Rules and Regulations Governing Graduate Program Under Semester System

Title & Commencement

Title

These regulations are titled as the SAU Graduate Degree Program Regulations under the Semester System, applicable from 2018-19 and onwards.

Commencement

These rules and regulations commenced from 2018 onward. Any issue arising due to the implementation of these regulations shall be resolved by the Academic Council.

Definitions

Unless otherwise stated, the following definitions apply to these regulations:

Duration of the Course

The minimum requirements for various degree programs offered by the University are given below:

Semester System

Each academic year starts from January in synchronization with the calendar year. There shall be two regular semesters, Spring and Fall, each of 22 weeks including examination. An optional 12-week summer semester may also be offered for failed courses or grade improvement.

Student Counseling

Coordinators in respective faculties, colleges, institutes and centers shall provide academic counseling and guidance to students for course selection and related matters.

Examinations

Regulations related to theory and practical examinations, appointment and duties of examiners and examination staff shall remain effective until modified. Examination results shall be compiled and announced by the Controller of Examinations.

Setting of Question Paper

1. The teacher/examiner shall set the final examination paper from the complete syllabus of the course.
2. The paper shall contain at least 40% objective and 60% descriptive questions.
3. Choice in descriptive questions shall be limited to 25%, following HEC guidelines.
4. Students must attempt all questions in the objective section.

Eligibility for Appearing in Examination

1. The candidate must be a registered student of the University.
2. The candidate must maintain at least 75% average attendance.
3. The candidate must submit examination form and prescribed fees within the due date.
4. The candidate must not be debarred from taking the examination.
5. Examination forms shall be signed by the relevant coordinator and forwarded to the Controller of Examinations.

Examination Fees

Examination fees shall be collected with registration. The University identity card shall serve as the admit card. Lists of registered students shall be provided to the coordinator/dean.

Assessment of Theory Answer Copies

Final semester answer copies shall be sent to the concerned examiner by the Controller of Examinations. The examiner shall assess and submit marks lists within the prescribed time. Mid-semester answer copies shall be returned to students, while final answer copies shall be deposited under sealed cover for record and verification.

Examination Grading

Student performance is measured through letter grades and grade points. Evaluation includes attendance, assignments, mid-semester test and final examination.

GPA, CGPA and Promotion Rules

Grade Point Average

GPA is calculated to assess the performance of a student during a semester. CGPA assesses overall performance from the first semester to the current semester.

Minimum GPA Requirement

1. A GPA of 2.00 or above is required for successful completion of the graduate degree program.
2. A student securing GPA 1.75 or higher in two consecutive semesters qualifies for promotion to higher semester, even with failed or D-grade courses.
3. A student with GPA less than 1.75 in two consecutive semesters shall not qualify for promotion to the next higher semester.

Repeating Courses to Improve GPA

1. A student failing or obtaining C grade or less may repeat/improve the course in the immediate next relevant session.
2. No separate test shall be arranged for absence in mid-semester or final semester test.
3. A student who has passed and obtained the degree shall not be allowed to improve any course.
4. If a student obtains a lower grade after improvement, the previous grade shall be counted.
5. All courses shall be shown on the transcript, including failed or repeated courses.

Rules for Promotion

For 8-semester degree programs, promotion from 1st to 2nd, 3rd to 4th, 5th to 6th and 7th to 8th semester is automatic. For promotion from 2nd to 3rd, 4th to 5th and 6th to 7th, the candidate must have GPA 1.75 in two consecutive semesters.

For 10-semester degree programs, promotion from 1st to 2nd, 3rd to 4th, 5th to 6th, 7th to 8th and 9th to 10th is automatic. For promotion from 2nd to 3rd, 4th to 5th, 6th to 7th and 8th to 9th, GPA 1.75 is required in two consecutive semesters.

Re-totaling of Marks and Anomaly Committee

Re-totaling of Marks

Re-totaling of marks may be allowed on payment of prescribed fees. The student shall apply to the Controller of Examinations through the Coordinator within ten weeks of declaration of result. Re-totaling or correction shall be made in the presence of the standing committee.

Anomaly Committee

1. Each department shall constitute a committee of senior teachers, chaired by the departmental chairman, to hear student appeals regarding grades.
2. Appeals must be lodged within four weeks of declaration of the concerned course result.
3. The decision of the committee shall be final.