Academic Integrity

The community of scholars that is Missouri State University-West Plains is committed to developing educated persons. Educated persons accept the responsibility to practice personal and academic integrity. Each participant of the university community refrains from, and discourages behavior that threatens the freedom and respect each member deserves. The following policies and procedures specifically address student academic integrity but recognize that student academic integrity is only part of the entirety of academic integrity in a community of scholars and that all members of the community share the responsibility for fostering academic integrity.

The Missouri State University-West Plains Faculty Handbook states that course policy statements must include a statement of the instructor’s policies concerning cheating and plagiarism, including consequences. An instructor’s policies on academic integrity issues, while they may reflect the instructor’s personal views, should also be consistent with this university policy on student academic integrity.

Definition: Academic Dishonesty: Any one of the following acts constitutes academic dishonesty:

• Cheating: The term “cheating” refers to using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise.
• Fabrication or other misconduct in research: The term “fabrication” refers to unauthorized falsification or invention of any information (including research data) or any citation in any academic exercise; “misconduct in research” refers to any violation of ethical guidelines for attributing credit and authorship in research endeavors, non compliance with established research policies, or other violations of ethical research practice.
• Plagiarism: The term “plagiarism” includes, but is not limited to, the use, by paraphrase or direct quotation, of the published or unpublished work or sections of a work of another person without full and clear acknowledgement. This includes any material copied directly or paraphrased from the Internet. The unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials, including material taken from or ordered through the internet, also constitutes plagiarism.
• Facilitating academic dishonesty: Assisting or attempting to assist another to violate any provision of this Academic Integrity Policy, whether or not that action is associated with any particular course, is considered academic dishonesty.

Definition: Academic Integrity Council (AIC): the 16 member Academic Integrity Council consists of:

• Seven voting student members;
• Seven voting ranked faculty members;
• The Academic Dean (or designee), who is the non-voting Chair of the Council;
• The Coordinator of Student life and Development, ex officio (without voting privileges);

Definition: Academic Integrity proceeding: An Academic Integrity Proceeding is conducted by a five-member panel drawn from the voting AIC membership. The purpose of a proceeding is to explore and investigate allegations of student academic dishonesty and to reach informed conclusions as to whether or not academic dishonesty is likely to have occurred. An Academic Integrity Proceeding is not in the character of a criminal or civil legal proceeding. It is not modeled on these adversarial systems, nor does it serve the same function. A proceeding is not a court or tribunal. Rather, it is an academic process unique to a community of scholars.

Definition: Academic Integrity Council Panel (AIP): An Academic Integrity Panel consists of five members: five voting panelists drawn from the membership of the AIC, plus the Chair of the AIC, who is a non-voting mem ber of the panel and responsible for assembling the panel and conducting the proceeding. Five voting panelists constitute a quorum for a proceeding, and at least two but not more than three panelists must be students.

Reporting Academic Dishonesty: All members of the University community share the responsibility and authority to challenge and make known acts of apparent academic dishonesty. Any student, faculty member, or staff person who has witnessed an apparent act of student academic dishonesty, or has information that reasonably leads to the conclusion that such an act has occurred or has been attempted, is strongly encouraged to report said act. Confronting and reporting academic dishonesty can be done in a variety of ways, and people should choose the manner most appropriate for the circumstances. Acts of apparent academic dishonesty that occur in the classroom may be reported directly to the course instructor, and/ or the course instructor’s department head, and/or AIC Chair. Incidences of apparent academic dishonesty whether associated with a particular course or not, may also be reported directly to the Academic Integrity Council by contacting the Chair of the Council (the Academic Dean or designee) in the Office of Academic Affairs. The Academic Integrity Council will not accept or act upon anonymous reports but will hold in strict confidence the identity of any person reporting a suspected instance of academic dishonesty, unless that person consents to having his/her identity revealed. If the act of academic dishonesty that is reported to the AIC is alleged to have occurred in a particular course, the AIC Chair will notify the course instructor of the allegation. If the instructor elects not to pursue sanctions or if the reported allegation is not associated with any particular course, the AIC Chair will convene an Academic Integrity Panel to conduct an Academic Integrity Proceeding to explore the allegation, provided that at least one person making an allegation is willing to be identified and to participate in the proceeding.

Academic Dishonesty Not Associated With Enrollment in a Course:

Any incident of alleged academic dishonesty by a student not enrolled in a particular course but sitting in the course for a student duly enrolled (for example, taking a test for a duly enrolled student) should be reported directly to the AIC, which will convene a panel to address the alleged incident. Similarly, any incident of alleged academic dishonesty committed by any student at Missouri State University-West Plains outside the context of enrollment in any particular course should be reported directly to the AIC, which will convene a panel to address the alleged incident. To see the full policy, visit http://www.wp.missouristate.edu/AcademicAffairs/AcademicIntegrityPolicy.htm.

Academic Honors

Special distinction is awarded at graduation to students who demonstrate high scholarship in completing an associate degree. Academic honors will be granted if a student has attained an overall grade point average calculated on the basis of all college work (Missouri State University-West Plains and transfer combined). The following designations indicate a consistently high level of academic achievement throughout a student’s entire academic career and will be acknowledged in the academic transcript and at commencement:

Summa Cum Laude: an overall GPA of 4.000
Magna Cum Laude: an overall GPA of 3.700-3.999
Cum Laude: an overall GPA of 3.400-3.699

With Honors from the Missouri State University-West Plains Honors Program: Any student enrolled in the William and Virginia Darr Honors Program who completes the requirements of an associate’s degree is awarded the degree “With Honors from the Missouri State University-West Plains’ William and Virginia Darr Honors Program.”

Academic Record and Transcript of Credits

A record (transcript) is permanently maintained for each student who enrolls at Missouri State University-West Plains. This record includes a list of courses in which the student has enrolled (except for those dropped during the Change of Schedule period—see “Change of Schedule”), as well as the credits and grades earned in those courses. For students with transfer credit, an entry will appear on the transcript indicating the number of credit hours awarded for each institution attended.

All students are issued an official copy of their transcript upongraduation. Requests for additional copies must be submitted in writing on a Transcript Request form available at the Office of Registration and Records or at http:// www.wp.missouristate.edu/recreg/studenttranscript.htm or by providing the following information:

1. student’s full name and any former names
2. student’s ID number or social security number
3. student’s birthdate
4. last semester of attendance
5. student’s current address and daytime phone number
6. address to which transcript is to be mailed
7. student’s signature to authorize the release of transcript

Transcripts will not be released for students who owe $10 or more to the University. Such debts must be paid in full before the transcript can be released.

No fee is charged for transcripts issued to the student or sent via regular mail. A $20 fee will be charged for transcripts sent via express or overnight mail.

Students will find additional transcript information and may view an unofficial copy of their transcripts by clicking on the Grizzly Den icon on the Missouri State University-West Plains homepage at www.wp.missouristate.edu and following instructions to the secure website.

Academic Renewal Policy

Academic Renewal is designed to permit students with a grade point average deficiency to remove the effects of low grades from their academic records under the following conditions:

1. A student enrolled at Missouri State University-West Plains after an absence of five years or more from college may elect Academic Renewal. This renewal will affect only those courses taken prior to the five-year absence and may be elected only once in a lifetime.
2. Once elected, Academic Renewal applies to all courses, whether passed or failed, taken prior to the date chosen by the student.
3. Academic Renewal does not erase the record; rather the impact of the grades received is removed from the GPA of the student, with an appropriate notation made on the transcript indicating the renewal election. Credit hours affected by Academic Renewal cannot be used to meet any requirements.
4. Any student wanting to invoke the Academic Renewal procedure should consult with the Office of Financial Aid to be sure any future financial aid will not be adversely affected.
5. Academic Renewal is applied to all grades that appear on a student’s transcript regardless of origin.
6. Academic Renewal must be invoked before any degree is earned.
7. The Dean of Academic Affairs or his/her designee will process final approval for all Academic Renewals.
8. Academic Renewal is an administrative procedure that does not require committee action and/or decision.
9. Once elected, Academic Renewal is irrevocable.
10. The student should be aware that some institutions do not recognize Academic Renewal when evaluating transcripts.

Consult the Office of Academic Affairs for more information.

Academic Standings

The following terms describe academic standings for Students at Missouri State University-West Plains.

Good Standing: A student, who has an overall grade point average of at least 1.75 who has attempted up to and including 29.99 hours of credit at Missouri State University-West Plains, and is not currently suspended, is considered to be in good standing.

A student, who has an overall grade point average of at least 2.0 who has attempted 30 or more hours of credit at Missouri State University-West Plains, and is not currently suspended, is considered to be in good standing.

Warning: If a student who has attempted up to and including 29.99 hours of credit and has maintained an overall grade point average of 1.75 or above but the term grade point average falls between a 1.00 and 1.75 grade point average, the student will receive a warning.

If a student has attempted 30 or more hoursof credit and has maintained an overall gradepoint average of 2.00 or above but the student’s term grade point average falls between a 1.00 and 1.99 grade point average, the student will receive a warning.

Probation: The purpose of scholastic probation is to remind students that the quality of their overall academic work is unsatisfactory.

A student has attempted up to and including 29.99 hours of credit and has an overall grade point average between 1.00 and 1.74 is placed on scholastic probation unless the student’s term grade point average places the student on academic suspension.

A student who has attempted 30 or more hours of credit and has an overall grade point average between 1.00 and 1.99 is placed on scholastic probation unless the term grade point average places the student on academic suspension.

Admitted on Probation: A student who is transferring up to and including 29.99 hours of credit to Missouri State University-West Plains with an overall grade point average below 1.75 is admitted on probation and must maintain a 1.75 in subsequent semesters (until 30 hours are reached), or the student will be placed on academic suspension.

A student who is transferring 30 or more hours of credit to Missouri State University-West Plains with an overall grade point average below 2.0 is admitted on probation and must maintain a 2.0 in subsequent semesters, or the student will be placed on academic suspension.

Re-admitted on Probation: A student who has attended Missouri State University-West Plains and has attempted up to and including 29.99 hours of credit and is returning after an absence of more than a semester with an overall grade point average between 1.00 and 1.74 will be re-admitted on academic probation and must maintain a term grade point average of 1.75 to continue in subsequent semesters (until 30 hours are reached), or the student will be placed on academic suspension.

A student who has attended Missouri State University-West Plains and has attempted 30 or more hours of credit and is returning after an absence of more than a semester with an overall grade point average between 1.00 and 1.99 will be re-admitted on academic probation and must maintain a term grade point average of 2.0 to continue in subsequent semesters, or the student will be placed on academic suspension.

Continued Probation: A student who has attempted up to and including 29.99 hours of credit and has an overall grade point average between 1.00 and 1.74 must maintain a term grade point average of 1.75 in subsequent semesters (until 30 hours are reached), or the student will be placed on academic suspension.

A student who has attempted 30 or more hours of credit and has an overall grade point average between 1.00 and 1.99 must maintain a term grade point average of 2.00 in subsequent semesters, or the student will be placed on academic suspension.

Suspension: Any student who fails to make a 1.00 or better grade point average in any single semester or session (regardless of the overall grade point average) will be suspended.

Appeal of suspension: A student wishing to appeal a suspension because of extenuating circumstances should submit the appropriate form to the office of Academic Affairs. The Academic Concerns Committee/Dean will determine if the appeal is granted.

Re-instated From Suspension: A student suspended for academic reasons is eligible to apply for re-instatement after remaining out of school for a minimum of one semester. (The summer session does not count as a semester.) The student must meet with the Dean of Academic Affairs or his/her designee to be re-instated.

Suspended for One Year: A student who as attempted up to and including 29.99 hours of credit and has been re-instated from suspension, must maintain a term grade point average of 1.75 or above in subsequent semesters (until 30 hours are reached), or the student will be suspended for one academic year without means for appeal.

A student who has attempted 30 or more hours of credit and has been re-instated from suspension must maintain a term grade point average of 2.0 in subsequent semesters, or the student will be suspended for one academic year without means for appeal.

Accreditation

 The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602. Phone: (312) 263-0456. The Associate of Science in Nursing Program is approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing, P. O. Box 656, Jefferson City, MO http://pr.mo.gov/nursing.asp ; and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), 61 Broadway, New York, NY 10006, Phone: (212) 363-5555, ext. 153. www.nlnac.org. The Associate Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy program is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) and the Commission on Accreditation of AlliedHealth Education Programs (CAAHEP). 

Adding and Dropping a Class

Students are expected to complete the courses for which they register. Failure to properly drop or withdraw from classes will result in the assignment of F grades for those classes, as well as a possible financial obligation. Students who wish to withdraw from all courses for a given semester should review the withdrawal procedure described later in this section.

Students are not withdrawn from classes until they have completed this process. Students who wish to add or drop selected regular semester courses must follow the procedures outlined below.

Students who wish to add or drop intersession courses, short courses, and other courses which do not meet for a full semester or block should contact the Office of Registration and Records for information on policies, procedures, and deadlines.

Prior to the beginning of the semester and during the Change of Schedule Period (first five days of fall or spring semesters, first two days of summer session): Adds, drops, and section changes may be accomplished using the Grizzly Den web registration procedures or by contacting the Office of Registration and Records via a Missouri State University-West Plains e-mail account or in person. Students who owe additional fees as a result of adding a class are responsible for making arrangements to pay those fees immediately. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of the student’s current schedule of classes.

Also refer to the Fee Refund Schedule, the Academic Calendar, Instructor Drop, Auditing a Course, Enrollment Status, Overload Permission and related topics for additional information regarding drops and withdrawals.

After the Change of Schedule Period:

To drop a course:

On Campus:

1. Students obtain a Change of Schedule form from the Office of Registration and Records and enter the information on the form.
2. Students take the completed form to the Office of Registration and Records. No change of schedule is official until received and processed by the Office of Registration and Records.
3. Students dropping all courses should see the Withdrawal Policy later described in this section.

Electronically:

1. Using a university e-mail account, the student e-mails the Office of Registration and Records requesting that s/he be dropped from a course(s).
2. The Office of Registration and Records posts the change of schedule to the student’s record.
3. The Office of Registration and Records e-mails the instructor and student when the course(s) has been dropped.
4. Students dropping all courses should see the Withdrawal Policy later described in this section.

Web Drop:

1. Students may drop courses via the Web by using the Grizzly Den.
2. Students dropping all courses should see the Withdrawal Policy later described in this section.

To add a course:

In general, only courses that have not yet begun (e.g., second block courses, short courses, independent study, etc.) may be added after the Change of Schedule Period for the regular term has ended. In cases of extenuating circumstances, to add a full semester-length class after the Change of Schedule Period for the regular term, follow these steps:

On campus:

1. Obtain a Change of Schedule form (available in Registration and Records and online).
2. Take the form to the instructor whose signature and date of signature indicate approval to add the course after the Change of Schedule period.
3. Take the form to the Dean whose signature and date of signature indicates approval to add the course after the Change of Schedule period.
4. Take the form to the Office of Registration and Records which will register the student if space is available. Students who owe additional fees as a result of adding a class are responsible to make arrangements to pay those fees immediately. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of current schedule of classes.

Electronically:

Special note concerning intersession courses: Requests to add an intersession course after it has begun will be handled on a case-by-case basis by the Dean of Academic Affairs or his/her designee.

No transaction is considered complete unless received, verified, and processed by Registration and Records.

Grading:

1. Prior to the end of the Change of Schedule period: Dropped courses will not appear on the transcript.
2. After the Change of Schedule period: Courses dropped through the No Penalty Drop/Withdrawal, Pass/ Not Pass, Change to Audit deadline (see Academic Calendar for specific dates) for that course will have a grade of W.
3. After the No Penalty Drop/ Withdrawal, Pass/Not Pass, Change to Audit deadline: Courses dropped through the Last Day to Drop or Withdraw deadline (see Academic Calendar for specific dates) for that course will have either a W or F grade assigned by the instructor on the final grade roster. If the student is not doing passing work,the instructor will indicate a grade of W or F. A W indicates the course was dropped without penalty. An F grade is calculated in the grade point average.
4. No drops or withdrawals are allowed after the Last Day to Drop or Withdraw deadline for the course.

Students should use the drop procedure judiciously as numerous W grades on their transcripts may be construed by some to indicate an inability of the individual to persist when challenged. Dropping courses will generally result in extending the time required to complete a degree. In addition, dropping below a full-time or half-time enrollment status may jeopardize insurance, financial aid, scholarship, and athletic participation eligibility. Students who drop because of a concern regarding their grade in a course are encouraged to consult with the instructor prior to dropping a course. Students who are concerned about the impact of dropping a course on their progress toward graduation are encouraged to consult with their academic advisor prior to dropping.

Address (Local and Permanent)

Students must report their correct addresses at the time of registration and notify the Office of Registration and Records in writing when changes are made.

The local address is generally used to contact students when classes are in session. The permanent address is used on grade reports, billings, refunds, and other items sent while classes are not in session. The local address andpermanent address may be the same in the case of a commuting student.

Change of a permanent address does not affect a student’s residency status for fee purposes. If a change of residency is appropriate, the proper forms must be completed in the Office of Admissions in M. O. Looney Hall.

Advanced Placement

Missouri State University-West Plains recognizes the Advanced Placement (AP) Program and awards credit for many of the subjects offered. A copy of the current AP policy is available from the Office of Admissions. Not more than 25 percent of the credit required for a degree may be non-traditional. Non-traditional credits include those awarded for correspondence courses (limited to a total of 9 credit hours), credit by examination (including CLEP, advanced placement, DANTES, etc.), service schools, physical education for more than one year of active military duty, and non-collegiate courses.

Attendance

Because class attendance and course grades are demonstrably and positively related, the University expects students to attend all class sessions of courses in which they are enrolled. Each instructor has the responsibility to determine specific attendance policies for each course taught, including the role that attendance plays in calculation of final grades and the extent to which work missed due to nonattendance can be made up. On the first day of class, each instructor will make available to each student a written statement of the specific attendance policy for that class. The University encourages instructors not to make attendance a disproportionately weighted component of the final grade. The University expects instructors to be reasonable in accommodating students whose absence from class resulted from: (1) participation in University-sanctioned activities and programs; (2) personal illness; or (3) family and/or other compelling circumstances. Instructors have the right to request documenttion verifying the basis of any absences resulting from the above factors.

Auditing a Course

The auditing student is expected to attend class regularly and should consult with the instructor to determine what else is expected in the course. If an auditing student does not attend class regularly or does not fulfill agreed-upon expectations, the instructor may send a memo directing the Records Office to drop the student from the class. Such drops will be graded with a W grade and will be subject to the normal fee refund policy.

Regular students may audit courses to the maximum authorized academic load. Individuals not currently enrolled in the University must apply for admission in order to register as an auditor. Courses audited are counted the same way as courses taken for credit in determining required student fees. Credit is not awarded for auditing a class.

A student cannot change from credit to audit basis after the no penalty drop deadline.

Chancellor’s List and Dean’s List

Full-time students (12 credit hours or more) are named to the Chancellor’s List after earning a 4.000 grade point average on the previous semester coursework with no incomplete grades. Full-time students are named to the Dean’s List after earning a 3.500 to 3.999 grade point average on the previous semester coursework with no incomplete, D or F grades. The Chancellor’s List and the Dean’s List are announced at the end of each semester.

Class Disruption

The course instructor has original jurisdiction over his/her class and may deny a student who is unduly disruptive the right to attend the class. This also applies to online courses in which a student may be posting or e-mailing inappropriate or disruptive material. Class disruption by a student may lead to judicial action. Students should review the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities.

Classification

Undergraduate degree-seeking students are classified according to the number of credit hours earned, as follows:

Freshmen 0-29.99 credit hours
Sophomores 30+ credit hours

Commencement

A commencement ceremony is held each spring. Students who wish to participate in the ceremony must apply through the Office of Registration and Records at the time of spring registration. If a student will graduate at the endof summer, an appeal may be made to the Dean of Academic Affairs or his designee for the student to participate in the spring graduation ceremony.

Correspondence Courses

While enrolled at Missouri State University-West Plains, a student may earn up to 9 credit hours by taking approved correspondence courses from accredited institutions and transferring the credit to Missouri State University-West Plains. Prior approval for the course must be given by the appropriate academic department before a specific correspondence course is eligible for transfer.

Students wishing to enroll in an eligible correspondence course (limited to one per semester) must have approval from the Dean of Academic Affairs or his/her designee by using the Request for Dual Enrollment form. If approval is given, the student must then make arrangements with the Academic Support Center to proctor exams and process paper work.

Credit by Examination/CLEP

Missouri State University-West Plains welcomes students from a wide variety of backgrounds and learning experiences. Many students come to the university with a firm grounding in many of the disciplines we teach. We recognize and honor their prior learning by accepting a full range of College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests, which measure their mastery of college-level, introductory course content in a wide range of disciplines. Students meeting the credit-granting score of 50 will earn the credits and course exemptions for the following courses: CFD 155, ECO 155, ECO 165, HST 101, HST 102, HST 121, HST 122, MTH 135, MGT 120, PLS 101, PSY 121 and SOC 150. Students meeting the credit-granting score of 50 on the foreign language tests will receive 6 hours of credit for FRN 101 and 102, GRM 101 and 102 or SPN 101 and 102. See “Advanced Placement” previously in this “Academic Regulations” section to see the limit of the number of CLEP hours accepted.

Credit Hours

The unit of credit used at Missouri State University-West Plains is the semester hour. Lecture courses meet one hour per week for 15 weeks (750 minutes) for one semester hour of credit. Laboratory and studio courses meet a minimum of two hours per week for 15 weeks (1500 minutes) for one semester hour of credit. Courses which include lecture and laboratory or studio meetings carry credit combining the above guidelines. 

Dean’s List and Chancellor’s List

Full-time students are named to the Dean’s List after earning a 3.500 to 3.999 grade point average on the previous semester coursework with no incomplete, D or F grades. Full-time students (12 credit hours or more) are named to the Chancellor’s List after earning a 4.000 grade point average on the previous semester coursework with no incomplete, D or F grades. The Chancellor’s List and the Dean’s List are announced at the end of each semester.

Degree Program: Declaring or Changing

When students declare or change their degree programs, they report to the Office of Registration and Records and complete that portion of the Change of Student Information form. When students change degree programs (e.g., from General Studies to Nursing) they shall satisfy the catalog in effect when the change becomes effective.

Directed Studies

The ranked faculty of Missouri State University-West Plains may offer a directed study course (1-3 credit hours) for a qualified student with extenuating circumstances. A directed study course will be approved only for exceptional or unavoidable situations. Faculty members are not required to offer directed studies but may do so at their own discretion.

Permission for a student to enroll may be granted only after close consultation with the instructor, the appropriate department head, and the appropriate Division Chair. Directed study courses must be taught by ranked faculty unless approved by the appropriate Division Chair. An approved syllabus for the directed study must be on file in the Office of Academic Affairs.

Students wishing to apply for a directed study course should follow these steps carefully:

1. Consult their advisor to determine eligibility. (see below)
2. Obtain a Directed Study Application form from the Office of Academic Affairs and complete sections A and B only.
3. Take the completed form to the appropriate Division Chair.
4. Registration in a directed study class is not complete until received and processed by the Office of Registration and Records.

To be eligible, a student must meet the following prerequisites:

1. Student must be at least sophomore status (30 hours) and a degree seeking candidate. First-semester transfer students are not eligible.
2. Student must have at least a 3.00 overall GPA.
3. The need for any independent study must be documented and justified on the form provided on the back of the guidelines. The institution feels strongly about the limitations of a directed study course and prefers for students to attend regular classes with classroom discussions, personal contacts and treatments. Only the complete lack of other or better alternatives can justify any directed study.
4. The arrangements for directed studies must comply with the rules and regulations of the University in regard to tests, reading assignments, consultations, etc. The logistics for such procedures are to be determined by the instructor in consultation with the student.
5. Courses with laboratory requirements, such as natural sciences, may not be offered as directed study.

Students who do not meet the above criteria may appeal to the Division Chair if there are extenuating circumstances.

Dual Enrollment

College. A student enrolled at Missouri State University-West Plains is required to have the permission of the Dean of Academic Affairs or his/her designee to be enrolled for additional credit at another college during the same semester or term. Permission is required for dual enrollment for the courses taken in residence on another campus or for courses taken by correspondence or online. Missouri State University-West Plains students who wish to take courses at other colleges or universities, either while enrolled at Missouri State University-West Plains or between terms at Missouri State University-West Plains, are encouraged to verify transferability of credit with the Office of Admissions prior to enrolling at the other institution. Prior approval for the course must be given by the appropriate academic department before a specific course is eligible for transfer. 

High School. Highly qualified high school students may be admitted under the high school dual enrollment program. See the “Admissions” section of this catalog for details.

Excess Hours: Permission

Permission is required if a student wishes to enroll in 19 or more semester hours in the fall or spring semesters or 11 semester hours in the summer session.

Maximum loads for the summer session:

Four-week session: 5 hours (permission required for six or more hours).
Eight-week session: 10 hours (permission required for 11 hours).

Upon the recommendation of the advisor and the approval of the Dean of Academic Affairs or his/her designee, students who have a 3.00 or higher grade point average for a semester in which a minimum of 15 hours is carried may take up to a maximum of 21 hours the following semester (11 hours in the summer session). Permission forms must be obtained from the Dean of Academic Affairs or his/her designee.

Intersession courses are not counted in determining the number of excess hours for that semester. Courses for which a student is enrolled on an audit basis are counted in hours for an overload.

Permission also is required of students wishing to take two intersession courses during the same week. No more than two intersession courses may be taken in one week. A student must have a minimum of a 2.5 overall GPA and have completed 15 credit hours prior to applying for permission.

Final Examination Period

A two-hour final examination period is scheduled for each course during the last week of the fall and spring semester. This final examination period is used either for administration of final examinations or for other appropriate course terminating activities.

If students must reschedule final exams because of extenuating circumstances, they must obtain written approval of the Dean of Academic Affairs or his/her designee and then of the instructor of the course in advance of the scheduled exam time.

Full-Time Student

The definition of a full-time student varies according to the institution or agency concerned. At Missouri State University-West Plains, a full-time undergraduate student is one carrying 12 hours or more of credit in the fall or spring semester (six or more in the summer session) and is so reported to such agencies as the Social Security and Veterans Administration.

Grade Appeals

A student who believes he/she has reasons which can be substantiated to request grade changes must: 

1. Write a formal letter to the instructor (or to the appropriate Division Chair if the instructor is no longer on campus) requesting a reevaluation of his/her performance in the course; and,
2. Provide the following information in the letter: Name and social security number; course number, title and section; semester and year taken; name of instructor; a clear statement of the grade change request; and reasons which justify the request.

Faculty members, upon receipt of a student’s request for a grade change, will review their records, then respond in writing to students in a timely fashion. If it is determined a student’s request is justified, the faculty member will prepare a Grade Change Authorization and submit it to the Division Chair who will forward it to the Office of Registration and Records. A faculty member may not change an F grade to a W in those cases in which the student did not follow the proper procedures for dropping the course.

A student may appeal a negative decision of the faculty member to the appropriate Department Head, Division Chair and, if necessary, to the Dean of Academic Affairs or his/ her designee. The Department Head, Division Chair, and the Dean of Academic Affairs or his/ her designee shall attempt to resolve the issue through mediation, but the responsibility for the student’s grade remains with the faculty member.

In cases that cannot be resolved, the student may appeal to the Academic Concerns Committee.

The faculty member who assigned the original grade will be informed of any action taken and reasons for such action.

Requests Based Upon Exceptions to University Policy:

In those cases in which the grade received by the student is the result of University policy rather than a faculty member’s evaluation of performance in a course (e.g., an F resulting from failure to remove an I grade in the time allowed or failure to officially drop a course), the student’s written appeal should be directed to the Dean of Academic Affairs or his/her designee.

Requests for Grade Changes Made After an Extended Period:

Appeals for changes in a student’s academic record must be submitted to the Dean of Academic Affairs or his/her designee prior to the end of the first semester of enrollment (excluding summer) following the term in which the grade was assigned. Such appeals will be considered by the Academic Concerns Committee only if there were extenuating circumstances.

Grade Point Average

A student’s grade point average at Missouri State University-West Plains is based only on courses completed at Missouri State University-West Plains. The institutional, transfer, and overall grade point averages appear on the student’s official Missouri State University-West Plains transcript. The overall grade point average is used in determining a student’s academic standing and eligibility for graduation. Grade point average is calculated by dividing the overall quality points by the overall GPA hours attempted. The semester grade point average is calculated by dividing the quality points earned for the semester by the GPA hours for the semester. See “Grading and the Credit Point System” and “Repeat Policy” sections for more details on grade point average calculation. The distinction of graduating with honors will be granted at graduation if the student has attained a overall grade point average of 3.40 or higher on all college work (Missouri State University-West Plains and transfer combined).

Grade Re-Evaluation

A student may request an assigned grade be changed provided the change is requested prior to the end of the first semester of enrollment (excluding summer) following the term in which the grade was assigned.

Requests Based Upon a Re-evaluation of Performance:

Student evaluations and assignments of final course grades are the responsibility of the faculty. The faculty member is accountable for any and all grades assigned to students, and, therefore, each faculty member will maintain records to support student evaluations and grades. (See grade appeals.)

Grade Reports

Mid-semester and final grade reports are provided to students on the web through the Grizzly Den at http://grizzlyden.missouristate.edu by entering the secure area with their User ID and PIN. Mid-semester and final grade reports are mailed to students who have any type of scholastic action as well as to those who received either a D or F grade on a course. Midsemester grade reports are mailed to the local address, if available. Final grades are mailed to the permanent address.

Grading and the Credit System

Grades are awarded to indicate the quality of a student’s work and are assigned as follows (point values per credit hour appear in parentheses):

A	(4) = Excellent work.
B	(3) = Superior work.
C	(2) = Satisfactory work.
D	(1) = Minimum passing work.
F	(0) = No credit is given.
W	(0) = Course dropped without penalty.
P	(0) = Course passed under the Pass/ Not Pass system. (P and NP grades are not calculated in the grade point average.)
NP	(0) = Course not passed under the ass/Not Pass system. (P and NP grades are not calculated in the grade point average.)
I	(0) = A small portion of a course, such as a term paper or final examination not completed.
AU	(0) = Audited with no credit.
Z	(0) = Deferred grade to be given only to students enrolled in specific courses (such as NUR 203) which may not be completed within a semester. If a Z grade is not removed within two calendar years (whether or not the student is enrolled), the grade becomes a W.
E	(0) = No credit – Academic Renewal.
XF	(0) = No credit is given. Failure due to academic dishonesty.

Graduation Procedures

See “Degrees and Requirements” section of the catalog.

Incomplete Grades

In each instance where an I grade is assigned, the course instructor shall, at the end of the semester in which the I grade is given, indicate on an Assignment of Incomplete Grade form what the student must do to complete the course and how the completed work will affect the final grade. The original copy must be filed with the Office of Registration and Records, which will then distribute copies to the student and to the instructor. If a student needs to repeat a course or a significant portion of a course, a W or F should be assigned according to regulations governing the assignments of such grades. A W grade cannot be assigned if the student has not officially dropped the course within the semester deadlines.

An I grade must be removed by the end of the following semester (excluding summer) or earlier as specified by instructor; otherwise, the I automatically becomes an F grade. An extension of the time limit or other necessary arrangements to remove an I grade will be made only if a student makes a written request for such extension and the extension is approved by the instructor and the Dean of Academic Affairs or his/her designee. An approved request for extension of time for removal of an I grade must be placed on file in the Office of Registration and Records. The student should make arrangements with the instructor for the completion of the work. When the work is completed, the instructor will complete a Grade Change Authorization Form in the Office of Registration and Records. The student will be sent a copy of the form with a letter indicating the adjusted grade point average.

For graduates only: An I grade assigned during the semester or summer session of graduation should be removed prior to midsemester of the following semester, July 15 for summer session. Failure to meet this deadline will result in the official date of graduation being delayed to a later semester.

Instructor Drop

If a student does not attend by the second class meeting of a semester or summer session, and has not informed the Office of Registration and Records of the intent to remain in the course, the instructor may initiate proceedings to drop the student from the class. (This is done during the first week of classes and only when space is needed for another student. A student cannot drop a course merely by not attending classes.) The student who is dropped by the instructor will be notified of such action by the Office of Registration and Records.

Intersession Overload

1. Two credit hours in one week is an overload, and approval by the Dean of Academic Affairs or his/her designee is required.
2. A student must have a 2.5 GPA and have completed 15 credit hours in order to take two intersessions in one week. An overload form is needed and must be approved by the Dean of Academic Affairs or his/her designee.
3. Three intersession classes in one week will not be approved.
4. When two intersession weeks are offered, one credit may be taken in each week without considering it an overload.
5. Students who do not meet the above criteria may appeal to the Dean of Academic Affairs or his/her designee if there are extenuating circumstances.

Outcomes Assessment

The assessment program at Missouri State University-West Plains is designed to assist in the development and maintenance of high quality programs and services. The information gathered in this process is used by University administrators, division chairs, faculty, and staff to evaluate and improve both academic and non-academic offerings. Because the success of this program requires widespread cooperation from the entire university community, it is the policy of Missouri State University-West Plains that all students are expected to participate in the assessment process, including taking an exit examination which is required of all graduating students. This participation may include, but not be limited to, assessment activities focused on basic skills, general education, major programs, and surveys of student satisfaction.

Pass/Not Pass Regulations

The pass/not pass option is intended to provide students an opportunity to pursue specialized or outside interests without penalty or reduction of grade point average. It allows students to participate more fully in those courses than the audit system permits.

Caution: Prerequisite requirements of other institutions may not be met with a course completed on a pass/not pass basis. A student shall have the option of having the earned grade in a pass/not pass course released to proper authorities. The decision to take a course on a pass/not pass basis cannot be reversed. Students may take courses on a pass/not pass basis under the following conditions: 

1. Courses taken under the pass/not pass option cannot be used to satisfy general education, professional education or specific degree requirements (elective courses only).
2. Students will enroll for all courses on a regular graded basis. [To take a course on a Pass/Not pass basis, students must notify and submit a Pass/Not Pass form to the Office of Registration and Records on or prior to the No Penalty Drop/Withdraw, Change to audit, declare Pass/Not Pass deadline for the course.]
3. Note: A grade of C or better is required in certain courses in order to take a subsequent course. Check course description for specific courses.
4. The pass/not pass option is not avail able to repeat courses in which the student has earned a D or F grade.
5. No more than six semester hours of pass/not pass credit may be applied toward any associate degree except in situations where agreements are in place for an articulated program/course.
6. No more than one course of pass/not pass may be taken in any one semester.
7. Courses which may be taken only on a pass/not pass basis are exempt from the limitations otherwise imposed upon students by pass/not pass regulations.
8. Students earning grades of A, B, C, or D in courses for which they were enrolled on a pass/not pass basis are given a P except as noted in certain course descriptions. Those failing will receive an NP. Pass and Not Pass grades are not used in calculating the grade point average for a student’s transcript.

Registration

The University allows currently enrolled nd readmitted/reinstated students to register well in advance of the beginning of each semester. Details are printed in each semester class schedule. New students are informed of registration opportunities with admission materials.

Any student registering for the first time or registering after an absence of one or more semesters (excluding summer) should file an application for admission or readmission at least two weeks in advance of the beginning of the semester with the Office of Admissions. (See “Academic Calendar” for deadlines.) On the basis of this information, registration eligibility is established.

A schedule of classes will be given to each new student during the STAR Orientation program. Schedules also may be obtained from the Office of Registration and Records which explains the registration procedure. Schedules may also be accessed online at http://grizzlyden.missouristate.edu/schedule.htm.

Any student indebted to the University is not permitted to register for any succeeding semester or summer term until the indebtedness has been paid.

Details regarding registration and the option of web registration are printed in the semester class schedule and also available at the following web address: http://www.wp.missouristate.edu/recreg/registration.htm.

Students are not permitted to attend classes unless they are officially enrolled in those classes. Students whose names do not appear on a class list should contact the Office of Registration and Records immediately.

Repeat Policy

A course in which a student has received a grade of D or F may be repeated unless such repetition is specifically prohibited or limited in the course description. Any subsequent repetition is made with the permission of the department head and Division Chair of the division in which the course is to be taken. Each repetition of the course replaces the prior grade(s) in all computations. Each attempt to complete the course will remain on the transcript. A student who repeats a course in which a passing grade has been earned and then receives an F loses credit for the course.

With advance permission of the department head and Division Chair of the division in which the course is taken, a student may repeat a course in which a grade of C or better has been received.

A student should be aware that the material covered in “One-Time-Only” and variable content courses may not be offered again or a particular class may be discontinued. In these cases the student may not have the opportunity to repeat the course.

Note: Certain programs have a more restrictive policy concerning repeat of courses, e.g., the Associate of Science in Nursing degree. See program guidelines for details.

Transfer Programs

An Associate of Arts degree and an Associate of Science degree are transferable, can be used for baccalaureate programs, and generally provide the student with junior standing. An articulation agreement exists with Missouri State University-Springfield for students enrolled in selected Associate of Applied Science degree programs, which may allow students to be admitted to the Bachelor of Applied Science degrees in Technology Management and the Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Agriculture. For further information, the student is encouraged to contact either the Admissions Office, the Office of Academic Affairs, the Office of Academic Outreach at the West Plains Campus or the Departments of Technology or Agriculture at the Springfield Campus.

Variable Content Courses

Several courses in this catalog are identified in their descriptions as “variable content courses.” Variable content courses include any courses, whether or not they can be repeated for additional credit, whose content may be substantially different from one semester to another. Not included in this category are special problems, special projects, readings, and research conducted on a tutorial basis with individual students. Unless otherwise stipulated in the course description, a variable content course may be taken only once for credit.

A student may apply no more than eight hours of variable content courses excluding capstone courses toward an associate degree. For this purpose, variable content is defined as any course having in either its course title or its description any of the following terms: variable content, special topics, issues, mini problems, seminars, projects, independent study, or readings.

Withdrawal from University: Procedures

Students withdrawing from the University must initiate the withdrawal process either in person or electronically with the Office of Registration and Records. Individuals taking only one class who wish to drop that class must withdraw from the University.

If a student withdraws prior to the close of the ninth week, a grade of W will be assigned for each course. If a student withdraws after the close of the ninth week, the instructor gives a W in the course if the student is doing passing work. If the student is not doing passing work, the instructor will indicate a grade of W or F. A W indicates the course was dropped without penalty. An F grade is calculated in the grade point average. The last day for withdrawing from school is one week prior to the last day of the semester. Withdrawal dates for summer and intersession sessions are different. Contact the Office of Registration and Records for those dates. Withdrawal is not complete until the Office of Registration and Records has processed the paperwork.

Withdrawal from University for Military: Procedures

If a student withdraws due to military mobilization, the following policy should be implemented.

Withdrawal Procedure: Normal withdrawal procedures should be followed whenever possible. However, if students are unable to complete the necessary paperwork by coming into the Office of Registration and Records, Looney 202, or writing a letter of withdrawal, the University shall accept notification from the student or a family member. All notifications will be verified by the Office of Registration and Records.

Refunds: Students will receive 100% of their required student fees when they officially withdraw for required military service any time during the current semester. Should students have financial aid, any refund must be paid back to the aid source(s) first. Students should contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information. Students drawing VA educational benefits should contact Veteran Services and notify the VA Certifying Official of their withdrawal and orders to report for duty.

Students shall receive a full refund for textbooks purchased at and returned to the Drago College Store.

The housing refund will be prorated based on the number of days room and board was actually used.

Grading of Officially Processed Drops or Withdrawals: For military procedures, students who withdraw before a semester begins or during the first week of classes shall not receive a W or any grade on their transcript.

Students withdrawing the second week of classes through the automatic W deadline (9th week) shall receive a W grade for each class in which they are enrolled except for completed intersession or first-block courses.

Students withdrawing or dropping individual classes after the automatic W deadline (9th week) shall receive a W.

Should students be mobilized at such a point in the semester that the course instructors believe that they have completed a majority of the material in their classes, the instructor may assign a passing grade or initiate an “I” grade. Students will receive a 100% refund only for those classes that are officially processed as a drop or a withdrawal.