USRR Amendments: Academic Forgiveness & Capstone Requirement (21-day Review)

University Governance

To: KU Faculty, Staff and Students  

From: Ani Kokobobo, University Senate President

Re: Review of Amendments to the University Senate Rules and Regulations

Article II Section 9, 2.9.2 and 2.9.3 Academic Forgiveness

Article III Section 1, 3.1.1 Capstone Language

In accordance with the University Senate Code 1.8.3., I am forwarding for 21-day review amendments to the University Senate Rules and Regulations Academic Forgiveness Policy and Requirements for Graduation (integrate the Capstone requirement) that the University Senate voted on March 30, 2023. The amendments were approved by the University Senate. An explanation of the amendments follows:

Academic Forgiveness

The proposed changes to the University Senate Rules and Regulations will make it less prohibitive for students who previously did not do well academically, to have the opportunity to return to the university and complete their degrees.

  • The proposed changes lessen the required break in attendance from four years to two years. 
  • The revisions change the requirement of the GPA the student had prior to leaving from less than 2.0 to less than 2.5.
  • The revisions increase the number of academic terms a student can discount from three to four.

Integrate the Capstone Requirement

In response to the statewide General Education package and in an effort to align our existing Core Curriculum with this package, we will amend the USRR code, Article 3, Section 1.1, to integrate the capstone requirement previously reflected in the core (what was Core Goal 6) into the Bachelor's Degree

The Academic Forgiveness amendment was discussed and passed by a majority vote at the March 30, 2023 University Senate meeting. 

The Capstone language was discussed and passed by a majority vote at the March 30, 2023 University Senate meeting. 

Please note that it is a requirement that proposed changes to the USRR code be sent to all faculty, staff, and students, but no action is required on your part unless you wish to submit a written comment. Please forward your written comments on the proposed amendments to the University Governance Office (email: govern@ku.edu) by noon on April 21, 2023.

Please contact the University Governance Office, govern@ku.edu, if you have any questions regarding these amendments.