Student Academic Responsibilities
Classification of Students
Academic Advising
Academic Load
Class Attendance
Registration
Changes in Registration
Institution-Sanctioned Absences Policy
Withdrawal Policies
Course Numbering System
Course Delivery Definition
Calculation of Credit Hour
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

• Freshman: 1-29 Hours
• Sophomore: 30-59 Hours
• Junior: 60-89 Hours
• Senior: 90 or more Hours

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

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.
• No student may register for more than nine (9) hours of graduate credit unless that student has a grade point average of 3.20 in the previous semester and obtains written permission from the Provost. Students may not earn more than twelve (12) hours of graduate credit in a semester under any circumstances. However, 3-2 programs may hold a different set of requirements

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

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 after the last day to withdraw date listed in the academic calendar.

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.

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 University 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

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

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.

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.