Academics should be the first priority for every Michigan Tech student. The following information details important academic procedures and policies vital to your academic success, from course registration to commencement. All students should become familiar with these important academic guidelines and should consult with their academic advisor to navigate through their curriculum.
Academic Procedures
Registration
Students should register for classes during the initial registration period as indicated in the University calendar. Prior to registration, students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor for assistance in selecting appropriate courses. The Undergraduate Catalog contains important registration information regarding the following:
- course load
- prerequisites and corequisites
- repeat rules
- dropping and adding courses
- graduation requirements
Change of Curriculum (Major)
Students should meet with an academic advisor in the department they wish to enter and obtain an Undergraduate Curriculum Add/Drop form, which must be signed by the advisor and the student and then returned to the Registrar’s Office for the change to officially take place. This must be done by Wednesday of the second week of classes to be effective that semester.
Getting Your Grades
Grades can be viewed through Banweb. Under Student Services, select Student Records. Choose Final or Midterm grades.
Correcting Your Grades
A student having an error in a final course grade should contact the instructor as soon as possible, but no later than one month after the beginning of the next term.
Drop Policy
Special Requirement for First-Year Students
First-year students must obtain approval from their academic advisor to drop a course. After the third week of the semester, instructor approval is also required.
Drop Policy for All Students Including First-Year Students
Students may drop courses through the end of the third week of a semester without a grade being reported. Courses dropped between the beginning of the fourth week and the end of the eighth week of a semester will be indicated by a grade of W on the academic record.
Late Drop of Courses
After the eighth week of a semester, a student may request a late drop from the Dean of Student’s Office, which will consider only those requests that clearly involve extenuating circumstances beyond a student’s control.
Prerequisites
Students must have the appropriate prerequisites to register for a course. The minimum grade required for a prerequisite is a D. However, before progressing to an advanced course, students are strongly encouraged to repeat courses in which grades of CD or D were earned.
Transfer Credit
Students may transfer equivalent credit from another institution. A grade of C or better must be earned in the equivalent course(s) at the other institution to be accepted by Michigan Tech. Equivalent courses can be viewed on the web by selecting Transfer Equivalencies in the A to Z link on www.mtu.edu. Students may also contact the transfer services coordinator in the Registrar’s Office for information.
Repeating a Course
Students may not repeat courses in which they have earned a grade of C or better. When a course is repeated, the most recent grade will be used to calculate the GPA, credits earned toward graduation, and determination of class standings. Any credit previously earned under the course number is forfeited and the transcript will indicate NR (No grade—Repeated) for the earlier attempt. Students must have approval from the dean of students and their academic advisor for the third attempt at any one course. Courses exempt from the repeat rule are those that may be repeated for credit as indicated in the course description.
Commencement
During the 2011–12 academic year, commencement ceremonies will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2011, and Saturday, April 28, 2012. Students are eligible to participate in commencement if they—
- are registered in classes that will complete all outstanding degree requirements
- they have an application for graduation* on file in Degree Services two semesters prior to their expected graduation term
* Participation in a commencement ceremony does NOT constitute the completion of degree requirements. Since the ceremony occurs before final grades are submitted, it is not possible to determine if all degree requirements are met at that time. Graduation becomes official after all grades are received and the degree notation is placed on the academic record.
Records—Privacy and Access
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records.
The right to inspect—Students may request to inspect their education records within forty-five days of the day the University receives a request for access.
The right to request amendment—Students may request to amend records believed to be inaccurate or misleading.
The right to limit disclosures—Students may limit the disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
The right to file a complaint—Students have the right to file a complaint with the US Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA.
Questions about FERPA may be directed to the Registrar’s Office, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931-1295. The complete policy is available on the website of the Registrar’s Office under Quick Links, FERPA.
Student Files
The Dean of Students office maintains files for every student. These files include correspondence and helpful background information. They are confidential and are accessible only to the staff in Student Affairs, Counseling and Wellness Services, and other University personnel who have an educational need to know. The information in these files is essential to responsible counseling and treated with professional judgment. These files are destroyed one year after graduation or five years after a student leaves without graduating. Under federal law, students may review their records upon formal request to the Dean of Students Office or Registrar’s Office.
Scholastic Standards
A more complete description of academic policies may be found in the University Undergraduate Catalog at www.mtu.edu/catalog/undergraduate/overview/policies/.
Graduation GPA Requirements
A minimum GPA of 2.00, both cumulative and in the major department or school, is required for all undergraduate degrees.
The GPA is computed by dividing the total grade points earned (sum of each class credit hours x numeric grade point earned) by the grade point hours and truncating the result. Grade point hours include those course credits with grades of A, AB, B, BC, C, CD, D, F, and X. Any performance below a GPA of 2.00 is considered a grade point deficiency.
Grading System—Grades awarded by the University are:
- A (excellent)—4.00 grade points/credit
- AB (very good)—3.50 grade points/credit
- B (good)—3.00 grade points/credit
- BC (above average)—2.50 grade points/credit
- C (average)—2.00 grade points/credit
- CD (below average)—1.50 grade points/credit
- D (inferior)—1.00 grade points/credit
- F (failure)—0.00 grade points/credit
- F* (failure due to academic dishonesty)—0.00 grade points/credit
- I (incomplete, given only in circumstances beyond the student’s control). Course work must be made up by the close of the next three semesters in residence or the I grade becomes an F grade. Incomplete grades at graduation are considered F grades in the final GPA.
- IS (in-session)—given when course remains in session after the term’s final grade deadline.
- • X (condition)—computed into the GPA as an F; given only when the student is at fault in failing to complete a segment of a course, but in the judgment of the instructor does not need to repeat the course. The X grade becomes a failure
- (F) if it is not made up within the next semester in residence.
- M (missing grade)—grade not submitted by instructor. See instructor for clarification.
- N (no grade)—no credit, no grade points; given when a student officially withdraws from the University after the regular drop period. In these cases, the registrar notifies the instructor that the student has withdrawn from the University and should receive an N grade if passing as of the date of withdrawal.
- P (progress)—may be used for approved 3000- or 4000-level project courses, where projects carry over for more than one semester.
- Q (inadequate progress)—may be used for approved 3000- or 4000-level project courses where projects carry over for more than one semester.
- W (late drop)—no credit, no grade points; indicates a course dropped between the beginning of the fourth week and the end of the eighth week, or, dropped after the eighth week, with permission from the Dean of Students Office due to clearly extenuating circumstances beyond the student’s control.
- Cr (credit)—by advanced placement or examination.
- S (satisfactory)—credit given, no grade points, and not included in student’s GPA; given for courses taken under the Pass-Fail option and equivalent to letter grades of A to C.
- E (effort unsatisfactory)—no credit, no grade points; given for courses taken under the Pass-Fail option and equivalent to letter grades CD to F.
- E* (effort unsatisfactory due to academic dishonesty)—no credit, no grade points; given for courses taken under the Pass-Fail option.
- V (satisfactory audit)—no credit, no grade points; given for courses taken for audit.
- U (unsatisfactory audit)—no credit, no grade points; given for courses taken for audit.
- U* (unsatisfactory audit due to academic dishonesty)—no credit, no grade points; given for courses taken for audit.
Undergraduate Academic Progress
The academic progress of degree-seeking and non-degree seeking undergraduate students is monitored. All three of the following conditions are necessary for Good Academic Standing:
- University cumulative GPA of 2.00 or greater
- Most recent semester GPA of 2.00 or greater
- Major departmental cumulative of 2.00 or greater, based on at least 16 attempted credits
Dean’s List
Each semester, the registrar submits to the dean of students the names of full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students (with at least 12 grade-point credit hours) who earn a 3.50 or higher grade point average. The names are published as the Dean’s List. When students earn a 4.00 GPA, both they and their parents receive a letter notifying them of the achievement.
Attendance
Students are expected to attend all classes, including recitation and laboratory sessions, beginning on the first day of regular instruction as stated in the University academic calendar.
Academic Difficulty
Students having academic difficulty may be asked to withdraw from specific courses, may be placed on academic probation or suspension, or may be dismissed.
Required Course Withdrawal
The dean of students may, on the recommendation of the department chair, require students to withdraw from any course or courses in which their preparation, progress, effort, or conduct is deemed unsatisfactory.
Academic Probation
Students who are not making satisfactory progress toward a degree are placed on academic probation, which is a strong warning to students that their scholastic performance is less than that expected. Notices of academic probation are sent to students at the same time that grades are available at the end of the semester.
Failure to improve after receiving a probation notice can result in academic suspension or dismissal.
A student seeking the associate or baccalaureate degree is placed on academic probation under any of the following conditions:
- The cumulative GPA is below 2.00.
- The GPA for the most recent semester is below 2.00.
- The cumulative GPA in the courses used to calculate departmental GPA is below 2.00, based on at least 16 credits.
A student will be removed from academic probation when all of the following conditions are met:
- The University cumulative GPA is 2.00 or greater.
- The GPA for the most recent semester is 2.00 or greater.
- The cumulative GPA in the major department is 2.00 or greater, based on at least 16 credits.
Academic Suspension and Dismissal
A student is liable for academic suspension if the cumulative GPA is below 2.00 after a semester of academic probation, or if the student is not restored to good academic standing after two semesters of probation, regardless of the cumulative GPA. A student who receives a notice of academic suspension will not be permitted to enroll at the University for a specified period of time.
Upon receiving a first notice of academic suspension, a student must sit out for at least one semester, plus a summer. That is, a student suspended at the end of a fall semester may not reenroll until the following fall, and a student suspended at the end of a spring semester may not reenroll until the following spring. Upon receiving a second notice of academic suspension, a student must sit out two semesters, plus a summer.
Appeals of Academic Suspension/Dismissal
Appeals of academic suspension/dismissal will be considered if students can document that there are unusual or extenuating circumstances surrounding their recent academic performance. They must also be confident that they will be able to show significant academic progress. Students wishing to make such an appeal must do so in writing to the dean of students within the deadline specified on the notice of suspension/dismissal.
Reinstatement
A student suspended for unsatisfactory academic progress may apply for reinstatement with a written request to the vice president for student affairs after a period of nonenrollment, or they can complete the form listed above.
A student who is reinstated after academic suspension will be reinstated on academic probation and shall be considered as having enrolled under the Catalog and curriculum in effect at the time of reenrollment.
Upon reinstatement, failure to achieve good academic standing or show substantial academic progress by the end of one semester will result in a second suspension. Upon reinstatement after a second suspension, failure to achieve good academic standing or show substantial academic progress within one semester will result in academic dismissal. There is no opportunity for reinstatement after academic dismissal.
Academic Grievances
(Michigan Tech Policy Statement)
Michigan Technological University recognizes the need to assure that student grievances about faculty actions are evaluated fairly and equitably and, for this purpose, establishes the procedures outlined below.
Student complaints that are related to academic integrity or alleged discrimination and/or harassment are not covered under this policy or procedure. In such cases, students are directed to the Scientific Misconduct Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy (available from department chairs and Student Affairs), or to Affirmative Programs to proceed with their complaints. Likewise, complaints about University policy and procedure should be directed to the responsible office or unit.
Procedures
Preparing the Grievance
Students are encouraged to consult with their academic advisor or other trusted mentor to clarify the grievance, discuss appropriate approaches to the resolution of the issue, and ensure their understanding of the procedures outlined below.
Making the Grievance
Students should first present their grievance in an informal discussion with the faculty member involved. If the student does not feel that a satisfactory explanation or resolution has been reached, he or she may initiate review of the grievance by the faculty member’s supervisor, in the following order:
- The student should make an appointment with the supervisor for an informal discussion of the grievance. If the grievance cannot be resolved at that time, the student will be advised to prepare and file a written grievance.
- A written grievance will be submitted to the faculty member’s supervisor with attached documentation (e.g., syllabi, relevant assignments, relevant teacher responses to the assignments, grading criteria, papers, tests, quizzes, portfolios, etc.).
Resolving the Grievance
This is how a student grievance is addressed:
- The supervisor will review the complaint in a timely manner with the faculty member concerned. The supervisor may also seek review by appropriate faculty or a faculty committee within the department/school. If consultation with others is necessary, the supervisor must summarize each consultation in writing to the student, the faculty member concerned, and the consultant. The supervisor will wait a reasonable time for response from these individuals before making a decision.
- The supervisor provides a written decision to the student with copies to the faculty member involved, the provost, and the vice president for student affairs.
Appealing the Decision
The student complainant may wish to appeal the decision of the faculty member’s supervisor. If so, the appeal must be made in writing to the dean of the College/School within five working days of the original decision. The scope of the appeal is limited to one of the following:
- The student may have new information not available at the time the supervisor reviewed the case that would significantly affect the evaluation of the grievance.
- The student may be able to demonstrate that the procedural guidelines established in this document were breached and that such departure from established procedure significantly affected the outcome of the case.
It should be understood by students that faculty also have a right to appeal a decision rendered by their supervisor, in accordance with the Faculty Grievance Policy outlined in Appendix C of the Tenured/Tenure-Track Faculty Handbook.
The dean of the College/School will provide a written response to the student— with copies to the faculty member involved, the supervisor who made the initial decision, and the vice president for student affairs.
Ombuds Office
Prior to filing a formal academic grievance, students may seek informal resolution of a University-related concern or dispute by contacting the University Ombuds Office. The ombuds officer will evaluate whether the concern or conflict can likely be resolved through informal mediation efforts. The ombuds officer provides confidential, impartial conflict resolution services to students, staff, and faculty members. Consultation with the ombuds officer will not preclude or impair other avenues of grievance investigation or adjudication available to students.
Behavioral Expectations for Tech Students
University Policy and Expectations
In Michigan, a person achieves adult status at age eighteen. Michigan Tech expects that every student will observe all federal and state laws, city ordinances, and University rules. Students are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the University’s community standards of behavior whenever their conduct can impact others. The basic idea may be expressed as: conduct yourself so as not to interfere with your neighbor’s rights. Although common sense, courtesy, and concern for others are excellent guidelines for appropriate conduct, specific policies and student conduct procedures also apply to student behavior.
Students are responsible for becoming aware of all University regulations related to student conduct. The University may enforce its rules whether misconduct occurs on or off campus. Michigan Tech will make no attempt to shield members of the Michigan Tech community from the law and will not intervene in legal proceedings on behalf of either the victim or the accused.
Students should review all University Policies, including the Academic Integrity Policy, the Alcohol and Other Drug Policy, and the Sexual Misconduct Policy, among others, at the above website.
Code of Community Conduct
For a comprehensive view of University policy information, please read Student Rights and Responsibilities in the University Community. It is the responsibility of the student to be aware of this information. This includes the Code of Community Conduct, which can be found at the above website.
Student Conduct Procedures
The student conduct process promotes a commitment to education and the growth of each individual while ensuring the integrity of the campus as a whole. These measures protect the rights of each individual, support community standards (as outlined in University regulations), and help students change their behavior (when necessary) to become responsible members of the community.
In addition to sanctions for breaches of the specific University rules, regulations, and policies, sanctions may be imposed for any conduct that constitutes a violation of federal or state law or local ordinance. When a perceived violation of University regulations occurs and an incident report is written, an administrative hearing officer from Student Affairs will determine if there is a basis for bringing charges against a student. If the student is charged with a conduct violation, he or she will attend an initial conference with an administrative hearing officer to review the charges and the range of sanctions that apply to the violation. The student may then accept responsibility for the violation and be assigned a sanction and educational conditions from a range of alternatives. In most cases, the student will participate in an administrative hearing or a hearing before the University Judiciary Committee or the Academic Integrity Committee. If the student is determined to be responsible, a sanction is assigned. For more information about the disciplinary process, contact Student Conduct Services or review the information on the website.
Administrative Suspension and Medical Withdrawals
A convenient community health care facility and a University-sponsored counseling service help meet the medical and psychological needs of students. Students whose needs are beyond the resources of these services will be referred to off-campus facilities whenever possible.
However, sometimes students’ behavior makes them incapable of continuing as successful members of the University community. If students’ behavior is deemed potentially harmful to themselves or others; disruptive to the University community; and/or detrimental to themselves or others in the residence hall or classroom environment; they may lose certain privileges or be recommended to take a medical withdrawal from the University.
When an emergency or extenuating situation arises, the dean of students may immediately take any of the following actions: administratively suspend the student from a class or all classes; impose a no-contact condition between the student and a complainant; relocate the student to another residence hall; and/or deny campus residency. The University will subsequently provide the student with the opportunity for a hearing.