The Graduate School is open to anyone holding a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited college or  university.   Applicants should have completed undergraduate or graduate work of sufficient quality and scope to enable them to pursue graduate study successfully. The University of Memphis offers equal educational opportunity to all persons without regard to race, religion, sex, age, creed, color, national origin, or physical handicap.

Applicants will be required to meet admissions criteria established by the Graduate School in order to enroll in graduate courses. In order to be admitted to a degree program in any academic unit, students will be required to meet any additional standards set by the unit or college.

Individual program requirements described in the Graduate School Issue of the 1999-2001 Bulletin of The University of Memphis are subject to change. Please contact your academic unit or the Graduate School for changes that may occur before publication of the next issue of this Bulletin.  The on-line Bulletin is updated annually.  Applications are available for on-line submission at  www.embark.com.  Self-Managed Application kits for domestic applicants are available from the academic units.  The Graduate School homepage contains program addresses, deadlines, and additional information.  Deadlines and requirements will be different for each program.

Prospective students should check with the appropriate program for specific deadlines.  For admission to a degree program, applicants should allow a reasonable amount of time to elapse for the necessary documents to be processed by the appropriate degree program and the graduate school (approximately three to six weeks from date of receipt of complete application).  International applicants should allow at least four months for the application process. Applicants are urged to apply early to ensure full consideration.

Late applicants may be admitted as graduate non-degree students and as such are not guaranteed regular admission or placement in specific classes.

All applications must be accompanied by a non-refundable application fee ($25.00 for domestic applicants; $50.00 for international applicants), unless previously paid.

Students whose highest degree is from a foreign university must have their credentials evaluated by World Education Services (http://wes.org). Their mailing address is World Education Services; P. O. Box 745; Old Chelsea Station; New York, NY  10113-0745.  In most cases, the document-to-document report is sufficient.

The University of Memphis requires all students born after January 1957 to have had the measles (MMR) vaccination after January 1, 1980, in order to register.  See "Miscellaneous Information" for additional information.

Return completed applications and required credentials to Graduate Admissions, 216 Administration Bldg., The University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee 38152-3370.

See "Admission of International Students" below for details about additional requirements for international applicants.

All credentials become the property of the University and will not be forwarded or returned. Credentials will be maintained in active files for 12 months, after which they will be destroyed.  Candidates must reapply for admission if they wish to be admitted to the Graduate School. The applicant is advised to have all credentials on file well in advance (preferably forty-five days) of the registration period for the term for which application is made.

Admission to Master’s Degree Programs

The following Graduate School admission requirements are minimum standards.  Academic units will select students from this pool of master’s level applicants.

1. Baccalaureate Degree.  The student must provide an official transcript showing that a bachelor’s degree was awarded by an accredited college or university.  The student must have earned an acceptable grade point average. In addition, transcripts from any other college or university attended may be requested. (Students who received bachelor’s degrees from The University of Memphis may disregard this requirement.)  The University considers transcripts received directly from an issuing institution to be official.  Signed and sealed transcripts that have been in the applicant’s possession can be used for admission purposes; however, official transcripts may later be requested. Personal copies are not acceptable as official documents.
2. Entrance Examinations. New applicants to The University of Memphis Graduate School (except to the MALS program) must have taken an appropriate entrance examination within five years of the application date. Contact your program for information on which tests and what scores are acceptable. Scores on MAT exams written in less than 2 month intervals are not acceptable. Test scores must be sent directly to Graduate Admissions from the testing agency. See program descriptions for more information on requirements. Students who apply for admission to a master’s degree program may have the entrance examination waived if (1) the applicant has an earned master’s or equivalent degree from an accredited institution, and (2) the program coordinator concurs.
3. Program Requirements. Many academic units have additional requirements for admission. See program descriptions for more information on requirements.

The Education Specialist degree is designed for the educator-practitioner who desires post-master’s training but who does not wish to earn a doctorate. This program is administered by the College of Education; please refer to the appropriate section of this catalog for a more complete description or contact the dean’s office in the College of Education for additional details.

Admission to Doctoral Degree Programs

The following Graduate School admissions requirements are minimum standards that identify the pool of doctoral level applicants from which each department makes its selection.

1. A Baccalaureate or Master’s Degree as specified by the program:  The applicant must provide an official transcript showing an earned bachelor’s or master’s degree, depending on program requirements, with an acceptable grade point average. The degree must have been awarded by an accredited college or university. The University considers transcripts received directly from an issuing institution to be official.  Signed and sealed transcripts that have been in the applicant’s possession can be used for admission purposes; however, official transcripts may later be requested. Personal copies are not acceptable as official documents.
2. Entrance Examinations: New doctoral applicants to The University of Memphis Graduate School require submission of an appropriate test score on either the GRE or GMAT that is not more than five years old. Contact your program for information on which tests and what scores are acceptable. Test scores must be sent directly to Graduate Admissions by the testing agency.
3. Program Requirements: Some academic units may have additional requirements, such as portfolios, proficiency examinations, auditions, etc. Refer to the appropriate program description in this catalog for details.

Upon the recommendation of the appropriate graduate program coordinator, domestic applicants for a graduate degree whose applications are incomplete may be granted conditional admission status for one semester.  Such applicants must have either an acceptable GPA or an acceptable admissions test score. Students admitted conditionally must furnish an official transcript or an official admissions test score that meets the program's standards by the end of the student's first semester. Students with conditional status may enroll for one semester only for a maximum of nine (9) credit hours of graduate course work. After all admission standards have been met, the conditional student must submit a "change of status" form to be fully admitted to a graduate program. Conditional status does not ensure acceptance into a graduate degree program, nor are conditional students eligible for graduate assistantships. Some academic units and colleges do not admit students on a conditional basis.  International applicants are not eligible for conditional admission.

Readmission

Once accepted into a degree program, a student is expected to enroll every semester thereafter (excluding summer sessions) and make satisfactory progress toward the degree.  A student who does not enroll for one semester must apply for readmission. Submission of an application for readmission does not ensure acceptance. An application for readmission may be rejected or additional requirements may be imposed on the student.  A readmitted student must follow the rules, prerequisites, and degree requirements listed in the most current Graduate Catalog. Students writing a thesis or dissertation or engaged in a culminating project must enroll on a continuous basis until the thesis, dissertation, or project is complete.

Admission of International Students

The University of Memphis believes that the presence of  international students on campus enriches the educational environment for all. The University is authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students on the "F-1" student visa.

Prospective students should check with the appropriate program for specific deadlines. International applicants should file complete credentials at least four months before the beginning of the semester for which enrollment is sought. Applicants are urged to apply early to ensure full consideration.

Complete credentials include all the documents listed above under admission requirements as well as those listed below under "Additional Requirements."

The application should be completed and returned to Graduate Admissions, 216 Administration Bldg., The University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, 38152-3370.  A non-refundable application and processing fee of fifty dollars U.S. (U.S. $50.00) is required of every international applicant, unless previously paid. A check drawn on a U.S. bank or a money order, made payable to The University of Memphis, must be sent with the application form.  Applications received without the application fee will not be processed.

Applications are available for on-line submission at  www.embark.com.  Payment of the application fee is by credit card.

Applicants will be selected on a competitive basis and, therefore, admission will not be granted to all applicants who meet only the minimum requirements. Some academic units may have additional requirements such as portfolios, proficiency examinations, auditions, etc. All transcripts, test scores, and other credentials must be accompanied by an official English translation of these documents and must be on file in Graduate Admissions, AD216, at least four months before the desired enrollment date.

Additional Requirements

In addition to admissions requirements described above, international students must supply the following:

1. Credential Evaluation:  If a student's highest degree is from a foreign (non-US) university, the credentials must be evaluated by World Education Services (http://wes.org). Their mailing address is World Education Services; P. O. Box 745; Old Chelsea Station; New York, NY  10113-0745.  In most cases, the document-to-document report is sufficient. In addition to the WES report, the student must provide an official transcript to Graduate Admissions.
2. TOEFL Scores: All applicants who will be attending the University on a student visa and who are not graduates of The University of Memphis must supply a minimum score of 550 on the paper or 210 on the computer-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Some units, however, require a higher TOEFL score; check program descriptions for specific requirements. Testing locations and other information can be obtained from  www.toefl.org or by writing to TOEFL, Educational Testing Service, Princeton, New Jersey, 08540, U.S.A. All test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency to The University of Memphis, institution code R-1459.
3. Affidavit of Support and Financial Statement: An applicant who holds or will require an "F-1" student visa must supply, on the form provided by the University, sufficient evidence of financial support for the applicant and all members of his/her family who will accompany the applicant to Memphis. This requires that the applicant certify that his/her intent is to attend the University full-time and that no employment, other than assistantships, will be required.
4. Health Certificate:  Within 30 days from the first day of classes, each international student must submit a certificate from a licensed U.S. physician or other qualified U.S. medical authority verifying freedom from tuberculosis. Failure to do so shall result in denial of enrollment. In the event that a student either has tuberculosis or has potential tuberculosis requiring medical treatment, continued enrollment will be conditional upon the determination by a licensed U.S. physician that such enrollment does not present a risk to others and upon the student’s compliance with any medical treatment program.
5. Health Insurance:  All international students must purchase health insurance before they are allowed to enroll.
6. Readmission:  International students who wish to apply for readmission to the University must meet the deadlines stated above.

Combination Senior

An undergraduate senior student at the University of Memphis may earn up to 12 hours of graduate credit while enrolled on a Combination Senior/Graduate Non-Degree basis.  The student must have a total cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 and must have filed with his or her graduation analyst a plan for completing the bachelor’s degree within two semesters.  Eligible students may enroll concurrently in undergraduate and select graduate courses.  Approval to register for graduate credit does not imply approval for admission into a graduate program at the University or that the credit earned will be accepted towards a graduate degree. After the bachelor’s degree is awarded, a Combination Senior/Graduate Non-Degree student must make formal application in order to be admitted to a graduate degree program. Courses taken for graduate credit may not be used for both the baccalaureate and graduate degree.  Combination seniors are not eligible for graduate assistantships.

Graduate Non-Degree

The Graduate Non-Degree classification is for students who wish to enroll in graduate courses but who do not wish to pursue a graduate degree at the University.  Graduate non-degree applicants must show proof of having earned a baccalaureate degree at the time of application. At the end of the first semester of course work, the Graduate Non-Degree student may be required to furnish an official transcript showing at minimum a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Academic units may restrict non-degree students to designated courses. Graduate Non-Degree students who decide to matriculate for a degree must make application to The Graduate School and must meet all admissions requirements. After acceptance into the master’s or doctoral program, the student must complete a minimum of 2/3 of the course credits required in that program regardless of the number of credits completed as a non-degree student. Some academic units count coursework toward a degree only after admission.

Before registering for a second semester of graduate level coursework, the student is required to sign a release agreeing that additional coursework will not apply to degree programs.

Non-degree students must maintain a 3.00 GPA in graduate courses in order to re-enroll and are not eligible for graduate assistantships.

Measles Vaccination

The University of Memphis requires all students born after January 1957 to have had the measles (MMR) vaccination after January 1, 1980, in order to register.  The vaccination is available at the University Health Center for a nominal fee.

Health Services

Limited medical services are available in the University Health Center upon presentation of a valid student identification card. Outpatient medical services, including general clinical evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment; laboratory and X-ray; family planning; and a dispensary are available. Students are charged only for lab tests sent off-campus to a reference lab, for medicines (over-the-counter or prescribed by the center) purchased at the dispensary, and for family planning.

Entrance Examination Information

The GRE, GMAT, PRAXIS I (PSST), and TOEFL can be taken on campus by computer.  Call The University of Memphis Computer Testing Center at (901) 678-1457 to make an appointment.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)—Registration packets for the GRE may be obtained from Graduate Admissions (AD 216), the Graduate School office (AD317), and the Testing Center (HC 111).

Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT)—Registration packets for the GMAT are available in Graduate Admissions (AD 216), the Graduate Studies Office of the Fogelman College of Business and Economics (BA101), and the Testing Center (HC111).

Miller Analogies Test (MAT)—Students who wish to arrange for the MAT should contact the Testing Center (HC 111).

Residency Classification

All determinations concerning the classification of students as in-state or out-of-state for fee purposes are made in Graduate Admissions. The determinations are based on the regulations and guidelines of the Tennessee Board of Regents. The residency guidelines differ from and are independent of guidelines used to determine residency for other purposes such as tax liability, driver's licenses, voting, etc. See "Expenses" for further information.  If, for any reason, there is a question about a student's residency classification for fee-paying purposes, it is his or her responsibility to check with Graduate Admissions in AD216.

Veterans Services

The Office of Veterans Services, as a component of the Office of the Registrar, provides assistance to eligible veterans and dependents who enroll at The University of Memphis. The Office also provides information about a variety of programs and services including Programs of Education and Training, VA Tutorial Services, VA Work Study positions, or VA Educational Loans, as well as counseling and referral for personal, family, career, financial, and educational problems.

Veterans and dependents receiving benefits should be aware that benefits will be terminated for graduate students after two consecutive semesters on academic probation, unless the University approves an academic probation continuation (see "Academic Probation" below).

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 or dropped a course. The instructor will report the last known date of attendance as the student’s "unofficial withdrawal date." Students who stop attending will be assigned a grade of "F" in courses that do not reflect an official withdrawal.

Although advisors are provided for veterans, this assistance does not relieve students of the responsibility for fulfilling all VA and University requirements.

ROTC Programs

Graduate students are eligible to earn a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force by completing 12 semester hours of the AFROTC advanced program in conjunction with their graduate school studies. Applications are accepted during January and February for Fall semester entries.

Graduate students are also eligible to earn a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army by completing 16 semester hours of the ROTC advanced program in conjunction with their graduate school studies.

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.

Course Numbering System

Only non-degree, conditional, 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 and/or to perform at a higher level to receive graduate credit. Students may not receive credit for a 6000 level course if they have credit at the 4000 level.
7000-7999— Courses open primarily to master’s students
8000-8999— Courses open primarily to post-master’s students
9000— Dissertation

Course Load Limitations

Fifteen semester hours of graduate coursework shall be 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 in the academic year will be considered full-time students. University-funded graduate assistants must register for no fewer than 12 semester hours (6 dissertation hours) in each fall and spring term.

Requests for overloads must be approved by the director of graduate studies in the student’s college or school.

Change of Major

Students who have previously declared a major but desire to make a change should apply to Graduate Admissions in AD216 to begin the process by completing a Change of Status form (also available on-line). A change of major is considered the equivalent of reapplying for admission. All admission requirements of the new major must be satisfied before a change can be granted.

Adding and Dropping Courses

Courses may be added or dropped after registration for a limited period of time only. Refer to the University Calendar in the Schedule of Classes for specified dates. Courses may be added late only upon approval of the instructor and the director of graduate studies in the student’s college.

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 student’s participation in the course, including class discussion, projects, and readings.  Students auditing a course will receive "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 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.

Withdrawal from Graduate School

A graduate student may withdraw from the University or drop a course after the drop date only when circumstances beyond the student’s control make it impossible to complete the semester. Late withdrawals and late drops must be approved by the director of graduate studies in the student’s college.  Non-degree students require the approval of the Associate Dean of the Graduate School.

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.

Grading System

Grades

The grades that may be awarded are as follows: "A, B, C, D, or F." Grades used to postpone or suspend course completion include "I" (incomplete), "IP" (in progress), and "W" (withdrawn).

The grades for student teaching, workshops, practica, internships, theses, and dissertations (designated in the listing of courses with †) are "S" (satisfactory), "U" (unsatisfactory), or "IP" (in progress).

Grades other than "A, B, C, and D" do not carry any quality points and are not included in computing GPA.

Incomplete

The grade "I" (incomplete) may be assigned by the instructor in any course in which the student is unable to complete the work due to extraordinary events beyond the individual’s control. 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 term in which it was received (see University Calendar), the "I" will automatically change to an "F," regardless of whether or not the student is enrolled. The instructor may grant a 45-day extension if sufficient extenuating circumstances exist. At the end of the 45-day extension period, the "I" grade will automatically revert to an "F" if the student has not completed the requirements. The student will be certified for graduation when all requirements are met, including the removal of all "I" grades. For students who have an "I" in the semester in which they expect to graduate, the certification process and graduation will automatically be deferred to the next term.

In Progress

Instructors of research courses may record "IP" for "work in progress" to extend the time required for the completion of such research. A final grade of "S" or "U" is filed upon completion of the project.

Grade Point Average

The Grade Point Average (GPA) for graduate students is computed on ALL graduate courses completed within the specified time period for the degree. Graduate students must maintain a 3.0 GPA ("B"). A grade below "C" (2.0) will not apply toward any graduate degree, but will be computed in the GPA. No more than 7 hours of "C" will be applied towards meeting degree requirements. Grades earned at another university will not be computed in the cumulative GPA. Grades in courses which are older than the time limitation for degree (6 years for master’s, 10 years for doctoral) 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 taken more than twice 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 to improve a grade. 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.

Credit by Examination

With approval from the Dean of the Graduate School, academic units may offer graduate courses for credit by examination, provided that total credit-by-examination applied to a student’s degree program does not exceed six (6) semester hours.

The following regulations govern the granting of credit by examination:

1. 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.
2. Permission to take credit by examination must be obtained from the major advisor, department chair, and the director of graduate studies in the student’s college. When permission is granted, and after payment is made for the cost of the examination, the director of graduate studies (or designate) in the student’s college will issue the official permit for the examination. When the department chair returns the completed form to the Graduate School, the Dean will authorize the posting of the credit to the student’s record.
3. The form of the examination, the method of administering it, and the time of examination are left to the discretion of colleges and departments.
4.  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.

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 the University coursework is too old to be included in a graduate program (6 years for masters, 10 years for doctoral), the department may allow the student access to validation procedures subject to the following regulations:

1. Only students fully admitted to graduate programs and who are in good standing are eligible.
2. Not more than one-third of the total credits in the program may be validated.
3. Only courses with fixed content are eligible for validation. (Independent study, research, special topics courses are ineligible.)
4. Only those courses still being taught are eligible for validation.
5. 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. Graded exams must be filed in the college in which the course is offered.

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 graduate 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 not later than the end of the student’s second semester of enrollment.  Forms are available on-line or from the Graduation Analyst (AD309).

Approved transfer credit may be accepted for not more than 6 semester hours of course credit toward a master’s or Ed.S. degree (for exceptions, see the departments of Art and Geography, the Division of Planning, and the IMBA concentration). Credit will be transferred to apply toward a doctoral program upon approval of the student’s departmental advisory committee; however, the last thirty semester hours of credit for the doctoral degree must be earned at The University of Memphis.

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 classwork 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 department 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, available on-line at  www.memphis.edu/stuhand2. In particular, graduate students should become familiar with the University’s policies on plagiarism in its various forms. Additionally, term papers may not be used to meet the requirements of more than one course unless approved in advance by both instructors.

The Academic Discipline Committee, a University standing 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. Two consecutive semesters on probation can result in suspension. Conditions under which continuation in the graduate school 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 Dean of the Graduate School. 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 or associate members of the Graduate Faculty may direct dissertations or theses in an academic unit other than their own at the discretion of the graduate coordinator and/or the chair of that unit.  Affiliate or adjunct graduate faculty may be members of doctoral and master’s committees in their areas of expertise, but may not chair them.  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.

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 or from the graduate directors of the colleges and schools.

Privacy Rights of Parents and Students

The University complies fully with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA).  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 Schedule of Classes. A copy of the Act and The University of Memphis Procedure may be reviewed in the offices of the Registrar or
University Counsel.

Appeals Procedures

Any student has 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 administration of that policy or the office specified in the policy statement.

Grade Appeals and Retention Appeals follow similar procedures.  In each case, the appeal must be begun within thirty (30) class days of the beginning of the semester following the one in which the contested grade or termination was received.  The body being appealed to has fifteen (15) class days to respond and the appellant has five (5) class days to appeal the decision.  These deadlines have been instituted to ensure that appeals will be resolved by the end of the semester following the one in which the contested grade or termination was received. NOTE: The summer sessions are considered as one term for appeal purposes; i.e., the period for appealing is 30 class days from the end of the last summer session.

Comprehensive examinations and dissertation defenses are not grades and therefore grade appeal procedures do not apply.  When failure on comprehensive examinations or dissertation defense results in termination, then retention appeal procedures apply.
 

Grade Appeals

This appeal procedure provides any graduate student at The University of Memphis with a clearly defined avenue for appealing the assignment of a course grade that the student believes was based on prejudice, discrimination, arbitrary or capricious action, or  some other reasons not related to academic performance. In all cases the complaining student shall have the burden of proof with respect to the allegations in the complaint and in the request for a hearing.

The student must institute the appeal process within thirty (30) class days following the semester in which the contested grade was received.  If the instructor, chair, or dean fails to respond to the student’s complaint within the time limits, the Graduate Grade Appeals Committee shall act on the student’s complaint.  If the student fails to pursue any step of the procedure within the prescribed time limits (see steps below), the disposition of the student’s complaint made in the previous step shall be final. The procedure is terminated if the student and the instructor agree on the grade.

A written record of all decisions shall be kept with the file at all steps in the process. Copies of all correspondence and records shall be retained in the office in which the complaint is finally resolved. The original documents shall be forwarded to the Graduate School Office for filing.

All parties must carefully adhere to the following procedure, observing the deadlines.

Step 1

Time Limitation: Early enough to meet the deadline in Step 2.

The student shall first consult with the instructor in an effort to provide a satisfactory resolution of the complaint. In the event 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. If for any reason the instructor is not available, proceed to Step 2. If agreement is reached between the student and instructor, the appeal process ends.

Step 2

Time Limitation: Thirty (30) class days  from the end of the term in which the contested grade was received.

If the complaint is not resolved in Step 1, the student must complete a Graduate Grade Appeal Form (available in PDF format on the Graduate School’s homepage, in the departmental office, or in the Graduate School Office, AD317). This form, accompanied by a written statement detailing the factual basis of the complaint along with the instructor’s written rebuttal, shall be taken by the student to the chair of the department in which the course was taken. The written complaint must be received by the chair within thirty (30) class days from the end of the term in which the contested grade was received. The department chair shall then address the complaint in consultation with the instructor and the student within fifteen (15) days of the date of submission of the written complaint. If the instructor is unavailable, the chair should proceed with the appeal. The department chair may may utilize any resources available to resolve the grade conflict. The chair must provide a written rationale for any decision made, which shall become part of the file.

If the department chair was the instructor of the course involved in the complaint, or if for any reason the chair disqualifies him/herself, the student may proceed to Step 3.

The chair is empowered to change the grade only if he or she finds that the original grade was based on prejudice, discrimination, arbitrary or capricious action, or some other reasons not related to academic performance.

Step 3

Time limitation:  Within five (5) class days after the fifteen class-day period above.

If the complaint cannot be resolved at the level of Step 2 within the prescribed fifteen (15) class days, the student has five (5) class days to request in writing (with a copy to the Graduate School) that the chair forward the complaint to the dean of the college. The chair shall provide the dean with the Graduate Grade Appeal Form, the chair's written rebuttal, a copy of all correspondence and decisions, along with other records pertaining to the complaint.

The dean may utilize any resources available to resolve the grade conflict within fifteen (15) class days. If the dean finds that the request lacks merit, he or she shall notify the student, the instructor, and the chair in writing; the grade shall remain as recorded. The dean is empowered to change the grade only if he or she finds that the original grade was based on prejudice, discrimination, arbitrary or capricious action, or some other reasons not related to academic performance. Otherwise the grade shall remain as recorded. The dean must provide a written rationale for any decision made, which shall become part of the file.

Either the student or the instructor may appeal the dean's decision  within five (5) class days by filing a written request for a hearing before the Graduate Grade Appeals Committee with the Dean of the Graduate School. This request must be accompanied by the Graduate Grade Appeal Form, a copy of all correspondence, including the dean’s written recommendation, and other records pertaining to the complaint.

Step 4

Time limitation:  Within five (5) class days after the fifteen (15) class-day period above.

The written request for a hearing before the Graduate Grade Appeals Committee should state the factual basis for the appeal of the results of Step 3. All supporting documents, including the Graduate Grade Appeal Form, should be included at the time of submission.

The Dean of the Graduate School shall forward the request to the chair of the Graduate Grade Appeals Committee. The chair shall subsequently distribute copies of the request to the members of the committee for consideration. If the Committee finds the student’s or the instructor’s request merits a hearing, the Committee shall notify the student, the instructor, the chair, and the college dean of the date, time, and the location of the hearing. If the Committee finds that the request does not merit a hearing, the student, the instructor, the chair, and the dean shall be so notified in writing.

The Graduate Grade Appeals Committee may utilize any available resources to resolve the conflict within fifteen (15) class days. To hold a hearing, the seven (7) members of the committee (or appropriate alternates) must be present.  The instructor and student will present their cases at the hearing in each other’s presence.  If a majority of the Committee agrees that the grade should be changed because it was based on prejudice, discrimination, arbitrary or capricious action, or some other reason not related to academic performance, the Committee shall notify the Dean of the Graduate School, who shall be empowered to change the grade without the consent of the instructor, the chair, or the college dean. Otherwise, the grade shall remain as recorded. The decision of the Committee shall be communicated to all parties in writing. The decision of the Graduate Grade Appeals Committee shall be final.

The Graduate Grade Appeals Committee shall be composed of seven members and seven alternates constituted as follows:
A chair designated by the Dean of the Graduate School and selected from the graduate faculty; a graduate faculty member and alternate designated by the Dean of the Graduate School; two graduate faculty members and two alternates elected by the University Council for Graduate Studies and Research; three students and three student alternates.

The appeals procedure is not complete until all appropriate records are forwarded to the Graduate School Office. At this time, the Dean of the Graduate School shall notify the Office of the Registrar, Corrections, of any grade change. A copy of the Graduate Grade Appeals Form shall become a part of the student’s file. A permanent record of all grade appeals reviewed by the Grade Appeals Committee shall be maintained in the Office of the Graduate School.

Although the primary responsibility of the committee is to review appeals, the committee will report any obvious discriminatory or capricious conduct on the part of either the student or the instructor to the Dean of the Graduate School for consideration and action.

Retention Appeals

Any action that results in a student being terminated may be appealed under these procedures.  These actions may include a second failure on comprehensive examinations, failure on a thesis or dissertation oral, a second semester on academic probation, or an action of a program retention committee.  Appeals are to be presented and hearings on appeals convened only during periods in which the academic units of the University are in session.

All parties concerned must receive copies of:

1. The requests for a hearing,
2. Notices of the time and location of the hearing, and
3. Disposition of the hearing request in each step of the appeal procedure.

Step 1

A. Time Limitation:  Thirty (30) class days from the end of the semester in which the termination was received.
The student must submit a written request to the department chair for a hearing to appeal termination from the program. The request should state the factual basis for the appeal.

B. Time Limitation: Fifteen (15) class days following the receipt of the complaint.
In consultation with the student and appropriate departmental committee, the department chair will render a decision on the appeal. The student and departmental committee will be notified in writing of the department chair’s decision and reasons supporting the decision.

Step 2*

A. Time Limitation: Five (5) class days following the announcement of the decision by the chair.
The student or the departmental committee may appeal the decision made in Step 1 by filing, with the director of graduate studies in the student’s college, a written request for a hearing before the college council for graduate studies. The request should state the factual basis for the appeal of the chair’s decision and include a copy of the chair's decision.

B. Time Limitation: Fifteen (15) class days following the receipt of the written request.
The college council for graduate studies will notify the student, departmental committee, and chair of the date, time, and location of the retention appeals hearing. If the college council agrees that the student should be reinstated, the council shall be empowered to reinstate the student. The student, departmental committee, and chair will be notified in writing of the college council’s decision and reasons supporting the decision.

 [*In the case of free-standing departments that are not represented on a college council, Step 2 will be omitted and the appeal will be forwarded to the dean of the unit involved.]

Step 3

A. Time Limitation: Five (5) class days after the announcement of the decision by the college council.
If the complaint cannot be resolved at the level of Step 2, the student or the departmental committee may request in writing that the director of graduate studies in the student’s college forward the complaint to the dean of the appropriate college with a copy of the college council’s decision.

B. Time Limitation: Fifteen (15) class days following the written request for appeal.
The college dean may utilize any resources available to resolve the conflict. The chair, the director of graduate studies in the student’s college, the departmental committee, and the student will be notified in writing of the dean’s decision.

Step 4

A. Time Limitation: Five (5) class days following the announcement of a decision by the college dean.
If the complaint cannot be resolved at the level of Step 3, the student or the departmental committee may appeal the decision by filing, with the Dean of the Graduate School, a request for a hearing before the University Council for Graduate Studies and Research. The written request for a hearing must state the factual basis for the appeal and include a copy of the dean’s decision.

If the University Council for Graduate Studies and Research finds that the appeal does not merit a hearing, all concerned parties shall be notified by the graduate dean.

B. Time Limitation: Fifteen (15) class days following the receipt of the written appeal.
If the University Council for Graduate Studies and Research finds that the appeal merits a hearing, it will notify the college dean, the director of graduate studies in the student’s college, the department chair, the departmental committee, and the student of the date, time, and location of the retention appeals hearing. Any available resources may be used by the University Council to resolve the conflict. If the University Council agrees that the student should be reinstated, it shall be empowered to reinstate the student. The Dean of the Graduate School will notify in writing all concerned parties and the student of the decision and reasons supporting the decision.

The decision of the University Council for Graduate Studies and Research shall be final.

Expiration of Catalog

The degree requirements published in the Graduate Bulletin of The University of Memphis are valid for seven years from the beginning of the academic year to which the catalog applies. A student may complete the degree under the provisions of any valid university catalog provided the effective date of that catalog is not earlier than the student’s initial graduate admission to the university or some other accredited institution of higher learning. For students entering in Fall 1999, this two-year issue of the catalog is valid through Summer 2006; for students entering in Fall 2000, it is valid through Summer  2007.
NOTE: Although the requirements for a degree program may be effective for seven years, there are other time limitations relating to the completion of specific degrees within specific time periods. See Time Limitations sections for graduate degrees in the following portions of this chapter.  In addition, the University reserves the right to cancel or alter any part of this bulletin without notice.  The course offerings and academic requirements are continually under review and revision and may be changed or revoked.  The specific courses or activities constituting the degree requirements for any program are subject to substitution at any time prior to completion by the student.  This bulletin is not intended to state contractual terms and does not constitute a contract between the student and The University of Memphis.  The University of Memphis reserves the right to make changes as required in course offering, curricula, academic policies, and other rules and regulations affecting students to be effective whenever determined by the University.  The changes will govern current and formerly enrolled students.  Enrollment of all students is subject to these conditions.  Current information on academic regulations and requirements may be obtained from the Graduate School Office, AD 317.  All courses, programs, and activities described in this bulletin are subject to cancellation or termination by The University of Memphis or the Tennessee Board of Regents at any time.

Graduate Academic Programs

Graduate students are responsible for complying with the general requirements for the degrees they are pursuing as outlined in the Graduate School Bulletin. In addition to the general requirements, students are expected to conform to any additional requirements set by the student’s college or academic unit.

A wide variety of graduate programs of study are offered in The Graduate School at The University of Memphis. Candidates for a degree must design a plan in consultation with their major advisor and then obtain the appropriate approvals.

The University of Memphis offers Master’s degrees, Education Specialist degree, and Doctoral degrees. The Master’s programs are: Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (M.S.), Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (M.A.L.S.), Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.), Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Master of City and Regional Planning (M.C.R.P.), Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.), Master of Health Administration (M.H.A.), Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.), and Master of Music (M.Mu.). In addition, the degrees of Education Specialist (Ed.S.), Doctor of Education (Ed.D), and Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) are offered. The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is awarded in audiology and speech pathology, biology, business administration, chemistry, communication arts, counseling psychology, educational psychology and research, earth sciences, engineering, English, history, mathematics, music, philosophy, and psychology.

Foreign Language Proficiency

A reading knowledge of at least one foreign language is required in several graduate programs. This requirement may be met in one of the following three ways. (1) The student achieves a score on the Graduate School Foreign Language Test (GSFLT) acceptable to the department granting the degree. (2) The student earns a grade of "B" (3.0) or better in designated courses. (3) The student demonstrates a reading knowledge of a foreign language at a level acceptable to either the Coordinator of Graduate Studies or the chair of the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures. For additional information consult the department directly.

Minimum Requirements for Master’s Degree

Course Requirements

The master’s degree program shall generally include 30-36 semester hours of course work, although some require substantially more. Refer to the appropriate program description for specific requirements.  The student’s program must be approved by the major department. A student may be required to take courses beyond the minimum to ensure balance and depth in the discipline.

A minimum of 70% of the total required hours must be provided by 7000 level courses. No more than 9 hours of workshop courses and independent study courses may be applied to a master’s degree.

Additional Program Requirements

Each graduate program listed in this catalog has minimum degree requirements. In consultation with the faculty, the coordinator of each graduate program may specify any additional requirements, such as prerequisites, a reading knowledge of a foreign language, a working knowledge of statistics, or specific courses related to graduate or teaching assistantships.

Time Limitation

All requirements for the degree must be completed in six years. Courses more than six years old will not be allowed as credit toward the master’s degree.

There are no exceptions to program time limits. However, students may request the option of validating old courses as described in the Academic Regulations of this Bulletin.

Grades earned in courses that are older than six years will be shown on the transcript but will not be included in the computation of the GPA for graduation purposes.

Thesis Requirements

Most academic units provide students both a thesis and a non-thesis option (see program descriptions).
A thesis of 3 to 6 semester hours may be presented as partial completion of degree requirements. Students must enroll for thesis credit each academic semester until the thesis is completed.  If a student is writing a thesis, an approved Thesis/Dissertation Proposal Form must be filed with any necessary human or animal subjects approvals before any research is undertaken.

Upon completion of the thesis, the student must successfully complete an oral defense administered by the student’s advisory committee.  All committee members must be present at the examination and the results are determined by a unanimous vote of the committee.  Only one adjunct or affiliate graduate faculty member may serve as a voting member on a master’s committee.  (If the oral exam encompasses both the comprehensive and the defense, the results should be reported separately on the forms provided.)

The final draft of the thesis must be approved by all members of the student’s committee and the Dean of the Graduate School for final acceptance. A copy of that final draft must be submitted to the Graduate School after the successful defense.

The Graduate School requires three copies of the master’s thesis. Consult with your department chair and/or thesis adviser as to the number of additional copies required.

Continuous Enrollment

A student must be enrolled for thesis hours in any semester in which he/she is working with the advisor or using university resources.  Furthermore, a student must register for thesis credit each Fall and Spring semester until the thesis is complete.  Failure to so register will result in the student being charged tuition for each semester he or she did not enroll.

The only exception to this policy is if the student’s major professor is on leave or otherwise unavailable.  In such cases the approval of the appropriate college director and the Dean of the Graduate School is required.  In case of serious medical circumstances, students may request a leave of absence, subject to the approval of the unit graduate coordinator, the college director of graduate studies, and the Dean of the Graduate School.  Retroactive approval will not be granted.

This policy also applies to the three-hour capstone project (PLAN 7986) required for the Master of City and Regional Planning (MCRP) degree and the culminating experience required for the Ed.S. degree.

Thesis Credit

Credit will be posted upon completion and acceptance of the thesis. No more than 6 hours will be allowed for a master’s thesis, even though the student may have been required to register for additional hours in order to maintain continuous enrollment.

If a student elects not to complete the thesis, a retroactive drop (or withdrawal) must be processed for the last term of enrollment in thesis credit to reflect the change of program on the student’s transcript.

Admission to Candidacy

Before an applicant will be officially admitted to candidacy for a master’s degree, the student must have satisfied the following requirements:

1. The "Application for Admission to Candidacy for the Master’s Degree" and an "Intent to Graduate Card" must be filed by the deadline published in the Graduate Bulletin and in the Schedule of Classes and posted on academic bulletin boards on campus. No exceptions will be made if candidacy forms are not submitted by the stated deadlines.
2. If a student is writing a thesis, an approved Thesis/Dissertation Proposal Form must be filed with all necessary human or animal subjects approvals before any research is undertaken.
3. The student must have at least a 3.0 average on all coursework listed on the candidacy forms as well as any other graduate work undertaken at The University of Memphis within the specified time limit (6 years). Grades of "C-," "D" or "F" are not accepted for any graduate degree credit; however, these grades will be computed in the GPA. No more than seven (7) hours of 2.0 will be counted toward degree requirements.
4. Grades earned during the final semester may not be used to correct GPA deficiencies. The student must have at least a 3.0 average in all graduate work at the time the Intent to Graduate Card is filed.
5. The program must include a minimum of 70% of the total required hours as 7000 level courses.
6. All requirements of the Graduate School, the student’s college, and the academic unit must be met.
7. The student’s graduate work up to this point must be acceptable in quality and quantity to the major advisor, head of the academic unit and/or director of graduate studies in the student’s college, and the Dean of the Graduate School.

Comprehensive Examination

Before being recommended for graduation, every candidate for the master’s degree is required to pass a final comprehensive examination. The comprehensive examination should be administered only to students in good standing during the last term of coursework. The exam may be oral or written or both, at the discretion of the academic unit. The result of the exam must be communicated to the Graduate School on the Comprehensive Examination Results form.

It is the student’s responsibility to confer with the appropriate academic unit regarding the time and place of the examination.

A student who does not perform satisfactorily on the first comprehensive examination will be given an opportunity to take a second examination at the next regularly scheduled examination period. The academic unit may recommend appropriate coursework, which the student will take in preparation for retaking the exam.

Results of comprehensive examinations are not course grades and so are not appealable, nor can they be changed after the form has been filed with the graduate school. Students may retake the examination, however. A second failure results in termination, which is appealable. The retention appeals process is formalized and must be followed in all cases.  See the section above on Retention Appeals.

Second Master’s Degree

Students who hold a master’s degree from The University of Memphis may pursue a second master’s degree with a different major or degree if the academic unit accepts them. No more than six (6) semester hours of the first degree may be applied toward the second degree (see exceptions in the M.F.A. in Creative Writing, M.F.A. in Art, M.F.A. in Theatre, and the M.C.R.P.). The second academic unit will determine whether any credit from the former degree will be accepted toward the second degree. Any credit accepted toward the second degree must be within the regular time limit requirements for the master’s degree. Two degrees may be pursued simultaneously or sequentially.

Education Specialist

The Education Specialist degree is designed for the educator-practitioner who desires post-master’s training but who does not wish to earn a doctorate. For additional information, please refer to the College of Education section of this catalog.

Minimum Requirements for Doctoral Degrees

Course Requirements

Doctoral degrees require at least 72 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree; many programs require more.  Specific requirements for the doctoral degree vary with the academic unit; see the appropriate section in this catalog. The student’s program must be approved by the major academic unit. A student may be required to take courses beyond the minimum to ensure balance and depth in the discipline. The last thirty hours of credit must be earned at the University of Memphis.

Additional Program Requirements

Each graduate program listed in this catalog has minimum degree requirements. In consultation with the faculty, the coordinator of each graduate program may specify any additional requirements, such as prerequisites, a reading knowledge of a foreign language, a working knowledge of statistics, or specific courses related to graduate or teaching assistantships.

Time Limitation

No credit earned more than ten years prior to the student’s expected date of completion of the doctoral degree will be applied toward satisfying course requirements for the doctoral degree.

There are no exceptions to program time limits. However, students may request the option of validating old courses as described in the Academic Regulations of this catalog.

Grades earned in courses at The University of Memphis older than ten years will be shown on the transcript but will not be included in the computation of the GPA for graduation purposes.

Residency Requirement

The student must commit to full-time study for a minimum of two successive semesters after admission to the degree program to fulfill the residency requirement. Some academic units do not count the summer term towards residency. The College of Education has an alternative residency program; refer to the appropriate section of this catalog or contact the College for additional information.

Advisory Committee

After admission to the doctoral program, the student will be assigned a major advisor, who must be a full member of the Graduate Faculty, to chair the student’s Advisory Committee.  The unit head, following consultation with the student and major advisor, will approve the appointment of a minimum of three members to the Advisory Committee. This committee will work closely with the student to formulate an approved program of study. Only one adjunct or affiliate graduate faculty member may serve as a voting member on the committee. These appointments will be forwarded to the Dean of the Graduate School.  The advisory committee is not necessarily, but may be, the same as the dissertation committee (see below).

Qualifying Examination

Individuals seeking a doctoral degree may be required to take a qualifying examination administered by the academic unit in which the student wishes to major. The examination may cover specialized and general knowledge of the major area as well as writing skill. The results of the qualifying exam should be used, in part, to plan the academic program. To be eligible to take this qualifying examination, the student must be fully admitted to the Graduate School. Academic units may hold additional requirements.

Comprehensive Examination

When a student in good standing has completed all required coursework for the doctoral degree or is enrolled in the last semester of coursework (exclusive of dissertation hours), he or she must pass a comprehensive examination. This exam must be both written and oral, covering the major and collateral fields of study. Performance must be acceptable to the Advisory Committee (only one dissenting vote is allowed).

Results of comprehensive examinations are not course grades and so are not appealable, nor can they be changed after the form has been filed with the Graduate School. Students may retake the examination, however. A second failure results in termination, which is appealable. The retention appeals process is formalized and must be followed in all cases.  See the section above on Retention Appeals.

A student may register for dissertation hours only after passing the comprehensive examination and submitting an approved Program of Study.

Dissertation Committee
The student will select a dissertation committee (minimum of four members) made up of graduate faculty approved by the head of the academic unit and/or the college director. The chair of the dissertation committee must hold full graduate faculty status. It is strongly recommended that one member be outside the discipline. Only one affiliate or adjunct graduate faculty member may serve as a voting member of a doctoral committee.

Dissertation

An acceptable dissertation is a requirement for all doctoral degrees. The dissertation must represent a significant scholarly effort that culminates in an original contribution to the field of inquiry. It should reflect the candidate’s ability to conduct independent research and interpret in a logical manner the facts and phenomena revealed by the research.

The prospectus or proposal is developed under the guidance of the dissertation committee.  All members of the dissertation committee must approve the prospectus or proposal and the approval form must be filed with the Graduate School.

If human or animal subjects are involved, the appropriate approval forms must accompany the approved Thesis/Dissertation Proposal form.  Approval from the Institutional Review Board must be secured before undertaking any research.

The dissertation must meet the specific regulations of the academic unit in which the student is majoring and the Graduate School. Consult the academic unit for the acceptable format. The final draft must be approved by all members of the dissertation committee and by the Dean of the Graduate School. This final draft of the dissertation must be submitted to the Graduate School after the defense.

A minimum of three copies of the dissertation must be submitted for binding. The dissertation, which will be microfilmed, must be accompanied by an unnumbered abstract of not more than 350 words. The abstract will be published. Fees to cover the cost of microfilming and publishing are specified in Section 3, under "Miscellaneous Fees," and are to be paid by the student.

Continuous Enrollment

A student must be enrolled for dissertation hours in any semester in which he/she is working with the advisor or using university resources.  Furthermore, doctoral candidates must register for dissertation credit each academic semester (fall and spring) until the dissertation is completed.  See individual academic units for specific requirements.  Failure to so register will result in the student being charged tuition for each semester he or she did not enroll.

The only exception to this policy is if the student’s major professor is on leave or otherwise unavailable.  In such cases the approval of the appropriate college director and the Dean of the Graduate School is required.  In case of serious medical circumstances, students may request a leave of absence, subject to the approval of the unit graduate coordinator, the college director of graduate studies, and the Dean of the Graduate School.  Retroactive approval will not be granted.

Dissertation Credit

Credit will be posted upon the completion and acceptance of the dissertation. No more than the maximum number of semester hours for dissertation accepted by the academic unit will be counted towards the degree, even though the student may have registered for additional hours in order to maintain continuous enrollment.

Admission to Candidacy

Before an applicant will be officially admitted to candidacy for a doctoral degree, the student must have satisfied the following requirements:

1. The "Application for Admission to Doctoral Candidacy" and an "Intent to Graduate Card" must be filed by the deadline published in the Graduate Bulletin and in the Schedule of Classes, and posted on academic bulletin boards on campus. No exceptions will be made if candidacy forms are not submitted by the stated deadlines.
2. An approved Thesis/Dissertation Proposal Form must be filed with any necessary human or animal subjects approvals before any research is undertaken.
3. The student must have at least a 3.0 average on all coursework listed on the candidacy forms as well as any other graduate work undertaken at The University of Memphis within the specified time limit (10 years). Grades of "C-," "D," or "F" are not accepted for any graduate degree credit but these grades will be computed in the GPA. No more than seven (7) hours of 2.0 will be counted toward degree requirements.
4. Grades made the final semester may not be used to correct GPA deficiencies. The student must have at least a 3.0 average in all graduate work at the time the Intent to Graduate Card is filed.
5. All coursework offered for the doctoral degree must have been completed within 10 years.
6. The student’s entire program, including the dissertation, must be acceptable to the dissertation committee, the head of the academic unit and/or director of graduate studies in the student’s college, and the Dean of the Graduate School.

Defense of Dissertation

After the completion of the dissertation and all other prescribed work for the degree, candidates will be given a final oral examination dealing with the dissertation and its relation to the candidate’s major field of study. The student’s dissertation advisory committee will conduct this exam. All members must be present at the examination. If the student’s performance on this examination is satisfactory as judged unanimously by the committee, all requirements for the degree will have been completed.

Graduate teaching and research assistantships are available in most of the academic areas of The University of Memphis, requiring 10-20 hours of service per week. Most assistantships are provided by the student’s home academic unit.  Graduate assistants who work at least 10 hours per week are classified as in-state students for fee-paying purposes for the term of their appointment as graduate assistants only.  Graduate assistantship contracts filed by the fourth day of class are eligible for a scholarship equal to the amount of tuition and fees. University supported graduate assistants are expected to carry a 12-credit-hour load every semester, or 6 hours if they are registered for thesis/dissertation credits. Nonresident assistants appointed for the preceding spring semester are eligible for in-state fees for summer, whether or not the student holds an assistantship in that summer term. Graduate assistants must maintain a 3.0 GPA to retain their assistantships.  Non-degree and conditional students may not be awarded an assistantship.

Graduate student fellowship and award information can be obtained on the Graduate School homepage or in the Office of the Dean of the Graduate School, AD 308.   The following awards and fellowships are administered by the Graduate School and require maintenance of at least a 3.5 GPA (except the TBR Minority Fellowship):

The Van Vleet Memorial Doctoral Award is granted to two or three incoming doctoral students enrolled in the designated science fields of Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Microbiology & Molecular Cell Sciences, Psychology, Biomedical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. Eligible students must be nominated by the head of their respective academic unit. The award includes a stipend of $16,000 per year for four years plus tuition waiver.

The Provost's Predoctoral Diversity Award is granted to two or three outstanding entering doctoral students who are members of a group underrepresented as doctoral students in their academic discipline. Eligible students must be nominated by the head of their respective academic unit. The award includes a stipend of $16,000 per year for four years plus tuition waiver.

The Tennessee Board of Regents Graduate Minority Fellowshipis available to a few selected African American residents of Tennessee who are fully admitted to a graduate program. Preference is given to students in programs where African Americans are underrepresented. The fellowship is awarded for two years and provides a tuition waiver and a stipend of $6,000 for full-time students and $1,000 for part-time students.

The University of Memphis Society, Inc., Doctoral Fellowship, established by UMS, Inc., annually awards a $2,000 fellowship to a full-time doctoral student based on exceptional academic achievement.

The Part-time Master's Fellowships are awarded annually to ten entering master’s students.  Awardees will receive $1,500 ($750 per semester; this award does not include a tuition waiver) and must maintain a 3.5 GPA to receive the second semester funding.  These awards are limited to one year.
 
 

Applications for the following fellowships should be submitted to the unit listed:

The Fogelman College Of Business And Economics

Arthur Anderson and Company Scholarship: Graduate student pursuing Masters in Accounting. Must have minimum GPA of 3.5.

Business and Economic Alumni Chapter Scholarship: Full-time graduate student; must have minimum GPA of 3.5. Financial need is considered.

Charles Greisbeck Scholarship: Full-time student majoring in accounting. Must have a minimum GPA of 3.5. Student must have exhibited leadership skills.

Humko Doctoral Fellowship: Third-year Business Administration doctoral student concentrating in Marketing.

John Malmo Scholarship: Full-time student concentrating in Marketing. Must have a minimum GPA of 3.5.

Morgan Keegan Scholarship: Full-time or part-time student majoring in finance. Must have a minimum GPA of 3.5.

Dr. G. P. Racz Leadership Fellowship: Full-time student majoring in accounting or international business. Must have a minimum GPA of 3.25. Must have exhibited leadership; may be a graduate assistant.

R. Eugene Smith Scholarship: Graduate student in higher education management, with a GPA of 3.0. Must be a U. S. citizen.

Mark Sowards Memorial Scholarship Fund: Full-time graduate student. Must have a minimum GPA of 3.5. Must have an intent to enter into the field of real estate.

Stacey Steckler Sprinkler Scholarship: Full or part-time student majoring in accounting with a minimum GPA of 3.5. Financial need is considered.

Tilson Real Estate Fellowship: Full or part-time student majoring in real estate with a minimum GPA  of 3.5.

The College Of Education

The Dr. R. Eugene Smith Fellowship equivalent to in-state tuition is awarded annually to a graduate student pursuing studies in higher education administration.

The George W. Etheridge Early Childhood Education Scholarship is a three-year award presented to an early childhood doctoral student who has research experience; demonstrates academic, professional, or civic leadership; and is interested in young children.

The School Of Audiology And Speech-Language Pathology

The AUSP Alumni Chapter Fellowship is awarded each spring semester to a graduate student in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. The recipient must demonstrate outstanding clinical skills and support of student and departmental activities.

The Marion G. Evans/Exchange Club of East Memphis Fellowship is awarded annually to graduate students training to work with the hearing impaired.

The Herff College Of Engineering

The Herff Engineering Fellowship is a $8,500, one-year, non-renewable award for graduate students in Engineering.

The Herff Engineering Doctoral Fellowship is a $15,000 per year, three-year award for graduate students in Engineering pursuing a Ph.D. degree in which the research emphasis is in an area related to Biomedical Engineering.

Limited federal assistance, in the form of Stafford Loans or Perkins Loans, is also available. Contact the Office of Student Aid at (901) 678-2303 for more information.

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 or dropped a course. The instructor will report the last known date of attendance as the "unofficial withdrawal date." Students who stop attending will be assigned a grade of "F" in courses that do not reflect an official withdrawal.

Each department serving graduate students within the various colleges will select a representative to serve on various University committees. These students will then choose one to serve as a representative to the University Council for Graduate Studies and Research. They will choose six students to serve on the Graduate Grade Appeals Committee (three regular and three alternate representatives) and on other University committees. Activities include a new student orientation, teaching workshops, special speakers and events, and an annual graduate student research forum.