APP credit is granted for examinations receiving a score of 3 or better in disciplines offered by the College.

IBP credit is granted in the following manner. Five semester hours is granted for each of the three IBP Higher Level Examinations passed with a score of 4 or better. Fifteen additional hours of credit will be granted to students who possess the IBP Diploma and who have passed the three standard level examinations with scores of at least 4 on each of the examinations.

In both cases the assignment of credit toward Monmouth College general education requirements will be made on an individual basis by the Registrar in consultation with the appropriate academic departments.

In addition, placement without credit may be granted on the basis of a test administered by a department.

Credit by Examination
A student in good academic standing may earn credit in a course, but no grades, through satisfactory performance on an examination which is administered by the department concerned. The exam must be sufficiently comprehensive to prove mastery of the course. Such an examination may require a written part, an oral part, a term paper, and a laboratory experience. Performance at the C- level shall be the minimum acceptable; however, the individual departments may set higher standards for credit earned by examination.

A student may not earn credit by examination for any course for which credit has already been earned. A maximum of five semester credits can be earned through credit by examination.

Prior to taking such an examination, a student must contact the Registrar and secure the written approval of the advisor, the chair of the department, the instructor who will administer the examination, and the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The student shall be advised of the score of the examination and whether the department requires minimum performance of a higher level than C-.

The fee for taking the exam regardless of the outcome of the exam is one-half the tuition charge assessed per semester credit.

Enrollment in an Overload
A student may register for an overload of 19 or 20 semester hours upon approval of the advisor.

A student in the first semester of residence or on probation must also have the approval of the Admissions and Academic Status Committee of the faculty.

A student wishing to register for more than 20 semester hours must have the approval of the Admissions and Academic Status Committee. Enrollment over 18 semester hours is
charged as extra tuition at the per-semester hour rate.

Class Attendance
Monmouth College expects students to attend class and holds them responsible for all work assigned in a course. Faculty members set their own specific attendance policies which are described in their syllabi.

When, in the instructor’s judgment, a student has excessive absences, the instructor may place the student on a “No-Cut” status and require that all further absences be explained or excused. The instructor will notify the student’s academic advisor and the Vice President for Academic Affairs that the student has been placed on “No-Cut.”

Students who continue to miss classes after being placed on this status may be dismissed from the course with an F.A student will be dropped from a course if he/she misses the first two class meetings, the course has a limited enrollment, and the instructor requests that the student be withdrawn. The student will not be dropped if he/she previously indicates to the Registrar that the place be held and the reason given represents a valid necessity.

Registration
Students must register at the scheduled time for all courses for which they seek credit. They must assume responsibility for being properly enrolled in each course. Details of the registration process are made available online to students in a timely fashion by the Registrar’s Office. (New students select courses during the summer registration period.)

Courses are selected in consultation with the student’s faculty advisor. All changes in registration require the permission of the student’s advisor. After the first week of the semester the advisor’s signature is required for any course change and a fee is charged for each registration change. No student may add a course after the first week of classes. A course cannot be dropped after the ninth week without the written permission of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

The Grading System
The grading system at Monmouth uses these symbols: A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, and F. Other symbols used in appropriate circumstances are W (Withdrawn Passing), WF (Withdrawn Failing), I (Incomplete), IP (In Progress), CR (Credit), NC (No Credit), AU (Audited Course), and NAU (Audited Course Requirements Not Fulfilled).

The W (WITHDRAWN PASSING) is used when the student withdraws from a course before the end of the ninth week.

To withdraw from a course after the first week, a student must have the consent of the advisor. The instructor will be notified. A student cannot withdraw from a course after the ninth week of classes except for illness or other circumstances beyond his or her control.

The approval of both the Associate Dean or Vice President for Academic Affairs and the advisor is necessary. Ordinarily the Associate Dean or Vice President for Academic Affairs will consult with the instructor of the course. If the student is permitted to withdraw after the ninth week, the instructor reports W (Withdrawn Passing) or WF (Withdrawn Failing).

If a student receives an F in a course due to an incident of academic dishonesty, the student will not be allowed to seek a grade of W or WF for the course. Rather, the F will stand as the grade of record.

THE I (INCOMPLETE) may be given when a situation arises that is beyond the student’s control and which precludes completion of required work or if the instructor needs further time for evaluation. For an incomplete grade received during the fall semester or summer session, the student will ordinarily complete the work by the end of the second week of the following semester.

For an incomplete grade received during the spring semester, the student will ordinarily have a period of three weeks, commencing immediately after the last College examination day, to complete the required work.

If the work is not completed at the end of the designated time, the Registrar will consult with the instructor as to the disposition of the grade (normally conversion to an “F” grade). It is generally the responsibility of the student to take the initiative in requesting the incomplete grade and in making arrangements with the instructor for its removal.

THE IP (IN PROGRESS) is appropriate for those courses in which the work may not normally be completed in one semester (individualized study, research, etc.). However, it is expected that the work will be completed in the subsequent semester.

If, at the end of the semester subsequent to the one in which the work began, the course requirements are not completed, the Registrar will consult with the instructor as to the disposition of the grade (normally conversion to an “F” grade).

CR (CREDIT) and NC (NO CREDIT) are the marks recorded for courses in which letter grades (A, B, and so forth) are not awarded. Such courses are noted in the catalog. Monmouth College does not offer the option to take courses on a Pass/Fail basis.

Grade-Point Average
For the purpose of computing a student’s average, A = 4, A- = 3.667, B+ = 3.333, B = 3, B- = 2.667, C+ = 2.333, C = 2, C- = 1.667, D+ = 1.333, D = 1, D- = 0.667, and F = 0. The average is determined by dividing the number of points earned during the semester by the number of graded credits carried. The cumulative grade-point average is the total of all grade points earned divided by the total number of graded credits taken. Only courses taken at Monmouth College for which final letter grades have been recorded are included in the grade-point average. Courses transferred from other institutions and courses taken after graduation are not included in the cumulative grade point average.

Repeating a Course
Repeating a course replaces both the grade and any credit previously earned for the course. Both the earlier grade and the later grade continue to be listed on the transcript, but only the most recent grade is factored into the cumulative grade point average. Repeating a course may or may not improve a student’s academic situation and could have financial aid implications. A student considering repeating a course should consult an advisor, the Registrar, and Director of Financial Aid.

Appeals and Petitions
A student has the right of appeal regarding any academic regulation to the Vice President of Academic Affairs. A student wishing to appeal a grade should first consult the instructor awarding the grade, then the chair of the department. Further appeal can be made by petitioning the Vice President for Academic Affairs, who may act or send the petition to the Admissions and Academic Status Committee of the faculty for its consideration and advice. A separate grievance procedure applies on matters related to teacher education and certification issues and the procedure in such situations is governed by the statement of Teacher Education Program Procedures.

Academic Honors

College Honors at Graduation
College Honors celebrate overall academic achievement. Students with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.50 or higher are graduated cum laude, with 3.75 or higher magna cum laude, and with 3.90 or higher summa cum laude.

Honors Scholars
Students who successfully complete the Honors Program will be recognized at Commencement; this status will also be noted on transcripts.

Departmental Honors
Departmental Honors at graduation are based on superior performance in the culminating experience of the major department, provided that the student has a grade-point average of 3.50 or higher in courses taken toward the major in that department. The department may establish additional requirements.

Eligibility for Dean's List
At the end of each semester, students earning at least 12 semester hours of letter-grade credits and achieving a grade-point average of 3.67 or higher are named to the Dean’s List.

Eligibility for Honor Roll
At the end of each semester, students earning at least 12 semester hours of letter-grade credits and achieving a grade-point average of 3.50 or higher are named to the Honor Roll.

Academic Status

Classification
A full-time student is any student officially enrolled for 12 or more credits per semester. Part-time students are classified as follows: A half-time student is any student enrolled for fewer than 12 but not fewer than six credits per semester. A student who is less than half-time is one officially enrolled for fewer than six credits per semester. Official enrollment is defined as the credits for which a student is registered at the end of the period for adding a course.

Class Level
All students are classified at the beginning of each semester by the number of credits earned: freshman, fewer than 28 credits; sophomore, 28 but fewer than 59 credits; junior, 59 but fewer than 90 credits; and senior, 90 or more credits.

Academic Progress and Standing
The typical full-time, degree-seeking student earns 14-17 hours each semester. By earning 31 semester hours each year a student will normally have earned the 124 semester hours needed to graduate within four years. A student must continue to progress and earn hours toward the degree in order to maintain acceptable academic standing. When a student falls below the acceptable standard, probation or dismissal occurs. The table on page 21 sets forth the College’s expectations for acceptable academic progress and standing. It also outlines the College’s probation and dismissal guidelines when a student falls below acceptable academic progress and standing.

Transfer Policies

Transfers from other Institutions
Students who wish to transfer to Monmouth College must submit all previous official college transcripts and should meet with the transfer coordinator to discuss the application process. The Registrar will complete a transcript analysis to determine the academic status of the transfer student. Courses taken at another accredited institution are transferred provided that a grade of C- or higher was earned and that the course is acceptable at Monmouth College. Grades of transferred courses are not included in calculating grade-point averages.

No student will be allowed to exceed 62 total transfer credits. The Vice President for Enrollment admits qualified transfer students who seek to matriculate at Monmouth College. (See Admission Section of Catalog. Prior to paying the enrollment deposit and registering for classes, transfer students, with assistance from the transfer coordinator, should meet with a professor in the department in which they wish to major.

During this visit, the faculty member will identify which transfer courses count toward the major and determine the number of remaining courses required in the major. Finally, working together, the student and faculty member will design the graduation plan. This visit is essential in that it provides transfer students an opportunity to find out more about their fields of study and to estimate the projected time it will take to complete a degree at Monmouth College.

Transfer of Credit for Current Students
For students enrolled at Monmouth College, the written approval of the Registrar, the advisor, and in some cases the department chair is required in advance if courses are to be taken at another institution for transfer credit. A Transfer Work Request form is available in the Registrar’s Office and must be completed, signed, and submitted prior to enrolling in a course at another institution. A letter grade of C- or better is required for pre-approved coursework to be transferred.

Because we value a classroom-centered learning environment that involves direct engagement between the instructor and students, faculty feedback, and proctored exams, the College will accept no more than six hours of Internet, video, or correspondence coursework for transfer credit after Matriculation. Only coursework taken in a classroom setting can apply to the General Education Requirements.

No more than 31 transfer credits will be allowed after matriculation. After reaching senior status with 90 earned credit hours, at least 27 semester hours of a student’s remaining coursework must be earned at Monmouth College. (Refer to “Senior Residency Requirement” under “Requirements for the Degree” on page 15.) No student will be allowed to exceed 62 total transfer credits. The transfer of credits is not complete until the Registrar receives an official transcript from the institution at which the work was taken.

Work that is being transferred is not considered in determining a student’s academic status until the transcript is received and approved, and the credits are posted to the student’s Monmouth College transcript.

Associate Degree Transfers
The Registrar determines which transferred courses satisfy the degree requirements of Monmouth College. A community college graduate who has been admitted to Monmouth College with the Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree may be admitted with junior standing (that is, with a maximum of 62 semester hours of transfer credit).

Academic Probation and Dismissal
Academic probation is a serious warning status. Monmouth College alerts students with a pattern of low grades or slow accumulation of credit hours that their performance, if continued, will not qualify them to continue at Monmouth College. A student placed on academic probation will be required to consult with a faculty advisor and to draw up a plan detailing steps toward recovery of acceptable academic status. In addition, students on probation may be restricted by the Admissions and Academic Status Committee from participation in extracurricular activities for the term of the academic probation.

A student may be placed on probation for a maximum of two consecutive semesters. In the first semester of academic probation the student must attain a semester GPA of at least 2.00 and must earn at least 12 semester hours of credit to demonstrate acceptable progress toward academic acceptable standing. Failure to meet these requirements will result in dismissal at the end of the first semester of academic probation. By the end of the second consecutive semester on academic probation, the student’s cumulative GPA and number of credits earned must comply with the minimum standards for academic acceptable standing set forth in the table on page 21. Failure to meet these requirements will result in dismissal at the end of the second semester of academic probation.

A student who has completed five or more semesters must constantly maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or greater. Failure to maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or greater after having completed five or more semesters will result in immediate dismissal. No probationary period will be granted. Non-Degree Seeking Students.

Non-degree seeking students need not complete course work as shown in the referenced table on page 21, but must maintain the cumulative grade point average of 1.60 prior to the completion of their first 24 credits, 1.80 after 24 credits but prior to completion of their first 48 credits, and 2.00 thereafter.

Appeal Process for Academic Dismissal
A student has the right of appeal when notified of academic dismissal. A written appeal must be submitted to the Vice President for Academic Affairs within five days of receipt of notification. Appeals will normally be heard by the Admissions and Academic Status Committee, which will make its recommendation to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Vice President for Academic Affairs will render a final decision and the student will be notified of the decision prior to the beginning of the following semester. Students should be aware that academic dismissal and loss of financial aid eligibility are two separate issues. Appeals must be made separately to the appropriate offices. For more information on Financial Aid Eligibility Appeals see the section entitled “Financial Aid: Satisfactory Progress Policy.”

The College may at any time dismiss a student when it is evident that the student is not serious in seeking an education at the College or when the student’s academic performance or other behavior has become disruptive to the academic mission of the College.
The College seeks by these procedures to demonstrate its concern for the individual student as well as for a campus atmosphere conducive to serious academic effort. While wishing to help students recover from disappointing academic performance, the College will not encourage a student to stay who seems unlikely to benefit by remaining on campus. Academic probation and dismissal are noted on the academic transcript.

Financial Aid: Satisfactory Progress Policy
Satisfactory academic standing is required in order for a student to maintain eligibility for financial assistance. At the end of each semester, after final grades have been issued, the Director of Financial Aid will verify the academic standing of each student.

Once a student has reached the point in time when they have registered for their 60th credit hour, both qualitative and quantitative standards must be met and measured each semester. “Registered Semester Hours” include all transfer hours and all hours for which a student has officially enrolled (excluding audit classes) at Monmouth College. Official enrollment is defined as the hours for which a student is registered at the end of the period for adding a course.

Qualitative Standard
Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00. A student will immediately lose eligibility for all Federal and State financial assistance if the student’s cumulative GPA falls below 2.00. No advance warning of pending loss of financial assistance can be given.

Quantitative Standard
Students must also be making incremental progress (consistently earning credits) toward a degree. According to Federal requirements a student may take up to 150% of the time needed to achieve and obtain a degree. For example, a student may take up to six years to obtain a four year bachelor’s degree and still remain eligible to receive financial assistance. If however, the student is not making incremental progress toward the degree, a loss of eligibility for Federal and State financial assistance will occur. No advance warning of pending loss of financial assistance can be given.

In any semester where a student has lost eligibility of financial assistance, the student may appeal to the Director of Financial Aid for the reinstatement of eligibility. The student must show that their cumulative GPA fell to less than 2.00 or they failed to make incremental progress toward a degree during the semester as the result of:

1) the death of an immediate relative of the student, 2) a severe injury to the student, or
3) a severe illness of the student, that interrupted their ability to perform academically.

If an appeal is granted and the financial aid eligibility is restored, the student will be placed on financial aid probation and will be eligible to receive financial assistance for one semester. If, at the end of the semester on financial aid probation, a student does not:

1) establish a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 or

2) make incremental progress toward the degree, no further aid eligibility can be allowed.

Academic Expulsion
Academic expulsion may be imposed if a student’s performance following readmission after academic dismissal continues to fall below College standards. Such expulsion is a permanent separation of the student from the College and is noted on the transcript.

Disciplinary Dismissal and Expulsion
A student dismissed for disciplinary reasons will be given a grade of WF in cases where the work of the course has not been completed prior to dismissal. Dismissal for disciplinary reasons shall be for not less than the remainder of the academic semester in which the action was taken and not more than one academic year. Students may apply for readmission upon the completion of the period of dismissal.

A student who is expelled for disciplinary reasons will be given a grade of WF in cases where the work of the course has not been completed prior to expulsion. Students expelled for disciplinary reasons may not enroll at the College again.

Disciplinary dismissal and expulsion shall be recorded on the academic record. When dismissed or expelled from the College, a student may not be eligible for a refund.

Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty may result not only in failure in the course, but in dismissal or expulsion from the College. If a student receives a course grade of F anytime during a semester due to an incident of academic dishonesty, the F will stand as the grade of record. Incidents of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Auditing a Course
To encourage students to broaden their educational experience as much as possible, Monmouth College offers students the opportunity to audit courses. Auditing means attending lecture sessions but not writing papers, participating in laboratory work, or taking exams. While the student receives no academic credit, if attendance has been satisfactory, AU will be recorded on the student’s permanent transcript.

Full-time students may audit courses without charge, if there is space available at the conclusion of the enrollment period. Part-time students will be charged an audit fee.

Students may change the audit credit to academic credit during the first week of classes; academic credit may be changed to audit credit prior to the last six weeks of the semester and such a change is reflected on the transcript. Students may later repeat an audited course for academic credit.

Course Syllabi
Each instructor provides a syllabus (or assignment sheet) for each course so that students may better understand the course goals and their responsibilities in reaching these goals. This syllabus is given to the students at the first meeting of the class. This syllabus should include:

1) topics proposed to be covered in the course,

2) the approximate time when specific materials are proposed to be covered, examinations taken, and papers or projects completed,

3) the basis on which grades are determined and other relevant information regarding the course,

4) the means by which any major change in the syllabus would be announced.

Final Examinations
The final examination period is considered to be a regular part of the academic semester. It is expected that instructors will administer final examinations in all regularly scheduled courses with the exception of independent studies.

Each final examination must be given during its assigned examination period. In those infrequent cases of courses where traditional examination procedures do not appear applicable or practical, the instructor is expected to use the scheduled examination period as a scheduled class period for the semester.

Convocations
The academic program of the College is supported by a weekly convocation program. Six to 10 times a semester, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, faculty, students, and other members of the College community gather in the Auditorium to hear an address by a guest speaker.

The first convocation in the fall semester is a Matriculation ceremony initiating freshmen into the College. Every April there is an Honors Convocation to recognize students for outstanding academic achievements.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
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.

2) The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records to ensure that
they are not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy or other
rights.

3) The right to withhold disclosure of Directory Information contained in the student’s
education records, except to the extent FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

4) The right to file with the U.S. Department of Education a complaint concerning alleged
failures by Monmouth College to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

5) The right to obtain a copy of Monmouth College’s FERPA Policy Statement which is on
file in the Office of the Registrar.

Last Updated: Tuesday, April 10, 2007

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