Mission Statement
The Graduate School was established to provide opportunities for improving professional competency through advanced study and research, to promote the welfare of society in general by developing a broad, deep understanding of human knowledge, and to prepare students for further graduate study. To implement such opportunities, the university offers students the daily use of its library and laboratories and interaction with experienced scholars. Graduate students assume significant responsibility in selecting a specialized program that best meets their particular needs.
Student Responsibility
All universities establish certain requirements which must be met before a degree is granted. These requirements concern courses, majors and minors, and residence. Major professors, department heads/directors, and deans will help a student meet these requirements, but the student is ultimately responsible for ensuring they are fulfilled. Upon completion of the course work, personnel of the university will determine whether or not the student receives a degree. If the requirements have not been met, the degree will not be awarded until such time as they have been fulfilled. For this reason it is important for each student to be acquainted with the degree requirements and to keep informed while enrolled at the university.
Also, it is necessary in the general administration of the university to establish broad policies and to lay down certain regulations and procedures by which they may be carried out. It is important that a student understand the policies and know the regulations and procedures one is expected to follow.
The catalog is presented not only to enable prospective students and others to learn about the University of Louisiana at Monroe, but also to state policies, requirements, regulations, and procedures to help the students progress through school. Graduate students are expected to assume responsibility for becoming fully acquainted with and abiding by the regulations and requirements of the Graduate School.
The Graduate Council
The Graduate Council was formed to enable a cadre of faculty with significant experience and achievement in graduate education to assist in the review of campus graduate issues and to implement graduate policy. Working with the Dean of the Graduate School, the Graduate Council serves to assess and implement initiatives that foster successful graduate education involving faculty and students.
In addition to serving as an advisory body, the members of the Graduate Council make policy recommendations for the Graduate School and serve as the final arbiter for student-related appeals.
Members of the Graduate Council are appointed for three-year terms by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs in consultation with the Dean of the Graduate School and the deans of the academic colleges. The appointment of college representatives is done on a staggered basis to maintain continuity of experience.
The Graduate Council meets once per month at a minimum to hear student appeals and approve candidacy for membership to the Graduate Faculty. A complete listing of the meeting dates and locations, forms for submission of appeals and faculty recommendations, and minutes from past meetings can be found at www.ulm.edu/gradschool.
Members of the Graduate Council:
College of Arts & Sciences
Dr. Julie Pitchford-Guernsey
Dr. Rob Hanser, Chair
Dr. Kim Marie Tolson
College of Business Administration
Dr. Donna Luse
Dr. Carl Kogut
College of Education and Human Development
Dr. Leonard Clark
Dr. Tommie Church
College of Health Sciences
Dr. Johanna Boult
Dr. Jessica Dolecheck
College of Pharmacy
Dr. Ron Hill
Dr. Paul Sylvester
Ex-Officio: Dr. William McCown, Interim Director of the Graduate School
The Research Council
The Research Council was formed to enable a cadre of faculty with significant research experience and achievement to assist in the review of campus research issues and to implement research policy. Working with the Dean of the Graduate School, the Research Council serves to assess and implement initiatives that foster successful faculty and student research endeavors.
Members of the Research Council:
College of Arts & Sciences
Dr. John Anderson
Dr. Monica Bontty
Dr. Youssef Dib
Dr. Allison Wiedemeier
College of Business Administration
Dr. Laurie Babin
Dr. Christine Berry
College of Education and Human Development
Dr. Arlezza Marrah
Dr. Jack Palmer
College of Health Sciences
Dr. Judy Fellows
Dr. Paula Griswold
College of Pharmacy
Dr. Karen Briski
Dr. Christopher Gissendanner
Dr. Amal Kaddoumi
Dr. Girish Shah
Ex-Officio: Mr. Don Smith, Ms. Ivona Jukic, Dr. William McCown
Privilege to Continue Enrollment in Terminated Programs
Periodically programs/curricula are terminated either by board mandate or university request. In those cases, students are allowed to continue in the program only if they maintain continuous enrollment in the program (fall and spring semesters; summer term excluded) and make progress toward the degree by earning credit. Therefore, any failure to register and earn credit toward the degree in a regular semester will result in a mandatory change of curriculum to an active program.
Second Master’s Degree
A student seeking a second master’s degree may be allowed to apply from a previous or simultaneous graduate degree a maximum of one-half the credits required for the second degree. To be considered transferrable, credits earned must meet degree requirements for intended second degree. All Graduate School regulations apply.
GRE Requirements for Second Master’s Degree
The Graduate School at the University of Louisiana at Monroe will not require applicants for a second master’s degree to have taken the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) if they have previously been successful in attaining a graduate-level degree. The applicant must provide proof of earning this degree from an accredited and recognized program. Please note that while the Graduate School will waive the GRE requirement for applicants interested in pursuing a second master’s degree, not all programs will. It is the applicant’s responsibility to contact the individual department to ensure it will waive the GRE requirement when applicable.
Graduate Credit for Courses Designated: For Undergraduates and Graduates
To receive graduate credit for a course designated “For Undergraduates and Graduates,” a student must be in graduate admission status at the time credit is earned in the course. Credit earned in undergraduate admission status cannot be changed to graduate credit.
Graduate Credit For Outstanding ULM Seniors
Upon written recommendation of the academic department head/director and dean, and with the approval of the Dean of the Graduate School, a senior at the undergraduate level who has a minimum average of ‘B’ on all work pursued and who lacks not more than nine hours (six for summer graduation) for the completion of a baccalaureate degree may register for a maximum of six semester hours (four in summer term) of graduate credit in courses numbered below 5000, provided the following:
- The total scheduled hours shall not exceed 15 (10 in summer term); and
- Prior approval has been given by the student’s academic dean; and
- Failure to receive a bachelor’s degree at the close of the semester (or summer term) shall cause forfeiture of graduate credit for all courses taken.
Students Placed on Probation
A graduate student will be placed on academic probation if their cumulative graduate grade-point average falls below a 3.00 during any semester. The student must raise their GPA to or above the 3.00 threshold by the end of the semester immediately following when they were placed on probation. If the student is unable to raise their GPA to the required mark at the end of the probationary period, they will be denied further continuance in the Graduate School
Please note, grades of ‘I’ are calculated as an ‘F’ in the student’s GPA if the deficiency has not been met by the end of the first month of the next regular semester, or the end of the first two weeks of either summer term of attendance. Ultimately, having ‘I’ grades removed is the responsibility of the student.
Eligibility to Remain in Graduate School
The Dean of the Graduate School will deny further continuance in graduate work to any graduate student who meets one or more of the following conditions:
- Any grade lower than ‘C’; or
- A graduate GPA that falls below 3.00 for two consecutive semesters.
It is important to note, students will not be permitted to graduate if they have a cumulative grade point average that is below a 3.00 when all coursework has been completed.
Appeals for Admission or Readmission
A graduate student who is denied admission to, or further continuance in, the Graduate School or a specific graduate degree program may appeal through their respective college graduate committee to the Graduate Council for admission or readmission. The following supportive information must be provided:
- A personal letter of appeal from the student in which the student builds his/her case for admission/readmission; and
- The student’s scores from the Graduate Record Examination (General Test) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (MBA only); and
- Three letters of support from those (especially professors) who can attest to the student’s scholarly ability and potential. A minimum of one must be from one of the student’s professors. If the letter of support is coming from an educational institution, it should be on official letterhead and must be signed by the recommending party; and
- A copy of the student’s official degree plan with transcripts indicating the grades for all coursework completed; and
- Any other evidence of professional competence which will enhance the student’s appeal.
For further information please contact the Graduate School at (318) 342-1036 or the Coordinator of Graduate Studies for the particular major and college involved.
Credit Hour System and Course Numbering
The value of each course of instruction is stated in terms of semester hours.
Starting with the 2010 Fall semester, courses are listed with a four-digit course number reflective of changes in the ULM course numbering system. Previous years utilized a three-digit course number. By adding a zero after the first digit of any ULM course, you can cross-reference the four-digit course with its three-digit counterpart. For example, the current ENGL 1001 is the former ENGL 101, and RADT 4011 was previously RADT 411. The 2011-12 course catalogs reflect the four-digit course numbers.
Courses at ULM are normally numbered according to the following system: 1000 to 1999, freshman; 2000 to 2099, sophomore; 3000 to 3099, junior; 4000 to 4099, senior; 5000 to 5099, graduate; 6000 to 6099, courses beyond the Master’s level; 7000 to 7099, Doctor of Education courses coordinated by the Louisiana Education Consortium (LEC) and Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy. Courses for the Ph.D. in Pharmacy range from 4000 to 6099. Certain courses in the 4000 level are accepted for graduate credit, where so indicated. Graduate status is required for graduate credit in these courses.
Course Load
A full-time graduate student may schedule from nine to 18 semester hours during a regular semester. A full-time graduate student in the College of Pharmacy may schedule from 12 to 18 semester hours during a regular semester. A part-time student may schedule limited course work depending upon the time which can be devoted to graduate study. A graduate student who has a graduate assistantship or a graduate work-study position must have the approval of the major professor and be enrolled in a minimum of nine credit hours towards degree completion.
In all cases, the Dean of the Graduate School must approve a student’s request to allow them to enroll in a course load exceeding 12 semester hours during a regular semester. The maximum course load for a student registered for graduate study during any single summer session is seven semester hours; the minimum for a full-time student is three semester hours per summer term.
Grade Reports
End-of-the-semester grades are generally available after the end of the fourth working day following each enrollment period. Students should visit the Banner web site (Banner.ulm.edu) to view grade results.
Grading System
Grades and the grading process are major components of a university’s academic standards. An important professional obligation of university faculty is the determination of grades. Grades accomplish two essential purposes: they communicate to the academic community and to the community at large a certified level of academic achievement, and they provide realistic and reliable feedback for students to use in evaluating individual progress and making decisions about future behavior.
Prerequisites to effective grading are appropriate scope, depth, and degree of difficulty for each course; controls to ensure that students have proper academic qualifications for enrolling in each course; and adequate measures of performance. Taking into account all students who would properly and typically enroll in a given course (not just those in one course), faculty members assign grades according to the following general guidelines:
A — EXCELLENT
B — AVERAGE
C — BELOW AVERAGE
D & F — FAILURE
The grades A (Excellent), B (Average), C (Below Average), D & F (Failure), AU (Audit does not imply class attendance), W (Withdrew), I (Incomplete), IP (In Progress), CR (Credit), and NC (No Credit) are given to indicate the quality or status of a student’s work.
Each semester hour with the grade of ‘D’ carries one quality point; each semester hour with the grade of ‘C,’ two quality points; each semester hour with the grade of ‘B,’ three quality points; and each semester hour with the grade of ‘A,’ four quality points. Grades of ‘F’ and ‘I’ carry no quality points. Therefore, a ‘C’ average is a 2.00 average. An ‘I’ grade is computed as an ‘F’ grade unless changed to a final passing grade. Also, + and - grade designations are not recognized.
Please note, only grades of ‘A,’ ‘B,’ or ‘C’ are considered acceptable at the graduate level. To remain eligible for graduate school, a graduate student must maintain a 3.00 graduate GPA and no grade lower than ‘C.’ Courses for graduate credit may not be repeated without prior approval of the Dean of the Graduate School. When a course is repeated, both grades will be counted in determining the grade point average.
Work which is of satisfactory quality but which, because of circumstances beyond the student’s control, is not complete, may be marked ‘I’ (Incomplete). The deficiency must be met within the first month of the next regular semester or within the first two weeks of either summer term of attendance (whichever comes first). If the work cannot be completed within the stated time frame, a time extension may not be granted without prior approval of the Dean of the Graduate School. Instructors should not allow graduate students to complete work for a graduate course to remove an overdue ‘I’ grade without prior approval of the Dean of the Graduate School. ‘I’ grades are removed only by completion of the course work, not by repeating the course. ‘I’ grades are computed as ‘F’ grades, unless changed to a final passing grade. If the student does not resume studies either at the university or elsewhere within a calendar year following the semester or summer session for which the ‘I’ grade was recorded, the ‘I’ grade cannot be removed. This requirement does not apply for field study, thesis, dissertation, directed study, independent research, or recital courses.
Grades (other than ‘I’ grades and ‘IP’) that have been submitted to the Registrar’s Office can be changed only by a letter of explanation certifying that an error has been made by the instructor. This certification of error will not be valid unless approved by the instructor’s department head and the instructor’s academic dean. A request for a final grade change must be initiated by the instructor within 30 days after the end of the semester or term in which the grade was earned.
Instructors are required to abide by the University Calendar by offering courses within the established enrollment period dates to avoid the issuance of ‘IP’ grades. Instructors must discuss in advance with the Registrar the reasons for the award of ‘IP’ grades. Valid reasons for considering the issuance of ‘IP’ grades may be when an instructor anticipates that either the nature of a specific graduate or undergraduate course or the expectations of all students (not an individual student) cannot be completed within the established enrollment period dates. Letter grades must be awarded by an agreed upon deadline between the instructor and the Registrar in the event that ‘IP’ grades are issued.
Student Address Change
A student must provide a local and permanent address at the time of admission to the university. Local and permanent address changes must be reported to the Registrar’s Office on the appropriate form. A student is responsible for the consequences of all communications sent to the address on file in the Registrar’s Office (e.g., classes dropped for non-payment of tuition, denied further continuance in graduate work, etc…).
Student Name Change
A student who wishes to change a name for any reason (e.g., divorce, marriage, adoption, legal name change) must present an original Social Security card bearing the desired name, in addition to a complete name change form, to the Registrar’s Office. Presenting a copy of the card is not acceptable. No other document or form of identification will be accepted in lieu of the Social Security card. Further, only names which appear on the Social Security card can become part of the student’s ULM record, which will reflect the name exactly as it appears on the card.
A campus wide identification number (CWID) will be created under the name in which a student applies. If the student has attended ULM under an alternate name, or has transcripts and/or test scores submitted under an alternate name, this may cause a delay in processing of the student’s application. To prevent delay, the student is asked to note all names under which their documentation may be filed to the Graduate School.
Auditing Courses
Students may be admitted to regular classes for audit by meeting admission requirements and paying an audit fee. An audit may not be changed to credit, or vice versa, after registration closes. Students auditing courses will not receive credit, nor will they be permitted to take credit examination (departmental exams) on work audited. Credit hours for courses audited are figured in fee assessment but not for certification of full-time status. Any student using a fee waiver cannot register for audit.
Dropping and Adding Courses
Students will not be admitted to a class unless the instructor has received a roster or notice indicating proper registration from the Registrar.
Students will not be permitted to drop or add courses, or make section changes, after their registration is complete except on the advice and consent of the student’s major professor, the head of the department in which the student is registered, and the head of the department in which the course or courses affected are offered. Final approval will be through the Dean of the Graduate School.
A schedule change slip must be used, and the proposed change is not official until the slip is completed with the proper approvals indicated, and filed with the Registrar’s Office. A grade of ‘F’ will be assigned to a student who withdraws from a course at any time without following this procedure. With permission, a student may drop any subject with a notation of ‘W’ (withdrawn from class) within the time limit specified in the university calendar. Withdrawals during that period carry no penalties.
Course Drop and Resignation Policy
Students may drop courses or may resign (when class load drops to zero hours) from the institution with grades of W prior to a date specified in the official university calendar. After that specified date, students may not drop a course or resign. Students who have extraordinary cases with extenuating circumstances may submit a letter of appeal, along with documentation to substantiate the case, to the Dean of the Graduate School. Extraordinary cases do not include dissatisfaction with an anticipated grade or the decision to change a major.
Approval of an appeal for dropping a course or resigning after the published date may be granted by the Dean of the Graduate School for reasons stated below and only if the reason can be officially documented to show direct due cause. If approval to drop a course is granted, the student must also have been passing the course immediately prior to the hardship, and must have applied for the approval immediately after the hardship or illness ended. The grade assigned shall be a ‘W.’ If the Dean of the Graduate School allows the student to resign, a ‘W’ grade shall be assigned in all courses. If the appeal is approved, the director will notify the instructor and the registrar. Examples of appealable cases are as follows:
- Illness/injury—The student must provide a letter on official stationery from the attending physician stating that the illness or injury will render the student unable to complete the course, or will cause the student to miss a significant number of days so as to make it difficult to complete the course. A hospital bill may also be used; or
- Death of an immediate family member which caused undue hardship and renders the student incapable of completing the course—The student must provide a copy of the death certificate, obituary stating relationship to the deceased, or letter from the attending clergy; or
- Natural disaster or exceptional traumatic event (documentation will be required)—The student must provide a written explanation of extenuating circumstances providing this event causes the student undue hardships; or
- National defense—The student must provide a copy of official military orders.
Grades of ‘F’ will be assigned to students who do not complete the enrollment period and who have not officially dropped their courses or resigned.
An appeal for a change in official academic records must be made to the ULM Registrar’s Office no later than 30 days after the end of the semester or term in which the alleged error in academic records occurred.
Changes of Curricula/Catalog
After their first registration, students will not be permitted to change curricula except on the advice and consent of the academic deans of their new college. A Change of Curriculum Request Form must be used, and the proposed change is not official until the required approval has been obtained and the slip has been filed in the Office of the Graduate School.
Once the Change of Curriculum Request Form is on file in the Office of the Graduate School, the change becomes effective immediately. The new catalog year will be the catalog year in effect when the change is submitted. The student will be subject to regulations of the new catalog.
Exception: Any change of curriculum which involves a change into or out of a program with a program-related fee (usually professional programs) will be effective the next term of enrollment.
If participation in specific programs (e.g., intercollegiate athletics, veterans affairs) and/or receipt of financial aid/scholarships is based on the student’s current curriculum, the student’s eligibility may be adversely affected. Students in these circumstances should first consult with the appropriate university advisor prior to submitting the curriculum change.
Students who interrupt their college work for two or more calendar years, change their curriculum, or enroll in programs requiring a new application will graduate according to the requirements of the catalog in effect at the time of their re-entry or curriculum change. It should be noted, however, that class prerequisites must be completed as prescribed by the most current catalog, regardless of the catalog or curriculum in effect for any student. Students must change catalogs if they change their major, apply for admission or readmission, or gain admission to a professional program (except for teacher education majors).
Sequence and Program of Study for Graduate Degrees
Observing the following numbered sequence will assure a measured progression of events, designed to maintain proper advisory and administrative procedure and assist the student in the achievement of important academic and career goals.
- When a student is admitted to a specific degree program, the Dean of the Graduate School, upon the recommendation of the academic department head/director of the unit in which the student plans to major, will appoint a major professor who will assist in planning the student’s graduate program.
- After the student has been admitted on a conditional or regular basis to a specific degree program, the Dean of the Graduate School, upon the recommendation of the major professor, will appoint a graduate advisory committee, composed of the student’s major professor and one, two, or three faculty members representing the principal fields of study to be included in the degree plan. Graduate advisory committees for students writing a field study or thesis must be composed of a minimum of three members.
- After the student has earned nine semester hours, under the direction of the major professor, the student and the graduate advisory committee must file a formal degree plan with the Graduate School. This degree plan is subject to the approval of the Dean of the Graduate School. A field study or thesis, if required, will be submitted to the student’s graduate advisory committee for approval, then to the Dean of the Graduate School for final approval.
Under certain circumstances, it may be necessary or desirable to reconstruct a graduate advisory committee. When a graduate advisory committee is to be reconstructed, the academic unit administrator will make the recommendation for any change in the major professor and the major professor will make the recommendation, through the academic unit administrator, for changing other members of the committee.
The minimum credit requirement for the master’s degree is 30 to 48 semester hours of graduate work, not more than six of which may be allowed for the field study or thesis requirement. At least one-half of the courses required in the major area and one-half of the overall program must be courses for which graduate credit is earned and identified “For Graduates Only.”
Regulations governing sequence and course of study requirements for doctoral programs are detailed within program descriptions for individual doctoral programs of study.
Degree Plans
After the student has earned nine semester hours, under the direction of the major professor, the student and the graduate advisory committee will prepare and submit a formal degree plan to the Graduate School for approval by the Dean of the Graduate School. The degree plan serves as the contract with the institution and outlines the program’s course of study for the student.
If a change to the degree plan is necessary or desired, the major professor should complete a ‘Request for Change in Student Degree Plan’. This form must be signed by the Advisory Committee and returned to the Graduate School Office.
Requirements for Graduate Degrees
Degree requirements are usually completed under the policies and regulations listed in the Graduate Catalog in effect at the time of admission. With departmental approval, however, the Graduate Catalog in effect during the semester in which degree requirements are completed may be used.
All students seeking an advanced degree must adhere to the regulations discussed in this section. Departments may have additional specific degree requirements that students must meet to receive an advanced degree.
Each student who expects to take comprehensive examinations and/or graduate must file an application to take the comprehensive examination and/or to graduate with the Dean of the Graduate School by the date indicated in the University Calendar for the semester or summer term in which the degree is to be awarded.
To fulfill the course requirements for a master’s degree, the candidate shall present an average of not less than ‘B’ on all graduate work pursued and all work in the major field, with no grade lower than ‘C’, not more than six semester hours of credit with a grade of ‘C’, and a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.
The candidate must pass a comprehensive final examination in both the major and related areas or minor. This examination may be written or both oral and written. Comprehensive examinations are not required of candidates for the Master of Education in Educational Leadership, which requires a passing score on the SLLA Examination, or for the Master of Business Administration degree.
A candidate for the Master of Education or Master of Music degree with a specialty area in Music Education must hold a valid teacher’s certificate issued by the Louisiana State Department of Education (or its equivalent certification). The only exceptions to this regulation are the candidates for the Master of Education degree with majors in Counseling and Non-School Emphasis in Educational Technology Leadership.
Regulations governing degree requirements for doctoral programs are detailed within program descriptions for individual doctoral programs of study.
All candidates who are to receive degrees are required to be present at commencement exercises for the conferring of the degree unless the Dean of the Graduate School is notified, in writing, four weeks prior to graduation. The penalty for neglecting this requirement may include delay of degree conferment.
Transfer of Credit and Residence Requirements
Master’s degrees: Students must complete at least two-thirds of the hours required for a master’s degree through courses offered by the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Transfer credit may not total more than one third of the master’s degree program. With the approval of the student’s graduate advisory committee and the Dean of the Graduate School, a maximum of six semester hours of ‘C’ grades earned at ULM may be transferred from one program to another or from non-degree status to a degree program. Transfer credit must meet the following requirements:
- Credit must be earned in residence at a regionally accredited college or university; and
- Credit must be accepted as applicable to the student’s degree program; and
- Grade of ‘B’ or better must be earned; and
- Credit must meet six-year time limit for master’s degree program.
Transfer credit must be presented and accepted during the first semester or summer term upon entering or re-entering the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Final authorization of transferred credit will be made by the Dean of the Graduate School upon recommendation of the student’s advisory committee.
After enrollment at ULM, a student may earn and transfer graduate credit from other institutions, provided prior approval of the course or courses is obtained from the student’s major professor and the Dean of the Graduate School. Transfer credit shall not reduce the minimum residence requirements.
Transfer credit for students in the Master of Business Administration program is ordinarily limited to six semester hours earned at another AACSB-International accredited school provided that such transfer credit is appropriate and that a letter grade of ‘B’ or better has been earned. Courses used to complete a previous degree are not approved for transfer credit in the MBA program. Acceptable transfer credits are typically determined after a student applies for admission to the MBA program.
A student enrolled in the Master of Arts degree program in Marriage and Family Therapy must enroll as a full time student for two consecutive semesters, excluding summer terms.
Doctoral degrees: Regulations governing transfer credit and residence requirements for doctoral programs are detailed within program descriptions for individual doctoral programs of study.
Time Limits for Graduate Degrees
All work applied toward the master’s degree must have been earned within the six years immediately preceding the completion of the graduate program. Regulations governing time limits for doctoral programs are detailed within program descriptions for individual doctoral programs of study.
Requests for Time Extensions
To utilize graduate credit taken prior to the six-year time limit for master’s degrees, the student may request a time extension. These requests should be submitted before or during the semester in which the time limit expires. For further information please contact the Major Professor, the Graduate School, or the Coordinator of Graduate Studies for the particular major and college involved. Regulations governing time extensions for doctoral programs are detailed within program descriptions for individual doctoral programs of study.
While it is not guaranteed that a time extension will be granted, for one to be considered the applying student must demonstrate satisfactory progress toward the degree being pursued. The student can demonstrate progress toward the degree by meeting the following standards:
- Have completed a minimum of 75 percent of coursework applicable toward the desired degree by the end of their fifth year; and
- Be enrolled in a minimum of six hours applicable toward the desired degree during the student’s sixth year of pursuit of the degree; and
- Be in good academic standing at the institution and within the department.
Meeting the above standards does not ensure that the student will be granted a time extension.
Requests for time extensions are presented to the Graduate Council for a formal recommendation to the Dean of the Graduate School. The Dean will make the final determination on whether the student’s extension will be granted. The process for requesting a time extension, as well as the dates of the Graduate Council’s meetings, are available online at ulm.edu/gradschool.
Attendance Policy
No institutional attendance policy exists for graduate students. The course attendance policy for graduate students is established by individual faculty members. Graduate students are required to consult the course syllabus for the attendance policy. Students with absences determined to be excessive may be asked by the instructor and respective college graduate coordinator to withdraw from their coursework or take a mark of ‘I’ .
For online courses, students are required to show periodic online activity as a demonstration of attendance. If a student has not logged into their course by the end of the first week of classes they will be dropped from the roster.
Services for Students with Special Needs
ULM strives to serve students with special needs through compliance with Sections 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. These laws mandate that postsecondary institutions provide equal access to programs and services for students with disabilities without creating changes to the essential elements of the curriculum. While students with special needs are expected to meet our institution’s academic standards, they are given the opportunity to fulfill learner outcomes in alternative ways. Examples of accommodations may include, but are not limited to, testing accommodations (oral testing, extended time for exams), interpreters, relocation of inaccessible classrooms, permission to audiotape lectures, note-taking assistance, and course substitutions.
The University Counseling Center offers a number of opportunities to students with special needs. Whether a physical limitation or a learning disability, the center works with the student to eliminate or lessen these obstacles to their education. Services of the center include the provision of support to students with permanent or temporary exceptionalities, individual counseling, and assistance with academic accommodation recommendations to students and faculty, in addition to heightening the awareness of the issues associated with special needs obstacles. Housing accommodations, as well as designated parking for these students, are facilitated by this and other departments on campus.
The Counseling Center acts as the point of entry for individuals who have documented learning disabilities and psychological or physical special needs. The accommodation decisions are addressed on an individual basis. The Counseling Center Director, in conjunction with the student, evaluates the effects of the student’s disability in relation to the curriculum and academic standards. During this process, faculty and other campus representatives may be consulted to review the academic environment and its relationship to the student. After reasonable and appropriate accommodations are determined, students are required to complete a Special Needs Accommodation Form. This form authorizes a release of disability information supplied by the student. The faculty members who will be teaching the student with special needs will be notified in writing of the suggested and requested classroom accommodations for that specific student with special needs. The documentation and accommodation letters are retained in the student’s file with the Counseling Center so that the student can return at the beginning of each semester to complete a Special Needs Accommodation Form which is pertinent to that particular semester’s coursework.
Open: M-Th, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and F. 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Director: TBA
Contact: (318) 342-5220
Web site: www.ulm.edu/counselingcenter/
Parking Procedures - Students With Special Needs
Students with special needs are provided accommodated parking on the university campus. The student, upon documentation of the special need, is assigned a Special Needs Parking Pass by the University Police Department. Procedures to secure a Special Needs Pass can be obtained at the University Counseling Center.
Non-Discrimination Policy
The University of Louisiana at Monroe recognizes that members of the university community represent different groups according to sex, color, creed, national origin, and physical or mental disability. The university further recognizes that, in a pluralistic society such as ours, these differences must be recognized and respected by all who intend to be a part of the ULM community.
It is not the intent of the university to dictate feelings or to mandate how individuals should personally interact with others. It is, however, the intent of the university that awareness of individual and group rights according to sex, race, color, creed, national origin, and physical or mental disability be regarded as important to the education of its students. Our ability to work in a pluralistic society demands no less.
It is with this in mind that the university does not permit any actions, including verbal or written statements, that discriminate against an individual or group on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, or physical or mental disability. Any such action is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. Complaints of discrimination should be made orally and in writing to the appropriate university administrator.
Online Degrees
Students enrolled in online courses, or pursuing a Master’s Degree as part of ULM’s Gateway to Online Degree (GOLD) Program, are expected to adhere to the regulations established for their respective course. All Graduate School regulations, particularly those outlined for admissions to the University of Louisiana at Monroe, are applicable to students pursuing online coursework or degrees.
To participate in online courses at ULM, students are expected to be familiar with computers and the Internet. Students are responsible for their own software and computer equipment maintenance and setup. Additionally, students will need the following:
- High-speec internet access
- Access to a modern computer system with a supported operating system installed; and
- A modem or other device capable of connecting to the Internet; and
- An Internet Service Provider (ISP); and
- A modern Web browser installed on the computer; and
- A word processing software program, such as Microsoft Word, or the free OpenOffice; and
- Current anti-virus software that must be installed and kept up to date.
The student’s class may have other computer, software, or hardware requirements related to specific programs. These requirements may include any of the following:
- Multimedia plug-ins, such as Flash Player, Quicktime, or Windows Media Player; and/or
- ‘Allowed’ browser-based software, such as JavaScript and ActiveX controls; and/or
- Speakers and sound cards.
For additional information on all of ULM’s available online degrees and their requirements, students can access the home of the GOLD program online (www.ulm.edu/onlinedegrees).
Foreign Language Requirement
A reading knowledge of one or more foreign languages is required of candidates for advanced degrees in specified degree programs.
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