The bulletin includes information which, at the time of printing, describes as accurately as possible the course offerings, policies, procedures, regulations, and requirements of Mississippi University for Women. The University reserves the right to alter or change any of its rules or regulations at any time to promote the best interest of the students or the institution. Many courses listed in the bulletin are offered only when there is sufficient demand for them. Consequently, not every course is offered every year. Course descriptions are accurate at the time of publication, but are subject to change.
 

ACADEMIC RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY
  Students are responsible for knowing their standing with regard to the published rules, regulations, policies, and standards of the University and of their degree program.
  Each academic program has procedure and degree requirements that must be satisfied for the degree to be awarded.  While the University provides faculty and staff advisers to assist students in planning their programs of study, it is the student's responsibility to know the specific requirements and plan accordingly.  The student is responsible for following procedures and meeting degree requirements.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY POLICY
 Students enrolled at Mississippi University for Women agree to abide by the university’s Honor Code “to uphold the highest standards of honesty in all phases of university life” and, therefore, agree to refrain from any dishonest behavior in academics.

  Academic Dishonesty includes cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, falsification, or other actions that violate commonly accepted intellectual and ethical standards within academic and scientific communities. Any student who is party to academic dishonesty, whether having given or accepted assistance, shall appear before the Academic Standards Board for appropriate action. This policy applies to work in progress as well as completed work. Policy #3534 sets forth procedures for appeal to the Academic Standards Board.

  Cheating is taking credit for work which has been done by another person. Examples include, but are not limited to (1) giving or using prohibited written and/or oral information during tests, quizzes, or examinations; (2) stealing, buying, selling or any other use of an examination before it has been administered; (3) copying ideas or facts from another’s paper during a test situation; (4) obtaining or giving specific information which will be on a test before the test is administered; (5) deceitfully altering any assignments or the instructor’s markings; (6) copying computer programs or writing computer programs for another student; (7) substituting for another person during an examination or allowing such substitution for oneself; or (8) stealing, buying, or selling essays, artwork, or other assignments.
  Academic dishonesty includes any fabrication and falsification of laboratory and clinical experiences, internship records, attendance records, research data, survey results, research methods, research results, research conclusions, documentation of sources, and other information and processes in the collection and presentation of academic, scientific, and professional material.
  Other examples of academic dishonesty include but are not limited to (1) misrepresenting, giving false information, or withholding information concerning admission requirements, enrollment or status in the university, financial aid applications, health records, or other material required by the university; (2) misrepresenting research data and results; (3) misappropriating privileged information or making use of information in breach of confidentiality; (4) interfering in any way with the research or academic performance of another student; (5) violating any federal, state, university, or program policies and regulations governing research and academic procedures, integrity, and misconduct; (6) obstructing the investigation of allegations of academic dishonesty.
  Plagiarism is defined as the use of ideas, facts, phrases, or additional material (such as maps, charts, artwork, or computer programs) from any source without giving proper credit for such material. Any material in a paper, report, artwork, or computer program which is not acknowledged is understood to be the original work of the author, unless such material is considered general knowledge. Allowing another person to compose or rewrite a student’s assignment or copying material previously used in class reporting and submitting it as the student’s own work is considered plagiarism.
  Students who are unsure whether they have used and documented source material correctly should consult with their instructors before turning in the assignment.
  For undergraduate students the following procedures for dealing with plagiarism will apply:
        1. A student who violates university, division, and/or course policies regarding plagarism will receive a grade of “0" (zero)
            for the assignment. The grade for the assignment will be averaged in the final grade according to the grading policy
            defined in the instructor’s syllabus.
        2. The faculty member will notify the Vice President for Academic Affairs that the student has committed plagiarism in
            violation of university policies regarding academic standards. This notification will remain confidential according to
            policies protecting confidentiality of student grades.
        3. If a student disagrees with the instructor’s judgement that he or she has committed plagiarism on an assignment, the
            student should consult with the division head to try to resolve the disagreement. If a resolution is not achieved at the
            division level, the student may appeal directly to the Academic Standards Board through the VPAA.
        4. There will be no further action for the first violation of the rules against plagiarism except as outlined in section 5 below.
            For any subsequent offense, the student must appear before the Academic Standards Board for a hearing and possible
            additional disciplinary action. The VPAA will initiate the hearing process.
        5. Flagrant Act: For flagrant acts of plagiarism where the intent to plagiarize is clear, such as turning in another student’s
            work as one’s own or copying significant portions of published material without documenting sources, the faculty
            member may assign a grade of “0" on the work and request that the case proceed immediately to the Academic
            Standards Board for disciplinary action.

ACADEMIC GRIEVANCES
 Students who wish to appeal the grade received for a project, paper, course, etc. should attempt to resolve the issue with their instructors. If satisfactory arrangements cannot be made, they should go to their Division Head. Grievances should be taken to the Vice President of Academic Affairs only after these channels have been followed. If a grievance hearing is required, the process will be initiated by the Vice President of Academic Affairs. The following grievance committees and procedures have been established to provide a hearing for students who feel their academic rights have been violated.
  The Student Grievance Committee consists of faculty members and three students representing different division appointed by the President of the University. Its purpose is to consider student academic grievances that have not been resolved at the program level and to make decisions.

Procedure:
    1. Students who believe that their academic rights have been violated and their complaints have not been resolved to their
        satisfaction at the program level (i.e., via faculty person involved and Division Head) may petition the Student Grievance
        Committee to consider their complaints. Students must make their requests to the Student Grievance Committee in writing,
        stating the grievance and the procedure they have followed in trying to resolve the problem.
    2. If the grievance involves any member of the Committee, that member will abstain from participation on the Committee
        while that particular grievance in being considered. The Vice President for Academic Affairs will recommend a
        replacement.
    3. Upon receipt of a request for consideration of a grievance, the Student Grievance Committee must meet within three
        regularly scheduled school days to determine what data and materials to request from the student and faculty member.
        Such requests for materials will be made in writing from the committee to the persons involved.
    4. The Committee Chairman shall set a hearing time that does not conflict with the class schedules of any committee member,
        student, or faculty member involved. All persons shall be notified in writing of the hearing time at least three days prior to
        the date of the hearing.
    5. Evidence and background material concerning a case should be submitted to the Committee at least three days prior to the
        hearing. This will allow the Committee adequate time to examine the facts prior to being required to make a decision on
        the matter.
    6. At the time of the hearing, students appearing before the Grievance Committee have the right to have a representative or
        advisor of their choice with them at the meeting. However, students are expected to speak for themselves. Students and
        faculty members will be given full opportunity to present evidence and witnesses that are relevant to the issue at hand.
        Evidence introduced at the hearing must be confined to the particular ground or charge that has been predicated.
    7. The decision of the committee must be based on sufficient and credible evidence. The decision will be made by the
        Committee in closed session. All persons involved in the grievance will be notified in writing of the decision of the
        Committee within one week of the hearing.
    8. Decisions made by the Committee must be immediately enforced by both faculty and students; however, both students and
        faculty have “right of appeal.”
    9. The final level of appeal for both students and faculty members will be the President of the University.

PRIVACY RIGHTS OF PARENTS AND STUDENTS
 Mississippi University for Women complies with all provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended. Copies of a policy statement indicating the records affected by this law, the student's rights and obligations, and the University's rights and obligations may be obtained in the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
 The University will release directory information about individual students upon request unless they have notified the Registrar in writing that they do not want any such information released. This written request must be filed within two weeks after the student registers each semester. It should be noted that such a request will be followed to the letter. Any future requests from non-university persons or organizations for such directory information will be refused.
 Directory information includes the student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees received, honors and awards earned, the most recent educational agency attended by the student, and other similar information.

SUMMER DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRAM AND YEAR-LONG ACADEMIC SUPPORT
 The summer developmental program is an option for students who do not meet admission criteria of the University for fall term enrollment and wish to demonstrate basic academic competencies appropriate for entry in the fall term. The program consists of courses in developmental reading, developmental English, developmental mathematics, and a learning skills lab, totaling twelve (12) credit hours for the nine week term of instruction. Students must enroll for the entire 12 hour program. The credits earned in the summer developmental program do not count toward graduation. Students successfully completing the program and entering in the fall term will be required to enroll in and satisfactorily complete the year-long academic support program. Consult the Office of Admissions or the Office of Academic Affairs about program dates and other requirements.

TRANSCRIPTS
 Current students or former students may receive transcripts of their MUW academic work by requesting these in writing from the Registrar. A charge of $5.00, payable in advance, will be made for each copy. However, the University reserves the right to withhold transcripts for students who do not satisfy their obligations to the University. These obligations include, but are not limited to, the settling of all University accounts, payment of fines, and returning of books to the library. Transfer university/college transcripts may be reviewed in the Registrar's Office. Copies of such transcripts are not released by MUW, but may be obtained from the institution originally issuing the record.
 

REGISTRATION POLICIES

ACADEMIC ADVISING
 New students are assigned a faculty adviser who will counsel them regarding their academic program, progress, and general academic welfare. The Advising Center in Reneau Hall is open daily for questions regarding academic schedules, programs and requirements.
 Before each registration, students have an opportunity for consultation with their faculty advisers. Furthermore, all MUW students should see their adviser not only for program planning prior to each registration, but also for discussion and evaluation at intervals throughout the school year. Preregistration is encouraged.
 Students who have questions regarding their major fields of interest or who wish help with decisions are invited to consult their advisers or Division Head at any time during the school year.
 After admission to MUW, students  may be required to take certain standardized tests. Scores made on these tests are used for counseling purposes; and the student is encouraged, in private conference, to learn the results and meaning of the scores. Provision is made for new students to take these tests during orientation week of the first semester; those entering the second semester should make arrangements through the Student Affairs Office.
 

PREREGISTRATION
 All students are encouraged to preregister and must meet with their academic adviser for schedule approval before preregistration. An advising and preregistration period is scheduled during the fall and spring semesters. See the Academic Calendar in this bulletin for specific dates.

REGISTRATION PROCEDURE
 Students who have previously been in residence at MUW, transfer students, and new students will register during the time allotted their class. The student completes all registration materials and has the class advising schedule approved by the adviser. The student finalizes registration by paying fees to the Comptroller.
 Each student, except under special conditions, should enroll for at least fifteen semester hours of course work. A full-time student may not enroll for less than a total of 15 or more than a total of 19 hours without special recommendation from the Head of the division.
 Students will not be allowed to enter classes until all of the specified activities, including the payment of fees, have been performed. Registration for new students includes attendance at all activities offered as part of the orientation period, in addition to enrollment in courses to be taken during the first semester. A late registration fee of $10 will be charged any student who fails to complete registration during the allotted time.
 Students will not be given credit for courses in which they are not properly registered.
 Registration for courses to be taken during the following semesters will follow the same regulations that govern registration for the first semester's courses. The Registrar posts for each student classification the time and place for the next semester's registration.

CROSS REGISTRATION
 Cross registration with Mississippi State University is available during the fall and spring semesters for full-time students enrolled at either MUW or MSU who need a course not offered on their home campus. Students interested in cross registration should contact the Registrar on their home campus for more information. Due to NCAA regulations, athletes must see the Athletic Director at MUW before pursuing cross registration.

CHANGE OF REGISTRATION
 Courses may be added or dropped without penalty during the first days of classes in a semester.  Students should check the academic calendar, student handbook, and/or the student activities calendar for all important dates concerning dropping a course, adding a course, or changing the status of a course.
 

AUDITING
 With permission of the Division Head, a student may enroll in a course as an auditor after being admitted to the University. Auditors do not attempt examinations and do not submit written assignments. The fee charged for auditing is the same as if the student were taking the course for credit. Auditors must attend at least 70% of classes or a grade of NA (Non-Attendance) will be recorded on the transcript. Note: Audit classes carry no credit, do not count toward graduation and are excluded from total credit hours when certifying enrollment for VA, loans, insurance, etc.

WITHDRAWAL FROM MUW
 Students who wish to withdraw from the University must do so through the Office of Student Affairs.  The last day to withdraw from the University is listed on the Academic Calendar.
 Leaving the University without filing a formal withdrawal notice will result in a grade of F in all courses in which the student is registered.
 Withdrawing from a residence hall is not the same as withdrawing from the University.

ACADEMIC SECOND CHANCE

 Students may apply for academic second chance for one semester only during their academic career.  Students applying for academic second chance must meet the following conditions:

    1. The semester considered for academic second chance must have been completed at least one year before application.
    2. The student must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA for the equivalent of two semesters of full-time study at MUW or at least 24
        consecutive semester hours immediately before application.

Application for academic second chance must be filed with the student's academic Division Head at least one week before the registration date of a new academic term.  Students may obtain an Academic Second Chance Request form from the Office of the Registrar.  The Registrar will verify that the conditions stated above have been met.  Application for academic second chance must include the request form and a letter from the student, explaining in detail the circumstances for which the second chance is necessary.  The student must have the approval of his/her adviser, the program director (if applicable), the academic division head and the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

If an application is approved, all courses of record and the grades earned for the semester will remain on the student's transcript.  The courses for that one semester will be eliminated from the computation of the student's grade point average and may never be used toward graduation at Mississippi University for Women.  However, the grades may be used to determine admission into professional programs.  In addition, the student must repeat any required courses from the semester.  The following statement will be entered on the student's transcript.  "This course qualifies for administrative council policy dated December 5, 1995, and is not used in MUW and cumulative quality point totals."

Academic second chance applies to courses taken at MUW or transferring institutions.  In addition, it is the student's responsibility to make sure that he/she meets scholarship and/or financial aid guidelines.

LATE ADMINISTRATIVE WITHDRAWAL

 While the University does not encourage late withdrawals, the University acknowledges that there are special circumstances for which a late withdrawal is appropriate.  Students may apply for a late administrative withdrawal for one semester only during their academic career.  The University will only take applications for late withdrawals for students who were unable to complete the semester because of special circumstances.  It is the responsibility of the student to notify his/her adviser within four weeks of the next period of enrollment of the circumstance that interferes with his/her ability to complete the semester.  Students who do not enroll in the University immediately following the semester in question will have a period of the next twelve months to apply for a late administrative withdrawal.  The following circumstances are reasons for which a student may appeal for a late administrative withdrawal.

    1. Medical (documentation must be provided).
    2. Family relocation (documentation indicating the relocation was required by an employer must be provided).

Application for a late administrative withdrawal must include the following:

    1. A letter from the student explaining in detail the circumstances for which the late withdrawal is necessary and appropriate
        documentation to support the request.
    2. The student's last date of attendance must be noted by each instructor for courses taken during the semester for which the
        late withdrawal is requested.
    3. Approval of his/her academic adviser, division head, program director (if applicable) and the Vice President for Academic
        Affairs.

Application for a late administrative withdrawal must be filed with the student's academic adviser at least one week before the registration date of a new academic term.  The Student Scholastic Appeals Committee will decide if the documentation provided is appropriate and may request additional information from the student.  The Committee rules on all requests for late administrative withdrawal.  The decision of the Student Scholastic Appeals Committee is final.

If the application is approved, all courses of record and the grades earned for the semester will remain on the student's transcript.  The courses for that one semester will be eliminated from the computation of the student's grade point average and may never be used toward graduation at Mississippi University for Women.  However, the grades may be used to determine admission into professional programs.  In addition, the student must repeat any required courses from the semester.  The following statement will be entered on the student's transcript.  "This course qualifies for administrative council policy dated December 5, 1995, and is not used in MUW and cumulative quality point totals."

Late administrative withdrawal applies only to courses taken at MUW.  In addition, it is the student's responsibility to make sure that he/she meets scholarship and/or financial aid guidelines.

COURSE ADMINISTRATION

CLASS ATTENDANCE
 Students are expected to attend all classes, laboratory periods, and other meetings which constitute a regular part of their University program. Parents cannot relieve students of the obligation to attend University classes and exercises without withdrawing them from the University.
 Rules and regulations concerning class attendance are stated in the Student Handbook.  Excessive absences from classes can lead to dismissal from the University or loss of credit in course work.
 Except in the case of illness, absences may be excused only by the Head of a Division, and the Division Head's approval must be secured in advance. After the Division Head has approved the absence, the student must consult the instructor concerning required makeup work. The student is held responsible for all work missed.

DEAD PERIOD
 Dead Period is a designated time immediately before final examinations in which activities and tests are curtailed in order for students to have time to prepare for examinations. The following guidelines are in effect: 1) no extracurricular activities are scheduled, 2) no hour examinations or graded assignments are given, 3) term papers are due before dead period, and 4) evaluations in laboratory or skill performance courses are permitted.
 

GRADING POLICY
The following grades are used in reporting students' records in their courses:

GRADE	Quality Points Per Credit Hour
A+, A, A-     Excellent	4
B+, B, B-     Above Average Competency	3
C+, C, C-    Average Competency	2
D+, D, D-    Below Average Competency	1
F     Failure	0
I      Incomplete	-
L     In Progress	-
NA  Non-Attendance	-
NC  No Credit	-
P     Pass	-
W    Withdrew from Class	-
WP  Withdrew Passing	-
WF  Withdrew Failing	0

 Grades once reported to the Registrar may not be changed except to correct a clerical error. The instructor must specify, in writing, the nature of the error.
 Each semester's record stands alone. Students who make a grade of F on the work of the first semester cannot raise the grade to a passing point by counting in the work of the second semester and attaining an average for two semesters.
 A grade of C gives the minimum average or number of quality points required for graduation.

  Repeated Course
 No credit is given for any course with a grade of F until and unless the course is repeated and the grade becomes a passing grade. A student who receives an F in a course in his required curriculum must repeat the course. Correspondence work and by-pass examinations cannot be used to pass a course that has been failed.
 Any course not passed at MUW may be repeated at MUW or at another accredited college.
 Repetition of a passed course, in an attempt to raise a grade, is permitted. The second grade will stand as the official grade, and both grades earned will be calculated in the cumulative quality point average.  However, credit hours for the course will be counted only once in the total number of hours earned.

  Incomplete Grade
 A grade of I, for Incomplete, indicates that the student, for reasons satisfactory to the instructor and the instructor's Division Head, has been unable to complete the requirements of the course by the end of the semester. For credit in an undergraduate course, the work must be completed within four weeks of the beginning of the next period of enrollment at MUW; otherwise the grade of I is automatically calculated as an F. Students who do not enroll in the University immediately after receiving an I on a course will have a period of the next twelve months in which to take the examination or complete the work. After the lapse of that time, if the course is not completed, the grade of I automatically becomes an F.
 For credit in a graduate course, the work must be completed within a period of one year, or it is automatically changed to an F.  Thesis research is the only exception to the incomplete policy.
 Until a grade of I has been removed from the student's record, it is evaluated as F in computing the student's quality point average for the semester. Students who receive a grade of I in the work of a given course and complete this work within the prescribed time may receive any grade deserved by their performance in the course.
 Any student who has not completed all of the work of a course by the end of the semester and whose reasons are not satisfactory to the instructor and to the instructor's Division Head, must receive a grade of F in the course.

  Withdrawal Grade
 A grade of W, indicating that the student has withdrawn from the course, will count neither for nor against the student, provided the course is dropped by the date indicated in the academic calendar. After that time, any student withdrawing from a course in which the current grade is an F will have this course counted as a failure and recorded as a grade of WF. A student withdrawing from a course in which the student's current grade is D or above will have a grade of WP for the course. A date is established in the Academic Calendar beyond which a student may not withdraw from a course without special permission from the Head of the Division and the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

  Pass-Fail Grading
 A student of junior or senior standing who has a 2.0 cumulative quality point average may instruct the Registrar during registration to designate one course each semester as pass/fail. A passing grade is recorded as P and carries credit toward graduation.  It is not used in computing grade point average.  A failing grade is recorded as F and is computed in the quality point average in the same manner as other failing grades.
 A student may not request pass-fail grading in any course in the student's major or minor program, in any course used to meet a specific requirement of the University, or in any course required for teacher certification. A student may not request pass-fail grading in a course in which a grade, including a grade of I, has been received.

  No Credit Grade
 A student will receive a grade of NC, No Credit, when the student does not earn a C or higher in specific courses whose designated grading scale is A, B, C, No Credit. An NC grade earns no credit toward graduation and is not calculated into the grade point average.  If a course uses the NC grade, it will be noted in the course description.

  Non-Attendance Grade
 Auditors who do not attend 70% of the audited class periods will be assigned a grade of NA, Non-Attendance. This grade is recorded on the student's transcript, but is not computed in the grade point average.

INTERMEDIATE COURSES
 ED 100 Reading for College, EN 100 Basic Writing and MA 100 Intermediate Algebra are considered developmental courses.  All entering freshmen enrolled with an ACT Mathematics subtest score of 16 or below will be required to take MA 100 during their first semester of enrollment. All entering freshmen enrolled with an ACT English subtest score of 16 or below will be required to take EN 100 during their first semester of enrollment.  All entering freshmen with an ACT Reading subtest score of 16 or below will be required to take ED 100 during their first semester of enrollment. In addition, students taking two or more intermediate courses must enroll in and satisfactorily complete the year-long Academic Support Program and will not be permitted to take more than 15 semester hours per semester, including intermediate courses and the Academic Support Program. While each intermediate course carries 3.0 hours of enrollment credit, no academic credit is earned.  These courses cannot be used to satisfy any graduation requirements, including total hours required for the degree. Note: Students must continue to enroll in the required intermediate course(s) until a satisfactory grade is earned.
 

ACADEMIC STANDING

CLASSIFICATION
 FRESHMAN: a student who has completed fewer than 30 semester hours of academic work.
 SOPHOMORE: a student who has completed as many as 30 but fewer than 60 semester hours.
 JUNIOR: a student who has completed as many as 60 but fewer than 90 semester hours.
 SENIOR: a student who has completed as many as 90 but fewer than the number of hours required by the curriculum for graduation.     Classification as a senior gives no assurance of graduation at a particular time.

SOPHOMORE EVALUATION
 As a part of the assessment of outcomes of the curriculum for accreditation purposes, MUW has instituted a sophomore evaluation. The Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency (CAAP) Test is used for this purpose. All students who have completed 43 to 64 semester hours are required to take this test. If a student fails to take the test, the student will be given a chance to complete the test in the subsequent semester. If the test is not taken in the subsequent semester, the student cannot take upper level courses until the test is completed.

SENIOR EVALUATION
As a second part of the assessment of student outcomes for purposes or accreditation, MUW will  administer the Academic Profile to graduating seniors. The results of the Academic Profile exam will reflect our students’ general knowledge base and the strength of our curriculum. Seniors must take the exam prior to graduation from MUW. It is a graduation requirement. For information regarding the Academic Profile, contact the Office of Academic Affairs.

ACADEMIC HONORS
 Recognition for outstanding academic achievement is granted to full-time students each semester during the regular academic year. The levels of recognition are:
 President's List-- To be eligible for the President's List, a student must be full time and must have a GPA of 4.0.
 Dean's List-- To be eligible for the Dean's List, a student must be full time and must present a GPA of 3.5 to 3.99.

PROBATION AND SUSPENSION
     This probation/suspension policy became effective June 2001.
 All students, whether part-time or regularly enrolled, are expected to maintain a quality of work necessary for reasonable progress toward graduation. In order to graduate, a student must show a total number of quality points that is at least twice as great as the total number of academic credit hours attempted. Accumulation of fewer quality points than this ratio at any time in a student's college experience indicates subnormal progress toward a degree.

  Probation

  Students whose cumulative MUW GPA is less than 1.90 will be placed on academic probation and will remain on probation until their MUW GPA reaches above 1.90.

Veterans' Academic Status
  Veterans and other VA eligible students will be limited to two semesters of probation, after which they will not be certified to the VA.

  Suspension

  Students on probation with a semester GPA of less than 2.0 who fail to meet the following MUW Cumulative GPA will be placed on academic suspension.
 

  A student’s first academic suspension shall be for at least one regular (fall or spring) semester.  Readmission to MUW will be automatic following the first suspension period.  The student will be placed on academic probation when readmitted to the institution.  A student who has one academic suspension and who does not earn a current semester GPA of 2.0 or higher and has less than the required Cumulative GPA will be suspended from the University for one calendar year.  Readmission to the University after this second suspension period requires the approval of the Student Scholastic Appeals Committee.  If the Committee allows the student to re-enter the University and he or she fails to earn a current semester GPA of 2.0 or higher and has less than the required Cumulative GPA after the first readmission semester, the student will be suspended for a period of three calendar years.   Readmission to the University after this three year suspension period will again require the approval of the Student Scholastic Appeals Committee.  If the Committee again approves readmission, and the student fails to meet the requirements listed above, the student will be suspended for a five-year period.
  A student who has been suspended for academic reasons may not again be admitted to MUW until the expiration of the penalty period.  Academic credit earned during the penalty period will not count toward degree requirements.  Under unusual or extenuating circumstances, however, any student who has been suspended for academic reasons may request a review of the case by the Student Scholastic Appeals Committee.

  Such requests for scholastic reviews must be received in writing by the Head of the Division and the Scholastic Appeals Committee no later than the last regularly scheduled day of semester registration for which the student intends to register.
  In the event the Student Scholastic Appeals Committee votes to readmit the student following the appeal, regardless of the length of the suspension period, no further appeals on the part of the student will be necessary so long as the student continues to meet the minimum semester and Cumulative GPA for each semester in attendance at MUW or a 2.0 (calculated by MUW standards) at any other accredited college or university.  Failure at any time to meet these requirements will automatically result in suspension from MUW for the next most severe penalty period.
  Once a student has appealed a suspension to the Student Scholastic Appeals Committee, and the Committee votes not to readmit the student, no further appeals on behalf of the student will be accepted until the end of the suspension period, regardless of length.
  Special circumstances may arise in certain cases of academically deficient transfer students, or students who attended this or any other university several years ago and compiled records of substandard academic performance. In these instances, the Vice President for Academic Affairs may petition the Student Scholastic Appeals Committee to review the student's past academic performance and determine if the student should be admitted to MUW. Students who are allowed to enter MUW under these circumstances will automatically be placed on academic probation.
  Mississippi University for Women makes every effort to quickly inform any student who has been suspended for academic reasons. This is done in the following manner.
     (1) The student's final semester grade slip, mailed to the permanent address as indicated by University records, carries a
           written statement indicating suspension from the University for unsatisfactory academic performance, and
     (2) A letter from the Head of the Division, also mailed to the permanent address as indicated by University records, will give
           reasons for suspension and inform the student as to the date for re-entering Mississippi University for Women.
    It is the responsibility of the student to supply Mississippi University for Women with an accurate, up-to-date, permanent mailing address and telephone number for each semester in attendance. Mississippi University for Women cannot be held responsible for failure to notify a student regarding possible suspension if the University's records contain either inaccurate and/or incomplete information about mailing addresses or telephone numbers.
  Students may be suspended for reasons of conduct as well as for academic deficiency. However, only academic suspensions are noted on a student’s academic record. All students are held responsible for the regulations printed in the Campus Guide, a copy of which is presented to each student at the beginning of each session and is also available upon request. The retention of students must be considered by the University authorities as in keeping with the best interests of the University.
 

ADVANCED STANDING

 A student may obtain advanced standing through the acceptance of transfer credit, credit for military experience, and standardized and institutional examination.  Professional credit may be awarded according to standards set by the American Council of Education and the New York Board of Regents.  MUW does not award credit for experiential learning.

TRANSFER CREDIT

  General Guidelines
 All academic credit is evaluated in the Office of the Registrar according to current standards and policies of Mississippi University for Women. Academic credit is accepted only from university parallel programs offered in institutions which are accredited, at the time of coursework completion, by  a regional accrediting association. MUW uses recognized guides which aid in the evaluation of credit. These guides are published by the American Council on Education, and the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. If the transfer institution uses a 4.0 or modified 4.0 grading scale, then academic credit is transferred and quality points are assigned accordingly. Other grading systems are converted to the 4.0 scale. Transferable junior college coursework is accepted at the freshman and sophomore level and may not be used to satisfy junior and senior level requirements. Credit earned by correspondence from another institution is considered transfer credit. Transfers from a junior college must earn at a senior institution at least 50% of the semester hours required for a specific degree program, including 25% of the semester hours at MUW, to be eligible for any baccalaureate degree. No more than 64 semester hours of junior/community college coursework may be applied to any baccalaureate program. MUW does not award credit for technical or vocational courses.

  MUW Students Attending Other Institutions
 Credit may be given students for work done at another accredited college or university, provided the credits claimed meet the requirements of this institution.
 Students planning to take courses at other institutions should secure the approval of the Head of the appropriate division in advance to ensure that these courses will be acceptable to MUW.
 Official transcripts of credits for this course work must be filed with the Registrar at the end of the term of enrollment. Students are responsible for requesting these transcripts and for paying all charges assessed for them.

CREDIT FOR MILITARY EXPERIENCE
 Credit for military experience may be awarded in accordance with guidelines published by the American Council on Education. Students need to submit copies of their military transcripts or Form DD214 to the Office of the Registrar.  A student may earn a maximum of 27 hours for military experience.

CORRESPONDENCE WORK
 Not more than six semester hours of credit earned by correspondence may be applied toward graduation from MUW. Such work must have advance written approval of the Head of the appropriate division. Correspondence courses taken while a student is in residence may not be used to fulfill any part of the residence requirement. Correspondence work cannot be used to pass a course that has been failed. English 101 may not be taken by correspondence.

CREDIT BY EXAMINATION
 Upon completion of appropriate requirements, an undergraduate student may earn as many as sixty semester hours of credit toward graduation in certain courses by examination. Credit earned by examination is not considered residence credit. This amount of possible credit by examination must be reduced by the number of semester hours earned by correspondence courses. Further information concerning the requirements for earning credit by examination may be obtained by writing the Head of the division in which the student wishes to be tested. All entering freshmen are automatically considered for advanced standing in English.
 CLEP tests, by-pass examinations, and any form of advanced placement tests may not be used to pass a course that has been failed. No student will be allowed take by-pass examinations who has not first submitted a completed application form and a fee of $10.00 for each examination. Application forms may be obtained from the office of the Head of the appropriate Division. Note: The total number of hours earned through a combination of examination credit and junior college credit cannot exceed 50% of the semester hours required for a specific degree.

  Advanced Placement Program
 Mississippi University for Women will grant credit to students for a score of 3 or higher on the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) Advanced Placement Program offered through their high schools.

  CLEP Examinations
 Credit is awarded for an acceptable performance on certain general and subject examinations of the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) according to MUW standards. A ten dollar ($10) fee is required before CLEP credit can be recorded on the student's transcript. Transfer students must have copies of CLEP scores sent by the CLEP Testing Center to MUW for evaluation. CLEP scores are evaluated by the office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, and a list of acceptable CLEP exams may be obtained from this office. Any CLEP credit may be used as a free elective.

 By-Pass Examinations (Advanced Standing)
 By-pass examinations may be allowed, upon approval by the division head. Arrangement for the examination will be made by the division head in consultation with the student's adviser and the registrar. A grade of P is entered on a student's record when credit is awarded by examination; credit is withheld until a student has earned 3 hours credit at MUW. In order to receive a grade of P, the student must earn a grade of C or better on the advanced standing examination. Credit must have been earned in any or all courses prerequisite to the course to be by-passed. A course may not be by-passed after credit has been earned by CLEP tests, or any form of advanced placement tests in the respective subject area. One may not take an advanced standing examination for a course in which he is currently enrolled. A student will be expected to furnish evidence of laboratory or field experiences in order to by-pass a course in which these experiences are required.
 A student who wishes to take by-pass examinations (advanced standing) before the first semester registration must submit a completed application and the $10.00 fee to the office of the Head of the division in which the by-pass examination is being given no later than August 15. No fee is charged an entering freshman who takes an advanced standing examination by invitation of a department during the orientation period.
 A student who wishes to take a by-pass examination before the second semester registration must submit a completed application and the $10.00 fee no later than December 5.
A student who wishes to take a by-pass examination before the summer school registration must submit a completed application form and pay the $10.00 fee no later than April 3.
 

REQUIREMENTS FOR UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

CURRICULUM AND ACHIEVEMENT REQUIREMENTS

  Academic Program Requirements: For conferral of degree, a student must complete satisfactorily all core and general degree requirements as well as requirements of the selected major.
  Credit Hours: In order to receive an undergraduate degree from Mississippi University for Women a student is required to earn at least the minimum number of credit hours required in the chosen curriculum, never to be less than 128 credit hours for the baccalaureate degree and 60 credit hours for the associate degree.  For specific curriculum requirements, see "Academic Programs" in this catalog.  In addition, the academic standards of the university must be maintained. Completion of academic work gives no assurance of graduation at a particular time unless all requirements for graduation have been met.
  Quality Point Average: Any student who receives an undergraduate degree or certificate from Mississippi University for Women must present a minimum 2.0 quality point average on all college work attempted, on all the work attempted at Mississippi University for Women, and on all the courses attempted in the major field (see appropriate division section for specific quality point average requirements).
  Transfer Credit Policy: Students transferring to Mississippi University for Women from another accredited college will be given all quality points to which their transferred grades may entitle them according to the transfer evaluation policy of MUW. Credit earned by correspondence from another institution is considered transfer credit.  Transfers from a junior college must earn at a senior institution at least 50% of the semester hours required for a specific degree program, including 25% of the semester hours at MUW, to be eligible for any baccalaureate degree. Transfer students who wish to receive a degree from Mississippi University for Women must take at MUW at least fifty percent of the credit hours in each major they wish to declare. Transfer students who wish to declare a minor must complete a minimum of fifty percent of the credit hours at MUW in each minor declared. No more than 64 semester hours of junior college coursework may be applied to any baccalaureate program.
  Catalog of Record: A student may have the privilege of graduating in accordance with the requirements of any catalog in effect during the period of attendance at MUW. Only one catalog may be selected, and all the requirements of that catalog must be completed. Students who first enter a junior college and transfer to MUW without an intervening period may graduate under the terms of the MUW catalog that applied to the first semester they entered junior college.
 Students may have five years from the date on which they normally would have been graduated to meet the requirements of that date (nine years from the first date of enrollment). After a lapse of five years from the normal date of graduation, the bulletin in effect for the current date of graduation must be followed.

RESIDENCE REQUIREMENTS

  First Baccalaureate Degree: To qualify for an undergraduate degree, all students must earn through coursework at MUW at least 25% of the semester hours required for a specific degree program. Correspondence courses cannot be used to satisfy any portion of the residence requirements, nor can credit gained by advanced standing exams. Twenty-four hours of credit must be taken in the senior year unless the student has completed 60 hours at MUW. In this event, the student may earn a minimum of 15 semester hours at MUW during the senior year.
 The only exception to this residence requirement is that those students who are admitted to approved schools of law, medicine, dentistry, engineering, and medical technology on the completion of three years of college work need earn in residence at Mississippi University for Women only thirty hours of credits after having attained junior classification.
  Second Baccalaureate Degree: In order to qualify for a second baccalaureate degree, a student must earn through coursework at MUW at least 25% of the required program hours in residence after completing the first bachelor's degree and meet all academic requirements for the second degree.

FINANCIAL/ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS
 The student is required to satisfy all financial and administrative responsibilities prior to conferral of the degree.  These responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the settling of all University accounts, payment of fines, and returning of books to the library.  The University reserves the right to withhold diplomas or transcripts for students who do not satisfy their obligations to the University.

APPLICATION FOR DEGREE
 A student must complete an application for a degree in order for a diploma to be ordered. Applications are available in the Registrar's Office or at registration each semester or summer term. Students may graduate in December, May, or August, depending upon the completion date of requirements. Should a student not complete graduation by the date indicated, another application must be filed. See the Academic Calendar for deadlines.

DEGREE WITH HONORS
 Students who establish throughout their academic careers both an overall (includes MUW and any out-of-residence work) and an MUW quality point average of 3.50 are graduated cum laude; those who establish a quality point average of 3.80 are graduated magna cum laude; those with a quality point average of 3.95 are graduated summa cum laude.  Only students earning their first baccalaureate degree are eligible for these honors.
 In addition to the general Latin honors listed above, the University awards departmental honors to students who have been enrolled in the Honors College and have maintained the required quality point average in their major fields. They must also complete satisfactorily the Honors Curriculum, and be approved by the Director of the Honors College.

VETERANS AFFAIRS
SCHOOL STANDARDS OF PROGRESS
Minimum Requirements Established By The State Approving Agency For Students Receiving Educational Benefits From The Department of Veterans Affairs

  Examination of Records: The Office of the Registrar will maintain a list of all veterans and persons enrolled at the University who have applied for VA Benefits. School standards relating to academic records and attendance records will be on file in the Registrar's Office and financial records will be found in the Office of the Comptroller. The Registrar is responsible for academic and attendance records, and the Comptroller is responsible for financial records.
  Entrance Requirements: Proof that entrance requirements have been met is maintained in the Admissions Office. See the section of this catalog pertaining to University admission requirements.
  Previous Education and Training Records: Date of high school graduation, in the case of freshmen, and evaluation of all previous college work, in the case of transfer students, are part of the permanent record. The amount of credit for previous education and training is entered on all Enrollment Certificates submitted to VA. Students will not be certified for more than two semesters without filing all transcripts of previous work.
  Progress Records: A permanent record maintained in the Registrar's Office shows final grades for each course taken during the semester. The MUW grading system (see "Grading Policy") provides for the assigning of grades of WP and WF after a period of six weeks from the beginning of a semester, with a WF being averaged in to the semester average and a WP being disregarded. For terms of probation see "Probation and Suspension." To remove probation a student receiving VA benefits must meet the academic standards of the University.
  Attendance Records: Determination of a student's last attendance in a class is based upon the student's completion of a drop or withdrawal slip. The Head of the Division will report to the Registrar any student who has dropped a course or has withdrawn from the University without having used a drop or a withdrawal slip. Cumulative attendance data are maintained in the Registrar's Office in the form of copies of mid-term grade reports and semester grade reports, on which absences reported by all teaching faculty are recorded.
  Reports to the Veterans Administration: Any change in status of a student from the last certification will be reported to the VA.
  Responsibilities of Students Receiving VA Benefits: The student must follow the curriculum for selected major which is outlined in the MUW catalog. Any student desiring continuous enrollment should notify the VA certification official in the Registrar's Office two months prior to the date of registration.