Student Academic Responsibilities
Classification of Students
Academic Advising
Academic Load
Registration
Enrollment in College of Graduate & Extended Studies/Online Courses
Class Attendance
Institution-Sanctioned Absences Policy
Extended Absence Policy
Withdrawal Policies
Catalog in Effect - Graduation Requirements
Course Numbering System
Course Delivery Definition
Calculation of Credit Hour
Upper-Level (Junior and Senior) Courses
Academic Majors and Minors
Electives
Requirements for a 2nd Bachelor's Degree
Residence
Assessment
English Proficiency
Foreign Language Requirement
University Policy for Math Placement
Special Courses
Honors Program
Study Abroad
Pre-Professional Program
Educator Certification Programs
Cooperative 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 those students who are not matriculating for a degree but who wish to enroll for specific courses. They may be full- or part-time and may or may not have a baccalaureate degree. After completing 29 hours, special students must apply to the Office of Admission and be formally admitted to a course of study in order to continue to take classes.

Part-Time Students are those students who register for fewer than 12 hours in a semester or fewer than six hours in a summer session. Part-time students may not live on campus or represent the University in extracurricular activities. Their tuition charges and fees are based on the number of credit hours undertaken.

Academic Advising

Students at CMU quickly develop personal relationships with their instructors. Through these relationships, faculty and students explore a wide range of academic and personal matters both in the classroom and through informal conferences and conversations. The faculty and administration also provide a well-structured program of student advising for each student. This program begins before students enroll through their assignment to a faculty or staff advisor on the basis of admissions information. Advisors assist students in planning their academic work and in managing problems in their college careers. As early as possible, students are assigned, or choose, advisors according to academic interest or choice of major. Students may change their faculty advisor at any time by making a formal request in the Registrar's Office. The faculty advisors, the staff of the Registrar's Office, the Associate Dean, and the Dean of the University will do all they can to assist students in interpreting degree requirements, in determining which requirements have or have not been met, and in developing plans to meet degree requirements. However, the University believes that each student's education belongs uniquely to the student.

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. Faculty advisors will do all they can through the advising processes to assist students in meeting their educational goals.

The University also keeps students informed of their academic progress by sending students and their advisors (1) warning of unsatisfactory grades after the first month of classes are posted online, (2) mid-semester grade reports (posted on-line), and (3) final grade reports each term (posted on-line).

Academic Load

Fifteen to sixteen hours of academic credit is considered the normal load per semester. No student may register for more than 18 hours of academic credit unless that student has a grade point average of 3.20 in the previous semester and obtains permission from the Provost. Registering for an overload (more than 18 hours per semester) requires the approval of the Provost. Students who are permitted to register for an overload will be subject to additional charges for each hour over 18.   No student may receive credit for more than 21 hours in a semester unless 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.

Registration

Students must register on the days and at the times designated by the Dean. 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 Registrar's Office. After the first week of classes, courses may not be added. Any exceptions require written permission from the course instructor, division chair, and the Dean. Courses may be dropped at any time prior to two weeks before the last day of classes for the semester. 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.

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 Dean, and agrees to pay all tuition/fees required to take the course above regular CLAS tuition and fees.

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 Liberal Arts and Sciences. 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.

Institutional-Sanctioned Absence Policy

Absences incurred as a result of CMU competitions, performances, or events (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. Students who will miss a class (i.e., lecture, lab, practicum, clinical, etc.) because of an institution-sanctioned event are responsible for talking to the professor ahead of the absence. Wherever possible, class assignments, exams or exercises are to be made up before departure.

Each coach is responsible for working with the Athletic Director’s Office to ensure that all conference limits are adhered to in regard 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 all CLAS 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. 

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 not be a direct penalty (extra running, grade penalty, pushups, etc.) from the coach/director/instructor.

Extended Absence Policy

Courses in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) rely on face-to face or synchronous class meetings. Students who cannot attend are missing key class instruction and student learning opportunities. When there are extenuating circumstances, such as serious injury or illness that result in absence of more than two weeks, or a student is unable to finish the semester, alternative arrangements may be possible. Students must apply in advance to the Provost's Office in writing for permission. Individual instructors will not be permitted to make alternative arrangements without the Provost's Office permission. Students will not be permitted to transfer from a CLAS course to the same CGES course in the middle of a semester.

Withdrawal Policies

No student may withdraw from any class the last two weeks of the Fall or Spring semester without approval of the Provost.

Withdrawals from the University

A student who wishes to withdraw from the University must obtain a withdrawal form from the Director of Student Success. It is the student's responsibility to see that this withdrawal form is completed and filed with the Director of Student Success or Hall Director. The form is NOT complete until it is returned to either the Director of Student Success or Hall Director. The form requires signed clearance from the Residence Hall Director, Library, Financial Assistance Office, Scholarship Coach or Director (music/athletics), Student Success Coordinator, and Business Office. The completed withdrawal form, together with the student ID Card, is filed with the Director of Student Success. 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.

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 Dean of the College or, at the Dean'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. All requests must be made within one calendar year from the conclusion of the course. Medical withdrawal requests approved after the term has ended, will result in a withdrawal date of the last date of classes for that term.

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.

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.

Catalog in Effect - Graduation Requirements

Students' degree requirements are generally governed by the catalog in effect when they matriculate for a degree so long as enrollment is continuous. Students may choose to meet the requirements of any subsequent catalog published during their enrollment but not of an earlier catalog. Former students who are readmitted must meet the graduation requirements in the catalog at the time of re-enrollment.

Course Numbering System

Requirements for a 2nd Bachelor's Degree

Candidates for a baccalaureate degree must complete at least 30 of the last 36 hours of credit in residence at Central Methodist University. Exceptions to this residence requirement may be made in the case of military veterans whose programs of study have been approved by the Dean of the University. For extraordinary circumstances, students may petition the Faculty Committee on Academic Standards and Admissions. A candidate for the associate degree must earn the last 24 hours of credit in residence at Central Methodist University. Students enrolled in Cooperative Programs are not required to meet the residence rule.

Assessment

Central Methodist University is committed to providing quality education and to assuring that students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful after they graduate. In order to assure the continuing improvement of its educational programs, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has a "Program to Assess Student Academic Achievement." All students and faculty are involved in this program through various tests, class assignments, surveys, etc. conducted throughout the undergraduate program. This program seeks to measure student learning in general education and the major fields of study. The results of this ongoing study of student learning are used for continuing improvement of the curriculum and instruction. All students will complete a capstone course for each degree he or she is completing.

English Proficiency

Each student must demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English before receiving a degree. This may be accomplished by receiving a passing grade in either EN305 or EN306. Those who have successfully completed six hours in composition before entering CMU will receive credit for EN110/EN111 and must still take and pass EN305 or EN306. For spoken English, students must either successfully complete a proficiency examination, or CT101 (Public Speaking) or transfer in an equivalent course.

Foreign Language Requirement

The BA degree requires six to eight hours of a single for­eign language. Students whose native language is other than English who seek a degree requiring for­eign lan­guage have the following options:

1. fulfill the foreign language degree requirement stated by the degree;
2. take six (6) hours of 300-level literature in their native lan­guage if that language is offered at CMU; or
3. take six (6) hours in oral and written commu­nications in addition to the general education requirements of EN110/111 or EN 120; EN222; EN305 or 306; and CT 101.

University Policy for Math Placement

Pre-Health Science Professional Track

The Pre-Health Science Professional Track is open to all students interested in the health sciences. Pre-Health Science Professional students who may to pursue specialty areas such as Optometry, Veterinary Medicine, Genetic Counseling, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Podiatry, Chiropractic Medicine, Public Health, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Osteopathic Medicine (DO), and Allopathic Medicine (MD). Most of these specialty areas also strongly recommend taking MA105 Statistics. Consult your advisor and professional program for more specific application requirements including prerequisite coursework, GPA, and specialty exams. Students on this track receive intensive advising throughout their college experience.

Most Pre-Health Science Professional students belong to AED (Alpha Epsilon Delta, national pre-health professions honor society), BBB (Beta Beta Beta, national biological honor society), and Gamma Sigma Epsilan. These groups Bring guest speakers to campus and visit medical, professional, and graduate schools, pharmaceuti­cal companies, and other sites of interest. They also attend national conventions and have been honored with awards for their outstanding activities and service. AED and BBB meet jointly and regularly to discuss issues in medical ethics and to plan service projects.

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 members of the education faculty as soon as they enter the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Cooperative Programs

As a result of cooperative programs entered into by Central Methodist University and selected schools, it is possible for students to complete their BA or BS degrees and then advance their studies in engineering, law, and medicine.. These Cooperative Programs are referred to as the Accelerated MBA Program (Rockhurst University),  Accelerated MBA (Maryville University),programs in Engineering (Missouri University of Science and Technology), the "3-3" program in Law (University of Missouri), the "3-4" KCUMB Partners Program in Osteopathic Medicine, and the Military Science Program (University of Missouri).

Accelerated MBA Program

Upon completion of an undergraduate degree from CMU, students are eligible to enter Rockhurst University's Accelerated Master of Business Administration (MBA) Program. To be eligible, students' CMU undergraduate degrees must have included courses equivalent to and satisfying requirements for Rockhurst's Business minor; student also must satisfy requirements for admission to Rockhurst's MBA program, to include the appropriate GMAT score, as determined by Rockhurst University. Upon admission, students must complete a minimum of 30 hours of graduate Business courses beyond the Business minor or equivalent. CMU graduates must begin this MBA program within one year of completing their undergraduate degrees, and they must complete the Accelerated MBA Program within three years of receiving their undergraduate degree.

"2-2" Program in Engineering

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has a transfer agreement with the Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla for Engineering students. After two years of course work at CMU, students may transfer directly into the Junior year at Rolla. Consult with the Chair of the Division of Science, Mathematics, and Computer Science for further information.

"3-2" Program in Engineering

This program enables a student to obtain a BS degree from CMU and a BS degree in Engineering from the second school in five years. Students attend CMU for three years and then transfer to the engineering school. After one year of engineering studies which fulfills the requirements for the BS degree, students will request a transcript to be sent to CMU in order for the BS degree to be conferred.  Then, after two years of engineering studies which fulfill the requirements for the engineering degree, the student will be awarded a BS in Engineering by the engineering school. In certain instances, additional summer sessions may be necessary to complete requirements for the engineering degree. Combined programs in engineering have been formalized between CMU and Missouri University of Science and Technology at Rolla. Arrangements with other schools are also possible. Consult with the Chair of the Division of Science, Mathematics and Computer Science for further information.

"3-3" Program in Law

CMU pre-law students are eligible to apply for the University of Missouri's 3-3 Program in Law. This program, administered by the School of Law of the University of Missouri, is for exceptional students. Undergraduate students who wish to pursue this course to law school complete all general education requirements for their bachelor's degree during their first six semesters at CMU and apply for admission to the University of Missouri during their third year of undergraduate study. CMU pre-law students who enter MU Law School through this program will qualify to earn their baccalaureate degree by transferring appropriate hours of credits from the Law School to meet remaining graduation require­ments at CMU. (Note that the University of Missouri suggests that most students will be best served by obtaining their bachelor's degree prior to entering MU Law School.) Please consult with Dr. John Carter, Director of the Pre-law Program and Professor of Political Science, for further information.

"3-4" Partners Program in Osteopathic Medicine

This program enables students to apply to Kansas City University (KCU) College of Osteopathic Medicine Partners Program in the fall of their sophomore year. Students are first interviewed by a CMU committee, and if they are approved the students then apply to and interview at KCU. If accepted, they may complete all CMU general education requirements for the program in three years. During the summer after the sophomore year, the student must complete a five-day med-prep course at KCUMB. The MCAT, normally required for admission to KCUMB, is not required of students applying through our Partners Program. Students matriculate at KCUMB as full-time first-year students following their Junior year at CMU. They receive their bachelor's degree from CMU following successful completion of their first-year at KCUMB. Consult the pre-med advisor Dr. Anna Slusarz for specific requirements of this program.

Accelerated MBA Program with Maryville University

The Accelerated MBA program with Maryville University is open to students with junior standing, a 3.3 undergraduate GPA, and who are admitted to the MBA program by Maryville University.  Students are able to enroll in six hours of undergraduate coursework at CMU that will count toward the MBA and to also enroll in six hours of coursework from Maryville University's MBA that will count toward the undergraduate degree program at CMU.   For additional information contact the Business, Accounting and Economics division.

The Military Science Program

The College has cooperative arrangements with the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force which allows students to enroll in Military Science courses offered at the University of Missouri-Columbia. This program allows students to qualify for commission as second lieutenants by the end of their Senior year. Military Science classroom instruction is provided on campus or at the University of Missouri-Columbia, while the leadership labs are conducted at the University of Missouri-Columbia in conjunction with the Cadet Corps. Students are expected to maintain a grade point average of at least 2.0 to remain in the ROTC program. Various scholarships are available for CMU students. For more information, contact Capt. Shane Parks, U.S. Army National Guard and CMU's ROTC coordinator, at ROTC@centralmethodist.edu. For additional information, consult the Military Science section of this catalog.