Frequently Asked Questions for Undergraduate Students About Academic Policies and Procedures  

1. What should I do if I have a question or concern about the curriculum or instruction in a class?

2. What should I do if I disagree with a grade?

3. What is a grade of Incomplete ("I") and can I request it?

4. What is a grade of Withdrawal ("W") and how do I withdraw from a class?

5. What is UMUC's approach to academic integrity and plagiarism?

6. Where can I find more information?

1. What should I do if I have a question or concern about the curriculum or instruction in a class?  
   

   The Undergraduate School aims to provide dynamic and relevant courses and programs to fit the needs of adult learners. Whenever you have a question or concern about the curriculum or instruction in a class, you should first contact your professor to discuss. If the concern is not resolved through this initial conference, you may then contact the appropriate academic department for further review. Most issues can be resolved through discussion with your professor or appropriate academic department.

   To contact your academic department, please see the School of Undergraduate Studies Department pages.  
   

   • Business and Professional Programs

   • Communication, Arts and Humanities

   • Computer Information Systems and Technology

   • Social, Behavioral, Natural and Mathematical Sciences

   • Center for Student Success

   • • Cooperative Education

     • Department of Student Success

     • Effective Writing Center (EWC)

     • Prior Learning

   For guidance on filing a formal grievance, see the Student Grievance Procedures policy.  
   

2. What should I do if I disagree with a grade?  
   

   Grades are assigned to accurately reflect the work you have completed in your classes. You will find the grading standards explained in your course syllabus. If you have a concern about a grade you have received, first contact your professor in a timely manner. If the matter is not resolved through this initial conference, you may then contact the appropriate academic department for further review.  
   

   For guidance on filing an arbitrary and capricious grade appeal, see Procedures for Review of Alleged Arbitrary & Capricious Grading.  
   

3. What is a grade of Incomplete ("I") and can I request it?  
   

   A grade of Incomplete ("I") may be assigned to students who are doing satisfactory work, but have been unable to complete a course's requirements because of illness or other circumstances beyond their control. Receiving an Incomplete grade allows these students to complete the requirements by a later date and earn a grade in the course.

   You may be able to request a grade of Incomplete ("I") if you are unable to complete a course due to extenuating circumstances. To be eligible for consideration for an Incomplete grade, you must currently have a grade of "C" or better in the course and must have completed at least 60 percent of the course work. Students are responsible for contacting their professor to request a grade of Incomplete, prior to the end of the semester. The faculty member retains the right to make the final decision on granting a request for an Incomplete even though the student may meet the eligibility requirements for this grade.  
   

   If your professor approves the request, he or she will set a late deadline for completing the remainder of the course work, giving you a chance to earn a grade upon completion.  
   

   For more information about the grade of Incomplete ("I"), see the Grade of Incomplete, Grade Pending, and Withdrawal policy or contact the appropriate academic department.

4. What is a grade of Withdrawal ("W") and how do I withdraw from a class?  
   

   Withdrawing from a class may be an appropriate decision for students who have never attended or have stopped participating in their class(es), or who are unable to complete the semester, because it prevents them from receiving a failing grade that would negatively affect their cumulative grade point average (GPA). Prior to withdrawing from a course, students are encouraged to discuss the matter with their professor. If you are a financial aid recipient, be sure to contact your financial aid advisor before withdrawing to determine if or how this will affect your aid package.

   Students are responsible for determining if withdrawing from a class is in their best interest. A grade of Withdrawal ("W") appears on a student's transcript, but is not included in his or her GPA. See the Grade of Incomplete, Grade Pending, and Withdrawal policy to learn more about the "W" grade.  
   

   Please see our official withdrawal procedures to find out about specific withdrawal deadlines and how to withdraw.
   

5. What is UMUC's approach to academic dishonesty and plagiarism?  
   

   Upholding academic integrity is a serious matter at UMUC. As an undergraduate student, you are expected to maintain the highest level of integrity throughout your academic career. Incidents of academic dishonesty and plagiarism will be handled in accordance with UMUC Policy 150.25-Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism.

   Academic integrity resources are available through:  
   

   • Virtual Academic Integrity Laboratory (VAIL)

   • Information and Library Services' Citation Resources

   • Effective Writing Center's How to Avoid Plagiarism Module

6. Where/How can I obtain more information?  
   

   To review UMUC academic policies, see the Academic Policies Web site or the Student Handbook. You may also review the current Undergraduate School schedule of classes and catalog to find out about course offerings and your program's specific requirements.