The University Senate of Michigan Technological University
Senate Policy 416.1
Background/Rationale
This proposal seeks to formalize longstanding practice in the Graduate School and add clarifications regarding student dismissals based on Academic Standing. It has been reviewed by the Graduate School, Graduate Faculty Council, Graduate Student Government, and legal counsel.
Policy Statement
Students who fail to maintain good academic standing will be subject to sanctions.
Policy Requirements
To remain in good academic standing graduate students must do all of the following:
· Maintain a cumulative overall GPA of at least 3.0.
· Receive grades of "P" (progress) in research credits.
· Maintain continuous enrollment
·
Pass all written and oral exams required for completion of the degree. Graduate programs limit the number of attempts students have to pass a required oral or written exam. Graduate programs also require that the exams be taken within a specified time period after a student matriculates into a degree program.
· Make satisfactory progress toward completion of the degree during each academic-year semester and summer session of enrollment.
Academic Sanctions
This section describes each sanction, and when it will apply to a student who has not maintained good academic standing. The procedure “Reviewing progress of graduate students” describes how and when students are notified of sanctions, and the courses of action available to students suspended or dismissed.
Graduate Academic Probation
Students are placed on academic probation for the following violations of the University requirement that graduate students must maintain good academic standing.
· Failing to maintain a cumulative overall GPA of at least 3.0.
· Receiving a "Q" grade in a research course.
Students will be removed from academic probation when their cumulative University GPA is 3.0 or greater and/or when they receive a “P” grade in a research course.
Graduate Academic Suspension
If a student is on academic probation for two sequential semesters of enrollment, the Graduate School will place the student on academic suspension. The suspension will be for the period of the upcoming semester or session.
Students who return after the suspension period will remain on probation. If their cumulative GPA is at least 3.0 and they do not receive a “Q” grade in a research course during their first semester as a reinstated student, they will return to good academic standing. Students who fail to raise their GPA to at least 3.0 or receive a “Q” grade in a research course during their first semester as a reinstated student will be dismissed from their graduate program by the Graduate School.
Graduate Academic Dismissal
Students will be dismissed from their graduate degree program by the Graduate School in the following situations.
· A student fails to achieve good academic standing or show substantial academic progress within one (1) semester following reinstatement from suspension.
· A student is unable to pass an oral or written exam required for the degree after the allowed number of attempts prior to the time limit for completion of the exams or otherwise fails to make satisfactory progress toward the degree.
Appeals
Students who are suspended or dismissed from a graduate program have the right to appeal to the Graduate School as provided in the “Graduate Appeals of Suspension or Dismissal” policy.
Reason for Policy
The policy provides clear guidance to students about what is required to maintain good academic standing, and that sanctions will result when good academic standing is not maintained.
Related Policy Information
This policy is a formal statement of longstanding practice in the Graduate School, and has been reviewed by the Graduate School, Graduate Faculty Council, Graduate Student Government, and legal counsel.
Related grading policies
Grades are assigned in accordance with University procedures. The following resources address the University policies regarding grades.
· Grading System and Grade Points—Information about the grades awarded by the University.
· Grading Reports and Transcripts—Information about how to obtain a transcript.
· Disputed Grades—How to correct errors in final course grades.
The policy, “Graduate Scholastic Standards” addresses which earned credits can be used toward a graduate degree or certificate and when courses may be repeated.
Exclusions
This policy does not apply to undergraduate students or graduate students who have not been enrolled in a graduate program within the preceding year.
Contact(s)
Office/Unit Telephone Number
Graduate School (906) 487-2327
Definitions
Eligible Graduate Student – graduate students enrolled in a graduate program in the current or preceding year
Continuous enrollment – enrollment for at least one credit in the fall and spring semesters
Graduate Academic Probation – a strong warning to improve scholastic performance
Graduate Academic Suspension – withdrawal from classes for the upcoming semester or session
Graduate Academic Dismissal – removal from the graduate program
Responsibilities
Graduate Student - Maintain good academic standing and be aware of University policies.
Graduate School staff - Review student records, notify students who have not maintained good academic standing each semester, notify appropriate staff of students who have not maintained good academic standing.
Advisor, graduate program director, department chair, dean – Review progress of probationary and suspended students
Graduate program assistant – Review progress toward completion of required exams for the degree program and report students who meet the criteria for dismissal to the Graduate School.
Procedures
In support of this policy, the following procedures are included:
· Reviewing progress of graduate students.
Forms and Instructions
In support of this policy, the following forms/instructions are included:
· None.
Appendices
NA
Additional Information
NA
History
Adoption Date:
Introduced to Senate: 21 September 2011
Clarifying Amendment made in red: 05 October 2011
Approved by Senate with Clarifying Amendment: 05 October 2011
Approved by Administration with clarifications in blue: 21 October 2011