University courses are expressed in semester hours. A semester hour is consistent with the Carnegie Unit of one hour of faculty directed instruction and a minimum of two hours of academic student work for undergraduate (UG) or three hours of academic work for graduate (G) level courses. Student academic work contributes to established intended learning outcomes and is verified by evidence of student achievement. For courses that meet for fewer than 16 weeks, weekly hour expectations are adjusted proportionally.
An equivalent amount of work is required for lectures, labs, internships, summer courses, online courses, directed (UG) study, independent study (G), or other course types leading to the award of credit hours. Schools and departments may determine contact time over the minimum requirements as needed. Physical Education activity courses meet two fifty minute periods for one credit hour. A laboratory period of two and one-half to three hours is equal to one class period. Except by permission of the office of the Vice President for Academic Administration, a student may not register for 18 or more semester hours.
Student Status. An undergraduate student must be currently enrolled for a minimum of 12 semester hours to be considered full-time. Part-time status is maintained when a student is enrolled in 6-11 semester hours. Non-degree status is given to the student enrolled in 5 or fewer hours.
Study-Work Program. It is important that the student adjust the course load to achieve a reasonable balance in study and work. During registration the student should confer with the adult degree completion adviser in planning the proper course load.