Academic Policies
Course Numbering
| X | non-credit community service courses |
| 001-049 | no degree credit |
| 050-099 | associate degree, vocational courses, or courses normally not transferable toward a baccalaureate degree |
| 100-299 | associate and/or lower-level baccalaureate degree courses |
| 300-399 | upper-level baccalaureate courses |
400-499 | upper-level baccalaureate courses; may be taken for graduate credit with appropriate qualifications and permission |
500-599 | graduate level courses; may be taken for undergraduate credit with appropriate qualification and permission |
| 600-799 | graduate, doctoral, and professional courses |
Grading System
Grades are assigned as letters with the following descriptors:
A | excellent |
B+ | good |
C+ | satisfactory |
D+ | low-level passing; below average |
| F | failure; computed into GPA as 0.00 |
| F* | failure; pass/fail course; not computed in GPA |
| AU | audit |
I | incomplete work; will convert to an F if work is not made up within one semester |
| L | stopped attending; not officially withdrawn; computed into GPA as 0.00 |
| MG | missing grade (no grade submitted by instructor) |
P | passed (for pass/fail course; not computed in GPA) |
| W | withdrew (dropped during first half of semester; recorded on transcript; not computed in GPA) |
WF | withdrew failing (dropped failing course(s) during second half of semester; recorded on transcript; computed into GPA) |
During the first half of a semester/term, a student dropping a course shall be accorded a grade of "W." During the second half of a semester/term, a grade of "W" or "WF" will be submitted by the instructor, depending upon the student’s performance to date. "W" is are not computed into the grade point average; a "WF" is computed as an "F."
Grade Point Averages
The cumulative average shall be computed at the end of each semester. The following represents the grading scale:
A 4.00 B+ 3.33 C+ 2.33 D+ 1.33 F 0.00
A- 3.67 B 3.00 C 2.00 D 1.00 L 0.00
B- 2.67 C- 1.67 D- 0.67 WF 0.00
To compute the grade point average for a semester, multiply the grade points earned in each course by the number of credit hours which results in quality points. Divide the number of quality points by the number of credit hours carried. The grade point average is carried to two decimal places.
Incomplete Grades
One semester will be allowed for completion of an "I" grade. The right of extension beyond one semester belongs to the respective faculty member. Unless an extension is granted and communicated to the registrar by the faculty member, the registrar will convert an "I" grade to an "F" after one semester (spring and summer "I" grades will be converted to an "F" at the end of the fall semester). Near the end of the fall and spring semester, the registrar will send, to each faculty member, a list of students with outstanding "I" grades. Note: Policy is not retroactive.
Pass/Fail Grading
The purpose of a system of pass/fail grading is to encourage students to enroll in courses outside their area of concentration with a minimum of threat to their grade point averages. This permits students to develop broader, more varied intellectual interests.
• all students are eligible to enroll
• a student may not take more than one course per semester on a pass/fail basis
• a course taken on a pass/fail basis may not be used to fulfill core or program requirements (other than total hours
required for graduation)
• "pass" grades will not be used in computing grade point averages, but will be counted toward degree credit
• a failing grade, although recorded as an "F," will not be computed in the student’s cumulative grade point average.
Students must indicate on the registration card any course which is being taken on a pass/fail basis. The deadline
for doing so is the end of the "add" period.
Audit
A student who wishes to attend a course as an auditor registers accordingly with their advisor and on their registration card. Grades are not assigned when courses are audited. An audited course cannot be changed to credit status by taking examinations. Tuition for audited courses is the same as for those taken for regular credit. Any change in audit status must be accomplished during the "add" period.
Course Repeat Policy
When a student repeats a course, the last attempt is considered the official grade and is used in the computation of the student’s GPA. Earlier grades remain on the record, but are removed from the GPA. (The transcript is appropriately noted). Previously earned credit will be removed if the course repeated is failed.
Grade Reports
Grades are generally available two weeks after the last class, three weeks for an interactive television class. Grades are accessible day or night by phone through "Tell-Us," an interactive voice response system or DSIS which is available through the UMA Web site. Final grades cannot be furnished to students by the Registrar’s Office prior to the posting of grades. If grades are needed before they are entered into the computer system, the student must provide instructors with self-addressed, stamped envelopes in which they may mail the final grade. "Tell-Us" allows a printed grade report to be sent when necessary. Considerable care is taken to ensure that course registrations and grades entered on a student’s permanent record are accurate. Any student who, upon receipt of a grade, suspects an error has been made should take up the matter immediately with the Augusta Registrar’s Office or the Bangor Office of Admissions and Student Enrollment Services within six months of the completion of a course. Any student may appeal a grade by contacting the instructor. If this does not produce satisfactory results, consult the student handbook for detailed grievance procedures.
Academic Action
Academic Probation: The student whose grade point average indicates that he or she will have difficulty graduating with a 2.00 GPA is notified of this possibility. The student is still entitled to all rights and benefits of other degree candidates. Students on academic probation are required to meet with an academic advisor prior to course registration. No other sanctions are placed upon him or her. Academic probation may, however, affect financial aid awards.
Suspension: If, after at least one semester on probation, a student fails to raise his or her GPA to an acceptable level, the registrar, upon the recommendation of the appropriate college dean, will take suspension action against the student. The student will not be permitted to register at the University for one semester (summer term may not be used as the suspension semester), but may submit an appeal to the provost’s office if he or she feels the committee should consider other information. The student may resume studies for the next term after consultation with an academic advisor. Students in limited capacity programs will be converted to liberal studies and will be required to meet program entrance requirements and to submit a Change of Program form to be considered for re-entry to the program. Students who are suspended for a second time will lose their degree status, but may apply for readmission after a semester of suspension.
Credit
Hours GPA Status
0-6 0.00-1.49 Probation, conditions for continued enrollment defined
7-23 1.50-1.70 Probation
0.00-1.49 Suspension
24-53 1.70-1.90 Probation
0.00-1.69 Suspension
54-83 1.80-1.99 Probation
0.00-1.79 Suspension
84 plus 1.80-1.99 Probation
0.00-1.79 Suspension
Dean’s List
A dean’s list shall be prepared at the end of each semester comprising the names of students registered for 12 or more hours (exclusive of pass/fail courses) whose average semester rank is of honor grade (3.25). Students who are deficient in any course are not included on the dean’s list. UMA recognizes part-time students annually by naming them to a part-time dean’s list. In order to qualify, students must: a) achieve a GPA of 3.25 during two consecutive semesters (fall and spring) in a given year; b) take a total of at least 12 credit hours during the two consecutive semesters in that academic year; and c) take no more than 11 credit hours in either of the two consecutive semesters in that academic year. The dean’s list for part-time students is announced after the spring semester each year.
Examinations
During each semester two to four preliminary examinations may be administered in courses at the discretion of the faculty member. At the end of the semester, a final examination may be held in each course. Final examinations are normally scheduled for the last class meeting of each course. At the University College of Bangor, a final examination week is scheduled during the last week of the semester.
Academic Minors
A minor is a secondary area of specialization and competence which further prepares a student for a career and/or graduate work. Students who successfully complete a baccalaureate degree along with the required course work in a minor will have the minor officially noted on their transcripts. A minimum of 25% of the credits required for a minor needs to be earned at UMA for it to be awarded.
• Minors can be declared by the student at the time of application for graduation. However, UMA strongly
recommends that a student work with his/her academic advisor to identify an advisor for the student's elected
minor at the earliest possible date.
• Check sheets are available at the Advising Center and the appropriate college offices for all minors.
• A student may be awarded any minor as long as no more than six credits of the minor can be used to fulfill the
requirements of the student's major or concentration (e.g., one may earn a B.S. in business administration with a
major in management [6credit hours of accounting required] and a minor in accounting).
• Minors are only available to students matriculated in baccalaureate programs.
Students who wish to strengthen their major or supplement their professional preparation may select an approved minor from the following list:
Accounting
Addiction Studies
Art
Behavioral Science
Business Administration
Early Childhood Services
English
Financial Services
Geriatric Human Services
Justice Studies
Mathematics
Photography
Political Science
Small Business Management
Women's Studies
Core and General Education Requirements
It is the intention of the University of Maine at Augusta that every degree graduate will be prepared to function in our society as an effective and informed citizen. To this end, the faculty has designed a set of minimum expectations that students are expected to satisfy. These aspirations are defined by core skills, competencies, and abilities as well as knowledge based learning experiences that are the grounds for the General Education Requirements.
Core Skills, Competencies, and Abilities:
Written Communications: Students are required to take ENG101, College Writing. A subsequent course that carries a "writing intensive" designation is also required. These requirements are indicative of UMA's belief that the ability to write clearly and effectively is a powerful tool for learning, thinking, and reflecting.
Oral Communications: Students are required to take a communications course that covers related models and theories of communications, small group interpersonal work, preparation, delivery, and/or evaluation of oral presentations, and methods of dealing with apprehension and anxiety. As with the written word, the ability to effectively communicate verbally is a prerequisite for successfully dealing with nearly every human endeavor.
Quantitative Skills: This requirement stresses the foundations and structure of mathematics, utilizes appropriate technology, embraces the use of logic to analyze and solve mathematical problems, and applies these skills to life.
General Education Requirements:
Scientific Inquiry: Scientific inquiry studies the natural world through systematic observation and analytic reasoning to construct models and theories. The principles learned in a laboratory science course enhance students' understanding of the process of science and the impact of science on society.
Social Science: The interdependent development of the individual and society with respect to the factors which influence them are the focus of this requirement. Utilizing scientific inquiry, it stresses independent thinking, analysis, problem solving, and an understanding of social behavior.
Humanities: Humanities promote an understanding of ideas, events, or languages through which human beings and societies have evolved. The humanities at UMA involve the study of history, philosophy, and literature. These disciplines examine cultures with particular attention to heritage, traditions, and history.
Fine Arts: This field analyzes the history, theory, criticism, and appreciation of the arts (visual, musical, or dramatic) to understand how creative endeavors enrich the human spirit and lend themselves to an enlightened sense of self, heritage, and the world.
Baccalaureate Degree Core and General Education Requirements (37 credits)
A. Core Skills, Competencies, and Abilities (12 credits)
1. Written Communication (6 credits) - ENG101 and 3 credits from ENG102W, 111W, or 117W
2. In addition to ENG101 each student must successfully complete one writing intensive course
3. Oral Communication (3 credits)
4. Mathematics (3 credits) - MAT100 or higher
B. General Education Requirements (25 credits)
1. Fine Arts and Humanities - 9 credits to include: 3 credits fine arts and 3 credits humanities
2. Mathematics, Natural and Computer Sciences - 10 credits to include a natural science with a laboratory
3. Social Science - 6 credits
• All core and general education courses will address issues of diversity.
Associate Degree Core and General Education Requirements (25 credits)
A. Core Skills, Competencies, and Abilities (12 credits)
1. Written (3 credits) - ENG101, College Writing
2. In addition to ENG101 each student must successfully complete one writing intensive course
3. Oral Communication (3 credits)
4. Mathematics (3 credits) - MAT100 or higher
B. General Education Requirements (13 credits)
1. Scientific Inquiry (4 credits)
2. Social Science (3 credits)
3. Humanities (3 credits)
4. Fine Arts (3 credits)*
• All core and general education courses will address issues of diversity.
*In certain professional degree programs this requirement has been waived.
Writing Intensive Course Requirement
All UMA degree programs require students to complete one writing intensive course. This requirement reflects our belief that the ability to write clearly and effectively is a powerful tool for learning, thinking, and reflecting. We recognize that the development of writing skills requires guidance, feedback, and practice. The intent of the writing intensive course is to build upon the skills developed in ENG101, College Writing. Courses currently approved as meeting the writing intensive course requirement are identified in this catalog with a "W" following the course number.
Graduation
Completion of Program of Study: Students must satisfy the graduation requirements set out in the catalog in effect for the first semester of their attendance as a matriculated student. Students whose matriculation has expired forfeit the right to pursue a degree according to the provisions of the original catalog and are bound instead by the catalog in effect for the first semester as a readmitted student. At the student’s choice, a later catalog may be selected for graduation requirements, but an earlier one may not. In some cases, academic units have specific time limits for completion of graduation requirements. If so, such limits will be noted in the program section of this catalog.
Commencement Ceremony: Commencement exercises are held once a year at the end of the spring semester. Students finishing their requirements the previous December, that spring, or August will be invited to attend the May ceremony. "Candidates for Degree" cards should be filled out by December 1 for December completion, and April 1 for May and August completions. Students may also apply by completing the application for graduation on our Web site at www.UMA.edu.
Latin Honors: Degrees with Latin honors are conferred at commencement for the following attainments of rank:
summa cum laude: 3.75 or higher GPA;
magna cum laude: 3.50 to 3.74 GPA;
cum laude: 3.25 to 3.49 GPA
These criteria state that the average grade is based on the student’s work at the University of Maine at Augusta and must include 50% of the total degree hours required in the student’s program of study, whichever is greater.
Degree Residency Requirements: The cumulative grade point average computation includes all course work taken at UMA. To be eligible to receive an associate degree, a student must have achieved a minimum GPA of 2.00 and have been registered in UMA courses (in the appropriate program) for the last 15 credit hours. Baccalaureate degree candidates must complete the last 30 credit hours in UMA courses in order to receive the degree. This is in addition to completion of specific program requirements. Any exception to this rule will be reviewed by the college faculty. Nursing students must spend at least one year in the Nursing Program at UMA in order to meet regulations of the Maine State Board of Nursing. Appeals of this policy should be addressed, in writing, to the appropriate college dean. Exceptions are not normally granted except in extenuating circumstances.
Earning an Associate Degree While Enrolled in a Baccalaureate Degree Program: Upon written request, students who have met the requirements of an associate degree program while enrolled in a baccalaureate program may be awarded the associate degree. Students must meet the associate degree requirements in place at the time of their admission to the baccalaureate degree, or those in place at the time of application for the associate degree.
Postassociate or Baccalaureate Study for a Second Degree: To be eligible to receive a second associate degree, a student must have been registered in the second program for the last fifteen credit hours of work and complete all program requirements. To receive a second baccalaureate degree the requirements are the same as listed above, except the student must complete the last thirty hours in UMA courses. Students admitted to a baccalaureate degree may receive any associate degree once all degree requirements have been met.
Waiver of Degree Requirements: It is the policy to substitute or waive degree requirements when faculty and the college dean feel that other courses, prior learning or extenuating circumstances warrant substitution or waiver of degree requirements. Since the academic units meet during the academic year, substitutions and waivers are not attainable in the summer. The student is encouraged to meet with his or her academic advisor to discuss the degree requirement and the substitution or waiver process. The student must appeal the requirement in writing to his or her college dean. The dean will consult with appropriate academic personnel and then respond in writing to the student
with an approval or denial of the substitution or waiver request. A copy of the dean’s letter will be placed in the student’s file and a copy sent to the registrar and the Office of the Provost. In some programs more than one college must review the request. When substitutions and waivers are granted, they are granted only for the student’s current degree program. If the student changes programs or pursues an additional degree, the process would need to begin anew. Waivers and substitutions are not generally recorded on the permanent record unless credit is obtained through challenge or CLEP examinations, or a portfolio review process.
Registration
All students should meet with an advisor prior to registration for courses. Any student who wishes to register for 18 credits or more in a semester must have the written approval of an advisor or the college dean.
Add/Drop (Adjustments in Course Schedule)
All changes in a student’s class program should have the approval of the advisor. Nondegree students should submit changes in writing directly to the Registrar’s Office in Augusta, the Office of Admissions and Student Enrollment Services in Bangor, or call the Information Center. A student is allowed to add courses during the regular add period as listed in the course schedule for that semester. A student who wishes to drop or withdraw from courses must submit an add/drop card to the Registrar’s Office or call the Information Center at 1-877-UMA-1234.
IMPORTANT: See the semester course guide for precise deadlines for adding, dropping, or withdrawing from courses. Courses offered in the course guide are subject to cancellation due to low enrollment.
Student Status
Full Time: Any student who is registered for 12 credit hours or more is considered full time.
Part Time: Any student who is registered for 11 credit hours or fewer is considered part time.
Part-time study at the college level is increasing in popularity as many adults return to school. The majority of students attending UMA do so on a part-time basis and have the choice of attending during the day, the evening, or a combination of both. Hesitancy to withdraw from the job market, family responsibilities, competing priorities, and financial demands are among the many reasons for part-time study. We encourage students to proceed through their studies at a rate which recognizes both their educational objectives and the complexity of their lives. Students may change their status from one semester to another, but the financial aid implications of any such change should be determined.
Students do not have to be enrolled in a degree program to take courses. We welcome nondegree students whose purpose in attending is often for professional development, career change or personal enrichment. UMA encourages part-time students to consult with the Advising Center to receive assistance in program planning and course selection to provide an appropriate sequence of courses to meet their needs. The Advising Center also is available to assist students in exploring course and program offerings.
Residence Reclassification Policy
A student is classified as a resident or a nonresident for tuition purposes at the time of admission to the University. Prospective students should contact the vice president for administration if they have a question on their residency status. Students enrolled as nonresident, who have reason to believe their residence status has changed, may contact the vice president for administration who has full details of the current rules governing residence.
Attendance
Satisfactory attendance is determined in each course by the instructor who will inform students the first meeting of each class of the attendance requirements. Every student is expected to accept the responsibility for satisfactory attendance in each course for which registered.
Withdrawal
Students considering withdrawing for serious personal or academic difficulties are strongly encouraged to meet with a faculty advisor, a college dean, or an advising counselor to discuss options. Students who withdraw from all courses for any reason must do so by filling out the appropriate form, submitting a letter to the Registrar’s Office, or calling the Information Center at 1-877-UMA-1234. Failure to withdraw officially exempts students from refund policies and may result in failing grades in all courses. Refer to the current course guide for specific withdrawal information.
Transcript of Academic Record
Students’ official academic records are maintained in the Registrar’s Office. Transcripts of these records are not furnished to individuals, other institutions, or prospective employers without the written consent of the student concerned. There is no charge for a transcript. Transcript Request Forms are available in the Registrar’s Office. They may also be downloaded from the UMA Web site.