ACADEMIC POLICIES

Academic Level

Your academic level  is determined by the number of semester credits completed.

    Freshman: less than 30 credits

    Sophomore: 30.000-59.999

    Junior: 60.000-89.999

    Senior: 90 or more credits

Academic Progress

Academic progress for students registered in degree-granting programs is monitored by their respective college offices. Students who are not admitted to a program but who have excessive credits and/or problematic grade-point averages may have a hold placed on their record that restricts their registration.

If you receive financial aid through the University of Minnesota Office of Student Finance (OSF), you will be held to a similar, but possibly different, standard. Financial aid recipients must meet both the college academic progress standard and the OSF satisfactory academic progress (SAP) standard. Elements of the OSF policy include cumulative grade-point average (GPA), credit completion ratio, and maximum time of financial aid eligibility. The OSF standard will be applied to past performance; students who have not previously received financial aid will be evaluated on the same basis as those who received aid.

Address, Current

It is your responsibility to report any change in address. You can verify and correct you address on One Stop. Click on "Personal Information" under Quick Links.

Attendance in Class, Including First Class Meeting

You are expected to attend all meetings of your course. You may be excused from class for religious observances and approved University activities. Notify all instructors at the beginning of the term about such planned absences.

You must attend the first class meeting of each course unless an instructor's approval is obtained before the first meeting, otherwise, you will lose your place in class. Instructors have the right to deny admission; you must officially cancel any course which admission is denied.

Auditors

"Auditor" is a registration status for students who need to take a course but receive no credit or grade; consult the course instructor before registering as an auditor. Auditors pay the same tuition and fees as students registered for credit. Although you do not receive credit for accessing the course, the credit value counts in determining a credit total for assessing the Student Services Fee.

 Cancellation of Classes or Changes in Schedule

Certification for Full-time or Half-time Status

If you need your attendance at the University certified, call One Stop Student Services at 612-624-1111 or contact them by e-mail.

Change of College or Status

If you want to be admitted (e.g., transfer) to a different University of Minnesota campus and/or college, complete an Application for Undergraduate Change of College and submit it at one of the One Stop Student Services centers. See hours and locations.

Conduct Code

You are responsible for complying with the University's Student Conduct Code, available in college student affairs offices or from the Office for Student Conduct and Academic Integrity. If you engage in behavior that disrupts the learning environment for others, you may be subject to disciplinary action.

Course Numbers and Description

Course numbers and descriptions indicate the basic information needed for each course. Specific descriptions for courses may be found in the appropriate course catalog or on the One Stop Web site in the  Course Guide and the Class Schedule.

Credit by Exam

Students who have independently gained knowledge equivalent to that covered by a particular University course, may earn credit for that knowledge by passing a special examination on the subject matter covered by the course. Only those students admitted to a University of Minnesota degree program are eligible to receive credit by special examination; those students should contact their college to discuss special exam arrangements. Not all courses are open to credit by examination, and departments may restrict its use in some cases. There is a $50 per credit fee.

For more information, contact the CCE Information Center at 612-624-4000.

Credit Load (Full and Part-time Status)

Undergraduate students are considered full-time if the sum of the credits taken during Summer Term equals or exceeds 12. Graduate students are considered full-time if the sum of the credits they take during the term equals or exceeds 6 credits. Maximum credit loads are 15 for undergraduate students and 18 for Graduate students. Exceptions require approval from your college scholastic committee.

For questions related to loan deferment, contact your loan processor; for questions related to financial aid credit requirements, contact One Stop Student Services.

Credits Per Course, Number of

While the credit value of most courses is set, a few courses are offered for a variable number of credits, indicated in course information by the notation "ar cr" (arranged credits) or by an optional notation (e.g., 3-4 cr). In such cases, you may register for the number of credits agreed upon with your instructor.

Directed Studies and Directed Research

A wide range of opportunities is available to students for earning college credit for individually designed study or research projects. If you want credit in Directed Studies or Directed Research, contact a faculty member in the particular area in which you are interested, determine if the department lists specific course numbers and titles for such registration, and obtain faculty and department approval. Registration is then completed in the usual manner with the correct Directed Studies or Directed Research number of the department.

Discontinued Status

If you would like to be discontinued from your campus or college degree program and continue your education as a non-degree-seeking (non-admitted) student in the college of your choice or in the College of Continuing Education, contact your current college office and request to be officially discontinued from your college.

Once your current college has placed you on discontinued status, you must register with non-degree-seeking status (i.e., as a non-admitted student). Transferring to non-degree-seeking status will have implications for any degree you eventually seek at the University of Minnesota, for financial aid, and for later registration for courses.

If you want to return to the college from which you were discontinued, you must meet with that college's advisers to discuss your educational plans. If you wish to change colleges upon your return, you would need to submit an Application for Undergraduate Change of College. (See Change of College, above.)

E-mail Account

Your University assigned e-mail account is the University's official means of communication with you. You are responsible for all information sent to you via your University assigned e-mail account, even if you choose to forward your e-mail. All billing takes place through your University e-mail account.

Extra Credit and Independent Study

Most colleges permit independent study (IND) or extra credit (EXC). Through IND registration, you can complete a course by studying independently under an instructor's guidance without attending class. Through EXC registration, you can earn extra credits (limit of 3) in a course by arranging with the instructor to complete additional work or to explore a subject in depth. Regular fees, deadlines, and grading policies apply, and you must register only for the number of credits approved by the instructor.

Both types of registration require departmental approval (i.e., a class permission number) and the instructor's signature. When you receive this permission number, you must also obtain a class number with which to register for the course.

Note: Independent study (IND) as described above is different from courses available through the Independent and Distance Learning (IDL) program. Many U of M courses are available through IDL. These courses are written for self-study with specific assignments and tests.

Financial Aid Availability

Changes in credit load may affect financial aid eligibility. Students receiving financial aid through the Office of Student Finance (OSF) should check with a One Stop Student Services counselor before canceling. See hours and locations. Refunds may revert to OSF or students may be obligated for repayment of all financial aid awarded.

Veterans registered under the GI Bill must notify the Veterans Certification Office, 200 Fraser Hall, when canceling or adding classes; this is particularly important when it changes the credit load.

Final Exams

Final exams for the summer are scheduled during regular course meeting times, usually on the last day of instruction. All make-up policies are at the discretion of the instructor; talk to your instructor well in advance to discuss options if you need to miss an exam.

Grades, How to Obtain

The University does not mail grade reports. Your grades may be viewed online at One Stop Grades & Transcripts. Most instructors also accept a self-addressed, stamped envelope in which a grade will be returned.

Grading Options

Students may select their grade base: A-F, S/N, or auditor. "A-F" means you are taking the course for a letter grade. "S/N" means that you are taking the course on a pass/fail basis (satisfactory/not satisfactory). For undergraduate students on the Twin Cities campus, an "S" or passing grade is equivalent to a C- or better; in graduate and professional courses, the instructor determines what constitutes passing. S/N grades are not figured into your grade point average (GPA).

"Auditor" is for students who want to take the course but receive no credit or grade; consult the instructor before registering as an auditor. Auditors pay the same tuition and fees. Although you do not receive credit for the course, the credit value counts in determining the credit total for the Student Services Fee for degree-seeking students.

Graduate Credit for Non-admitted Students

If you are a non-admitted or visiting student and would like to register in a graduate-level course (4000-9000 levels) for graduate credit, complete the Registration Request for Graduate Credit form. You will receive a notice in the mail confirming your registration. Complete one form for each graduate level course for which you are requesting graduate level credit. You will be billed at the applicable graduate level or professional school tuition rate.

Holds

If you have a hold on your record, you may not register or, in many cases, obtain transcripts until that hold is cleared by the office imposing the hold. A hold may be imposed for financial indebtedness to the University or for disciplinary or scholastic reasons. Notice of any hold, including the name of the department or office where it may be cleared, is available on the One Stop Web site.

Immunization Clearance

Immunization clearance is not required of Summer Term students. For fall or spring semester requirements during the academic year, see the Boynton Health Service Web site.

Incompletes

If you are prevented from completing the assignments for your course, your instructor may assign a grade of Incomplete (I). An instructor is not obligated to give you an I. The assignment of an I requires a written agreement between the instructor and you specifying the time and manner in which you will complete course requirements. If work is not completed within one year, the I automatically becomes an F or N for undergraduates. For graduate students, the I remains indefinitely on the transcript until changed by the instructor or department.

Leave of Absence, Undergraduate

Undergraduate students previously admitted to a degree or credit certificate program who do not plan to register for one or more semesters (excluding Summer Term) must complete a Leave of Absence (LOA) form, available online or at your college office, and submit it to their college office.

Canceling a Class: Completing the LOA form does not cancel your registration for a current or future term. Cancel your registration to avoid billing and assigned grades.

Probation or Suspension: Probation or suspension status will override an approved LOA.

Returning from an Approved Undergraduate Leave of Absence: Contact your college. If your leave of absence was for more than one semester, you may need to submit an Application for Readmission.You will also need to submit transcripts of any course work taken elsewhere to the Office of Admissions, 240 Williamson Hall. Your college office will determine your eligibility to return, your status in your major or degree program, and the program/degree requirements in effect upon your return.

Returning Without an Approved Undergraduate Leave of Absence: Undergraduates previously admitted to a degree or credit certificate program who have not been granted a formal LOA and who do not register for one or more semesters (excluding summer term) shall be placed on “inactive” status and will be required to follow new degree requirements.

Returning from Inactive Status: Complete an Application for Readmission form and submit it to your college office. Also, submit transcripts of any course work taken elsewhere to the Office of Admissions, 240 Williamson Hall. If the LOA is for more than two academic years, (i.e., four semesters), you must follow new program requirements upon return.

Graduation under Quarter Sunset Policy: Under University Senate policy, students following quarter-based degree requirements needed to graduate by the end of spring semester 2007. Students graduating after that will be held to the semester-based degree requirements.

Current students who were following the quarter-based requirements should contact their college advisers to discuss their degree programs. Former students who are planning to return and who were under the quarter-based degree requirements should contact the college advising office for the college in which they are planning to return.

Prerequisites

In order to register in some courses, you must either complete or concurrently register in another course or possess particular qualifications or class standing. These requirements, known as prerequisites, are listed inside parentheses after the course titles in catalogs and the online Class Schedule. When courses in sequence are prerequisites, only the last course in the sequence is listed. When no departmental designation precedes the course number (e.g., prereq 3221), the prerequisite is in the same department as the course being offered. Prerequisites such as "6 cr" mean that you must have completed at least 6 credits in other courses offered by the same department. A comma means "and."

You should only take courses for which you have satisfied all prerequisites. You may be required to withdraw from a course if you have not met prerequisites. Instructors may, however, grant permission for you to take a course without having satisfied the prerequisites. Work equivalent to a prerequisite course (having either the same content or requiring the same component) is ordinarily accepted in place of that prerequisite, pending instructor approval.

Refunds or Tuition Charges

Full tuition is charged on a per-credit basis for changes that increase your credit load. No additional tuition is charged when a course addition is balanced by a course cancellation processed at the same time and equal to the number of credits being added. Refunds are issued on a per-credit basis depending on the date of cancellation. See Refund and Drop/Add Deadlines on the One Stop.

Release of Student Information

Regents policy, federal law, and state law regulate release of student information to third parties. University policy regulates sharing of information within the University. These laws and policies are available at One Stop Student Services.

Briefly, some student information is designated as directory information and a matter of public record. However, currently enrolled students have the right to suppress this information. Within the University, all employees with a demonstrated need to know are granted access to student academic information. Outside agencies acting on behalf of the University, the U.S. Department of Education, authorized lending institutions, and accrediting agencies also have access to specific student information.

You have the right to review your education records, to challenge the contents of these records, and to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education.

Transcripts

Official Transcripts

Official transcripts are certified and signed by the University Registrar. You can order a transcript online, by mail, by fax, or in person. Telephone requests are not accepted.

There are several types of delivery service for transcripts:

• Regular service transcripts are mailed within 2–3 working days and are $5.00 each.
• Rush service transcripts are mailed the same day (if request is received by 2:00 p.m. central time) and are $10.00 each.
• Rush/fax service transcripts are faxed, and a paper copy is mailed, the same day (if the request is received by 2:00 p.m. central time). Rush/fax service is also $10 per transcript.
• Overnight priority service offers next-business-day delivery of official transcripts by 3 p.m. to most U.S. addresses, if your request is received by 2 p.m. central time. The fee for this service is $10 per transcript, plus a $15 delivery fee for each address.
• International priority service offers delivery of official transcripts to most international locations within approximately 2–5 days. The fee for this service is $10 per transcript, plus a $20 delivery fee for each address.

If you are submitting your request by letter, you must include: the complete mailing address to which the transcript should be sent; your student ID number and/or social security number; your date of birth; your name(s) while attending the University; a daytime telephone number or cell phone number; an e-mail address and a home address; the college you attended (for example, the College of Liberal Arts), including evening classes; and your signature. Your request will be returned to you for lack of signature.

Mail your request to: Transcripts Services, 130 Coffey Hall, 1420 Eckles Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108

Fax transcript requests to 612-625-4351. For detailed instructions, including locations and payment methods, see Grades and Transcripts on the One Stop Web site.

Unofficial Transcripts

You may download unofficial transcripts from the One Stop Web site or pick up an unofficial copy of your record by presenting a picture ID at any One Stop Student Services location. See hours and locations. There is no charge for an unofficial copy of your record; there is, however, a limit of two copies per day. Disciplinary action will be taken if you forge or alter academic records.

Transfer of Credit to Another Institution

Credits earned by students at the University of Minnesota may be applicable toward a degree at another institution under policies determined by that institution. If you are a non-admitted or visiting student taking U of M graduate-level coursework that you wish to apply toward a future U of M Graduate School program, be sure to check with your future program about limits and conditions governing work taken prior to formal admission.

Withdrawal From a Course

All changes must be done officially (online, in person at a One Stop Student Services center, or by mail or fax) and are effective on the date received, not the day you stopped attending class. You are responsible for applicable tuition and fees up to the date your cancellation is received. Do not stop payment of a check to cancel your registration. Stopping payment does not constitute cancellation. A check-handling fee of $20 will be charged for any stop-payment order. For more information, see the Withdrawal Checklist on the One Stop.