Catalog Year Policy
This policy defines the use of academic catalogs at Utah State University (USU), specifying catalog year designation, degree requirements, and procedures for current and returning students.
Catalog Year Definition
The academic catalog, updated annually and effective for the academic year (fall, spring, and summer semesters), is the official source for academic degree requirements, course descriptions, and academic policies. A student’s catalog year is the academic year of their initial enrollment at USU as an undergraduate student. Their catalog year designates the student’s applicable degree requirements and policies unless modified by a change in program of study or extended absence that results in extending a student’s time to graduation beyond the university seven-year graduation requirement. Independent of any change in their academic program, a student may elect to change to a newer catalog year as they pursue their academic credentials.
Catalog Year Changes
A. Program of Study Changes
Students that change their major, minor, or certificate adopt the catalog requirements effective at the time of the change. A change in emphasis within a major does not alter the catalog year.
B. Undergraduate Academic Credential Requirements
Students who change their program of study will follow all university requirements such as General Education, credit requirements, GPA, and so forth in effect at the time of the change.
Once verified, completed General Education requirements are considered fulfilled regardless of future changes to General Education, program of study, or catalog expiration. Similarly, all university studies and depth requirements are also considered fulfilled once they have been verified complete.
Catalog Expiration
Students must complete graduation requirements within:
Seven years for baccalaureate degrees and
Three years for associate degrees and academic undergraduate and technical certificates.
Students exceeding these limits follow the university requirements of the oldest active catalog at graduation.
Returning Students
Students readmitted after an absence of three or more years or after returning from academic pause follow the catalog year requirements of their re-enrollment for major, minor, certificates, and university requirements.
Exceptions
Requests for exceptions to program of study requirements (major, minor, emphasis) must be submitted through the appropriate academic college. While colleges and advisors may approve exceptions to program of study requirements, exceptions relating to General Education and other university academic requirements must be approved through the Office of the Registrar and Office of the Provost.
All other exception requests should be directed to the Office of the Registrar.
