|
|
|
Graduate Academic Information
Academic Standards and Probation
You must maintain at least a B average (3.00 grade point average) to remain in good standing in a graduate program. Graduate regular students who fail to maintain at least a B average will be placed on probation. You must raise your overall grade point average to a B or better with the next 9 graduate credits you take. While on academic probation you cannot carry a graduate assistantship appointment or be admitted to candidacy for a degree. If you fail to raise the overall grade point, you will be dropped from your degree program and will be automatically reclassified as a graduate special student.Grades of C will be accepted in no more than 8 of the 30 credits that apply toward a degree. Coursework with a grade below C may not be used to satisfy graduate degree requirements. You may not repeat a course unless you get approval from the dean of the college offering the course. For courses taken at this university, only the credit and grade earned in your second attempt will be figured into your grade point average, but the original grades are not taken off your record. If you plan to repeat a course, pick up a request to repeat a course form from Registration and Records and have it approved by the appropriate dean.
If you need to take extra credits to raise your grade point average, you may take only 6 credits beyond the 30 credit minimum requirements for the degree.
Incomplete and Pass/Fail Grades. You must remove a grade of incomplete before the end of the next semester. If not, it automatically becomes a failure unless it is a culminating experience course. Normally courses with pass/fail grades do not apply to a graduate degree program. For exceptions, see the description of individual graduate degree programs.
Academic Progress Standards for Graduate Students Receiving Financial Aid
You will maintain satisfactory academic progress for financial aid eligibility if you receive grades of A-C in 75 percent of the total graduate semester hours for which you are enrolled at UW-Stevens Point.Your academic progress is determined each year in June. If you are not making satisfactory academic progress, you will be ineligible to receive financial aid until such time as you earn a sufficient number of credits to be making satisfactory academic progress. Additional conditions apply:
"Total graduate semester hours for which enrolled" is defined as all the graduate credits for which you receive a grade of A, B, C, D, F, I, GP, W, or WF. Plus and minus grades are included.
These standards are applied after you have accumulated 9 or more "semester hours enrolled."
Incomplete grades in thesis courses are excluded.
Transfer credits are excluded.
According to federal regulations, you are no longer eligible for financial aid after you attempt more than 48 graduate credits.
If you re-enter after being out of school one or more semesters, you must be making satisfactory academic progress at the time you re-enter in order to qualify for financial aid.
If you are ineligible for financial aid due to unsatisfactory academic progress, you may appeal to the dean of your college for special consideration if you feel your lack of progress is due to extenuating circumstances.
Active / Inactive Status
Admission to a graduate program is usually granted to begin graduate coursework in a specific term (semester or summer session). If you delay your enrollment beyond the specific term of your admission (or if your admission letter does not include a specific term of admission), contact the Admissions Office to find out what will be needed to enroll in a future term.If you do not earn any graduate credit for a period of five consecutive terms, you will be considered inactive and must be readmitted before enrolling. Inactive students who reapply must meet admission standards and degree requirements that are in effect at the time of readmission.
Courses
The courses approved for graduate credit are listed in the undergraduate Courses of Instruction section of this catalog by academic department. All courses in your approved Program of Study will be in the 500-999 group. You must have graduate standing to take courses numbered 700 and above.When you take dual numbered courses (300/500 and 400/600) as a graduate student you must meet at least one additional qualitative objective beyond the requirements for the undergraduate students in the same course. This might be a research project with a written and/or oral report, a term paper, a seminar or presentation given to the class, a product that can be used in class and shared with others, an essay or oral examination instead of an objective examination, etc. These additional qualitative objectives should be included in the syllabus for the course.
In addition, faculty members teaching dual-numbered courses should use instruction methods that involve dialogue, student discussion/presentation. Where this is not feasible for the entire class, there should be additional discussion/seminar sessions for graduate students.
Coursework Criteria for Graduate Level
- Graduate coursework has a greater level of academic/ intellectual rigor, is more specialized, and requires significantly greater depth and intensity of study than does UW-Stevens Point undergraduate coursework.
- Graduate coursework involves a balance of theory and practice. Some courses in a master’s program will place more emphasis on theory while others will emphasize practice.
- The methods of instruction in graduate courses reflect a high level of personal interaction between the instructor and individual students. This requires small graduate course sections, regular and personalized advising, and interactive teaching methods.
- Graduate coursework requires more student self-directed learning than found in undergraduate courses and requires extensive use of learning resources that include but are not limited to library resources, laboratories, and computer facilities.
- Graduate coursework focuses on advanced disciplinary content, usually an extension of what was presented at the undergraduate level. When graduate work serves an introductory function, it introduces content that is not offered at the undergraduate level but is dependent upon understandings acquired at the lower level. However, introductory graduate coursework may also be used in an accelerated way to create a basic background for an individual with an undergraduate degree in another field or who lacks background from undergraduate preparation.
- All graduate coursework should contribute to degree program goals.
- Grades assigned in graduate courses distinguish between levels of achievement at the graduate level.
Graduate courses should only be taught by graduate faculty or by those with similar qualifications. Evidence of graduate level coursework should be present in the form of specific, additional assignments when part of a slash (300/500 or 400/600) course.
Credit Load and Limitations
You should register for credit any time you use the physical or personnel resources of the university to fulfill the requirements of your degree program. You can register on a per credit basis when you are doing research and/or working on a project, paper, or thesis at UW-Stevens Point. The instructor or graduate advisor determines the number of credits according to the scope of the project.The normal graduate course load for a semester is 9 to 12 credits. If you register for 9 or more credits you are considered a full-time graduate student. Undergraduate credits count when determining your credit load. Once you have completed all degree requirements except for your thesis, we consider you full time for one semester while you work on your thesis.
You may register for no more than 15 credits during the semester and no more than 9 credits (6 credits in any four week period) for the summer session. If there are exceptional circumstances, you can appeal to the dean of your college for permission to carry more than the maximum load. To do this you will need to submit an overload form for your dean's signature BEFORE you register for the overload. You will not be allowed to register unless your overload has had prior approval.
The normal graduate course load for the eight week summer session is 6 credits (3 credits in each four week term or 6 credits in the eight week term). If you register for 5 or more credits in the summer you are considered a full-time graduate student. You may register for up to 9 credits in the summer. However, be aware that the concentrated nature of summer courses with the extra commitment of time and energy places a strain on your academic performance. Taking more than 6 credits in summer is not advised.
If you are supported by a full-time assistantship, we expect you to devote at least half of your time to your assistantship duties. Therefore, you should enroll for a maximum of 9 credits per semester.
You do not need to be registered during the semester of your graduation. However, some programs require you to be enrolled in thesis or project credits each semester in order to maintain your status as a degree candidate. If your last semester only involves completing your thesis, you may enroll in Research 798 with the approval of your graduate advisor and graduate program coordinator. This zero credit “course” will allow you to use e-mail, retain graduate student library privileges, and postpone federal loan payments. Or if necessary, the registrar will write a letter certifying that your thesis work involves at least 50 percent of your time.
Culminating Experience
You must successfully complete a culminating experience. The individual colleges or departments determine the nature of this experience subject to approval by the Graduate Council. Examples of experiences which may meet this requirement include: thesis, seminar paper, oral and/or written comprehensive examination, clinical paper or semester, integrative course, exhibition, or recital. Most programs will require more than one of these experiences.Degree Completion Time Limit
All credits accepted toward a degree, including transfer credits, must be earned within a seven-year period. The time period starts with the beginning of the term in which the first course approved for your program of study was taken. For example: You are accepted into a UWSP graduate program in fall 2007. Part of your approved plan of study for your master’s degree includes a course taken in spring 2005. Thus, your seven-year time period to complete the degree starts with the beginning of the spring 2005 semester, NOT the semester in which you were accepted into your graduate program.Drop/Add Procedure
For the current drop/add procedures, go to the Registration and Records homepage (http://www.uwsp.edu/reg-rec/). Click on "Registration" and then "Drop/Add Dates." You can also go to the More Academic Information section of this catalog for drop/add (change of registration) instructions. Get drop/add forms at Registration and Records, 101 SSC. You can also find them online at the Records and Registration homepage (http://www.uwsp.edu/reg-rec/), and clicking on "Forms" and then "Add/Drop Form and Instructions."Employed Students
If you are employed, you should consider the time demands of your job when planning an academic program. Certain fellowships, assistantships, and scholarships specifically limit other employment. You have the obligation to learn these restrictions and abide by them if you receive one of these awards. As a graduate student at UWSP, you are considered a student first. Employment within or outside of the university is of secondary consideration when determining the time devoted to the academic program.Fee Assessments for Graduate Credits
Graduate fees are assessed for graduate credits. Undergraduate fees are assessed for all undergraduate credits.During your last undergraduate semester you may register for graduate credits as long as all requirements for the completion of your bachelor’s degree will be met. To do this, complete the Undergraduate/Graduate Split Program Status form from the Registration Office. You pay graduate fees for graduate credits taken during the split program period. Please note there is no guarantee that these credits will be accepted into a master’s program.
Grading Standards
According to Graduate Study policy:
A Indicates superior work. B Indicates satisfactory but undistinguished work. C Indicates work below the standard expected of graduate students. D/F Clearly indicates unsatisfactory work and does not apply toward your degree. GP Indicates thesis and thesis-like courses in progress.
Graduation Requirements and Deadlines
Applications for graduation are available in the Registration and Records Office. Submit an application before the start of your last semester. Candidates for summer graduation should apply by January (the start of the semester preceding summer). Complete all requirements by the end of your graduation term. If they are not completed by then, you must complete a new application for the next term in which you expect to graduate. There is a one time graduation fee of $30.00.You should check with your advisor and graduate program coordinator by the middle of your last term to be sure your file is complete except for the elements you know are outstanding, e.g. current courses, thesis approval, etc.
Since there is no August commencement, you may choose to participate in the prior May or following December ceremonies. Notify Registration and Records at least two months before the commencement you wish to be in to allow time to include your name in the program book.
Incompletes
A grade of incomplete indicates that you have done satisfactory work in the course, but because of circumstances beyond your control, you have been unable to finish all requirements. The incomplete is not given to enable you to do additional work to bring up a deficient grade. A grade of incomplete must be removed before the end of the next semester. Except for culminating experience courses, if the incomplete is not removed within that time, it automatically becomes a failure.Registration
For current registration procedures, go to the Registration and Records homepage (http://www.uwsp.edu/reg-rec/). Click on "Registration" and then "Steps to Register at UWSP.". Registration instructions for off-campus and credit-outreach courses are available from the UWSP Continuing Education office and the CPS Continuing Education office. See Web sites www.uwsp.edu/reg-rec; www.uwsp.edu/conted; and www.uwsp.edu/cps/conted.Schedule of Classes
Be sure to check the online timetable on the Registration and Records homepage (http://www.uwsp.edu/reg-rec/) and click on "Timetable." From there, click on "List of Courses by Term" for the most up-to-date list of course offerings.. Note that not all of the courses listed in the catalog are offered each semester. You should consult the timetable and your department chair when planning for registration in any given term.Second Master's Degree
If you have earned a graduate degree from UW-Stevens Point and wish to pursue another degree, you must submit a new application for admission. Normally, you do not need to furnish transcripts or other credentials previously submitted. Check with the Admissions Office to be certain that your records are complete. Credits earned for one degree usually cannot be used to satisfy the requirements for a second degree.The Thesis
Some degree plans require a thesis. After you select a research topic, submit a proposal to your graduate advisor briefly describing what you want to do and how you plan to do it. Your graduate advisor and thesis committee review your proposal, determine how many credits (up to 6) you earn for writing the thesis, and approve or reject the proposal.A thesis is a formal written work and should follow the standards of the style manual preferred by your department. Also consult the Graduate Study Thesis Manual and your graduate advisor for proper format.
If you are working on your thesis the equivalent of half time and not enrolled in other classes, you may enroll in Research 798 with the approval of your graduate advisor and graduate program coordinator. This zero credit “course” will allow you to use e-mail, retain graduate student library privileges, and postpone federal loan payments. You may enroll only twice.
As a degree candidate, you defend your thesis in an open, public oral examination at least 30 days before you expect to graduate. Your thesis committee conducts the examination.
You must deposit a bound copy of your thesis at the University Library in order to complete your degree. The library provides a service for binding your thesis at a nominal cost.
Transcripts
You may order copies of your transcript online at www.uwsp.edu/reg-rec/transcripts.aspx/. If you don't have Internet access, contact Credentials Inc. at 800-646-1858 Transcripts are $7.00 per copy. In order to receive a transcript or diploma, you must have paid all your financial obligations to UWSP.Transferring Graduate Credits
UWSP does not automatically accept transfer graduate credits from other institutions. You must submit a formal application for approval of such credits. While credits taken prior to admission to a graduate degree program may be considered at the discretion of the coordinator of that program, in most cases you should obtain approval for any transfer credit PRIOR to taking those courses. The graduate coordinator for each program will determine the acceptability of transfer credits using the following criteria:
The course must be from an institution regionally accredited at the graduate level.
You must have taken the course for graduate credit at the offering institution.
The course must be acceptable toward fulfilling degree requirements at the institution offering the course.
The format and number of contact minutes (minimum of 800 minutes instructional time PER CREDIT) must be at least as rigorous as those for UWSP graduate courses.
One credit per week is accepted.
The course may not be a correspondence and/or mass media course, independent study course, or from extension divisions outside the UW System. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are not equivalent degree credits and are not transferable.
Acceptance of the course does not make you exceed the 9 credit transfer limit.
A maximum of 9 credits taken with graduate special status will apply toward a degree.
You must have earned grades of A, B, or equivalent.
You may not transfer credit applied toward another degree that you have already obtained.
If your graduate coordinator determines that the transfer course meets these minimum criteria, she/he may:
- Accept the transfer course and have the credits apply toward your Program of Study.
- Accept the transfer course as AN ADDITION to the normal 30-credit Program of Study.
- Accept the course as either applying to your degree plan or as an addition to the degree plan, but at a reduced credit level if the course does not meet UW-System's contact-hour-per-credit standards.
You must complete a formal application for approval of transfer credits before graduate credits from any institution other than UWSP can be considered. File the application for transfer credits with your graduate coordinator at least a month before the class begins. Your application must include (1) a photocopy of the catalog course description, (2) a course syllabus (if available), (3) verification that the course is a graduate course, (4) and verification that it applies to a graduate program at the institution offering the course.
After your graduate coordinator approves the transfer credit application, a copy will be sent to Registration and Records. The transfer credits will be added to your record after receiving an official transcript indicating completion of the course with at least a B (3.00). You will be notified when this is completed.
UWSP Continuing Education
Room 032 Main Building
Hours: 8 am-4:30 pm, Monday-Friday
Phone: 715-346-3838 or 800-898-9472
Web: www.uwsp.edu/contedCPS-Continuing Education (CPS-CE)
Room 100, College of Professional Studies Building
Phone: 715-346-3801 and 715-346-4324
Web: www.uwsp.edu/cps/contedCredit courses are taught by faculty at various locations throughout Central Wisconsin, as well as online and via television and videotape. Courses are designed to meet needs of returning adult learners who are pursuing certificates, degrees, or other professional development while still in the workplace.
Withdrawing from Classes
When you withdraw, you terminate your complete registration for the semester. To withdraw, go to the Registration and Records Office and file a formal notice of withdrawal. If you stop attending classes and do not officially withdraw, you will be considered as still registered and receive a grade of F for each of your classes.
Catalog home | Academic calendar | Academic information | Admissions | Colleges
Courses | Degree requirements | Finances | Graduate degrees | Majors & minors
Questions or comments on the online
catalog? Contact lraymond@uwsp.edu.
Copyright � 2003 UWSP News Services. All rights reserved.
Revised: February 12, 2009.
