Central Campus Policies

 All of MTSU's policies can be found on the policy website. 

Academic Appeals

If a student is suspended, they can complete an appeal form and turn it in by the designated deadline. The student can then choose to directly address the Appeals committee. The committee’s decision is always final. A student can be suspended for 1+ terms, or reinstated with certain conditions. The appeal form is found on the MT One Stop website. 

Academic Common Market

ACM is a tuition savings program that allows residents of participating states to qualify for in-state tuition when enrolled in a unique academic major not offered in their home state. 

These states are currently participating:

Alabama
Arkansas
Delaware
Florida*
Georgia
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
Mississippi
Oklahoma
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas*
Virginia
West Virginia


*Florida and Texas participate in the ACM at the graduate level only.

Academic Probation & Suspension

An undergraduate student failing to meet one of the following standards during any term will be placed on academic probation for the subsequent term:

  • attain a 2.00 GPA for the current semester, or
  • meet one of the following retention standards:
    • if you have 0 – 29.99 overall combined quality (GPA) hours, you need a 1.50 Overall Combined GPA
    • if you have 30 – 49.99 overall combined quality (GPA) hours, you need a 1.80 Overall Combined GPA
    • if you have 50 or more overall combined quality (GPA) hours, you need a 2.00 Overall Combined GPA

A student on academic probation who fails to meet one of the above standards the next term in which enrolled, will be suspended. First time suspension is for one semester (not including summer) and any subsequent suspensions will be for 2 semesters (not including summer). Students with a prior suspension from MTSU or previous institution(s) are not eligible for probationary status and will be suspended for 2 semesters (not including summer) if the retention standard is not met.

Alternative Work Arrangements

Availability of an alternate work arrangement is at the discretion of MTSU and each individual department and is subject to change with or without notice. This policy applies to non-faculty staff. 

Attendance

MTSU does not have a campus-wide policy. Class attendance is expected with specific requirements and/or expectations established by each course instructor and clearly stated in the course syllabus. The course instructor has the sole prerogative to excuse or refuse to excuse student absences except that students shall not be penalized for absences related to their participation in University sanctioned activities or in situations where the University's policy on inclement weather is applicable. See Policy 725 Inclement Weather. In all cases, the student has the responsibility to present excuses and make arrangements to make up any work missed. Non-attendance in class does not relieve a student of the responsibility for work covered or assigned in their absence.

Census Dates & Non-Attendance

The census date is typically the 14th day of classes for Fall and Spring semesters. For Summer, refer to the online Registration Guide. Instructors can make adjustments to reporting at any point during the semester, as well as required reporting dates. If the student is reported “stopped” or “never attended," financial aid may be at risk. If reported so for all classes, they are considered “unofficially” withdrawn. 

Course Program of Study (CPoS)

Only courses required for degree completion can be used to determine a student's aid eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs such as grants, work-study, and loans. For federal, state, and institutional aid to pay for a course in their major, minor, or other degree requirement, it must be part of their Course Program of Study (CPoS) or necessary to their degree.  Full-time enrollment status depends upon courses that count, which also means it could impact MTSU or state scholarships, like the Hope lottery. If a class does not come up as CPoS eligible but the advisor thinks it should, they must submit a CPoS Eligible Course Request Form.

FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects student educational record privacy. As an enrolled student at a post-secondary institution a student has certain rights pertaining to the privacy of their educational records. In general, parents, spouses, and other family members may not access a student's confidential educational information without a student's written consent. A student may choose to allow certain persons access to their confidential information by adding them as a PIE Partner by completing a Partners in Education (PIE) form on Pipeline.

To start the process, follow these easy steps:

  • Login to PipelineMT
  • Click on the Registration & Student Records link
  • Select Partners in Education (PIE) link in the Academic Records box
  • Select the Add/Update/Remove my Partners in Education link to add your partners if you want to participate in the program. You will need to provide the Partner’s name, email, and assign a PIN.

Those with PIE pins can contact the MT One Stop to request protected records. Note that this program does not provide a Partner with online student access to student information nor allow the Partner to act on behalf of the student. The PIE partnership release does not apply to counseling records, disciplinary records or health information protected by FERPA.  Separately, students may grant parents, guardians or others access to view bills, pay balances or view 1098-T statements by creating an authorized user account via PipelineMT. 

Fresh Start

If a student is returning to MTSU after 4+ years of non-attendance at any university, they may be eligible for academic forgiveness. Low grades are excluded from QPA and GPA. Read all qualifications and contact your advising manager for questions about the application procedure. The application is submitted by the advisor after approved by the manager.

GPA Types

Calculated to include and/or exclude information. Descriptions of GPAs can be found in PipelineMT in the Advisors page, under “Student GPA.”

  • Institution: MTSU College level courses/grades (Used to check minimum MTSU residency hours required for graduation)
  • Institution Combined: MTSU College and Developmental level courses/grades
  • Transfer: College level courses from schools other than MTSU (Includes GPA Hours and Quality Points for transfer work posted prior to Summer 2015)
  • Transfer Combined: College and Developmental level courses from schools other than MTSU (Includes GPA Hours and Quality Points for transfer work posted prior to Summer 2015)
  • Inclusive: MTSU and Transfer College level courses/grades (Includes GPA Hours and Quality Points for all MTSU and transfer work posted) [Used to determine undergraduate Latin Honors effective December 2019. Used to determine admission/candidacy to programs such as Nursing, College of Business, College of Media and Entertainment.]
  • Inclusive Combined: MTSU and Transfer College and Developmental level courses/grades (Includes GPA Hours and Quality Points for all MTSU and transfer work posted) [Used to determine admission to the University.]
  • Overall: MTSU College level courses/grades and Transfer College level courses/grades posted prior to Summer 2015. Transfer College level grades not included if posted Summer 2015 and after. [Used to determine graduation hours, degree GPA]
  • Overall Combined: MTSU College and Developmental level courses/grades and Transfer College and Developmental level courses/grades posted prior to Summer 2015. Transfer College and Developmental level grades not included if posted Summer 2015 and after. [Used to determine classification (freshmen, sophomore, etc.) and academic standing (good standing, probation, suspension).]
  • Latin Honors - See Inclusive: Used to determine undergraduate Latin honors (prior to December 2015 and effective beginning December 2019 forward.)
                 UNDERGRADUATE LATIN HONORS
                 Cum Laude: 3.500 - 3.749 Inclusive GPA (white stole)
                 Magna Cum Laude: 3.750 - 3.899 Inclusive GPA (silver stole)
                 Summa Cum Laude: 3.900 - 4.000 Inclusive GPA (gold stole)
  • Lottery GPA: GPA includes all MTSU and Transfer College and Developmental level courses/grades (excluding dual enrollment coursework taken prior to high school graduation) and is used to determine lottery scholarship eligibility.

Grade Appeals

A grade appeal is a request by a student for a determination, by a Grade Appeals Committee, of an assigned grade where unethical or unprofessional actions are alleged to have resulted in improper grading. There are two levels of grade appeals and please refer to the policy page for proper procedures. Grade appeal forms are found on the MT One Stop website.

  • Level One: If a student believes they did not receive a fair grade, they should meet with the instructor. If there is an impasse after this meeting, the student should meet with the department chair within 10 business days of the initial meeting. The chair will make a recommendation concerning the appeal and provide copies to student and instructor.

  • Level Two: If the student is still not satisfied, they have 15 days to approach the Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs with the appeal, chair recommendation, and all relevant information. The vice provost will select a committee to make a final decision.

Grade Types

Grades A, B, C, D, & F describe the quality of student achievement. Grade FA means “failed to attend.” Grade N means “no credit” and is given to certain courses that have minimum grade requirements (such as ENGL 1010). Grade P is given for pass/fail courses (or AP credit). Grade W demonstrates a course was dropped after a certain date. Grade NC indicates an audited class for no credit. Grades that begin with T (effective Summer 2015) demonstrate a transfer grade and will not be calculated in overall or overall combined GPAs.

Incomplete Grades

The letter grade I is given to students who do not complete required coursework and have been allowed an extended amount of time to complete it by their professor. The incomplete must be removed during the succeeding semester, excluding summer. Otherwise, the instructor default grade is entered. A student cannot make up the incomplete by registering and paying again for the same course, nor can the student attend a class without registration. The I grade carries no value until converted to a final grade. Refer the student to their professor for specific information.

Judicial Affairs

Office responsible for student violations of prohibited behavior on campus or at campus events. Reports of acts/incidents involving students may be referred and directed to the Assistant Dean for Judicial Affairs. After a preliminary review, there is a hearing procedure, unless the student waives TUAPA case procedures. A student suspended or expelled after hearing can appeal within 48 hours. 

Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP)

MTSU’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) is an essential component of SACSCOC accreditation. Through the intentional alignment of the QEP with the University’s mission and strategic plan, students not only receive a robust education but also develop the skills, values, and experiences necessary to thrive academically, professionally, and personally. The QEP serves as a roadmap for continuous improvement in educational quality and student success and provides a framework for identifying opportunities that impact and enhance student learning and the overall educational experience.

MTSU has a strong and successful record of establishing and implementing Quality Enhancement Plans that support our students and faculty. Through the EXL and MT Engage initiatives, which are emblematic of our dedication to experiential learning and holistic student support, we empower learners to thrive academically and beyond. With the QEP as our guide, we continually identify opportunities to enhance the student experience, driving innovation and excellence in education at MTSU.

Partners in Education (PIE) Authorization

Students can choose to complete a PIE form that will grant designated people access to student-privileged information. If a PIE form does not exist, MT One Stop staff cannot provide the inquirer student information that is protected under FERPA. Students can elect to submit this form on PipelineMT under “Student Records.” PIE partners are given a PIN that they will need to provide to staff before receiving privileged information.

Repeating a Course

Students can retake a course to raise their GPA. The first attempt will replace the previous grade, no matter the grade. On a second attempt, the grade will no longer be replaced, and its hours will be added into total GPA hours. More information can be found on the MT One Stop website.

Title IX

MTSU has implemented its University Title IX Compliance policy (Policy 29) and its investigation procedures. The policy changes seek to provide stronger due process protections to  those who  are accused  of sexual misconduct, while also balancing the rights of those who experience sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking. The changes include a new grievance process that requires a written complaint signed by the complainant (person who reports harm) requesting the university to conduct an investigation of a reported violation by a University respondent (the person who is accused). A Title IX investigator will conduct a traditional investigation to create a summary report. An independent hearing officer/decision-maker will then conduct a live-hearing  that includes cross examination to determine if there was a violation of University policy. Any allegation of sexual misconduct, discrimination, or harassment not covered by Policy 29 will be reviewed according to the previous Policy 27.

Mandatory Reporter

All Academic Advisors are mandatory reporters. Under Policy 29, once a mandatory reporter becomes aware of a reported violation of a student, faculty, staff or other member of the University community, it must be reported to the Title IX Coordinator. Mandatory reporters at MTSU are:

  • Title IX Deputy Coordinators
  • University Police
  • Residence Hall/Housing Area Coordinators, Resident Directors and Resident Assistants
  • Faculty and Graduate Assistants
  • President, Provost, Vice Presidents, Associate Vice Presidents, Assistant Vice Presidents,
  • Deans, Associate and Assistant Deans, Directors, Associate and Assistant Directors, Department Chairs/Heads
  • Advising Managers and Academic Advisors
  • Advisors for Student Organizations
  • Athletic Coaches and Trainers
  • Athletic Director, Associate Athletic Directors and Assistant Athletic Directors

Withdrawals

Students can either partially or fully withdraw from MTSU at any point during the semester. Withdrawal deadlines can be found on the Registration Guide. Some students may also qualify for extenuating circumstance withdrawal. 

  • Partial Withdrawal: Refers to when a student drops some but not all classes. This can still jeopardize such things as financial aid, housing, and veterans benefits. The student should talk to both their advisor and the MT One Stop prior to dropping. Students can drop via Pipeline through the 60% point of the semester (dates in Registration Guide).
  • Unofficial Withdrawal: Student has been reported as never or stopped-attending by faculty. The student will receive a grade of FA. This can also jeopardize current and future financial aid status, while negatively impacting GPA as well.
  • Total Withdrawal: Student drops all courses. While students can initiate this online through the semester’s Study Day, they should contact One Stop first to understand all financial aid/fee implications. Withdrawing at any point could result in a balance due to the university.

 

If you see anything on this site that needs editing, updating, or have suggestions for additions, please email Erin.Arnold@mtsu.edu.