I have completed an application for admission.  What do I need to do now?

Inquiries concerning admission applications or admission status should be directed to the Office of Admissions, 444 Caspari Street, South Hall, Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA  71497.  Email: applications@nsula.edu or telephone: 800-807-8849 or 318-357-4078.

I have received a letter of acceptance from the University.  What do I need to do now?

Contact the department of your major for assignment of a faculty advisor to assist you in the selection of courses and the registration process.  Faculty advisors are available to students throughout the academic year, but their role is especially important during the registration period.  The advisor will explain University academic requirements and assist you in planning a program which satisfies these requirements. The advisor will also explore career alternatives and aid in any academic or personal problems.  

When can I register for classes?

The registration schedule is available in the Schedule of Classes, on the Academic Calendar, and in the University Catalog (Course catalog).  Links to these publications are available on the University Registrar’s Office webpage (http://www.nsula.edu/registrar).

 

 

 How can I get a copy of my academic transcript?

  • Students who have attended NSU since the summer 1985 have the option of requesting academic transcripts by one of the following methods:

Electronic Transcripts: This option delivers official transcripts within minutes after processing a transcript request submitted between 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. on Friday.  This service is not available on designated holidays. In addition, this option offers quick delivery and avoids extra delivery charges for express mail.  As the delivery option implies, the official transcript is formatted as a PDF and is digitally signed, ensuring authenticity and security.  Students may order their transcript by accessing http://iwantmytranscript.com. The cost to send an electronic transcript is $3.25 per transcript.  For additional information on ordering a transcript online, please refer to the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) link on the University Registrar’s Office website (http://www.nsula.edu/registrar).

 

Printed and Sent by U.S. Mail:

  • A limit of five official transcripts per semester will be furnished without charge within approximately three working days after receipt of a written, dated, and signed request, provided the student is not indebted to the University. Processing of transcript requests at the end of a semester may take longer.
  • Students who only attended NSU prior to summer 1985 must submit a signed transcript request to obtain their official academic hard copy transcript.
  • A Transcript Request Form is available on the University Registrar’s Office website (http://www.nsula.edu/registrar). The form should be complete and mailed to the University Registrar’s Office, Northwestern State University, Room 108 Roy Hall, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71497. Signed transcript requests may also be faxed to 318-357-5823 or sent via e-mail to registrar@nsula.edu as a PDF attachment.
  • A fee of $5.00 will be charged for each transcript requested in excess of five per semester. Charges must be paid in advance.  Cash, check, or a money order will be accepted in the University Registrar’s Office. Charges may also be paid by faxing MasterCard, Visa, or American Express credit card information to (318) 357-4257, or by mailing a check or money order to Northwestern State University, Student Accounts, Post Office Box 2419, Natchitoches, LA  71457-2419. 
  • Upon confirmation of payment, signed transcript request submitted to the University Registrar will be processed.
  • If a student has any financial obligation to the University, the balance must be paid in full before an official transcript can be processed. 
  • There is no charge for unofficial transcripts.  Unofficial transcripts may be downloaded via the Web for Students system (http://www2.nsula.edu).

 

What is  eSCRIP-SAFE™?

eSCRIP-SAFE™ is a secure electronic document transfer network utilized by the University Registrar’s Office  to transmit academic transcripts to other institutions that subscribe to electronic transcript delivery through this network.  Participating institutions accept electronic transcripts generated through this service as official documents.  Transcript may also be emailed to a third party email address (provided by the student in their signed transcript request) but may or may not be accepted as official documents.   All requests for eSCRIP-SAFE™ transfer of academic transcripts must be submitted in writing following the ‘By Written Request to the Registrar’s Office’ transcript request procedures outline above.

eSCRIP-SAFE™  transmitted transcripts  count toward the limit of five official transcripts per semester  furnished without charge. A $5.00 per transcript fee is assessed for transcripts in excess of five per semester. Charges must be paid in advance before transcripts can be released.

 

Has my transcript been mailed?

Academic transcripts are mailed within three (3) business/working days of receipt of a signed request provided the student is not indebted to the University.  The normal turnaround is 24 to 48 hours.  During peak periods (registration or end of semester processes) additional time may be required to process a request.  Every effort is made to expedite the process and the majority of requests are processed and mailed by the next business/working day. 

 

How can I get verification of my enrollment/degree?

Northwestern uses the services of the National Student Clearinghouse to furnish verification of enrollment and/or degree verification.   Students may obtain verification free of charge by accessing the National Student Clearinghouse website through a link available on the Student Web (http://www2.nsula.edu).  Third parties are assessed a charge of $2.50 per verification and may contact the Clearinghouse through the following:  

Web:  www.studentclearinghouse.org             

Phone:  703-742-4200

Fax:      703-742-4239

Mail:     National Student Clearing House

            2300 Dulles Station Boulevard         

            Suite # 300

            Herndon, VA 20171

 

Will my credits transfer to Northwestern from another institution?

Hours earned at an institution accredited by a regional committee on colleges, or the equivalent, will be accepted at Northwestern.  You may view the Louisiana Postsecondary Education Statewide Student Transfer Guide and the Master Course Articulation Matrix online through the following link - http://www.regents.state.la.us/.  The articulation matrix furnishes the current course equivalents for Louisiana Colleges and Universities.  Please note that the listing of courses through this site is not all inclusive.  There will be courses that articulate between campuses that are not indicated on the matrices.  Transfer Credit Practices of Designated Educational Institutions, published by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), is used as a basis for determining the accreditation status of other institutions.   If you have earned credits at a school that is not regionally accredited, you have the option to “test out” of the courses.  For this option contact the department of the course(s) for assistance with registering to take a special exam.  

 

How can I find out what course(s) to take at another institution to transfer back to NSU as a course(s) I need?

 A Prior Approval of Transfer Credit form must be completed prior to enrolling at another institution if the credit earned is to be transferred back to NSU.  The Prior Approval of Transfer Credit form must be completed and turned into the University Registrar’s Office for processing.  The University Registrar’s Office will determine the equivalent course you should take at the other institution and send the form to your academic dean for approval.  Once the dean approves the equivalency he/she will mail you a copy of the form with the approving signatures.  At that time you will be ready to complete your enrollment at the other institution.   The Prior Approval of Transfer Credit form is available through the following link: http://registrar.nsula.edu/transfer-credits/  or in the University Registrar’s Office, Room 108 Roy Hall.

My GPA at my previous institution is different than the GPA I got when I transferred to NSU, why?

Some institutions offer a repeat/delete policy where the last attempt at a course is the only one that is calculated into the grade point average.   Northwestern does not have a repeat/delete policy.  The last attempt at a course is used in determining if degree requirements have been met but all attempts at a course (transfer and/or NSU attempts) are calculated into the cumulative grade point average.   This may result in a difference between the GPA reflected on the transcript from your previous institution and your NSU average.  

 

How do I change my major?

To request a change of major mail or fax a signed request to the University Registrar’s Office.  The request must contain your full name, Campus-Wide Student Identification Number or Social Security Number, a brief statement of the change you are requesting, and your legal signature.  Please be sure to also include a telephone number where you may be reached with any questions concerning your request.   A Change of Major Request form may be downloaded via the following link - http://registrar.nsula.edu/appeal-request-forms/.  Your request may be faxed to 318-357-5823 or mailed to the University Registrar’s Office, Room 108 Roy Hall, Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA  71497.

How do I log into Student Services via the Student Web (http://www2.nsula.edu)?

The Student Web may be accessed by current and former students that have a record of attendance between the Summer of 1985 and the present.   In addition to registration and dropping and adding courses the site allows ready access to your records and available online services. 

To log into the Student Web you will need your Campus-Wide Student Identification Number or Social Security Number and six-digit PIN.   From the http://www2.nsula.edu webpage click on “Enter Student Services.”   This will take you to the Student Login page.  Here you will enter your CWID or SSN and six-digit PIN to log into this service.   

I did not achieve the minimum academic standard for the semester, what can I do?

A student will be placed on academic probation whenever the cumulative grade point average is 10 or more quality points below a 2.0 average. Once on academic probation a student will remain on probation (as long as each semester grade point average is at least a 2.0) until the cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher is achieved. 

A student on academic probation will be suspended at the conclusion of any semester in which the student fails to earn a semester grade point average of at least 2.0.  A student suspended for the first time will be suspended for a period of one semester.  All subsequent suspension periods are for one full calendar year. 

Suspended students may appeal to their academic dean prior to the last day of late registration to be considered for readmissions.  Appeals may be granted or denied.  

Please refer to the University Scholastic Probation, Suspension, and Readmission Regulations in the University Catalog (http://registrar.nsula.edu/course-catalogs/) for complete academic regulations.  

May I attend another institution while under academic suspension from NSU?

Pursuant to the Board of Supervisors Academic Suspension Policy a student academically suspended from Northwestern State University may request permission to attend a community college during the academic suspension period. The student must complete and submit an application to the University Registrar for a decision.  Approval must be obtained from both Northwestern State University and the community college. Applications may be granted or denied.  Note:  Authorization is only official if the application form (with the appropriate approving agents signatures and school seals) is returned to the University Registrar’s Office, Northwestern State University, Room 108 Roy Hall, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71497.    If the student fails to return the application to the University Registrar, any credits earned will not be acceptable toward a degree at Northwestern. The application may be obtained through the following link: http://registrar.nsula.edu/appeal-request-forms/ or from the University Registrar’s Office at the above location. 

Can my registration be cancelled or can I be resigned from classes after the established dates?

The Registration, Credits, and Graduation Council (RCGC) considers appeals for cancellation or resignation after the established dates based on specific allowable reasons outlined below. A student may submit an appeal to the RCGC if they can document/justify a request for such action based on one of the following: 

 

  • ADMINISTRATIVE: Cancellation of all or selected classes based on documented advisement/departmental registration errors, etc.  
  •  NON-ATTENDANCE: Cancellation of all classes based on documented proof that the student never attended any classes or stopped attending all classes during the first seven days of classes or one day after the last day to register for classes (fall or spring semester).
  • Cancellation of all classes based on documented proof that the student stopped attending all classes during the first four days of short sessions less than eight weeks.
  • HARDSHIP: Cancellation of all classes based on illness or injury to student, or death in student’s immediate family that rendered the student unable to complete the classes. Documentation may include but not limited to the following: hospital bill or letter on official stationery from an attending physician, accident report, death certificate, or obituary.
  • FINANCIAL AID: Cancellation of all classes based on documented proof that the student’s financial aid was denied or canceled during the first 21 class days. Documentation from the Financial Aid Office will be required.
  • NATURAL DISASTER OR EXCEPTIONAL TRAUMATIC EVENT: Cancellation of all classes based on documented proof of the disaster or traumatic event.
  •  NATIONAL DEFENSE: Cancellation or resignation will be applied based on the Board of Regent’s policy. The student must provide a copy of official military orders from his or her commanding officer.
  •  ADMINISTRATIVE: Resignation of all or selected classes based on documented advisement/departmental registration errors, etc.  
  • HARDSHIP: Resignation of all classes based on illness/injury to student, or death in student’s immediate family that rendered the student unable to complete the classes. Documentation may include death certificate, obituary, accident report, hospital bill, or a letter on official stationery from an attending physician.

Appeals must be submitted within 3 calendar years.  The Registration, Credits, and Graduation Council appeal form is available through the following link: http://registrar.nsula.edu/appeal-request-forms/ or from the University Registrar’s Office.

I disagree with the grade I was given in a course.  What can I do?

Students who receive grades they believe do not reflect the quality of their work may appeal these grades within 120 calendar days following the academic period in which the grades were earned. The procedure for appeal is as follows:

  1. The student should consult the instructor to see if an understanding can be reached. The student is entitled to an explanation as to how the grade was determined and to examine any tests, papers, or other information pertinent to the appeal.
  2. If the conference is not satisfactory, the student should secure a Grade Appeal Form from the University Registrar’s Office or the office of the dean of the college in which the course was offered. The student may discuss the appeal informally with the dean if the student so desires.
  3. In filing a formal appeal, the student should complete the appeal form, stating the nature of the appeal, providing a detailed description of the justification, and requesting a specific action. Since the written appeal will be the basis for the ultimate decision, the student should ensure that it is clear, complete, and inclusive of all documentation the student wishes to have considered in the appeal process. It is the student’s responsibility to present written evidence that the instructor made an error or acted arbitrarily or capriciously in assigning the grade.
  4. The student should submit the completed appeal form to the instructor for review. If a solution is not found, the instructor should provide a written response to the student’s appeal, providing documentation as to how the grade was determined. The instructor’s response should include a copy of the course outline or syllabus provided to the student’s class at the beginning of the semester or term.
  5. After having met with the instructor and obtaining his or her written response to the appeal, the student may submit the form to the head of the academic department that owns the course. Following a review of the student’s appeal and the instructor’s response, the department head should provide his or her written opinion of the appeal along with any additional, pertinent information.
  6. If the student is unsatisfied with the opinion of the department head, he or she may submit the appeal to the academic dean of the college offering the course. If the student is unsatisfied with the opinion of the dean, he or she may submit the written appeal with all signatures to the University Registrar. At that time, a meeting of the subcommittee on grade appeals for the Registration, Credits, and Graduation Council will be called to review and make a final decision on the appeal. The University Registrar will notify the student in writing of the decision.

I have been charged late fees and/or an installment charge. Can I appeal the charge(s)?

 

Students may appeal installment plan and/or late payment charges by completing a Registration Access Appeal form. The appeal form is available in the One Card Office, St. Denis Hall, or online at http://onecard.nsula.edu under the heading, “Forms”. Students must complete and return the appeal form to the One Card Office; St. Denis Hall; Northwestern State University; Natchitoches, LA 71497; or fax to: 318-357-5279 with appropriate supporting documentation attached.  Only a completed appeal form with the proper documentation attached will be considered by the Committee. The Committee’s decision will be final.

 

Can I register for classes when I owe the University money?

A student who owes a balance from a previous semester or summer session and who, because of extenuating circumstances that can be documented, is unable to pay the balance in full may appeal to the Registration Access Committee. In addition to the appeal, the appellant must demonstrate ability and pay the entire previous balances by the 7th class day of the semester. If an appeal to register with a previous balance is approved, current semester financial aid will not be disbursed until the previous semester’s balance is paid in full. The appellant will be resigned from classes should he/she fail to pay the entire previous balance by the 7th class business day of the semester. Installment, late registration, and late payment charges will be applied in accordance with policy.  The Registration Access Committee appeal form is available through the following link: http://onecard.nsula.edu under the heading, “Forms”.

 

What is the COMPASS Test?

COMPASS exams replace the departmental placement tests for English and math. The cost per examination is $25.00 and is payable at the time of testing.

WHO NEEDS COMPASS?

  1. Any student who needs 4 or more hours of developmental courses (English 0920 or Math 0920).
  2. Students who may be required to take at least one developmental course in English or math (English 0920 or Math 0920).

The exams are administered through University Testing Services, 306 Friedman Student Union, Telephone: 318-357-5246. 

 

How do I enroll in a special exam?

Academic departments extend to enrolled undergraduate students the opportunity to “challenge” virtually any course offered by the University. These examinations, administered by the departments, may not be repeated. A student may not challenge any course in which a grade (A, B, C, D, F, P, I, W, X, Z, WA, WB, WC, WD, WF, WP, WX, WZ, or AU) has been earned.  The cost per examination is $100.00.

Undergraduate students interested in taking a special examination must be enrolled in at least one credit hour and must register for the exam on or by the last day to register for classes during regular registration by completing the following steps:

  1. Contact the Department Head responsible for the course to get a special exam card. The Department Head must approve the special exam by completing the information on the card and signing the card.
  2. Have your advisor sign the card to approve the special exam.
  3. Take the completed card to the University Registrar’s Office to be registered for the exam.
  4. A non-refundable fee of $100.00 for each special exam will be assessed.

NOTE: A student cannot register for a special exam and the same regular semester course at the same   time.       

 

How do I change my address with the University?

A student must provide a local and permanent address at the time of admission to the University.  Students are responsible for the consequences of all communications sent to the address on file in the University Registrar’s Office so if a change of address occurs a student should immediately take the necessary steps to change his/her address with the University.  A signed request for a change of address may be submitted to the University Registrar’s Office, 108 Roy Hall, Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71497 or by fax to: 318-357-5823. Students may also update their address via the Student Web:  http://www2.nsula.edu. 

How do I change my name with the University?

Fill out a Name Change Request Form (or submits a written request) and provide the original

·         Social Security Card with the new name

·         Picture ID

Documents are copied by appropriate University personnel and returned to student.  Appropriate    personnel include:

·         University Registrar’s Office personnel

·         Satellite campus personnel—the documentation is verified, copied, initialed, and forwarded to the University Registrar’s Office

A clear readable copy of the documentation may be mailed to the Registrar’s office by the student.  Faxed copies are acceptable as long as the picture ID is clear.

 

The Name Change Request Form is available in the University Registrar’s Office or online through the following link-http://registrar.nsula.edu/appeal-request-forms/.

I need assistance to log into myNSU or the Blackboard system, what do I do?

myNSU and Blackboard are maintained through Student Technology, 113D Watson Library, Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71497. Inquiries and request for assistance should be submitted to that office through the Student Help Desk – sos@student.nsula.edu or telephone: 800-376-2422 or 318-357-6696.

 

How do I withdraw/drop a course?

A student may drop a course or courses with a grade or grades of “W” prior to the date specified in the Official University Academic Calendar (http://registrar.nsula.edu/academic-calendars/).  Courses dropped with a grade of “W” carry no academic penalties, are not refunded at any time, and will not be credited to a student’s account.  A student who wishes to drop all courses in which he or she is enrolled must officially resign from the University.

You may complete the drop via the Student Web (http://www2.nsula.edu) or submit a signed request to the University Registrar’s Office for processing.  Requests may be submitted in person, via fax, or via U.S. mail.  All written request must contain your full name, CWID Number or Social Security Number, and legal signature. 

How do I resign from the University?

Students who drop all courses in which they are registered must officially resign from the University.  Students must initiate the resignation process in the office of their academic dean by completing a resignation/cancellation form or log on at http://www2.nsula.edu to drop online.   Students unable to come to campus and without Internet access may fax a signed letter of resignation to the University Registrar’s Office at 318-357-5823. The Resignation/Cancellation form is available online through the following link -   http://registrar.nsula.edu/appeal-request-forms/.

I dropped my class by mistake, what can I do to get re-enrolled?

Students who mistakenly drop a course may contact the University Registrar’s Office within 24 hours (or the next business day) and be reinstated in the course.  If the mistake is not noted within that time the student may be reinstated within one week of the drop with the written authorization of the instructor. If more than one week has passed since the drop the authorization of the instructor, department head, and academic dean is required for reinstatement.   

 

I am enrolled in Internet-Only courses and have been assessed out-of-state fees.  Do I have to pay this fee?

No.  Internet-only students do not pay ANY out-of-state fees.  Out-of-state fees are automatically assessed to the accounts of any out-of-state student but will be reversed at the end of the registration period if the student remains enrolled in only internet courses.

 

Is there a way to exclude my prior academic grades from my academic record/transcript?

Undergraduate students may, at the time of application for admission or readmission to the University, file for academic bankruptcy if they have not been enrolled in any college or university for a period of at least three calendar years immediately preceding their intended enrollment at NSU.

The following conditions will apply:

  1. The student will forfeit the use of all college or university credits earned prior to the date academic bankruptcy was declared, including credits earned through any type of advanced placement program.
  2. The student’s record will be inscribed with the notation “Academic Bankruptcy Declared (date).”
  3. No courses taken prior to the declaration of Academic Bankruptcy will be used in the calculation of the student’s grade point average and may not be used to fulfill requirements of any kind.
  4. The student will be ineligible for special academic honors conferred by the University except as justified by the entire academic record, which includes courses taken prior to the declaration of Academic Bankruptcy.
  5. A student who has declared Academic Bankruptcy will be considered as an entering freshman and will be subject to all policies for placement in courses. Specifically, such students will be required to take the American College Test and/or the COMPASS test to determine placement in English and mathematics courses.
  6. A declaration of Academic Bankruptcy is final and irreversible, and may only be exercised once in a student’s academic career.
  7. Declaration of Academic Bankruptcy does not pertain to accumulated financial aid history. Accumulated semester and award limits include all semesters of enrollment, both before and after the declaration.
  8. These policies concerning Academic Bankruptcy pertain only to Northwestern State University.

To request Academic Bankruptcy, a student must submit a completed Application for Admission, required Application Fee, Petition for Academic Bankruptcy, and all official transcripts of prior college or university work to the University Registrar’s Office at least two weeks prior to the beginning of the intended semester of enrollment. After reviewing all records to determine that the student has submitted all required transcripts and has met the three-year period of non-enrollment, the University Registrar’s Office will verify, sign the request, and forward the material to the appropriate dean. The dean will ensure that the student is counseled, act on the request, and return the material to the University Registrar’s Office.  ACADEMIC BANKRUPTCY MAY NOT BE DECLARED ONCE A DEGREE HAS BEEN EARNED. 

 

The Student Web shows I have a hold?  What do I need to do?

Hold information available on the Student Web indicates the department that has placed the hold on your account.  You should contact the department/office responsible for the hold for complete information.

Contact information for most common holds:

Office of Admissions – applications@nsula.edu or telephone: 318-357-4078

Financial Aid – nsufinaid@nsula.edu or telephone: 318-357-5961

Student Accounting – studentaccounting@nsula.edu or telephone: 318-357-6902

University Registrar – registrar@nsula.edu or telephone: 318-357-6171

 

What is NSU’s school code?

ACT  (American College Testing) School Code – 1600

CLEP (College Level Examination Program) School Code – 6492

FICE (Federal Financial Aid) School Code – 002021

 

Where do I go to start my G.I. Bill?

V.A. students may obtain information on available benefits  online through the following links:  http://www.nsula.edu/gibill , www.nsula.edu/registrar  or in the Veterans Affairs Office, Room 203 Roy Hall, Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA  71497 – telephone: 318-357- 6171 or

800-844-8908.

Where can I find the V.A. Certification data form?

The V.A. Certification data form is available through the following links: http://www.nsula.edu/gibill/vets_apps.asp,  http://registrar.nsula.edu/va-and-military-information/  or in the Veterans Affairs Office, Room 203 Roy Hall, Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA  71497. 

 

Where can I request or turn in paperwork for Tuition Assistance or Tuition Exemption?  

Information on Tuition Assistance and Tuition Exemption may be obtained online through the following link: http://financialaid.nsula.edu/ or in the Office of Scholarships, Room 002 Roy Hall, Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA 71497 - telephone: 318- 357-4357 or 800-823-3008.