UMUC Policies
This page is intended for quick reference of UMUC policy only. Any close examination of policy should be completed by carefully reading the policy in its entirety. The full index and policy links below provide access to the full written policies at the UMUC website.
UMUC Academic Affairs Policies - Full Index
Summary outlines of select UMUC Academic Affairs Policies
Policy 130.70 - Student Grievance Procedures
> Defines conference, administrator, and respondent. The administrator for the Graduate School is the Senior Vice President for Academic Programs and Dean.
> Explains process for handling student grievances
- Student must request conference (telephone, written, video conference, or in person) with respondent and attempt to resolve alleged omission or act within 14 calendar days of omission or act.
- If a resolution is not reached, the student may file a formal complainant within 30 calendar days of alleged act or omission with the administrator.
- Describes what the complaint must include-- concise description of the alleged omission or act, relevant facts, resolution
sought, arguments in support of the resolution, and any relevant supporting documentation.
- Describes the administrator's role and responsibilities in the process including notifying student and respondent of decisions within 40 calendar days of receipt
- If the complaint is not dismissed, the Administrator will appoint an ad-hoc Investigation Committee of UMUC
employees who will fact find and provide recommendations to the administrator.
- The administrator will then make a decision and notify both parties.
> Explains process for appeals
- Student or respondent can appeal administrator's decisions within 30 calendar days to the provost in writing.
- The Provost will make a decisions with 30 calender days of receipt of appeal.
- The Provost's decision is final and cannot be appealed.
Policy 130.80 - Procedures for Review of Alleged Arbitrary and Capricious Grading
Policy 150.25 - Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism
Policy 150.50 - Misconduct in Scholarly Work
> Please review this policy carefully.
" > This Policy describes academic integrity and the procedures for handling academic dishonesty and plagiarism at UMUC.
> UMUC identifies academic integrity as the commitment to certain core values: truth, honesty, fairness, respect, and responsibility.
> Online resources to educate faculty, students and staff regarding academic integrity standards are located at Information and Library Services and the Effective Writing Center.
> Academic dishonesty is the failure to maintain academic integrity. UMUC defines acts of academic dishonesty; ensures
procedures for due process for students accused or suspected of acts of academic dishonesty; and imposes appropriate
sanctions on students found to be guilty of acts of academic dishonesty.
> All charges of academic dishonesty will be brought in accordance with this Policy. UMUC expects all members of the university community to share the responsibility and authority to report known acts of academic dishonesty.
>In every case of alleged academic dishonesty, the burden of proof rests with the UMUC faculty member or administrator to clearly demonstrate that the student committed an act of academic dishonesty."
> The policy provides definitions of the following terms as related to the policy:
- academic dishonesty;
- plagiarism;
- cheating;
- fabrication;
- offering bribery for grades, transcripts, or diplomas;
- obtaining or giving aid on an examination;
- presenting another's work as one's own or doing work for another student;
- having unauthorized prior knowledge of an examination; and
- using a proxy during an examination.
> The policy also provides definitions of
- conference, administrators, and unit director
- Administrators for graduate courses originating at UMUC Stateside are the Chair and/or Program Director for the faculty member's academic area.
- The unit director for graduate courses originating at UMUC Stateside is the Dean and Vice Provost or Associate Dean, Graduate School of Management and Technology.
> Describes procedures for handling charges of alleged academic dishonesty
> Describes appeal process
> Describes disciplinary action in cases of academic dishonesty. "The following is a list of sanctions that may be imposed:
- A requirement to complete appropriate remedial work, selected by the unit director, including but not limited to
additional undergraduate or graduate writing courses, online tutorials, and other options, before continuing on in a degree
or certificate program.
- A reduction in the grade on the work in question.
- A zero or a grade of F on the work in question.
- A grade of F in the course and/or denial of portfolio credit.
- Suspension for Academic Dishonesty with a letter in the student's file (on the recommendation of the unit director and
with the approval of the Provost).
- Expulsion for Academic Dishonesty (on the recommendation of the unit director and with the approval of the Provost).
- Students who receive a sanction that prohibits them from registering at UMUC (Suspension, or Expulsion) may not
subsequently transfer to UMUC credits earned elsewhere during the time in which they were prohibited from registering.
- Students expelled or suspended for reasons of academic dishonesty by any institution in the University System of Maryland
shall not be admissible to any other System institution if expelled, or during any period of suspension."
> Explains disciplinary files and records
" - An imposition of the sanctions above will result in the development of a student's disciplinary file, which shall be nullified if the student is found innocent of the charges. The records of students found guilty of any of the charges against them will be retained as permanent disciplinary records."
> Describes How Disciplinary records may be expunged
Policy 158.00 - Academic Levels of Progress
> Please review this policy carefully.
> This policy defines the academic levels of progress requirements for undergraduate and graduate students.
"> Graduate Levels of Progress – Masters Degrees and Certificates
- At the end every term, the cumulative grade-point average (GPA) and academic records for graduate students are reviewed to determine academic standing.
- Good academic standing is defined as a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and no final grades of F.
> Academic Probation
- A student is placed on academic probation when the academic standing review reveals a cumulative GPA below 3.0 or a final
grade of F.
- Students on academic probation because of a GPA below 3.0 must raise the cumulative GPA to 3.0 or higher by the end of the next term of enrollment. Failure to do so results in academic dismissal.
- Students on probation because of a final grade of C must repeat the course in which the C was earned the next term of enrollment.
- Students on probation because of a final grade of F must repeat the course in which the F was earned the next term of enrollment unless the grade results in academic dismissal (See Section III.B.4).
> Academic Dismissal
- Students have one term on academic probation and one opportunity to raise the GPA to 3.0 or successfully repeat a grade of F. A student on academic probation who fails to raise the cumulative GPA to 3.0 or higher or fails to successfully repeat a grade of F is academically dismissed.
- Students academically dismissed from a graduate program are not eligible for readmission to a UMUC graduate program except under the conditions of Reinstatement in Section III.B.6 of this policy
> Grades of F
- Any course in which a final grade of F is earned must be repeated in the next term of enrollment unless the grade results in academic dismissal.
- No grade of F may remain on the student transcript at the time of program completion, regardless of GPA.
> Reinstatement
- A student on academic probation who does not attend a graduate course for a period of at least 7 consecutive years from the last date of attendance may request a one-time reinstatement to begin a program anew.
- A student who has been academically dismissed may request a one-time reinstatement after a period of at least 7 consecutive years from the last date of attendance to begin a program anew.
- Students should contact their advisor to discuss reinstatement options.
- Prior grades and credits earned will not apply toward the new program of a reinstated student."
Policy 170.10 - Graduate Admissions Policy
> Describes admissions requirements for applying to The Graduate School.
- Submit a completed application
- Application fee
- Official transcript of completed bachelor's degree
> Explains admissions requirements for international students and processes for evaluation of international transcripts and demonstration of English proficiency.
> Lists six additional criteria for doctoral admissions.
Policy 170.40 - Degree Completion Requirements for the Graduate School
> This policy describes degree completion requirements. To be approved for graduation,
- Students must resolve any outstanding fees, charges of misconduct, and comply with terms of sanctions.
- Students must complete all program requirements and comply with UMUC policy.
- Students must submit proof of completion of required credit hours and other requirements of program curriculum within the specified time frame for program completion.
- Students must have a combined GPA of 3.0 in all courses.
Policy 170.71 - Policy on Grade of Incomplete
> This policy explains the grade of Incomplete or I.
- An Incomplete is exceptional grade only granted to students who have completed satisfactory work but are unable to complete
all course work because of illness or other circumstances beyond their control.
- Only considered when students have completed at least 60% of course work with a grade of B or better.
- Students must request an Incomplete from their faculty member before the end of the semester.
- Faculty member retains right to make final decision if Incomplete will be granted.
- If Incomplete is approved, the faculty member will determine a deadline within four months of the last day of the semester.
- The faculty member will notify student of deadline.
- Graduate students may not request extensions beyond this deadline.
> This policy also define grade of G or Grade Pending
- Grade pending outcome of policy or disciplinary matters
Policy 170.72 - Course Withdrawal Policy
Policy 205.06 - Calculation Of Grade-Point Average (GPA) for Inclusion on Transcripts and Transcript Requests
> There is a difference in grading at the graduate level. You should read this policy carefully if you are not familiar with grade point average (GPA) or graduate school grading.
> Defines a credit as 60 minutes per week per semester. Most courses are three credit hours.
> Describes how many quality points each grade is worth. For example a grade of A is worth four quality points.
- A = 4 points
- B = 3 points
- C = 2 points
- D = 1 point and is not included in computation of GPA. The Graduate School does not award a grade of D.
> Describes point values of F and FN and how these grades are treated in computation of GPA
> Describes how grades of P, S, I, W, AUD, T Au, H G, and R are treated in computation of GPA.
> See Part 2, Section E of policy for description of how GPA is calculated.
- Basically GPA is calculated by dividing the total number of quality points by the number of credits attempted.
> This policy also includes procedure for requesting transcripts
- Students may request transcripts through umuc.edu
- Students may request transcripts through the Office of the Registrar
Policy 210.19 - Registration
> This policy describes Registration at UMUC.
- Students must be registered to attend UMUC.
- Meeting times for courses may not overlap.
> Describes how to register
- Students are encouraged to speak with an academic advisor before registering.
- Students may register at http://my.umu.edu or by phone at 800-888-UMUC.
- Stateside students may not register for overseas courses or courses offered under contract for the military.
> Students are responsible for initiating any changes in registration in person, by email, or through MyUMUC portal.
> Students are responsible for arranging placement tests.
UMUC Student Affairs Policies - Full Index
Summary outlines of select UMUC Student Affairs Policies
Policy 151.00 - Code of Student Conduct
> Describes prohibited conduct at UMUC and provides definitions relevant to the policy.
> Outlines prohibited student conduct subject to disciplinary action.
- Academic dishonesty
- Written or spoken derogatory references to personal characteristics that create a hostile environment
- Discrimination or harassment, including sexual harassment
- Intentional and substantial interference with freedom of expression of others on premises or at activities
- Intentional or reckless harm to others on premises or at activities
- Intentional or reckless interference with normal activities like studying, teaching, research, administration, emergency services
- Intentional use of UMUC or USM computers to upload harmful code, files, or programs
- Intentional or reckless damage to property of others on premises or at activities
- Intentional initiation of false report, warning, or threat of emergency on premises or at activities
- Intentional or reckless misuse of fire-safety equipment
- Theft of property or services or known possession of stolen property or services on premises or at activities
- Unlawful use of any controlled substance, illegal drug, or alcohol on premises or at activities
- Intentional submission of false information to UMUC
- Failure to comply with officials, including security officers and Campus Police acting in performance of duty
- Forgery and unauthorized alteration or use of any UMUC or USM documents
- Unauthorized use or possession or fireworks on premises or at activities
- Intentional violation any sanctions imposed in accordance with the Code
- Violation of published UMUC or USM regulations or policies (e.g. Acceptable Use Policy)
- Conviction of any crime while actively enrolled that represents a substantial threat to persons or property affiliated with UMUC
> Explains process for reporting alleged violations of the Code of Conduct.
- Report violations to the Administrator of the Code of Conduct within 15 days
- All referrals are confidential.
> Describes process of Interim Suspension pending investigation when continued presence poses a threat.
> Outlines procedures that the Administrator for the Code of Student Conduct will take when a violation is reported.
> Describes initial inquiry, code process options, hearing committee, administrative conference, and appeals and sanctions.
> Explains creation and storage of student disciplinary files and records after a reported violation.
Policy 220.33 - Financial Aid - Satisfactory Academic Progress - Graduate
> Describes guidelines for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for financial aid recipients.
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Maximum 5 -7 year time frame for completion of degree (number of years depends on degree)
> Explains treatment of grades W, I, AU, F, FN, S, P, U, G, no grade reported, repeated coursework, and transfer credits.
> Defines Financial Aid Denied status.
- No financial aid is disbursed while on Financial Aid Denied status
> Explains how financial aid can be reinstated on Financial Aid Denied status.
- Letter of appeal to Financial Aid Appeals Committee may be granted
- Achievement of SAP without financial aid
> Describes appeals process and deadlines and specifies eligible circumstances.
- Submit written appeal describing past circumstances and future ability to achieve SAP
Policy 220.60 - Federal Financial Aid Return of Funds Policy
> Describes the method used to calculate return of Federal financial aid after drop or withdraw from class.
> Notes that students are responsible for any monies owed to the institution after the calculation.
UMUC Academic Affairs Policies - Full Index
Summary outlines of select UMUC Academic Affairs Policies
Policy 130.70 - Student Grievance Procedures
> Defines conference, administrator, and respondent. The administrator for the Graduate School is the Senior Vice President for Academic Programs and Dean.
> Explains process for handling student grievances
- Student must request conference (telephone, written, video conference, or in person) with respondent and attempt to resolve alleged omission or act within 14 calendar days of omission or act.
- If a resolution is not reached, the student may file a formal complainant within 30 calendar days of alleged act or omission with the administrator.
- Describes what the complaint must include-- concise description of the alleged omission or act, relevant facts, resolution
sought, arguments in support of the resolution, and any relevant supporting documentation.
- Describes the administrator's role and responsibilities in the process including notifying student and respondent of decisions within 40 calendar days of receipt
- If the complaint is not dismissed, the Administrator will appoint an ad-hoc Investigation Committee of UMUC
employees who will fact find and provide recommendations to the administrator.
- The administrator will then make a decision and notify both parties.
> Explains process for appeals
- Student or respondent can appeal administrator's decisions within 30 calendar days to the provost in writing.
- The Provost will make a decisions with 30 calender days of receipt of appeal.
- The Provost's decision is final and cannot be appealed.
Policy 130.80 - Procedures for Review of Alleged Arbitrary and Capricious Grading
Policy 150.25 - Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism
Policy 150.50 - Misconduct in Scholarly Work
> Please review this policy carefully.
" > This Policy describes academic integrity and the procedures for handling academic dishonesty and plagiarism at UMUC.
> UMUC identifies academic integrity as the commitment to certain core values: truth, honesty, fairness, respect, and responsibility.
> Online resources to educate faculty, students and staff regarding academic integrity standards are located at Information and Library Services and the Effective Writing Center.
> Academic dishonesty is the failure to maintain academic integrity. UMUC defines acts of academic dishonesty; ensures
procedures for due process for students accused or suspected of acts of academic dishonesty; and imposes appropriate
sanctions on students found to be guilty of acts of academic dishonesty.
> All charges of academic dishonesty will be brought in accordance with this Policy. UMUC expects all members of the university community to share the responsibility and authority to report known acts of academic dishonesty.
>In every case of alleged academic dishonesty, the burden of proof rests with the UMUC faculty member or administrator to clearly demonstrate that the student committed an act of academic dishonesty."
> The policy provides definitions of the following terms as related to the policy:
- academic dishonesty;
- plagiarism;
- cheating;
- fabrication;
- offering bribery for grades, transcripts, or diplomas;
- obtaining or giving aid on an examination;
- presenting another's work as one's own or doing work for another student;
- having unauthorized prior knowledge of an examination; and
- using a proxy during an examination.
> The policy also provides definitions of
- conference, administrators, and unit director
- Administrators for graduate courses originating at UMUC Stateside are the Chair and/or Program Director for the faculty member's academic area.
- The unit director for graduate courses originating at UMUC Stateside is the Dean and Vice Provost or Associate Dean, Graduate School of Management and Technology.
> Describes procedures for handling charges of alleged academic dishonesty
> Describes appeal process
> Describes disciplinary action in cases of academic dishonesty. "The following is a list of sanctions that may be imposed:
- A requirement to complete appropriate remedial work, selected by the unit director, including but not limited to
additional undergraduate or graduate writing courses, online tutorials, and other options, before continuing on in a degree
or certificate program.
- A reduction in the grade on the work in question.
- A zero or a grade of F on the work in question.
- A grade of F in the course and/or denial of portfolio credit.
- Suspension for Academic Dishonesty with a letter in the student's file (on the recommendation of the unit director and
with the approval of the Provost).
- Expulsion for Academic Dishonesty (on the recommendation of the unit director and with the approval of the Provost).
- Students who receive a sanction that prohibits them from registering at UMUC (Suspension, or Expulsion) may not
subsequently transfer to UMUC credits earned elsewhere during the time in which they were prohibited from registering.
- Students expelled or suspended for reasons of academic dishonesty by any institution in the University System of Maryland
shall not be admissible to any other System institution if expelled, or during any period of suspension."
> Explains disciplinary files and records
" - An imposition of the sanctions above will result in the development of a student's disciplinary file, which shall be nullified if the student is found innocent of the charges. The records of students found guilty of any of the charges against them will be retained as permanent disciplinary records."
> Describes How Disciplinary records may be expunged
Policy 158.00 - Academic Levels of Progress
> Please review this policy carefully.
> This policy defines the academic levels of progress requirements for undergraduate and graduate students.
"> Graduate Levels of Progress – Masters Degrees and Certificates
- At the end every term, the cumulative grade-point average (GPA) and academic records for graduate students are reviewed to determine academic standing.
- Good academic standing is defined as a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and no final grades of F.
> Academic Probation
- A student is placed on academic probation when the academic standing review reveals a cumulative GPA below 3.0 or a final
grade of F.
- Students on academic probation because of a GPA below 3.0 must raise the cumulative GPA to 3.0 or higher by the end of the next term of enrollment. Failure to do so results in academic dismissal.
- Students on probation because of a final grade of C must repeat the course in which the C was earned the next term of enrollment.
- Students on probation because of a final grade of F must repeat the course in which the F was earned the next term of enrollment unless the grade results in academic dismissal (See Section III.B.4).
> Academic Dismissal
- Students have one term on academic probation and one opportunity to raise the GPA to 3.0 or successfully repeat a grade of F. A student on academic probation who fails to raise the cumulative GPA to 3.0 or higher or fails to successfully repeat a grade of F is academically dismissed.
- Students academically dismissed from a graduate program are not eligible for readmission to a UMUC graduate program except under the conditions of Reinstatement in Section III.B.6 of this policy
> Grades of F
- Any course in which a final grade of F is earned must be repeated in the next term of enrollment unless the grade results in academic dismissal.
- No grade of F may remain on the student transcript at the time of program completion, regardless of GPA.
> Reinstatement
- A student on academic probation who does not attend a graduate course for a period of at least 7 consecutive years from the last date of attendance may request a one-time reinstatement to begin a program anew.
- A student who has been academically dismissed may request a one-time reinstatement after a period of at least 7 consecutive years from the last date of attendance to begin a program anew.
- Students should contact their advisor to discuss reinstatement options.
- Prior grades and credits earned will not apply toward the new program of a reinstated student."
Policy 170.10 - Graduate Admissions Policy
> Describes admissions requirements for applying to The Graduate School.
- Submit a completed application
- Application fee
- Official transcript of completed bachelor's degree
> Explains admissions requirements for international students and processes for evaluation of international transcripts and demonstration of English proficiency.
> Lists six additional criteria for doctoral admissions.
Policy 170.40 - Degree Completion Requirements for the Graduate School
> This policy describes degree completion requirements. To be approved for graduation,
- Students must resolve any outstanding fees, charges of misconduct, and comply with terms of sanctions.
- Students must complete all program requirements and comply with UMUC policy.
- Students must submit proof of completion of required credit hours and other requirements of program curriculum within the specified time frame for program completion.
- Students must have a combined GPA of 3.0 in all courses.
Policy 170.71 - Policy on Grade of Incomplete
> This policy explains the grade of Incomplete or I.
- An Incomplete is exceptional grade only granted to students who have completed satisfactory work but are unable to complete
all course work because of illness or other circumstances beyond their control.
- Only considered when students have completed at least 60% of course work with a grade of B or better.
- Students must request an Incomplete from their faculty member before the end of the semester.
- Faculty member retains right to make final decision if Incomplete will be granted.
- If Incomplete is approved, the faculty member will determine a deadline within four months of the last day of the semester.
- The faculty member will notify student of deadline.
- Graduate students may not request extensions beyond this deadline.
> This policy also define grade of G or Grade Pending
- Grade pending outcome of policy or disciplinary matters
Policy 170.72 - Course Withdrawal Policy
Policy 205.06 - Calculation Of Grade-Point Average (GPA) for Inclusion on Transcripts and Transcript Requests
> There is a difference in grading at the graduate level. You should read this policy carefully if you are not familiar with grade point average (GPA) or graduate school grading.
> Defines a credit as 60 minutes per week per semester. Most courses are three credit hours.
> Describes how many quality points each grade is worth. For example a grade of A is worth four quality points.
- A = 4 points
- B = 3 points
- C = 2 points
- D = 1 point and is not included in computation of GPA. The Graduate School does not award a grade of D.
> Describes point values of F and FN and how these grades are treated in computation of GPA
> Describes how grades of P, S, I, W, AUD, T Au, H G, and R are treated in computation of GPA.
> See Part 2, Section E of policy for description of how GPA is calculated.
- Basically GPA is calculated by dividing the total number of quality points by the number of credits attempted.
> This policy also includes procedure for requesting transcripts
- Students may request transcripts through umuc.edu
- Students may request transcripts through the Office of the Registrar
Policy 210.19 - Registration
> This policy describes Registration at UMUC.
- Students must be registered to attend UMUC.
- Meeting times for courses may not overlap.
> Describes how to register
- Students are encouraged to speak with an academic advisor before registering.
- Students may register at http://my.umu.edu or by phone at 800-888-UMUC.
- Stateside students may not register for overseas courses or courses offered under contract for the military.
> Students are responsible for initiating any changes in registration in person, by email, or through MyUMUC portal.
> Students are responsible for arranging placement tests.
UMUC Student Affairs Policies - Full Index
Summary outlines of select UMUC Student Affairs Policies
Policy 151.00 - Code of Student Conduct
> Describes prohibited conduct at UMUC and provides definitions relevant to the policy.
> Outlines prohibited student conduct subject to disciplinary action.
- Academic dishonesty
- Written or spoken derogatory references to personal characteristics that create a hostile environment
- Discrimination or harassment, including sexual harassment
- Intentional and substantial interference with freedom of expression of others on premises or at activities
- Intentional or reckless harm to others on premises or at activities
- Intentional or reckless interference with normal activities like studying, teaching, research, administration, emergency services
- Intentional use of UMUC or USM computers to upload harmful code, files, or programs
- Intentional or reckless damage to property of others on premises or at activities
- Intentional initiation of false report, warning, or threat of emergency on premises or at activities
- Intentional or reckless misuse of fire-safety equipment
- Theft of property or services or known possession of stolen property or services on premises or at activities
- Unlawful use of any controlled substance, illegal drug, or alcohol on premises or at activities
- Intentional submission of false information to UMUC
- Failure to comply with officials, including security officers and Campus Police acting in performance of duty
- Forgery and unauthorized alteration or use of any UMUC or USM documents
- Unauthorized use or possession or fireworks on premises or at activities
- Intentional violation any sanctions imposed in accordance with the Code
- Violation of published UMUC or USM regulations or policies (e.g. Acceptable Use Policy)
- Conviction of any crime while actively enrolled that represents a substantial threat to persons or property affiliated with UMUC
> Explains process for reporting alleged violations of the Code of Conduct.
- Report violations to the Administrator of the Code of Conduct within 15 days
- All referrals are confidential.
> Describes process of Interim Suspension pending investigation when continued presence poses a threat.
> Outlines procedures that the Administrator for the Code of Student Conduct will take when a violation is reported.
> Describes initial inquiry, code process options, hearing committee, administrative conference, and appeals and sanctions.
> Explains creation and storage of student disciplinary files and records after a reported violation.
Policy 220.33 - Financial Aid - Satisfactory Academic Progress - Graduate
> Describes guidelines for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for financial aid recipients.
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Maximum 5 -7 year time frame for completion of degree (number of years depends on degree)
> Explains treatment of grades W, I, AU, F, FN, S, P, U, G, no grade reported, repeated coursework, and transfer credits.
> Defines Financial Aid Denied status.
- No financial aid is disbursed while on Financial Aid Denied status
> Explains how financial aid can be reinstated on Financial Aid Denied status.
- Letter of appeal to Financial Aid Appeals Committee may be granted
- Achievement of SAP without financial aid
> Describes appeals process and deadlines and specifies eligible circumstances.
- Submit written appeal describing past circumstances and future ability to achieve SAP
Policy 220.60 - Federal Financial Aid Return of Funds Policy
> Describes the method used to calculate return of Federal financial aid after drop or withdraw from class.
> Notes that students are responsible for any monies owed to the institution after the calculation.