Attendance Policy
The academic program of Muskingum University operates on the assumption that learning is advanced by regular class participation.
It is the responsibility of the student to arrange to make up, at the convenience of the instructor, class assignments or previously scheduled quizzes and/or exams missed due to absence. Timely (at least one week in advance) notice to professors when absence will be unavoidable is expected. No instructor may deny a student the opportunity to make up coursework missed because of bona fide medical, personal or family emergency, or, when timely notice is received, because of previously scheduled participation in institutionally sanctioned activities.
Individual faculty members determine their own class attendance policy in accordance with the preceding paragraph. At the beginning of each semester, the faculty member is responsible for informing students of his/her attendance policy or expectations and of the consequences or penalties for excessive non-sanctioned absences. The faculty member must define “excessive.”
Commencement Policy
Seniors planning to graduate must submit the Application to Graduate no later than eight (8) weeks prior to the date of Commencement. The application is available on Muskie Link. Students who fail to apply by this deadline may not be permitted to participate in commencement exercises and/or not included in the commencement program.
To be eligible to participate in Commencement, students must have all remaining coursework fully planned by the date of the ceremony. Students who will have up to 12 credit hours remaining after the date of Commencement may be eligible to participate early but must submit a formal appeal.
Appeal Process:
Students who wish to participate in Commencement but will not have completed all degree requirements must submit a written appeal to the University Registrar at least four (4) weeks prior to the Commencement date. The appeal must include:
Appeals are reviewed and considered on a case by case basis.
Course Repeat Policy
A student may repeat a course once if the original grade is C- or lower, provided that no more than one intervening course has been taken in the discipline offering the course.
A course may be repeated only one time without special approval. Students who wish to attempt a course for a third time must submit a written appeal to the University Registrar prior to registration. The appeal must include:
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An explanation of steps the student will take to improve performance (e.g., tutoring, academic coaching),
When you repeat a course, both grades will appear on your transcript, but only the most recent grade counts toward your GPA - even if it’s lower than your original grade. The only exceptions are if your most recent grade is an I (Incomplete), WIP (Work in Progress), or W (Withdrawal); in those cases, the earlier grade will still be used in your GPA.
Although a repeated course updates your GPA, it does not change past academic standing decisions such as probation, dismissal, or Dean’s List status.
Students cannot receive credit more than once for any course repeated to replace a grade.
Course Withdrawals
Traditional Undergraduate Students
Traditional undergraduate students may withdraw from full-semester courses through the 60th day of the semester, and from partial-semester courses until the course is three-fourths completed. Withdrawals are not permitted after these deadlines.
The process for course withdrawal is initiated in the Registrar’s Office. Students must complete and submit a Course Withdrawal Form, which can be found by visiting the course withdrawal page: Course Withdrawals
Students have the right to make their own decision about whether or not to withdraw from a course. However, they are strongly encouraged to consult with the course instructor, their academic advisor(s), and Financial Aid prior to submitting the withdrawal form. It is the student’s responsibility to understand the academic and financial consequences of withdrawing from a course, including impacts on graduation progress, full-time status, and financial aid eligibility.
Muskingum Adult Program (MAP) Students
MAP students who wish to withdraw from a class may do so any time prior to the last day of class. Students who withdraw from some or all classes after the end of the add/drop period are responsible for paying all tuition and fees for the courses. Students who withdraw from all courses within a given term are not necessarily considered by Muskingum University to be withdrawn from the program. Federal financial aid guidelines, however, consider such students to be withdrawn from the institution.
MAP students may add or drop classes without penalty during the add/drop period indicated below:
- 8-week course - add/drop period is by Friday of the first week by 11:59pm
- 5-week course - add/drop period is by Wednesday of the first week by 11:59 pm
MAP students who wish to withdraw from a class may do so any time up to 75% of its completion. Students who withdraw from some or all classes after the end of the add/drop period are responsible for paying all tuition and fees for the courses. Students who withdraw from all courses within a given term are not necessarily considered by Muskingum University to be withdrawn from the program. Federal financial aid guidelines, however, consider such students to be withdrawn from the institution.
Course Withdrawal Policy
- 8-week course
Friday by 11:59pm of Week 6 - a student can withdraw, and a grade of W will be recorded on the student’s transcript. After 11:59pm on Friday of Week 6 - a student is not permitted to withdraw and whatever grade is assigned by the instructor will be recorded on the transcript.
- 5-week course
Wednesday by 11:59pm of Week 3 - a student can withdraw, and a grade of W will be recorded on the student’s transcript. After 11:59pm on Wednesday of Week 3 - a student is not permitted to withdraw and whatever grade is assigned by the instructor will be recorded on the transcript.
To add or drop a course:
- Log into MuskieLink
- Select the wrench icon
- Choose Add/Drop Classes
- Submit your changes before the session deadline
After the add/drop period ends, course changes require a formal withdrawal.
Late Withdrawal Appeals
Students who seek to withdraw from a course after the applicable deadline due to extenuating circumstances must submit a written appeal to the University Registrar. The appeal must include:
Late withdrawal appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and approval is not guaranteed.
Refund Policy for Dropped or Withdrawn Course
8-week course
- 100% refund within add/drop period
- 50% refund after week 1 through Friday of week 3 at 11:59pm
- 25% refund after week 3 through Friday of week 4 at 11:59pm
- No refund after week 4
5-week course
- 100% refund within add/drop period
- 50% refund after week 1 through Wednesday of week 2
- 25% refund after week 2 through Wednesday of week 3
- No refund after the Wednesday of week 3
Academic Policies and Procedures
Academic Advising
Academic Credit
Academic Dishonesty, Plagiarism
Academic Standards Policy
Attendance Policy
Auditing Courses
Catalog of Entry
Commencement
Course Repeat Policy
Course Withdrawals
Directed Study
Exemption From Requriements or Substitution for Courses
Full Time Status
Grading Policy
Order of Appeal
Statute of Limitations
Academic Advising
Students are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor prior to registration. Students who “self-advise” risk taking courses out of sequence or which may not count as part of their program. Appointments can be made by calling Graduate and Adult Learning at 740-826-8038.
The unit of academic credit for all graduate courses is the semester hour of credit. Each graduate program specifies the number of credit hours required for degree or licensure completion.
Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are serious offenses at Muskingum University, and the faculty member has the prerogative of invoking the severest penalty for an initial offense. Each department is responsible for developing its definition of plagiarism, but in general, plagiarism is the verbal, written, graphic, or three-dimensional presentation of borrowed material without citing its source. Students must cite the source for quotations, paraphrases, or borrowed ideas, models, information, or organization of material. Students who are uncertain about the need for a citation should consult the faculty member for whom the work is being prepared. For a first offense, the minimum penalty for plagiarism and/or cheating is a failing grade on the assignment, paper, or examination; the maximum penalty in this instance is a failing grade in the course. The student found responsible a second time may also be suspended or expelled from the graduate program. In either case, the faculty member should submit a written report of the offense to either the Provost. Plagiarized work is filed in the office of the Provost. A grade given for academic dishonesty shall supersede any withdrawal. See additional information under “Order of Appeal.”
Academic Standards Policy
Academic Standing
To be in academic good standing, a student must earn and maintain a grade point average of 3.0. and follow the standards set forth in each graduate program.
Academic Probation
A graduate student whose cumulative grade point average falls below 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. The Program Director will notify the student of the probationary status and develop an individual learning plan through which the student can regain academic good standing. To regain good standing, the student must raise the grade point average to 3.0 by the end of the following term of enrollment.
Restrictions
A student who is on academic probation may not enroll for more than 15 hours. On the recommendation of the student’s academic advisor, adjustments may be made to the student’s course load.
Notification
The student will receive notice of academic probation status and its accompanying requirements and restrictions from the Program Director.
Academic Dismissal
A graduate student whose cumulative grade point average remains below 3.0 for two consecutive terms of enrollment may be dismissed from the graduate program. Formal appeals of academic dismissal must be initiated by sending a written request to the Provost within six weeks following the decision. The Provost will issue a response after the appeal has been received and reviewed.
Readmission
Application for readmission of a student dismissed for academic reasons will be considered only after a minimum of one semester following dismissal and will be subject to program requirements in effect at the time of reinstatement.
Attendance Policy
Graduate students are expected to actively engage in learning, participating in both online (synchronous or asynchronous) and face-to-face classes and completing work on time. Faculty should be notified of the reason for any absence. Please see your program handbook for specific attendance policy details.
Audit (L) grades may be awarded if a student does not desire or qualify to receive graduate credit. Auditors are required to pay full tuition unless otherwise covered by university policy. Auditing students may enroll only on a space available basis, and with the permission of the Registrar and the course instructor. A grade of “L” may not be converted to another grade. Audited courses appear on a student’s transcript but are not counted toward the GPA.
The program requirements of students who have applied and been admitted to a degree or licensure program will be governed by the Graduate Catalog in effect at the time of application. Curriculum changes to meet licensure requirements supersede provisions in the catalog of entry. The program requirements of students who take more than nine semester hours of credit in any program, but who have not been admitted, will be governed by the Graduate Catalog in effect at the time of their first enrollment. The University reserves the right to change, without notice, rules, policies, fees, curricula, courses and other matters.
The University hosts a commencement ceremony twice a year - in May and in December. Muskingum University issues diplomas to students who have completed all requirements of their degree program three times each year on dates corresponding roughly with the end of each academic term. Students must apply for Graduation in Muskie link 8 week prior to the commencement in order to participate. The application is available on Muskie Link. Students who fail to apply by this deadline may not be permitted to participate in commencement exercises and/or not included in the commencement program.
Graduate students are eligible to participate in commencement if all remaining coursework is fully planned and scheduled by the date of the ceremony. This eligibility includes students who have outstanding fieldwork or student teaching requirements, provided those components are already arranged and will be completed in a future term.
A student may repeat a course if they do not meet the minimum grade requirements for their program (see individual handbook).
A course may be repeated only one time without special approval. Students who wish to attempt a course for a third time must submit a written appeal to the University Registrar prior to registration. The appeal must include:
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An explanation of steps the student will take to improve performance (e.g., tutoring, academic coaching),
When you repeat a course, both grades will appear on your transcript, but only the most recent grade counts toward your GPA - even if it’s lower than your original grade. The only exceptions are if your most recent grade is an I (Incomplete), WIP (Work in Progress), or W (Withdrawal); in those cases, the earlier grade will still be used in your GPA.
Although a repeated course updates your GPA, it does not change past academic standing decisions such as probation, dismissal, or Dean’s List status.
Students cannot receive credit more than once for any course repeated to replace a grade.
Late Withdrawal Appeals (All Students)
Students who seek to withdraw from a course after the applicable deadline due to extenuating circumstances must submit a written appeal to the University Registrar. The appeal must include:
Late withdrawal appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and approval is not guaranteed.
Auditing Courses
Auditing is subject to space availability. For full-time students, there is no charge to audit, but permission must be received from the Registrar, the faculty advisor, and the course instructor. The decision to audit a class must be on file with the Registrar by the end of the add/drop period and cannot be changed. Non-attendance results in a grade of W. Those over 62 years of age may audit a course under the same regulations. Part-time students are charged a fee to audit.
Major/Minor and General Education Substitutions
While many courses are offered annually, some are offered as infrequently as once every three years. Additionally, curriculum updates may affect availability. Because of this, students should engage in ongoing consultation with their academic advisor to ensure all required courses are completed in a timely manner.
In rare cases where a student is unable to enroll in a required course as scheduled, a course substitution may be considered.
Major/Minor Course Substitutions
General Education Course Substitutions
Catalog of Entry
Undergraduate students who complete graduation requirements in four years are under the catalog in effect at the time of first enrollment. Students may elect to meet the graduation requirements of a later catalog, subject to guidelines of professionally-accredited disciplines.
Students who do not meet graduation requirements within seven calendar years of first enrollment must meet the requirements of the catalog in effect at the time of graduation
Full Time Status
The minimum course load for a full-time student is 12 semester hours. The recommended maximum is 20 semester hours; however, in rare cases, students may enroll in more than 20 hours by submitting a Course Overload Petition Form.
Students with a cumulative GPA below 3.0 who wish to register for more than 17 hours must petition the Registrar using the Course Overload Petition Form. This petition must be submitted no later than the second week of classes.
Please note: Additional tuition charges may apply for students who enroll in more than 18 semester hours.
Full-time status is determined at the end of the add/drop period. After this point, course withdrawals do not affect full-time status for tuition and fee purposes. However, maintaining full-time status is required for participation in intercollegiate athletics, and may also affect eligibility for other co-curricular and extracurricular activities.
Grade Point Average
A student’s semester GPA is calculated by dividing the total number of grade points earned for that semester by the total number of graded credit hours attempted.
Pass/No Pass (P/NP) courses are not factored into the GPA.
The following grades do not receive grade points and have no effect on GPA:
Students pursuing a degree at Muskingum who earned College Credit Plus (CCP) grades through Muskingum will have those CCP grades included in their undergraduate GPA calculation.
To calculate your cumulative GPA:
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Add up all graded credit hours attempted across all semesters.
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Add up all grade points earned.
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Divide the total grade points by the total graded credit hours.
Grading Policy
A student’s semester GPA is calculated by dividing the total number of grade points earned for that semester by the total number of graded credit hours attempted.
Pass/No Pass (P/NP) courses are not factored into the GPA.
The following grades do not receive grade points and have no effect on GPA:
Students pursuing a degree at Muskingum who earned College Credit Plus (CCP) grades through Muskingum will have those CCP grades included in their undergraduate GPA calculation.
To calculate your cumulative GPA:
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Add up all graded credit hours attempted across all semesters.
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Add up all grade points earned.
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Divide the total grade points by the total graded credit hours.
Work in Progress and Incomplete Grades
The grade of work in progress (WIP) is given in a course where work has been recognized as requiring research, study or participation beyond the normal limits of a semester. It may be used for departmental senior studies (400-level courses) or for courses involving outside observation hours..
An Incomplete (I) indicates that unusual personal or technical circumstances, including illness and family emergencies, have prevented the student from completing course requirements.
Except in extraordinary circumstances failure to complete the required work by the last day of the immediately subsequent semester reduces the WIP or I to an F. No student is awarded a degree with a record which includes a WIP or an I.
Late Grade Changes
Grade changes will not be accepted after one subsequent semester has passed following the term in which the grade was originally submitted. Exceptions may be considered only in extraordinary circumstances and require a formal appeal to the Office of the Provost.
Student Responsibility
The student is responsible for meeting all appropriate course, major, and graduation requirements as stated in this catalog. Although a student and an advisor are partners, the student needs to be knowledgeable about academic requirements and take the initiative in planning his or her own program, in setting goals, and in monitoring progress toward completing such goals.
Typically, courses are offered annually; however, some are offered as infrequently as once every third year. This necessitates ongoing consultation with the student’s academic advisor to assure that all required courses are taken in a timely manner. In the rare instances where a student is unable to regularly enroll in a required course prior to or during the intended semester of graduation, it may be necessary for traditional undergraduate students to take a MAP offering of a course.
In order to be eligible to take a course through the MAP program, traditional undergraduate students must:
- Enroll full-time during the semester in which the MAP course is to be taken
- Have at least junior standing
- Be in good academic and social standing with the institution
- Receive approval from the student’s Academic Advisor
- Receive approval from the University Registrar
- Submit this application at least 1 month prior to the start of the term in which course will be taken
- MAP students are permitted to take Traditional Undergraduate courses without a petition.
Course Level Definitions
The University Curriculum Committee and the Graduate Program Committee have developed these guidelines to assist faculty members in determining the appropriate level for courses. Bloom’s taxonomy was used as a reference for structuring the guidelines, with lower-level courses introducing foundational knowledge and comprehension and upper-level courses stressing greater levels of application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Departments should select course level based on the best fit with one or more of the attributes listed at the selected level.
100-level
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Terminology of a discipline
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Foundational or survey courses
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Operates largely at the “knowledge” and “comprehension” levels.
200-level
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Surveys may be devoted to particular areas or fields within the discipline
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Greater depth in the field of study
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Courses solidify abilities at the knowledge and comprehension levels.
300-level
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Content is based on demonstrated success in lower-level courses
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Greater depth in study of sub-fields
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Application of knowledge to new problems or situations
400-level
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Integration and synthesis of prior learning
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Requires independent level of functioning
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May have a research-focus
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May be seminar style with emphasis on discussion and analysis
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Skills applied through internship and clinical courses
500-level ( Graduate)
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Introduction to professions
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Integrate foundational concepts into higher level analysis and application
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May be taken by undergraduates in accelerated graduate programs
600-level (Graduate)
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Professional competencies
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High levels of analysis, synthesis, evaluation, and ethical practice
700-level (Graduate)
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Initial knowledge-base and preparation for becoming leaders and experts in their respective fields
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Use and application of the upper levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy
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Application of knowledge, skills, and dispositions in field-related professional experiences
800-level (Graduate)
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Advanced knowledge-base and preparation for serving as leaders and experts in their respective fields
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Application of high-level conceptual and technical skills for the design and implementation of research and the creation of new knowledge
900-level (Graduate)
Under the Pass/Fail Option, a junior or senior may take two courses per year for credit outside the major or minor and the University’s General Education Requirements without having the grade count toward the cumulative grade point average. The student must have a GPA of 2.00 or higher and permission from the Registrar, the faculty advisor, and the course instructor. Only S (pass) or U (fail) grades are given. The decision to take a course on the Pass/Fail Option must be declared by the end of the add/drop period and cannot be changed after the add/drop period. The limit of courses taken under the Pass/Fail Option does not include courses designated exclusively S/U.
Official copies of Muskingum University transcripts bearing the University seal and the Registrar’s signature are sent directly to schools or organizations upon the request of students or alumni. Individuals may also receive official copies of the transcript (which are stamped “Issued to Student”) following the same ordering process. Students may request transcripts by going to: https://www.muskingum.edu/registrar/transcript-information.
Currently enrolled students can obtain unofficial copies of their Muskingum University transcripts through the University’s on-line academic record system. Grades are recorded on transcripts at the end of each term. Students may request that transcripts be held until grades for the courses in which they are enrolled are recorded.
Muskingum University awards transfer credit for coursework completed at regionally accredited institutions or institutions recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Credit evaluation is guided by the following principles:
- Evaluation Process: Transfer credit is granted based on review of official transcripts and course descriptions. Decisions regarding course equivalency, elective credit, or denial of credit are made in consultation with the appropriate academic department chairs.
- Recognition of ACE Guidelines: Muskingum University recognizes and follows American Council on Education (ACE) credit recommendations for evaluating military training, professional development, and nontraditional learning experiences, where applicable.
- Ohio Transfer 36: Muskingum adheres to the guidelines of the Ohio Transfer 36, ensuring general education coursework may transfer seamlessly.
- Major/Program Requirements: Transfer students should be aware that specific majors or academic programs may have more stringent requirements beyond general transfer credit guidelines.
- Duplicate Credit Prohibition: Credit will not be awarded for courses in which the student has already earned credit at Muskingum University.
- Grade Replacement Policy: Transfer credit may not be used to replace grades earned at Muskingum University.
- Credit Hours vs. GPA: Only credit hours are transferred. Grades and grade point averages from previous institutions do not transfer and are not included in the Muskingum GPA calculation.
- Exception: For the purpose of determining Latin Honors, transfer GPA may be used to lower (but not raise) the final honors GPA
 Acadeum
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As part of Muskingum University’s ongoing commitment to student success, we are proud to participate in the Acadeum Consortium, providing expanded access to online courses. This partnership is an invaluable resource for students needing additional course options to stay on track. If you are interested in taking a course through Acadeum, please go to this link: https://students.acadeum.com/ Students must sign up for an account using their Muskingum University email. Muskingum University faculty have already pre-approved courses for students to take; however, you can still request individual courses through the Registrar’s Office if there is a specific course you need. In those cases, please contact registrar@muskingum.edu.
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Transferring Courses