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• Academic Programs  ::  
• General Education  ::  
• Course Descriptions

The University
Academic Policies and Procedures

Academic Advancement |  Academic Work |  Academic Preparation |  Academic Standing |  Academic Renewal |  Conduct |  Disabilities |  Grade Reports |  Grading Policies |  Grad Reqs |  Commencement Reqs |  FERPA |  Registration |  Withdrawing

 

Academic Advancement

Credits—Academic advancement is measured in terms of semester credit hours or, simply, credits. The number of credits required for the bachelor's degree, which varies among departments, averages about 130 semester credits. Students may receive an undergraduate degree in approximately eight semesters, depending on their semester course load and degree requirements.

Class Standing—Determined by number of credit hours

• Freshman 0–29.99 credits
• Sophomore 30–59.99 credits
• Junior 60–89.99 credits
• Senior 90 + credits

Full-Time Load—Defined as 12–18 credits per semester. When deciding the pace of academic advancement, students should consider their cumulative course workload as well as number of credit hours. Two hours of outside preparation are expected for each hour of lecture and recitation. A student in a 4-credit class would be expected to spend eight hours weekly in outside preparation.

Maximum Credit Load—The maximum load a student may carry will be subject to the following limits:

1. The student load is prescribed by individual departments; the maximum is 18 credits per semester.
2. A student with a 3.00 cumulative grade point average may be permitted to take additional credits with the approval of the student's academic advisor.
3. A student on academic probation shall not be permitted to register for more than 16 credits per semester unless approval is granted by the Office of Student Affairs.

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Academic Work

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. The University shall not schedule, nor shall the student participate in, any official function during the scheduled final examination period. Events where students are officially representing the University scheduled on dates that are out of University control are exempted.

Absences—If possible, students should contact the instructor prior to the absence and arrange a mutually acceptable makeup procedure. Otherwise, students should account for the absence at the first opportunity. Students who are unable to notify instructors concerning their absence from class or who must notify several instructors on short notice should contact the Office of Student Affairs. Students having excused absences, as defined in the Michigan Tech Student Planner and Handbook’s "Attendance Policy," are permitted to make up graded work.

Academic Integrity—Students who cheat, plagiarize, or fabricate data, as well as students who help others cheat, plagiarize, or fabricate, can receive sanctions ranging from a warning to a special failing grade to expulsion from the University, depending on the severity of the offense. See the Michigan Tech Student Planner and Handbook or the Academic Integrity Policy.

Individual Efforts—The University expects that students' work on individual assignments and examinations will be their own private efforts that will follow acceptable practices. While group efforts and study groups are often appropriate and acceptable, students are expected to submit their own work. At times, it is difficult to differentiate between legal study aids and illegal "scoop" (old course materials including tests and lab reports). When in doubt, confer with the course instructor.

Weather Closure Policy—The president, senior vice president/provost, or their designated representative may decide to declare University closure for a specified period of time (examples might include but are not limited to prolonged power outage, prolonged loss of heating capability, or closure of main highway due to inclement weather). Notification will be through local media. Faculty and students will be excused from reporting to class.

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Academic Preparation

Advising

www.sa.mtu.edu/dean/advising

Upon enrollment, students are assigned academic advisors by their major departments. Students are urged to consult their advisors regarding all academic concerns.

Orientation

www.orientation.mtu.edu/

Orientation is an informative, educational program designed to introduce new students to campus, academic life, and their classmates. Attendance at the weeklong Orientation program is required for all new first-year students. Transfer students with more than 30 credits can attend a one-day Orientation program or complete an online orientation. During Orientation, students will learn about University polices, campus resources, support services, and extracurricular activities. Students will meet with their academic advisor(s) to discuss departmental expectations and curriculum. Students will also have the opportunity to meet new people, to become familiar with their new community, and to attend programs regarding the social and academic transitions to college life.

Learning Centers

Because the mind does not develop in isolation but as a result of our interactions with others, Michigan Tech has many learning centers offering peer and professional academic coaching through weekly appointments, team learning groups, and walk-in tutoring for the following areas: biological sciences, chemistry, civil and environmental engineering, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, mathematics, mechanical engineering, physics, and writing.

ExSEL

www.exsel.mtu.edu/

The 4S (Select Student Support Services) – ExSEL is designed to promote student success and encourage leadership development. The program offers academic support through services such as one-on-one meetings with staff, peer mentoring, grade monitoring, campus resource referrals, campus and community involvement opportunities, special events, and workshops. Additionally, participants enroll in the one-credit, graded UN1000, Frameworks for Success, course. This course provides an opportunity to learn about time management, study skills, working effectively in groups, civic leadership, utilizing campus resources, and other aspects of college life that contribute to student achievement. ExSEL also provides opportunities for students to participate in leadership roles through an exclusive summer community internship program, and as mentors, teaching assistants, and student employees.

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Academic Standing

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Academic Renewal

Recognizing that not all first-time students are prepared for a successful academic experience, academic renewal is designed to give undergraduate students a reasonable second chance by providing an opportunity to remove a certain portion of course work from grade point average computation. If the qualifications are met, a student may have grades for a maximum of up to two calendar years as a baccalaureate degree candidate and one calendar year as an associate degree candidate removed from all calculations regarding academic standing and grade point average. Once elected, academic renewal is irrevocable.

The qualifications for Academic Renewal are:

1. The petitioner must be an enrolled undergraduate student.
2. The request must be invoked prior to graduation and is not available to students who have completed all requirements for a Michigan Tech bachelor's or associate's degree.
3. A minimum of five years must have elapsed since the most recent course work to be disregarded was completed. Renewal will affect only those courses taken prior to the five-year absence and may be elected only once in a lifetime.
4. A student must have an overall GPA below 2.00 for the renewal period. If more than one term is to be disregarded, they must be consecutive, completed within a maximum of two calendar years for baccalaureate degree candidates or one calendar year for associate degree candidates, with no intervening enrollments at Michigan Tech.
5. A student receiving a baccalaureate or associate degree from Michigan Tech must meet the University residency for graduation requirements in the interval between the most recent course work to be disregarded and completion of courses at Michigan Tech.

All courses remain on the student's permanent record and grades received during the renewal period are annotated with an "R" to indicate that academic renewal was granted for the approved period. The grades received are excluded from University grade point average computations and academic standing is initialized to good standing. Renewal applies to all courses taken during the period for which it is granted, regardless of the grade earned. Course credit is granted for those courses subjected to renewal in which passing grades of C (2.00/4.00 scale) or higher have been obtained and are not subject to the existing Repeat Policy rules. The credit granted may be used towards graduation requirements.

Academic renewal is a policy of Michigan Technological University and as such may not be recognized by outside institutions or agencies (e.g., Michigan Department of Education, other universities and colleges).

Students may obtain a petition form through the Registrar’s Office and must consult with their academic advisor prior to election of academic renewal. Students who left the university voluntarily may re-enroll by contacting the Registrar’s Office. If they did not leave voluntarily, they must seek re-enrollment through the Office of Student Affairs. Requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

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Conduct http://sa.mtu.edu/dean/judicial/policies/

Attendance at Michigan Technological University is both voluntary and optional. Each member of the University community, by his or her matriculation at the University or by otherwise availing themselves of the benefits of the University, indicates that they agree to be bound by the Code of Community Conduct and all other relevant policies, rules, or regulations. The University considers freedom of speech and civil discourse to be essential to educational development and thus recognizes and values both freedoms provided by, and limits consistent with, the First Amendment. Students are free to engage in peaceful and orderly protest, demonstration and picketing that is consistent with the Code of Community Conduct and does not disrupt functions of the University. However, students and others are not permitted to engage in conduct that disrupts the University, the University community, or any of its constituent parts.

Sex Discrimination/Sexual Harassment—Michigan Tech must provide a fair and responsible environment for all of its students. Federal and state laws prohibit discrimination in the use of educational facilities because of gender. Discriminatory treatment on the basis of one's status as cited in the Michigan Tech Equal Opportunity statement is prohibited. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act expressly prohibits sexual harassment. According to the Michigan Tech Sexual Harassment Policy, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal and physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when submission is either explicitly or implicitly a basis for academic advancement (e.g., for better grades, advancement in an academic program); or submission or rejection affects the targeted person's employment (e.g., their evaluation, advancement, salary); or the conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with the targeted person's work performance or learning environment; or it creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work, academic, or residential living environment. For information on the University's sexual discrimination policies, see the Michigan TechStudent Handbook, "Student Rights and Responsibilities in the University Community" section, or contact the offices of Affirmative Programs or Student Affairs.

Substance Abuse—The University encourages and promotes an environment where healthy lifestyle choices can be made every day by students, faculty, and staff. Students may take advantage of a substance abuse consultation and counseling available to them through Counseling and Wellness Services. Michigan Tech is committed to following the guidelines of the Drug-Free Schools and Community Act of 1988.

Michigan Tech recognizes that substance abuse has a detrimental effect on the University's goals and objectives. It affects the intellectual, social, physical, and moral growth and development of the individual and the campus community. To reduce the effects that substance abuse promotes, Michigan Tech expects each person to accept the responsibility for his or her own choices and behavior. The University will intervene in any substance abuse-related behaviors that have a negative effect on any segment of the University community or violate any city, state, or federal law. For specific drug and alcohol policies, refer to the "Alcohol and Other Drug Policy" or the pamphlet, "Policy and Procedure concerning Drugs and Alcohol," available in the Office of Student Affairs.

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Disabilities (ADA)

Michigan Tech complies with all federal and state laws and regulations regarding discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). Michigan Tech is committed to a policy of educating individuals with physical or learning disabilities without discrimination. Students with documented disabilities should contact the Student Affairs Office/Dean of Students for assistance and accommodations. It is the student's responsibility to inform the Office of Student Affairs of their class schedule for each semester in which accommodations are sought.

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Grade Reports

Mid-Semester Grades—Grades of "satisfactory” (C or better) or "unsatisfactory" are given to all first-year students at mid-semester. Final letter grades are provided at the end of each semester.

Semester—Students may access their final semester grades through Banweb (Student Information System). Grades are mailed to the student only upon request. Contact the Registrar’s Office for more information.

Disputed 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 semester. Graded student work (exams, papers, homework, etc.) that has not been returned to the student should be retained by the instructor of record for at least 30 days after the beginning of the next semester or until existing disputes have been resolved.

Official Transcripts—Transcripts are provided free of charge upon request from the Michigan Tech Registrar’s Office.  Transcript requests are processed as they are received, and turnaround time is kept to a minimum. All financial obligations to the University must be satisfied before a transcript will be released.

Online Request—If you are a current student or a former student who attended Michigan Tech since 2003, you can log into Banweb (Student Information System). Enter your campus username and ISO password to login. Once you have gained access, click on student services, student records, then select an official or unofficial transcript. If you have questions, email registrar@mtu.edu or contact the Registrar’s Office at 906-487-2319.

Students who attended prior to 2003 may request a transcript in person, by mail, or by fax.

Request in Person—Come to the Registrar’s Office with your Michigan Tech ID or other photo identification. Office hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM during fall and spring semesters and 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM during summer semester. You will receive your transcript immediately upon presentation of appropriate identification.

Request by Mail—To request a transcript by mail, include your name, Michigan Tech Student ID number, address where you would like the transcript mailed to, your signature, and an address or phone number in case we need to contact you. The mailing address is Michigan Technological University, Registrar’s Office, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, Michigan 49931.

Request by Fax—To request a transcript by fax, include your name, Michigan Tech Student ID number, address where you would like the transcript mailed to, your signature, and an address or phone number in case we need to contact you. The fax number is 906-487-3343. You may also request that any unofficial transcript be faxed.

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Grading Policies

Grade Point Average (GPA)—The grade and credit earned for any course taken by a student at Michigan Tech will become part of the student's permanent record and will be used in the computation of the University grade point average (GPA).

The GPA is computed by dividing the grade points 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.

Minimum GPA—It is required that a student earn a minimum cumulative 2.00 GPA and a minimum 2.00 GPA in the student's major department for an undergraduate degree. Incomplete (I) grades remaining at graduation are considered failing (F) grades in computing the final GPA.

Grading System—The 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 when a student is unable to complete a segment of the course because of circumstances beyond the student's control. Course work must be made up by the close of the next 3 semesters in residence or the I grade becomes a failure (F). A grade of I may be given only when approved in writing by the department chair. 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)—no grade points/credit; 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. An X grade is computed into the GPA as an F.
• 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. The student's grade form will come to the instructor at the end of the course in the normal manner.
• 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 was dropped between the beginning of the fourth week and the end of the eighth week; after the eighth week, a student may only request a late drop from the Office of Student Affairs, which will consider only those requests that clearly involve 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. A grade of S is given for work equal to letter grades of A to C.
• E (effort unsatisfactory)—no credit, no grade points; given for courses taken under the Pass-Fail option. A grade of E is given for work equal 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.

Audit Option—Courses are typically taken for audit by students wishing to refamiliarize themselves with the material. A course taken as an audit may be retaken at a later date for credit subject to the approval of the student's major department. Students auditing courses will be charged the same tuition as credit courses. Students have six weeks after classes begin to change their registration (audit versus letter grade). After that time, changes in registration must be approved by the instructor.

Pass-Fail Option—The purpose of the pass-fail option is to encourage the student to explore areas of study outside the major field without the pressure of competition for a letter grade. Students have one week after classes begin to change their registration (pass-fail versus letter grade). After that time, changes in registration must be approved by the instructor.

No course taken for a letter grade may be repeated under the pass-fail option. Courses must be elected with the approval of the advisor. The courses available under this option are elective courses not specifically named by the student's major department as required for a degree or otherwise excluded by the department (free electives only). No university-wide credit requirement can be met with an S grade.

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Graduation Requirements

The Michigan Tech Catalog is updated annually and requirements for degree programs may change from one catalog year to the next.

Students maintaining continuous enrollment at Michigan Tech may expect to graduate under the requirements published in the University catalog in effect at the time of their matriculation. Students who change majors will follow the requirements in effect at the time of the change.

Students who add a major, minor, or certificate will follow the requirements for the additional curriculum in effect at the time it is added.

Students who have been absent from the University for one or more years will follow the degree requirements of the catalog in effect at the time of readmission.

Students should consult with their academic advisor for guidance when considering options in regard to their individual plan.

Graduation Residency Policy—Students must meet the following residency requirements in order to receive a baccalaureate degree from Michigan Tech:

1. Thirty of the last 36 semester credit hours of academic work to be applied to the degree must have been completed at Michigan Technological University. Study abroad, national exchange, and co-op credits earned through Michigan Tech may be included in these 30 hours if the student has completed 30 credit hours of courses at Michigan Tech among the last 60 credit hours to be applied to the degree.
2. Thirty semester credit hours of advanced level courses (3000 or higher) must be completed at Michigan Tech.

Courses which meet the "at Michigan Tech" requirement are defined as courses listed in the course catalog and taught by Michigan Tech faculty either on campus, at field locations, or through distance learning.

Each degree candidate is expected to:

1. Successfully complete the required courses prescribed for their chosen curriculum. Petitions for exceptions must be approved by the department advisor and department chair or school dean and submitted for file with Degree Services.
2. Successfully complete the required University General Education requirements.
3. Attain a cumulative University GPA of at least 2.00, and a major department GPA of at least 2.00.
4. Comply with Michigan Tech's graduation residency requirements.
5. File an Application for Graduation with the Degree Services Office for each degree/certificate program enrolled in.
6. Have an approved Degree Audit on file in the Degree Services Office for each degree/certificate program in which enrolled.

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Undergraduate Commencement Eligibility Requirements    http://www.mtu.edu/commencement/requirements.htm

Michigan Tech conducts two commencement ceremonies each year which are held in the spring and fall semesters. Students completing all degree requirements in the spring or summer will be listed for the spring commencement ceremony and students completing their degree requirements in the fall will be listed for the fall commencement ceremony. Students who find it necessary to participate in a ceremony held prior to their graduation term due to extenuating circumstances must seek approval from the Degree Services Coordinator in the Registrar’s Office.

In order to be eligible to participate** in a commencement ceremony and to be listed in the commencement program, all degree candidates must:

• Be registered in the course(s) that will complete all outstanding degree requirements.
• Have all required degree paperwork on file in the Degree Services Office two semesters prior to the expected graduation term. Required degree paperwork includes an application for graduation and a department approved degree audit form for each degree being pursued and any applicable minor audit forms, double major audit forms, certificate forms, and petitions to alter curriculum requirement forms.

**Participation in a commencement ceremony is NOT equivalent to graduation. Since the ceremony occurs before final grades are submitted, it is not possible to determine if all degree requirements have been met at that time. Graduation becomes official after all grades are received and the degree notation is placed on the academic record.

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Annual Notification of Student Rights Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. They are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the University receives a request for access.
   Students may request to inspect their records from the appropriate records custodian. The Registrar’s Office will provide assistance in identifying the correct official to whom requests should be directed.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the student believes is inaccurate or misleading.

1. Students may ask the University to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the University official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.
2. If the University decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the University will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.

3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

1. One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. School officials are individuals employed by the University as researchers, teachers, advisors, counselors, placement personnel, deans, department chairs, administrative officials responsible for some part of the academic enterprise or one of the supporting activities; support staff and student personnel employed to assist University officials in the management of educational records; a person, company, or agency with whom the University has contracted for a service; college or University committees (including student members), a person or company with whom Michigan Tech has contracted (such as an auditor, attorney, or collection agent.)
2. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
3. The University may disclose education records in certain other circumstances which are noted in full text of Michigan Tech’s Privacy and Release of Student Educational Records policy.

4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, US Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC, 20202-4605.

FERPA further provides that certain information designated as “Directory Information” concerning the student may be released by the University unless the student has informed the University that such information should not be released.

The University designates the following as public or "Directory Information": The student's name, address, telephone number, electronic mail address, hometown, age, college, major field of study, class (senior, junior, sophomore, freshman), student status; full-time or part-time registration or not currently enrolled, student level; undergraduate/graduate, dates of attendance, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, leadership positions at Michigan Tech, weight and height of athletic team members, specific athletic achievements, Michigan Tech job title, degrees and awards received, academic and other honors, most recent previous school attended and parent/guardian names in conjunction with university awards/recognition.

As a matter of normal practice, Michigan Technological University does not sell or release "Directory Information" to commercial third parties, unless required to do so by law.

Students may restrict the release of "Directory Information," except to school officials with legitimate educational interests and others as indicated above. To do so, a student must file a request to withhold directory information form with the Registrar’s Office. Once filed, this request becomes a permanent part of the student's record until the student instructs the University, in writing, to have the request removed.

Questions about FERPA may be directed to Michigan Technological University, Registrar’s Office, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931-1295. The complete policy is available on the Registrar’s Office Website at: http://www.mtu.edu/registrar/

University Information & Freedom of Information Act

Michigan Tech is committed to maintaining a free exchange of information throughout the University community. It is our general practice to release most types of information immediately upon request.

In addition, as a publicly funded institution, Michigan Tech is subject to the provisions of the state and federal Freedom of Information Acts (FOIA). FOIA requires the University to provide copies of most administrative documents, with the exception of certain legal and personnel records, to anyone filing a FOIA request. If you wish to file a Freedom of Information Act request or if you would like to view University documents, contact the Office of the President at 906- 487-2200.

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Registration

Registration periods for each semester are listed in the University Academic Calendar.

While every effort is made to ensure that the Schedule of Classes is accurate at the time of printing, unforeseen circumstances or low enrollments may cause the cancellation of some section(s) or course(s). Michigan Tech also reserves the right to change the days, times, rooms, or instructors of section(s) or course(s) as deemed necessary.

The Schedule of Classes can be found on the web at Prepare for Registration: www.mtu.edu/registrar/students/registration/prepare/

Adding Classes—The last day to officially add a full semester course is Wednesday of the second week of the semester*.

First-year students: Through the first five days of the semester*, signature approval must be obtained from the student's academic advisor. After the fifth business day of the semester*, signature approval must be obtained from the student's academic advisor and the course instructor. Section changes for the same course do not require an academic advisor approval signature.

All other students: Through the first five business days of the semester*, no signature approval is required. After the fifth business day of the semester*, students must obtain signature approval from the course instructor to add a course or change a section.

* Or the same percentage of time if a course is offered in a time module other than a fourteen-week semester

Dropping Classes—Courses dropped by the close of business on Wednesday of the second week of the semester* will be refunded 100 percent. Courses dropped after this date will not be refunded.

During the first three weeks of a semester, courses dropped will not be recorded on the student’s permanent record.  Beginning the fourth week through the end of the eighth week of the semester, courses dropped will be indicated by a grade of W on the student’s permanent record.

First-year students: During the first three weeks of instruction*, signature approval must be obtained from the student’s academic advisor. Students must be made aware of how dropping a course affects their progress toward graduation.  After the third week of instruction*, signature approval must be obtained from the student’s academic advisor and the course instructor.

All other students: During the first week through the end of the eighth week of instruction*, no signature approval is required.

* Or the same percentage of time if a course is offered in a time module other than a fourteen-week semester.

After the eighth week of a semester, a student may request a late drop from the Office of Student Affairs which will consider only those requests that clearly involve extenuating circumstances beyond a student's control. The course will appear on the student's transcript with a grade of W.

NOTE: Students who drop all of their classes will be withdrawn from school as of the date those classes were dropped.

Financial Obligations—Having fulfilled all other requirements, a student is eligible for registration or graduation only if all financial obligations to the University have been met. Students with an outstanding balance will have a hold placed on their account. This hold denies access to registration and prevents the distribution of grades and transcripts.

Variable Credit Courses: The last day to change credit amounts on variable credit courses is Wednesday of the second week of the semester (or the same percentage of time if a course is offered in a time module other than a fourteen-week semester). Decreases in credits after this date will not be refunded.

Prerequisites—It is recommended that these courses are satisfactorily completed before a student registers for a more advanced course. Students who earn a CD or D in a prerequisite course are encouraged to retake the prerequisite course before registering for the advanced course.

Concurrent prerequisite: a prerequisite that may be taken the same semester as the course requiring it.

Co-requisites: courses that are required to be taken together in the same semester.

The course instructor has the right to waive a prerequisite in the case of a student who has demonstrated competence or who has academic experience equivalent to that represented by the prerequisite. The waiver does not grant credit for the prerequisite course, but indicates the instructor's willingness to accept the student into class without the student officially taking the prerequisite course.

Repeating a Course—Undergraduate 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 standing. 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 the permission of 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.

In situations where an original course is no longer offered and no active direct equivalent exists, students may seek the permission of their academic advisor and their department chair or school dean to substitute a different course (a "similar repeat") which covers comparable material at a similar level.

Curriculum Changes—Undergraduate students considering a change of major should initially contact the prospective major department for information regarding restrictions or requirements for being admitted into that department. All changes are recorded on the Curriculum Add/Drop form, available in the department academic advising offices. The student must complete the form, have it signed by the appropriate academic advisor, and submit it to the Registrar’s Office before Wednesday of the second week of instruction to be effective for that semester. Curriculum changes received after that time will be effective for the following semester.

In addition to changing a primary major, the Curriculum Add/Drop form can be used to add, drop, or change a concentration, minor, a double major, or a second degree. Questions may be directed to registrar@mtu.edu.

For forms go to: http://www.mtu.edu/registrar/pdfs/curriculum_add_drop_form.pdf

Enrollment in Graduate Courses under "Senior Rule"—While completing an undergraduate degree, students are permitted to take courses which could apply to a graduate degree. However, a course cannot be applied to both a graduate and an undergraduate degree.

A Senior Rule form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar’s Office prior to the end of the sixth week of class for the term in which the class is taken. Upon submission, the student's academic record will be changed to show graduate status for the course(s) designated. Once the academic record has been changed to show graduate status for a particular course, it cannot be changed back to count toward an undergraduate degree, nor can courses from previous semesters be reclassified.

Students will receive two transcripts once the Senior Rule is applied to a course—one for undergraduate courses and one for graduate courses. Courses completed previously under Senior Rule (but not classified as such in the student's academic record) will not be reclassified to appear on the graduate transcript, but the courses may be accepted on the graduate degree schedule with department advisor’s approval.

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Withdrawing from the University

Withdrawal Procedure—If a student terminates course work during the semester, registration must be formally withdrawn. Failure to submit a Student Withdrawal form may result in F grades and in payment of tuition and fees which otherwise might be avoided. Withdrawals are processed according to an established refund schedule. Notifying the Registrar’s Office helps ensure a smooth withdrawal-readmission process. Students may do this over the telephone, through the mail, or by fax, but the preferable method is in person. If students are not planning to return, a formal withdrawal assures students of receiving any refunds due in a timely manner.

Withdrawal of Students Called to Active Military Service— Students called to active duty are guaranteed readmission upon completion of active service. Enrolled Michigan Tech students who are called to active military duty will be given the opportunity to work out the best possible solution for maintaining their academic status. They must choose one of the following options before departing for active service:

• Leave for active service with a tuition refund of 100 percent. Refunds involving financial aid will be adjudicated to decrease the payback required from the student to the lowest possible amount.
• Agree that temporary grades will be issued for enrolled courses. The temporary grades will be P for Progress or I for Incomplete. In some cases, arrangements can be made to complete the course work while on active duty. Otherwise, the student may complete the courses when he or she returns to the University.

 

Michigan Technological University
1400 Townsend Drive
Houghton, Michigan 49931-1295
906/487-2319