Policies
Effective Spring/Summer 2008
Graduate students in the School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) are expected to make satisfactory progress in their programs of study. The SLIS faculty and staff support student advancement toward degree and certificate completion. This policy defines what constitutes academic progress and lack of progress in the SLIS and outlines School actions concerning students who fail to meet their academic progress goals.
Student Responsibilities in Making Satisfactory Academic Progress
To remain in good academic standing with the SLIS, students must make satisfactory progress toward the degree as evidenced by:
- Achieving candidacy in a timely manner through registering an acceptable Plan of Work after successfully completing 6 hours of courses and no later than after 9 hours of courses. The University will place holds preventing registration if Plans of Work are not filed on time.
- Maintaining a 3.00 (B) grade point average throughout the program of study.
- Exhibiting ethical professional and academic integrity.
Student Retention
The SLIS uses a process called Student Academic Review (SAR) as a method for improving student retention and minimizing probation and dismissal. SAR meetings, held once each academic semester, assess students’ academic and professional growth. These reviews provide an ongoing measure of successful student performance. Results of SAR include direct contact with students who may need academic or professional guidance by course instructors, advisors and occasionally the Program Director.
Continuing Student Enrollment
To continue enrolling in courses, students must satisfy not only the 3.00 (B) grade point average requirement but must also be aware of the time frames and grades that can affect enrollment. Students should consult the university’s Registration Calendar for exact dates concerning classes, registration, tuition cancellation, etc. Registration activities are conducted through the Student tab in Pipeline.
Students have until the last day of classes to request a Withdrawal from a course. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate the Withdrawal Request (through Pipeline). Approval of a Withdrawal Request is at the discretion of the instructor.
Students who request course withdrawals starting at the 5th week of the term will receive one of the following grades:
- “WP” Withdrawal with a passing grade earned to date
- “ WF” Withdrawal with a failing grade earned to date
- “ WN” Withdrawal never attended, or no graded work to date
None of these grades affects GPA. However, there is no tuition cancellation provision for withdrawn courses.
Incomplete Grade Policy
The mark of `I' is given at the discretion of the instructor to a graduate student when he/she has not completed all of the course work as planned for the term. An incomplete will only be assigned in extenuating circumstances and when there is, in the judgment of the instructor, a reasonable probability that the student will complete the course successfully without again attending regular class sessions. The mark of `I' will not be awarded if, in the instructor's judgment, it is necessary for the student to attend subsequent sessions of the class. The student should be passing at the time the grade of `I' is given.
A written contract specifying the work to be completed should be signed by the student and instructor. Responsibility for completing all course work rests with the student. Work must be completed within one calendar year, however, the instructor reserves the right to determine the length of time given to satisfying the incomplete contract. Incomplete grades not completed within one year automatically convert to an F grade with no exceptions.
Student Probation and Dismissal
A student who fails to maintain the required 3.00 (B) grade point average is considered to be academically deficient and is subject to the following:
- A student who receives any grade of “F” (failure) or “U” (unsatisfactory) will be dismissed and prohibited from completing additional coursework.
- A student whose cumulative grade point average (GPA) drops below 3.00 (B) will be placed on academic probation and within the next semester of enrollment must raise the GPA to at least 3.00 (B). A student who does not reach a cumulative 3.00 (B) GPA during this grace period will be dismissed.
- A student who receives more than two grades of “WF” (Withdrawal Failing) will be dismissed. Effective Spring/Summer 2010, a student who receives more than one grade of "WF" will be dismissed.
Change of Grade
Changes of grade must be submitted by an instructor within three semesters (one calendar year) after the end of the term for which the relevant course was originally graded/marked.
Grades and Appeal Procedures
The graduate grading system is intended to reflect higher standards of critical and creative scholarship than those applied at the undergraduate level. Graduate students are required to maintain a "B" average GPA of 3.0 to satisfy degree requirements. Final grades are recorded under the following system:
A Excellent 4.00
A- 3.67
B+ 3.33
B Good 3.00
B- Below graduate standards 2.67
C+ 2.33
C 2.00
F Failure – 0 grade points per credit hour
S Satisfactory (pass/fail)
U Unsatisfactory (pass/fail)
WP Official Withdrawal Passing
WF Official Withdrawal Failing
WN Official Withdrawal Nonattendance
Y Continuing Grade
A Consistently distinguished and superior performance in all aspects of the assignment/course. This grade represents nearly flawless work that exhibits mastery of the subject matter/ assignment as well as qualities such as analytical ability, originality, creativity, and interpretation.
A- Excellent performance; superior achievement in most aspects of the work.
B+ Strong, solid performance; above basic course requirements.
B Good work, consistent with performance expected of students in a master’s degree program; meets basic requirements.
B- Work which does not attain acceptable levels in significant aspects of the assignment/course. This is a marginal grade which should alert students to their limited performance.
C+ Below graduate standards. Student has not met all requirements at an acceptable level.
C Unacceptable work. Student has failed to meet most of the minimum requirements.
F Failing grade; work does not meet minimum requirements.
Student Grade Appeals Policy Guidelines (Revised - August 22, 1994)
1.1 Policies and procedures adopted by the School of Library and Information Science faculty relative to student appeal of grades. The following policy guidelines are provided to assure the establishment of procedures, which will provide for the prompt, fair and equitable resolution of grade appeals.
2.0 Basic Principles
2.1 Instructors are expected to evaluate student work according to sound academic standards. Equal demands are required of all students in a class (although more work is expected from graduate students than from undergraduates), and grades are assigned without departing substantially from announced procedures.
It is the instructor's prerogative to assign grades in accordance with his/her academic/professional judgment, and the student assumes the burden of proof in the appeals process.
2.2 Grounds for appeals are: 1) The application of non-academic criteria in the grading process, as listed in the university's non-discrimination and affirmative action statute: Race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, marital status, or handicap; 2) sexual harassment; or 3) evaluation of student work by criteria not directly reflective of performance relative to course requirements.
2.3 These policy guidelines do not apply to allegations of academic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty matters should be addressed under the Student Code of Conduct statute.
School of Library and Information Science Review
The SLIS Director shall assemble all written documentation and oral testimonies from the student and instructor in charge. If the matter is not resolved to the satisfaction of all parties, the Program Director shall convene a Grade Appeals Committee. Students shall be notified in writing of the department's decision regarding the appeal within 60 days of lodging the formal appeal.
All meetings held in relation to the appeal shall provide parties the opportunity to present additional information orally or in writing. No additional persons will be permitted at such meetings without advance approval by the Chair, Director, or Dean, as appropriate. The decision of the Grade Appeals Committee will be reported to the Director. Matters not resolved at the Schoollevel may be appealed to the Dean.
If review procedures available to the student have been exhausted, the student may initiate VPAA Review. Procedures for VPAA Review are contained in the University Guidelines for Grade Appeal.
Effective March 6, 2009
Graduate Certificates completed conjointly with an LIS degree program:
Students enrolled in an LIS degree program, either the Master’s degree (MLIS) or the Specialist’s Certificate degree (SCLIS) may conjointly complete no more than two Graduate Certificates under the conditions listed below. The degree and the certificate(s) will NOT be issued separately. Certificate requirements must be completed concurrently with the degree.
- The student must be officially enrolled in the Graduate Certificate(s) before completing the MLIS or SCLIS degree. All Graduate Certificate requirements must be fulfilled for each certificate sought.
- Nine credits from each Graduate Certificate may be counted toward the MLIS or SCLIS degree. If a course is listed in multiple certificate programs it may be counted toward the MLIS or SCLIS degree and all applicable certificate programs. However, this does not reduce the overall credits needed for completion.
- For each certificate, students must complete a minimum of six hours of coursework beyond the MLIS or SCLIS degree requirements. For example a student in the MLIS degree who wanted to complete two certificates would take a minimum of 12 additional hours. The degree plus certificate completion requirement would be a minimum of 48 hours. For some certificates, more than 6 hours beyond the degree may be needed to fulfill all requirements.
- All MLIS or SCLIS degree requirements must be completed.
- Officially enroll for the Graduate Certificate.
- Successfully complete the IC3 computer examination.
- Complete all certificate requirements.
- Complete a minimum of 15 hours of coursework.
- Courses previously used in a degree program, even though required in a certificate, may not be used toward the certificate. Alternative electives will be chosen with the concurrence of an advisor.
Regular attendance is expected of all students in every class. Students who anticipate absences or who are unable to attend classes should inform their instructor(s) before class (or immediately following the absence) to explain their failure to attend. Excessive absence, with or without explanation, may result in failure for the course or in a reduced grade.
Whenever attendance forms a basis for a portion or all of a course grade, students must be provided with explicit written information concerning that fact during the first week of classes. Such information shall be specific with regard to the penalty incurred for each absence and the means, if any, to compensate for the absence. It should be recognized that there may be certain situations where the students may not be permitted to make up the absence(s). This policy shall be applicable to all courses within the University, regardless of setting. See the Wayne State University Graduate Bulletin for further information.
Notice of University-wide cancellation of classes due to extreme weather conditions is broadcast on local radio stations and television channels, on the University Newsline (313-577-5345), and on the LISP listserv. Students can also check Pipeline and may receive a text message or email from the University.
A student with a strong academic record who is devoting full-time to graduate study and carrying no outside employment may register in the School not to exceed twelve credits per semester. A student engaged in part-time work should limit registration in proportion to the amount of outside work. A student employed full-time will normally not register in excess of six credits. A student working full-time who desires to carry more than nine credits must obtain permission from the Director. Graduate Assistants are required to register for six to nine credits each semester. The University considers a program of eight graduate credits per semester to be full-time study.
Although it is possible for a student to complete the Program in one calendar year, it is not recommended as students will soon realize the heavy commitment to study and course work which must be accomplished at the graduate level. Students should be cautioned to enroll for no more than 9 graduate hours per semester, which allows completion of the School in 4 semesters by full-time students.
Requirements
Students in the School of Library and Information Science will take LIS 6010 and LIS 6080 as the first courses in their program. They are to be taken in the order listed:
- LIS 6010
- LIS 6080
These courses must be completed or in progress before other courses may be taken.
Examples of student enrollment patterns for this policy:
- Students taking one course at a time:
- First semester LIS 6010.
- Second semester LIS 6080.
- Third semester LIS 6120 or LIS 6210 or the first required course in a certificate program. Students in this situation should consult with their advisor about the third course.
- Students taking two courses at a time:
- First semester LIS 6010 and LIS 6080.
- Second semester for regular LIS Students: LIS 6120 or LIS 6210 and any appropriate elective.
- Second semester for students in certificate programs: LIS 6120 or LIS 6210 and/or the first required course in a certificate program.
- Students taking three courses in their first semester:
- LIS 6010 and LIS 6080.
AND - LIS 6120 or LIS 6210 or the first required course in a certificate program. Students in this situation should consult with their advisor about the third course.
- LIS 6010 and LIS 6080.
Strongly Recommended
Consultation with an advisor can aid students in determining appropriate course sequencing. It is strongly recommended that the remainder of the core courses be completed as follows:
- LIS 6120 or LIS 6210 or the first required course in a certificate program should be taken early in a students’ program.
- LIS 6120, LIS6210 and LIS 7040 should be taken as part of the first 18 credit hours .
- LIS 7996 should be taken as part of the last 9 credit hours.
General Guidelines
The 6000-level courses are most suitable for new students. Course content and class assignments are more advanced for the 7000-level and 8000-level courses and build on the material taught in the 6000-level courses. If students have questions regarding course sequencing, they should consult with their advisors.
Students may decide that there is a particular area of study that they would like to pursue instead of taking an LIS elective. The course, LIS 7990: Research and Directed Study, is offered to students who want to pursue individual study in special topics. A student wishing to enroll in LIS 7990 must contact a member of the faculty whose area of expertise corresponds to the student's research interest. A comprehensive written proposal, stating the purpose and proposed methodology, must be approved by the faculty member who has expressed willingness to offer this course. Written permission of the faculty member must be obtained before registering for LIS 7990 - the directed study must also be approved by the student's faculty advisor, by the LIS Director and by the Dean before registration is permitted. This process will ensure that the directed study is rigorous enough to earn graduate credit. While a credit-load ranging from one to eight credit hours is authorized for this course, no more than three credit hours will normally be undertaken per semester.
Petition and Authorization for Directed Study Form
Effective May 5, 2008, the SLIS implemented a comprehensive “Academic Progress” policy that encompasses the former “Grades” policy. The grades section of the SLIS’s Academic Progress policy is available at http://www.slis.wayne.edu/about/policies.php#academicprogress.
A candidate for a degree or certificate must complete an Application for Degree or Certificate through Pipeline no later than the fourth week of classes of the semester in which he or she expects to complete the requirements for the degree. Consult the university academic calendar for dates. Please note that students applying for both the Master of Library and Information Science and one or more certificates are required to file separate applications for each.
If an Application for Degree or Certificate was filed for a previous term in which the student did not graduate, a new application plus fees must be completed no later than the fourth week of classes of the semester in which the degree requirements will be completed. Information concerning commencement, caps and gowns, invitations, tickets, location, assembling, and other relevant items will be mailed to graduates by the Commencement Office prior to the commencement event. Commencement is held once per year on the on the Tom Adams Field in the Wayne State University Football Stadium.
The SLIS will issue Graduation Notices to students who have applied for graduation at least four weeks prior to the end of the semester. The notices will specify the remaining requirements for degree completion. Students are reminded to ensure that an up-to-date Plan of Work is on file in order to prevent a delay in the graduation process.
In order to be eligible for graduation, students must have:
- completed all courses included on the Plan of Work.
- completed the required number of credit hours.
- completed the new student orientation requirement.
- obtained at least a 3.00+ grade point average.
- completed the degree requirements by the six year deadline.
Wayne State University Commencement Website
Online searching is one primary component of the core class LIS 6120: Access to Information. It is also an important part of some advanced courses, particularly those in subject reference and bibliography. Online searching for purposes other than classroom use is not allowed, according to the terms of the School of Library and Information Science's licensing agreements with vendors of online services, who provide their services at vastly reduced prices for instructional purposes only. Wayne State University's acceptable use policy is available at http://wayne.edu/policies/acceptable-use.php.
Please be aware that webcentric courses meet only on days specified in the course schedule. Students must attend the onsite sessions to participate in the webcentric courses. Students who miss a class session will be required to withdraw from the course.
Online classes do not require any physical class meeting. The course is conducted through Blackboard and/or Mediasite.
"Academic work submitted by a graduate student for graduate credit is assumed to be of her/his own creation, and, if found not to be, will constitute cause for the student's dismissal from the School" (Wayne State University Graduate Bulletin). Plagiarism is generally defined as claiming someone else's ideas, words or information. It constitutes intellectual theft. Plagiarism can be avoided by footnoting any data, language, or ideas not of one’s own creation. Paraphrasing or rewording of another’s work without appropriate credit is also plagiarism. Similarly, plagiarism violates a student's responsibilities when a student purchases or otherwise acquires work done by another and submits it as one’s own. Such behavior constitutes fraud, or cheating, and will result in disciplinary action. A related issue arises when a student takes a previously submitted course assignment and, making few or no changes, submits that assignment as part of the requirement for another course. This ethical violation of the student's responsibility to submit fresh, original work for each assignment will also be construed as plagiarism. Discovery of any such practices will result in disciplinary action.
Take the Plagiarism Quiz!
WSU Information on Academic Integrity
The Plan of Work (POW) serves as a statement of the student's academic objectives and constitutes a contract between the student and the university. Each student must file a POW with the SLIS upon completion of the first nine (9) hours of course work. The POW should be completed with the guidance and direction of the student's faculty advisor. It is the student's responsibility to draft a POW and to obtain the faculty advisor's approval and signature. Students must file a POW in the required time period or an academic hold will be placed preventing further registration. Please note that the "Term/Yr" column on the Plan of Work form is for your planning purposes only and does not imply a guarantee that a course will be offered that term.
Following SLIS approval of the POW, notice of candidacy status is forwarded to WSU Student Records and the completed document is retained in the student's folder in the SLIS files. This document becomes the official list of courses to be completed satisfactorily by the student for fulfillment of the requirements for the MLIS degree.
Any change in a student's course planning requires that a Change in Plan of Work (CPOW) form be completed in consultation with the faculty advisor prior to registration. Deviation from the POW without notification of change can result in delayed graduation.
Students dismissed from the SLIS for violations of the Student Code of Conduct are not eligible for readmission.
A student dismissed from the School of Library and Information Science due to academic deficiencies is permitted to request readmission to the School after a lapse of one calendar year from the time of dismissal.
To request readmission, the dismissed student submits a letter to the SLIS Director:
- outlining the reasons for his/her poor performance.
- explaining how the student intends to ensure he/she will succeed upon readmission.
Online classes will be restricted to students in the online program for the first week of priority registration. The length of the priority registration period for online classes may be shortened at the School’s discretion. Students who are in the traditional program who try to register for online courses during this time may receive "Field of Study" or "Major Restrictions".
Currently, the release of online classes for traditional student registration is a manual process. Restrictions will be lifted by the end of the day noted as the end of the restriction period.
The waitlist for closed classes will be available by the third week of registration. Graduating students will receive priority on the waitlist for classes that are necessary for graduation during the term and appear on the student's Plan of Work. Otherwise, students are offered overrides for a course on a first come, first served basis. Students who receive an override have 48 hours to register for the course before the override is removed from their record and given to the next student on the waitlist.
Waitlist sign up will end four weeks before the start of classes. Three weeks before the start of classes, all students will receive notification indicating if their override request has been granted. After the waitlist has concluded, all overrides are at the discretion of the instructor. Students should not contact instructors for permission to register while the waitlist is open.
Purpose
WSU SLIS provides students access to the student server. The use of this resource is a privilege that can be revoked at any time for violations of the policies. This document outlines the policies pertaining to the use of the student server. All persons using the server will be held accountable to these policies. Use of the student server indicates acceptance of these policies.
Goal
The goal of these policies is to maximize the performance of the server and maintain a safe, secure environment in support of the use of computers in the pursuit of higher education.
University Policies
This document is meant to complement existing university policies that govern the use of computing and network resources. University policies shall take precedence in the event of any conflict with SLIS policies. Applicable university computing and network policies can be found at: http://computing.wayne.edu/policies.
The University Policy on the Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources (AUITR) “guides students, faculty and staff in the acceptable use of computer systems, networks, and other information technology resources at Wayne State University.”
SLIS AUITR Policy identifies specific activities that are PROHIBITED. Students who violate these policies will lose access and may be subject to discipline under the appropriate student, faculty, or staff due process policy. Disciplinary action includes dismissal from the
SLIS. A fee will be charged for processing of violations.
Usage Policy
The student server is for class use only. For non-SLIS students, space on the student server is only for the duration of the course. For SLIS students, space on the student server is available for one semester after the student graduates, after one year of inactivity, or until the student leaves the school.
The following activities are strictly PROHIBITED on the SLIS student server:
- downloading or sharing copyrighted material without the express consent of the copyright owner. Examples include, but are not limited to, MP3 files, digital recordings of movies, and licensed software;
- downloading or sharing non-copyrighted material not intended for class use. Examples include, but are not limited to, legal MP3 files not intended for class use, personal freeware or shareware, family non-class related videos, family non-class related photos;
- accessing (or attempting to gain access to) systems without the owners’ consent;
- eavesdropping or capturing packets not intended for that system;
- scanning other systems for open ports or vulnerabilities;
- use of routers or any device that provides routing functions (including cable routers, Voice over IP (VoIP) devices with built-in routers, wireless routers, etc.) or Network Address Translation (NAT) even if the routing, NAT and/or DHCP functions have been ‘disabled’;
- using SLIS resources for commercial purposes;
- using a name that makes a system appear to be a university-owned or operated device, using offensive or profane language in the system name or changing the physical address to conceal the system’s identity;
- sending or relaying SPAM e-mail messages; and
- any other activity that disrupts the operation of LISP Servers.
SLIS Policy also identifies specific computing activities that promote a stable and secure service. Students are responsible for the security of the computing equipment that they connect. Failure to maintain secure computing equipment will result in diminished or suspended Internet access until the vulnerability is resolved. Repeated failures may be subject to discipline under the appropriate student, faculty, or staff due process policy.
The following computing activities are enforced:
- operating systems and application software must have all security patches installed;
- computers must have the latest version of McAfee or Symantec antivirus software installed with up-to-date virus definitions. Symantec is available free of charge to WSU students and staff from http://computing.wayne.edu/software; and
- computers running Microsoft Windows operating systems must use a personal firewall. Note that firewalls that use Network Address Translation (NAT) are not permitted.
Contact
If you are unsure whether something you want to do is a violation of these policies, send an email to lisptech@wayne.edu explaining what you want to try and we will gladly give you clarification.
Student Services
Supported operating systems are Microsoft Windows XP and above (excluding server operating systems) and Macintosh OS/X and above. The student is responsible for providing a working PC. The PC’s operating system must have all applicable security patches applied. Microsoft and Macintosh systems must also have antivirus software installed with current virus definitions. This software is available free of charge to Wayne State University students and staff at
http://computing.wayne.edu/software
.The SLIS student assistants can assist you with the troubleshooting of SLIS specific software and server issues. They will use all reasonable care; SLIS however, can not be held responsible for any resulting loss of data or functionality. The student is free to refuse any service on their PC by the SLIS student assistant. SLIS will not support software that have been illegally copied. SLIS reserves the right to refuse to work on any PC or associated hardware or software for any reason.
C&IT offers a PC Clinic for limited service on PCs, including the removal of viruses and spyware. For information on this fee-based service, contact the Helpdesk at 313.577.4778 or see the web page at
http://computing.wayne.edu/clinic/
.SLIS is dependent on services and communication lines supplied by Wayne State University’s C&IT. SLIS cannot be held responsible for network failure attributable to equipment and communications lines or abuse of resources by other network users.
Fee Schedule
- Reactivation of server access after suspension due to viral infection or other non-copyright violation
(1st offense) $25.00 - Reactivation of server access after suspension due to copyright violation
(1st offense) $100.00
Suspension or Termination of Access Privileges
If a violation of SLIS or university policies occurs, the individual whose AccessID was used to log in to the server for that session will be held responsible for the violation(s). Most violations will result in a temporary suspension of server access and will require that the student deliver a letter of understanding to the director before server access is restored. A fee will also be applied, according to the schedule above. Repeat offenders and more severe violations will face longer suspensions, higher fees and possible permanent termination of access to the server. Serious and repeat offenders will a lso be subject to discipline under the appropriate student, staff or faculty due process policy. Any criminal activity will be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
The Student Academic Review (SAR) is conceived as an ongoing measure of student performance. It is scheduled each semester and is part of the faculty planning calendar. The SAR is intended to assess academic and professional growth.
The Student Code of Conduct adopted by Wayne State University gives general notice of prohibited conduct and sets out the disciplinary actions that may be taken if such conduct occurs. The Student Code of Conduct Policy is intended to ensure that procedures applied by all schools and colleges are uniform. The Library and Information Science Program follows these procedures. A copy of the policy is available from the Dean of Students Office.
In situations where the final decision of a school or college is based upon an evaluation of the student's academic performance and where all other avenues have been exhausted, a student may request review of the decision by the Vice President for Academic Affairs. For more information about academic appeals procedure, see the Wayne State University Graduate Bulletin.
The SLIS faculty has adopted the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association [APA] (the most recent edition) as the standard style manual for the preparation and submission of term papers. Unless otherwise stated by the instructor, the APA publication manual is to be used.
Official transcripts bear the seal of the university and the signature of the registrar. All financial holds must be released before a transcript will be issued. Transcripts are not issued outside of the university without the student's written permission.
Unofficial transcripts are also available. Unofficial copies do not bear the university seal or the registrar's signature. Unofficial transcripts are normally used for advising purposes.
Students may also access copies of their unofficial transcripts through WSU Pipeline.
Transfer Credits and Course Waivers
Effective Winter 2010
Graduate credits are accumulated toward completing degree or certificate programs. The nature of a specific course (whether it is a core/required class or an elective) will affect the application of transfer and course waiver policies. Transfer credits are defined as classes that a student may apply to degree completion. Course waivers are defined as classes that a student may be exempted from taking but the credits are not applied toward degree completion.
- The course(s) cannot have been applied toward another degree.
- The course(s) must be indicated as graduate level on an official transcript.
- A grade of "B" or better must have been earned.
- Students have 6 years to complete an MLIS and 3 years to complete a certificate. Transfer courses must be taken within the 6 year period for the MLIS and within the 3 year period for a certificate.
- Only 6 credit hours outside of SLIS may be applied to the MLIS degree.
- Under no circumstances may undergraduate credits be used toward a graduate degree.
Transfer Credits for MLIS Core Classes and required certificate, endorsement or Specialist classes
- Designated Lead Instructors are responsible for reviewing official transcripts and recommending the transfer of core and required classes for all degrees and certificates to the SLIS Office for final approval.
- Faculty advisors are responsible for reviewing official transcripts and recommending transfer of credits for all elective courses to the SLIS Office for final approval. (If the elective course is required by the student requesting the review in a certificate, endorsement, or degree program, then the Lead Instructor must be consulted.)
- Recommendations for transfer of elective courses will be made on a course by course and student by student basis.
- Elective courses for transfer must be relevant to a student’s chosen career path and integrate with the overall Plan of Work to be considered.
- Sufficient evidence for the advisor to make a decision will be provided by the student requesting a transfer. Evidence may include the course syllabus, examples of course assignments or other information requested by the faculty advisor.
- Designated Lead Instructors are responsible for reviewing official transcripts and approving or disapproving course waivers, administering testing procedures, or requesting outcomes materials for core and required classes in all degree and certificate programs.
- Since courses are waived but no credit toward degree completion is accumulated, students with course waivers for core and required classes must consult their faculty advisor for appropriate substitutes to make up the required credit hours.
- Suitable portfolio material will still be required for degree completion when a core or required class is waived.
- Elective courses in this category are not eligible for course waivers.