Students have the right to appeal decisions made by University officials in the implementation of University policy. If a student feels that individual circumstances warrant an appeal, the request for appeal must be filed in the University office responsible for the implementation of that policy or the office specified in the policy statement.
Instructors may use class attendance in computing grades. If they choose to do so, they must present all students attending the first and second class meetings with a complete written statement of their policy, detailing the weight of attendance in determining the final grade.
A student who is absent from the final examination without the permission of the teacher incurs a grade of "F" on the examination and may, depending on the weight of the examination in determining the final grade, incur a grade of "F" for the course.
Instructors will report to the Office of the Registrar all students who have not attended any class meetings during the first two weeks of classes (fall/spring) or the first week of classes (summer). About 2-3 weeks into both the fall and spring semesters, instructors will begin recording attendance. This is required for financial aid and veteran service reporting. After this process is underway, the Registrar's office will notify all students to check their reported attendance. Students accept both fee and grade liability at the time of registration. Students who do not attend classes are responsible for processing an official drop/withdrawal on Student Self Service at http://spectrum.memphis.edu. In order to avoid fee or grade liability, students must drop/withdraw prior to the first day of classes for the session in which the course is taught.
Students who receive VA benefits or Title IV funds (federal financial assistance) for enrollment fees but who stop attending, may have current and future awards cancelled and may have to repay benefits immediately, whether or not they officially withdraw or drop courses. Furthermore, students who stop attending will be assigned a grade of “F” in courses from which they have not officially withdrawn. Instructors report the last known date of attendance as the student’s “unofficial withdrawal date.”
Adding and Dropping Courses
After the official registration period is over, students may make adjustments in their schedules through the process of adding and/or dropping courses. Courses dropped through the 14th calendar day of sessions seven weeks or longer or the 7th calendar day of sessions shorter than seven weeks will not be shown on the student’s permanent record. Courses dropped after these days will be shown on the permanent record with withdrawal grades of "W". A student may drop any course or courses up through the last day to drop specified in the University Calendar for that session. Requests for exceptions must be made by the end of the next regular term following the term in which the grade was assigned, and normally only as part of a request for withdrawal from the University. Exceptions are made only by the dean in the college in which the student is earning a degree, or by the dean’s designee, and only on the basis of such extenuating circumstances as serious personal illness and relocation because of employment. To stop attending a class without officially dropping the course incurs the grade of “F”.
Any student who wishes to officially withdraw from the University may do so on the web, or in person through the Office of the Registrar in Student and Faculty Services, room 003, Wilder Tower. Failure to officially withdraw will result in grades of “F” for the courses in which the student is enrolled.
NOTE: Withdrawal is not permitted beyond the last day to withdraw specified
in the University Calendar for that term or session. Requests for exceptions
must be made by the end of the next regular term following the term in which
the grade was assigned. Exceptions are made to this policy only in cases of
such extreme circumstances as serious personal illness and relocation because
of employment. Withdrawal requests after the deadline should be filed in the
dean’s office of the student’s major college or the Academic Counseling Center
for students with no declared major.
Enrollment Transactions
Enrollment transactions include registration, adding and dropping courses, and withdrawing from the university. The official date shall be the date that the request is submitted to the Office of the Registrar, subject to the final review and approval of the Assistant Vice Provost for Enrollment Services. If the final review reveals any apparent violation of the University's academic regulations and/or contractual relationships between the University and the student, the Assistant Vice Provost for Enrollment Services has the authority to suspend the transaction pending joint review with the college dean, the department chair, and the student's academic advisor. If the joint review verifies the legitimacy of the transaction, the official date will be that originally established. If the joint review culminates in a finding that academic regulations and/or contractual relationships have been violated, the entire transaction may be permanently invalidated.
Classification of students is based on the number of college level credit hours earned as shown in the following table.
Classification Semester Hours Freshman 0-29 Sophomore 30-59 Junior 60-89 Senior 90 or more Special Students not working on a degreeIn order to avoid a possible delay in graduation, students who have completed the required number of hours to be classified as juniors but who have not completed their basic requirements in the Lower Division should schedule these uncompleted requirements during the first semester in which such courses are available.
Credit Hours, Full-Time Classification, and Maximum Load
The unit of credit at the University of Memphis is the semester hour. A semester hour is defined as the credit earned for the successful completion of one hour per week in class for one semester; or two to three hours per week of laboratory for one semester. (A course which gives three semester hours credit will normally meet for three lecture or recitation hours per week, or for two lecture or recitation hours and two-three laboratory hours per week; or for some other combination of these.) Each lecture hour presupposes a minimum of two hours preparation on the part of the student.
The minimum credit hour load for classification as a full-time student is 12 credit hours for a term (all sessions combined for fall, spring, or summer). The maximum loads are found in the table below. The maximum credit hour load includes all course enrollments for any term, both at the University of Memphis and any concurrent enrollment at other institutions. It does not include credit by examination. No student is permitted to enroll for correspondence or extension courses while carrying a maximum credit hour load.
Maximum Hours* Fall or Spring 20.5 Summer 23 Individual Session Maximums First or Second Fall or Spring 10 Pre Summer or Three Week Session 7 First or Second Summer 9 Full Summer 16 Enrollment of less than 12 hours total (all sessions) for any Fall, Spring, or Summer term is defined as being less than full-time. Maximum hours should not exceed individual session limits or the term maximum. * Students must have approval from the appropriate official in their degree-granting college for hours in excess of the maximum. NOTE: ID card validation of full-time for student activity purposes is based on a minimum of six credit hours per semester and does not necessarily constitute a full-time academic load.
Grades and Quality Points
GRADES
At the end of each session, instructors report to the Office of
the Registrar the standing of all students in their classes. The grade
of a student in any course is determined by class standing and examination,
combined in such proportion as the instructor in charge of the course may
decide. The instructor’s grading scale will be provided to students on
the course syllabus.
The instructor’s evaluation of the student’s work is expressed
by the following grades which are converted to quality points for the purpose
of averaging grades.
Grade Quality Points A+ 4.00
A 4.00
A- 3.84
B+ 3.33
B 3.00
B- 2.67
C+ 2.33
C 2.00
C- 1.67
D+ 1.33
D 1.00
F 0.00
W (Withdrew) 0.00
I (Incomplete) 0.00
NR, None Reported 0.00
NC, Non Credit 0.00
*IP, In Progress 0.00
*S, Satisfactory 0.00
*U, Unsatisfactory 0.00
T (see below) 0.00
AD, Audit 0.00
CR, Credit 0.00
*Grades used to postpone or suspend course completion
include “I” (Incomplete), “IP” (In Progress), and “W” (Withdrawn).
Independent studies courses, student teaching, workshops,
practical, and internships should be graded “A-F, IP” or “S/U, IP.” A grade
of “S,” “U,” or “IP” does not carry any quality points and is not included
in computing GPA. All courses for which the student is registered are recorded
as passed (with a letter grade), “T”, failed, dropped, withdrew, audit,
credit, satisfactory, unsatisfactory, or incomplete. In no case is credit
allowed in any course for which the student is not properly registered.
Grade of Incomplete: The grade of "I" (Incomplete) may be assigned by the faculty member in any course in which the student is unable to complete the work due to extraordinary events beyond the student’s control that are acceptable to the faculty member. The “I” may not be used to extend the term for students who complete the course with an unsatisfactory grade. Unless the student completes the requirements for removal of "I" within 45 days from the end of the semester or summer term in which it was received (see University Calendar), the "I" will be changed to "F," whether or not the student is enrolled. The faculty member may grant up to a 45-day extension if sufficient extenuating circumstances exist. At the end of the extension period, the “I” will automatically revert to “F” if the student has not completed the requirements. The student will be certified for graduation only when all requirements are met, including the removal of “I” grades. For students who have an “I” in a course required to fulfill degree requirements in the semester in which they expect to graduate, the certification process and graduation will automatically be deferred to the next term.
In Progress: In courses with “In Progress” (IP) grading, faculty members may assign “IP” to extend the time permitted for completion of research or course requirements. A student awarded an “IP” grade must re-enroll in the course for the same number of hours to complete the work. The final grade will be submitted by the faculty member at the end of the term in which the work is completed. This should be the semester following the “IP” grade.
Grade Changes: Grades properly issued in a course by the faculty member of record will not be altered except when an error was made in computation or reporting or as a result of a formal grade appeal. A grade other than "I" or "IP" may not be changed as a result of additional work after a grade has been submitted to the Office of the Registrar. The Grade Appeals procedure is described below.
“T" Grade: The "T" grade allows students to complete
independent studies courses in variable time periods that might exceed
a regular enrollment period. The following procedure governs the use of
the "T" grade:
1. Prior to the registration period, the
faculty member obtains approval of the department chair and dean to use
the "T" grade in a course(s).
2. The dean notifies the Office of the Registrar
of courses for which the "T" grade may be awarded.
3. At the end of the regular term, the faculty
member has the following options:
a. Award grades
A-F.
b. Award an
"I" grade if the faculty member feels that the work can be completed in
45 days. (If an "I" grade is awarded, a roster with the student's
name on it will be sent to the faculty member during the 45-day period.
The faculty member must record either “A” to “F” for the "T" grade to prevent
an automatic assignment of "F.")
c. Award a
"T" grade. If the "T" grade is awarded, the student must re-register for
the course in order to earn credit. The "T" grade is not used in the computation
of GPA.
Grade Reports
Current semester grades may be obtained on Student Self Service at http://spectrum.memphis.edu. Grades are normally available by the Thursday after the last day of the exam period for the session.
Withholding of Grade Reports
The University is required by State law to withhold
grade reports, transcripts and diplomas from students who have outstanding
financial obligations to the University. When financial obligations have
been resolved, students may obtain their grades onStudent Self Service at http://spectrum.memphis.edu
Repetition of Courses
A student may repeat most courses in an attempt to improve the grade previously earned. There are some courses that may not be repeated for this purpose. Information concerning these courses may be obtained from the office of the chair of the department in which the course is offered. In some degree and major programs, there are restrictions on course repetitions even after drops or withdrawals. The student should always check with the major advisor before enrolling in a course a second or subsequent time(s).
The University is not obligated to allow substitutes for repetition of courses, which have been deleted from the curriculum. Credit by examination may not be used for the purpose of improving a grade previously earned in a course taken for credit.
Grades earned in the second and each subsequent attempt will count towards the student's GPA.
A student may not attempt the same course more than three times. Exceptions to this policy will be granted only on appeal to the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs.
The record will continue to reflect all grades earned in the same course.
Students who are admitted to the University of Memphis may register
to audit a course with the prior approval of the instructor and the department
chair. Students enrolling on an audit basis do not receive academic credit
for that course. Particularly in high-demand courses, departments should
make sure that students who need these courses for degree credit can be
accommodated before they issue permits for audits. Audits should not be
used simply as a vehicle for obtaining access to laboratory or studio facilities.
Auditors are not required take examinations and do not receive
a regular letter grade. There should be a precise agreement between the
student and the instructor as to the extent and nature of the student participation
in the course, including class discussions, projects, and readings. Students
auditing a course will receive “AD” (Audit) on the transcript only if they
have attended regularly and participated according to the prior agreement
with the instructor.
A student may not change from a grade point to an audit or from an
audit to a grade point basis after the last day to add classes for that
session. Any questions concerning this policy should be referred to the
colleges.
Fees for audits will be assessed on the same basis as fees for
credit courses.
Credit/No-Credit Courses
The University, wishing to encourage students to broaden their range of interest without jeopardizing their grades, allows students who have earned at least 60 semester hours with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 to enroll in credit/no-credit courses. For this purpose, students may take up to 8 hours of coursework on a credit/no credit basis provided that these courses are unrestricted electives. Specifically excluded are general education, college, major and degree requirements and requirements for a minor. A student taking a course on a credit/no-credit basis must meet the prerequisites for that course as set forth in the Catalog, or have permission of the instructor.
• Neither a credit nor a no-credit grade is counted in a student's grade point average, but, like all other grades, is entered on the permanent record.
• Credit (CR) grade is given for “C-” or better work on the traditional grading scale and no-credit (NC) is given for less than “C-” work.
• The student only receives credit in the course if credit (C- or better) is received.
• A student may not repeat a course for credit/no-credit if the student received a conventional grade (A-F or S).
Students who transfer from one college to another should be aware that credit/no-credit hours may be accepted in one college and not in another. In every instance, approval to register for a course on a credit/no-credit basis must be obtained from the advisor and the dean of the student's degree-granting college prior to registration for that class.
With approval, a student who registers for a course on a credit/no-credit basis may change the registration to a letter grade point basis only during the add period, and a student who registers for a course on a letter grade point basis may change the registration to a credit/no-credit basis only during the add period for the term or session of the course. The student who successfully completes a credit/no-credit course will receive the appropriate number of hours as credit toward graduation. These hours will not be used in the computation of the grade point average.
Undergraduate Grade Appeal Procedure
Purpose of the Undergraduate Grade Appeals Procedure
The responsibility for evaluating student work and assigning grades lies with the instructor of the course. The purpose of the grade appeal procedure is to provide a review process 1) for a student to understand the reasons why the grade was assigned, 2) for the instructor to become aware of and correct possible errors, 3) for appropriate supervisors at the department and college level to review the basis on which a grade has been awarded and to correct cases in which a grade is determined to have been assigned based on arbitrary or capricious action, or other reasons not related to academic performance. If, after departmental and college review, the grade is still in dispute, an appeal may be submitted to the Undergraduate Grade Appeals Committee, which consists of faculty and student representatives, for final resolution.
In all cases of a disputed grade, the student has burden of proof that the grade assigned was not appropriate. If the case has not been resolved at the student/instructor level, then the student should submit a written petition that would include a copy of the syllabus along with copies of any tests, quizzes, assignments or other written work completed and graded as part of the class requirements to the appropriate step of review. At each step of further review, copies of any previously submitted materials and any written responses to those petitions should be included.
It is important to distinguish grounds for grade appeal from questions about quality of instruction. Successful grade appeals should be based on evidence that the student performed at a level sufficient to warrant a different grade. It is important for students to bring to the instructor’s and the department’s attention perceived deficiencies in instruction, but these by themselves do not normally warrant a change in grade. For a successful grade appeal, the student should be able to show, for example, not that the student could have earned a grade of “B” under different circumstances, but rather that the student actually did earn a grade of “B” according the standards set out on the syllabus for that course, but was assigned a lower grade. If, in the opinion, of the department or the college, deficiencies in instruction are so grave as to warrant an alternative accommodation, then the proper remedy will normally involve alternative assignments or examinations to allow the student the opportunity to demonstrate the appropriate level of competency in that area to earn a different grade than the grade originally assigned. The decision about these cases should be made at the departmental or college level. In disputed cases where the appeal is based primarily upon perceived quality of instruction, the Undergraduate Grade Appeals Committee has the option of referring the case directly to the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs.
Procedures
A student wishing to appeal a grade must follow Steps 1-4 listed below. (The deadlines listed below apply to the dates when classes are in session during the fall or spring semesters.) If a student fails to observe the deadlines, the decision made in the previous step will be final. If a department or college fails to respond to the student’s complaint within the deadline, the student should contact the Office of Academic Affairs. The deadline for filing the appeal should be extended appropriately to ensure that the student retains the opportunity to pursue the appeal at the next step. All correspondence and records will be retained in the office in which the complaint is resolved.
Step 1: The student should first consult with the instructor, at the latest within two weeks of the beginning of the subsequent fall or spring semester, in an effort to provide a satisfactory resolution of the complaint. If the student cannot schedule a meeting with the instructor, the student may contact the department chair, who will schedule the meeting between the student and the instructor. The only exception to this step is the case in which the instructor is unavailable. In this case, the student may proceed directly to Step 2.
Step 2: If the complaint is not resolved in Step 1, the student may present the complaint in writing by the end of the third week in the semester to the chair of the department in which the course was offered. Included in the petition the student should attach the appropriate materials described above, and if available, the instructor’s written explanation for the assigned grade. The department chair will attempt to resolve the complaint in consultation with the instructor and the student. The department chair will provide a written response to the student within two weeks from the time the written complaint has been received. If the department chair was the instructor of the course, the student may proceed directly to Step 3.
Step 3: If the complaint has not been resolved at the departmental level, the student may appeal further by presenting a written petition to the dean of the college in which the course was offered, along with a copy of the materials presented at the previous stage and any written responses received from the department. At the latest, this petition should be presented within one week after the departmental response. Within two weeks of the time the complaint was received, the dean may use any resources available to resolve the conflict.
If the dean finds that the request does not have merit, the dean shall notify the student in writing, with copies sent to the instructor and the department chair. If the dean and the department chair agree that the grade should be changed, the dean shall be empowered to change the grade without the instructor’s consent. Either the student or the instructor may appeal this decision in Step 4. If the dean and the department chair do not agree, the dean shall present his or her view in writing to the student, with copies to the instructor and the department chair, so that the student may include that information in an appeal to the Undergraduate Grade Appeals Committee for final resolution of the complaint.
Step 4: If the complaint has not been resolved through the previous steps, the student may present a grade appeal petition addressed directly to the Undergraduate Grade Appeals Committee through the Office of Academic Affairs. Copies of written materials and petitions presented at the previous steps, along with any written responses received from the department or the college, must be included with the petition at the time of submission. The deadline for submission of a petition is March 15 for grades awarded during the previous fall term, and October 15 for grades awarded during the previous spring or summer terms. The Office of Academic Affairs will forward the petition along with the attached materials to the chair of the Undergraduate Grade Appeals Committee, who will distribute copies to the members of the Committee.
The Committee members shall review the petition and the attached materials and then forward their recommendation to the chair of the Committee about whether a hearing is warranted in this case. If a majority of the Committee does not vote that the case merits a hearing, the grade stands as issued. If a majority of the Committee votes in favor of a hearing, the chair of the Committee shall inform the student and the instructor, and shall arrange a hearing to be attended by the student, the instructor, and the members of the Undergraduate Grade Appeals Committee or their designated alternates. Copies of the Committee’s decision for the hearing shall be sent to the department chair and dean of the college.
Prior to the hearing, the instructor should be given a copy of the student’s petition and supporting materials. If members of the Committee feel that additional factual information is needed prior to or after the hearing to render a decision, the chair of the Committee should inform the Office of Academic Affairs of that request in writing, and that office should make every effort to provide that information in writing to the Committee. At the hearing, first the student and then the instructor will each have the opportunity to present their cases orally and to present any other written materials they deem appropriate. The Committee members shall have the opportunity to ask questions to both the student and instructor. At the end of the meeting, the student and then the instructor shall be given the opportunity for brief closing statements.
The chair of the Committee should inform the student, the instructor, the department chair, the college, and the Office of Academic Affairs of the Committee’s decision in writing within one week of the hearing. If a majority of the Committee agrees that the grade should be changed, the Office of Academic Affairs will notify Student Records of the grade change. Otherwise the grade shall remain as recorded. The decision of the Undergraduate Grade Appeals Committee shall be final.
The Undergraduate Grade Appeals Committee shall be composed of seven
members and seven alternates constituted as follows:
A chair designated by the Vice Provost for Academic
Affairs, a faculty member and alternate designated by the dean of the college involved, two faculty members and two alternates
designated by the Faculty Senate, one student and one alternate designated
by the college, two students and two alternates selected through the Student
Government Association.
Although the primary responsibility of the Committee is to review grade
appeals and assign the appropriate grade in cases where the appeal is upheld,
the Committee shall also report any findings of discrimination or prejudice
to the Office of Academic Affairs for further consideration and possible
action.
COMPUTING GPA
Computation of a student's college-level undergraduate grade point average includes all courses attempted except credit/no-credit, audit, incomplete, developmental, and satisfactory/unsatisfactory courses and "T" grades. As an example: a student carrying five three-semester-hour courses for a total of 15 semester hours makes the following grades: A, B, C, T, F, thus accumulating grade points in the amount of 12, 9,6,0, 0, for a total of 27. To compute the grade point average, divide the number of quality hours (except "T" grade) (12) into the grade points earned (27) for an average of 2.25.
Graduation: A minimum 2.0 grade point average on all work attempted is required for graduation.
Academic Fresh Start
An ACADEMIC FRESH START is provided for undergraduate students who have gained maturity through extended experience outside higher education institutions and have demonstrated better than average academic performance following their return to the University of Memphis. It allows for the calculation of the applicant's grade point average and credit hours toward graduation to be based only on work done after returning to college. Preliminary information and application forms may be obtained from the Office Academic Status and Retention . Requirements to be satisfied by a student requesting an Academic Fresh Start toward a baccalaureate degree are as follow:
· Separation from all academic institutions for at least four years.
· Formal application must be made prior to completion of 24 semester hours of earned graded course work following the readmission or admission to the University of Memphis.
· Developmental studies courses (DSP) will not count toward the 24 semester hours of earned course work.
· The applicant must complete at least 6 semester hours of earned graded course work within one semester.
· Only courses for degree credit may be counted.
· At the time of application for ACADEMIC FRESH START, the student must have a GPA of at least 2.50 for all work attempted after returning to college.
· Formal application describing the academic degree plan must be submitted to the Office of Academic Status and Retention Services.
· After the academic plan is reviewed, the Office of Academic Status and Retention Services will forward the plan to the appropriate college dean for approval.
Upon approval of the college dean, the student will be granted an Academic Fresh Start. It may be granted once. The student’s permanent record will remain a record of all work; however, the student will forfeit the use for degree purposes at the University of Memphis, any college or University credit earned prior to the four-year separation indicated above. The date of the fresh start will coincide with the date of re-entry following prolonged separation, and the permanent record will note that a fresh start was made and the date of the fresh start. The record will also carry the notation, “GPA and credit totals are based only on work beginning with that date.” That date will be treated as the date of entry in determining which Catalog may be used for graduation.
The University of Memphis honors academic fresh start completed at other accredited institutions of higher education.
At The University of Memphis, students' academic status is denoted by one of three conditions:
(l) GOOD STANDING
(2) ACADEMIC PROBATION
(3) ACADEMIC SUSPENSION
Official notification of academic status is by means of the grade report available to each student at the end of the regular semester or summer session. Students can obtain their current semester grades/academic status on Student Self Service at http://spectrum.memphis.edu. Specific questions concerning academic probation/suspension should be directed to the Office of Academic Status and Retention Services, room 200, Wilder Tower. The academic status of probation or suspension will be stated at the end of the report of grades. Policies and procedures related to each of these conditions are outlined in the following comments.
Good Standing
Students are in good standing so long as their overall grade point average is equal to the minimum cumulative GPA required on the sliding retention scale as defined in this policy statement. The term good standing indicates only that students are meeting the minimum standard for retention in the University. However, in order to meet graduation requirements, students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.00.
Academic Probation
A student will be placed on academic probation at the completion of any fall, spring, or summer term when the student’s overall GPA falls below the following:
QUALITY HOURS MINIMUM GPA 14.99 or less No minimum 15.00--29.99 1.40 30.00--50.99 1.70 51.00--67.99 1.90 68 and above 2.00A student on academic probation who withdraws from the University during the first probationary semester will be “continued on academic probation.” Withdrawal by such a student from any subsequent probationary semester will be treated as an academic suspension requiring clearance from the Office of Academic Status and Retention Services for any future registration. Students who are enrolled on academic probation are allowed to register for the following semester. However, students whose grades result in an academic suspension will be automatically withdrawn from the University before classes for that term begin. Students are considered in good standing and eligible to participate in extracurricular and organizational activities sponsored by the University while on probation unless other requirements are specified by a particular group, organization, or activity.
Academic Suspension
Students on academic probation who, at the end of the following term of enrollment, fail to raise their GPAs to at least the required minimum on the Sliding Scale Retention Policy above will be suspended. There is one exception to this policy: students on academic probation will not be suspended at the end of any fall, spring, or summer term during which a term average of 2.00 has been earned.
Students who have been dismissed from the University on academic suspension may apply for readmission only after the following time periods have elapsed. These times are minimum time-periods before which readmission petitions will not be considered by the Office of Academic Status and Retention. Admission decisions after these minimum time-periods will be based on a number of criteria that serve as indicators of a student's prospects for academic success if readmission is granted.
1. A student who incurs a first suspension must remain out of the University a minimum of one regular semester (fall or spring).
2. A student who incurs a second suspension must remain out of the University a minimum of one calendar year.
3. A student who incurs a third suspension must remain out of the University a minimum of three calendar years.
4. A student who has been readmitted following a third suspension and who then fails to meet the retention standards should be aware that he or she may thereby become ineligible for further enrollment at the University of Memphis.
Students on academic suspension who apply for readmission must participate in a counseling interview that is an important part of the readmission decision. There are specific deadlines that students applying for readmission after leaving on academic suspension must observe to make it possible to schedule this interview and allow for appropriate advising and planning to enable the student to be successful if the student is readmitted to the University.
Any course work taken at another accredited college or university will be used in determining eligibility for readmission to the University of Memphis. Students who left the University of Memphis on academic suspension must fulfill all previously attempted high school deficiency and remedial and developmental coursework requirements before they will be considered for readmission at the University of Memphis .
The Office of Academic Status and Retention, Room 200, Wilder Tower , is responsible for the administration of this policy.
Recognition for Academic PerformanceThe University of Memphis recognizes outstanding academic performance in a variety of ways. In addition to those listed below, there are other honors and awards listed in the descriptions of the various honors programs.
The Dean's List is composed of those students enrolled for 12 hours in the fall or spring semesters with a 3.5 grade point average for that semester.
Transitional Academic Studies courses (DSP) are not considered in calculating eligibility for the Dean's List. College level courses used to satisfy high school deficiencies will be considered in the computations to determine eligibility for the Dean's List.
GRADUATION WITH DISTINCTION
Students who intend to achieve Graduation with Distinction must do the following:
3.2500-3.4999 Cum Laude 3.5000-3.7999 Magna Cum Laude 3.8000-4.0000 Summa Cum Laude* The actual conferral of Graduation with Distinction cannot be made until the student's final overall GPA at the University of Memphis has been certified by the College/School. Transitional Academic Studies courses (DSP) are not considered in calculating eligibility for Graduation with Distinction. College level courses used to satisfy high school deficiencies will be considered in the computations to determine eligibility for Graduation with Distinction.
PRIVACY RIGHTS OF PARENTS AND STUDENTS
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, with which the University complies fully, is designed to protect the privacy of educational records, to establish the right of students to inspect and review their educational records, and to provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data through informal and formal hearings. Students also have the right to file complaints with The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Office (FERPA) concerning alleged failures by the institution to comply with the Act.
The provisions for the release of information about students and the rights of students and others to have access to the University of Memphis education records are published in their entirety in the University of Memphis Procedure "Privacy of Education Records” which is available in the offices of the Registrar and the University Counsel.
The University of Memphis accepts transfer credit for college-level courses taken at accredited institutions of higher education. Student petitions for transfer credit for courses completed at institutions that are not regionally accredited are considered on a case-by-case basis. The student must present a petition in writing to the Office of Admissions at the University of Memphis with a list of courses for which credit is desired. The student must provide transcripts from the institutions, documentation from each course that includes the course content, course level, contact minutes, the standards for assessing student work, and documentation of the academic credentials of the course instructor. Based on an examination of these materials and after consultation with the appropriate academic department or college, the Office of Admissions will review the student's petition and provide confirmation of those courses that have been approved for transfer credit.
2. Earning Transfer Credit after Enrollment at the University of
Memphis
After enrollment as regular undergraduates at the University
of Memphis, students should obtain prior approval from the dean of the
college from which they are to graduate before taking a course at another
institution for the purpose of meeting degree requirements at the University
of Memphis. The student who intends to take a course at another institution
should consult with the Admissions Office and obtain forms for use in securing
the dean’s approval. Courses taken without prior approval are subject to
possible disapproval when they are presented for evaluation at the University of Memphis.
Before credit earned at another institution can be transferred
and recorded on a permanent academic record, the student must have an official
transcript from the institution mailed to the Admissions Office and must
contact the college dean’s office to request that the credit be posted.
The maximum credit hour load allowed for any term includes all
course enrollments both at the University of Memphis and any concurrent
enrollment at other institutions. (See “Credit Hours and Maximum Load”)
3. Transfer Credit for Distance Education
Credit from other institutions for distance education courses
taught by independent study, on-line computer instruction, or other methods,
is evaluated in the same manner as transfer credit for classroom-based
instruction. As with other transfer credit, students enrolled as regular
undergraduates must seek prior approval from the dean of the college from
which they are to graduate before taking courses to meet degree requirements
at the University of Memphis.
1. Credit for Selected Secondary School Courses
a. Advanced Placement Credit
The University of Memphis participates in the Advanced Placement
Program of the College Entrance Examination Board. Appropriate credit is
awarded for scores of 3, 4, or 5. Advanced placement credit may also apply
to certain university requirements and to major requirements. Information
about credit awarded may be obtained from the Admissions Office and the
Office of Admissions website.
b. International Baccalaureate Program
The University of Memphis recognizes secondary students’ participation
in the International Baccalaureate Program and awards college credit for
completion of selected courses. To be eligible for credit, students must
earn a score of 4 or higher. Information on credit awarded is available
in the Admissions Office.
2. Credit for Instruction in the Armed Services
An official evaluation of armed services instruction is made
after a student is accepted as a regular undergraduate student. Credit
awarded for completion of service schools will be governed by recommendations
at the baccalaureate level from the current Guide to the Evaluation of
Educational Experience in the Armed Services. DD Form 295 must be presented
to the Admissions Office for evaluation.
Veterans who have completed one year or more of continuous full-time
active military service will receive a waiver of the required physical
activity course, but will be required to take HPRO 2100 Wellness Concepts and Practice. Upon presentation of a copy of the veteran’s report of separation
(DD Form 214) to the Admissions Office, six semester hours of health and
physical education credit will be awarded. Veterans with less than one
year of continuous full-time service who have completed basic training
while on active duty will be awarded credit as recommended in the Guide
to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Forces.
3. Credit for Non-collegiate Sponsored Instruction
Credit is awarded for non-collegiate sponsored instruction offered
by corporations, associations, labor unions, government agencies, and training
providers which has been evaluated by the Program on Non-collegiate Sponsored
Instruction of the American Council of Education and recommended in the
current Guide to Educational Programs in Non-collegiate Organizations.
The Office of Admissions should be contacted for information.
4. Credit by Examination
Credit by examination is awarded based upon standardized examinations
and upon examinations administered by departments of the University for
specific courses and for placement. Students may not take an examination
for credit in a course previously taken for credit, with the exception
of lower division transfer courses that the student wishes to validate
for upper division credit. Students may, however, take an examination for
credit in a course that was audited or in courses at a lower level than
a course taken for credit. Credit by examination may not be used to satisfy
the Computation Intensive, Writing Intensive, and Integration requirements
of the General Education Program.
a. CLEP and DANTES Standardized Examinations
The University of Memphis awards credit for standardized examinations
of the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) of the College Board and
for standardized examinations of the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional
Education Support (DANTES). Credit awarded is based upon credit recommendations
and minimum scores recommended by the American Council on Education. CLEP
and DANTES credit may also apply to certain University requirements and
to major requirements. For information on credit awarded, test dates, and
fees, contact the Testing Center.
b. Departmental Examinations
Almost all courses in the undergraduate curriculum, except for
those with laboratory, research, or performance requirements, are available
for credit by examination. Students who believe that they have already
mastered the material of a particular course offered at the University
of Memphis may take a departmentally administered examination for credit
in that course.
To apply for credit by examination, a student must be enrolled
at the University of Memphis and have a GPA of 2.00 or above. An eligibility
form may be obtained in the Office of the Registrar - Corrections/Analysis.
Permission to take a credit examination must then be obtained from the
chair of the department in which credit is sought and from the dean of
the college in which the student is seeking a degree. Students pay $60
per course, plus $15 per credit hour in excess of three (3) credit hours
per course (see Fees and Charges) prior to taking the exam. To receive
credit, the student’s examination grade should be the equivalent of a "C"
or above. Credit is indicated on the student’s record as CR.
5. Upper Division Credit by Validation Examination
Credit for courses at the freshman or sophomore level is transferred
as lower division credit even though the content may be equated to University
of Memphis upper division (junior/senior) level courses in some cases.
In order to receive upper division credit for a lower division course that
has an upper division equivalent, the credit must be validated through
appropriate departmental examinations, portfolios, or other documentation.
Contact the department to see if this option is available, to make application and to obtain information. There
is no fee for validation examinations.
6. Credit for Course Placement and Completion
Some departments offer the opportunity to receive credit by course
placement and completion for selected courses. Students who receive prior
approval from the department chair may enroll in a University of Memphis
course at the level for which they feel previous instruction or experience
qualifies them. Upon completion of the course, they receive credit for
certain sequential courses numbered lower than the one in which they enrolled.
Recording of credit for the lower numbered course(s) is contingent upon
completion of the higher level course with a minimum grade of "C". Upon
completion of the course, approval of the chair of the department and payment
of fees are required for credits to be recorded. (See Fees and Charges)
In the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature, students
whose first college-level course in a language is 2010 may apply for credit
for 1020 in that language. Students whose first college-level course is
2020 may apply for credit for 1020 and 2010 in that language, and those
whose first college-level course in a language is a 3xxx course in composition
and/or conversation may apply for credit for 1020, 2010, and 2020 in that
language.
Credit for Experiential Learning by Assessment
Students seeking degrees in the College of Communication and Fine Arts,
the College of Education, and University College may be granted credit
for college level knowledge and understanding related to the student’s
major area of study and gained from work experience, life experience, or
non-college instruction. The student who wants an assessment of such learning
prepares a portfolio that describes and documents the learning. Portfolios
are assessed by faculty who teach in that area.
Assessment by portfolio is reserved for knowledge and competencies
which do not readily fit into the credit by examination procedures described
above. More detailed information about procedures may be obtained from
the individual colleges. For fee information, see Fees and Charges.