Mar 29, 2024  
2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Academic Regulations


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Appeals

Students have the right to appeal decisions made by University officials in the implementation of University policy. If a student feels that individual circumstances warrant an appeal, the request for appeal must be filed in the University office responsible for the implementation of that policy or the office specified in the policy statement.

Class Attendance

Instructors may use class attendance in computing grades. If they choose to do so, they must present all students attending the first and second class meetings with a complete written statement of their policy, detailing the weight of attendance in determining the final grade.

A student who is absent from the final examination without the permission of the teacher incurs a grade of “F” on the examination and may, depending on the weight of the examination in determining the final grade, incur a grade of “F” for the course.

Instructors will report to the Office of the Registrar all students who have not attended any class meetings during the first two weeks of classes (fall/spring) or the first week of classes (summer). About 2-3 weeks into both the fall and spring semesters, instructors will begin recording attendance. This is required for financial aid and veteran service reporting. After this process is underway, the Registrar’s office will notify all students to check their reported attendance. Students accept both fee and grade liability at the time of registration. Students who do not attend classes are responsible for processing an official drop/withdrawal on Student Self Service. In order to avoid fee or grade liability, students must drop/withdraw prior to the first day of classes for the session in which the course is taught.

Students who receive VA benefits or Title IV funds (federal financial assistance) for enrollment fees but who stop attending, may have current and future awards canceled and may have to repay benefits immediately, whether or not they officially withdraw or drop courses. Furthermore, students who stop attending will be assigned a grade of “F” in courses from which they have not officially withdrawn. Instructors report the last known date of attendance as the student’s “unofficial withdrawal date.”

Adding and Dropping Courses

After the official registration period is over, students may make adjustments in their schedules through the process of adding and/or dropping courses. Courses dropped through the 14th calendar day of sessions seven weeks or longer or the 7th calendar day of sessions shorter than seven weeks will not be shown on the student’s permanent record. Courses dropped after these days will be shown on the permanent record with withdrawal grades of “W”. A student may drop any course or courses up through the last day to drop specified in the University Calendar for that session. Requests for exceptions must be made by the end of the next regular term following the term in which the grade was assigned, and normally only as part of a request for withdrawal from the University. Exceptions are made only by the dean in the college in which the student is earning a degree, or by the dean’s designee, and only on the basis of such extenuating circumstances as serious personal illness and relocation because of employment. To stop attending a class without officially dropping the course incurs the grade of “F.”

A course may be added late only upon permission of the dean or designee in the college of the student’s major, or the Academic Counseling Center for undeclared students. The student must also have the written permission of the course instructor.

Late Registration Policy

The University of Memphis allows late registration for a short period of time after the Regular Registration period has ended. The dates and deadlines vary by semester and can be determined by consulting the appropriate semester within the “Dates & Deadlines” calendar of the University’s academic calendar. This policy only applies to students whose Academic Status is Good Standing or Academic Warning.

Students on Academic Probation, transferring on Probation, or returning from Academic Suspension, who are admitted to the University of Memphis but have not enrolled in classes, must be registered for classes prior to the first day of class. Research on the impact of registering late for classes has generally concluded that late registrants have higher course withdrawal rates, lower grade point averages, and lower retention rates. In an effort to retain students, improve academic success, and decrease the number of students placed on Academic Suspension, the University of Memphis recognizes that registering before classes begin is essential to promoting those goals.

Withdrawal From University

Any student who wishes to officially withdraw from the University may do so on the web, or in person through the Office of the Registrar in Student and Faculty Services, room 003, Wilder Tower. Failure to officially withdraw will result in grades of “F” for the courses in which the student is enrolled.

NOTE: Withdrawal is not permitted beyond the last day to withdraw specified in the University Calendar for that term or session. Requests for exceptions must be made by the end of the next regular term following the term in which the grade was assigned. Exceptions are made to this policy only in cases of such extreme circumstances as serious personal illness and relocation because of employment. Withdrawal requests after the deadline should be filed in the dean’s office of the student’s major college or the Academic Counseling Center for students with no declared major.

Enrollment Transactions

Enrollment transactions include registration, adding and dropping courses, and withdrawing from the university. The official date shall be the date that the request is submitted to the Office of the Registrar, subject to the final review and approval of the Vice Provost for Enrollment Services. If the final review reveals any apparent violation of the University’s academic regulations and/or contractual relationships between the University and the student, the Vice Provost for Enrollment Services has the authority to suspend the transaction pending joint review with the college dean, the department chair, and the student’s academic advisor. If the joint review verifies the legitimacy of the transaction, the official date will be that originally established. If the joint review culminates in a finding that academic regulations and/or contractual relationships have been violated, the entire transaction may be permanently invalidated.

Classification of Students

Classification of students is based on the number of college level credit hours earned as shown in the following table.

Classification Semester Hours
Freshman 0-29
Sophomore 30-59
Junior 60-89
Senior 90 or more
Special Students not working on a degree

In order to avoid a possible delay in graduation, students who have completed the required number of hours to be classified as juniors but who have not completed their basic requirements in the Lower Division should schedule these uncompleted requirements during the first semester in which such courses are available.

Credit Hours, Full-Time Classification, and Maximum Load

The unit of credit at the University of Memphis is the semester hour. A semester hour is defined as the credit earned for the successful completion of one hour per week in class for one semester; or two to three hours per week of laboratory for one semester. (A course which gives three semester hours credit will normally meet for three lecture or recitation hours per week, or for two lecture or recitation hours and two-three laboratory hours per week; or for some other combination of these.) Each lecture hour presupposes a minimum of two hours preparation on the part of the student.

The minimum credit hour load for classification as a full-time student is 12 credit hours for a term (all sessions combined for fall, spring, or summer). The maximum loads are found on the maximum credit load page by clicking here. The maximum credit hour load includes all course enrollments for any term, both at the University of Memphis and any concurrent enrollment at other institutions. It does not include credit by examination. No student is permitted to enroll for correspondence or extension courses while carrying a maximum credit hour load.

Maximum Credit Hour Load

  Maximum Hours*
Fall or Spring 20.5
Summer 23
Individual Session Maximums
First or Second Fall or Spring 10
First or Second Summer 9
Full Summer 16

Enrollment of less than 12 hours total (all sessions) for any Fall, Spring, or Summer term is defined as being less than full-time. Maximum hours should not exceed individual session limits or the term maximum.

* Students must have approval from the appropriate official in their degree-granting college for hours in excess of the maximum.

NOTE: ID card validation of full-time for student activity purposes is based on a minimum of six credit hours per semester and does not necessarily constitute a full-time academic load.

Academic Standards - Grades and Quality Points

Grades and Quality Points

At the end of each session, instructors report to the Office of the Registrar the standing of all students in their classes. The grade of a student in any course is determined by class standing and examination, combined in such proportion as the instructor in charge of the course may decide. The instructor’s grading scale will be provided to students on the course syllabus.

The instructor’s evaluation of the student’s work is expressed by the following grades which are converted to quality points for the purpose of averaging grades.

Grade Quality Points
A+ 4.00
A 4.00
A- 3.84
B+ 3.33
B 3.00
B- 2.67
C+ 2.33
C 2.00
C- 1.67
D+ 1.33
D 1.00
F 0.00
W (Withdrew) 0.00
I (Incomplete) 0.00
NR, None Reported 0.00
NC, No Credit 0.00
*IP, In Progress 0.00
*S, Satisfactory 0.00
*U, Unsatisfactory 0.00
AU, Audit 0.00
CR, Credit 0.00

*Grades used to postpone or suspend course completion include “I” (Incomplete), “IP” (In Progress), and “W” (Withdrawn).

Independent studies courses, student teaching, workshops, practical, and internships should be graded “A-F, IP” or “S/U, IP.” A grade of “S,” “U,” or “IP” does not carry any quality points and is not included in computing GPA. All courses for which the student is registered are recorded as passed (with a letter grade), failed, dropped, withdrew, audit, credit, no credit, satisfactory, unsatisfactory, or incomplete. In no case is credit allowed in any course for which the student is not properly registered.

Grade of Incomplete: The grade of “I” (Incomplete) may be assigned by the faculty member in any course in which the student is unable to complete the work due to extraordinary events beyond the student’s control that are acceptable to the faculty member. The “I” may not be used to extend the term for students who complete the course with an unsatisfactory grade. Unless the student completes the requirements for removal of “I” within 45 days from the end of the semester or summer term in which it was received (see University Calendar), the “I” will be changed to “F,” whether or not the student is enrolled. The faculty member, with the approval of the department chair, may grant up to a 45-day extension if sufficient extenuating circumstances exist. At the end of the extension period, the “I” will automatically revert to “F” if the student has not completed the requirements. The student will be certified for graduation only when all requirements are met, including the removal of “I” grades. For students who have an “I” in a course required to fulfill degree requirements in the semester in which they expect to graduate, the certification process and graduation will automatically be deferred to the next term.

In Progress: In courses with “In Progress” (IP) grading, faculty members may assign “IP” to extend the time permitted for completion of research or course requirements. A student awarded an “IP” grade must re-enroll in the course for the same number of hours to complete the work. The final grade will be submitted by the faculty member at the end of the term in which the work is completed. This should be the semester following the “IP” grade.

Grade Changes: Grades properly issued in a course by the faculty member of record will not be altered except when an error was made in computation or reporting or as a result of a formal grade appeal. A grade other than “I” 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.

Grade Reports

Current semester grades may be obtained on Student Self Service. Grades are normally available by the Thursday after the last day of the exam period for the session.

Withholding of Grade Reports

The University is required by State law to withhold grade reports, transcripts and diplomas from students who have outstanding financial obligations to the University. When financial obligations have been resolved, students may obtain their grades on Student Self Service.

Repetition of Courses

A student may repeat most courses in an attempt to improve the grade previously earned. There are some courses that may not be repeated for this purpose. Information concerning these courses may be obtained from the office of the chair of the department in which the course is offered. In some degree and major programs, there are restrictions on course repetitions even after drops or withdrawals. The student should always check with the major advisor before enrolling in a course a second or subsequent time(s).

The University is not obligated to allow substitutes for repetition of courses which have been deleted from the curriculum. Credit by examination may not be used for the purpose of improving a grade previously earned in a course taken for credit.

Grades earned in the second and each subsequent attempt will count towards the student’s GPA. However, only earned hours from the final attempt are counted in the cumulative earned hours.

A student may not attempt the same course more than three times. Exceptions to this policy will be granted only on appeal to the dean of the college in which the course is offered.

The record will continue to reflect grades for all attempts of repeated courses with the appropriate repeat notations.

Courses repeated after a degree is awarded may not be used to replace grades earned prior to the awarding of the degree.

The Office of the Registrar’s website gives detail information on how GPA and earned hours are computed on courses that have been repeated. This page can be accessed here.

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 department chair. Students enrolling on an audit basis do not receive academic credit for that course. Particularly in high-demand courses, departments should make sure that students who need these courses for degree credit can be accommodated before they issue permits for audits. Audits should not be used simply as a vehicle for obtaining access to laboratory or studio facilities.

Auditors are not required to take examinations and do not receive a regular letter grade. There should be a precise agreement between the student and the instructor as to the extent and nature of the student participation in the course, including class discussions, projects, and readings. Students auditing a course will receive “AU” (Audit) on the transcript only if they have attended regularly and participated according to the prior agreement with the instructor.

A student may not change from a grade point to an audit or from an audit to a grade point basis after the last day to add classes for that session. Any questions concerning this policy should be referred to the colleges.

Fees for audits will be assessed on the same basis as fees for credit courses.

Credit/No-Credit Courses

The University, wishing to encourage students to broaden their range of interest without jeopardizing their grades, allows students who have earned at least 60 semester hours with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 to enroll in credit/no-credit courses. For this purpose, students may take up to 8 hours of coursework on a credit/no credit basis provided that these courses are unrestricted electives. Specifically excluded are general education, college, major and degree requirements and requirements for a minor. A student taking a course on a credit/no-credit basis must meet the prerequisites for that course as set forth in the Catalog, or have permission of the instructor.

  • Neither a credit nor a no-credit grade is counted in a student’s grade point average, but, like all other grades, is entered on the permanent record.
  • Credit (CR) grade is given for “C-” or better work on the traditional grading scale and no-credit (NC) is given for less than “C-” work.
  • The student only receives credit in the course if credit (C- or better) is received.
  • A student may not repeat a course for credit/no-credit if the student received a conventional grade (A-F or S).

Students who transfer from one college to another should be aware that credit/no-credit hours may be accepted in one college and not in another. In every instance, approval to register for a course on a credit/no-credit basis must be obtained from the advisor and the dean of the student’s degree-granting college prior to registration for that class.

With approval, a student who registers for a course on a credit/no-credit basis may change the registration to a letter grade point basis only during the add period, and a student who registers for a course on a letter grade point basis may change the registration to a credit/no-credit basis only during the add period for the term or session of the course. The student who successfully completes a credit/no-credit course will receive the appropriate number of hours as credit toward graduation. These hours will not be used in the computation of the grade point average.

Undergraduate Grade Appeal Procedure

Purpose of the Undergraduate Grade Appeals Procedure

The responsibility for evaluating student work and assigning grades lies with the instructor of the course. The purpose of the grade appeal procedure is to provide a review process 1) for a student to understand the reasons why the grade was assigned, 2) for the instructor to become aware of and correct possible errors, 3) for appropriate supervisors at the department and college level to review the basis on which a grade has been awarded and to correct cases in which a grade is determined to have been assigned based on arbitrary or capricious action, or other reasons not related to academic performance. If, after departmental and college review, the grade is still in dispute, an appeal may be submitted to the Undergraduate Grade Appeals Committee, which consists of faculty and student representatives, for final resolution.

In all cases of a disputed grade, the student has burden of proof that the grade assigned was not appropriate. If the case has not been resolved at the student/instructor level, then the student should submit a written petition that would include a copy of the syllabus along with copies of any tests, quizzes, assignments or other written work completed and graded as part of the class requirements to the appropriate step of review. At each step of further review, copies of any previously submitted materials and any written responses to those petitions should be included.

It is important to distinguish grounds for grade appeal from questions about quality of instruction. Successful grade appeals should be based on evidence that the student performed at a level sufficient to warrant a different grade. It is important for students to bring to the instructor’s and the department’s attention perceived deficiencies in instruction, but these by themselves do not normally warrant a change in grade. For a successful grade appeal, the student should be able to show, for example, not that the student could have earned a grade of “B” under different circumstances, but rather that the student actually did earn a grade of “B” according the standards set out on the syllabus for that course, but was assigned a lower grade. If, in the opinion, of the department or the college, deficiencies in instruction are so grave as to warrant an alternative accommodation, then the proper remedy will normally involve alternative assignments or examinations to allow the student the opportunity to demonstrate the appropriate level of competency in that area to earn a different grade than the grade originally assigned. The decision about these cases should be made at the departmental or college level. In disputed cases where the appeal is based primarily upon perceived quality of instruction, the Undergraduate Grade Appeals Committee has the option of referring the case directly to the Vice Provost for Academic Innovation and Support Services.

Procedures

A student wishing to appeal a grade must follow Steps 1-4 listed below. (The deadlines listed below apply to the dates when classes are in session during the fall or spring semesters.) If a student fails to observe the deadlines, the decision made in the previous step will be final. If a department or college fails to respond to the student’s complaint within the deadline, the student should contact the Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Innovation and Support Services. The deadline for filing the appeal should be extended appropriately to ensure that the student retains the opportunity to pursue the appeal at the next step. All correspondence and records will be retained in the office in which the complaint is resolved.

Step 1: The student should first consult with the instructor, at the latest within two weeks of the beginning of the subsequent fall or spring semester, in an effort to provide a satisfactory resolution of the complaint. If the student cannot schedule a meeting with the instructor, the student may contact the department chair, who will schedule the meeting between the student and the instructor. The only exception to this step is the case in which the instructor is unavailable. In this case, the student may proceed directly to Step 2.

Step 2: If the complaint is not resolved in Step 1, the student may present the complaint in writing by the end of the third week in the semester to the chair of the department in which the course was offered. Included in the petition the student should attach the appropriate materials described above, and if available, the instructor’s written explanation for the assigned grade. The department chair will attempt to resolve the complaint in consultation with the instructor and the student. The department chair will provide a written response to the student within two weeks from the time the written complaint has been received. If the department chair was the instructor of the course, the student may proceed directly to Step 3.

Step 3: If the complaint has not been resolved at the departmental level, the student may appeal further by presenting a written petition to the dean of the college in which the course was offered, along with a copy of the materials presented at the previous stage and any written responses received from the department. At the latest, this petition should be presented within one week after the departmental response. Within two weeks of the time the complaint was received, the dean may use any resources available to resolve the conflict.

If the dean finds that the request does not have merit, the dean shall notify the student in writing, with copies sent to the instructor and the department chair. If the dean and the department chair agree that the grade should be changed, the dean shall be empowered to change the grade without the instructor’s consent. Either the student or the instructor may appeal this decision in Step 4. If the dean and the department chair do not agree, the dean shall present his or her view in writing to the student, with copies to the instructor and the department chair, so that the student may include that information in an appeal to the Undergraduate Grade Appeals Committee for final resolution of the complaint.

Step 4: If the complaint has not been resolved through the previous steps, the student may present a grade appeal petition addressed directly to the Undergraduate Grade Appeals Committee through the Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Innovation and Support Services. Copies of written materials and petitions presented at the previous steps, along with any written responses received from the department or the college, must be included with the petition at the time of submission. The deadline for submission of a petition is March 15 for grades awarded during the previous fall term, and October 15 for grades awarded during the previous spring or summer terms. (The Grade Appeals Committee does not meet during summer months.) The Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Innovation and Support Services will forward the petition along with the attached materials to the chair of the Undergraduate Grade Appeals Committee, who will distribute copies to the members of the Committee.

The Committee members shall review the petition and the attached materials and then forward their recommendation to the chair of the Committee about whether a hearing is warranted in this case. If a majority of the Committee does not vote that the case merits a hearing, the grade stands as issued. If a majority of the Committee votes in favor of a hearing, the chair of the Committee shall inform the student and the instructor, and shall arrange a hearing to be attended by the student, the instructor, and the members of the Undergraduate Grade Appeals Committee or their designated alternates. Copies of the Committee’s decision for the hearing shall be sent to the department chair and dean of the college.

Prior to the hearing, the instructor should be given a copy of the student’s petition and supporting materials. If members of the Committee feel that additional factual information is needed prior to or after the hearing to render a decision, the chair of the Committee should inform the Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Programs of that request in writing, and that office should make every effort to provide that information in writing to the Committee. At the hearing, first the student and then the instructor will each have the opportunity to present their cases orally and to present any other written materials they deem appropriate. The Committee members shall have the opportunity to ask questions to both the student and instructor. At the end of the meeting, the student and then the instructor shall be given the opportunity for brief closing statements.

The chair of the Committee should inform the student, the instructor, the department chair, the college, and the Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Innovation and Support Services of the Committee’s decision in writing within one week of the hearing. If a majority of the Committee agrees that the grade should be changed, the Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Innovation and Support Services will notify Student Records (Registrar’s Office) of the grade change. Otherwise the grade shall remain as recorded. The decision of the Undergraduate Grade Appeals Committee shall be final.

The Undergraduate Grade Appeals Committee shall be composed of seven members and seven alternates constituted as follows:

A chair designated by the Vice Provost for Academic Innovation and Support Services, a faculty member and alternate designated by the dean of the college involved, two faculty members and two alternates designated by the Faculty Senate, one student and one alternate designated by the college, two students and two alternates selected through the Student Government Association.

Although the primary responsibility of the Committee is to review grade appeals and assign the appropriate grade in cases where the appeal is upheld, the Committee shall also report any findings of discrimination or prejudice to the Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Innovation and Support Services for further consideration and possible action.

Posthumous Degrees

In the unfortunate event of a student’s death during an academic term in which it may reasonably be assumed that he or she would have completed all degree requirements, a degree may be awarded posthumously to the student. The decision as to the likelihood that the student would have completed his or her work during the term shall be at the discretion of the president.  The special nature of the award should be reflected on all pertinent records.

Computing GPA

Computation of a student’s college-level undergraduate grade point average includes all courses attempted except credit/no-credit, audit, incomplete, developmental, and satisfactory/unsatisfactory courses and “T” grades. As an example: a student carrying five three-semester-hour courses for a total of 15 semester hours makes the following grades: A, B, C, T, F, thus accumulating grade points in the amount of 12, 9,6,0, 0, for a total of 27. To compute the grade point average, divide the number of quality hours (except “T” grade) (12) into the grade points earned (27) for an average of 2.25.

The Office of the Registrar’s website gives detail information on how GPA and earned hours are computed on courses that have been repeated. This page can be accessed here.

Graduation: To receive a bachelor’s degree from any of the colleges in the University, students must have an institution grade point average and an overall* grade point average of at least 2.00.

*Until Summer 2015, the overall GPA will reflect all college-level coursework-U of M and transfer. Beginning Summer 2015, the overall GPA will reflect all college-level work-U of M and any transfer coursework processed prior to Summer 2015; however, the overall GPA will reflect ONLY U OF M coursework for those students whose transfer credit is processed Summer 2015 and later.

NOTE: Beginning Summer 2015, a Tennessee Board of Regents’ state-wide policy on transfer credit and GPA calculations takes effect. Beginning Summer 2015, transfer credit will be reflected in earned hours, but will no longer apply to the overall GPA (used to determine undergraduate graduation and athletic eligibility) or to the overall combined GPA (used to determine academic standing, financial aid, and scholarship eligibility, except for HOPE):

  1. For New Transfer students admitted Summer 2015 and later, no transfer credit will count in the overall or the overall combined GPA.
  2. For Readmitted students readmitted Summer 2015 and later, no transfer credit taken since last attending the U of M will count in the overall or the overall combined GPA. Any transfer work previously processed will continue to be reflected in the GPAs.
  3. For Continuing students, no transfer credit submitted to and received by the U of M Summer 2015 or later will count in the overall or the overall combined GPA. Any transfer work previously processed will continue to be reflected in the GPAs.

Academic Fresh Start

Academic Fresh Start is a plan of academic forgiveness which allows undergraduate students who previously experienced academic difficulty to improve their academic record upon returning to college after an extended absence. The Academic Fresh Start allows eligible students to resume study without being penalized for past unsatisfactory scholarship and signals the initiation of a new grade point average (GPA).

Student Requirements

To be considered eligible for an Academic Fresh Start, a student must:

  1. Have been separated from all regionally accredited collegiate institutions for at least four (4) consecutive calendar years immediately preceding the first term of enrollment as a transfer student or re-enrollment at the University of Memphis.
  2. Be admitted as a degree-seeking student at the University of Memphis.
  3. Have an overall combined (cumulative) GPA below 2.50 at the time of application for the Academic Fresh Start.
  4. Not have earned an undergraduate degree previously.
  5. Submit an Academic Fresh Start application and academic plan to the Center for Academic Retention and Enrichment Services (CARES) within one (1) calendar year from the term of enrollment or re-enrollment at the University of Memphis.

Terms of Academic Fresh Start

  1. The student may be granted an Academic Fresh Start only once during an undergraduate career. This includes an Academic Fresh Start (or its equivalent) granted at other regionally accredited institutions of higher education.
  2. Other institutions may not honor an Academic Fresh Start granted by the University of Memphis.
  3. The student’s permanent record (including academic standing) will remain a record of all work attempted; however, the Academic Fresh Start allows for courses previously failed to be excluded from the calculation of the new GPA. Courses with a “D” grade will also be excluded from the calculation when a grade of “C” or better is required in the student’s current major. The new GPA and credit hours will reflect courses for which passing grades were earned and retained from the pre-Academic Fresh Start performance.
  1. Retained grades and credits will be calculated in the new GPA.
  2. Courses with “D” or “F” grades must be repeated at the University of Memphis when they are required for the student’s current major. All remaining courses needed to satisfy the current degree requirements must be completed at the institution.
  3. The current major will be considered the major the student has selected when the Academic Fresh Start is applied. Courses excluded from the calculation will not be reviewed or reconsidered should the student change majors after receiving the Academic Fresh Start.
  4. Retained grades and credits will be applied toward major and degree requirements in effect at the time the Academic Fresh Start is granted to the student. Specific academic program and degree regulations must also be met.
  1. Academic Fresh Start recipients who did not complete a college-level English or mathematics course must meet current academic assessment and placement program requirements before enrollment in these courses is permitted. Students may be required to complete an exam or test to determine eligibility for these courses. Previously satisfied assessment and placement program requirements will not be forfeited.
  2. The Academic Fresh Start is awarded independent of financial aid regulations. Federal, state and institutional financial aid requirements at the time of application will apply. Billing and debt requirements associated with previous enrollment are not intended to be resolved with the granting of an Academic Fresh Start. Therefore, an Academic Fresh Start applicant should consult the Office of Financial Aid, Bursar’s Office, Scholarship Office, and/or Veterans Educational Benefits & Certification in the Office of Registrar at the University of Memphis for proper guidance regarding federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs; collection of student fees and charges; payment plan options; scholarship eligibility; and/or educational benefits.
  3. Academic Fresh Start requires approval by the appropriate college dean or designee.
  4. Academic Fresh Start will be formally applied after the census enrollment date at the University of Memphis.
  5. The student’s University of Memphis transcript will note that an Academic Fresh Start was granted and the effective date.

Center for Academic Retention and Enrichment Services (CARES)

The academic progress of students at the University of Memphis is monitored at the conclusion of each term enrolled to determine their academic status. Students’ overall combined grade point average AND term grade point average are considered in determining status. There are four progressive levels of academic status:

  1. Good Standing
  2. Academic Warning
  3. Academic Probation
  4. Academic Suspension

Good Standing

Students are in Good Standing at the University of Memphis unless placed on Academic Warning, Academic Probation or Academic Suspension.

If a student has never been on Academic Warning, Academic Probation or Academic Suspension… The student remains in Good Standing as long as the overall combined GPA is 2.00 or above AND the term GPA is not lower than 1.00.
 
If a student has been on Academic Warning, Academic Probation or Academic Suspension… The student is expected to maintain a minimum overall combined GPA of 2.00 AND a minimum term GPA of 2.00 in order to remain in good standing.

Academic Warning

Students can be placed on Academic Warning ONLY ONCE during their enrollment at the University of Memphis. After completing seven (7) hours of coursework, students will be placed on Academic Warning when their overall combined GPA is below 2.00 OR the term GPA is below 1.00. Once students receive an Academic Warning, they must maintain Good Standing or they will be placed on Academic Probation or Academic Suspension.

Students who have earned 0-29 semester hours and are placed on Academic Warning must:

  1. Successfully complete a workshop and pass the related quiz;
  2. Meet with an Academic Coach every other week in the following semester of enrollment; and
  3. Submit a Conditional Enrollment Agreement with the Center for Academic Retention and Enrichment Services (CARES), and satisfy the requirements in the Agreement.

Students who have earned 30 or more semester hours and are placed on Academic Warning must:

  1. Successfully complete an online workshop and pass the related quiz: and
  2. Submit a Conditional Enrollment Agreement with the Center for Academic Retention and Enrichment Services, and satisfy the requirements in the agreement.

The Academic Warning workshop is available online at https://academic-s.memphis.edu/ew. Failure to satisfy these requirements may lead to administrative withdrawal from all classes for any future terms.

Academic Probation

Any student who has ever been placed on Academic Warning status will be placed on Academic Probation if:

  • Their overall combined GPA is below 2.00, OR
  • The term GPA is below 2.00.

NOTE: Students who have regained Good Standing after an Academic Warning are placed on Academic Probation, if, in any subsequent term, their combined GPA falls below a 2.00 OR the term GPA below 2.00.

  1. First Academic Probation: All students placed on Academic Probation for the first time will be required to enroll in and complete ACAD 2200: Student Success Seminar (1 semester hour) in the following semester of enrollment.
  2. Subsequent/Continuing Probation: Students will remain on Academic Probation if the term GPA is 2.00 or higher but the overall combined GPA remains below 2.00. Students who are placed on Academic Probation more than one time must complete a Conditional Enrollment Agreement with the Center for Academic Retention and Enrichment Services (CARES) and meet weekly with a CARES counselor.

Students on Academic Probation will be required to have an overall combined GPA of at least 2.00 OR a term GPA of at least 2.00 in order to continue enrollment at the University of Memphis. Failure to satisfy these requirements may lead to administrative withdrawal from all classes for any future terms.

Academic Suspension

Students on Academic Probation will placed on Academic Suspension in the following term if the overall combined GPA is below 2.00 AND the term GPA is below 2.00.

Students on Academic Suspension can apply for readmission only after the following minimum periods:

  • For the first Academic Suspension, one regular term (fall or spring)
  • For the second Academic Suspension, one calendar year

After a second Academic Suspension, a student may be ineligible for further enrollment at the University of Memphis.

Students on academic suspension can apply for readmission only after the following minimum periods:

  1. For the first suspension, one regular term (fall or spring).
  2. For the second suspension, one calendar year.

After a second suspension, a student may be ineligible for further enrollment at the University of Memphis.

Students on Academic Suspension who apply for readmission must participate in a readmission interview with a Center for Academic Retention and Enrichment Services (CARES) Counselor.

Coursework taken at another accredited college or university will be used in determining eligibility for readmission. Students who left the university on Academic Suspension must fulfill all previously attempted high school deficiencies and remedial and developmental coursework requirements before they will be considered for readmission.

Students readmitted after Academic Suspension must complete a Conditional Enrollment Agreement, meet weekly with a CARES counselor, and follow all requirements established by CARES. 

Failure to follow these requirements may lead to administrative withdrawal from all classes.

The Center for Academic Retention and Enrichment Services (CARES), 500 Wilder Tower, is responsible for the administration of this policy.

Recognition of Academic Performance

The University of Memphis recognizes outstanding academic performance in a variety of ways. In addition to those listed below, there are other honors and awards listed in the descriptions of the various honors programs.

The Dean’s List

The Dean’s List is composed of those students who have 12 or more earned hours in the fall or spring semesters with a minimum grade point average of 3.5 for that semester.

Graduation With Distinction

Students who intend to achieve Graduation with Distinction must do the following:

  1. Fulfill all University of Memphis graduation requirements.
  2. Earn the following minimum grade point average on both their U of M and inclusive* GPA to achieve the listed designations:
  • 3.2500-3.4999 Cum Laude
  • 3.5000-3.7999 Magna Cum Laude
  • 3.8000-4.0000 Summa Cum Laude

*Inclusive GPA refers to the combination of the student’s U of M GPA and the GPA from college level transfer courses.

The actual conferral of Graduation with Distinction cannot be made until the student’s U of M and inclusive GPA has been certified by the College/School. Transitional Academic Studies courses (DSP) are not considered in calculating eligibility for Graduation with Distinction. College level courses used to satisfy high school deficiencies will be considered in the computations to determine eligibility for Graduation with Distinction.

Transfer Credit in the GPA

Beginning Summer 2015, transfer credit will be reflected in earned hours, but will no longer apply to the overall GPA (used to determine undergraduate graduation and athletic eligibility) or to the overall combined GPA (used to determine academic standing, financial aid, and scholarship eligibility, except for HOPE):

  1. For New Transfer students admitted Summer 2015 and later, no transfer credit will count in GPA.
  2. For Readmitted students readmitted Summer 2015 and later, no transfer credit taken since last attending the U of M will count in the GPA. Any transfer work previously processed will continue to be reflected in the GPA.
  3. For Continuing students, no transfer credit submitted to and received by the U of M Summer 2015 or later will count in the GPA. Any transfer work previously processed will continue to be reflected in the GPA.

Privacy Rights of Parents and Students

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, with which the University complies fully, is designed to protect the privacy of educational records, to establish the right of students to inspect and review their educational records, and to provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data through informal and formal hearings. Students also have the right to file complaints with The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Office (FERPA) concerning alleged failures by the institution to comply with the Act.

The provisions for the release of information about students and the rights of students and others to have access to the University of Memphis education records are published in their entirety in the University of Memphis Procedure “Privacy of Education Records” which is available in the offices of the Registrar and the University Counsel.

Credit Transferred from Other Institutions

  1. Transfer Credit for Previous Instruction

Credit from post-secondary institutions will be granted and applied toward degree requirements only when it is for courses that are substantially equivalent to those offered at the University of Memphis. Credit not equivalent to courses at the University of Memphis may be posted to the student’s record and may be used as elective credit or as determined by the dean of the college from which the student is to graduate. After the student has been approved for admission as a regular undergraduate, the Office of Admissions will evaluate credit for University-wide use. The office of the dean in each college has the authority for determining the use of acceptable credit toward specific degree programs in that college.

The University of Memphis accepts transfer credit for college-level courses taken at accredited institutions of higher education. Student petitions for transfer credit for courses completed at institutions that are not regionally accredited are considered on a case-by-case basis. The student must present a petition in writing to the Office of Admissions at the University of Memphis with a list of courses for which credit is desired. The student must provide transcripts from the institutions, documentation from each course that includes the course content, course level, contact minutes, the standards for assessing student work, and documentation of the academic credentials of the course instructor. Based on an examination of these materials and after consultation with the appropriate academic department or college, the Office of Admissions will review the student’s petition and provide confirmation of those courses that have been approved for transfer credit.

  1. Earning Transfer Credit after Enrollment at the University of Memphis

University of Memphis students considering taking courses at other institutions should consult the transfer articulation tables to see how the course will transfer to the University of Memphis. All enrolled students must have Section I of the Transfer Credit Request Form completed by the student. For institutions and courses that are not listed on those tables, students must complete Sections I-II of this form before enrolling in the course to find out whether the course will transfer to the University of Memphis and how it will count toward their degree programs. An approved Transfer Credit Request Form serves as assurance that the course will transfer and how it will count toward the desired requirement. Students do not have any guarantee that courses not listed on the articulation tables will transfer or how they will count toward the students’ degrees without an approved Transfer Credit Request Form.

Before credit earned at another institution can be transferred and recorded on a permanent academic record, the student must have an official transcript from the institution mailed to the Admissions Office.

The maximum credit hour load allowed for any term includes all course enrollments both at the University of Memphis and any concurrent enrollment at other institutions. (See “Credit Hours and Maximum Load”)

  1. Transfer Credit for Distance Education

Credit from other institutions for distance education courses taught by independent study, on-line computer instruction, or other methods, is evaluated in the same manner as transfer credit for classroom-based instruction. As with other transfer credit, students enrolled as regular undergraduates must seek prior approval from the dean of the college from which they are to graduate before taking courses to meet degree requirements at the University of Memphis.

Additional Means of Earning Credit

  1. Credit for Selected Secondary School Courses
    1. Advanced Placement Credit
      The University of Memphis participates in the Advanced Placement Program of the College Entrance Examination Board. Appropriate credit is awarded for scores of 3, 4, or 5. Advanced placement credit may also apply to certain university requirements and to major requirements. Information about credit awarded may be obtained from the Admissions Office.
    2. International Baccalaureate Program
      The University of Memphis recognizes secondary students’ participation in the International Baccalaureate Program and awards college credit for completion of selected courses. To be eligible for credit, students must earn a score of 4 or higher. Information on credit awarded is available in the Admissions Office.
  2. Credit for Instruction in the Armed Services

An official evaluation of armed services instruction is made after a student is accepted as a regular undergraduate student. Credit awarded for completion of services schools will be governed by recommendations at the baccalaureate level from the current Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experience in the Armed Services. Military transcripts, for example SMART or AARTS, must be presented to the Office of Admissions. Upon presentation of a copy of the veteran’s report of separation (DD Form 214) to the Office of Admissions, six semester hours of health and physical education credit will be awarded. Veterans with less than one year of continuous full-time service who have completed basic training while on active duty will be awarded credit as recommended in the Guide to Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services.

  1. Credit for Non-collegiate Sponsored Instruction

Credit is awarded for non-collegiate sponsored instruction offered by corporations, associations, labor unions, government agencies, and training providers which has been evaluated by the National College Credit Recommendation Service of the American Council of Education and recommended in the current NCCRS guide. The Office of Admissions should be contacted for information.

  1. Credit by Examination

Credit by examination is awarded based upon standardized examinations and upon examinations administered by departments of the University for specific courses and for placement. Students may not take an examination for credit in a course previously taken for credit, with the exception of lower division transfer courses that the student wishes to validate for upper division credit. Students may, however, take an examination for credit in a course that was audited or in courses at a lower level than a course taken for credit.

a. CLEP and DANTES Standardized Examinations

The University of Memphis awards credit for standardized examinations of the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) of the College Board and for standardized examinations of the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES). Credit awarded is based upon credit recommendations and minimum scores recommended by the American Council on Education. CLEP and DANTES credit may also apply to certain University requirements and to major requirements. For information on credit awarded, test dates, and fees, contact the Testing Center.

b. Departmental Examinations

Almost all courses in the undergraduate curriculum, except for those with laboratory, research, or performance requirements, are available for credit by examination. Students who believe that they have already mastered the material of a particular course offered at the University of Memphis may take a departmentally administered examination for credit in that course.

To apply for credit by examination, a student must be enrolled at the University of Memphis and have a GPA of 2.00 or above. Students can access the online Credit by Exam application to begin the approval process. Students pay $60 per course, plus $15 per credit hour in excess of three (3) credit hours per course (see Fees and Charges) prior to taking the exam. To receive credit, the student’s examination grade should be the equivalent of a “C” or above. Credit is indicated on the student’s record as CR.

  1. Upper Division Credit by Validation Examination

Credit for courses at the freshman or sophomore level is transferred as lower division credit even though the content may be equated to University of Memphis upper division (junior/senior) level courses in some cases. In order to receive upper division credit for a lower division course that has an upper division equivalent, the credit must be validated through appropriate departmental examinations, portfolios, or other documentation. Contact the department to see if this option is available, to make application and to obtain information. There is no fee for validation examinations.

  1. Credit for Course Placement and Completion

Some departments offer the opportunity to receive credit by course placement and completion for selected courses. Students who receive prior approval from the department chair may enroll in a University of Memphis course at the level for which they feel previous instruction or experience qualifies them. Upon completion of the course, they receive credit for certain sequential courses numbered lower than the one in which they enrolled. Recording of credit for the lower numbered course(s) is contingent upon completion of the higher level course with a minimum grade of “C”. Upon completion of the course, approval of the chair of the department and payment of fees are required for credits to be recorded. (See Fees and Charges)

In the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature, students whose first college-level course in a language is 2010 may apply for credit for 1020 in that language. Students whose first college-level course is 2020 may apply for credit for 1020 and 2010 in that language, and those whose first college-level course in a language is a 3xxx course in composition and/or conversation may apply for credit for 1020, 2010, and 2020 in that language.

  1. Credit for Experiential Learning by Assessment

Students seeking degrees in the College of Communication and Fine Arts, the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences, and University College, and some programs in the Fogelman College of Business and Economics may be granted credit for college level knowledge and understanding related to the student’s major area of study and gained from work experience, life experience, or non-college instruction. The student who wants an assessment of such learning prepares a portfolio that describes and documents the learning. Portfolios are assessed by faculty who teach in that area.

Assessment by portfolio is reserved for knowledge and competencies which do not readily fit into the credit by examination procedures described above. More detailed information about procedures may be obtained from the individual colleges. 

  1. Credit for ACT Test Scores
  1. English Composition

The University of Memphis awards 3 hours of credit for ENGL 1010 to students with an ACT English subscore of 29 or above. Students who have previously taken ENGL 1010 and earned a passing or failing grade are not eligible. ACT scores for this credit are valid for 3 years.

  1. Mathematics

The University of Memphis awards 3 hours of credit for MATH 1710 College Algebra to student with an ACT Math subscore of 29 or above. Students who have previously taken MATH 1710 and earned a passing or failing grade are not eligible. ACT scores for this credit are valid for 2 years.

Testing and Placement

Learning Support at The University of Memphis permits students to enroll in prescribed courses to develop the academic competencies necessary for success in college level courses. Major components of the program include testing and placement in appropriate level courses. More information can be found at http://www.memphis.edu/acc/learning/index.php.

Placement

Students admitted to the University of Memphis as beginning freshmen will be placed in appropriate English, math, and reading, courses based on ACT subscores that are less than 5 years old.

  • Students with ACT reading subscores below 19 are required to enroll in ACAD 1100 .
  • Students with ACT English subscores below 18 are required to enroll in prescribed English courses. Students must check with their advisor to determine which English course is appropriate for them.
  • All students, regardless of their ACT math subscore, are required to take the ALEKS placement exam for math.

If students feel they have been misplaced by their ACT subscores in English and reading, they may take the ACCUPLACER test to attempt to place in a higher level course.

Students without ACT or SAT scores will be required to take the ACCUPLACER placement test to determine if they have the appropriate academic skills to successfully complete college level courses. Depending on the results of this test, students may be required to take one or more prescribed courses. ACCUPLACER testing is required of students whose ACT (SAT) scores are more than 5 years old, transfer students with no college level credit in English, and non-degree seeking students before enrollment in English.

The University of Memphis requires the Math Placement Exam through ALEKS to assess a student’s prerequisite knowledge for course placement. ALEKS is a powerful artificial-intelligence based assessment tool that zeros in on the strengths and weaknesses of a student’s mathematical knowledge, reports its findings to the student, and then if necessary provides the student with a learning environment for bringing this knowledge up to an appropriate level for course placement. Students will be placed in a math course based on the results of the ALEKS placement exam. ALEKS testing is required of transfer students with no college level credit in math and non-degree seeking students before enrollment in a math course. Students must check with their advisor to determine which college level math course is appropriate for them.

Enrollment in any prescribed course is restricted to students who have been placed by their ACT subscores or who have taken the appropriate placement test. Self-placement without testing is not permitted.

Students requiring prescribed courses should be advised in the Academic Counseling Center, 212 Wilder Tower.

Students must successfully complete prescribed course requirements before enrolling in the next level course.

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