College of Engineering & Science

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  Admission

  Admission standards are established with the intent that admitted students have the potential to meet the graduation requirements of the College. Graduate students are admitted by the assistant dean for Academics of the College on the advice of the chairperson of the student’s program. Graduate students are typically required to complete any assigned prerequisite courses with grades of ‘B’ or better before beginning graduate courses.

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  Academic Advisor/Registration

  The role of the advisor is to provide counsel and guidance concerning program or career objectives, selection of courses during registration, conflicts in scheduling, probation problems, poor grades, tutorial referral and personal matters. Each student has ultimate responsibility for his/her own academic program and should be very familiar with all program requirements.

  It is recommended that students run their Degree Evaluation in Self-Service on a regular basis, and let their advisor or the assistant dean for Academics know if there are any concerns regarding program requirements.

  In order for an advisor to best serve the student, it is important for the student to keep his/her advisor informed on all academic actions (e.g., registrations, add/drop etc.).

  The faculty advisor is not authorized to waive prerequisites, make substitutions to program requirements, or make exceptions to Department/College/University policies. A student who feels that good and sufficient reason exists for such action should submit a written petition to the assistant dean for Academics for review by the Student Affairs Committee of the College. See the Exceptions and Substitutions section below.

  During the advising period set aside by the University, students meet with their advisors to plan a program of courses for the following term. They then register online using Self-Service after being authorized by their advisor. Students should make an attempt to register as early as possible for any upcoming term. Early registration helps the student avoid closed sections and course conflicts. Students should prepare for the meeting with the advisor by assuring that prerequisites for the courses they wish to take have been completed and that all courses are taken in the sequence established by the department. Students should run their Degree Evaluation in Self-Service, which provides an overview of their academic record, requirements completed and those still needed. This is the principal tool used by the advisor in the advising process. Each student has the responsibility to review his/her Degree Evaluation and check it for accuracy at each meeting with the advisor. Careful attention to the early registration process can eliminate much of the Change in Registration activity.

  A student is officially a member of a class only when the registration process is completed.

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  Academic Grievance Policy

  PREFACE

  The faculty of the College of Engineering & Science are educational professionals. Most have accumulated many years of experience. As such, they have become proficient in assessing a student's performance in a class by measuring, in an unbiased fashion, achievement of the materials presented in the light of the course syllabus. Therefore, it should be rare that a student should grieve the grade he/she has received in a course. Should a student believe that he/she has received an unfair grade, the student has the burden of presenting a case identifying circumstances beyond his/her control that may have affected the course grade. Note: grade changes are not processed after a degree has been posted.

  PROCEDURES

  In the event that a grievance occurs between a student and a faculty member on an academic matter, the following procedure is in effect. This should be initiated within 30 days of when the grade was issued.

  Step 1. Faculty Member:

  The grieved party should make every effort to resolve the problem with the faculty member.

  Step 2. Chairperson of the Faculty Member:

  If a solution cannot be achieved with the faculty member, then the grieved party may submit, in writing, his/her position on the matter to the department chairperson. The chair will attempt to facilitate a resolution between the instructor and the student. If the chairperson can resolve the issue, the grievance procedure is terminated, and the chair will send the outcome to both the student and assistant dean for Academics.  If a solution cannot be achieved, the chair will submit their recommendation to the Department Grievance Committee (if one exists) and the assistant dean of Academics with copies to the student and faculty member.

  Step 3. Departmental Grievance Committee:

  If the recommendation is not acceptable to either the student or the faculty member, or if the complaint is against the department chairperson, then the matter becomes the responsibility of the AD HOC Departmental Grievance Committee (where the department has a policy for such). The department committee makes appropriate recommendations in an attempt to resolve the grievance using procedures established by the department. If the Departmental Grievance Committee can resolve the issue the procedure is terminated.  The Department Grievance Committee will submit their recommendation to the assistant dean for Academics with copies to the student, faculty member, and the chair of the department.

  Step 4. College of Engineering & Science Student Affairs Committee:

  If no Departmental Grievance Committee exists or if the issue is not resolved by the departmental committee, the student may request in writing a review by the Student Affairs Committee. The written grievance should contain the reasons for the grievance as well as a description of the outcomes from the previous steps and all the documentation. The Student Affairs Committee consists of one full-time engineering faculty member, one full-time mathematics/science faculty member, and assistant dean(s) of Academics of the College.  Two E&S graduate students from different departments are selected to join this committee to review the case. The committee may hold a grievance hearing. The assistant dean(s) will act only to resolve indecision in the committee. The committee will prepare a short written report on its recommendations and the procedure used to reach them. The committee does not change grades. This is the instructor's prerogative.

  Step 5. Dean of the College of Engineering & Science:

  If the student is dissatisfied with the recommendation of the Student Affairs Committee or the response of the faculty member, the student may appeal to the dean by submitting their case with all the details in writing to them.

  Step 6. Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs

  If the student is dissatisfied with the recommendation of the dean, they may appeal to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs by submitting their request in writing to them.  These will only be considered on procedural grounds. 

  The grievance is to be filed in the term in which it occurred or within 30 days of the basis for the grievance, and whenever possible, the committee is to resolve the grievance in the term it was initiated.

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  Academic Integrity (Cheating & Plagiarism)

  We are members of an academic community engaged in the pursuit of knowledge, justice, and truth. We seek to integrate the intellectual, spiritual, ethical, and social development of our students and thus expect students to exhibit a high standard of honesty and integrity in their academic activities. The University and the College of Engineering & Science fundamentally assume that the work submitted by a student is a product of his/her own legitimate efforts.

  In all cases, the burden is on the student to document by appropriate citations the work product of others that might be included in a submission. It is expected that students will conduct themselves with honesty and integrity when taking exams, quizzes, and other assessments. It is also expected that students take measures to protect their own work and do not engage in actions that contribute to others violating academic integrity.

  Using the internet as a source of information can be considered proper if correctly documented; however, if paragraphs, sentences, phrases, keywords, graphs and/or figures (the work product of others) are taken and presented as one's own, without quoting and full citation, it is considered plagiarism.

  If violation of these standards is believed to have occurred, either by intent to deceive, or a disregard for proper scholarly procedure, the following procedure applies.

  PROCEDURES

  Upon the occurrence of a suspected breach of academic integrity, the instructor of the course will explain to the student(s) involved the nature of the breach of academic integrity and the reasons for suspecting a violation. The student(s) may use this opportunity to explain their behavior and/or take responsibility for their action.

  If the instructor still believes that a violation of academic integrity has occurred, the instructor will complete an Academic Integrity Violation - Instructor Report form which will include the sanction(s) imposed. These may include one or more of the following (flagrant or repeat occurrences may include other actions):

  • Assign a grade of "F" (or score of 0) for the work in question (recommended sanction)
  • Assign a grade of "F" for the course (Note: The instructor must continue to grade the student normally pending the outcome of any appeal(s) by the student.)
  • Lower the grade for the work in question
  • Require the student to redo the assignment
  • Request a letter of reprimand be sent from the dean, a copy kept in the Dean's Office

  The student may also be required to complete additional educational activities in order to help avoid future academic violations from carelessness or ignorance. If a faculty member's grading policy for this course allows for a low grade to be dropped, the score subject to discipline may not be dropped.

  Within two weeks of discovering the alleged violation warranting disciplinary action, the instructor will provide a copy of the Academic Integrity Violation - Instructor Report form to the student to review and sign.  The faculty member then sends this signed copy to the assistant dean for Academics. Any additional relevant documentation will also be provided to the assistant dean for Academics. A hardcopy and/or electronic copy of this form will be kept in the Dean's Office.

  The student will then meet with the assistant dean for Academics to provide their response to the allegation. In order to maintain his/her right to appeal, the student must provide a written response to the allegation within two weeks of receiving a copy of the Academic Integrity Violation -Student Response form. The student returns the Academic Integrity Violation - Student Response form with an acceptance of responsibility and/or a request to contest the allegation or the penalty and a written statement explaining the choice.

  If the student contests the allegation or the penalty, a hearing will be held with the Student Affairs Committee in a timely manner. The instructor and the student may provide evidence and witnesses as appropriate, but legal representation is not permitted. The student may be accompanied by an academic advisor whose role is to provide moral support only. The academic advisor may not be an active participant in the proceedings.

  The Student Affairs Committee will review relevant materials and testimony, and then make a recommendation regarding the allegation and the penalty. Note that the committee may recommend a different penalty than initially imposed.

  It is expected that all involved will conduct this process with confidentiality and respect. All documents and discussions related to cases and appeals involving an incident of a breech of academic integrity should be held in strict confidence.

  If the student or the instructor wishes to appeal the recommendation of the committee, he/she may do so, in writing, to the dean of the College of Engineering & Science. A representative of the Student Affairs Committee will present the materials and notes collected by the committee to the dean, as well as a written report of the committee's findings. The dean will collect additional information as deemed necessary to make a decision on the appeal. Note that the dean may recommend a different penalty than recommended by the committee. Any further appeals must be submitted in writing to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs.

  REPEATED OR FLAGRANT OFFENSES

  Possible penalties for a repeated or flagrant offense may include:

  • a grade of "F" in the course
  • suspension from the College
  • expulsion from the College

  Examples of flagrant offenses include but are not limited to the following: use of a surrogate to take an examination, physical theft of another student's work, use of intimidation to obtain the aid of another student, theft of an examination, and electronic theft of course related materials. In such a case, the penalty will be suspension or expulsion from the College, even upon a first offense.

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  Academic Standards

  Regardless of formal notice, a student’s academic status is determined as outlined below. While the overall GPA is the principal criterion for academic standing, other factors, such as the GPA for the latest term, the major/program GPA, progress in required courses, number of courses in which registered and actually completed, and any pattern of frequent withdrawals and/or incomplete grades may be considered in making the decision on academic status.

  In order to remain in good standing in the College of Engineering & Science, a graduate student must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 and a 3.0 GPA for the courses in their major/program. Graduate students must have a 3.0 or above cumulative GPA and a 3.0 or above major/program GPA in order to graduate. The requirement for graduation is a 3.0 grade point average computed on the basis of all courses attempted for graduate credit, including thesis, while enrolled in a particular graduate program. Exceptions occur if a student has been approved for the Graduate Academic Renewal or Repeat Rule.  See the University Academic Policies and Procedures section in this catalog.

  If a student does not meet the 3.0 requirement after completion of all the course and/or thesis requirements, they may take a maximum of six additional credit hours in an attempt to establish the necessary 3.0 grade point average, if it is mathematically possible to achieve a 3.0 GPA.

  Unless the Academic Renewal or Repeat Rule have been applied, a course in which a graduate student has earned a grade of “D” or lower will be included in a student’s GPA.  In any case, grades less than "C" may not be used to satisfy any requirements for graduation.

  Academic Standing Rules

  • Good Standing: Term GPA ≥ 3.0 AND Cumulative GPA ≥ 3.0
  • Academic Warning: Term GPA < 3.0 AND Cumulative GPA ≥ 3.0
  • Probation: Previously in good standing AND Cumulative GPA < 3.0
  • Probation (continued): Previously on probation AND Cumulative GPA < 3.0 AND Term GPA ≥ 3.0 with all other probation conditions met
  • Dismissed: Previously on probation AND Term GPA < 3.0

  Probationary Students

  A student whose cumulative GPA is below 3.0 is automatically placed on academic probation (whether officially notified or not). The student must meet with his/her advisor or chairperson to discuss and sign a probation agreement. Conditions and restrictions in this agreement are set for the term in which the student registers following the probationary status. Registration without this agreement is considered invalid. If a student has already registered before receiving notification of the probationary status, he/she must complete the probation agreement with his/her advisor or chairperson and contact the Dean's Office immediately or risk being withdrawn from courses.

  If a student does not satisfy the conditions of the probationary contract, he/she is typically dismissed from the College.

  Dismissed Students

  Any student who has been dismissed from the College will be administratively withdrawn from any registered courses, including co-op. A student may appeal their dismissal in writing.

  A student who wishes to appeal the dismissal and petition for readmission must write a letter of appeal and meet with the Student Affairs Committee of the College. In the letter, the student must explain any extenuating circumstances that led to the dismissal, and describe steps which he/she has taken to ensure that future academic performance will improve significantly. Based on the written petition from the student, the committee explores the circumstances associated with the student’s performance and then grants or denies the petition to continue to take classes. The committee is authorized to place conditions on the student’s enrollment. These might include, but are not restricted to, limiting of the academic load, requiring the repetition of previous course work, and requiring attainment of a GPA higher than 3.0. 

  Dismissed students also have the option to apply for readmission to another College or School within the University.

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  Attendance

  It is expected that students will attend all class sessions and be prepared to contribute as required. Course attendance policies are left to the discretion of instructors, except in cases of University-authorized absences. See the Student Absence Policy for University-authorized absences due to University-sponsored activities, religious observances, etc. 

  In non-University-authorized absence situations, the student should inform the instructor prior to an absence or within 24 hours (see specifics in the Student Absence Policy). If a student misses an assignment, examination, or quiz, the instructor is not required to provide a make-up. Depending on the policy of the instructor, attendance can affect the course grade.

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  Classroom Etiquette

  To prevent distracting classroom instruction, students should not use cell phones during class time, including texting. Also, phones should be turned off during class time (see the section ELECTRONIC DEVICES IN THE CLASSROOM). Unless there is an emergency, students should refrain from leaving the room while class is in session. Food and drink are prohibited in all computer and instructional laboratories. Food should not be consumed during class sessions unless medically necessary.

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  Course Grades

  Occasionally a student may believe he/she needs/deserves a higher grade than assigned. The student might seek a higher grade through offering to perform extra work. Grade negotiation of this type is not the practice of the College. Each student in a class is to have equal opportunity to convey knowledge of the course material through common measures (e.g., homework, quizzes, papers, presentations, and examinations). If a student believes that he/she was unfairly graded in a course, then the College Academic Grievance Policy (see above) should be followed.

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  Course Syllabi

  Each student should receive from the instructor, no later than the first regular class session, a written and/or electronic copy of the syllabus for that course. The syllabus should include information such as: a brief description of the purposes and topic content of the course, the grading system employed in the course, attendance policies, required and optional textbooks, special materials and supplies, the approximate dates of major examinations and/or papers, any required “field trips” or other obligations, the location of the instructor’s office, regularly scheduled office hours, and the instructor's contact information.

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  Electronic Devices in the Classroom

  The type of electronic devices that can be used during a class or on an examination will be determined either by the department for which the course is taught or by the instructor of the class. Once these rules are set for a class, they will be strictly enforced. All other electronic devices should be silenced during class time. Students should be sure they are aware of a department’s or instructor’s policy in the classes for which they are registered. 

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  Exceptions and Substitutions

  Any changes in the program requirements for an individual student must be approved by the chair/director and the assistant dean for Academics. Any approved changes must be documented in the student’s file and reflected in the Degree Evaluation. 

  If an exception or substitution is denied by their chair/director and assistant dean for Academics, a student may appeal this by petitioning the College Student Affairs Committee. The written petition is submitted to the Student Affairs Committee in care of the assistant dean for Academics and should contain details on the circumstances associated with the requested exception or substitution. Exceptions and/or substitutions are only provided where there is a clear case of unreasonable hardship that occurs through no fault of the student. A written response is provided, usually within two weeks after the request.

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  Finals Week

  The last week of each of the regular semesters is set aside for a single class session for each course. The class meets for either an extended class period or an examination. The class meeting time is posted on the Schedule of Classes. This final class meeting, in addition to the other scheduled meeting times, is used in the calculation of minutes of instruction to determine the total credit hours for a course. If a student has been assigned three examinations on the same day of “Finals Week” he/she may first ask the professors for reassignment of an exam. In such situations or in conflicts involving two scheduled class meetings, the assistant dean for Academics may be consulted for resolution. Changing any final exam period is not guaranteed, but efforts will be made to accommodate the student.

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  Graduation Requirements

  The program requirements of a student are a combination of requirements set by the University, College, and Department. These requirements are given in general form in the Graduate Catalog and are summarized for each student in his/her on-line Degree Evaluation report.  Students should consult their advisor with any questions. Courses are added to the Degree Evaluation report as a student progresses through the program. 

  The graduation requirements for students in the College are as follows:

  1. A minimum 3.0 GPA overall.
  2. A minimum 3.0 GPA in the student's program.
  3. Each graduate program has its own set of additional graduation criteria that fit within the general University criteria. See the Graduate Catalog or the department chairperson for the specific program requirements.
  4. Grades of “D” or lower do not advance a student toward graduation. However, all grades are counted in the GPA calculation. Exceptions occur if the Repeat Rule or Academic Renewal have been approved and applied.  See details in the University Academic Policies and Procedures section of this catalog.
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  Incomplete Grades

  See the University policy on Incomplete Work in the Academic Policies and Procedures section of the catalog. 

  In the case of Engineering & Science graduate classes, the grade of "I" may remain the grade of record on the permanent transcript. 

   

   

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  Laboratory Safety

  While special care is taken in the set-up of laboratory experiments to minimize risks, it is important to follow proper safety precautions while in the lab. It is essential that the protective wear (e.g., safety glasses, gloves, hair nets, face masks, lab coats) appropriate for the specific laboratory be used. Laboratory staff has the authority to remove from a laboratory anyone not properly protected.

  Power machinery (milling machines, saws, drill presses, grinders, etc.) may only be operated by those properly instructed and cautioned as to safe practices of the specific piece of equipment. Please see the College Laboratory Safety procedures for more information.

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  Prerequisite Courses

  Some prerequisite courses (undergraduate and/or graduate) may be required of a student to ensure his/her success in a program. They are to be completed as early as possible in the student’s study plan. Failure to take a prerequisite course first does not eliminate it from a student’s graduation requirements unless it has been officially waived and documented in the student's file/Advisor Note.  Undergraduate prerequisites do not count toward the graduate degree. 

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  Repeating a Class

  When a graduate student repeats a class, both grades count in the GPA calculation but only one attempt advances the student toward graduation (i.e., earns credit). Exceptions regarding how repeated courses affect the GPA may occur if a student has been approved for the Graduate Repeat Rule or Academic Renewal.  See the University Academic Policies and Procedures section of this catalog.

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  Time Limits

  The maximum time permitted for completion of a master’s program is seven years from the date of admission. The master’s thesis must be completed and accepted not later than two years after course requirements have been fulfilled.  

  All requirements for the doctorate must be completed within seven years of admission into the doctoral program. 

  Students who need a time extension (for either a degree or a thesis), may appeal to the dean of the College or his/her designated assistant dean, in writing, providing a justification and schedule for the completion of unfinished work. The extension must be approved by the dean or designee, after consultation with the primary faculty advisor.  In the event the request for extension is denied, the student will be dismissed from the program.  However, in the case of the master’s degree, if approved, the student may opt to complete a non-thesis master’s degree within a time period that is supported by his/her department chairperson. The conditions and duration of any extension shall be included in the letter granting the extension.

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  Transfer Credit

  Students without a previous graduate degree may transfer up to six credits from another graduate school or program with permission of the department chair or program director and the dean.

  Students with a previous graduate degree may transfer nine credits if either graduate program is less than 36 hours, or up to 12 credits if both graduate programs are at least 36 hours with permission of the department chair or program director and the dean.

  Students in the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program who have a Detroit Mercy master’s degree or its equivalent may transfer up to 30 credit hours of appropriate and approved course work.

  If a student transfers 30 credits from a prior master's degree toward a Ph.D., they may not use these credits or any of the minimum 21 required Detroit Mercy course credits in the Ph.D. toward another graduate degree in the College of Engineering & Science.   If a student has reused credits from one master’s degree toward a second master’s degree, they may be limited in the number of credits that may be used toward a third master’s degree or Ph.D. 

  In all cases, transfer of credit is granted only with the approval of the chair/director and the dean after completing 12 credit hours at University of Detroit Mercy with a minimum overall 3.0 GPA.

  A minimum grade of “B”/3.0 is required in all courses presented for transfer. All transfer courses must fall within the time limits established. Credits earned more than five years prior to the student’s application for graduation for a master's degree are not acceptable. Courses considered for transfer must have been taken at the graduate level, preceded by the appropriate undergraduate background, and consistent with the student’s program of study.

  Students wishing to take graduate courses at other institutions must obtain the written approval of the chairperson or program director and the dean prior to enrolling in such courses. No more than one semester credit will be allowed per week of short courses or seminars.

  Only OFFICIAL transcripts sent directly from the other institution to Detroit Mercy are considered.