Policy Guide

Summary of Academic
Policies, Procedures, and Processes
Related to Students

Academic Standing and Grades: It is the student's responsibility to be aware of grades and academic standing. Academic standing could be good standing, probation, or suspension, and it is calculated at the end of each term after grades are received, repeats marked, and GPA calculated. Grade changes are processed daily and e-mail notifications of the grade changes are sent to the student's and faculty's MTSU e-mail address. Once the next semester begins, academic standing is not recalculated even if grade changes are received unless a university error was made.

Students may view their grades and academic standing online each semester by selecting the Transcript link or Final Grades link under the Student Records menu on RaiderNet. If a student has a hold that prevents viewing the transcript, academic standing can also be viewed by selecting the Registration Status link under the Registration menu. No student may view grades on RaiderNet until all debts or obligations owed to MTSU have been satisfied. Students with holds may come to the Registrar's Office (Records) in Cope Administration Building 106 and present a photo ID to be informed of their grades.

Undergraduate Students:
A message is sent to the student's MTSU e-mail address if he or she is placed on probation or suspension; however, a student should always check his/her academic standing on RaiderNet after each semester. If a student is placed on probation, the student must attain a 2.00 GPA in the next term or increase the cumulative GPA to one of the following retention standards:

00-29.99 GPA hours 1.50

30-49.99 GPA hours 1.80

50 or more GPA hours 2.00

A student on academic probation who does not meet either the current term GPA OR cumulative GPA in the above standards during the next term enrolled will be suspended.

If a transfer student is admitted on probation or has been previously suspended from another school, then the above standards must be met or suspension will occur.

Students previously suspended are not eligible for probationary status.

If a student is suspended, any future registration is purged and the student cannot attend MTSU for the length of the suspension. A student can appeal a suspension. Students should also be aware of the difference between a financial aid suspension due to unsatisfactory progress and an academic suspension based on grades and GPA. A financial aid suspension means the student can still attend MTSU; however, the student will not receive financial aid. An academic suspension means the student cannot attend MTSU for the length of the suspension even if eligible for financial aid. These are two different suspensions, and there are two different appeal processes that are independent of each other.

Graduate Students:
Graduate level academic standing is based on cumulative GPA. Academic standards for graduate students may be viewed at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/student/regulations/suspension.php.

A graduate student failing to meet the applicable minimum cumulative GPA retention standard as listed on the retention scale in the Graduate Catalog or whose cumulative graduate GPA is less than 3.00 for three consecutive semesters will be placed on academic probation for the subsequent term.

Probation in itself has no serious consequences other than to alert the student of potential academic problems and the requirement to (re)establish satisfactory academic status. Conversely, however, suspension is quite serious. Should a suspended student not be readmitted, it would result in termination of the student's graduate status.

In addition to minimum GPA standards, degree-seeking students are expected to take appropriate graduate courses toward their degree objective, as determined by the graduate program. Nondegree-seeking graduate students are expected to take graduate courses. In addition to the retention guidelines, the two-course repeat policy may result in a dramatically increased GPA.

Six semester hours of "C"; grade coursework may be applied toward a master's or specialist in education degree. No courses with a "C"; grade are acceptable toward the doctor of arts degree and no more than seven (7) hours of "C"; grade may count toward the doctor of philosophy degree requirements.

Courses with a grade lower than "C"; will not be applied toward any graduate degree requirements but will be included in the student's GPA computation unless otherwise exempted by the University repeat policy.

Academic Suspension Appeals: MTSU is committed to helping students achieve their academic goals. However, some students fail to maintain an adequate grade point average and are academically suspended.

Undergraduate : An undergraduate academic appeals committee process has been established to allow academically suspended students to appeal their suspensions. This committee reviews the college transcript and materials submitted by the student to determine if they think students can do college-level work and if they are motivated to be successful in school. The academic appeals committee decides if the suspension stands or if the student can be readmitted. Conditions that this committee might impose, if a student is readmitted, could be limiting enrollment in 8 or 14 credit hours for the semester and/or requiring the student to see the college advisor. This committee's decision is final and only applies to the semester for which the student appealed. There is no higher appeal. Readmission by the academic appeals committee does not imply reinstatement of financial aid, if applicable. Students should be aware of the difference between a financial aid suspension due to unsatisfactory progress and an academic suspension based on grades and GPA and that these are two different appeal processes that are independent of each other. The academic appeal form may be obtained in Cope Administration Building 106 or on the Web at www.mtsu.edu/records.

There is a filing deadline for appeals prior to the beginning of classes each semester. Students appealing for Fall term can appeal at the Summer or Fall meeting (not both). Appealing for the Fall term at the May meeting allows students to receive the committee's decision in May rather than having to wait until August. Students should contact personnel in the Registrar's Office (Records) for the deadline date applicable to each semester, refer to the current registration guide, or access the Registrar's Office home page. Students are responsible for being aware of their academic standing. Emails regarding academic suspension are sent to students' MTSU e-mail addresses. Students should check their MTSU email and academic standing on RaiderNet after all grades are posted and the GPA is calculated.

Students who wish to appeal an academic suspension must complete the form and submit any documentation by the published deadline. The Academic Suspension Appeals Form (undergraduates) may be found at www.mtsu.edu/records/sforms.php. For more information contact the Registrar's Office (Records), Cope Administration Building 106. If you last name begins with A-I call 898-2163; J-P call 898-2162; Q-Z call 898-2164.

If you choose to attend another institution during your suspension from MTSU, please refer to the "re-enrollee"; requirements in the current MTSU catalog. You will need to re-enroll through the Admissions Office.

Graduate: Graduate students who wish to appeal must contact the College of Graduate Studies or visit www.mtsu.edu/graduate.

Community Pledge:

I am True Blue.
As a member of this diverse community,
I am a valuable contributor to its progress and success.
I am engaged in the life of this community.
I am a recipient and a giver.
I am a listener and a speaker.
I am honest in word and deed.
I am committed to reason, not violence.
I am a learner now and forever.
I am a BLUE RAIDER.
True Blue!

Community Standards and Expectations, Statement of: Middle Tennessee State University is committed to developing and nurturing a community devoted to learning, growth, and service. Each person who joins or affiliates with the community does so freely and accepts and practices the following core values and expectations:

1. Honesty and Integrity.
The notions of personal and academic honesty and integrity is central to the existence of the MTSU community. All members of the community will strive to achieve and maintain the highest standards of academic achievement in the classroom and personal and social responsibility on and off campus.

2. Respect for Diversity.
The MTSU community is composed of individuals representing different races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, cultures, and ways of thinking. We respect individual differences and unique perspectives and acknowledge our commonalties.

3. Engagement in the Community.
All members of the community are encourages to participate in educationally purposeful activities that support and enhance the MTSU experience. Active involvement and personal investment in the classroom and throughout the community are hallmarks of an engaged citizen.

4. Commitment to Non-Violence.
MTSU is committed to the principles of non-violence and peaceful conflict resolution. Community members will freely express their ideas and resolve differences using reason and persuasion.

Credit by Special Examination (Undergraduate): Students seeking credit by special examination should, on forms provided by the Admissions Office, request approval from the chair of the department or director of the school in which the course is offered. The method for designing, administering, and evaluating the special examination will be determined by the department/school. The examination shall be comparable in scope and difficulty to a comprehensive final examination in that course. The form for approval to post credit by special exam must be received in the Admissions Office no later than two weeks prior to the first day of final exams for a specified semester.

No student will be allowed to repeat a special examination in a given course within one year. All credit-by-examination scores are submitted to the Admissions office. The test results are evaluated and recorded on a student's transcript if credit is earned. Semester hours of credit toward graduation are earned on the basis of these tests, but no grades or quality points are given. These credits will not affect a student's academic average. A student may receive no more than 60 semester hours of credit by means of credit-by-examination, credit for service-related experience, and flight training.

For CLEP, the applicant must not have notation of the course on the official transcript for which credit is recommended. (This includes both MTSU and transfer records.) If a student has a 'W' or 'F' in a course or is currently enrolled and cannot drop without a grade, CLEP credit is not allowed. For more information, contact Counseling Services in KUC 329 or at 898-2863.

Drop/Add Policy: During designated days (see calendar in Registration Guide) of a term, students may add courses. Students who wish to add a class after the deadline to add must process a drop/add form in the Scheduling Center, JUB 123. Both the instructor and chairperson's signatures are required on the drop/add form if an exception to the policy is being approved.

Students who cease attendance but do not officially drop or withdraw will receive a grade of "F." Students will be allowed to drop or add courses provided they do so within the course drop/add period.

Students with registration holds on their records may not drop or add until the holds are cleared.

1. During the first two weeks (14 calendar days) of a term, no grade is assigned.
2. During the third week (15th calendar day) through 60 percent of a term, a grade of "W" will be assigned.
3. After 60 percent of a term, courses cannot be dropped via RaiderNet.

If attempting to drop a class after the deadline, the departmental chair AND instructor signatures are required if an exception to the policy is being approved.

The drop dates for courses that meet for a shorter time period than the normal term beginning and ending dates will be prorated based upon the course drop dates for the full term upon notification to the Scheduling Center.

Tennessee Board of Regents policy prohibits students from dropping COMPASS prescribed courses except under extenuating circumstances and with the approval of the director of University Studies. A student desiring to drop a course must contact the University College Advising Center at (615) 898-2339 (McFarland Building) to begin the process. Failure to comply will result in an automatic grade of "F."

Student athletes must obtain permission from the Student-Athlete Enhancement Center before processing drop/add forms in the Scheduling Center. International students should obtain permission from International Affairs.

Grades on PipelineMT:

To access your grades online:

Access your PipelineMT account
Select the RaiderNet tab
Click on the Student tab
Click on Student Records and select Final grades

If a student has an account balance which prevents release of grades, RaiderNet will provide an option to allow payment of the current term balance by e-check, credit card, or check card (VISA or MasterCard) so that grades may be viewed. The hold is not removed until overnight. The student must call the Business Office or wait until the next day to view grades.

Graduation Requirement (Undergraduate)
The state of Tennessee requires all state-supported colleges and universities to administer a general education exam to graduating seniors. The CCTST (California Critical Thinking Skills Test) is used to assess MTSU's general education program. The exam is required for bachelor's degree candidates. Testing sessions last approximately one hour.

All graduating seniors complete various assessment activities specific to their major field of study. Some programs establish the major field test (MFT) as part of the graduation requirements. They require their students graduating in either the fall or spring semester to take the major field test (MFT).

The purpose of the major field test (MFT) is to evaluate students' knowledge in their major field and to assess the curriculum within each major. Students will be notified about the test(s), testing dates, and a make-up exam charge. Students must pay a $25 late fee if the test is taken as a make-up exam.

Additional information may be found at www.mtsu.edu/countest/test/gened_countest.php.

Contact Testing Services in the Keathley University Center, Room 327, Phone 615.898.2863, if questions.

Residency (Undergraduate)
The Undergraduate Admissions office is charged with classifying new undergraduate students as in-state or out-of-state for fee-paying purposes, according to the guidelines established by the state legislature and the Tennessee Board of Regents. If there is any reason to question your status as a permanent resident of Tennessee, we will classify you out-of-state until we receive a completed in-state classification application and supporting documents. Click on the link below for a copy of the in-state classification application online. The in-state classification application should be filed with the Admissions Office at least 10 days in advance of the start of the semester so that we will have time to process it before your fees are due.

If your in-state classification application was denied, contact the Student Affairs Office at (615) 898-2750 to schedule an appeal before the In-State Classification Appeals Committee. Students appealing their residency decision have the option of meeting in person with the Committee to explain their situation. You cannot contact the Appeals Committee until after your in-state classification application has been denied by the Admissions Office.

In-State Classification for Fee-Paying Purposes Application Form www.mtsu.edu/admissn/pdf/resapp.pdf

Full-Time/Part-Time Classification Form for Fee Paying Purposes www.mtsu.edu/admissn/pdf/2011_Residency_PT_FT.pdf

Academic Common Market - Eligible Undergraduate Programs and Participating States www.mtsu.edu/admissn/pdf/ACM-for-web-12-08.pdf

Residency (Graduate)
The College of Graduate Studies follows TBR Policy No. 3:05:01:00:

Regulations for Classifying Students In‐State and Out‐of‐State for the Purposes of Paying College or University Fees and Tuition and For Admission Purposes. See additional information at the link below:

Graduate Application for In-state Classification www.mtsu.edu/graduate/pdf/ResidencyReClass.pdf

Academic Common Market - Eligible Graduate Programs and Participating States www.mtsu.edu/graduate/student/acm.php

Selective Service: All male U.S. citizens and noncitizens who take up residency in the United States of America, ages 18-25, must register with Selective Service prior to registering for classes at MTSU. This requirement does not apply to veterans and others exempt by federal law.

Student Course Load and Enrollment Status: A student's enrollment status is determined by the number of credit hours taken per term according to the following:

Undergraduate:
Full-time - 12 hours
One-half time - 6 hours

Graduate:
Full-time - 9 graduate hours
One-half time - 5 graduate hours

A normal full-time load for graduate students is nine graduate level semester hours; however, full-time status for students holding graduate assistantships is six semester hours at the graduate level.

The maximum number of credit hours for which an undergraduate student may enroll is
1-Full Term (Spring, Summer, or Fall) - 18 hours
A1-Accelerated 1 Term (Spring or Fall) - 9 hours
A2-Accelerated 2 Term (Spring or Fall) - 9 hours
S1-May Term (Summer) - 4 hours
S2-June Term (Summer) - 8 hours
S3-July Term (Summer) - 8 hours
S4-June/July Term (Summer) - 8 hours

Undergraduate students may not take more than 18 hours (total of all parts-of-term). Students who wish to enroll for credit hours in excess of these limitations must be graded approval by the appropriate dean as determined by the student's major or the Academic Support Center for undeclared majors.

Graduate students are limited to a maximum load of 12 credit hours per term. If an exception to this 12-hour limit is requested, overload forms must be signed by the appropriate graduate program advisor and approved by the College of Graduate Studies.

Veterans: Veterans' benefits are based on the number of enrolled credit hours and attendance of enrolled courses. Notify the MTSU Veterans Affairs Office, Registrar's Office (Records), Cope 102 or phone 615-898-2601 immediately of any changes in registration or class attendance which may affect status as a full or part-time student.

When the Middle Tennessee State University Veterans Affairs Office is informed of a change in enrollment status, the change will be forwarded to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and may result in reduced or terminated benefits as well as receipt of an overpayment notice. Dropping or not attending classes could result in overpayment.

Service members, veterans, and dependents of veterans who are eligible beneficiaries of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits or other governmentally funded educational assistance, subject to the conditions and guidelines set forth in Tennessee Code Annotated 49-7-104 as amended, may elect, upon formal application, to defer payment of required tuition and fees until the final day of the term for which the deferment has been requested. Application for the deferment must be made no later than 14 days after the beginning of the term, and the amount of the deferment shall not exceed the total monetary benefits to be received for the term. Students who have been granted deferments are expected to make timely payments on their outstanding tuition and fees balance once education benefits are being delivered, and eligibility for such deferment shall terminate if the student fails to abide by any applicable rule or regulation, or to act in good faith in making timely payments. This notice is published pursuant to Public Chapter 279, Acts of 2003, effective July 1, 2003.

Withdrawal from the University: Students finding it necessary to withdraw from the University after having selected classes for a future term should use RaiderNet via PipelineMT to drop all classes; or initiate the withdrawal process in the University College Advising Center, McFarland Building (615-898-2339).

Dates may vary from term to term concerning whether the withdrawal should be accomplished by RaiderNet via PipelineMT or through the University College Advising Center.

See Policies and Procedures on the Registrar's Office (Records & Scheduling) website, http://www.mtsu.edu/records/.