Semester, the deadline for cancellation is December 15. Applications submitted after these dates will be subject to automatic forfeiture of housing deposit upon cancellation.),
         2. The student has vacated the residence hall at the end of the license agreement and has properly checked out,
         3. The student is forced to withdraw from university housing or cannot move into university housing due to illness (confirmed in writing from a licensed physician),
         4. The inability of the student to move into university housing due to lack of space,
         5. The student is forced to withdraw from university housing for other then disciplinary reasons (i.e. marriage, academic suspension, academic internships, student teaching),
         6. The student is not accepted to APSU (verified by Admissions Office),
         7. The student graduates or leaves school at end of the Fall semester and does not enroll for Spring Semester. The student must cancel agreement by December 15 if not attending Spring Semester or
         8. The student has died.
   5. Textbook Fee Adjustment Policy
      
      1. Purchased textbooks and related materials may be returned for fee adjustment through the Drop/Add period.
      2. Receipts are required for ALL returns.
   6. Fee Adjustments for Activated Military Reserve and National Guard Personnel
      
      1. Students who are absent in excess of 30 days during the term due to active military service will receive a 100 percent fee adjustment on all registration fees and tuition charges. Room and board charges will be prorated on a weekly basis.
      2. Fee adjustments will be applied to outstanding balances owed the University including required financial aid repayments, according to rules and regulations in place at the time.
      3. Students will be responsible for repayment of financial aid debts in excess of the amounts repaid through the fee adjustment process.
      4. Students must present proof from an appropriate military authority of the dates active duty was actually performed.
4. Students taking on-campus courses are required to have a special photo made on an identification card for personal identification. These photos are made at the University during registration without charge. Validation is required at each registration. If the original card is lost, there will be a replacement charge. This card will be the means of admission to activities during the semester for which the student is enrolled. Students are expected to show their ID cards to appropriate University officials when requested.
5. Fort Campbell students who wish to receive an ID Card mentioned in IV must pay the debt service charge.
6. If a registration check is returned, the fee is assumed to be unpaid and charges for late registration will be assessed. Registration is subject to cancellation if check given in payment of fees or cashed by the University for the personal convenience of the student is returned. Check-cashing privileges will be revoked for any student who has more than one check returned during the fiscal year.
7. No student shall be enrolled, shall be graduated, or shall receive a transcript of his/her record until all accounts are settled, including University owned equipment rented or loaned to the student. The term “transcript” includes application for issuance or renewal of certificates.
8. The application fee is non-fee adjustable.
9. Students who are enrolled at either the main campus or the APSU Center at Fort Campbell will be assessed fees at the respective location and then assessed fees for any additional courses taken at the other site. This policy is in effect for all students, veterans and non-veterans, who cross enroll at the two campuses even though one academic record is established for their cross enrollment.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Many students need financial assistance to meet part or all of their college-related expenses. At APSU, students of academic promise with a strong desire to secure a college education are encouraged to apply for financial assistance. Students applying for financial assistance must be enrolled in a degree-seeking program, not be considered a special or transient student and enroll at least half time.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

A student should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, a U.S. Department of Education form, after January 1 for the next academic year. No check or money order is required. Applications may be completed at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Students should file an application for admission to the University at the same time they complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. A student should not wait to be accepted for admission to apply for federal financial aid. For further information contact: Office of Student Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs Office, Box 4546, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee 37044, telephone (931) 221-7907, toll-free 1-877-508-0057.

Federal Student Aid

Federal Perkins Student Loan

This program provides long-term, low-interest loans to students who need financial assistance. Awards for graduate students range up to $6,000 annually, not to exceed $40,000 (includes any Federal Perkins Student Loan as an undergraduate or graduate student).

General provisions of the Federal Perkins Student Loan includes the following: repayment begins ten months after the student leaves the University and continues monthly there after until the entire loan is repaid; interest begins accruing at a rate of five percent nine months after the borrower ceases to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis; and minimum payments are $40 per month, including interest on the unpaid balance. Loan repayments may be deferred for periods during which a borrower: (1) is at least a half-time student (2) is pursing a course of study in an approved graduate fellowship program or approved rehabilitation training program for disabled individual excluding a medical internship or residency program (3) is unable to find full-time employment, but not in excess of three years (4) may be suffering an economic hardship, but not in excess of three years or (5) is engaged in service described under the cancellation provisions.

Federal Subsidized Stafford Student Loan

These loans are made by banks and are guaranteed by the Federal Government. No payments are due on the loan while the student is enrolled on at least at half-time basis and the government will pay the interest while the student is enrolled on at least half-time basis. The maximum loan for graduate students is $8,500 annually, not to exceed $65,000 (includes any funds borrowed as an undergraduate or graduate). Students must be enrolled at least half-time to receive this loan.

The agency responsible for this program in Tennessee is the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC). Loan repayments may be deferred for periods during which a borrower: (1) is at least a half-time student (2) is pursuing a course of study in an approved graduate fellowship program or approved rehabilitation training program for disabled individuals excluding a medical internship or residency program (3) is unable to find full-time employment, but not in excess of three years (4) may be suffering an economic hardship, but not in excess of three years or (5) is engaged in service described under the cancellation provisions.

Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan

These loans have the same application procedure, interest rates and repayment process as the Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan; however, the student is responsible for paying the interest. The student may pay the interest while enrolled or choose to let the interest accrue and capitalize. The maximum is $10,000 annually not to exceed $73,000 in federal unsubsidized loan funds (includes funds borrowed as an undergraduate or graduate). Students must be enrolled at least half-time to receive this loan. Repayment of principal begins after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time. Loan amounts are restricted by the cost of education, resources available, state and federal regulations.

Disbursement of Funds

It is the policy of the University to disburse one-half of an academic-year award within three days of the beginning of the semester/term. The exception to this policy is for students who are enrolled at Fort Campbell and who will have their awards disbursed in fourths to coincide with the four sessions of the academic year at the center. Summer assistance is managed in a different manner. For additional information on availability and disbursement of summer funds, contact the Student Financial Aid Office.

If an offer of financial assistance includes employment under the provisions of the FWS, it must be understood that the amount of money awarded is the amount of money a student may expect to earn during the award period as a result of work performed and hours necessary to perform such work. FWS recipients must contact the Student Financial Aid Office to complete job assignment. This must be done each academic year.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Required to Receive and Renew Aid

All students receiving Title IV aid are required to maintain class attendance and satisfactory progress each semester as outlined:

1. Guidelines
   Graduate students must maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and attempt less than 72 graduate credits to maintain satisfactory academic progress for financial aid purposes. Students that do not maintain satisfactory academic progress may appeal for reinstatement.
2. Appeals
   Appeals should be made to the Student Financial Aid Office on the appropriate forms. The following circumstances may be considered appropriate reasons for appeal:
   
   1. Serious illness or accident on the part of the student.
   2. Death or serious illness in the immediate family.
   3. Discontinuance of a course by the University.
   4. Personal complications.

Policy of Class Attendance and Unofficial Withdrawals

Students receiving Federal Title IV Financial Aid must attend class on a regular basis. If students cease to attend class, they should officially withdraw from the University. Students who unofficially or officially withdraw may be held responsible for all or partial repayment of funds. This includes FA, FN grades and/or other changes in enrollment status.

Policy on Allocation of Fee Adjustments and Repayment to Title IV Federal (Pell Grant, FSEOG, Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford Student Loans)

Students who change enrollment status within the first 14 days of classes may be required to repay all or part of any federal funds disbursed.

Students who withdraw from school during a payment period or period of enrollment in which they began attendance must return any unearned funds to the Student Financial Aid Programs (SFA). The school must calculate the amount of SFA Program assistance the student did not earn and those funds must be returned. Up through the 60% point in each payment period or period of enrollment, a pro rate schedule is used to determine how much SFA Program funds that student has earned at the time of withdrawal. The amount of fee adjustable (or balance outstanding) of institutional charges will be set by the University policy. If there is a student account balance resulting from these adjustments, the student is responsible for payment.

1. Distribution Among the Title IV Programs
   The University will allocate the Title IV portion of the fee adjustment to the various Title IV program(s) from which the student received aid. The allocation will take place in the following order:
   
   1. Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) programs (the Part B loans) (Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, PLUS-Parent Loan)
   2. Federal Perkins Loan
2. Distribution of Repayments of Cash
   Disbursements Made Directly to the Student
   
   1. If a student officially or unofficially withdraws from or is dis missed by the University on or after the first day of classes of a semester, and the student received a cash disbursement for non-instructional costs under any Title IV program (except Federal Work-Study Program) for that semester, the University will determine whether a portion of that cash disbursement will have to be repaid.
   2. In determining whether a student will have to repay a cash disbursement, the University will subtract from the cash disbursement received by the student the educational costs incurred by him/her for non-instructional charges for that term up to the date of withdrawal or expulsion.
      
      1. If the expected repayment will total less than $100, no repayment will be required.
   3. The University will apply these policies in a consistent manner to all students receiving Title IV aid.
      
      1. The University will not allocate any part of the fee adjustment to a Title IV program if the student did not receive aid under the program.
      2. The amount allocated to a program may not exceed the amount the student received from that program.

Part-Time Employment

General Campus Work

Each year, a number of students are employed on campus in administrative and departmental offices. The number of hours students are permitted to work depends on the need of the various departments and is limited to a maximum of 20 hour per week. Job opportunities are posted on the human resources website and may be advertised in the campus newspaper. Questions may be referred to the Office of Human Resources by calling (931) 221-7177. Graduate Assistants must receive approval from the Dean of Graduate Studies before general campus assignments begin. Refer to page 42 for more information.

Federal Work-Study Program (FWS)

The Federal Work-Study Program is federally funded and designed to assist students who are in need of employment in order to pursue their education. A FAFSA is required and need is calculated according to federal guidelines and cost attendance. The student’s work is performed on campus and is similar to that performed by students working on the General Campus Work Program. The student may work up to a maximum of 20 hours per week depending upon the amount of the work-study award. Students who qualify for the FWS and are currently enrolled or tentatively accepted for enrollment to the University may be eligible for employment.

Off-Campus Work

Many APSU students earn a considerable part of their college expense with part-time, off-campus work in the Clarksville-Fort Campbell area. The Career Services Office offers JOB-OP, a part-time off-campus job referral service to assist both students and area employers in filling employment needs.

Fellowship

Diversity Graduate Fellowship Award

The College of Graduate Studies offers one-year non-renewable diversity graduate fellowships to qualified Tennessee residents. Applicants must be fully admitted to the University and a member of one or more of the underrepresented groups defined in APSU’s definition of diversity. Applicant must be enrolled as a full-time student in a graduate program at APSU during the period of an award. The applicant must be in good academic standing with a grade point average of a “B” (3.0). Recipients are encouraged to apply for a graduate assistantship for subsequent years. Criteria for qualification and application are available in the College of Graduate Studies or online at www.apsu.edu/cogs. For more information, contact the College of Graduate Studies, (931) 221-7414.

ROTC Scholarships

Graduate ROTC Scholarships are available for students working on graduate degrees. The scholarship pays full tuition and fees, plus a $1,200 book allowance per year for a two-year period. Additionally, graduate students enrolled in the ROTC two-year program receive a monthly living allowance while in school at $450 their junior year, and $500 their senior year. To participate, a student must be a U.S. citizen, be under 31 in the year they will graduate, and must be willing to continue service as an Army officer. For more information email apsurotc@gmail.com or 931-221-6149.

Other Forms of Financial Assistance

Vocational Rehabilitation

Students with a physical disability may obtain grants-in-aid, providing assistance with college-related costs through the Tennessee Vocational Rehabilitation Service. Tennessee residents should request information from the high school guidance counselor or write to Coordinator, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, 1808 West End Building, Nashville, Tennessee 37203. Students residing in other states should contact the similar agency in their state. This program is different from GI Bill Chapter 31-Vocational Rehabilitation.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantships are available for superior students in each of the academic departments that offer graduate programs and several other areas on campus. Applicants must be fully admitted to the University to qualify for an assistantship. Students may be selected on the basis of their undergraduate GPA, Graduate Record Examination scores (GRE) and/or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), letters of recommendation and/or resumes and interviews. Graduate assistants are required to work 20 hours per week in their assigned locations. The hours are somewhat flexible and a complete job description will be formulated by each supervisor. Stipends are paid semi-monthly. Graduate assistants are not permitted to have additional employment without permission from the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies. To keep the assistantship, students must be enrolled full-time during their assigned terms and maintain satisfactory academic progress. Students awarded Fall and Spring semester assistantships are not required to take summer classes. All graduate assistants are required to submit a completed Graduate Assistant Clearance Form at the end of the spring semester or at the end of the GA assignment to the Dean of Graduate Studies for approval. If it becomes necessary to resign from the graduate assistantship before the academic contract ends the student is required to submit such notice in writing to include the total number of hours worked to the Dean of Graduate Studies before the last day of employment. In conjunction with the resignation letter it is imperative to submit a completed Graduate Assistant Clearance Form to the graduate Dean for  approval. The form is available on the graduate web site at www.apsu.edu/cogs listed under Graduate Forms.

A student is eligible to hold an assistantship for only four semesters and must reapply each academic year. Applications for all graduate assistantships must be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies by the published deadline for the following academic year. Award notifications for Fall will be made by August 1 each year. Graduate Assistantships does not include nor combine with internships.

Veterans Affairs Benefits

All degree programs offered by Austin Peay State University, as listed in this BULLETIN, are approved for veterans’ training. The Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA) must certify each VA recipient’s training to the US Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) before any payments can be made. APSU has two OVA’s: Ellington Student Services Building, Room 216 for Main Campus; and SSG Glenn H English, Jr. Army Education Center, Bldg. 202, Room 137 for Austin Peay State University Center at Fort Campbell. The OVA maintains all necessary forms for active duty service persons, reservists, and veterans. To apply for DVA educational benefits, and any questions relating to DVA educational training at APSU should be directed to the OVA. However, the OVA does not make decisions on eligibility for DVA educational benefits or on the amount and length of entitlement a student is eligible under those benefits. To receive a formal decision, the student must file a claim with the DVA, who makes final determination on eligibility and payment amount. All claims should be filed through the appropriate APSU OVA, so that copies are maintained in the student’s APSU file. The programs under which the student may be eligible for DVA educational benefits are listed below. To determine specific eligibility requirements, direct questions to the OVA or to the DVA at 1-888GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).

1. Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty Educational Assistance Program (MGIB-AD) - Chapter 30
2. Vocational Rehabilitation Services - Chapter 31
3. Post-Vietnam Era Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) - Chapter 32
4. Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA) - Chapter 35
5. Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve Educational Assistance Program (MGIB-SR) - Chapter 1606
6. Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve Educational Assistance for Supporting Contingency Operations and certain Other Operations – Chapter 1607
7. Restored Entitlement Program for Survivors (REPS) - Section
8. Educational Assistance Test Program - Section 901
9. Educational Assistance Pilot Program (non-contributory VEAP) Section 903

Avoiding DVA Education Overpayment

As a DVA educational benefits recipient, you should understand what you can do to prevent an overpayment:

1. Report Changes in Enrollment: Promptly report any changes in enrollment to APSU OVA and the DVA. If APSU is notified and not DVA, it may take longer to correct payments. Please take note: DVA payment for a month of school attendance is normally made during the following month; that is, on a reimbursable basis. If payment is received during a month following a change in enrollment status, verify entitlement to the payment. If the amount has not changed from the previous payment and there has been a reduction in the rate of training, contact APSU OVA or DVA for a status review.
2. Understand the Consequences of Changes:
   
   1. If you receive a “nonpunitive” grade of “W” or “I”, reduce, or terminate enrollment; DVA will be notified. Upon receipt of the notice, DVA will reduce or terminate benefits. The payment of DVA educational benefits will not be made for any course that is not computed in the graduation requirements of the program.
   2. If there is a change of enrollment after the regular drop/add period, the OVA will ask for a statement explaining the events surrounding the change. The law states that no payments will be made for a course from which you withdraw, or receive a “nonpunitive” grade of “W” or “I”, unless there are “mitigating circumstances” surrounding the change. DVA defines “mitigating circumstances” as unanticipated and unavoidable events which interfere with a student’s pursuit of a course. If you fail to provide a statement of supporting evidence or the reasons you give are not accepted as “mitigating circumstances,” DVA will reduce or terminate benefits from the start of the term. Examples of unacceptable “mitigating circumstances” include, but are not limited to withdrawal to avoid a failing grade, dislike of instructor and too many courses attempted. The APSU OVA can advise you on acceptable “mitigating circumstances.”
   3. You must report changes in dependency, including self, if receiving an additional allowance for family members.
3. If a DVA Educational Overpayment is Created: DVA is required to take prompt and aggressive action to recover the overpayment. The following actions may be taken if an overpayment is not promptly liquidated:
   
   1. Adding interest and collection fees to the debt.
   2. Withholding future benefits to apply to the debt.
   3. Referring the debt to a private collection agency.
   4. Offsetting the debt from your federal income tax fee adjustment.
   5. Offsetting the debt from your salary, if a federal employee.
   6. Filing a lawsuit in federal court to collect the debt.
   7. Withholding approval of a DVA home loan guarantee pending payment of the debt.

Eligibility for Deferment of Payment of Tuition and Fees by Certain Eligible Students Receiving U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or Other Governmentally Funded Educational Assistance Benefits

Service members, veterans, and dependants of veterans who are eligible beneficiaries of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits or other governmentally funded educational assistance, subject to the conditions and guidelines set forth in Tennessee Code Annotated 49-7-104 as amended, may elect, upon formal application, to defer payment of required tuition and fees until the final day of term for which the  deferment has been requested. Application for the deferment must be made no later than 14 days after the beginning of the term, and the amount of the deferment shall not exceed the total monetary benefits to be received for the term. Students who have been granted deferments are expected to make timely payments on their outstanding tuition and fees balance once education benefits are being delivered, and eligibility for such deferment shall terminate if the student fails to abide by any applicable rule or regulation, or to act in good faith in making timely payments. This notice is published pursuant to Public Chapter 279, Acts of 2003, effective July 1, 2003.

NOTE: Students who have a DVA educational benefits overpayment are not eligible for a deferment.

Admission to the University is Required for Receiving DVA Educational Benefits

Students must be fully admitted and seeking a degree at APSU in order to qualify for DVA educational benefits. Non-degree seeking students do not qualify for DVA educational benefits. Admission application is made through the APSU’s Office of Admissions in the Ellington Student Services Building. Fort Campbell applicants may apply through the Office of Enrollment Services at the APSU Center @ Fort Campbell.

Applying for DVA Educational Benefits/Initial Tuition Requirements

Application for DVA educational benefits is made through the appropriate APSU OVA. For veterans and reservists, a copy of the DD-214 discharge certificate is required with both the application for admission and the application for DVA educational benefits. Reservists must submit a copy of the DD Form 2384 (Notice of Basic Eligibility) to the appropriate OVA. For those students who have remaining eligibility under the Vietnam ERA GI Bill (Chapter 34); copies of marriage license, birth certificates for all children who are claimed as dependents and any applicable divorce decrees are required for submission in order to claim those family members for DVA educational benefit payment. Application for DVA educational benefits does not constitute an application for admission to the University. Students must be prepared to pay tuition and fees at the time of registration. It normally takes at least 12 weeks following an initial application for DVA educational benefits before the first payment can be expected.

Critical Areas of Concern for Continuing DVA Certification for Benefits

1. Matriculation: DVA considers a student to have matriculated when he/she has been officially admitted to APSU as pursuing an approved degree. This means that all documents necessary to be admitted as a regular, degree-seeking student must be received by the Office of Admissions before matriculation is complete. Students who have not been officially admitted into a degree program are not eligible for DVA educational benefits. IT IS APSU POLICY THAT STUDENTS MUST MATRICULATE BY THE END OF THE FIRST TERM OF ENROLLMENT. The requirements for full admission must be completed prior to enrollment for the second term of enrollment (see Admission to Graduate Studies). Certification for DVA educational benefits will not be submitted beyond one term of enrollment for non-matriculation students. The following documents are required for matriculation:
2. Application for admission;
3. All higher education transcripts from other schools (includes Community College of the Air Force) and non-traditional college credits;
4. All applicable test scores (refer to Graduate Admissions Requirements) and
5. All military personnel (active duty, reservists, and veterans) must submit documents for military credit.
6. Proper Degree Pursuit: In order to be certified to receive DVA educational benefits, students are required to be degree-seeking and enrolled in an approved degree program of study as listed in this Bulletin. Benefit payments will only be made for those courses required in the approved program of study which count for graduation credit. Students must enroll in and attend the degree-granting institution in order to receive DVA educational benefits. If a change of program is desired, the DVA must be notified by submitting the appropriate notification forms through the OVA.
7. Audited, Repeated or Excessive Courses: DVA educational benefit payment will not be made for courses which have been previously passed, whether at APSU or accepted as transfer credit. Electives are considered to be courses which are required for graduation as long as they do not exceed the maximum number of credit hours required for graduation. Electives will not be considered for certification purposes until the prior credit evaluation is on file with the appropriate OVA. Excessive courses are those courses that a student completes, but the courses will not be used in computing hour requirements for graduation. Excessive courses will not be certified for DVA payment. Certification Request Form: This form is required from each student receiving DVA educational benefits for each term of enrollment, and is available at the appropriate OVA or on the web at www.apsu.edu/vaoffice. The form must be signed by the student to request certification for the term of enrollment.

Prior Credit Evaluation

An enrollment certification submitted for a DVA educational benefit recipient initially enrolling at APSU, or initiating a program of study different from that previously pursued, must reflect the amount of credit allowed for previous education, training or experience, including military training and experience. This is called “prior credit,” and is that credit which, when applied to the student’s current program of study, shortens the program accordingly. The process by which this prior credit is determined is as follows: when a student initially enrolls, all documents required for matriculation must be received by the Admissions Office within ONE term of enrollment. Following receipt, these documents are evaluated by the Office of the Registrar for transfer credit; that is, the credit from other institutions of higher education, military, etc., which are accepted by APSU as graduate level transfer credit. Students receive a copy of this evaluation after or upon its completion. This completed transfer credit evaluation must be applied to the individual program of study to shorten that program, and the result is PC. This prior credit must be reported to DVA, once the student has earned 12 graduate credit hours or prior to the end of the second term of enrollment, whichever occurs first. Once prior credit is evaluated it is not required again, unless the program of study changes; then prior credit must be re-evaluated in application to the new program.

Change of Program

The OVA must be informed if a student wishes to change his/her program of study, and the proper request form submitted to the DVA. Upon making a program change, all previous course work at APSU or other institutions must be applied to the new program as prior credit. Chapter 31 VA Vocational Rehabilitation students may not change their degree programs without prior approval from the VA Vocational Rehabilitation counselor.

Satisfactory Progress

OVA must report the student’s unsatisfactory progress and terminate DVA educational benefits, at such time he or she no longer meets APSU’s standards of progress. All grades, no matter when earned, are part of the permanent transcript and are factored into academic progress. Students placed on academic probation must bring their GPA above the probationary level during the term of enrollment for which probation was awarded or DVA educational benefits will be terminated. If benefits are terminated for unsatisfactory academic progress, a written request must be submitted by the student for benefits to be reinstated.

Dual Enrollment Between Main Campus and Fort Campbell

Enrolling at both main campus and Fort Campbell creates a special reporting requirement, because the DVA classifies main campus and Fort Campbell as two separate educational institutions. Pursuit of a main campus degree makes the main campus the primary degree-granting institution, and vice versa. Students must be admitted to and pursing a degree at their primary institution. Students are allowed to temporarily enroll at the secondary institution in classes that apply to the primary degree program. Enrolling at the secondary institution makes a student either transient or concurrently enrolled. Transient means a student is temporarily attending only the secondary institution, and concurrently enrolled means that the student is attending both primary and secondary institutions simultaneously. The OVA’s at both campuses have the Transient Enrollment Form, whereby courses at the secondary institution must be validated by the primary institution before they can be certified to DVA for payment. Students who are receiving DVA educational benefits should consult their primary institution’s OVA before enrolling as a transient or concurrently enrolled student.

Attending Another Institution While Receiving DVA Educational Benefits at Austin Peay

Students who plan to attend another institution (in a transient status) while attending and receiving DVA payment at APSU MUST see the appropriate OVA prior to registering/enrolling at the other institution, or DVA educational benefits for the enrollment at the other institution will be significantly delayed or disallowed.

Attendance Policy

In order to prevent or reduce overpayment of DVA educational benefits, students are reminded that it is the student’s responsibility to keep the APSU OVA informed of enrollment status. This includes drops, adds, withdrawals and unofficial withdrawals. The OVA recommends that students review the APSU attendance policy in the University BULLETIN, attend class and take the final exam if one is required. When the OVA is notified by a faculty member that a student’s attendance has been unsatisfactory, the benefits for that class will be terminated from the last recorded date of attendance, as provided by the faculty member. If no last date of attendance is provided, benefits will be terminated effective the first day of the term.

A grade of “FN” (student has never attended class) results in the termination of benefits from the first day of the term; a grade of “FA” results in termination from the last recorded date of attendance.

Students may use AP One Stop for Students (http://www.apsu.edu/) to view all their APSU VA information; this web site will inform the VA student of his/her approved certified courses.