Manchester University Academic Catalog 2017-2018

Academic Programs

Manchester University seeks to develop in each student an appreciation for learning through an academic foundation grounded in the disciplines and in-depth study in specific majors. This combination prepares students for graduate school, the professions and positions of leadership in all areas of society. A broad-based, flexible general education curriculum in the liberal arts provides the most appropriate formal preparation to:

• meet contemporary challenges,
• fulfill career goals,
• lead a purposeful, healthy and rewarding life and
• serve society as a responsible citizen. 

Degrees Offered

Manchester University offers programs leading to the Associate of Arts, the Bachelor of Arts, the Bachelor of Science, the Master of Athletic Training, the Master of Science in Pharmacogenomics and the Doctor of Pharmacy degrees. Each program combines a core of liberal arts courses, a concentration in a specific major and elective courses.

The University does not guarantee graduation to any student who does not complete requirements for a degree or a major.

The graduate degree requirements are outlined in the Graduate Studies Bulletin. The Doctor of Pharmacy requirements are outlined in the Pharmacy Bulletin.

The Baccalaureate Degree

The baccalaureate degree requires the satisfactory completion of:

1. A minimum of 120 semester hours of credit to include:
   1. Core Program requirements for the degree sought.
   2. A major field of study with a minimum average grade point of C (2.00) in those courses counted toward the major, excluding any courses taken Pass/ Not Pass.
   3. A minimum average grade point of C (2.00) in those courses counted toward a minor if a minor is completed.
2. A minimum cumulative grade point of C (2.00), excluding any courses taken Pass/ Not Pass.
3. The residence requirement consists of either a minimum of 90 semester hours or 30 of the last 36 semester hours of credit toward the degree earned through Manchester University. Credits earned in approved study abroad programs are considered Manchester University credits. 

Academic Major and Minor
A student’s program must include a major. A minor is optional.

The Major 
The major is a grouping of courses in one subject area, sometimes with the addition of related courses from other disciplines to provide depth in one academic area. All degree candidates must complete at least one major. Students may complete more than one major if all requirements for each major are met. The concentration is an area of emphasis within a major. Each major must include at least 9 semester hours of courses that are not included in any other major or minor.

Students must elect a major by the end of the sophomore year. Instructions for electing a major are available from the department chair of the intended major.

The Minor
The minor field of study is an option provided to complement study in a major field or to develop a special area of interest. Each minor must include at least 9 semester hours of courses that are not included in any other major or minor.  

Senior Comprehensive Evaluation (SCE)
Each academic major includes a senior comprehensive evaluation (SCE), which every student must complete to graduate. The comprehensive evaluation is a learning/assessment experience, consistent with the learning goals of the major. Each department will provide students with information about the structure of the SCE, how it will be evaluated and procedures for remediation.  

Second Degree 
Requirements for a second baccalaureate degree are:

1. A minimum of 32 additional semester hours of credit earned at Manchester University.
2. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00, excluding any courses taken Pass/Not Pass.
3. Completion of Core Program requirements for the degree sought.
4. Completion of a major field of study, distinct from the major field in the first degree, with a minimum average grade point of 2.00 in those courses counted toward the major.
5. Conferral of the second degree at a commencement other than the one in which the first degree is conferred.

Fields of Study
For details of majors, minors, concentrations and course descriptions, consult departmental listings.

Program Areas 
The following is for listing purposes only. Links to all areas of study can be found on the Major/Minor Fields of Study page.

Accounting	International Studies (minor only)
Adapted Physical Activity (minor only)	Journalism (minor only)
Art	Libraries and Literacies (ASA only)
Athletic Training	Marketing
Audio Production and Marketing (ASA only)	Mathematics
Biology	Mediation and Conflict Resolution (ASA only)
Biology-Chemistry	Medical Technology
Business Management	Modern Languages
Chemistry	Music
Communication Studies	Peace Studies
Criminal Justice	Philosophy
Economics	Physics
Education	Political Science
Engineering Science	Pre-pharmacy
English	Professional Sales
Environmental Studies	Psychology
Entrepreneurship (minor only)	Queer Advocacy (ASA only)
Exercise Science and Fitness	Religious Studies
Finance	Scientific Computing (ASA only)
French	Social Work
Gender Studies (minor only)	Sociology
Gerontology (minor only)	Software Engineering
German (minor only)	Spanish
History	Sport Management
Individualized Interdisciplinary Major	Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (minor only)
Interfaith Literacy (ASA only)	

Pre-Professional Study
Manchester University students may plan a combined liberal arts/professional curriculum in preparation for graduate programs. Also, students may complete a degree in selected majors by combining three years of course work at Manchester with credit earned at a regionally-accredited professional school.

Careers commonly approached through pre-professional curriculum include:

Athletic Training	Ministry
Dentistry	Pharmacy
Engineering	Physical Therapy
Law	Veterinary Medicine
Medicine	
Links to all areas of study can be found on the Major/Minor Fields of Study page.

The Associate of Arts Degree

Graduation Requirements
The Associate of Arts degree requires the satisfactory completion of:

1. A minimum of 60 semester hours of credit to include:
   1. Core Program requirements.
   2. An approved major with a minimum average grade point of C (2.00) in those courses counted toward a major, excluding any courses taken Pass/Not Pass.
2. A minimum cumulative grade point average of C (2.00), excluding any courses taken Pass/
   Not Pass.
3. A minimum of 30 semester hours earned through Manchester University.

An associate degree cannot be received in the same commencement as a baccalaureate degree if the major of the associate program is available as a minor in the baccalaureate program. For a student to receive both an associate degree and a baccalaureate degree in similar majors, the associate degree must be received prior to the baccalaureate degree. The Associate of Arts degree is available in the following areas:

Computer Applications

Criminal Justice

Gerontology

All course work in the Associate of Arts program is of baccalaureate degree level and has a liberal arts orientation rather than a purely vocational base. All credits earned are applicable to a baccalaureate degree at Manchester University. 



Special Learning Opportunities

January Session
January session is designed so students concentrate on one course. This allows participation in one of the many classes offered on and off campus in the United States and internationally. On-campus options include regular classes as well as specially-designed classes. The maximum January session student load is one academic and one physical education activity, applied communication studies, or music ensemble course, not to exceed 4.5 semester hours.

Manchester University does not transfer tuition for students who enroll at another institution during January session, although information about colleges with which Manchester has formal tuition exchange programs is available in the Office of the Registrar.

Values, Ideas and the Arts (VIA)
The Values, Ideas and the Arts (VIA) program is integrated into the curriculum and provides an array of events that embody Manchester’s values statement.  The program is coordinated with the following goals in mind: broadening students’ cultural experiences, enriching students intellectually and aesthetically, providing opportunities to experience the arts and promoting dialogue about ideas and values.

Events include presentations, debates, and musical and dramatic performances by guests and on-campus organizations.

Honors Program
The Honors Program recognizes academic excellence and provides special opportunities beyond those available in the regular curriculum. An honors diploma may be earned by students who have a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or better and who complete prescribed courses, including an honors project.

Selected new students and upperclass students with grade point averages of 3.50 or higher can apply to the Honors Program. Honors students are eligible to take honors courses and honors sections of regular courses. They may also, with the permission of their instructors, convert regular courses to honors credit. All course work completed in the Honors Program will be identified on the student’s record. Details about the Honors Program are available from the Office of Academic and Student Affairs.

Students who are not in the Honors Program may petition to enroll in honors courses. Forms are available in the Office of the Registrar.

Peace Studies Institute
The Peace Studies Institute offers public programs, visiting speakers and performers, conferences and workshops on peace and justice issues. A joint student-faculty-staff committee directs the Institute’s program, which is supported primarily by the Sam and Marla Ropchan Endowment for Peace Studies.

Practica, Field Experiences and Internships
Because actual experience is an excellent teacher, Manchester University provides a number of field experiences for its students. A practicum/field experience is a unit of work that permits a student to observe a profession or provides practical application of previously studied theory. It allows a student to participate in activities typical of a profession but does not demand a high level of professional responsibility or professional judgment. An internship is a unit of work performed in actual service for a public/private organization. This experience links classroom instruction to a career. Because an internship serves as a trial period in a career, it is available only to junior and senior students who demonstrate academic and personal maturity appropriate to the position.

Language Study
Faculty members from all departments encourage students to learn a language while they are in college. Three languages – Spanish, French and German – are offered at Manchester, at various levels. Regardless of major, students benefit from knowing a language in addition to English. Students can, if they choose, enhance their language study with enrollment in off-campus January session courses as well as in study abroad programs.

Study Abroad Programs
Manchester University offers three types of study abroad: short-term, semester and year programs. Students of all majors may study abroad, and courses are for academic credit.

Short-term programs include January Session courses and occasional summer session classes. Short-term programs are led by Manchester University faculty and vary each year. Students may participate in off-campus international courses multiple years. Courses offered in recent years included travel to: Australia, Bahamas, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Nicaragua and Spain. Since the cost of January Session is included in the regular fees for semester-long study, the cost of an off-campus January Session course is limited to the expenses for that specific travel program. Students planning to study on a specific January Session program should contact the faculty leader. Students with general questions or individuals interested in advanced planning should contact the Director of Study Abroad and Off-Campus Academic Programs.

Semester and year programs are residency programs and are available through our partner programs, including BCA Study Abroad and Hokusei Gakuen University (HGU).  Study abroad locations include: Athens, Greece; Barcelona, Spain; Brussels, Belgium; Cheltenham, England; Chennai, India: Dalian, China; Dublin, Ireland; Dunedin, New Zealand; London, England; Marburg, Germany; Quito, Ecuador; Sapporo, Japan; St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago; Strasbourg, France; Valladolid, Spain; Vienna, Austria; and Xalapa, Mexico. For full-time students who are U.S. citizens, the cost of tuition, room and board is the same as attending Manchester, and financial aid packages apply.

Students planning to study abroad for a semester or year should meet with the Director of Study Abroad and Off-Campus Academic Programs and begin planning early. The application process may take more than one year. Students must be familiar with major, minor and Core graduation requirements. If the courses taken abroad do not meet these requirements, additional work may be necessary for graduation. Therefore, study abroad students must work closely with the major advisor and the director of study abroad to develop an integrated academic plan.

Chicago Center
The Chicago Center for Urban Life and Culture provides Manchester students with the opportunity to earn credit and work and learn in Chicago as part of their academic program. The Chicago Center is open to students in all majors seeking an urban internship. The Chicago Center offers special practicum experiences for Social Work majors and student teaching placements for Education majors. As a long-standing academic partner with Manchester, the cost of this study away program is the same as our study abroad programs. For full-time students who are U.S. citizens, the cost of tuition, room and board is the same as attending Manchester, and financial aid packages apply. (Chicago Center summer programs are also available at additional costs for U.S. and international students.) Representatives from the Chicago Center also visit campus each semester and appointments can be arranged. Students interested in the Chicago Center should meet with the Director of Study Abroad and Off-Campus Academic Programs and begin planning early.

Individualized Study
Tutorial

Instructors may consent to tutor a catalog course for a student who is unable to take the course in the usual manner. In such cases, an additional fee is charged to the student. When courses are taught as tutorials because of University-caused scheduling conflicts, no fee is charged.

Special Problems Courses
A student who has demonstrated ability to work independently may propose a course with a qualified professor and second evaluator. The department chair and college dean also must approve the course. An additional fee is charged to the student.

Student Success Program (SSP)
The Student Success Program is a comprehensive experience for new first-year students designed to support the transition to college-level classes, teach key strategies for success and help students realize their academic potential, while building important and lasting connections to other students, faculty and staff.  SSP utilizes a holistic approach that intentionally integrates the Manchester Core, co-curricular activities and mentor-guided support along with resources in the Success Center to support students in their first year. 

Summer Sessions
Summer session classes are offered in two formats: a fifteen day on-campus format and a six week on-line format. The on-campus format can also include travel courses. The maximum student load for the fifteen day on-campus format is one academic and one physical education course, not to exceed 4.5 semester hours. The maximum student load for the six week on-line format is two academic courses, not to exceed 8 semester hours.

Graduation Pledge Alliance
The Graduation Pledge of Social and Environmental Responsibility, which a significant number of graduating seniors adopt each year, is officially recognized at commencement ceremonies. The pledge is sponsored by the Peace Studies Institute.

“I pledge to explore and take into account the social and environmental consequences of any job I consider and will try to improve these aspects of any organizations for which I work.”

Manchester University Employment Guarantee
The Employment Guarantee is part of the Triple Guarantee program. If at six months following graduation with a baccalaureate degree, a graduate of Manchester University has not secured employment after an appropriate effort to obtain it (or has not enrolled in a graduate program), he or she may return to the University for additional undergraduate courses and career preparation for one year without a charge for tuition.

To qualify for this guarantee, students will need to follow a prescribed program of preparation before graduation that supplements their course of study. Details about the program are available from the Office of Career and Professional Development. 

Interdisciplinary Programs

Environmental Studies
The mission of the Environmental Studies Program is to provide students experiential learning opportunities and rigorous academics rooted in natural sciences, political sciences, economics and philosophy to better understand the human endeavor in the context of responsible environmental stewardship. Through the program students learn about local, regional and global environmental issues that are integrated across disciplines. Global climate change, loss of biodiversity, clean water, resource depletion and the lack of a “land ethic” all suggest there are tremendous fundamental opportunities for positive change. Humans as well as all other organisms depend upon the quality and integrity of natural systems. The future of the world depends on the wisdom with which science and technology are used and how humans engage in responsible decision making that leads toward an environmentally sustainable world. The Environmental Studies Program provides a fundamental understanding of the biophysical world and how it intersects with human endeavors through formal academics, laboratory and field experiences, internships and undergraduate research opportunities. This interdisciplinary program includes three tracks: Technical, Natural History and Policy Track. Courses are taught by faculty across the disciplines.

Gender Studies
The gender studies program analyzes gender as a social and cultural phenomenon. The program relies upon the insights of feminist scholars, both men and women, who have revised concepts of gender that once were thought universal but now are seen as culturally determined. Students study women and femininity, as well as men and masculinity, from a gendered perspective that critiques traditional points of view.

The interdivisional minor in gender studies complements a variety of majors. It prepares graduates to do the critical thinking required in business and professions as well as to apply principles of gender analysis to graduate study in the humanities and the social sciences.

Gerontology
By 2030, older people will make up 25 percent of the U.S. population. Specialists in gerontology will be needed to meet multiple needs of older adults.

Students who elect a minor or associate degree in gerontology work closely with a program advisor to tailor their studies to complement career aspirations in health care and social work, politics, law, research, product design or program development, business, marketing, media, transportation and housing, education, arts and leisure, retirement planning and many other occupations.

Students explore physical, psychosocial, financial, environmental and spiritual aspects of aging, using classroom experiences, individualized research, field trips, service learning and practicums in various settings.

Individualized Interdisciplinary Major
A student may wish to design a major suited more to that individual than the major(s) offered by departments. Provisions have been made for this through the establishment of an individualized interdisciplinary major. A student presents a program proposal to the vice president and dean for academic and student affairs. Individualized interdisciplinary majors must be approved by the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee. A student electing to complete an individualized interdisciplinary major cannot have another major. Procedures for planning this type of program can be obtained in the Office of Academic and Student Affairs.

International Studies
This program is an interdisciplinary examination of the cultural, political, economic and social patterns that have defined our modern world. Students who minor in international studies enhance their majors and expand their educational and employment opportunities upon graduation.

The minor in international studies is filled with rich and exciting experiences. It provides students with a wild range of opportunities to:

• gain skills in diplomacy, communication, negotiation and conflict resolution
• participate in the Harvard National Model United Nations Conferences
• acquire social skills and cultural sensitivity through interaction with other people and cultures
• pursue individual, interdisciplinary tracks or areas of interest, within the parameters outlined in the program curriculum

Mark E. Johnston Entrepreneurship Program
The Mark E. Johnston Entrepreneurship Program exposes students to the academic background needed to start an organization. Whether students are interested in starting a traditional for-profit business or a nonprofit organization with a social purpose, they need a solid foundation in basic business principles, and this program provides that foundation. It is designed to achieve the following goals:

• Students will experience the nature of an entrepreneurial venture and assess their personalities and abilities in the context of the common traits and challenges facing entrepreneurs.
• Students will demonstrate an understanding of basic accounting, marketing, management and finance in the context of start-up and growth scenarios.
• Students will demonstrate an understanding of business topics unique to entrepreneurial ventures.
• Students will develop a business plan either for a start-up idea of their own or for a community member seeking assistance.

The primary take-away for the student will be a business plan, comparable to what a business professional would develop and suitable for presenting to potential lenders and investors.

Peace Studies
Manchester University’s groundbreaking Peace Studies program is an interdisciplinary program exploring nonviolent responses to conflict and injustice, whether in our personal lives or international relations. Students consider questions of values and personal lifestyle, as well as historical perspectives, conflict resolution, mediation, political theory and social change.  MU’s peace studies program provides a distinctive emphasis on theoretical and applied nonviolence, equipping students to work for justice in a variety of areas. 

The Peace Studies program prepares students to:

• Understand dynamics of conflict, be it interpersonal, intragroup or between nations or global parties
• Develop strong critical thinking, writing and communication skills that are transferable to any field
• Graduate with mediation and conflict resolution skills that are valuable in both personal and professional life
• Join a tradition of graduates committed to peace and social justice

Formal concentrations within the major are interpersonal and intergroup conflict studies, religious and philosophical bases, international and global studies and social inequality studies. Students also may choose to design individualized concentrations within the peace studies major, such as communication, gender studies, social change or environmental studies.

Most peace studies students engage in study abroad opportunities, and many complement their major in peace studies with a second major. Internship and practicum opportunities are available with national or international peace and justice organizations. The student’s program of study is under the supervision of the director of the peace studies program and the Peace Studies Council. A number of scholarships are designated for peace studies majors.   

Academic Policies and Procedures

The University makes every effort to assist students through the academic advising program, yet the final responsibility for meeting all academic and graduation requirements rests with each student. Assistance in interpreting the requirements is available from academic advisors and the registrar.

Registration
Students must complete the required steps in enrollment during the official registration period for each semester. Instructions and time schedules are announced on the Office of the Registrar’s website. A late charge is assessed for failure to meet announced deadlines. When conditions beyond the control of the student cause an unavoidable delay, notice should be given to the registrar immediately. Registration must be completed by 5 p.m. the day before classes begin. Only under exceptional circumstances will students be allowed to enroll after the first day classes are scheduled to meet. No students will be enrolled after the last Change of Course Day. The University accepts no responsibility for holding room reservations or classroom space if registration has not been completed according to schedule.

First Year Seminar Enrollment and Completion
New first-year students matriculating in the fall semester must enroll in an FYS course to fulfill the C-1FS requirement.  Students are not permitted to switch sections once they arrive on campus. Students who fail the FYS course (F, UW, W, or WF) must complete ENG-111 College Writing at Manchester to fulfill the requirement. A failing grade in an FYS class is not replaced by a passing grade in ENG-111. No transfer or dual credit courses will fulfill the C-1FS requirement for new first-year students.

Transfer students or new first-year students matriculating in January Session or spring semester fulfill the C-1FS requirement by completing ENG-111 at Manchester.  A composition course equivalent to ENG-111 taken at another institution will fulfill the C-1FS requirement for transfer students.

Change of Registration
Students can make adjustments to their schedules without completing specific paperwork during the first three days of the fall or spring semester or on the first day of January or summer sessions designated as Change of Course days. Changes made after the official Change of Course days require submission of the Change of Course form to the Office of the Registrar. Students are responsible for ensuring they are properly enrolled in courses.

Withdrawal from Courses
During the first two-thirds of a semester, a student may withdraw from a course and receive a grade of W. After that date, a student who withdraws will receive a grade of WF. A student who does not withdraw but stops attending class will receive a grade of UW. Both the WF and UW count as an F (0) in the student’s grade point average. Forms for withdrawing from individual courses are available in the Office of the Registrar.

Withdrawal from University
The University regards the registration of a student as a contractual agreement. For this reason, special procedures must be followed in the event a student withdraws from the University. Any student considering withdrawal after the beginning of classes initiates the process by having an interview with a member of the Student Success staff. A form obtained from that office must be completed with signatures from the student financial services, residence life and registrar’s offices before withdrawal is official.

Enrollment Status
Students enrolled for 12 or more semester hours of credit in the fall or spring semesters are classified as full-time students. Full-time students are billed for one-half of the academic year costs prior to each of these semesters. January session tuition, general fees, and room and board costs are included in these one-half year costs.

Enrollment in either fall or spring semester for less than 12 semester hours of credit classifies a student as part time with part-time rates assessed for tuition costs. January session tuition and room and board costs are not included in charges for part-time enrollment.

Audit/No-Credit Enrollment
Students may choose to enroll in classes on an audit or no-credit basis with the consent of the instructor. While no official grade or academic credit is awarded for either experience, no-credit students must meet all class requirements. Auditors may, but are not required to, submit assigned papers, take tests, and complete papers and projects for evaluation. The no-credit option applies only to music ensembles or private music instruction.

Students may change their registration from credit to audit or no-credit during the first two-thirds of a course. Students may not change their registration from audit or no-credit to credit.

Academic Load and Overload
Enrollment in 14-16 semester hours of credit is considered a normal academic load. A student may enroll for more than 16 semester hours (overload) during a regular semester if that student has a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. No student will be permitted to enroll for more than 18 semester hours of credit in any semester without a special petition to the Academic Standards Committee.

Class Standing of Students
Students are classified on the basis of the number of semester hours they have completed.

• first year 0 - 27.75 semester hours
• sophomore 28 - 59.75 semester hours
• junior 60 - 91.75 semester hours
• senior 92 or more semester hours

Class Attendance
Specific attendance policies and sanctions for excessive absences from class are the prerogative of the individual instructor. Students are expected to attend all officially scheduled lectures, discussions, laboratory exercises and examinations. Instructors may excuse students for reasonable causes. Students are responsible for all work missed regardless of the reason.

The following are examples of reasonable causes for excused absences: sickness of student, death or serious illness in the student’s immediate family, university activities (such as field trips, intercollegiate sports or artistic performances), religious observances, circumstances beyond the student’s control, such as jury duty or bad weather.

Sanctions for unexcused absences may include a failing grade on any work due on the date of an absence, a reduction of the final grade for the course or a failure in the course.

Examinations
Final examinations are scheduled on the last four days of each regular semester, and other tests are given during the semester at the discretion of the instructor. The registrar publishes the final exam schedule; any changes to the final exam schedule must be approved by the registrar.

Academic Advising
First Year Seminar instructors serve as the academic advisors for new first-year students. After the first semester, students may request an advisor in their intended major or stay with the FYS advisor. New transfer students are assigned to an advisor in their major area of interest. Change of Advisor forms are available in the Office of the Registrar.

Students should consult with the academic advisor regarding questions about career choices, course selections, graduation requirements and related matters. Each registration period the student’s advisor must sign enrollment forms or approve on-line registration before the student can enroll for classes.

These procedures provide each student contact with a faculty member who can assist in assuring that all requirements are completed in sequence and on schedule. Each student, however, has the final responsibility for monitoring his or her own graduation requirements.

Time Limitations for Completing Degree Requirements
A student may earn a degree by fulfilling requirements of any Manchester University Catalog in force while enrolled, provided these requirements are dated no more than seven years prior to the year the degree is to be awarded.

Preparation for Graduation and Participation in Commencement
Degrees are conferred at the end of the fall and spring semesters. Diplomas are awarded at the May commencement.

The graduation year runs from Sept. 2 to Sept. 1 of a given year. Students expecting to complete all requirements by Sept. 1 of the year of graduation must submit the Graduation Application to the Office of the Registrar by Dec. 1 of the final year of attendance. Students who participate in the May commencement with requirements to be completed during the following summer must have the official record of their credits submitted to the Office of the Registrar by Sept. 1 to be included in the graduating class of that year. Those who complete graduation requirements or submit official documentation of completion after Sept. 1 will be included in the following year’s graduating class. A Letter of Completion indicating fulfillment of requirements for a degree to be conferred later will be supplied when needed for employment, graduate study or other purposes when all requirements are completed.

Advanced Placement and Credit by Examination
Students may earn college credit through the Advanced Placement Program (AP) of The College Board, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program or the University Level Examination Program (CLEP). Additional information is available at the Office of the Registrar.

Proficiency credit may be awarded for a grade of B or above on departmental proficiency examinations. No proficiency credit will be awarded for beginning modern language, basic mathematics, basic algebra, precalculus or applied music. Proficiency credit is not given to meet the Values, Ideas and the Arts requirement. No more than one semester hour credit may be earned through proficiency examination in physical activity courses.

Dean’s List
At the end of each semester, the Office of Academic and Student Affairs publishes the Dean’s List. Students earning a semester grade point average of 3.5 or higher who have completed at least 12 semester hours with no more than three hours of Pass/Not Pass grades are included on the Dean’s List. Students with more than one hour of Incomplete (I) or Not Recorded (NR) grades at the end of the semester are not eligible for the Dean’s List.

Graduation with Honors
To graduate with honors, students must complete a minimum of 60 graded credit hours through Manchester University. Credits earned through Pass/No Pass grades do not count toward the 60-hour requirement.

Summa cum laude 3.950 - 4.000
Magna cum laude 3.850 - 3.949
Cum laude 3.650 - 3.849

Graduation with honors is determined using the final cumulative grade point average.

Credits, Grades and Grade Points

Unit of Credit
The semester hour is the basic unit of credit at Manchester University. The number of semester hours generally corresponds to the number of class hours a course meets each week during the semester.

Grading System
Manchester University reports and records grades through the conventional letter system. The following point values are used to calculate the grade point:

Letter symbols used for other purposes on grade reports and records are listed below:

AU Course audited

I Incomplete* (Temporary grade) Student unable to complete work for reasons beyond his/ her control.

NC Course taken for no credit

NP Not Pass** – Equal to C- through F. Does not affect grade point average.

NR Grade not reported* (Temporary grade) Course extends beyond end of semester.

P Pass** – Equal to A through C. Does not affect grade point average.

R Registered – Course overlaps two semesters.

UW Unauthorized Withdrawal (Failure, 0)

W Withdrawn Passing

WF Withdrawn Failing (0)

* Work must be completed by the midsemester date of the next regular semester, otherwise a failure (0) is recorded.

** The instructor and registrar will only verify the P or NP grade to outside agencies, not the actual grade given in the course.

Grade Point Average (GPA)
The cumulative grade point average determines a student’s rank in class, academic honors and academic good standing. The first step in ascertaining the GPA is to determine grade points. Grade points earned in any course are determined by multiplying the number of semester hours assigned to that course by the point value of the grade earned. The cumulative GPA is determined by dividing the total grade points earned by the sum of the semester hours attempted.

Intra-semester Academic Performance Reporting
Early feedback about academic performance is critical to students’ success. At Week 3 faculty report to the registrar the names of students who would benefit from additional support from academic advisors and the Success Center. Grades are reported at Week 7 for any student earning a C- or below. These grades are not a part of the student’s official record and do not affect the cumulative GPA.

Transcript of Record
Official Transcripts may be requested on the Office of the Registrar webpage at https://www.manchester.edu/academics/registrar. A fee of $10 is charged for each official copy. No official transcript is released if a student has outstanding financial obligations to the University.

Pass/Not Pass Option
Student converted Pass/Not Pass courses 
In order to foster the spirit of intellectual inquiry and breadth, undergraduate students may convert a maximum of four courses to Pass/Not Pass. This option applies only to students who have completed one semester at Manchester and are not on academic probation. Students in the Honors Program may take one honors course P/NP. Courses in the CORE program, those prerequisite to or included in a major or minor, and all courses required for teacher certification may not be converted to P/NP. Students may not request exceptions.

Eligible students may elect the P/NP option during the first two-thirds of a course. This option is not reversible after the request has been approved. Those enrolled for P/NP who earn grades of C or higher receive P. Full credit is given only for the P grade, but the credit is not included in determining students’ grade point averages. The NP grade does not affect students’ grade point averages.

Departmental and Program Pass/Not Pass courses
Academic departments and program councils may offer courses that are offered solely on a Pass/Not Pass basis, and all student enrolled in these courses are graded on a P/NP scale. These departmental offerings may be included in a major or minor and do not count towards the four courses students may convert to P/NP. These courses may be primarily experiential in nature or determined by faculty to be incompatible with the level of evaluation required by letter grades Courses that utilize the Pass/Not Pass grading scale must be approved by the Academic Policies Committee. A brief rationale for the P/NP grading scheme should be included in the course proposal document.

Repeating Courses
Students may retake any course subject to the following conditions: (1) Students will receive credit for the course only once, except for courses which by catalog description may be repeated for credit; (2) Final grades for each enrollment in the course will be recorded on the permanent record. Only the repeated course grade will be counted toward the cumulative and major GPAs for meeting graduation requirements. In the rare circumstance when students earn a passing grade the first but not the second enrollment, both grades will be included in the GPA.

Credit for Prerequisites and Lower-Level Courses
A student who has completed a course for which a prerequisite(s) exists may not repeat or take the prerequisite(s) for credit.

Students may not earn credit in a lower-level course whose main substance overlaps one or more higher-level courses for which they have received credit.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY AND GRIEVANCE
Membership in the Manchester University community requires a devotion to the highest principles of academic and personal integrity, a commitment to maintain honor and a continuous regard for the rights of others. There can be no rights without individual responsibility.

Manchester University faculty are committed to teaching and learning as a career and a profession.  Each instructor is presumed to develop and use methods and techniques which enhance learning and which best fit his or her personality and subject matter area. At the same time, the instructor is expected to abide by the general principles of responsible teaching which are commonly accepted by the academic profession. These principles suggest that faculty keep complete records of student performance and that they develop, apply and express uniform criteria for evaluating student performance.

Students are free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any course of study. While they may reserve judgment about matters of opinion, they are responsible for learning the content of any course in which they are enrolled. At the same time, students are expected to abide by the general principles of academic honesty which are commonly accepted in educational settings.

When a student chooses not to follow the general principles of academic honesty, the following policies and procedures will apply.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY POLICY
The Academic Dishonesty Policy applies in cases of plagiarism or cheating as defined below.

Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the presentation of information (either written or oral) as one’s own when some or all of the information was derived from some other source. Specific types of plagiarism encountered in written and oral assignments include the following:

• Sources have been properly identified, but excerpts have been quoted without proper use of quotation marks; or the material has been slightly modified or rephrased rather than restated in the student’s own words.
• Key ideas or items of information derived from specific sources that present material that is not common knowledge have been presented without proper identification of the source or sources.
• Unidentified excerpts from other sources have been woven into the student’s own presentation.
• A paper or speech may be a mosaic of excerpts from several sources and presented as the student’s own.
• An entire paper or speech has been obtained from some other source and presented as the student’s own.
• Texts in another language are translated into English and presented as the student’s own.

Cheating
Cheating consists of any unpermitted use of notes, texts or other sources so as to give an unfair advantage to a student in completing a class assignment or an examination. Intentionally aiding another student engaged in academic dishonesty is also considered cheating. 

Submission of the same work (essay, speech, art piece, etc.) to fulfill assignments in separate classes requires the permission of both instructors (if both courses are being taken in the same semester), or the permission of the second instructor (if they are taken during different semesters).

Academic Dishonesty Procedures

1. In a case of academic dishonesty, the instructor shall send a letter documenting the deception to the student, with copies emailed to the associate dean of academic affairs, the dean of student experience, and the student’s academic advisor. The instructor shall complete an Academic Dishonesty Tracking form and submit documentation of the academic dishonesty to the Office of Academic and Student Affairs.
2. In cases of a first offense, the associate dean will send a letter outlining the seriousness of academic dishonesty and the consequences of a second offense to first offenders not going through the Academic Integrity Panel (AIP) process.
3. A formal appeal of the professor-imposed sanction may be sent to the vice president for academic and student affairs within a week of the date of the letter documenting the dishonesty.
4. An AIP will be convened by the associate dean for all second offenses and for any first offenses if requested by the instructor. The AIP will consist of the associate dean, two faculty selected from an appointed group, and two students selected from a pool of students appointed by the Office of Academic and Student Affairs. The composition of each AIP will be determined based on scheduling availability and avoidance of conflict of interest. The associate dean will vote only in cases of a tie. The associate dean will schedule a hearing with the student and the AIP upon receipt of the tracking form. A registration “hold” will be placed in effect until the hearing has occurred.
5. Following the hearing, the associate dean will inform the student and the instructor who filed the report of dishonesty of the AIP’s decision in writing. The associate dean will inform the registrar of any action which affects enrollment (i.e. suspension or expulsion). 

Penalties

1. The instructor has the sole discretion to impose specific grade sanctions such as failure of the assignment or failure of the course for any incident of academic dishonesty. When a failing grade for the course is imposed, the student will not be allowed to withdraw from the course with a grade of W.
2. For a first referred offense, the AIP has the discretion to impose disciplinary sanctions such as a letter of apology, monetary fine or community service requirement in addition to any grade sanction imposed by the instructor.
3. For a second or subsequent offense, an AIP hearing will occur, whereby additional sanctions up to and including suspension or expulsion from the University could be applied.   

Due Process
Students shall have a right to due process.  This shall include the right

1. To be informed of the nature of the violation
2. To a fair hearing of the evidence leading to a decision in the case
3. To be accompanied to any hearing by a faculty or administrative staff member from the University campus community.
4. To request an appeal based only on due process or new, exculpating evidence.

Appeal
An appeal for an academic dishonesty decision may be made only with the vice president for academic and student affairs and only on the basis of due process violations or the discovery of new, exculpating evidence. The vice president’s decision is final and no further appeal procedure shall exist in the University. A request for appeal must be made within five days of receipt of the AIP’s decision.

ACADEMIC GRIEVANCE POLICY
The Academic Grievance Policy pertains only to cases in which a student believes the final course grade has been assigned in a capricious or unfair manner. Grievances unrelated to academic performance may be brought directly to the Office of Academic and Student Affairs.

Academic Grievance Procedures

1. The student and the instructor should discuss the student's grievance and make every effort to reach a satisfactory solution. A mutually agreed upon third party may be invited to observe the meeting.
2. If an agreement cannot be reached, the student will bring the issue to the department chair and, if no resolution, then to the college dean of the involved instructor. Final course grade grievance must be brought before the chair and dean no later than March 1 for fall semester and January session grades, and October 1 for spring semester and summer session grades.     
1. The chair (and/or dean) will request a detailed written summary from each party.
2. The chair (and/or dean) will inform the vice president for academic and student affairs of the grievance.
3. The chair (and/or dean) will meet with both parties together, listen to their concerns and attempt to resolve the grievance.
4. If an agreement is reached, the chair (and/or dean) will inform the vice president for academic and student affairs of the result in writing. The written summaries will be forwarded to the Office of Academic and Student Affairs.

Exception: If the involved instructor is the department chair or college dean, the chair will request that the vice president for academic and student affairs appoint another full-time faculty member from that department to hear the concerns and attempt to resolve the grievance.

3. If an agreement cannot be reached through the department chair or college dean, the student may initiate the formal grievance procedure.
   1. The student will obtain an Academic Grievance form from the Office of Academic and Student Affairs.
   2. The completed form will be forwarded by the student to the Office of Academic and Student Affairs.
   3. The Academic Standards Committee will review the grievance only if procedures 1 & 2 have been completed. The written summaries initially provided to the department chair can be used by the Academic Standards Committee and/or the committee may wish to interview both parties individually.
   4. The Academic Standards Committee will render a final decision.

   Exception: If the involved instructor is a member of the Academic Standards Committee, the vice president for academic and student affairs will appoint a full-time faculty member from the same college to replace the involved instructor while the grievance is being reviewed or discussed and a decision is being made.

Academic Good Standing
Academic good standing at Manchester University is determined by a student’s success in achieving a minimum cumulative grade point average for a particular enrollment period. Students are not regarded to be in academic good standing if they are placed on academic probation as defined in the Catalog under Academic Probation and Disqualification.

A student who is not in academic good standing will be declared ineligible for participation in intercollegiate athletics. Grade point average also is used to determine eligibility for serving as an officer in student government, resident hall assistant, editor of campus publications, or station manager for the campus radio station. In some cases the minimum grade point average for participation in extracurricular activities may be higher than those listed in the Catalog.

Probationary status will be determined for all students at the end of fall and spring semesters. A student may petition for a reevaluation of their probationary status at the end of any grading period.

Academic Probation and Disqualification
The University has established minimum standards of academic performance and reserves the right to evaluate a student’s academic eligibility for continued enrollment. At the end of each semester, failure to meet the standards will result in academic probation or disqualification from continued enrollment. Standards are based upon the student’s cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and the total semester hours attempted by the student at Manchester University. A cumulative grade point average of 2.00 is required for graduation.

Students will be placed on academic probation or disqualified from further attendance if they do not meet the minimum standards outlined below.

Probation

Semester hours attempted*	Minimum CGPA required
0-27.5	CGPA < 1.6
28-59.5	CGPA < 1.8
60 and up	CGPA < 2.0

Students on academic probation are required to successfully complete a formal program administered through the Success Center and earn a term GPA of 2.0 or higher in the subsequent semester to continue at Manchester University. Students who do not successfully complete the formal program or earn a term GPA below 2.0 in the subsequent semester will be disqualified.

Disqualification

Semester hours attempted*	Minimum CPGA required
1-59.5	CGPA < 1.0
60 and up	CGPA < 1.7

*Transfer credits are never counted in total semester hours attempted; however, to determine where transfer students are in relationship to these charts, the semester hours of transfer credit is added to the semester hours attempted at Manchester University.

The name of any student whose CGPA is above the minimum standards but has a semester GPA less than 1.6 shall be forwarded to the academic advisor and the Spartan Success team for academic counseling or intervention.

January or Summer Session for Disqualified Students
Disqualified students may apply to enroll in January or summer courses in the session immediately following the semester of disqualification. Enrollment in either January or summer session courses does not guarantee reinstatement for the following semester.

Right to Appeal Academic Disqualification and Reinstatement
Any student who has been disqualified has the right to submit an appeal for reinstatement to the Academic Standards Committee. Disqualified students who are not enrolled at the University for one semester or more must submit the Readmission Application – available from the Office of Admissions – along with the letter of appeal. Students who are reinstated will be placed on academic probation and must meet the requirements outlined in the probation category above. Information about the appeal process is available in the Office of the Registrar.

Graduation and Transfer-Out Rates
Most students are able to complete their studies and graduate from Manchester University in four years without difficulty. Classes are readily available and advisors work closely with students to plan ahead. Some students take more than four years to graduate when they change majors, pursue multiple majors, study abroad, encounter academic difficulties or simply stop out for a January session, semester or more.

Approximately 31 percent of first-time full-time students leave Manchester after one year (based on five-year average). As reported to the U.S. Department of Education, the average four-year graduation rate for first-time full-time students entering in fall 2003 through fall 2012 was 44 percent.