Frequently Asked Questions

 Program Progress

• How do I know if I am on track toward graduation?  
  • You should consult your academic advisor. Print out your academic record and your program checklist (see "Academics" and then "Resources" on the Ship website for the Academic Planning Guide, which contains all the major advising guides).
   
• Do you have a form to help me?
  • Yes, see "Resources for Students" (to the left" and then "Student Forms" for the "Self Grad Check." 
   

Withdrawal from a Class

• How do I withdraw from a class?
  • You can withdraw from a class (most of the time) online through the SIS.  If you are a first-year student, are wishing to withdraw from a required class, or if withdrawing would take you below 12 credits, you will not be able to withdraw online.  See the dean's office.  
  • Also, you MAY NOT withdraw from a class after the deadline (see the Registrar's page for current semester information and important deadlines).
  • If you have a valid medical reason to withdraw after the deadline, you must contact the dean's office and have documenation from a licensed professional.  The withdrawal must be for ALL CLASSES, and the request and documentation must come BEFORE CLASSES end for the current semester.  No retroactive withdrawals can be honored once classes are over.
  • To withdraw from a Summer Course, please visit the Extended Studies website (www.ship.edu/Online/) for more information or to obtain the Withdrawal from Class Form.
   

Withdrawal from the University

• How do I withdraw from the University?
  • To withdraw from the University, students must come to the office of the College of Education and Human Services (Shippen Hall, 3rd floor) to fill out the necessary paperwork and speak with the Dean.
   

Leave of Absence/Absence from Class

• What is the difference between a Leave of Absence and an Absence from Class?
  • Leave of Absence is taking a semester off, up to a year. Absence from Class is an absence if you are sick or going to miss a couple days.
   
• How do I take a Leave of Absence?
  • (See Withdrawal from the University, above)
   
• What do I do if I must be absent for more than a class or two?
  • Contact the College of Education and Human Services at 477-1141 if you must be absent from all of your classes or for an extended period.  Provide documentation to our office.  We will notify faculty (Students should notify faculty members as a courtesy).  It is still your responsibilty to work with faculty to make up allowed work.  See the faculty member's syllabus for attendance policies.
   

Change of Major and/or Minor

• How do I declare or change a Major or Minor?
  • For more information on how to declare a major or minor, please visit the Registrar's Page to print a change of major/minor form. Note: please get the signatures of the major and minor department before coming to the Dean's office.
   

Satisfactory-Unsatisfactory (Pass/Fail) Option

• What is the Satisfactory-Unsatisfactory (Pass/Fail) Option?
  • The grades S and U are used for courses which are taken under the satisfactory-unsatisfactory option.  If you have have completed at one academic year (30 semester hours) at Shippensburg University and are maintaining a cumulative QPA  of 2.5 or better, you may schedule up to a maximum of three credits  (or one four credit course) per semester under the satisfactory-unsatisfactory option.
    

    Under this option, grades from satisfactory-unsatisfactory courses will not be used in determining the cumulative grade point average.

    If you receive grades of "C" or better, an "S" will be recorded on your transcript and credits will be counted toward graduation.  However, grades of "D" or "F" will result in a "U" and no credit will be given.

    Courses required by your major or minor may not be taken under this option.

    You may not schedule the five required general education courses under this option (ENG 101, HCS 100, HIS 105, or HIS 106)

   
• When is the deadline for choosing the Satisfactory-Unsatisfactory (Pass/Fail) Option?
  • Only during the first two weeks of the semester (14 calendar days), will you be permitted to choose this option. No changes will be made after this deadline.