Academic Policies and Procedures

Registration

The detailed instructions registration and the course offerings are published in the Class Schedule which is available for a nominal fee from the The Bookstore in the University Center or the Bookstore in the College of Technology. Students must complete their registration during the scheduled registration period or be subject to payment of a late registration fee if they are allowed to register. Registration is not completed nor is any credit awarded until all fees have been paid.

Students in the College of Technology who do not enroll for a semester or more (excluding summer) must reapply for admission through the College of Technology. Other students who plan to attend a summer session or an academic year semester and were not in attendance during the immediately preceding 24 months, must reapply for admission through the Registration Counter in Griz Central in the Lommasson Center. Students should reapply for the autumn semester by July 1 and for the spring semester by November 1. Students who have never attended before or who are changing admission status must apply to Enrollment Services-Admissions & New Student Services or the College of Technology. See the Admissions section of this catalog.

All students currently enrolled for an academic year semester and students readmitted to the University may pre register for the subsequent semester.

Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities may obtain assistance with the registration process and the relocation of classes through Disability Services in 28 Corbin Hall, (406) 243 2243 VOICE/TDD.

Dropping and Adding Courses or Changing Sections, Grading or Credit Status

Students are expected, when selecting and registering for their courses, to make informed choices and to regard those choices as semester long commitments and obligations.

After registering and through the first fifteen (15) instructional days of the semester, students may use the internet (http://cyberbear.umt.edu) to drop and add courses or change sections and credits. Fees are reassessed on the fifteenth day of the term. Added courses and credits may result in additional fees. For courses dropped by the fifteenth instructional day, no fees are charged and courses are not recorded. (For deadlines and refund policy for withdrawal from all courses, see the Withdrawal sections of this catalog.)

An instructor may specify that drop/add is not allowed on the internet. A drop/add form is used to make changes in these courses, if approved by the instructor.

After adding a course, the credit/no credit grading option or auditor status may be elected on the internet or on a form available at the Registration Counter in Griz Central in the Lommasson Center. These options are not allowed for some courses as identified in the Class Schedule. Change of grading option to audit is not allowed after the 15th instructional day.

Beginning the sixteenth (16) instructional day of the semester through the thirtieth (30) instructional day, students use paper forms to drop, add, and make changes of section, grading option, or credit. The drop/add form must be signed by the instructor of the course and the student's advisor. The signed drop/add form must be returned to the Registration Counter (or the Registrar's Office at the College of Technology) no later than the thirtieth instructional day. A $10.00 processing fee is charged for each drop/add form. Added courses and credits may result in additional fees. There are no refunds or reductions of fees for courses dropped and grades of W (withdrew) are recorded.

Beginning the thirty-first (31) instructional day of the semester through the last day of instruction before scheduled final examinations, students must petition to drop, add, and make changes of section, grading option, or credit. The petition form must be signed by the instructor of the course and the student's advisor and, in the case of drops only, by the dean of the student's major. A $10.00 processing fee is charged for each petition. Added courses and credits may result in additional fees. There are no refunds or reductions of fees for courses dropped, and the instructor assigns a grade of WP (withdrew/passing) if the student's course work has been passing or a WF (withdrew/failing) if the course work has been failing. These grades do not affect grade averages but they are recorded on students' transcripts.

Documented justification is required for dropping courses by petition. Some examples of documented circumstances that may merit approval are: registration errors, accident or illness, family emergency, change in work schedule, no assessment of performance in class until after this deadline, or other circumstances beyond the student's control.

The opportunity to drop a course for the current term or alter grading option for such a course ends on the last day of instruction before scheduled final exams. Dropping a course taken in a previous term or altering grading option or audit status for such a course is not allowed. The only exceptions are for students who have received a grade of NF (never attended) or new students unfamiliar with the drop process who have ceased attendance before the sixteenth day of instruction and can provide to the Registrar's Office instructor verification of non-attendance.

See the School of Law section of this catalog for the add and drop deadlines for law courses.

Class Attendance/Absence Policy

Students who are registered for a course but do not attend the first two class meetings may be required by the instructor to drop the course. This rule allows for early identification of class vacancies to permit other students to add classes. Students not allowed to remain must complete a drop form or drop the course on the internet (http://cyberbear.umt.edu) to avoid receiving a failing grade. Students who know they will be absent should contact the instructor in advance.

Students are expected to attend all class meetings and complete all assignments for courses in which they are enrolled. Instructors may excuse brief and occasional absences for reasons of illness, injury, family emergency, or participation in a University sponsored activity. (University sponsored activities include for example, field trips, ASUM service, music or drama performances, and intercollegiate athletics.) Instructors shall excuse absences for reasons of military service or mandatory public service.

Instructors may establish absence policies to conform to the educational goals and requirements of their courses. Such policies will ordinarily be set out in the course syllabus. Customarily, course syllabi will describe the procedures for giving timely notice of absences, explain how work missed because of an excused absence may be made up, and stipulate any penalty to be assessed for absences.

The UM Faculty Senate encourages the faculty to accommodate students incurring an excused absence by allowing them to make up missed work when this can be done in a manner consistent with the educational goals of their courses. Students expecting to incur excused absences should consult with their instructors early in the term to be sure that they understand the absence policies for each of their courses.

Withdrawal from the University

Students who withdraw from the University while a semester is in progress must complete withdrawal forms which are obtained from the Registration Counter in Griz Central in the Lommasson Center or the Registrar's Office in the College of Technology. Drop/add forms cannot be used to withdraw from school and students are not allowed to drop all their courses on the internet. International students must first contact the Foreign Student Advisor before withdrawing as visa status will be affected.. Medical withdrawals are granted only for a student's significant health problems and must be documented by a healthcare provider.

See the Expenses section of this catalog for fee information relating to withdrawals.

Students receiving financial aid who withdraw will not receive aid the next term of enrollment. A Reinstatement of Financial Aid form must be completed in the Financial Aid Office to request aid for any term subsequent to a withdrawal. Students who reside in a University residence hall or in family housing must notify the Residence Life Office or the Family Housing Office of the withdrawal.

Students who purchase health insurance with registration will receive a refund and lose coverage if withdrawn during the first fifteen instructional days unless a student is granted a medical withdrawal. Withdrawal after the fifteenth day will not result in a refund but coverage will continue through the remainder of the semester.

When withdrawal forms are completed in Griz Central or the Registrar's Office in the College of Technology before the last two weeks of the semester, grades of W (withdrawal) are assigned. Beginning two weeks from the end of the term, students may not withdraw from the University except for very unusual circumstances. Such late withdrawals are to be approved by the student's academic dean before the end of the semester. However, in exceptional cases, a student's academic dean may approve retroactive withdrawal for the last semester in attendance, provided the request is approved before the end of the student's next semester of enrollment.

University Employees' Registration

University employees who have applied and have been accepted for admission to the University may register with the approval of the employee's supervisor. Waivers of some fees are granted to some faculty and staff members who are at least three quarter time salaried employees on the date of registration. Additional information and the necessary forms are available in the Office of Human Resource Services in the Lommasson Center.

Grading System

The University uses two types of grading: traditional letter grades and credit/ no credit grades. At the option of the instructors some courses are offered only on the traditional letter grade basis or only on the credit/no credit basis. Other courses are open to either type of grading, at the option of the student. Courses offered on the A F basis only or CR/NCR only will be indicated in the Class Schedule. In the event a change in the published grading option for a course becomes necessary, the faculty member may make the change during the first ten class days of the semester. The students in the class and the Registrar's office must be notified of the change no later than the tenth class day. Grades preceded by an R indicate remedial courses.

Traditional Letter Grading (A-F)

Letter grades represent an assessment of the overall quality of work performed in a given course. A-Excellent; B-Good; C-satisfactory; D-Poor, F-Failure. When assigning traditional letter grades, instructors may, at their discretion, utilize the symbols + or -. Use of the + or - will be limited to A-, B+, B-, C+, C-, D+, and D-. Other symbols used are: I-Incomplete; N-work on the course may be continued in later semesters (when work is completed, the final grade assigned applies to all semesters of the course); NF-no record of academic performance; W--withdrawal from a course or course dropped after the fifteenth instructional day; WP-course dropped after thirtieth instructional day with passing work; WF-course dropped after the thirtieth instructional day with failing work; AUD-auditor registration. (AUD is recorded for all students who register in courses as auditors, intending to listen to the courses without earning credit or being graded. The same fees are assessed as when registering for credit. Any attendance or participation expectations are established by the instructor of the course. If attendance expectations are not met, the instructor may request a notation be placed on the student's academic record indicating attendance was not satisfactory.) An R preceding the grade indicates a remedial course. Remedial courses do not count in credits earned or grade point averages.

Credit/No Credit Grading (CR, NCR)

Student Option: To encourage students to venture into courses where they might otherwise hesitate because of uncertainty regarding their aptitude or preparation, they may enroll in some courses on a credit/no credit basis. A freshman or sophomore with a grade point average of 2.00 or better may elect one undergraduate course a semester on a credit/no credit basis. Juniors and seniors may elect more than one credit/no credit course a semester.

No more than 18 CR credits may be counted toward graduation. Courses taken to satisfy General Education Requirements must be taken for traditional letter grade. Courses required for the student's major or minor must be taken for traditional letter grade, except at the discretion of the department concerned.

A CR is given for work deserving credit (A through D-) and an NCR for work of failing quality (F). CR and NCR grades do not affect grade point averages. The grades of CR and NCR are not defined in terms of their relationship to traditional grades for graduate course work.

Election of the credit/no credit option must be indicated at registration time or within the first 15 class days on CyberBear. After the fifteenth day, but prior to the end of the 30th day of instruction, an undergraduate student may change a credit/no credit enrollment to an enrollment under the A F grade system, or the reverse by means of a drop/add form.

The University cautions students that many graduate and professional schools and some employers do not recognize non traditional grades (i.e., those other than A through F) or may discriminate against students who use the credit/no credit option for many courses. Moreover, students are cautioned that some degree programs may have different requirements regarding CR/NCR credits, as stipulated in the catalog.

Faculty Option: A faculty member may elect to grade an entire class on the credit/no credit basis. This method of grading is used in courses where more precise grading is inappropriate. A faculty member may indicate that a particular course is not available under the credit/no credit option. Courses graded credit/no credit only and courses graded A-F only will be identified in the Class Schedule.

No Credit Grading in Composition (NC)

Students enrolled in English 100 and 101 and COM 101 are graded by the traditional letter grades of A through F or are given NC for no credit. The NC grade is awarded when exceptional progress has occurred but the student needs to repeat the course. The NC grade does not affect grade point average.

Policy on Incompletes

It is assumed that students have the responsibility for completing the requirements of the courses in which they are enrolled within the time framework of the semester.

Incompletes may be given when, in the opinion of the instructor, there is a reasonable probability that students can complete the course without retaking it.

The incomplete is not an option to be exercised at the discretion of students. In all cases it is given at the discretion of the instructor within the following guidelines:

1. A mark of incomplete may be assigned students when:
   1. They have been in attendance and doing passing work up to three weeks before the end of the semester, and
   2. For reasons beyond their control and which are acceptable to the instructor, they have been unable to complete the requirements of the course on time. Negligence and indifference are not acceptable reasons.
2. The instructor sets the conditions for the completion of the course work and notes these conditions on the final grade report.
3. When a student has met the conditions for making up the incomplete, the instructor will assign a grade based upon an evaluation of the total work done by the student in the course.
4. An incomplete which is not made up within one calendar year automatically will revert to the alternate grade which was assigned by the instructor at the time the incomplete was submitted.
5. An incomplete remains on the permanent record and is accompanied by the final grade, for example, IA, IB, IC, etc.

Computation of Cumulative Grade Average

Quality points are assigned as follows: 4 quality points for each credit of A; 3.7 quality points for each credit of A-; 3.3 quality points for each credit of B+; 3 quality points for each credit of B; 2.7 quality points for each credit of B-; 2.3 quality points for each credit of C+; 2 quality points for each credit of C; 1.7 quality points for each credit of C-; 1.3 quality points for each credit of D+; 1 quality point for each credit of D; and 0.7 quality points for each credit of D-.

The cumulative grade average is computed by dividing the total quality points earned by the total number of credits attempted, excluding courses assigned W, WF, WP, CR, NC, NCR, I, AUD, or N grades and courses numbered under 100 (grade is preceded by an R). Grades for courses transferred from other colleges and universities are not included in the calculation of the grade average for graduation.

Undergraduate Academic Performance

Academic standing is determined at the time grades are posted for the term. Retroactive registration changes or grade changes may affect cumulative grade averages but do not change the end of term academic standing.

Academic Probation

Students will be placed on academic probation at the end of any semester if their cumulative grade average drops below 2.00. The effect of the academic probation is to serve notice to students that the quality of their work is below an acceptable level and that continuation of unsatisfactory work during their next semester of enrollment will result in academic suspension. Students who are placed on academic probation will find that fact noted on their final grades and their transcripts viewed on cyberbear.umt.edu. They should contact their advisors immediately to seek help.

Academic Suspension

Students will be academically suspended at the end of any semester if they were placed on academic probation during their last semester of attendance and their cumulative grade average is still below 2.00. Exceptions are made if they earn at least 2.00 grade average for the semester without raising their cumulative grade average to the required minimum. In such cases, students remain on academic probation. The effect of academic suspension is that students may not re enroll at the University unless they have been reinstated. Academic suspensions are noted on final grades and transcripts on cyberbear.umt.edu.

Reinstatement

Following suspension, students will not be considered for reinstatement until at least one semester or the entire summer term has passed. In order to be reinstated, students must receive the approval of the dean of the school or college in which they intend to enroll. Reinstatements are never automatic, and students' requests for reinstatement are unlikely to be approved unless the students offer carefully prepared plans which indicate how their academic performance will be improved.

All students reinstated after suspension are reinstated on academic probation and will be suspended again unless they meet the requirements as explained under Academic Suspension above.

A student denied reinstatement may appeal the denial in writing to the University President within ten days of receiving the notice of denial. The decision to deny reinstatement normally will not be reversed unless there is evidence the decision was made arbitrarily.

Helping Services

Many programs at The University of Montana-Missoula offer services to help students who are experiencing academic difficulty. Faculty academic advisors are a primary resource for such students as they are in a position to both give advice and make appropriate referrals. Students with declared majors secure advisors through the department advising chair, and general studies students secure advisors through the Office of Academic Advising in the Undergraduate Advising Center.

Several courses are taught to assist students who have deficiencies in their academic backgrounds. The College of Technology offers MAT 005. The English Department offers basic composition and a writing laboratory. Help with study skills is available in the Curriculum and Instruction course 160.

Financial needs, personal problems, and indecision regarding vocation often affect academic performance. The Financial Aids Office, the Counseling Center, the Curry Health Center, the Career Planning and Placement Service and the Clinical Psychology Center can help in these areas.

Two tutoring programs are available to students, one administered by the Educational Opportunity Program and the other by the Undergraduate Advising Center; both are located in Corbin Hall. The Counseling Center offers workshops on a variety of topics designed to enhance student academic performance.

The Education Opportunity Program (EOP) is a federally-funded program offering academic support services, including one-on-one academic advising, career search and counseling (using a national career database), mentoring for Native American students, a two-credit study skills class, and tutoring at no cost to eligible students. To quality, a student must meet one of the following criteria: first-generation (neither parent has completed a four-year college degree), qualification under income (usually met if receiving a Pell grant), or documented disability. For more information, visit EOP at Lommasson Center 154, call 406-243-5032, or log on to www.umt.edu/eop.

The Academic Support Center offers a variety of services designed to increase the College of Technology students' academic success. Students are assisted in the development of speed reading and study skills and tutoring in any subject area. Academic and career counseling, as well as help in adjusting to the transition from the workplace to school, is provided. For information about the Center's services and the Step Ahead program, contact the College of Technology (406) 243 7825.

Plagiarism Warning

Plagiarism is the representing of another's work as one's own. It is a particularly intolerable offense in the academic community and is strictly forbidden. Students who plagiarize may fail the course and may be remanded to Academic Court for possible suspension or expulsion. (See Student Conduct Code section of this catalog.)

Students must always be very careful to acknowledge any kind of borrowing that is included in their work. This means not only borrowed wording but also ideas. Acknowledgment of whatever is not one's own original work is the proper and honest use of sources. Failure to acknowledge whatever is not one's own original work is plagiarism.

General Information

Maximum Credit Load

Generally, an undergraduate student should register for no more than 21 credits during a semester, including physical education activity courses, and courses which carry no credit such as Mathematics 005.

Permission to enroll for more than the maximum credit load given above may be approved by the student's faculty advisor.

Full Time Student Defined

An undergraduate student must register for a minimum of 12 hours credit a semester to be classified as a full time student; however, in most baccalaureate programs a student must earn at least 15 credits per semester to graduate in a four year period. One and two year programs usually require between 15 and 19 credits per semester.

Classification of Undergraduate Students

The undergraduate student is classified as a freshman, sophomore, junior or senior based on the number of credits earned. The student who has earned fewer than 30 credits is a freshman. The student who has earned at least 30 credits but fewer than 60 is a sophomore, and the student who has earned at least 60 credits but fewer than 90 credits is a junior. The student who has earned 90 or more credits is classified a senior.

Dean's List (Honor Roll)

To qualify for the Dean's List, students must be undergraduates, must earn a semester grade average of 3.50 or higher, and receive grades of A or B in at least 9 credits. No grades of C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, F, NC or NCR are allowed.

Repeating a Course

Grades of AUD, I, N, NC, NCR, NF, W, WP, or WF do not repeat other grades but an F grade does. All courses repeated remain on the permanent record but only the last grade received is used to determine credits earned. If the last grade received is an F, no credit is given for previous passing grades. All grades are used to calculate the grade point average unless the $100.00 per course repeat fee is paid. If the repeat fee is paid, only the last grade received is used in calculating the grade point average.

If enrollment in a course is closed, a student who is repeating or auditing the course may be required by the instructor to drop the course. This rule grants enrollment preference to those students attempting to register for the course for the first time for credit. It is the responsibility of the student who is not allowed to remain in the course to formally drop the course to avoid a failing grade for that course.

The repetition of a course in the School of Law is governed by a different policy. See the School of Law section of this catalog.

University Omnibus Option for Independent Work

Under the "University omnibus option" credit is allowed for independent work in topics or problems that are proposed by the student and approved both by the instructor or instructors under whose supervision the work is to be done and by the chairperson or chairpersons of the department(s) involved. Such independent work may require as many weeks as the instructor(s) shall stipulate. The work may be on campus or off campus, as the nature of the study requires, although prior approval of all arrangements and faculty supervision must be assured.

All fees must be paid during a regular registration period in advance of beginning independent work. The student may not receive a larger number of credit hours than he or she is registered for, although a smaller number may be completed and credit obtained with the approval of the instructor or instructors. No more than 10 credit hours may be received in a single topic or problem. A maximum of 15 credit hours of independent work for a bachelor degree and 13 credit hours of independent work for an associate degree is permitted under the University omnibus option.

For each course taken under the University omnibus option, the student's transcript will show the departmental prefix, the level of the course, the number of credit hours, and the exact title of the topic. Students obtain course request numbers through the departments.

Credit By Examination

Under certain circumstances, a currently registered student may receive credit by examination for a course in which he or she has not been regularly enrolled. The student must have a minimum cumulative grade average of 2.00 and an entering freshman must present a high school scholastic record equivalent to a 2.00 grade average to be eligible to earn credit by examination in any course.

Each school or department may determine those courses, if any, for which credit may be earned by examination. The dean of the school or the chair of the department must approve any arrangements prior to testing for such credit. On the successful completion of an examination, the department notifies the Registrar's Office. There are no fees for this type of credit by examination and grading may be credit/no credit or traditional letter grade.

For information regarding other types of credit by examination, consult the College Level Examination Program in this catalog. See index.

Course Numbering System

Senior (5th year) courses in Pharmacy are numbered 500 to 599.

Undergraduates in Graduate Courses

Post-baccalaureates and seniors holding a 3.0 (or greater) grade point average may, with consent of instructor, enroll in 500-level courses for undergraduate credit. Variance from these requirements cannot be petitioned.

Credit

Credit is defined in terms of semester hours. In general, 1 semester hour credit is allowed for 1 hour of lecture each week of the semester, or an average of 2 hours of laboratory each week of the semester.

Prerequisites and Corequisites

"Prereq.." indicates the course or courses to be satisfactorily completed before enrollment in the course described. "Coreq." indicates a course which must be taken concurrently with the course described.

Cross listed and Equivalent Courses

Some courses are offered jointly by two or more departments. Thus, the notation "Same as Ling 373," included in the course description for Anthropology 373, indicates that Anthropology 373 and Linguistics 373 are the same course. A student may enroll for such a course under the department in which she or he wishes to receive credit, but credit is not allowed toward a degree for both courses.

In certain cases, a course description indicates credit is not allowed for that course and for another course offered by a different department. These courses are very similar in content, although offered separately, and credit is not allowed toward a degree for both courses.

Technical Courses

Courses in the College of Technology with a course number suffix of "T" are primarily technical in nature and apply to the certificate programs and associate of applied science programs in the College and may not apply toward the associate of arts or baccalaureate degrees. Refer to vocational technical credits in the Admissions section or Credit Maximums section. See the College of Technology section to see the courses that count toward the associate of arts and baccalaureate degrees. See index.

Cancellation of Courses

The University reserves the right to cancel any course for which fewer than five students are enrolled as of the beginning of the course.

Final Examinations

Final examinations for the semester are scheduled in two hour segments, one for each course. The segments should be considered as class meetings to be treated by the instructor as he or she thinks educationally appropriate. The time scheduled for final examinations is the only time period during which final examinations are to be given. If an instructor elects not to give a final examination, under no circumstances are final examinations to be given during the week preceding the scheduled final examination days.

Students may seek relief from writing more than two examinations during the same day. Students who are scheduled for more than two examinations may contact the appropriate faculty to arrange an alternate testing time during the scheduled final examination period. If satisfactory arrangements cannot be made, the student should seek the assistance of his or her dean.

Transcripts of Academic Records

Transcripts of the academic record of a student may be obtained from the Registration Counter in Griz Central in the Lommasson Center or the Registrar's Office in the College of Technology upon the written request of the student. In compliance with federal and state laws designed to protect privacy, transcripts are not released without the student's authorizing signature.

Transcripts are usually available within two to five working days after receipt of the request. There is a charge of $3.00 for each official transcript. Payment must be received before transcripts are released. Transcripts are withheld if the student owes a debt to the University. Faxed and overnight transcripts are $10.00 to cover special handling.

A student can view his or her academic record on the internet at http://cyberbear.umt.edu.

Degree/Certificate Requirements for Graduation

Catalog Governing Graduation

Students may graduate fulfilling University and departmental requirements in any University of Montana-Missoula catalog under which he or she has been enrolled during the six years prior to graduation. University or departmental requirements may change, however, to comply with accreditation requirements, professional certification and licensing requirements, etc. The student may meet major and minor requirements under different catalogs than the catalog under which she or he is meeting University requirements. Pharmacy students should consult the Professional Pharmacy Curriculum section in this catalog.

Students transferring to The University of Montana-Missoula may choose to graduate fulfilling requirements under the UM catalog in effect when they were enrolled at their original institution, provided the chosen catalog is not more than six years old at the time of graduation. Eligible students who choose an earlier catalog must notify the Admissions Office at the time of admission so their transfer work can be evaluated accordingly.

Applying for Certificate and Degree Candidacy

To become a candidate for a degree, the student must file formal application at the Registration Counter in Griz Central the beginning of the semester preceding the semester in which he or she expects to graduate. Deadline dates are specified in the Class Schedule. In the College of Technology, candidates for certificates and degrees must file a formal application with the Registrar's Office in the College at the beginning of the semester in which they expect to graduate.

Credits Required for a Certificate of Completion

See the specific course and credit requirements for certificate programs listed in the College of Technology and Linguistics sections of this catalog. See index. In addition, students in the College of Technology must complete successfully:

1. Mathematics one course from MAT 100Tor above.
2. Communications and Human Relations PSY 105T or 110T and one COM course as required by the specific program. Some programs have these skills imbedded within other courses which will satisfy this requirement.

Credits Required for a Degree

Associate of Applied Science

To receive an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree from the College of Technology, a student must fulfill the following criteria:

1. Complete a minimum of 60 credits.
2. Possess a minimum grade average of 2.00 in all work attempted at the University of Montana-Missoula and a minimum grade of C- in all classes that count toward major, minor or general education requirements.
3. Complete the specialized degree requirements of his or her specific program.
4. Complete the following related subject area of core collegiate-level courses:
   1. Communication: the ability to formulate and adapt messages to a variety of audiences through written, verbal, and nonverbal processes. To ensure all graduates have developed skills in the area of communication, students must successfully demonstrate competency in one of the following writing courses: COM 101, COM 115, or other approved writing course. Furthermore it is recommended that all students complete one of the following communication courses, such as COM 150S, COM 160A, or other approved courses to further develop understanding of human communication processes.
   2. Computation: the ability to complete basic algebraic manipulations and achieve mathematical literacy. To ensure all graduates have achieved computational literacy, students must demonstrate competency in MAT 100 or a higher number mathematics course.
   3. Human Relations: the ability to analyze social problems and structure, ethical norms of professions and society, human behavior, or human values systems. To ensure all graduates have explored dimensions in human relations, students must demonstrate competency in on of the following courses: COM 150S, COM 210E, CRT 122E, PSY 100S, PSY 110S, SUR 204E, or other approved ethical and human values or social sciences course.
   4. Computer Literacy: the ability to utilize a modern computing system including web applications and an office productivity suite to research, develop and produce information in a 21st century society. To ensure all graduates have achieved basic technology literacy, students must demonstrate competency in one of the following: CRT 100, CRT 103T, or other approved applied computing course.
   5. Professional Capstone: the opportunity to apply skills acquired through a specialized field of study in a professional realm. To ensure all graduates the opportunity to apply specialized skills in a professional environment, it is recommended student complete a program-related internship, field experience, capstone project, or professional certification activity.

Associate of Arts

A total of 60 credits is required for graduation with an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree. The minimum grade average for graduation is 2.00 in courses taken on the traditional letter grade (A F) basis. To receive an Associate of Arts degree all students must complete successfully all the general education requirements for a baccalaureate degree, except for the Upper-Division Writing Proficiency Assessment.

Bachelor Degrees

A total of 120 credits is required for graduation with a bachelor degree; except a greater number is required in teacher education programs, pharmacy, physical therapy and the Bachelor of Applied Science. See the School of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences section of this catalog.

Students may elect to earn two or more bachelor degrees. Those deciding to earn two or more degrees must complete all the requirements of the majors for each degree. In addition, students must earn for each degree a minimum of 30 credits beyond the number required for the first degree. The degrees may be earned concurrently or at different times.

Upper Division Requirement

All students must complete a minimum of 39 credits in courses numbered 300 and above to meet graduation requirements for the first baccalaureate degree. Upper division credits transferred from other four year institutions will count toward the 39 credit requirement.

Residency Requirements for Degrees/Certificates

University of Montana credit is the credit earned in any course which has been approved to be listed in The University of Montana-Missoula catalog and which has been approved for offering by the department chair and dean of the school or college in which the course is taught. University of Montana-Missoula credit may be offered at any location.

Requirements for College of Technology Certificate of Completion and Associate of Applied Science Degree

A minimum of 51% of the required number must be earned from The University of Montana-Missoula.

Requirements for the Associate of Arts Degree

Requirements for the First Bachelor Degree

A first bachelor degree is defined as any bachelor degree earned by a student who has not previously earned a bachelor degree from The University of Montana-Missoula. Thus, the requirements below also apply to any student who previously earned a bachelor degree at another institution and now is seeking a bachelor degree from The University of Montana-Missoula.

1. A minimum of 30 credits of the required number must be earned from The University of Montana-Missoula.
2. A minimum of 30 credits of the required number must be earned in study on The University of Montana-Missoula campus.
3. Of the last 45 credits required for the degree, at least 30 of these must be earned from The University of Montana-Missoula. Students attending elsewhere on a University approved exchange may be exempt from this requirement with the prior written approval of their major department chair or dean.

Requirements for the Second Bachelor Degree

In regard to residency requirements, a second bachelor degree is defined as any bachelor degree earned by a student who previously had earned a bachelor degree from The University of Montana-Missoula.

A minimum of 20 credits of the required 30 credits must be earned in study on The University of Montana-Missoula campus.

Credit Maximums

The amount of credit which may be counted toward the minimum credit requirements for the bachelor and associate of arts degrees is limited in certain areas:

Maximum Credit Applicable:

Credits attempted in these areas which are beyond the maximum applicable will remain on the students' permanent records but cannot be used toward graduation.

Grade Average Requirement

A minimum grade average of 2.00 in all work attempted at The University of Montana-Missoula is required for graduation.

Graduation with Honors or High Honors

Students will be awarded their certificates, associate of applied science, and bachelor degrees with honors if they receive the recommendation of their major department or school and the faculty of The University of Montana-Missoula. At the time of graduation they must have a 3.40 or higher grade average in the following four areas:

1. All work attempted at The University of Montana-Missoula.
2. The combination of all work attempted at The University of Montana-Missoula and all other work, including failing grades, transferred to this University.
3. All work attempted in the major field at The University of Montana-Missoula.
4. The combination of all work attempted in the major field at The University of Montana-Missoula and all other work in the major field, including failing grades, transferred to this University.

Students will be awarded their certificates, associate of applied science, and bachelor degrees with high honors if they have the recommendations mentioned above and, at the time of graduation, have a 3.70 or higher grade average in the four areas listed.

In the School of Law, the grade average for honors is computed on law credits only.

General Education

Preamble

The University of Montana-Missoula's General Education Program provides a broad academic base that supports undergraduate learning both at The University of Montana-Missoula as well as continued learning following graduation. While the General Education Program offers students considerable flexibility in selecting courses, it has a set of common educational objectives for all students.

In accordance with the mission of The University of Montana- Missoula, these objectives are to develop competent and humane individuals who are informed, ethical, literate, and engaged citizens of local and global communities. Students should become acquainted with issues facing contemporary society, participate in the creative arts, develop an understanding of science and technology, cultivate an appreciation of the humanities, and examine the history of different American and global cultures. Upon completion of the general education requirements students should be able to articulate ideas verbally and in writing, understand and critically evaluate tangible and abstract concepts, and employ mathematical and other related skills appropriate to a technologically focused society.

In summary, the General Education Program is designed to provide a high quality intellectual foundation that accommodates all UM students whether in liberal arts or professional programs. This foundation will be reinforced, expanded, and refined as students continue through their course of study. Students are encouraged to prepare for productive roles in their chosen fields by cultivating civic awareness vital to the greater community and a democratic society. The acquired skills will allow students to examine critically the human experience and achieve genuine confidence in their knowledge and abilities. For the General Education Program to accomplish its goals, students must assume primary responsibility for their growth and education.

General Education Requirements

To receive a baccalaureate degree all students must complete successfully, in addition to any other requirements, the following General Education Requirements. (Students who have completed an approved lower-division general education program at an approved Montana institution of higher education, refer to the General Education for Transfer Students section of this catalog.)

All courses taken to satisfy General Education Requirements, both Competency Requirements and Distributional Requirements, must be taken for a traditional letter grade and must be C- or better except English composition and the Mathematical Literacy course must be a C or better.

Competency Requirements:

English Writing Skills:

The faculty of The University of Montana-Missoula requires that all graduates of the University possess the ability to write with clarity of thought and precision of language. Specifically, a graduate's writing will:

• Communicate a unified message supported by evidence, examples or arguments;
• Develop ideas thoroughly and logically with clear connections among them;
• Have a purposeful organizational plan that befits the message;
• Respond appropriately and effectively to new or given information;
• Use language that is clear and precise;
• Possess a voice that is consistent and appropriate to the audience and purpose;
• Use correct spelling, punctuation and grammar.

To ensure that all graduates have acquired the writing skills outlined above, students should satisfy the following requirements in this order:

1. English (ENEX 101 or its equivalent);
2. One approved writing course;
3. The Writing Proficiency Assessment (WPA), to be taken between 45-70 credits;
4. The upper-division writing course(s) required by the major.

ENEX 101. All students must complete English (ENEX) 101 with a grade of C (2.00 quality points) or better unless exempted.

Students may be exempted from ENEX 101 by transferring credit verified as an equivalent of ENEX 101with a grade of C (2.00 quality points) or better or by score on The University of Montana-Missoula placement exam. Except for those who transfer an equivalent course, students must take the placement exam. On the basis of this exam, students will be placed in either ENEX 100 or ENEX 101; or will be exempted from ENEX 101.

One Writing Course. All students, unless exempted, must pass an approved writing course (chosen from the following list of approved courses) before attempting the WPA. Students are exempted from this requirement by transferring more than 27 semester credits at the time of their initial registration at the University.

The following courses are designated as Writing courses for 2006 2007. Students are cautioned that approved courses may change from year to year. To be used for General Education, a course must be listed as approved in the catalog and in the Class Schedule for the semester a student registers for it.

Upper-Division Writing Proficiency Assessment (WPA). All students (including transfer students) who have completed ENEX 101 (or its equivalent or have been exempted), a writing course (or its equivalent or have been exempted), and have completed at least 45 semester credits must take the WPA. Students must pass the WPA in order to graduate. The Assessment is designed to be a "gating exam" to ensure that the student is prepared for the writing required in upper-division major courses. Students are advised to satisfy the writing proficiency assessment prior to completing the upper-division writing requirement in their major.

Students should note the following:

• Students must take the assessment after 45 but no later than 70 credits.
• Transfer students may take the assessment concurrently with either their writing course or the writing requirement(s) in their major.

The WPA consists of a two-hour proctored examination written in response to a text released two weeks prior to the examination date. The assessment is offered seven times annually. For more information on the assessment and copies of the text students should see www.umt.edu/provost/writingassessment.

Upper-Division Writing Requirement. All students must meet the approved upper-division writing requirements specified in their majors. The writing courses offered in each major varyBsome students may be required to take only one upper-division writing class offered by their major department; students in a different major may be required to take a group of courses that provide an integrated series of writing expectations; students in yet another major may be required to write a senior thesis. Students must check the writing requirements in the respective majors.

Students should refer to the preceding list of approved writing courses and the appropriate Class Schedule to determine which courses are designated as upper-division writing courses for 2006-2007. Students are cautioned that approved courses may change from year to year. To be used for General Education, a course must be listed as approved in the Class Schedule for the year a student registers for it.

Mathematical Literacy:

The faculty of The University of Montana-Missoula requires that all graduates of the University possess the ability to accomplish basic algebraic manipulations and achieve mathematical literacy at a level typically presented in college mathematics courses. More specifically, a graduate will demonstrate the ability to:

• Formulate real-world problems quantitatively
• Solve quantitative problems
• Interpret solutions to problems
• Make critical judgments regarding the validity of competing formulations and solutions.

To ensure that all graduates have achieved mathematical literacy, students must complete the following program:

1. All students must demonstrate basic skills in mathematics. The mathematical manipulative skills of all students entering The University of Montana-Missoula without credit for an equivalent course in mathematical literacy will be assessed using a placement score. Students then will be placed in an appropriate developmental course or courses in mathematics; MATH 100; a course in mathematical literacy: MATH 107, 109, 117, 121, 130, 150, or 152; or qualify for the Mathematical Literacy Examination.
2. All students must complete a course in mathematical literacy with a grade of C (2.00 quality points) or better: MATH 107, 109, 117, 121, 130 (or a mathematics course for which one of these courses is a prerequisite) or an equivalent unless exempted.

Students who qualify may take the Mathematical Literacy Examination. Passing the Mathematical Literacy Examination satisfies the General Education requirement for Mathematical Literacy.

A score of 50 or higher on the CLEP College Algebra Test or the CLEP College Algebra/Trigonometry Test, administered by the Testing Service, satisfies the General Education requirement for Mathematical Literacy.

Foreign Language/Symbolic Systems:

Upon completion of the Foreign Language Competency a student will have knowledge of a language other than English sufficient to read and write elementary texts and, when the language is modern, to understand basic speech and to carry on simple conversations.

Upon completion of the Symbolic Systems Competency a student will have sufficient knowledge of a symbolic system to be able to perform elementary operations in the system, including correct notation. The system must have a rigor and complexity comparable to a spoken language, signed language, math sequence, e.g., MATH 117 and 121, or music sequence, 161 and 162.

All students must complete successfully one of the following requirements.

1. Foreign Language: students must complete successfully the second semester of a foreign language at The University of Montana-Missoula (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Japanese, Latin, Russian or Spanish 102) or demonstrate equivalent skill in any of these or other acceptable languages in testing administered by the Clinical Psychology Center and the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures. Native American language study may be presented for fulfillment of the symbolic systems requirement through certification by the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures. International students from non English speaking countries may satisfy this requirement by presenting a TOEFL score of 580 or greater, or by successful completion of ESL/LING 250 or 450, or by presenting a department approved application for degree.
OR
2. Symbolic Systems: a student must complete successfully one of the following approved sequences in a symbolic system:
   • Any two of Computer Science 101, 131, 132, 201, (201 may be taken twice if it deals with two different languages) or Computer Technology 121, 270.
   • Communication Studies 131, 132
   • Linguistics 270 or 470 and either 471 or 472 (and their cross listings)
   • Mathematical Sciences 117, Forestry 201
   • Mathematical Sciences 117, Curriculum & Instruction/Health and Human Performance 486
   • Mathematical Sciences 117, Anthropology 401
   • Mathematical Sciences 117, Psychology 220
   • Mathematical Sciences 117, Sociology 202
   • Mathematical Sciences 150, Anthropology 381
   • Mathematical Sciences 150, Psychology 220
   • Mathematical Sciences 152, Anthropology 381
   • Mathematical Sciences 152, Psychology 220
   • Two Mathematical Sciences courses numbered higher than 109
   • One Mathematical Sciences course numbered 150 or above
   • Music 111, 112, 137, 138
   • Music 161, 162
   • Philosophy 210, 211

Distributional Requirements:

Students must complete successfully 27 credits in the following six perspectives. A minimum of two credits is required from each perspective, except for Perspective 6 in which six credits are required. A maximum of six credits from each perspective will count toward the General Education requirement; credit taken above this limit will count toward graduation but not toward General Education.

At least one course completed from Perspectives 1 through 5 must be non western. That course also will count toward that perspective. Upon completion of a non-western course, a student will be able to discuss some aspect of the creative works, values, ways of life and/or history of a non-western culture.

At least one course completed from Perspective 6 must include a laboratory experience.

The following courses have been approved for 2006-2007. Students are cautioned that approved courses may change from year to year. To be used for General Education credit, a course must be listed as approved in the Class Schedule for the semester a student registers for it.

Perspective 1 Expressive Arts:

These courses involve the student in the creation of a work of art or an artistic performance. They teach the skills involved in its creation as well as a conceptual basis for making qualitative judgements about the work.

Upon completion of this perspective, through the creation of original works of art or artistic performances, students will be able to:

1. apply the techniques and processes of the medium.
2. incorporate the structures and forms of the artistic language to convey meaning.
3. reflect upon and critically assess the merits of their work and the work of others.
4. perceive and articulate the relevance of artistic expression in the human experience.

Note that many of these courses are repeatable.

Perspective 2 Literary and Artistic Studies:

These courses bring the student into contact with significant works, enhance critical abilities, and explore the historical, technical, emotional, philosophical or social questions the work may raise.

Upon completion of this perspective, a student will be able to:

1. analyze literary and artistic works with respect to internal structure, merit, and significance within a literary or artistic tradition.
2. understand intellectual substance of a work by identifying the author's historical, philosophical, psychological, political, and/or social concepts and concerns.
3. critically assess the intellectual traditions reflected in a particular work.

Perspective 3 Historical and Cultural Studies:

These courses present the historical or cultural context in which ideas can be illuminated, examine cultural development or differentiation in the human past and avoid focus on a narrow period, topic or geographical area. Courses are either western, emphasizing Greco-Roman, Judeo-Christian, European-American experiences; or nonwestern.

Upon completion of this perspective, a student will be able to:

1. evaluate documents within a historical and/or cultural framework.
2. synthesize ideas and information with regard to historical causes, the course of events, and their consequences.
3. analyze human behavior, ideas and institutions for historical and cultural meaning and significance.

Perspective 4 Social Sciences:

These courses bring the systematic study of society to bear on the analysis of social problems and structures while giving considerable attention to the ways in which conclusions and generalizations are developed and justified.

Upon completion of this perspective, a student will be able to:

1. describe the nature, structure and historical development of human organizations and/or relationships.
2. comprehend the role of theory in explaining social phenomena.
3. generate and/or interpret social science data.
4. assess and evaluate the significance of social phenomena.

Perspective 5 Ethical and Human Values:

Students are required to take between 2 and 6 credits in Perspective 5.

Upon completion of a core course in ethical and human values, students should:

1. understand central ethical norms of society; understand the foundational moral reasoning and historical origins of these norms; be conversant with the treatment of moral issues according to these norms.
2. understand some of the limits of these norms and be familiar with some alternatives to them.
3. be able to defend held ethical commitments with the ability to identify and articulate the underlying ethical positions that inform them.

Upon completion of a specialized course in ethical and human values, students should:

1. be able to identify and interpret the codes, conventions, or particular value base of the profession or discipline under consideration;
2. be able to analyze those codes and conventions or value bases so to understand them within the context of the group and within larger society; and
3. have considered agency requirements for practitioners or stewards within the field;
Or
4. have explored, for at least one-half of the course time, the ethical dimensions of particular issues of a particular subject matter. Subject matter might include topics such as artistic expression, environment, forgiveness, non-violence, public policies, and terrorism, as well as issues that arise within professional contexts.

Perspective 6 Natural Sciences:

These courses present scientific conclusions about the structure and function of the natural world; demonstrate or exemplify scientific questioning and validation of findings.

Upon completion of this perspective, a student will be able to:

1. use both creative and critical scientific questioning, and validation of scientific findings.
2. use the methodology and activities scientists use to gather, validate and interpret data related to natural processes.
3. detect patterns, draw conclusions, develop conjectures and hypotheses, and test them by appropriate means and experiments.
4. identify laws and rules related to natural processes by quantitative measurement, scientific observation, and logical/critical reasoning.

General Education for Transfer Students

Students transferring credits from other institutions must meet all requirements by transfer, by examination, or by completing courses at The University of Montana-Missoula.

According to Board of Regents policy, students who can demonstrate that they have completed an approved lower-division general education requirement at an approved Montana institution of higher education will be deemed to have completed general education requirements except for the upper-division writing proficiency assessment and the upper-division writing requirements in their majors.

Transfer students who believe they have completed an approved lower-division general education requirement at another Montana school should request that the registrar of the other school send a letter to the University Registrar's Office certifying that the requirement has been met.

If students transfer 20 or more approved Montana University System core course credits with their initial registration at UM-Missoula, they may choose to complete the MUS General Education rather than the UM-Missoula General Education requirement.

Students governed by the 2006-2007 catalog or later catalogs must earn a traditional letter grade of C- or better in courses used to satisfy General Education (except English composition and the Mathematical Literacy course must be a C or better). Students enrolled in a post-secondary institution prior to autumn 2006 may be eligible to choose an earlier governing catalog. Refer to the Governing Catalog information in the previous section. See index.

Students who have completed a bachelor degree at the University or elsewhere will be presumed to have completed the General Education Requirement.

Admissions & New Student Services will evaluate all transfer credits for General Education credit. Students who wish to appeal that evaluation may petition the Graduation Appeals Subcommittee of the Academic Standards and Curriculum Review Committee, but such petitions must be initiated during the first semester of the student's attendance following that evaluation.

Major and Minor Requirements

Major Requirements

Declaring a Major and Changing a Major

Students indicate on the application for admission the major or majors in which they are interested. Students undecided as to a field of interest may elect a General Studies major while making program and career decisions. Students must declare a major in a degree granting program prior to completion of 45 credits or after three semesters, whichever occurs first.

Students must complete a major in order to earn a degree or certificate.

Students may change their majors or minors by obtaining the proper approval on a change of major or minor form available from the Registration Counter in Griz Central in the Lommasson Center. Because of enrollment limitations, students must request a change to a program in the College of Technology by completing an application for admission and submitting it to the College. Students whose initial admission was to the College of Technology may change to a major outside the College by submitting an application for admission to Enrollment Services-Admissions & New Student Services in the Lommasson Center.

Credits Required for a Major

Students in a bachelor degree program must complete a minimum of 30 credits in their major. Most majors require more.

Students may elect to earn a single degree with more than one major. Students may complete a double major (two majors) or any number of majors. All requirements for the majors must be completed even though students will receive a single degree such as a Bachelor of Arts with majors in Psychology and Sociology. It is only necessary to complete the total credit requirement for a single bachelor degree.

Courses completed to satisfy the requirements of a major also may be applied toward the General Education Requirement if they appear on the list of approved courses at the time they are taken.

Students in programs in the College of Technology complete requirements as listed in the College section of this catalog. See index.

Credit Limitations in a Major

A maximum of 60 credits in the student's major may be counted toward the baccalaureate degree, except some options in Health and Human Performance and Education, majors in Computer Science, and majors in the Schools of Business Administration, Fine Arts, Journalism, Law, Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences and the College of Forestry and Conservation are allowed more. Students with combined majors, as opposed to two majors, are allowed to apply 75 credits in the major.

Grade Requirement

Courses taken to satisfy the requirements of the major must be completed with a grade of C- or better.

A minimum grade average of 2.00 in all work attempted in the major at The University of Montana-Missoula is required for graduation.

Options

Groups of courses have been identified which lead to a specialization within one major or between two or more majors. These specializations are called options. The names of approved options will be recorded on the permanent records of those students who have satisfactorily completed the requirements as given in the catalog governing their graduation. A student desiring a particular option must satisfy the requirements of the major offering it. If one option is offered within two or more majors, the student must satisfy the requirements of only one.

Only courses listed within the supporting major count toward the 60 credit limitation in the major. Courses in other fields do not count toward the maximum of 60 credits in the major even though they may be required or elected for the options.

If one major has two or more options, a student may satisfy the requirements for more than one option so long as the maximum credit limitations are observed.

Minor Requirements

Baccalaureate students may elect to complete one or more minors in fields outside their majors. Minors may be in fields unrelated to students' majors or they may be complementary or supportive of majors. A student may not take a minor in the same field of study as his or her major.

A student will not be required to satisfy the requirements of a minor in order to graduate unless that minor is required by the student's major department or school.

Courses completed to satisfy the requirements of a minor also may be applied toward the General Education Requirement if they appear on the list of approved courses at the time they are taken.

Credits Required for a Minor

To complete a minor, students must earn at least 18 credits in an approved minor listed in this catalog and complete a baccalaureate degree.

Students possessing a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university may earn a minor if they have been accepted by the University as an undergraduate degree student. In addition to meeting minor requirements, students must earn from The University of Montana-Missoula a minimum of 9 credits in the minor field and 15 credits overall.

Grade Requirement

Courses taken to satisfy the requirements of the minor must be completed with a grade of C- or better.

A minimum grade average of 2.00 in all work attempted in the minor at The University of Montana-Missoula is required for graduation with the minor.

Teaching Minors

Teaching minors are separate entities from degree minors as described in this section. Teaching minors are identified and requirements listed in the School of Education section of this catalog.