Student Academic Responsibilities
Classification of Students
Academic Advising
Academic Load
Class Attendance
Registration
Changes in Registration
Enrollment in College of Graduate & Extended Studies/Online Courses
Institution-Sanctioned Absences Policy
Withdrawal Policies
Course Numbering System
Course Delivery Definition
Calculation of Credit Hour
Upper-Level (Junior and Senior) Courses
Proctored Exam Information
Special Courses
Study Abroad
Educator Certification Programs
Student Academic Responsibilities
Because education is a uniquely personal experience, it is the individual responsibility of each student (1) to know the degree requirements for his or her own course of study; (2) to know the rules, regulations, and deadlines which govern the academic programs which are published in this catalog; and (3) to develop and follow schedules which comply with these course and program requirements. The University's faculty, advisors, and staff support each student's education in every way they can, but students must assume final responsibility to establish the timeline for advancing and completing their course of study, to register for the appropriate courses, and to complete all degree requirements. Students are also responsible for knowing and adhering to all University policies published in The Student Handbook. Registration in the University confirms students' acceptance of these obligations.
Classification of Students
Students are classified by the Hours of credit achieved.
- Freshman: 1-29 Hours
- Sophomore: 30-59 Hours
- Junior: 60-89 Hours
- Senior: 90 or more Hours
Special Students are not matriculating for a degree but wish to enroll in specific courses. They may be full- or part-time and may or may not have a baccalaureate degree.
Part-Time Students have matriculated for a degree but in any given term are registered for fewer than six semester hours of credit.
CMU First Class (Dual Credit) Students are enrolled in college courses while concurrently enrolled in a high school program.
Graduate Students have received an undergraduate degree and are enrolled in a graduate program of study.
Academic Advising
In addition to maintaining a personal relationship between student and instructor in the classroom and beyond, the Registrar, regional site coordinators, and directors advise students and monitor their programs and progress. Staff and faculty advisors assist students in planning academic work, registration, and management of problems during their college career. They assist students in interpreting degree requirements and in determining which requirements have or have not been met. The University also keeps students informed of their academic progress through an academic monitoring system.
The University holds each student to be finally responsible for being fully informed about the graduation requirements for his or her own degree program and for arranging academic schedules to meet graduation requirements on the timetable the student establishes. Staff and Faculty advisors will do all they can through the advising processes to assist students in meeting their educational goals.
Academic Load
Undergraduate Semesters
- Six (6) hours of academic credit is considered the normal load per 8-week sub-session for undergraduate students registered in CGES terms T1, T2, T3, T4, and S8.
- Twelve (12) hours of academic credit in a 14-16 week session (semester) is considered full-time.
- No undergraduate CGES student may register for more than 4 hours of academic credit per short sub-session (3-4 week term) S1, S2, S3, S4, and January term unless that student has a grade point average of 3.20 in the previous term and obtains written permission from the Provost of the University.
- No undergraduate CGES student may register for more than 9 hours of academic credit per sub-session T1, T2, T3, T4, and S8, or combination of short sub-sessions, unless that student has a grade point average of 3.20 in the previous term and obtains written permission from the Provost of the University.
- No undergraduate CGES student may exceed 18 hours in a 14-16 week session (semester), or combination of sub-sessions, unless that student has a grade point average of 3.20 in the previous term and obtains written permission from the Provost of the University, and only under extreme circumstances. No CGES student may take more than 21 hours in a 14-16 week session (semester), or combination of sub-sessions, even with Provost approval.
Graduate Semesters (GRFA, GRSP, and GRSU)
- Six (6) hours of academic credit is considered the normal load per term for CGES graduate students registered in semesters GRFA, GRSP, or GRSU.
- Graduate students may not register for more than nine (9) hours per semester GRFA, GRSP, or GRSU without written permission of the Provost of the University.
Class Attendance
Students may not be successful in college for many reasons, but the principle reasons for student failure are excessive absence from class and the lack of class preparation. The faculty and administration expect students to attend classes regularly and to establish adequate study patterns. Individual instructors establish their own attendance policies that are clearly stated in each course syllabus. The University reserves the right to withdraw any student from one or more classes or from the University for excessive absence. Students are responsible for any work missed as a result of absence. They should consult with each instructor to make satisfactory arrangements for academic work missed. This should be done in advance whenever possible. Students, faculty and staff are expected to adhere to the policy stated below for Institution-Sanctioned absences. Absence from class does not constitute withdrawal from the class or from the College of Graduate and Extended Studies. Students who leave school without completing the withdrawal process forfeit their claim to honorable dismissal and will receive a grade of "F" for all courses in progress.
Registration
Students must register on the days and at the times designated by the Provost of the University. They should register only after a conference with their advisor. Deadlines for registration and changes in registration are published on the Academic Calendar.
Changes in classes or class sections may be made at no charge during the first week of classes by completing a Change of Course Form from the regional site coordinator. After the first week of classes, courses may not be added. Any exceptions require written permission from the course instructor and the regional site coordinator. Courses may be dropped at any time prior to one week before the last day of classes for the term. Students are urged to remember that the grade of "F" will be recorded on their transcripts for every course that is not completed but not officially dropped. Courses are not officially dropped until the Change of Course Form has been filed in the Office of the Registrar.
Changes in Registration
Changes in classes or class sections may be made only before the deadlines published in the academic calendar by completing a Change of Course Form obtained from the regional site coordinator. Any exceptions require written permission from the course instructor or the Provost. Courses may be dropped at anytime during the term prior to final exam week. Students are urged to remember that the grade of "F" will be recorded on their transcripts for every course that is not completed but not officially dropped. Courses are not officially dropped until the Change of Course Form has been filed in the Registrar's Office.
Course instructors may request that any student be administratively withdrawn from a course for academic misconduct, excessive absence, or disruptive or other unacceptable classroom behavior. With the approval of the Provost of the University, the student will be withdrawn from the class. No charge will be assessed for these changes
Enrollment in CGES/Online Courses
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) students requesting permission to enroll in online or statewide courses during the Fall or Spring semesters must meet one of the following eligibility criteria:
- Through no fault of his/her own, the student must enroll in a specific course to graduate and said course is not available before graduation in CLAS. (If a student postpones taking said course until his/her Senior year that could have been taken earlier, the student may not qualify for enrollment under this criterion.)
- The student will benefit educationally by taking a course and is recommended by his/her advisor, has approval of the Provost, and agrees to pay all tuition/fees required to take the course above regular CLAS tuition and fees.
Students should contact their academic advisors for further details. In most cases, CGES undergraduate tuition applies for any CGES undergraduate courses (see current CGES catalog for undergraduate tuition per credit hour). The Provost might waive CGES tuition if a required CLAS course is unavailable on ground in Fayette, if a CGES course alleviates an unavoidable CLAS schedule conflict, and/or if a CGES course is needed for timely graduation. For CLAS Special Education majors, CGES courses are counted in load (as part of the CLAS tuition) since Special Education courses are available only online for both colleges. If the student's Fayette (on-ground CLAS) hours do not total more than 12 hours and if the Provost does not waive a student's CGES tuition for the online course(s), the student will be considered a part-time Fayette (CLAS) student, which will affect the student's financial assistance and athletic/performance eligibility.
Institutional-Sanctioned Absence Policy
Absences incurred as a result of competitions, performances, or event (with appropriate e-mail notification and the student's name on the list provided), will not be considered when dropping a student's grade because of absences. Each coach is responsible for working with the Athletic Director's Office to ensure that all conference limits are adhered to - in regards to how many competitions can be held on class days in a season. Each coach/director/instructor (or his/her designee) is responsible for sending an e-mail communication to faculty 2-4 days ahead of time, for each competition, performance or event that will interfere with class days. This communication should include departure time, when students will return to campus, and a list of students involved. Students who will miss a class (i.e., lecture, lab, practicum, clinical, etc.) because of an institution-sanctioned event are responsible for talking with each professor ahead of the absence. Where possible class assignments, exams or exercises are to be made up before the departure time. Faculty members should contact the coach/director/instructor if a student on the list should consider (because of class performance or previous absences) not attending the competition or performance. If a student chooses to attend class and skip the competition, performance, or event there will be no direct penalty (extra running, grade penalty, pushups, etc.), from the coach/director/instructor.
Withdrawal Policies
No student may withdraw from classes the last week of classes.
Withdrawals from the University
A student who wishes to withdraw from the University must do so electronically by filling out the online withdrawal form on myCMU. It is the student's responsibility to see that this withdrawal form is completed. . An honorable dismissal will be granted to all students who desire to withdraw from the University if they are in good academic standing, are not subject to discipline, have made satisfactory arrangements for settling their financial account, and file the completed withdrawal form. Students who withdraw from the University will receive grades for the courses in which they are registered according to the grading policies published in this catalog.
The University reserves the right to withdraw any student from one or more classes or from the University for academic misconduct, excessive absence, disruptive behavior, or other sufficient cause.
Withdrawl for CMU First Class (Dual Credit)
A CMU First Class (dual credit) student who wishes to withdraw from the University must obtain a withdrawal form from the CMU First Class (dual credit) coordinator at the High School who will outline the proper procedure for withdrawal. It is the student's responsibility to see that this withdrawal form is completed, signed, and sent to the University.
Medical Withdrawal
Students may withdraw from classes at any time during the term for medical reasons. Requests made after the last day to drop with a "W" must be approved by the Provost of the Univsersity or, at the Provost's request, by The Academic Standards and Admissions Committee. The Registrar will indicate the withdrawal by placing a "W" on the transcript. A student (or someone representing the student) must initiate the medical withdrawal process by notifying the Office of Student Development or the Registrar's Office. They will outline the proper procedures for withdrawal. The student seeking a medical withdrawal must present a bona fide medical excuse signed by a physician. The regular refund schedule will apply to medical withdrawals.
Students who have been granted a medical withdrawal and wish to re-enter the University must follow standard re-admission policies and must provide satisfactory evidence that their medical condition will no longer impede their academic performance.
Iowa Military Deployment Policy
Central Methodist University will offer the following options to a student who is a member or the spouse of a member if the member has a dependent child, of the Iowa National Guard or U.S. forces who is ordered to state or federal military service or duty:
Withdraw the student's entire registration and receive a full refund of tuition and mandatory fees. The Office of the Registrar, in concert with the Business Office, will assure the timely processing of all withdrawal requests and refunds.
If requested by the student, make arrangements with the student's instructors to assist in the request to receive an Incomplete in accordance with institutional policy. All coursework must be completed in accordance with the Incomplete Policy found in the college catalog. If such arrangements are made, the student's registration and all applicable fees will be assessed for courses in full.
Administrative Withdrawal Policy
Central Methodist University expects students to be actively engaged in their courses, defined as attending each and every class meeting and diligently completing all learning activities (daily assignments, quizzes, papers, problem-sets, etc.) for each enrolled course. This administrative withdrawal policy was created to assist students in establishing good academic engagement and attendance habits. Failure to routinely complete daily and major assignments or attend class places students in jeopardy of being administratively withdrawn from any or all courses at any time during a semester or term. Administrative withdrawals may reduce the amount of financial assistance the student receives and could necessitate repayment of aid already received. Students who are administratively withdrawn will not be eligible for a tuition refund. Being administratively withdrawn does not relieve their obligation to pay all tuition and fees due to the college. The University reserves the right to withdraw any student from one or more classes or from the University for academic misconduct, excessive absence, disruptive behavior, or other sufficient cause.
Course Numbering System
Courses numbered 000-099 do not fulfill any graduation requirements. They are developmental courses designed to prepare students for college-level work.
Courses numbered 100-199 are designed with few or no prerequisites. They are survey courses, courses defining basic concepts, or courses presenting the terminology of a discipline. Typically, courses in this range will focus on recall of facts and explaining ideas or concepts. Outcomes may include words such as: define, discover, duplicate, list, memorize, repeat, state, classify, describe, discuss, explain, identify, locate, recognize, report, and select.
Courses numbered 200-299 may have prerequisites. They include survey courses of areas of a discipline. Typically, courses in this range will focus on explaining ideas or concepts and using information in new situations. Outcomes may include words such as: classify, describe, discuss, explain, identify, locate, recognize, report, select, execute, implement, solve, use, demonstrate, interpret, operate, schedule, and sketch.
Courses numbered 300-399 usually have prerequisites and typically are taken by upper division students and majors. Generally, these are courses specific to a major, not offered as part of the general education model. Typically, courses in this range will focus on drawing connections among ideas and justifying a decision. Outcomes may include words such as: analyze, differentiate, organize, relate, compare, contrast, distinguish, examine, experiment, question, test, appraise, argue, defend, judge, select, support, value, critique, and weigh.
Courses numbered 400-499 usually have prerequisites and are taken by advanced students in the major. Capstone courses generally fall in this category. Typically, courses in this range will focus on evaluating decisions and creating new work. Outcomes may include words such as: appraise, argue, defend, judge, select, support, value, critique, weigh, design, construct, create, formulate, investigate, invent, and author.
Courses numbered 500-699 are designed for post-baccalaureate, graduate level study. These courses are specialized, in-depth, and advanced, and emphasize problem-solving, analytical thinking skills, and theoretical applications. These courses often build on the foundation provided by the skills and knowledge of a baccalaureate education. Graduate courses may require the student to synthesize topics from a variety of source and may also require greater responsibility, or independence on the part of the student. These courses require instructors with specialized knowledge and preparation.
Course Delivery Definition
The following definitions of educational delivery methods are based on the Online Learning Consortium (2015) course classification system. For the purposes of these definitions, synchronous is defined as class instruction and student learning occurring at the same time (for example: in the classroom at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday); asynchronous is defined as class instruction and student learning occurring at different times (for example: viewing a recorded lecture for the first time three days after it is conducted). Please note that these definitions pertain to the delivery method not course content.
- Traditional Classroom Course: 100% of course content is delivered face-to-face in the classroom. The instructor and students will meet a total of 15 hours per credit hour awarded. The date and time of all meetings must be posted on the course schedule available on the CMU website. Attendance and participation policies are at the discretion of the instructor. The learning management system, myCMU, may be used for posting course resources and materials for students.
- Synchronous Web-Enhanced Course: 100% of course content is delivered face-to-face in the classroom or through web-conferencing (Big Blue Button or Zoom). The instructor and students will meet a total of 15 hours per credit hour awarded. The date and time of all meetings must be posted on the course schedule available on the CMU website. Attendance and participation policies are at the discretion of the instructor. The learning management system, myCMU, must be used for hosting web-conferences.
- Hybrid Web-Enhanced Course: 35-75% of course content is delivered face-to-face through web-conferencing (Big Blue Button or Zoom) with the remaining content delivered asynchronously online. The total time between web-conferencing and online activities will be a total of 15 hours per credit hour awarded. The date and time of classroom meetings must be posted on the course schedule available on the CMU website, along with the total number of online hours required for the course.
- Hybrid/Blended Course: 35-70% of course content is delivered face-to-face in the classroom, with the remaining content delivered asynchronously online. The total time between the classroom and online activities will be a total of 15 hours per credit hour awarded. The date and time of classroom meetings must be posted on the course schedule available on the CMU website, along with the total number of online hours required for the course. The online component of the course will be delivered through the learning management system, myCMU, and may include several activities.
- Online Course: 100% of course content is delivered online. Instructor directed activities must equate to 15 hours per credit hours awarded (see time equivalencies for instructor directed activities). There will not be a date or time listed on the schedule available on the CMU website since online courses are asynchronous. If web-conferencing is used, attendance is optional, and recordings must be provided to students to view at their convenience in the learning management system, myCMU.
Calculation of Credit Hour
Federal Definition of Credit Hour
Credit hour: Except as provided in 34 CFR 668.8(k) and (l), a credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than –
- One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out of class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester or trimester hour of credit, or ten to twelve weeks for one quarter hour of credit, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or
- At least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph (1) of this definition for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours. (34 CFR 600.2)
CMU’s Calculation of Credit Hour
CMU will observe the following minimum time requirements for courses:
- Online courses are as rigorous as on-ground courses and typically require as much time to complete the coursework as the on-ground counterpart. Thus, students are expected to demonstrate they have met the student learning outcomes equivalent to a traditionally delivered course.
- Hybrid courses combine on-ground and online study. These courses are as rigorous as completely on-ground courses and typically require as much time to complete the coursework as the on-ground counterpart. Thus, students are expected to demonstrate they have met the student learning outcomes equivalent to a traditionally delivered course.
Students will have the opportunity to meet learning outcomes in a number of ways through online and/or hybrid coursework.
- Direct faculty instruction will include:
- Weekly threaded discussion forums
- PowerPoint Presentations without audio
- PowerPoint Presentations with audio
- Lecture notes
- Video lectures
- Assigned videos (does not include lecture videos)
- Quizzes/Exams
- Rough Draft feedback
- Face-to-Face meetings (hybrid only)
- Out of class student work will include:
- Readings
- Written assignments (papers, journals, reviews, etc)
- Rough Draft papers
- Paper revisions
- Research
- Case Studies
- Power Point Presentations
- Assigned homework problems
- Clinical/Practicum/Internship
Calculations for an 8-week course:
| Credit Hours |
Direct Instruction Hours |
Student Work Hours |
Total Course Hours |
| 1 |
15 |
30 |
45/8-weeks |
| 2 |
30 |
60 |
90/8-weeks |
| 3 |
45 |
90 |
135/8-weeks |
| 4 |
60 |
120 |
180/8-weeks |
| 5 |
75 |
150 |
225/8-weeks |
| 6 |
90 |
180 |
270/8-weeks |
Calculations for a 16-week course:
| Credit Hours |
Direct Instruction Hours |
Student Work Hours |
Total Course Hours |
| 1 |
15 |
30 |
45/16-weeks |
| 2 |
30 |
60 |
90/16-weeks |
| 3 |
45 |
90 |
135/16-weeks |
| 4 |
60 |
120 |
180/16-weeks |
| 5 |
75 |
150 |
225/16-weeks |
| 6 |
90 |
180 |
270/16-weeks |
**Final exams and/or presentations are completed during the 16 th week.
Calculations for direct faculty instruction:
| Weekly threaded discussion forums |
100-200 level courses = 2.5 hours per topic
300-400 level courses = 4 hours per topic
Graduate level courses = 4 hours per topic |
| PowerPoint Presentations without audio |
50 minutes |
| PowerPoint Presentations with audio |
50 minutes |
| Lecture notes |
50 minutes |
| Video lectures |
50 minutes |
| Face-to-Face meetings (hybrid only) |
1 hour = 1 hour |
| Assigned videos (does not include lecture videos) |
50 minutes |
| Quizzes/Exams |
1 hour of prep
50 minutes to take the quiz/exam |
| Mid-term/Final |
5 hours of prep
2 hours to take the mid-term/final |
| Instructor feedback |
10 minutes per submitted assignment per student |
|
Calculations for student work:
| Readings |
100-200 level courses = 10 minutes per page
300-400 level courses = 8 minutes per page
Graduate level courses = 6 minutes per page |
| Formal writing assignments |
30 minutes per page |
| Rough draft papers |
60 minutes total |
| Research |
2 hours per page |
| Case Studies |
1 hour per page |
| PowerPoint Presentations |
2 hours total |
| Speeches |
1 hour per minute for prep and presentation |
| Misc. assignments |
2 hours per assignment |
|
Calculations for Applied Music (Private Lessons)
| 45 hours of practice |
1 credit hour |
| 90 hours of practice |
2 credit hours |
| 135 hours of practice |
3 credit hours |
Calculations for Clinical/Practicum/Internship/Lab:
| Clinical |
40 work hours = 1 credit hour |
| Practicum |
Variable 20-40 observation hours = 1 credit hour |
| Internship |
40 work hours = 1 credit hour |
| Lab |
30 contact hours = 1 credit hour |
Calculations for Clinical/Practicum/Internship for Graduate Athletic Training :
| Clinical |
Minimum 100 work hours=1 credit hour |
| Internship |
Minimum 100 work hours=1 credit hour |
| Practicum |
Minimum 100 observation hours=1 credit hour |
Calculations for Practicum/Internship for Clinical Counseling:
| Internship |
100 work hours=1 credit hour |
| Practicum |
100 work hours=1 credit hour |
Calculations for Independent Study:
Independent projects, such as special problems, in which the student works more or less individually at various locations, ordinarily requiring intermittent consultation with the professor. The instructor will identify appropriate outcomes/objectives to meet the credit hour requirements of the course.
Hours spent on the course per week may vary from week to week, though the standard total time spent is as follows
| 40 hours of student work + 5 hours of direct instruction |
1 credit hour |
| 80 hours of student work + 10 hours of direct instruction |
2 credit hours |
| 120 hours of student work + 15 hours of direct instruction |
3 credit hours |
| 160 hours of student work + 20 hours of direct instruction |
4 credit hours |
| 205 hours of student work + 25 hours of direct instruction |
5 credit hours |
Upper-Level (Junior and Senior) Courses
Courses numbered 100-299 are designed primarily for Freshmen and Sophomores. Courses numbered 300-499 are for Juniors and Seniors; Freshmen should not enroll in these courses.
For bachelor's degrees, at least 30 hours must be in 300-level courses or higher. These are offered primarily for Juniors and Seniors and generally require advanced knowledge. At least 15 hours at the 300-400 level must be in the major field. These may be counted in the 30 upper college hours. Courses taken at the lower divisional level from either a two year or four year institution may meet content requirements to enroll for an upper-division course, but do not count as upper-division credit toward the required 30 hours of 300-level coursework.
Proctored Exam Information
A proctored exam is one that is taken under supervision. According to Central Methodist's policy, a proctored exam must be taken at one of our CMU locations or by a pre-approved professional.
Check your course syllabus to see if your class requires proctored exams.
Special Courses
Special Problems Courses. 1-5 semester hours. Offered by most departments and numbered 260, 360, or 460 depending on the level of study expected, Special Problems courses consist of a program of independent study or research on a topic of special interest to an individual student. Each course is designed to study topics either not covered or treated only briefly in other courses in the curriculum. A written course proposal or abstract adequately describing the project must be prepared by the student and approved by the supervising instructor, the division chair, and the academic advisor, prior to the regular period for registration. Special Problems may be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Written approval by those named above.
Special Topics Courses. 1-5 semester hours. Offered by most departments and numbered 190, 290, 390, or 490 depending on the level of study expected, Special Topics courses will be offered from time to time on topics of importance in the discipline—topics which are not covered or which are treated only briefly in other courses in the curriculum. Special Topics courses may cover topics of special interest to an instructor and a particular group of students, or they may be an experimental course being considered for addition to the curriculum. Special Topics may be repeated for credit for different topics. [After two course offerings on the same topic, departments must request that the course be added to the curriculum.] Prerequisites: Those specified by the instructor in the Course Schedule.
Internships and Field Experiences are available in most departments with varying hours of credit depending on the design of the learning experience. They are all numbered as either 268, 368, or 468. Each internship is individually arranged by the student, a supervising instructor who assigns the final grade, and a supervisor/instructor on the site of the internship experience. Students complete a separate, multi-page registration form describing the learning experience. This form must be signed and approved by the student, supervising instructor, Division Chair, and Provost of the University prior to registration for the Internship course.
Educator Certification Programs
Central Methodist University offers four-year programs designed to meet Missouri state certification requirements for early childhood, elementary, middle school, and secondary teachers. Complete descriptions of these programs are provided under "Education" in this catalog. Students interested in certification should study this section carefully and consult with the Director of Professional Education.
