Metropolitan State University education is distinctive, incorporating each student's goals, initiatives, background and personality, and recognizing that individuals acquire knowledge in different ways and for diverse reasons. Metropolitan State's educational programs are based on the following assumptions:
- students have individual learning styles and goals;
- the results of learning are more important than the methods;
- higher education should build on the array of learning resources available to students in the Twin Cities greater metropolitan area;
- in addition to special focus in the major, the bachelor's degree implies the ability to speak and write well, basic computer and mathematics literacy, and knowledge of several disciplines in the natural and physical sciences, the humanities, and the social and behavioral sciences, as well as global and cultural awareness; and
- learning is a lifelong, self-directed process.
University policies and procedures are posted on the university's Web site. Student policies can be found in the Student Handbook.
Course Prerequisites
Students are responsible to both be aware of and abide by prerequisites for the courses for which they enroll.
Undergraduate Academic Standing Policy
The university has established standards for maintaining good academic standing. The goals of the Academic Standing Policy are to:
- Define and maintain the academic standards of the university;
- Intervene with students who do not meet university requirements in order to support retention of students who encounter difficulties;
- Provide for efficient use of state and university resources;
- Provide standards and systems that are fair, consistent with graduation requirements, and appropriate for both full-time and part-time students.
Metropolitan State expects students to successfully complete courses. Therefore undergraduate student academic standing is reviewed after each semester. To remain in good academic standing at Metropolitan State University, students must meet two criteria: maintain a cumulative Metropolitan State GPA of at least 2.0; and successfully complete at least 66.66% of the cumulative Metropolitan State University credits attempted. Students who do not meet these standards will be put on academic probation. A student who continues to fall below standards will be dismissed for academic reasons. Students on Academic Probation must attend an Academic Success Workshop and must meet with their academic advisor each term for approval to register for the next term. Notice of unsatisfactory progress will also be sent to the student's advisor, and if the student is an international student, to the International Student Advisor. If you have questions about your academic standing, contact your academic advisor. Refer to Policy 2050, Undergraduate Academic Standing Review for further information.
Students receiving financial aid must also meet additional criteria to remain eligible to receive aid and should contact the Financial Aid Office for current information about satisfactory academic progress. International students must also meet all of the conditions of their visa and enrollment requirements and should contact Metropolitan State University's International Student Advisor for more information.
Academic Appeal Procedure
The university has written procedures for appealing decisions concerning grades and program and graduation requirements. A staff member in Student Affairs serves as ombudsperson to work with students in preparing formal appeals. Renee Beaulieu-Banks, the ombudsperson can be reached at 651-793-1560 or renee.beaulieubanks@metrostate.edu. Refer to Procedure 300, Academic Appeal Procedure for complete information.
Grade Appeals
Decisions supported by published policies or clearly stated expectations of instructors cannot be appealed. An instructor's evaluation is not changed as a result of the appeals process unless there is clear and convincing evidence that the evaluation was arbitrary and/or capricious and was unfair to the student. After an instructor submits a grade, changes in grades must be authorized by a dean or the provost. To begin the formal appeal process, students must submit an appeal in writing to the appropriate person within a specified time.
Program Requirement Appeals
Students must meet the requirements for a degree as listed in the Metropolitan State University online Catalog or other official program materials in place at the time of admission to the degree. Program requirements supported by published policies that are effective at the time a student declares a program of study/major cannot be appealed. A student who has not received a passing grade in any credit-bearing course or other learning opportunity for nine consecutive semesters must reapply for admission to the university and must complete the degree and program requirements that are in place when the student is readmitted to the university.
Transfer Credit Appeals
A transfer student who believes that the transfer policy was not implemented accurately in the evaluation of transfer credit may request reconsideration through written appeal to the Office of the Registrar. Students may be asked to provide additional information about the course(s) under appeal. Transfer appeal forms are available from the Office of Registrar and their Web site. Students dissatisfied with the appeal results may appeal the decision to the academic affairs vice president. The decision of the vice president for academic affairs may be appealed to the MnSCU Academic Affairs Office. The process is described in Subpart B. System Level Appeal in Part 7. Student Appeal of Procedure 3.21.1 Undergraduate Course Credit Transfer.
Grading Policy
Metropolitan State University's grading policy offers students two grading options: traditional grades of "A/B/C/D/F" or competence(S)/no competence (NC). Students must choose their grading option by the second class session of the course or before the first major assessment for other learning opportunities. After that time, students cannot change either from a graded to an ungraded option or vice versa. Note that courses with a grade of D or F cannot be used as prerequisites or to meet major requirements. Refer to Policy 2080, Grading Policy for complete information.
Student Conduct Code
Each student at Metropolitan State University has the right to an education, and it is the university's responsibility to provide an environment that promotes learning and protects the safety and well-being of the university community. Any action by a student that interferes with the education of any other student or interferes with the operations of the university in carrying out its responsibility to provide an education is considered a violation of the Student Conduct Code. Disciplinary actions are handled in an expeditious manner and reflect due process. Refer to Policy 1020, Student Conduct Code for further information.
