The Graduate School

Graduate and prospective graduate students are responsible for being thoroughly familiar with the rules, regulations, and degree requirements of the Graduate School and of the academic units, as well as with the Code of Student Conduct.

Course Numbering System

Only non-degree and fully admitted graduate students may enroll in and receive graduate credit for courses numbered according to the following system:

6000-6999—Courses equivalent to 4000 level senior courses for which a limited amount of graduate credit may be earned. Students will be expected to do more work, such as an additional paper or additional higher level readings, to receive graduate credit.

• Students may not receive credit for a 6000 level course if they have credit at the 4000 level.
• 6000 level courses must be taught by members of the Graduate Faculty

7000-7999—Courses open primarily to master's students and taught by members of the Graduate Faculty

8000-8999—Courses open primarily to post-master's students and taught by members of the Graduate Faculty

9000—Dissertation, directed by a full member of the Graduate Faculty

Course Load Limitations

Fifteen semester hours of coursework is the maximum load for students devoting full time to graduate study during regular sessions. The maximum total number of hours of graduate course work for which a graduate student may enroll during the Summer Session is 12.

Those who register for 9 or more hours per semester in the academic year will be considered full-time students. University-funded graduate assistants must register for no fewer than 12 hours credit per semester (or 6 thesis/dissertation hours) in both the Fall and Spring terms.

Requests for overloads must be approved by the director of graduate studies in the student’s college or school. Students in the School of Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology must obtain the approval of the director of graduate studies in that school.

Audit Courses

Students who are admitted to the University of Memphis may register to audit a course with the prior approval of the instructor and the head of the academic unit or designate. Students enrolling on an audit basis do not receive academic credit for that course. Particularly in high-demand courses, academic units 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 to take examinations and do not receive a regular letter grade. The student and the instructor should reach a precise agreement as to the extent and nature of the students participation in the course, including class discussion, projects, and readings. Students auditing a course will receive "audit" (AD) 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 basis to audit or from 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.

Attendance

Requirements for attendance in any graduate course will be determined by the instructor and must be communicated in writing to students in the first class meeting.

Changing a Major or Advancing from a Master's to a Doctoral Program

Students who have previously declared a major but desire to make a change or who wish to advance from a master's program to a doctoral program should apply to Graduate Admissions to begin the process by completing a Change of Status form. A change of major is considered the equivalent of reapplying for admission. All admission requirements of the new major or program must be satisfied before a change can be granted; admission to the new program is not automatic.

Adding and Dropping Courses

Courses may be added or dropped after initial registration for a limited time only. Refer to the Student Calendar at www.enrollment.memphis.edu/registrar/calendars/calendar.htm for appropriate deadlines. Courses may be added late only upon approval of the instructor and the director of graduate studies in the student's college. Students in the School of Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology or University College must obtain the approval of the director of graduate studies in those units. Courses may be dropped after the drop date only when circumstances beyond the student's control make it impossible to complete the semester. Late drops must be approved by the director of graduate studies in the student's college. Students enrolled on a non-degree basis must obtain the approval of the Assistant Vice Provost for Graduate Studies or designee. VA benefits and Title IV funds for enrollment fees are subject to cancellation and immediate repayment if the recipient stops attending, whether or not he/she has dropped a course.

Withdrawal from Graduate School

A graduate student may withdraw from the University after the drop date only when circumstances beyond the student’s control make it impossible to complete the semester. Late withdrawals must be approved by the director of graduate studies in the student's college and submitted to the Graduate School. Students enrolled on a non-degree basis must obtain the approval of the Assistant Vice Provost for Graduate Studies or designee. VA benefits and Title IV funds for enrollment fees are subject to cancellation and immediate repayment if the recipient stops attending, whether or not he/she has withdrawn.

Grading System

Grades

The table below shows the grades that may be awarded with their quality points:

GRADE	QUALITY POINTS	GRADE	QUALITY POINTS
A+	4.00	C+	2.33
A	4.00	C	2.00
A-	3.84	C-	1.67
B+	3.33	D+	1.33
B	3.00	D	1.00
B-	2.67	F	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, practica, internships, theses, and dissertations should be graded "A-F, IP" or "S/U, IP." Courses designated with a "single dagger" in the listing of courses are graded "S" (Satisfactory), "U" (Unsatisfactory), or "IP (In Progress). Those designated with a "double dagger" are graded "A"-"F," or "IP." A grade of "S,""U," or "IP," does not carry any quality points and is not included in computing GPA.

Incomplete: The grade "I" (Incomplete) may be assigned by the faculty member in any course other than those with “IP” grading in which the student is unable to complete the work due to extraordinary events beyond the individual'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 the "I" within 90 days from the end of the semester or summer session in which it was received (see University Calendar), the "I" will change to an "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" grade 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. If a student has an "I" in a course necessary to fulfill degree requirements in the semester in which he or she expects to graduate, the certification process and graduation will automatically be deferred to the next term.

In Progress: In courses with "IP" (In Progress) grading, faculty members may assign "IP" to extend the time permitted for the 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. Students must re-enroll in thesis or dissertation courses but the hours may vary. The final grade will be submitted by the faculty member at the end of the term in which the work is completed.

Thesis/Dissertation Grading: The use of S, U, IP grading for theses and dissertations is different from its use for other courses. The grade of “S” is ONLY awarded when the student successfully defends the thesis or dissertation; the grade of “U” is awarded ONLY when the student fails to defend successfully. Otherwise, the grade of “IP” is awarded to indicate that the student is progressing in a timely manner. Students must enroll for at least 1 thesis or dissertation hour for each semester (except for summer sessions) that they are working on the thesis or dissertation.

Grade Point Average: Graduate students must maintain a 3.0 GPA ("B"). Grades of "D" and "F" will not apply toward any graduate degree, but will be computed in the GPA. No more than 7 hours of "C-," "C" or "C+" will be applied towards meeting degree requirements. Grades earned at another university will not be computed in the cumulative GPA. Grades in courses that are older than the time limitation for degree will be shown on the transcript but will not be included in the computation of the GPA used for graduation. Only courses that have been validated will count toward the degree (see below for validation policy).

Repetition of Courses: A graduate student may repeat a course to earn a higher grade only if the earned grade was lower than a "B" (3.0). No course may be repeated more than once to improve the grade. Only the grade earned in the second attempt will be included in the computation of the cumulative grade point average. A maximum of two courses may be repeated during the student's total graduate career to improve a grade. However, if a student advances to a doctoral program and wishes to repeat a third course at the doctoral level, the student must seek approval from the college director of graduate studies. Students should always check with their advisors before enrolling in a course a second time.

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.

Credit by Examination

In cases where the student has knowledge, but has not taken the appropriate course, the academic units, with approval from the Assistant Vice Provost for Graduate Studies or designee, may offer graduate courses for credit by examination. Total credit-by-examination applied to a student's degree program may not exceed six (6) semester hours. The necessary form is available on-line.

The following regulations govern the granting of credit by examination:

A student enrolled in a degree program (full-time or part-time) who is in good academic standing may make application to take an examination for credit. The student must follow these steps to obtain credit by examination:

• Fill out the top of the form and obtain the signatures of the major advisor, department chair, and college director of graduate studies.
• Pay the fee and attach the receipt to the form.
• Take the form to the department chair, who will sign it after the exam has been taken and a satisfactory grade earned.
  • When the department chair returns the completed form to the Graduate School, the Assistant Vice Provost for Graduate Studies or designee will authorize the posting of the credit to the student's record.
  • The form of the examination, the method of administering it, and the time of examination are left to the discretion of colleges and academic units.
  • To receive credit, the student's examination grade should be equivalent to at least a "B" (3.0). Credit is indicated on the student's record as "S" but is not figured in the GPA.

For additional information about credit by examination procedures, contact the Graduate School Academic Advisor at mstout@memphis.edu or the Graduate School Office.

Course Validation

The University sets time limits on students to ensure that they have reasonably current knowledge in those courses that comprise the graduate program and for which a graduate degree is awarded. When coursework taken at the University of Memphis is too old to be included in a graduate program, the academic unit may allow the student to validate that coursework by examination, subject to the following regulations: The necessary form is available online.

• Only students fully admitted to graduate programs and who are in good standing are eligible.
• Not more than 12 hours of the total credits in a master's program may be validated. Not more than one-third of the total credits in a doctoral program may be validated.
• Only courses with fixed content are eligible for validation. (Independent study, research, special topics courses, and workshops are ineligible.)
• Only those courses still being taught are eligible for validation.

• Fill out the top of the form and obtain the signatures of the major advisor, department chair, and college director of graduate studies.
• Pay the fee and attach the receipt to the form.
• Take the form to the department chair, who will sign it after the exam has been taken and a satisfactory grade earned.
• When the department chair returns the completed form to the Graduate School, the Assistant Vice Provost for Graduate Studies or designee will authorize the posting of the credit to the student's record.
• The form of the examination, the method of administering it, and the time of examination are left to the discretion of colleges and academic units.
• To receive credit, the student's validation grade should be equivalent to at least a "B" (3.0). Credit is indicated on the student's record as "S" but is not figured in the GPA.

Transfer Credit

Credit towards a graduate degree does not transfer automatically. In general, however, graduate work completed at another institution in a program accredited at the graduate level may be accepted in a graduate degree program at the University, with the following provisions. (1) These courses have not been used to earn a previous degree. (2) They relate to the content of the graduate program and/or are comparable to those offered at the University. (3) They do not exceed time limitations set for master's and doctoral programs.

Credit previously earned at another institution must be presented for evaluation no later than the end of the student's second semester of enrollment. Forms are available on-line or from the Graduate School Academic Advisor at mstout@memphis.edu. Only transcripts received directly from an issuing institution are considered official.

Approved transfer credit may be accepted for not more than 12 semester hours of course credit toward a master's or EdS degree. Individual academic units may set more stringent limitations. Credit will be transferred to apply toward a doctoral program upon approval of the student's advisory committee; however, the last thirty semester hours of credit for the doctoral degree must be earned at the University of Memphis. Only the number of dissertation hours accepted by the program toward the degree will be accepted as part of the last 30 hours.

Courses proposed for transfer credit must meet the following two requirements. (1) The Tennessee Board of Regents requires a minimum of 750 contact minutes for each semester credit (2250 for a 3-hour course). (2) The Tennessee Conference of Graduate Schools requires a minimum of 3 hours of class work per week for 3 hours of credit.

Grades earned at another institution will not be computed in the University cumulative grade point average, nor will they be accepted for transfer, unless they are "B" (3.0) or better. No credit will be transferred unless it meets with the approval of the major advisor or program graduate coordinator.

Academic Misconduct

Graduate students at the University of Memphis are expected to observe the regulations and policies that govern the behavior of students as members of this academic community. These regulations and policies are published in the Student Handbook. In particular, graduate students should become familiar with the University's policies on plagiarism in its various forms. Furthermore, term papers may not be used to meet the requirements of more than one course unless approved in advance by both instructors.

The University of Memphis Code of Student Conduct defines academic misconduct as all acts of cheating, plagiarism, forgery, and falsification.

The term “cheating” includes, but is not limited to:

• Using any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes or tests
• Using sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments
• Acquiring tests or other academic material before such material is revealed or distributed by the instructor
• Misrepresenting papers, reports, assignments or other materials as the product of a student’s sole independent effort
• Failing to abide by the instructions of the proctor concerning test-taking procedures
• Influencing, or attempting to influence, any University employee in order to affect a student’s grade or evaluation
• Any forgery, alteration, unauthorized possession, or misuse of University documents

Academic misconduct also includes furnishing false information to a University official, faculty member, or office; or the forgery, alteration, or misuse of any University document, record, or instrument of identification.

The Academic Discipline Committee, a standing University committee appointed by the President, addresses allegations of academic misconduct.

Academic Probation

A graduate student whose cumulative grade point average drops below 3.00 will be placed on probation. A second consecutive semester on probation can result in suspension. Conditions under which continuation in the Graduate School beyond two consecutive semesters on probation will be granted must be recommended by the academic unit and approved by the director of graduate studies in the student's college and the Assistant Vice Provost for Graduate Studies. If, in the opinion of the director of graduate studies, the academic unit, and the Graduate School, the student is not making satisfactory progress toward degree completion, the student will be dismissed from the degree program.

Graduate Faculty

The University of Memphis maintains five levels of graduate faculty: full, associate, affiliate, adjunct, and teaching adjunct. Only full graduate faculty members may chair doctoral committees. Full or associate graduate faculty may chair master's committees. Full members of the Graduate Faculty may direct dissertations and associate members may direct theses in an academic unit other than their own at the discretion of the graduate coordinator and/or the chair of that department. Affiliate or adjunct graduate faculty may be members of doctoral and master's committees in their areas of expertise, but may not chair them. In extraordinary circumstances, a qualified scholar from another institution may apply for Graduate Faculty status as an Adjunct Research Co-Mentor in order to co-chair a student’s committee. No more than one adjunct or affiliate graduate faculty member may serve as a voting member of a student’s committee. Teaching adjuncts may not serve on graduate committees. Membership in the Graduate faculty is required to teach 6000 level courses or above.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools requires that faculty teaching graduate and post-baccalaureate course work have an earned doctorate/terminal degree in the teaching discipline or a related discipline. All graduate coordinators should be members of the Graduate Faculty.

Additional information pertaining to application for graduate faculty status, including the Guidelines and Procedures for Graduate Faculty Status, is available on-line or can be obtained from the Graduate School.

Regulatory Issues

Human Subjects: All University of Memphis faculty, staff, or students who propose to engage in any research activity involving the use of human subjects must have prior approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB). The IRB is responsible for safeguarding rights and welfare of all persons participating in research projects, whether funded or non-funded. Human subjects means a living individual about whom an investigator (whether professional or student) conducting research obtains (1) data through intervention or interaction with the individual, or (2) identifiable private information. Research means a systematic investigation, including research development, testing, and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge. For further information, contact the IRB coordinator in the Office of Research Support Services.

Vertebrate Animals: All uses of vertebrate animals must receive prior approval from the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).

Biohazards: Research involving recombinant DNA, radioisotopes, or other hazardous material must receive prior approval by the Institutional Biosafety Committee.

Privacy Rights of Parents and Students

The University complies fully with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974. This act 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 FERPA Office 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 each semester in the online class listing. A copy of the Act and the University of Memphis Procedure may be reviewed in the offices of the Registrar or University Counsel.