Academic Policies and Grading System

Definition of a Credit Hour

For purposes of the application of this policy and in accord with federal regulations, a credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalency that reasonably approximates

1. Not less than one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours out of class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time, or
2. At least an equivalent amount of work as required outlined in item 1 above for the other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practicum, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.

Full-time Students

Undergraduate: 12-18 credit hours
Graduate: Summer Term: 6 credit hours
Fall & Spring terms: 9 credit hours

Written permission of the student’s academic dean, academic advisor, dean of students, and director of financial aid are required for registrations totaling the following hours:

Undergraduate Program (Fall or Spring Semester): 23 or more credit hours
January Term: 8 or more credit hours
Summer Term: 8 or more credit hours

Part-time Students

Undergraduate students enrolled for 11 credits or less in a regular semester are designated as part-time. Part-time students seeking a degree at Millikin must maintain the requirements for good academic standing. The requirements for good academic standing do not apply to non-degree seeking part-time students.

Auditing a Course

Students who wish to attend classes and lectures regularly, but without responsibility for outside work and examinations, are classified as auditors, and do not receive college credit. Registrations may be changed to an audit registration within the first six weeks of the semester, with Registrar and Professor approval. Courses taken on an audit basis are billed at the same level as courses taken for credit.

Degree-holding alumni and friends of the University are permitted to audit any regularly scheduled class at the University tuition free on a space-available basis. This does not include classes taken during summer and winter sessions. The Office of the Registrar handles these registrations. There is a $50 fee charged to cover access to Millikin’s computer network where most faculty post assignments, test dates, additional resources and readings and for access to the Staley Library.

Music

Only 10 credits of applied music may be counted toward undergraduate degrees other than degrees in Music. Candidates for the B.A., B.S.N. and B.S. degrees may earn up to six credits in music organizations. Candidates for the B.M. degree are limited to the number of credits stated in the requirements for their degree major and emphasis. Although additional credits may be earned, only the number required for the specific degree and those representing the lowest average may be utilized to fulfill graduation requirements and to calculate honors.

One Credit for Sport Participation

No more than four one-credit sport activity courses can be counted toward the degree. No more than 1, one-credit sport activity course can be taken each semester. Credit for participation in intercollegiate athletics is given based on the semester in which intercollegiate competition occurs. Students participating in athletic competition that spans more than one semester may choose when academic credit is earned.

Undergraduate Student Enrollment in Graduate Level Courses

An Undergraduate student who meets the following criteria may enroll in up to 6 graduate level credit hours. Typically, no more than 3 credits in any given academic term (Fall, Immersion, Spring, Summer), though in some cases up to 6 hours in a term may be permitted. Students in approved 3+2 or 4+1 undergraduate to graduate programs may sometimes exceed the 6 credits per term limit.

In all cases the student must:

• Have successfully completed 88 hours prior to the start of the Graduate Course
• Have an overall cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Be enrolled in at least 12 undergraduate credit hours for the semester (enrollment in under 15 undergraduate credits may reduce the amount of the State of Illinois MAP grant the student can receive)
• Have the signed approval of the student’s Academic Advisor, the Director of the Graduate Program, the Financial Aid Director, and the Academic Dean overseeing the Graduate Program

Important Notes on Enrollment in Graduate Level Course(s)

• Enrollment in any given course is contingent on open seat eligibility with preference given to graduate level students
• Enrolled Undergraduate and Graduate credit cannot be combined to determine Full-time enrollment status (undergraduate and graduate enrollments are separate for these purposes)
• Permission to enroll in a graduate course does not mean or imply acceptance into a graduate program.
• Graduate level course work will only be counted toward an undergraduate degree or count towards undergraduate graduation requirements for students who are enrolled in a Millikin University approved 3+2 or 4+1 program. For students not enrolled in an approved 3+2 or 4+1 program the credits from graduate courses will count only as graduate credit hours.
• Only students enrolled in a Millikin University approved 3+2 or 4+1 program may apply designated graduate level courses to their undergraduate degree and the total number of hours applied to both programs (undergraduate and graduate) may not exceed 30 credit hours. Credits applied to both programs will be designated as upper-division (400-level or above) course work completed in the undergraduate program.

Types of Academic Activities

Lecture, seminar, quiz, discussion and recitation: A semester credit hour is an academic unit earned for fifteen 50-minute sessions of classroom instruction with a normal expectation of two hours of outside study for each class session. Typically, a three-semester credit hour course meets three times per week for three 50-minute sessions or twice a week for two 75-minute sessions for fifteen weeks for a total of 45 sessions.

Laboratory: A time devoted to experiments, fieldwork or demonstrations required as all or part of a course. A semester credit hour is awarded for the equivalent of fifteen periods of such activity, where each activity period is at least 50 minutes or more in duration.

Activity supervised as a group (laboratory, field trip, practicum, workshop, and group studio): A class built totally around a format of experiments, tests or demonstrations. A similar measure is applied to this type of activity as described above.

Directed Study: This course is an opportunity that allows one to five students to meet individually or collectively with a professor in order to take a course - not currently being offered - from the regular curriculum. It is understood (1) that the student will cover material comparable to that included in a regularly scheduled offering of the course, and (2) that the option will only be exercised as a scheduling necessity or convenience when adequate reasons for so doing have been presented. The equivalent of fifteen 50-minute sessions of student academic activity is required for each credit hour attempted.

Independent Study: A specially designed in-depth project in which from one to five students meet with a professor to study a body of material that is not synonymous with that comprising any one of the regular curricular course offerings. The equivalent of fifteen 50-minute sessions of student academic activity is required for each credit hour attempted.

Internship: An internship is defined as an experience in which a currently registered Millikin student engages in a professional environment. The internship experience may happen on Millikin’s campus or outside the university’s physical boundaries. Traditionally, 1 credit is awarded after a minimum 40 hours of time spent at the internship experience. It is recommended that for each credit earned, there is a learning goal associated. At least one learning goal will be met for each internship. Individual departments will determine whether these experiences should receive a letter grade or be offered pass/fail. Learning goals may be repeated for mastery in subsequent internships. The goal of an internship is to integrate classroom learning with practical skill development for success in a professional setting.

Service Learning: A structured opportunity to learn beyond campus with approved supervision by addressing a genuine community need and intentionally assessing the learning. Service learning is integrated into the Millikin Program of Student Learning, existing courses in departments, and interdisciplinary electives. The equivalent of fifteen 50-minute sessions of student academic activity is required for each hour attempted.

Practicum: A regularly scheduled course that includes a component in which the student serves an apprenticeship or engages in a field experience under designated supervision. Unlike the internship, the practicum includes during the course a number of classroom meetings in which the background or context for the field experience is presented. The equivalent of fifteen 50-minute sessions of student academic activity is required for each credit hour attempted.

Seminar: A regularly scheduled course generally enrolling 20 or fewer students that requires students to present papers reports or otherwise assumes responsibility for orally presenting and defending the results of their scholarship. The equivalent of fifteen 50-minute sessions of student academic activity is required for each credit hour attempted.

Activity: Either a course or a time designation for a period in which a student receives academic credit for engaging in activities that are primarily physical rather than intellectual in nature.

Studio: A course in which a student (1) meets for instruction or experimentation in one of the creative or performing arts and (2) is required to engage in the creative processes of that art. The equivalent of fifteen 50-minute sessions of student academic activity is required for each credit hour attempted.

Short Sessions (Immersion, Summer School): Credit hours may be earned in short sessions proportionately to those earned for the same activity during a regular term of the institution, normally at no more than one credit per week of full-time study.

Additional Regulations

In addition to the University’s academic requirements, students are required to abide by those regulations outlined in the Student Handbook. Students must meet current requirements for good standing and changes in special curricula set by outside agencies. Compliance with these regulations and satisfactory completion of all academic requirements are the responsibility of each student.

Grading System

A grading system provides a convenient way in which an assessment can be made of relative achievement. The faculty at Millikin has established the following letter grades:

*Incomplete Grades

The transcript may also carry the designation I (Incomplete). This designation is made in consultation between the student and the instructor. (Example: because of illness or other factors beyond the student’s control). Incompletes must be removed within the first eight weeks of the next semester following receipt of the grade, otherwise it automatically becomes an F. Requests for an extension of this deadline because of illness or other reason beyond the student’s control, must be approved by the instructor prior to the end of the eight-week period. The instructor must notify the Office of the Registrar of any extensions granted prior to the end of the 8th week.

Midterm Grades

Midterm letter grades (A-F) will be posted online during the fall and spring terms for Undergraduate 16-week courses at approximately the 8th week of the semester. The due date for midterms is set by the Registrar.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

A student’s grade point average (GPA) is computed by dividing the number of Points earned by total graded credits attempted. Credits and grades earned in an affiliate registration will be considered as credits earned and attempted at Millikin. The overall grade point average is determined by dividing Total Points by total GPA Hours Attempted Credits for Millikin credits and grades only.

How to calculate Grade Point Average (GPA)

It is essential for students to understand how to calculate their semester and overall grade point average. Millikin, like most universities, grades on a four-point scale, which includes plus (+) and minus (-) grades as illustrated above.

A student’s GPA is determined by taking the total number of points earned and dividing it by the number of credits attempted for a letter grade. Grades of P or W or I are not factored into the GPA.

Multiply the credit value of each course by the point value of the grade. For example, a three-credit course in which you earn a C (2.0) is worth 6 points. Next, total the points you have earned in all of your courses after multiplying their value by the value of the grade awarded. Divide the number of credits you have attempted, excluding courses with grades of P, W or I.

For example:

To determine the overall or cumulative GPA the total credits attempted for both semesters are added together and divided by the total points from both semesters. Millikin does not round up to the nearest 10th, but instead displays three places past the decimal. For example, if a student has earned an overall GPA or 3.499 and graduation honors requires a 3.5 the student would not qualify for Honors.

Millikin University provides a grade calculator on each student’s MyMillikin web site.

Repeated Courses

When a student repeats a course at Millikin to replace their prior grade, the second grade received will determine the student’s grade and the credit earned for the course. All course grades will appear on the transcript. A course may be successfully repeated beyond the second attempt to satisfy degree requirements, but credit will not be earned nor will the grade affect the student’s grade point average. The failure of a course beyond the second attempt will negatively affect a student’s grade point average.

A course repeated at an institution other than Millikin does not eliminate the previous grade from being computed in the student’s grade point average. The repeated course will be recorded for zero earned credits but can be used to satisfy degree requirements. Transfer courses do not affect the overall grade point average.

Repeating of a course(s) will affect academic progress. All repeated courses must be reported to the Office of the Registrar prior to the end of the registration period. Failure to do so may jeopardize a student’s ability to make acceptable progress towards their degree.

Academic Honors

Academic honors are awarded to students who have attempted a minimum of 12 graded credits during a semester (excluding Summer and Immersion terms) with a grade point average as follows: High Dean’s List - 4.00; Dean’s List - 3.5 to 3.99. Students ending the semester with an incomplete may not be considered for the dean’s list until the grade is made up. If a student has earned 12 credits but 3 credits are graded with a Pass they cannot be considered for Dean’s list either since they would only have 9 graded credits determining the semester GPA. Pass grades are not calculated into the GPA.

Pass/Fail Option

A pass/fail option is made available particularly to allow high achieving students in one area to take courses in other areas without undue concern about a lower grade due to competition with majors in the other areas. Specifically, any course not required by the major can be taken on a Pass/Fail basis.

Full-time students at the junior and senior level with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher may take no more than one course in any term under a pass/fail option. Students wishing to complete a course under the pass/fail system must complete the appropriate request form, which can be obtained from the Office of the Registrar. This option must be elected within six weeks of the beginning of classes.

Pass/Fail Courses

1. May include required University Studies courses.
2. May not be in the student’s major field, except with the written permission of the School Director or major coordinator.
3. May not include core courses or Mathematics 130 for students majoring in Tabor School of Business, except with the written permission of the Dean of the School. Students majoring in the College of Fine Arts may not include core courses in the School of Music except with the written permission of the Dean of the School.
4. Are open only to full-time students with at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average and junior (54 - 87 credits) or senior standing (88 credits or higher).
5. May include some courses in addition to the above limits. These courses (e.g., internships, experimental courses) in the judgment of the faculty member with concurrence of the appropriate Academic Dean, may be graded on a pass/fail basis for all students registered in that course.
6. The pass/fail option may not be appropriate for students who intend to pursue advanced degrees at graduate or medical schools, or who may transfer prior to the completion of their bachelor’s degree. Students considering taking courses under the pass/fail option are advised to discuss this option with their advisors. Students should be aware that some highly competitive graduate, medical, dental and law schools may not be willing to consider for admission those students with pass grades on their official transcripts.

An instructor will report the normal letter grade for the student. Normally, the instructor will not be aware which students in the class, if any, have elected the pass/fail option. The Office of the Registrar will convert a C- or better to a P grade for those students choosing this option. The grade of P is not computed in the student’s cumulative grade point average. A grade of D+, D, D-, or F received under this option will be recorded in the student’s academic history as such and counted in the cumulative grade point average.

A student repeating a course may not do so under the pass/fail option.

Normal Progress Toward a Degree

Please refer to the Financial Aid Section for this information.

Requirements for Good Academic Standing

Millikin University promotes excellence in every aspect of the University experience. To ensure academic excellence, the University has set minimum standards regarding grade point average. However, students are expected to achieve at the highest level of their ability in order to be successful in the completion of their degree.

A degree-seeking student at Millikin is in good academic standing and making satisfactory progress toward a degree, if the student maintains a 2.0 minimum overall grade point average and maintains a 2.0 GPA for all work attempted at Millikin. Some programs require higher overall grade point averages (See Education, and Nursing ).

Some University organizations place restrictions on their members who fail to meet requirements for good standing. Each organization is responsible for notifying its own members about its requirements. Requests for confidential information regarding the academic standing of members of University organizations must be made through the Office of Student Development.

Academic Probation

A student will be placed on probation if: their cumulative GPA is below 1.5 after first semester of first year; their cumulative GPA is below 1.75 after second semester of first year; their cumulative GPA is below 2.0 after third semester and beyond. Furthermore, any student that falls below a 2.0 cumulative GPA will be automatically enrolled in IN 110, Strategies for Academic Success, for the following term.

Students will be required to complete IN 110 in the next full semester that follows the notification of academic probation when one or more of the following conditions are met:

• student completes Millikin coursework during the summer or January immersion semester that results in the cumulative grade point average falling below a 2.0; or
• student receives a final grade to resolve an incomplete grade after a semester has begun that results in the cumulative grade point average falling below a 2.0.

Students are not automatically enrolled in IN 110 if:

• student begins their academic program during a January or summer semester and completes fewer than 7 credits with a cumulative grade point average below 2.0; or
• student cumulative grade point average rises above 2.0 before the term in which they would be enrolled.

However, these students are encouraged to seek available resources through the Student Success Center. While on Academic Probation, students are not permitted to enroll in more than 17 credits including IN 110, without the permission of their academic advisor.

Academic Dismissal (Suspension)

A student may be dismissed from the University, if his or her Millikin cumulative grade point average falls below the following suspension schedule:

A student already on probation may be suspended if the Millikin cumulative grade point average is not improved to a 2.0, or if the term grade point average is not a 2.25.

Special permission can be given by the Council on Student and Academic Standards for the student to remain on probation for an additional semester.

A suspended student may present a written petition for reinstatement for a subsequent semester to the Council on Student and Academic Standards through the University Registrar. Students are responsible for explaining in the petition why their ability to meet academic requirements has improved. Petitioning the Council does not assure reinstatement. Exceptions to the semester suspension will be made only in extraordinary cases.

A student may also be suspended from attendance at the University for reasons other than academic failure as determined through the University judicial process. See the Student Handbook.

Suspension for Excessive Withdrawals

Each semester, a full-time, degree-seeking student at Millikin is expected to complete a minimum of 12 credits with a grade other than a withdrawal (W). Failure to do so results in the loss of full-time status, which may in turn lead to losing financial aid and becoming ineligible to participate in certain University activities.

Students may have legitimate reasons for withdrawing from a course, but generally students should complete the courses for which they register. Students who withdraw from courses excessively may be given academic warning or may be suspended from further study at the University. The Council on Students and Academic Standards will act on the recommendation of the student’s academic Dean and the approval of the Provost.

Official University Withdrawal - Traditional Program

Students officially withdrawing from the University during the first 10 weeks of a semester receive a grade of W for the course or courses being withdrawn.

Official Course(s) Withdrawal - Traditional Program

Students dropping a course or courses during the first 10 days of a semester will have the course removed from their academic record.

Students withdrawing from a course after the first 10 days up to 10 weeks of a semester will receive a grade of W for the course. After the 10th week of the semester courses remaining on student’s schedule will result in the course being graded by the faculty based on work completed for the course.

Re-Admission to Millikin: See Admission Section of Bulletin for Re-admission guidelines.

Administrative Withdrawal

When a student fails to either attend a course or complete required academic work related to the course, they are at risk of being administratively withdrawn. This policy applies to all students at any time during the semester regardless of their academic standing.

The Policy

Millikin University provides faculty/administration the authority to withdraw a student from a single course, multiple courses, or the University at any time during a semester or term for failure to comply with academic policies or requirements including, but not limited to:

• Demonstrating a lack of academic engagement during the semester defined by one or more of the following as:
  • Missing an excessive amount of scheduled class time as defined by the faculty member in the syllabus of the course. Excessive time will not include excused absences or University-related activities that are approved by the faculty member prior to the absence.
  • Failure to submit or complete assignments, quizzes, or exams.
  • Failure to comply with scheduled opportunities for academic remediation.
  • Violating learning contracts or policies outlined by the course syllabus or the Millikin University Student Handbook.
  • Willful and sustained disruption of the learning environment during course meetings, sessions, or related course activities.
  • Lack of meaningful engagement in the learning environment during course meetings, sessions, or related course activities.
• The instructor of the course will initiate the withdrawal process and can stop the process at any time. Once the withdrawal process is set into motion the student will be notified via email copied to the University Registrar and Dean of Student Development.
• The withdrawal process may take place if any above listed behavior is noted. If a student is administratively withdrawn from a course or the University, the student will be ineligible for refund of tuition.

Procedures

Students are responsible to know and understand the expectations for coursework requirements. This includes but is not limited to the attendance policy and how attendance will affect their grade. Faculty members are required to thoroughly and clearly cover these requirements of attendance and engagement in their syllabi. The Administrative Withdrawal process is initiated by the instructor of the course after an official warning has been issued to the student and notification is made to the Registrar and Student Development. The instructor will maintain accurate and consistent records of student attendance throughout the semester.

A faculty member initiates an Administrative Withdrawal in consultation with the department chair and Dean responsible for the course a student is being withdrawn from. An Administrative Withdraw form with supporting documentation, and the respective Dean’s signature, will be official when received by the University Registrar. The Office of the Registrar will then notify the student via email detailing the administrative withdrawal. Students who are administratively withdrawn during a semester:

• Are responsible for all debts and other charges related to the course.
• Are not eligible for a tuition refund.
• Are eligible for Academic Probation/Suspension when overall GPA falls below 2.0.
• Will receive a “WA” grade for the course for the semester. This grade will not affect the student’s GPA.
• May lose eligibility for residential status or athletic competition if withdrawal drops them below full-time status.
• May have changes in their financial aid eligibility as a result of withdrawal. Due to financial aid being based on many factors, these changes will vary. (Please contact the Office of Student Financial Services.)

Copies of any Administrative Withdrawal or notices related to the matter will become a part of the student’s permanent file in the Office of the Registrar.

Student Appeal Process

After receiving a notice of an Administrative Withdrawal, should a student wish to contest the academic withdraw, the student will first discuss this with the faculty member involved. If the matter is not resolved to the student’s satisfaction with the faculty member, then the student has the right to appeal the administrative withdraw as follows:

• The student must initiate the appeal within four business days of being notified of an Administrative Withdrawal by the Office of the Registrar
• The appeal must be made in writing/email to the Dean responsible for the area of study with copies sent to the faculty member and the University Registrar.
• The letter of appeal will be reviewed by the Dean. The Dean in consultation with the department chair will make the decision of whether or not to investigate the faculty member’s attendance records.
• The Dean may review the student’s overall academic engagement, participation, and attendance for the course in question tracked by the faculty of the course.
• The Dean will forward a recommendation on the outcome of the appeal with supporting documentation to the Provost, who may determine if additional information is needed for a final decision on the appeal.
• The appeal decision should take no more than four business days after receipt of the appeal.
• Appeals will not be considered during times when the University is not in session, or closed.
• The final decision on the appeal will be forwarded from the Provost to the student, Dean, faculty member, and University Registrar.
• The decision made by the Provost during the appeal process is final and will be recorded in the student’s record in the Office of the Registrar

Academic Integrity Standards

Academic Freedom

Millikin University requires that academic freedom be exercised in harmony with the specific character and objectives of the University, which are those of an institution of higher learning. In consequence, it expects the members of the faculty to be supportive of the Mission and Vision Statement of the University. Institutions of higher education are conducted for the common good. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and scholarly/artistic activities. Academic freedom in scholarly/artistic activities is fundamental to the advancement of truth. Academic freedom in its teaching aspect is fundamental to protecting the rights of the faculty member in teaching and the student in learning. The common good of the individual faculty member and the University depends upon the search for truth and its free exposition. (Policies and Procedures: Faculty, 2006, section 1.2.1). The intellectual and moral integrity of an academic community depends upon an uncompromising commitment to honesty to guide the actions of all its members. Any violation of this threatens the unrestricted and honest exchange of knowledge. It is the responsibility of every person in the academic community (students, faculty, and administrators) to see that dishonesty is not tolerated. This responsibility may also include reporting known or suspected violations to the appropriate authority (Policies and Procedures: Faculty, 2006, section 6.9)

Academic Evaluation / Grade Appeal

Students are responsible for maintaining all standards of academic performance established by their professors, but they will have the right to be heard through orderly procedures against prejudiced or capricious academic evaluation. Students who believe that they have received an unfair grade or final evaluation should first confer with the instructor to resolve the disagreement. If a justifiable question remains in the student’s mind, he/she may next confer with the chair/director of the faculty member’s department who may investigate the matter, mediate between the student and instructor, or take any other reasonable action the chair/director believes may solve the disagreement. If there is still no resolution after meeting with the chair/director, the student may present the case to the dean of the school in which the course was offered. The Dean may consult with the departmental director and the faculty member. The Dean will decide whether or not to begin a University investigation of the faculty member’s grading practices. The faculty member reserves final judgment on all matters pertaining to student grades unless the administration is proceeding against the faculty member pursuant to Dismissal for Cause as written in the Faculty Policy and Procedures handbook. There shall be no further appeals beyond the Dean. If a faculty member has left the University and is unavailable or unwilling to respond to requests for grade changes, the chair/director or Dean, if necessary, shall have the power to change a grade. The appeal process must begin no later than one calendar year following the grade assignment.

Academic Integrity / Student Rights and Responsibilities

Academic institutions exist for the pursuit of truth and for development of students. As members of the academic community, students will be encouraged to develop a capacity for ethical judgment and to engage in a sustained and independent search for truth. Free inquiry, free expression and responsible use thereof are essential to any community of scholars. Each member of the academic community has both rights and responsibilities that derive from the agreed standards of the community. By virtue of the student’s basic purpose in joining the academic community, the primary right and responsibility of the student is to cherish and exercise the freedom to learn. The freedom to learn depends upon appropriate opportunities and conditions in the classroom, on the campus and in the larger community. The responsibility to secure and respect general conditions conducive to freedom to learn is shared by all members of the academic community. The faculty has the right and the responsibility to hold students to high ethical standards in conduct and in works performed, as befits a scholar at the University. Violations of academic integrity are defined as follows:

These kinds of offenses violate academic integrity:

1. Cheating on quizzes or examinations occurs when any student is found using or attempting to use any book, paper, or other article, or assistance from fellow students, or any other unfair or unlawful means, such use being intended to deceive the person in charge of the quiz or examination with reference to his or her work. No student may substitute for another student in any quiz or examination. No books, notes, papers, or related articles shall be brought into or used at any quiz or examination unless specifically authorized by the person in charge. All such books, papers, or other authorized articles are subject to inspection, and no other use shall be made of books or papers than that authorized. The possession at any quiz or examination of any articles the use of which is prohibited will be regarded as evidence of guilt. Conversation or other communication between students in examinations and quizzes is forbidden.
2. Collusion occurs when students willfully give or receive unauthorized or unacknowledged assistance. Both parties to the collusion are considered responsible.
3. Electronic dishonesty is the unacknowledged or unauthorized appropriation of another’s program, or the results of that program, in whole or in part, for a computer or electronic-related exercise or assignment.
4. Grade falsification is any attempt to falsify an assigned grade in an examination, quiz, report, program, grade book, or any other record or document.
5. Plagiarism is the unacknowledged appropriation of another’s work or programs. Specifically, (1) students who use the exact words of another must enclose those words in quotation marks or show, through indentation or typestyle, that the material is quoted and indicate the source, either within the text of their work or in a footnote; (2) students who take ideas from another person or written work, but who either paraphrase those ideas in their own words or else make a few mechanical alterations (rearrange sentences, find synonyms, alter prepositions, punctuation, conjunctions, and the like) must also indicate the source, either within the text of their work or in a series of footnotes clearly indicating the extent of the material paraphrased; and (3) students may not turn in as their own work any materials written for them by another person or any commercially prepared materials, such as computer programs and term papers, purchased on or off campus.
6. Other forms of academic dishonesty including (1) data falsification, fabrication of data, or deceitful alteration of collected data as part of any academic assignment submitted as one’s work for academic consideration; (2) unauthorized copying of or collaborating on homework assignments and turning in as one’s own work any part of another person’s written exercise or computer program. Students who receive help from others on a project should acknowledge that help and specify the extent of it in the written report of that project; and (3) the submission of the same academic work for more than once without the permission of the instructor to whom the work is being submitted.

Faculty members have the responsibility to investigate all suspected breaches of academic integrity that arise in their courses. They will make the determination as to whether the student violated the Academic Integrity Policy. Should the faculty member determine that the violation was intentional and egregious, he or she will decide the consequences, taking into account the severity and circumstances surrounding the violation.

Consequences could range from failure for the assignment to failure for the course. If the faculty member determines that failure for the course is the appropriate consequence, he/she will decide between giving an F for failure or an XF. If an XF is assigned it signifies failure due to academic dishonesty and is indicated on the student’s transcript. If the consequence is anything but an XF, the faculty member will inform the student in writing and forward a copy of the letter to the Registrar and to the Dean of Student Development. This letter will be destroyed when the student graduates from the University unless a second breach of integrity occurs.

Before assigning an XF, the faculty member will review the situation with the chair and/or director and dean. If an XF is assigned for the course, the faculty member’s letter of explanation becomes a permanent part of the student’s record, and the XF remains as a permanent grade, which cannot be removed from the transcript. However, students may repeat the course for credit toward graduation. If a second violation occurs subsequent to the first breach of integrity, the Dean of Student Development will begin disciplinary and judicial processes of the University, as outlined in the Student Handbook. Some programs and majors have more explicit ethical standards which supersede this Policy, and violation of which may result in dismissal from some programs or majors within the University.

Attendance

As responsible persons, Millikin students are expected to attend all regularly scheduled classes and laboratories. However, students are responsible for material covered in class, whether or not they are present.

Absences due to illness of the student, serious illness or death in the immediate family, or religious holidays, or extenuating circumstances generally carry no penalty. Students are expected to notify their instructors in advance about anticipated absences and to make appropriate arrangements to make up work. In case of illness, students are expected to report to the University Student Mental Health & Behavioral Services.

Students participating in athletics, with performing groups, or otherwise representing the University will sometimes have events scheduled in conflict with their classes. Students should notify their instructors well in advance of these dates. Individual faculty may have different policies about attendance and makeup privileges for students absent on University business, and students should determine this in advance of their anticipated absences.

At the beginning of each semester, faculty should inform students about their policies on attendance, makeup privileges, and acceptance of assignments after established deadlines. This written policy is usually contained in the course syllabus distributed on the first day of classes. It is the student’s responsibility to understand and abide by these policies.

Faculty will take note of excessive absences and report them to the Student Affairs and the Office of the Registrar.

Accelerated Course Attendance

Any absence will likely have a negative impact on the student’s participation and grade in the course. Students who miss more than 25% of the scheduled contact hours of an accelerated course will be notified they should drop the course or they may be assigned a failing grade for the course*. It is the student’s responsibility to contact their academic advisor and complete the necessary paperwork. A student who officially drops from a course prior to the last day of class will receive the grade of W on their transcript. Students who fail to officially drop will receive a grade of an F on their transcript.

*Examples:

25% of a 10-week course (3 credit hours) with 40 scheduled contact hours is 10 hours.
25% of an 8-week course (3 credit hours) with 32 scheduled contact hours is 8 hours.
25% of a 7-week course (3 credit hours) with 28 scheduled contact hours is 7 hours.
25% of a 5-week course (3 credit hours) with 20 scheduled contact hours is 5 hours.

Any portion of a missed class (coming in late, leaving early, or taking excessive breaks) may be counted toward total absences.

The instructor may set additional requirements for a course but will not modify the minimum class attendance policy. Accepting makeup work, late, or missing assignments is at the discretion of the instructor as established in the requirements for each course. The instructor’s willingness to accept makeup, late, or missing work will apply only to the student’s recorded grade in the regularly scheduled course. Acceptance of makeup, late, or missing work will NOT allow the student to complete the course unless the faculty have assigned an incomplete for the course.

Personal Computer

Millikin University requires that students bring personal computers to campus as part of the technology needed to maximize their learning experiences. Millikin’s Information Technology Department recommends that computers brought to campus by students meet the minimum specifications to best assure compatibility with software and other hardware in use at the university.

If you are considering the purchase of a new computer a list of suggested minimum specifications can be found at https://www.millikin.edu/IT/tech-support.Please make sure to check with your advisor or faculty to determine if there is a department or course specific computer requirement.

Registration/Validation

Registration

Students are required to meet with their advisor and work out a plan of study for the upcoming term. The Office of the Registrar announces dates and times for scheduling day and registration. Online registration is available to students during eligible time periods. Students register by class or honors groups during specific announced times and dates with seniors, and other special designated groups first and then the juniors, sophomores, and freshman classes following.

Students may make changes to their registration between the beginning of the registration period and during the add/drop period- dates announced each semester by the Office of the Registrar.

Each student is encouraged to enroll in courses on a semester basis. The student is financially responsible for all courses they have enrolled in for each semester. Registration records are available through the student portal.

In order for students to be properly prepared, students are encouraged to register for all classes at least two (2) weeks before the first class meeting.

After the course withdraw deadline date, courses remaining on student’s schedule will result in the course being graded by the faculty based on work completed for the course.

Any course that the student withdraws from will be reflected on the student’s transcript and account as described in the Refund Policy section. Students should be aware that withdrawing from a course will change the total credit hours for the semester and may affect financial aid eligibility and/or financial aid awards.

Validation

All returning students must validate their registrations prior to the first day of class for the fall and spring semester. Validation is set-up via MU Online at https://muonline.millikin.edu. A student who does not validate for a term, may have their schedule administratively withdrawn. Current students who do not validate and do not withdraw officially from the University prior to the start of classes may be liable to pay all tuition and fees owed for that term.

Advising

Advising Mission Statement

Whereas a Millikin education is the preparation for professional success, democratic citizenship, and a personal life of meaning and value, advising is central to delivering the education mission of Millikin University. Advising is both

• A collaborative system shared by students, faculty, administration, and staff attuned to departmental needs for professional development and
• An ongoing process of exploration, discovery, reflection, and growth.

As such, advising adds to a Millikin education by facilitating and integrating reasoned choices that promote the student’s personal professional growth within multiple global communities.

Academic Advising and Counseling

Each Millikin student is assigned to a faculty advisor for assistance in developing a Plan of Study, and for continued advice and counsel throughout the student’s years at Millikin. The student and advisor will work collaboratively to develop the student’s Plan of Study, which will be reviewed and revised throughout the student’s undergraduate years. This advising is an integral and continuous part of the educational process.

In general, the appropriate Dean/School Director (or designee) assigns advisors. New students participate in special advising sessions at an orientation and registration program prior to enrollment. Students confer with their advisors prior to registration and changes in registration can be made with the advisor’s consent. Grades are available online to the student via a personal secure account on MU Online. Each advisor maintains regular hours for student conferences, but the student may also request appointments in addition to those arranged by the advisor.

Additional assistance is provided for any student who receives a deficiency notification during a semester or who falls below a 2.0 grade point average at the end of each term. This is a supplementary program, which may be both individual and group oriented. Assistance may be given through the student’s advisor and the Student Success Center as well as by individual faculty members.

The advisor-student relationship is important. Mutual confidence, respect, and understanding between the advisor and student are necessary to achieve the best results.

It is important to note…

Students are ultimately responsible for knowing University, College, and School graduation requirements for their degree(s). The advisor should help the student interpret School, College, and University requirements as described in the Bulletin. It is the responsibility of the student to seek out the advisor in a timely fashion, provide information on personal and academic issues relevant to the student-advisor interaction and to be familiar with appropriate sections of the University Bulletin Policies and Procedures for Faculty. Advisors have access to degree evaluations for students assigned to them via MU online.

Millikin University Definition of Academic Advising

Academic advising is a proactive, on-going relationship that pairs guided discovery with intentional strategic planning to result in enhanced persistence, connection to appropriate campus and community resources, and development of career goals.

Roles in Advising

What are the responsibilities of the Academic Advisor?

• Be familiar with each advisee and his/her academic histories and be available to partner with the advisee to develop and revise the plan of study, incorporating career goals, skill development, and personal and professional development as part of the student’s University experience.
• Be familiar with the curricular requirements and progression policies of the student’s chosen field(s) of study.
• Be familiar with the various campus support services and resources (such as Student Development, Student Success Center, Writing Center, Math Center, tutoring services, Health Clinic, Counseling Services, etc…).
• Be aware of confidentiality issues and FERPA requirements.
• Develop partnerships with Secondary (Student Development) Advisors (if applicable) and report issues through available technologies.
• Participate in ongoing training and development on advising.

What are the responsibilities of the Student Advisee?

• Maintain an ongoing rapport with the assigned advisor, to include regular communication.
• Know the university, college, and major requirements of the chosen field(s) of study.
• Be proactive in advising meetings. Present specific questions, prepare for class scheduling sessions by creating a tentative schedule, and monitor own progress, keeping in mind the requirements, plan of study, and career goals.
• Participate in regular self-reflection regarding personal and academic growth and take advantage of university resources beyond the faculty advisor (including Secondary Student Development Advisors, Student Success Center, Writing Center, Math Center, tutoring services, Health Clinic, Counseling Services, etc.).

The Council on Students and Academic Standards, in partnership with the Council on Scholarship and Faculty Development, provides oversight of academic advising to include training and development, policies, and procedures.

Millikin University Notification of Rights under FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords eligible students certain rights with respect to their education records. (An “eligible student” under FERPA is a student who is 18 years of age or older or who attends a postsecondary institution.) These rights include:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days after the day Millikin University receives a request for access. A student should submit to the Registrar a written request that identifies the record(s) the student wishes to inspect. The Registrar will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
2. The right to request an amendment to the student’s education record which the student believes is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.
3. A student who wishes to ask the school to amend a record should write the Registrar, clearly identify the part of the record the student wants changed, and specify why it should be changed.
4. If Millikin University decides not to amend the record as requested, the Registrar will notify the student in writing of the decision and the student’s 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.
5. The right to provide written consent before the University discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
6. The school discloses education records without a student’s prior written consent under the FERPA exception for disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by Millikin University in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person serving on the board of trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee. A school official also may include a volunteer or contractor outside of Millikin University who performs an institutional service or function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent or a student volunteering to assist another school official in performing his or her tasks. 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 responsibilities for Millikin University.
7. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the Millikin University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202

FERPA permits the disclosure of PII from students’ education records, without consent of the student, if the disclosure meets certain conditions found in §99.31 of the FERPA regulations. Except for disclosures to school officials, disclosures related to some judicial orders or lawfully issued subpoenas, disclosures of directory information, and disclosures to the student, §99.32 of FERPA regulations requires the institution to record the disclosure. Eligible students have a right to inspect and review the record of disclosures. A postsecondary institution may disclose PII from the education records without obtaining prior written consent of the student.

• To other school officials, including teachers, within Millikin University whom the school has determined to have legitimate educational interests. This includes contractors, consultants, volunteers, or other parties to whom the school has outsourced institutional services or functions, provided that the conditions listed in §99.31(a)(1)(i)(B)(1) - (a)(1)(i)(B)(2) are met. (§99.31(a)(1))
• To officials of another school where the student seeks or intends to enroll, or where the student is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer, subject to the requirements of §99.34. (§99.31(a)(2))
• To authorized representatives of the U. S. Comptroller General, the U. S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education, or State and local educational authorities, such as a State postsecondary authority that is responsible for supervising the University’s State-supported education programs. Disclosures under this provision may be made, subject to the requirements of §99.35, in connection with an audit or evaluation of Federal-or State-supported education programs, or for the enforcement of or compliance with Federal legal requirements that relate to those programs. These entities may make further disclosures of PII to outside entities that are designated by them as their authorized representatives to conduct any audit, evaluation, or enforcement or compliance activity on their behalf. (§§99.31(a)(3) and 99.35)
• In connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or which the student has received, if the information is necessary to determine eligibility for the aid, determine the amount of the aid, determine the conditions of the aid, or enforce the terms and conditions of the aid. (§99.31(a)(4))
• To organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, the school, in order to: (a) develop, validate, or administer predictive tests; (b) administer student aid programs; or (c) improve instruction. (§99.31(a)(6))
• To acing organizations to carry out their acing functions. ((§99.31(a)(7))
• To parents of an eligible student if the student is a dependent for IRS tax purposes. (§99.31(a)(8))
• To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena. (§99.31(a)(9))
• To appropriate officials in connection with a health or safety emergency, subject to §99.36. (§99.31(a)(10))
• Information the school has designated as “directory information” under §99.37. (§99.31(a)(11))
• To a victim of an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or a non-forcible sex offense, subject to the requirements of §99.39. The disclosure may only include the final results of the disciplinary proceeding with respect to that alleged crime or offense, regardless of the finding. (§99.31(a)(13))
• To the general public, the final results of a disciplinary proceeding, subject to the requirements of §99.39, if the school determines the student is an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or non-forcible sex offense and the student has committed a violation of the school’s rules or policies with respect to the allegation made against him or her. (§99.31(a)(14))
• To parents of a student regarding the student’s violation of any Federal, State, or local law, or of any rule or policy of the school, governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance if the school determines the student committed a disciplinary violation and the student is under the age of 21. (§99.31(a)(15))

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a Federal law, requires Millikin University, with certain exceptions to obtain written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information. However, Millikin University may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent, unless the student has advised Millikin University to the contrary in accordance with Millikin University procedures. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow Millikin University to include this type of information from your education records in certain school publications. Examples include:

• A playbill, showing a student’s role in a drama production;
• Honor roll or other recognition lists;
• Graduation programs;
• and Sports activity sheets, such as for wrestling, showing weight and height of team members.

Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, two federal laws require local educational agencies (LEAs) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with the following information - names, addresses and telephone listings - unless parents have advised the LEA that they do not want their student’s information disclosed without their prior written consent.

If a student does not want Millikin University to disclose directory information from education records without prior written consent, the student must notify Millikin University in writing by the first class of the term. Millikin University has designated the following information as directory information: [Note: an LEA may, but does not have to, include all the information listed below.]

General Policy

The University reserves the right to impose penalties, to deny entry or re-entry, and to exclude those whose behavior falls short of satisfactory levels of social, moral, or academic standards. In unusual and extraordinary circumstances where the emotional or physical welfare of a student or of the University community is in jeopardy, it may become necessary to suspend or dismiss that student, regardless of time of year or the student’s class standing. Under such circumstances the University will seek appropriate professional advice before taking action.

Advanced Placement (AP credit) Placement Testing - Summary

In general, we do not recommend that students take the ENG LANG/COMP test since that test will not waive the EN181 requirement. A passing score will be awarded as an English Elective for 3 credits. Any Advanced Placement credit is awarded a grade of P for Pass.

*Codes: NATL-Natural Science, QR-Quantitative Reasoning, LIT-Literature, ICS-International Cultures & Structures, FNAR-Creative Arts, USSD-United States Cultural Studies, USD2-United States Structural Studies, HSST-Historical Studies

College Level Examination Program - CLEP

Students must be out of High School for at least three years and not attending the traditional day program to qualify for CLEP . The following applies to for CLEP exams:

The University grants 12for the College Level Examination Program (General Examinations) on the basis of a minimum score provided the student has not attended secondary school in the past three years. Semester credits may be awarded for each test (as indicated on the chart). In general, credit will be awarded in English and in areas outside the area of major interest of the student. Credit may be applied to elective University Studies requirements. Students are allowed to earn up to 30 credits by successfully completing CLEP exams. Students cannot receive credit for a CLEP exam if they have already attempted the equivalent course. CLEP exams can only be attempted once and cannot be repeated. CLEP credit does not apply towards requirements in the Major.

DANTES (DSST)

Millikin awards credit for DANTES Subject Standardized Tests. Credit is based on the subject area and can satisfy either General University Wide course requirements or in some cases courses required by a specific major. Official test scores must be sent to the Office of the Registrar for evaluation. Only students who have been out of High School for 3 years and not enrolled in the traditional day program can apply this credit toward a Millikin degree. No credit can be given for courses in the Major. Only scores of 50 points or higher will receive credit.

College Recommendation Service / American Council on Education (ACE)

Millikin University works with the American Council on Education (ACE) to give credit to adult learners for courses, apprenticeships, certification, and training received from sources other than college and university degree programs. Universities work with ACE to provide reliable course equivalency information to facilitate award decisions. Participating organizations include corporations, professional and volunteer associates, schools, training suppliers, labor unions, and government agencies. Adult learners may search the National Guide at http://www.acenet.edu/nationalguide/ for courses that have been recommended for college credit, and may request a transcript for completed -recommended courses at http://www.acenet.edu/transcipts/.

International Baccalaureate Policy

Millikin University recognizes the International Baccalaureate program and awards six to eight semester credits for each higher level examination score of 5, 6, or 7 will be awarded in general areas depending on the subject completed by the student. No credit will be awarded for subsidiary exam results. The University Registrar will make final decision regarding acceptance of International Baccalaureate . Exemptions from specific courses will be granted subject to departmental recommendation. If you have additional questions or would like to discuss the possibilities in more detail, please contact the Office of the Registrar and speak directly with Alex Berry, Registrar or email at ABerry@millikin.edu.