Policies and Regulations

Academic Load

A full-time graduate student is one who takes six or more hours in a semester.

• The maximum is 18 hours in a semester.
• Workshop credits are counted in the academic load.
• For financial aid purposes, a student must take three hours during a semester to be considered a half-time student.
• Students working on an assistantship are subject to regulations stipulated by that award concerning minimum enrollment requirement and maximum credit load to be taken.
• Courses taken for audit are included in the academic load.

Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s Programs

An accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s program allows a student to enroll in approved graduate courses while completing the baccalaureate degree requirements. These courses will be shared by the undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The number of credits that are shared for the undergraduate and graduate programs will vary but will not exceed 15 credits or 50% of the graduate program. See the accelerated program section under the graduate program listing in this catalog for requirements and eligibility for admission.

Time of Application

The student is eligible to begin the accelerated graduate program when they have reached Junior status and may apply to the accelerated program the semester before they reach 60 credits. A student may apply to the program after 60 credits but this could limit the total number of graduate courses that are shared between Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

Tuition

Undergraduate tuition rates will apply during the undergraduate portion of completing the degree requirements.

Approved Program

The coordinator of the graduate program will determine the shared graduate courses that will be taken during the undergraduate degree. The Approved Accelerated Program form will list the courses and serve as the student’s admission to the accelerated program. This form will be filed with the Graduate Office.

The student will not be eligible for any graduate-level scholarships, tuition or fee waivers, or assistantships while pursuing the baccalaureate portion of the accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s program with the exception of any benefits covered in the Employee Handbook.

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, the student will formally apply for admission to the graduate program. In most cases, these students will have met requirements for candidacy as they begin their program.

Progress

A student is expected to maintain the same undergraduate grades that were required for admission to the accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s program. A student that is not making satisfactory academic progress in the accelerated program can be suspended or dismissed by the graduate coordinator of the program. Unsatisfactory progress may involve deficient grades for graduate courses, lowered performance on undergraduate grades, or any consideration described in the program’s requirements for graduate candidacy.

Students may appeal this decision only at the department or school level due to their undergraduate status. However, appeals or petitions directly related to the graduate courses, will follow the graduate policies in this catalog.

A student that is either dismissed or suspended from the accelerated bachelor’s to master’s program may still apply for graduate admission upon completion of the baccalaureate degree. Additionally, a student who chooses not to complete the accelerated program may also apply for graduate admission at a later date.

Graduate Transcript

The graduate level courses that were approved in the student’s Approved Accelerated Program form will be transferred to a graduate transcript only after the student is admitted to the graduate program. Students may be required to repeat courses in which a deficient grade was earned.

Graduate Admission

When the student is formally admitted to the graduate program, all graduate policies will then apply. This includes the 8-year time limit on all graduate courses.

Academic Policies Appeal Process

The process of appealing decisions based on stated academic policy beyond action of the Associate Provost of Graduate Studies requires a letter of petition clearly stating the reason for the appeal. The letter should be addressed to the Graduate Council, c/o Graduate Office. The Graduate Council will hear the appeal.

Adding, Dropping, and Withdrawals

Adding Courses

• Courses may be added during the first day of any short course, two-week course, or four-week course,
• during the first two days of a six-week or eight-week course,
• during the first four days of any course longer than eight weeks of instruction,
• This includes adding a course, exchanging courses, dropping courses, and transferring from one section of a course to another section.

Dropping Courses

Student Initiated Drop

• The student elects to unenroll from an individual course within the established academic calendar period.
• Students may drop a course during the first 80% of any length course unless under a charge of academic dishonesty. (See “Fees and Costs ” section (p. 20).)
• Students who follow the prescribed procedure for dropping a course will have no grade entered on their permanent record (transcript).
• Students who do not follow the prescribed procedure for dropping a course will have a grade of “F” recorded on their permanent record.
• If due to extraordinary reasons-beyond the control of the student-a student desires to drop a course after the deadline (late drop), he or she must petition the Associate Provost of Graduate Studies. Extraordinary reasons which may be considered include advisor error, administrative error, or documented medical reasons. Students who are granted a late drop will have a “DR” entered on the permanent record.
• Students cannot drop all of the courses in which they are enrolled as that is defined as a “Withdrawal from the University”.

Administrative Course Drop

• During the drop period, an instructor of a course may request the Office of the Registrar to delete a student from the class roster due to nonattendance. The conditions listed below must be met to initiate the drop:
• The course syllabus clearly states the conditions under which an administrative drop would be initiated.
• The student is warned of a pending administrative drop and provided the opportunity, when possible, to remedy the situation.
• Courses may not be dropped during the final exam period.

Withdrawal from the University

Student Initiated Withdrawal

• Students who wish to terminate enrollment at the University (unenroll from all courses) during a term should initially consult with their advisor. If, after meeting with the advisor, a student decides to withdraw from the University, the student must complete an Exit Report in the Graduate Office in the Administration Building.
• It is extremely important that a withdrawal be completed to ensure that proper entries are made on the academic transcript, that fee refunds are processed (See “Fees and Costs ” section (p. 20).) and that all University records reflect the withdrawal.
• If a student cannot initiate the withdrawal process in person, he or she should write or email the Graduate Office, so that office can process the withdrawal.
• Students who wish to withdraw from the University must do so before 80% of any semester or shorter-length term has expired.
• A “W” will be recorded on the academic transcript for each class.
• Students who do not follow the prescribed procedure in withdrawing from the University will have a grade of “F” recorded on the permanent record (transcript) for all courses.
• If due to extraordinary reasons-beyond the control of the student-a student desires to withdraw from the University after the deadline, the student must petition the Associate Provost of Graduate Studies (contact the Graduate Office for details).

Academic Administrative Withdrawal

When it is in the best interest of Northwest Missouri State University for a student to withdraw, a student will be given a W, put on administrative hold, and given notice that they are about to be withdrawn. This action will result in removal of all credits associated with courses that have yet to be completed in the semester in question, and the student will be administratively withdrawn from the University. An administrative withdrawal does not affect the student’s grade point average.

Consistent with the University definition of Administrative Withdrawal stated above, an Academic Administrative Withdrawal can be implemented should the following conditions arise:

• A student is administratively dropped from all enrolled courses during a semester. The Registrar will initiate the process for administrative withdrawal.
• Non-payment of fees. The Student Account Services Office will initiate the process for administrative withdrawal.
  • Students who are administratively withdrawn for non-payment of fees are prohibited from attending classes.

Academic Administrative Withdrawal Appeal: All students who are withdrawn under this policy have the right to appeal the decision to the appropriate Associate Provost. The appeal must be made in writing within ten business days of the withdrawal decision, and address reasons the student feels they should be reinstated. The appeal can include information not previously available, including extenuating circumstances that may not have been known. The Associate Provost has the ability to call together an ad hoc committee as needed and appropriate for the given situation. Suggested membership includes an appropriate appointee from the VP of Student Affairs, DEI, UPD, Registrar’s office, the student’s advisor, and if the student is an on campus resident, a member of Residential Life. The decision of the Associate Provost is final.

Academic Administrative Withdrawal Notice: The office initiating the administrative withdrawal must work with the appropriate Associate Provost and Registrar to activate the withdrawal. The Registrar’s office will place a hold on the student’s account. Upon the student being administratively withdrawn, the appropriate Associate Provost, or a designee, will inform the student. Additionally, the student will also receive written notice of the administrative withdrawal.

Readmission of Academically Administratively Withdrawn Students: Should the Administratively Withdrawn student choose to return to the university, the student must file a written request for readmission to the Provost at least 30 business days prior to the beginning of the term in which the student wishes to enroll. In order to be considered for readmission, the student must be able to demonstrate that they are prepared to return to classes and be successful in the University environment. Whether to grant readmission remains solely in the University’s discretion.

Audit

Graduate students may audit graduate courses, provided the class section has available space and proper enrollment forms are completed. The normal academic load applies. Auditors will enroll for the course, pay the same fees as other students, and enjoy all the privileges of the University. Forms are available in the Registrar’s Office.

The auditor is expected to attend regularly and is to determine from the instructor the amount of work expected. If an auditing student does not meet the criteria for the course, the instructor may drop the student from the class roll and the audit will not appear on the student’s record.

Students who initially enroll in a course for credit may be permitted to change their enrollment to audit or remove from audit any time within the first three weeks of the semester, eight days of a six-week or eight-week course, five days of a four-week course and two days of any shorter length course.

A course may be audited either before or after it is taken for academic credit.

Change in Delivery Method

Students requesting a change in delivery method must initiate such a change request with an academic advisor in conjunction with the Registrar’s Office. All change in delivery method requests will go into effect on the first day of the next semester. Changing delivery methods during the semester is not allowed.

Code of Academic Integrity

Code of Academic Integrity: Undergraduate and Graduate

The students, faculty, and staff at Northwest endeavor to sustain an environment that values honesty in academic work, that acknowledges the authorized aid and intellectual contributions of others, and that enables equitable evaluation of student work. Sustaining academic integrity at Northwest is the responsibility of the entire university community.

Students are responsible for performing with integrity in all academic situations. Students must be especially attentive to academic integrity whenever submitting work for evaluation, honors, or publication.

Students are responsible for understanding the eight areas of academic behavior which violate the Code of Academic Integrity:

1. knowingly giving or receiving unauthorized aid or information;
2. committing plagiarism
3. misrepresenting facts or data;
4. offering bribes;
5. using library, computer, or other university resources unethically;
6. knowingly engaging in acts of deception, falsification, or misrepresentation that interfere with equitable academic assessment and evaluation;
7. publishing or transmitting academic materials authored by an instructor, including study guides, exams, and assignments, without the author’s permission;
8. knowingly assisting in any of the above practices.

Faculty and staff will bring charges of violation when a preponderance of the evidence indicates that one or more of the prohibited eight academic behaviors has been committed.

Students who have witnessed, or who have evidence of, a violation of the Code of Academic Integrity are encouraged to speak with a faculty or staff member. Faculty and staff are obligated to treat seriously allegations of violations brought to their attention by Northwest students. When faculty or staff believe a preponderance of the evidence indicates a violation has occurred, the evidence provided by a student may be used by the faculty or staff filing an official charge of violation.

If a student feels he/she/they has been erroneously charged with a violation of the Code of Academic Integrity, the student has a right to appeal. Appeals committees, which determine whether there is a preponderance of the evidence to sustain the charge, will offer charged students an opportunity to review all evidence and to provide oral testimony. Appeals must be made in writing within 10 academic days of receipt of the official letter of violation.

If the violation is related to a course that the student is currently enrolled in, the instructor may impose a course-level sanction up to and including failure of the course. Course-level sanctions for violations are at the discretion of the individual faculty member.

Any violation of the Code of Academic Integrity will initiate a review by the Academic Integrity Panel, whose membership includes university students, faculty, and staff. After reviewing a student’s academic record and all violations, the Academic Integrity Panel may recommend to the Provost an administrative sanction up to and including dismissal from the university.

Any changes to the Code of Academic Integrity must be implemented following the close of the academic year in which the changes are approved.

The full Code of Academic Integrity can be found in the University Policy Library at the following link: https://www.nwmissouri.edu/policies/academics/Academic-Integrity.pdf.

Conduct

Any issues relating to the conduct of a graduate student will be handled by the Graduate Council and/or the Student Conduct and Development Coordinator.

Correspondence Courses and Workshops

Northwest does not accept courses by correspondence for graduate credit. Campus-based, electronically-generated courses will be considered as residential credit. No more than six hours of workshop credit may be applied to any degree. Workshop credit is a part of the academic load.

Course Numbering

Courses are numbered according to the following plan:

A minimum of 15 credits of 600-level courses are required for all master’s degrees. The remaining required credits must be graduate level.

Credit System

The unit of credit is the semester hour. Lecture-recitation courses average one hour of meeting per week in a semester for each hour of credit given. Laboratory courses average two or more hours per week in a semester for each hour of credit given.

The amount of credit for each course is indicated in the departmental statements and in the Course Offerings.

Deficiencies and Teacher Certification

A student who desires a University recommendation for certification in an area other than his or her earned master’s degree must remove specified graduate deficiencies (and undergraduate, if applicable). If the student works directly with a state school agency for certification, he or she need only take courses specified by that agency. The student may pursue a second master’s degree, if applicable.

Dual Enrollment

A Northwest senior who needs fewer than 30 semester hours to complete the baccalaureate degree and who needs less than a full enrollment of required undergraduate courses in any term of the senior year may petition to take courses for graduate credit, provided prerequisites are met and he or she follows the approval procedures. The student must: 1) have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.50 or above, 2) fill out a petition for dual enrollment online, 3) apply for admission to the Graduate School if from another regionally-accredited university, and 4) have approval of the appropriate advisor or chairperson, and the Dean of the Graduate School. The maximum load is 16 hours for any semester in which graduate credit is involved, and no more than seven hours in a four-week summer session.

Dual enrollment is available at the graduate and the undergraduate level:

A Northwest graduate student may petition to take an undergraduate class (500 level) which is not required for their graduate program, pay undergraduate fees and receive undergraduate credit. The Petition for Dual Enrollment for Undergraduate Credit for Graduate Students must be completed during the first week of class and cannot be changed to graduate credit at any time in the future. Petitions for Dual Enrollment for Undergraduate Credit for Graduate Students are available online and must be approved by the Graduate Program Director and Graduate Dean. The maximum load is 16 hours for any semester in which graduate credit is involved, and no more than seven hours in a four-week summer session.

Final Examinations

The University publishes an official final examination schedule for fall and spring semesters. Summer session examinations are scheduled by each instructor on the last day of the term.

Faculty members who wish to approve individual students for a legitimate change in their final examination schedule must make this recommendation to the department chairperson. Only those students who have three examinations scheduled on the same day will have a schedule change initiated by the department chair. Students must have a written recommendation from their instructor for any change.

Grade Appeal Procedure

Faculty members have a professional obligation to evaluate the progress and/or performance of students, and to assign each student a course grade which validly reflects the student’s progress and/or performance in that course. Student progress and/or performance should be evaluated solely on the academic objectives of the course.

Students are responsible for maintaining standards of academic performance established for each course in which they are enrolled. Lack of success in meeting the academic grading standards established by the instructor does not constitute a case for appeal.

A student who feels that the instructor has graded on the basis of personal opinions or other matters unrelated to the established academic standards is encouraged to consult with the instructor in the hope that a satisfactory solution can be achieved.

If the student still feels the instructor is biased or capricious in academic evaluation, the student has the right to make a written appeal of the grade within one calendar year from the last day of finals in the semester during which the grade in question was assigned. The written appeal shall be submitted to the appeal committee appointed by the department. Such a committee consists of at least one faculty member and one student, both of whom are not directly involved in the case.

The departmental-level appeal committee will convene within a reasonable time following the student’s request for a formal hearing. If the committee feels there is reasonable justification for the student’s appeal, then it will schedule a formal hearing in which testimony from both the student making the appeal and from the instructor concerned will be considered, along with any supporting evidence. At the conclusion of the hearing, the committee will make its recommendation for the resolution of the difference, and will notify in writing the student, the instructor, and the department chair or coordinator. The written decision and the signatures of the committee members will be filed in the department.

If the departmental-level appeal committee supports the student but the instructor refuses to accept the decision of the committee, the student may, as a last resort, appeal to the department chairperson or coordinator. Should the allegation concern the department chairperson or coordinator, the final appeal will be made to the Dean of the Graduate School, or other designee of the Provost.

Grade Point Average: Minimum Required for Graduation

The overall grade point average must be 3.00 (“B”) or above in the major study area. All graduate coursework taken at Northwest must average 3.00 or above, with no hours of “D” or “F”. Transfer credit grades do not apply to calculating the 3.00 GPA in courses taken at Northwest. The Specialist in Education degree requires a 3.25 overall GPA at Northwest. For competency-based programs with an alternative grade scale, please refer to the program for minimum grade requirements.

Grading System

The following marks are used in evaluating the work of students:

Grade Point Average: Minimum to Remain in Graduate Program

Graduate students who earn below a 3.00 grade point average for two consecutive terms of enrollment will be suspended for one term. A student who has been readmitted after a one-term suspension and who does not achieve a 3.00 grade point average for the term of readmission will not be permitted to continue in that master’s degree program. For competency-based programs with alternative grading scales, please refer to the specific program for information regarding continuance of study.

Holds: Transcript/Diploma/Enrollment

Failure to meet obligations to Northwest, financial (for example: tuition, room, board, telephone, parking, library fines, class materials) or otherwise (for example: incomplete admissions file) will be cause for refusal to allow an individual to enroll, receive a diploma, or receive an academic transcript.

Guidelines

1. In financial situations, the Bursar will consider cases of exceptional circumstances.
   1. An exception to a hold on a transcript will be made when (1) a transcript is required by a funding agency in order for funds due the University to be released or (2) when financial assistance personnel have verified that all necessary paperwork has been completed by the student and that a sufficient amount of assistance to cover the student’s obligation will be forthcoming.
   2. Enrollment may be allowed at the discretion of the treasurer when there is reasonable assurance that funding will be forthcoming.
   3. No exceptions are made to a hold on a diploma.
2. In situations where an individual has not submitted all the required transcripts and/or GRE/GMAT results, the Dean of the Graduate School may release a hold when there is reasonable assurance that the required materials are forthcoming. A hold may be placed on preregistration as well as general registration.
3. In other situations (for example: disciplinary, etc.), the Dean of the Graduate School will consider exceptional circumstances.

Honorary Degree

The Northwest Missouri State University honorary degree may be conferred to individuals who have:

• achieved distinction in academic endeavors; and/or
• achieved distinction in his/her profession; and/or
• rendered outstanding contributions or service to humanity; and/or
• made a recognized scholarly or service contribution as a regional, national, or international figure.

Institutional mission and complement of programs determine the types of honorary degrees that may be conferred. Honorary degrees may be selected from the following:

• Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D.) - Awarded to someone who is distinguished in areas regarding humanities or welfare
• Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) - Awarded for contributions to government or public service
• Doctor of Letters (Litt.D.) - Awarded in recognition of contributions to literature or creative/performing arts
• Doctor of Pedagogy (Ped.D.) - Awarded to distinguished educators
• Doctor of Science (Sc.D.) - Awarded to recognize contributions to fields of science, social science, engineering, or technology

In general, the Northwest Missouri State University honorary degree may not be conferred:

• to faculty and staff members until at least five years after they have been separated from the university;
• to elected or appointed public officials of Missouri until at least on year after they have vacated office;
• in consideration of money or other gifts of value to the University; or
• to individuals posthumously or in absentia.

Any member of the Northwest Missouri State University faculty, staff, the Northwest Foundation, or the Northwest Leadership Team is eligible to submit nominations for an honorary degree. Candidates may not nominate themselves to receive an honorary degree. Final authority for awarding honorary degrees is vested in the Board of Regents.

Hours: Total Required

A minimum of 30 semester hours is required for all master’s and specialist’s degrees. Check specific program requirements in the appropriate section in this catalog. All master’s degrees require 15 hours of courses at the 600 level. All other courses must be graduate level.

Housing

If a graduate student chooses to live on campus, the student must abide by the regulations for living on campus.

Incomplete Grade

The incomplete grade form is initiated with the course instructor. This grade indicates that due to unusual circumstances a small portion of a course has not been completed. In each instance when an incomplete grade is assigned, the instructor of the course, at the end of the course, indicates on the form what the student must do to complete the course. The form is submitted via CatPAWS at the time the final grades are submitted for the course. Incomplete grades in graduate credit courses (with the exception of thesis courses and other courses designated by the Dean of the Graduate School) must be removed within one calendar year, or the incomplete grade becomes an “F” on the student’s permanent grade record. Graduate students cannot graduate if they have an incomplete grade on their transcript.

A student wishing to submit makeup work to remove an incomplete grade must make arrangements with the instructor. Faculty members are not obligated to accept and evaluate makeup work in order to submit a grade change after the above time periods. The student must request specific extensions of time in writing from the instructor of the course. If supported by the instructor, the request, with instructor support, must be forwarded to the Dean of the Graduate School for implementation. If not supported by the instructor, a grade of “F” will be assigned at the end of the initial incomplete time period. Length of the extension, if granted, will be determined by the instructor in consultation with the Dean of the Graduate School.

In-Progress Grade

The in-progress (IP) grade is used only for outreach courses which span more than one semester. The IP designation is determined by the course, not the individual student. The IP grade is assigned at the end of the first semester of the course and is replaced by the earned grade at the end of the course. If the student does not complete the course by the end of the established grading period, the appropriate grade will be assigned by the instructor. If the grade is incomplete, the existing incomplete grade policies would then apply.

Courses not required for the master’s or specialist degree that show an in-progress (IP) grade at the time of the degree conferral will not hinder the degree conferral. However, when completed and graded, those courses will be reflected within the time frame of the degree, causing the hours to count as part of the degree.

Motor Vehicle Registration

All vehicles must be registered with University Police in order to use University parking facilities. Parking areas are designated for use by permit type. Permits may be purchased in Student Account Services in the Administration Building. Maps of Northwest and copies of the Parking and Traffic Policy may also be obtained in Student Account Services. All students will be responsible for knowing and observing campus parking and traffic policies. Appeals of parking and traffic fines are heard by the Student Faculty Traffic Committee and may be filed at the University Police Department.

Pass/Fail

With the exception of programs that are competency-based, no courses for graduate credit may be taken on a pass/fail basis.

Portfolio Requirement

To assess program effectiveness, a performance-based graduate portfolio is required in place of the comprehensive assessment for some programs. Program advisors will provide candidates with the program specific template at the time the Degree Audit is completed.

Second Degree

A second master’s degree may be earned by completing all degree requirements for the second degree. If required courses for the second degree have been completed in the first degree, appropriate course substitutions will be approved by the advisor to complete the required number of graduate credit hours required for the second degree.

Student Records

Northwest complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) which provides guidelines on storage and releasing of student and former student records. Individuals may waive their rights to inspect records at Northwest, but the University may not require such a waiver as a condition to attendance.

Individuals may request a copy of their records, for a copying fee, from the following offices:

Academic Records: Office of the Registrar, Administration Building

Advisement Records: Graduate Office, Administration Building

Alumni Records: Office of University Advancement, Alumni House

Disciplinary Records: V.P. Student Affairs, J.W. Jones Union

Financial Assistance Records: Office of Scholarships and Financial Assistance, Administration Building

Housing Records: Residential Life, J.W. Jones Union

Medical Records: Wellness Services

Placement Records: Office of Career Services, Administration Building

Security Records: University Police, Support Services Building

Student Teaching Records: Educational Field Experiences Office, Brown Education Hall

Teacher Education Records: Teacher Education Student Services Office, Administration Building

Information remains confidential between the individual and the University, and will not be released to a third party without the written consent of the student. Exceptions to this rule include information released to: Northwest officials, officials of other schools where the student is seeking admission, federal or state educational authorities, financial assistance officials in connection with the receipt of financial assistance, state law officials or subpoenaed requests, accrediting organizations, and parents of dependent students.

These parties will receive a notice that the information released to them must not be further distributed without the consent of the student.

The following records are not available for inspection by a third party: parents’ financial records, confidential letters of recommendation written before January 1, 1975, personal records of educators (e.g., instructor’s grade book), law enforcement or security records, employee records, and medical or other professional records, unless the individual wishes to have a qualified professional examine his or her record.

Certain information about a currently enrolled student - name, age, address, phone, e-mail address, place and date of birth, major, grade level, enrollment status, student identification number, photograph, participation in activities and sports, weight and height of athletes, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most recent educational institution attended is considered directory information and thus is releasable to the public. If a student does not want this information in the student directory, he or she should contact the Office of the Registrar, Administration Building, within the first 10 days of the beginning of the term.

Inaccurate records may be challenged through a hearing requested from the Vice President of Student Affairs. The burden of proof that a record is inaccurate lies with the student. An impartial hearing officer will be appointed, to whom the student will have full opportunity to present his or her case. If desired, a student may submit a written explanation of the content of a record, which will become part of the record.

For any further information on student and former student records and records privacy, contact the Vice President of Student Affairs.

Student Records: FERPA

Please visit the following link for more information regarding Student Records:

http://www.nwmissouri.edu/policies/academics/Family-Educational-Rights-and-Privacy-Act.pdf

Student Records: General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

Northwest Missouri State University complies with the guidelines and laws of GDPR in how personal information is collected and used. This applies to each unit at all levels and includes databases, websites, and any other logged information of EU citizens.

The full GDPR policy can be found in the University Policy Library at the following link: https://www.nwmissouri.edu/policies/academics/General-Data-Protection-Regulation.pdf.

Superseding Grades/Repeating Courses

A student may re-enroll in a course once for purposes of improving the grade and demonstrating greater competency. The student must have a written petition (forms are available online) and the approval of the graduate advisor or school director, and the Associate Provost of Graduate Studies and Special Programs.

A student may not be allowed to supersede a grade earned at Northwest by completing an equivalent course at another institution.

Time Limitations

All requirements submitted in fulfillment of a graduate certificate, Master’s degree, or Specialist in Education degree must be completed within a period of eight years. In the event a student has already completed a required course taken before the eight-year time period, the academic advisor and graduate student may agree to substitute another graduate level course which would complement the student’s program. This substitution must be submitted to the Graduate Office in writing. No coursework older than eight years will be counted toward the degree. These limitations will be extended only for the period of active duty of students entering the military service. The student must submit a petition upon his or her return from military service.

Transcript of Grades

Students may request, in writing, copies of their permanent grade record. Normally, a transcript can be furnished upon 24 hours notice; however, at the end of a term at least two weeks notice should be allowed for grade recording and processing.

The student must enclose the transcript fee (see “Fees and Costs ” (p. 20)) along with the written request.