Mar 19, 2024  
Mansfield University 2007-2008 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
Mansfield University 2007-2008 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

University Policies


The University reserves the right to make changes in curricula, degree requirements, course offerings, and all academic regulations at any time when, in the judgment of the faculty, the president, and council of trustees, such changes are in the best interest of the students and the university. University policy procedures can be found in The Mountie Manual for upperclassmen or The Student ‘Planner for freshmen.

Graduation Requirements

It is your responsibility to know the university requirements for your major and for graduation.

To graduate from Mansfield University with an associate degree, you must meet the following requirements.

  1. Earn the minimum number of credit hours for the particular major, plus any required preparatory (0090) courses. Preparatory courses completed increase the total number of credit hours required for graduation.
  2. Earn a minimum 2.0 cumulative quality point average (QPA) in all work attempted and in the major.
  3. Complete requirements for general education and the major.
  4. Complete the Writing Across the Curriculum, Information Literacy and Global Awareness programs.

To graduate from Mansfield University with a baccalaureate degree, you must meet the following requirements.

  1. Earn the minimum number of credit hours for the particular major, plus any required preparatory (0090) courses. Preparatory (0090) courses completed increase the total number of credit hours required for graduation.
  2. Earn a minimum 2.0 cumulative quality point average (QPA) in all work attempted and in the major.
  3. Complete requirements for general education and for the major.
  4. Complete 40% of the credits required for a degree at the 3000 course level or higher.
  5. Complete the Writing Across the Curriculum program.
  6. Complete a second year language proficiency or minor for a B.A. degree.

To graduate from Mansfield University with a recommendation for teacher certification you must meet the following requirements.

  1. Earn the state mandated minimum QPA for your cohort group (determined when first “gates” requirements are met and not sooner than 48 credits).
  2. Complete a teacher preparation certificate program approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
  3. Complete all Mansfield University requirements for a baccalaureate degree.
  4. Pass all state mandated Praxis examinations for your area(s) of teaching certification.
  5. Present evidence that you have met state mandated clearance requirements as specified under Act 34 and Act 1 51.

You may earn a university degree with less than the state mandated minimum QPA, lacking the required clearances, or without having passed all Praxis examinations, but the University will not recommend you to the Pennsylvania Department of Education for certification.

No student may be granted an associate degree or a baccalaureate degree from the University without earning at Mansfield University at least 25% of the required total credits for the degree. Exceptions may be made with approval from the Office of the Provost. Transfer credit may be awarded for up to 50% of the major requirements including major related electives. If the remaining credits do not meet Mansfield University guidelines for general education, they are applied as free electives.

You will receive a “Graduation Outlook” upon completion of 90 credit hours. The “Graduation Outlook” notes courses and/or requirements still necessary to be completed for graduation including any deficiency in the cumulative quality point average (QPA) in all work attempted and in the major. A final outlook showing deficiencies will be sent after the end of the Add/Drop period in the semester in which the student intends to graduate.

Preparatory (0090) Courses

Entering students are evaluated in mathematics and writing to assure a minimal level of competency. In mathematics your previous preparation is assessed. A writing placement examination is administered to all entering students, and placement is made in ENG 0090 or ENG 1112W on the basis of your performance on that essay.

If 0090 courses are necessary, the minimum number of credits required for graduation increases. Any required 0090 course must be taken during the first 57 credit hours attempted.

ACT 48

ACT 48 of 1999 requires persons holding Pennsylvania professional educator certification to complete continuing education requirements every five years to maintain active certification. Pennsylvania certified teachers wishing to use credit course work at Mansfield University to help meet the Act 48 requirement should log on to the following website: https://www. edulinkinc.com/act48Provider/default.asp, click on the ‘Professional Educator’ link, create an account, enter the course(s) information and submit. Mansfield University will then verify the information and report courses satisfactorily completed to the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Course Load

A normal academic course load is 12 to 18 credit hours. To schedule more than 18 credit hours in a semester, you must have a 3.0 cumulative point average (QPA). If you do not have a 3.0 QPA, you may submit a petition to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs for permission. Petitions are available online at http://records.mansfield.edu/.

Add/Drop

You may ADD a course during the first seven working days of a semester and DROP a course during the first six working days of a semester using WebAdvisor. Add cards are available in the Registrar’s Office. The class instructor must sign all add cards. If you have earned fewer than 60 credits you must also have add cards signed by your advisor.

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to do their own academic work. Dishonesty in academic work, including cheating, academic misconduct, fabrication, or plagiarism is unacceptable. Faculty are expected to instruct students in ways of avoiding these forms of academic dishonesty. Faculty are also responsible for assessing and reporting all charges of academic dishonesty to the Office of the Provost. The student handbook, The Mountie Manual for upperclassmen, or The Student Planner for freshmen, outlines the procedures faculty will use to initiate disciplinary action in cases of academic dishonesty.

Faculty are responsible for informing students of course evaluation criteria, for adherence to the stated criteria, and for determining grades in a fair and equitable manner. If a student charges that a faculty member has discharged professional duties in an improper, arbitrary, discriminatory, or otherwise unjustified manner, the complaint will be considered by the procedures outlined in The Mountie Manual for upperclassmen or The Student Planner for freshmen.

Attendance Policy

Regular and punctual class attendance is expected. Documented excuses because of illness, serious mitigating circumstances, or official university representation will be accepted by all faculty members and will permit students to make up missed tests and/or graded assignments in a reasonable manner at a time agreeable to instructor and student. Students must provide documentation before absences can be excused. All instructors are expected to make their class participation and attendance policies clear in the course syllabus.

Grading

Professors provide students a written syllabus prior to the end of the first week of class which includes the criteria for academic evaluation. Mansfield University uses a 4-point grading scale, as shown below, to evaluate academic performance.

 

GRADES

INTERPRETATION

QUALITY POINTS

   

A

Excellent

4.0

   

A-

 

3.7

   

B+

 

3.3

   

B

Above Average

3.0

   

B-

 

2.7

   

C+

 

2.3

   

C

Good Standing

2.0

   

C-

 

1.7

   

D+

 

1.3

   

D

Minimally Passing

1.0

   

D-

 

0.7

   

F

Failure

0.0

The following designations may be used in addition to the grades shown above:

  AU   Audit
  EX   Credit by Examination (D- grade or better)
  I   Incomplete
  P/F   Pass/Fail (D- grade or better)
  S   Satisfactory (D- grade or better)
  U   Unsatisfactory
  W  

Withdrawal from a course after the drop period


The cumulative quality point average (QPA) is determined by dividing the total number of quality points earned by the total number of credit hours of work attempted. The cumulative QPA is the index by which a student’s academic standing is judged.

Mid-Semester Grades

Students enrolled in 090, 1 00-level, and 200-level courses receive mid-semester grades on a scale of A through F to enable them to recognize their academic status in each of these courses at mid-semester. Mid-semester grades in 300-level and 400-level courses are provided at the discretion of the course instructor.

Incomplete (I)

An “I” (Incomplete) grade is used to denote unfinished work because of serious mitigating circumstances beyond the student’s control. It is a privilege granted because of circumstances, not a right to be expected by the student.

The I is submitted by professors at their discretion on the grade report form at the end of the semester. The professor and the student will identify the specific requirements to be satisfied in order to convert the I to a letter grade. The student is responsible for the removal of an I grade within the first three weeks of the subsequent semester except in cases where serious circumstances prevail and a request for an extension is made by the faculty member to the Registrar’s Office. If the I grade is not cleared within the allotted time period, a final grade of F is recorded.

Pass/Fail (P or F)

You may take a total of eight courses on a pass/fail basis; however, no more than one course each semester may be taken under the pass/fail option. Pass credits are not reflected in the student’s QPA; however, a passing (P) grade is counted as credit hours earned. Students may elect the pass/fail option during the first seven working days of the semester. They may neither change the pass/fail option to a letter grade nor select the pass/fail option after the first seven working days of the semester. A passing grade is D or better. Three failures under this option will constitute a loss of the option. Pass/Fail application forms are available in the Registrar’s Office. The following restrictions apply:

  1. 100 or 200 level courses may not be taken pass/fail to fulfill any General Education requirements.
  2. Any 100 or 200 level course taken pass/fail will count only as a free elective.
  3. Courses required to complete a major or an academic minor may be included in the pass/fail option at the discretion of that department, require the chairperson’s signature, and may not be counted for General Education credit.

Withdraw From a Course (W)

After the drop period, you may withdraw from a course until 4 p.m. the Friday of the ninth week of classes. You need to complete a course withdrawal form and have it signed by the course instructor. If you have earned fewer than 60 credits, you must also have the withdrawal card signed by your Advisor. Once you have the required signatures, submit the form to the Registrar’s Office. A ‘W’ will be recorded in the permanent record and will not be calculated in the quality point average (QPA). A student who withdraws from all courses is automatically withdrawn from the University.

Withdrawal From the University

Students who wish to withdraw from the university may do so by completing a “Withdrawal from Mansfield University Form” which is available online at http://records.mansfield.edu/. Upon receipt of the form, the administration will promptly notify all appropriate offices, including the student’s advisor and course instructors. On-campus students are responsible for checking out of their residence hall by contacting a staff member.

Students who leave the university without properly notifying the university for other than extenuating circumstances (as documented by a physician, counselor, or other appropriate individual) will receive a grade for each course based on the total semester.

All students who have withdrawn and who desire admission to the university must file an application for readmission.

Students who apply for readmission within one calendar year of the date of withdrawal will have the application fee waived. Except for extenuating circumstances (e.g. medical reasons), students are not guaranteed readmission.

Completion of a ‘Withdrawal from the University’ must be done by the last regular class day of the semester.

Withdrawal from the University is likely to have serious financial ramifications. Students are encouraged to discuss such action with a financial aid officer if they are receiving financial aid.

Audit (AU)

Students interested in auditing a course (attending class, but receiving no grade or credits) must submit the Audit Form before the end of the Add Period (first seven working days of the semester). The Audit Form is available in the Registrar’s Office. The class instructor must grant permission for any student to audit a course. Not all courses are available for audit. Courses with a high degree of specialized equipment, and one-on-one faculty-student interaction (such as science labs) are generally not open to audits. For fee see Expenses section III in this catalog.

Repeating a Course

When you repeat a course the last grade received is used in computing your cumulative quality point average (QPA). If you fail a course, you may not repeat it on a pass/fail or credit-by-exam basis.

Grade Change

If an instructor makes an error in the final grade given to a student, a grade change request must be made within the first three weeks of the subsequent semester. Grade changes are not allowed after that time unless a request for an extension is made by the faculty member to the Dean of the Faculty.

Due Process (Appealing a Grade)

If you wish to appeal a grade, refer to the procedures outlined in The Mountie Manual for upper classmen, or for new students, the Student Planner.

Transcripts

Official transcripts of courses taken at Mansfield University are prepared by the Registrar’s Office and issued according to the following policies:

  1. Student’s records are confidential. Transcripts, therefore, are issued only at the written request of the student. Requests by telephone are not accepted.
  2. No transcript is issued to or for a student who is indebted to the university until the debt has been paid in full.
  3. Official transcripts of credits(s) earned at other institutions that have been presented for admission and evaluation become part of your permanent record in the Registrar’s Office and cannot be reissued or copied for distribution. Transcripts from other institutions must be obtained directly from those institutions.
  4. Official transcripts issued directly to you will only be released in a signed, sealed, embossed envelope. The envelope will bear the statement that if opened the transcript should be considered unofficial and the integrity of the document is not guaranteed by Mansfield University.
  5. Unofficial transcripts (student copy) contain the same information as an official, but do not bear the authorized signature or seal of the university.
  6. There is a $5.00 transcript fee.

MINIMUM ACADEMIC STANDARDS

All degree-seeking students must meet the minimum academic standards of the institution. The minimum academic requirements for continuation at Mansfield are:

  0-16   credit hours attempted - 1.20 QPA
  17-30   credit hours attempted - 1.40 QPA
  31-45   credit hours attempted - 1.60 QPA
  46-60   credit hours attempted - 1.80 QPA
  61+   credit hours attempted - 2.00 QPA

Credit hours attempted include transferred credit hours.

Academic Probation

A matriculated student whose cumulative quality point average (QPA) is between the minimum academic standard and 2.00 at the end of a semester is placed on academic probation until the QPA is 2.00 or above.

Probationary status does not mean that a student is dismissed from the University. It means that although the minimum academic requirements have been met, the QPA is not acceptable for graduation. A student on probation receives a letter from the university about probationary status and subsequent assignment to the Academic Advising Center.

With the assistance of an advisor, students develop strategies for improvement and take advantage of available academic support services.

Academic Dismissal

A degree seeking student who earns a cumulative quality point average (QPA) that is below the required minimum academic QPA at the end of any semester will be dismissed from Mansfield University. The minimum QPA varies depending upon how many credits you have attempted at Mansfield University and how many credits the university has accepted in transfer. (See “Minimum Academic Standards” above.) If you are academically dismissed, you may be reinstated to the university by appealing to and appearing before the Academic Standards Review Board prior to the beginning of the next semester, or you may apply to the Admissions Office for re-admission following an interval of one year. The decision of the A.S.R.B. is final and may be appealed only in instances of alleged discrimination or failure of the board to properly follow university specified procedures and policies. Students who are reinstated by the A.S.R.B. would be given two semesters to acquire the necessary Q.P.A. for continued matriculation. This is contingent upon earning a minimum 2.0 semester Q.P.A. for the semester immediately following their 1st dismissal. A student who has attempted 45 or fewer credits and is academically dismissed and is then subsequently reinstated by the Academic Standards Review Board will be assigned to the University Learning Center to participate in the Academic Skills Development Program and will be assigned an advisor in the Academic Advising Center. The purpose is to help the student improve his / her overall academic performance. Failure to participate in the Academic Skills Development Program will be considered at any subsequent dismissal hearing. Academic dismissal may impact your eligibility for financial aid. A second or subsequent dismissal terminates your association with Mansfield University.

Class Standing

Class standing is determined by the total number of semester hours earned including credits accepted in transfer from other accredited colleges.

  Freshman  

0-29 semester hours earned

  Sophomore  

30-59 semester hours earned

  Junior  

60-89 semester hours earned

  Senior  

90+ semester hours earned

Dean’s List

The Dean’s List is issued at the close of each semester. It includes only undergraduate matriculated students. You must earn at least 12 credits for which a letter grade is received (P/F and S/U grades are excluded). The semester quality point average (QPA) must be between 3.50 and 3.99 inclusive.

President’s List

The President’s List is also issued at the close of each semester. It includes students who fulfill the above requirements and attain a semester quality point average (QPA) of 4.00.

Intent to Graduate

Candidates for the Associate Degree or Bachelor’s Degree must complete the Intent to Graduate form available online at http://records.mansfield.edu/ one year prior to their anticipated graduation.

Students are encouraged to participate in the graduation exercise which recognizes and honors their academic accomplishments.

Commencement Honors

Superior scholastic achievement is recognized at Commencement. Bachelor’s degree students must have completed at least 45 credit hours at Mansfield University prior to their final semester to receive honors recognition at Commencement. Honors designations are based on cumulative quality point average (QPA) as indicated:

  Cum Laude   3.35 to 3.64
  Magna Cum Laude   3.65 to 3.94
  Summa Cum Laude   3.95 to 4.00

Students who meet the honors requirements upon completion of their final semester with a minimum of 60 credit hours at Mansfield University, will have such recognition noted on their permanent record.

Associate degree students must have completed at least 30 credit hours at Mansfield University prior to their final semester to receive honors recognition at commencement. A cumulative QPA of 3.5 or higher is required for this recognition.

Maintenance of Matriculation

Students who are off campus doing approved course work consistent with program requirements and thereby meet degree or program requirements in effect at the time of initial matriculation are considered to be in a continuing matriculated status.

Readmit Policy

Matriculated students who have not been in regular attendance during the previous semester must apply for readmission to the university. This does not apply to non-matriculated students.

Readmit applications must be submitted, along with the appropriate fee, by March 1 for the fall semester and November 1 for the spring semester. A statement should accompany the application about activities, including such information as employment, college course work completed, or military service. The application fee may be waived for students who provide a letter to the Office of Admissions citing reason(s) for withdrawal and stating expected return entry date.

Students readmitted following a break of more than one semester fall under all university policies in effect at the time of readmission. Before students are readmitted they must clear all outstanding university-related debts.

Course Time Limit

Mansfield University welcomes the return of students who for a variety of reasons have not completed their undergraduate degrees. Courses completed, either at Mansfield or in transfer, more than ten years prior to the date of readmission will not routinely be counted towards graduation requirements. The content of these courses may no longer be current or required for a current degree program. Students may apply, via a petition that includes specific justification for a waiver, to have course work older than ten years applied toward a degree. Any such petition may need to address courses individually. Nothing in this policy precludes a department from establishing more stringent standards.

Certification

Teacher Education Certification

The Teacher Education Unit is responsible for all teacher certification programs at Mansfield University regardless of the department that houses the program. The Unit is nationally accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) at both the undergraduate and graduate level. The Unit prepares teachers who have the knowledge, skill, and dispositions to meet the demands of public education in the twenty-first century.

The Teacher Education Unit’s guiding principle is that of “Teacher as Reflective Decision Maker.” The Unit has adopted Charlotte Danielson’s Framework for Teaching as the conceptual framework for guiding students in their development as reflective decision makers. This framework centers on four domains or areas of teacher responsibility: Planning and Preparation; Classroom Environment; Instruction; and Professional Responsibility.

Programs in the unit include:

Program Home Department Type of Certification
Art Education BSE Art K-12 Art Education
Music Education BSE Music K-12 Music Education
Elementary Education BSE Education and Special Education K-6 Elementary Education

Early Childhood additional certification

Education and Special Education

N-3 Early Childhood (must hold Elementary certification)

Special Education BSE Education and Special Education N-12 Special Education

Dual Program Elementary and Special Education

Education and Special Education

K-6 Elementary Education and N-12 Special Education

Social Studies-History BSE History and Political Science 7-12 Social Studies
English BSE English and Modern Languages 7-12 English Education
Spanish BSE English and Modern Languages K-12 Spanish Education
French BSE English and Modern Languages K-12 French Education
German BSE English and Modern Languages K-12 German Education
Chemistry BSE Chemistry and Physics 7-12 Chemistry Education
Physics BSE Chemistry and Physics 7-12 Physics Education
Earth and Space Science BSE Geography and Geology

7-12 Earth and Space Science Education

Mathematics BSE Mathematics 7-12 Mathematics Education

Advancing in the Teacher Certification Program

Students entering the university select an education program and are admitted as a major in that program. For example a freshman or transfer student might choose to be an Chemistry Education major in the Chemistry Department. Once the student has chosen a major, then he or she progresses through the gates in the program. Education majors are evaluated at three stages in their program. Mansfield evaluates student preparation based on national standards and Pennsylvania Act 354 requirements. The student must complete all three gates to be recommended for certification. Students will receive written confirmation that they have met Gates One and Two. Gate One must be completed before taking upper level (courses numbered 3000 and above) education courses. Gate Two must be completed before beginning student teaching. Gate Three must be completed before recommendation for certification. Each department may have additional requirements specific to their specific Education program. See the individual program descriptions in this catalog or contact you education program advisor for more information.

Gate One: Students completing the following requirements after August 29, 2004 will be designated a Teacher Education Certification Candidate (TECC). Students must be a TECC in order to register for upper level courses number 3000 and above. To become a TECC, the student must:

  • complete a minimum of 48 hours of course work which may include transfer hours;
  • have a Quality Point Average (QPA) of 3.0 or higher);
  • complete two college level mathematics courses; and one English Literature course and one English Composition before becoming a TECC (Math 0090 and English 0090 or developmental or remedial transfer courses do not meet this requirement);
  • pass the Introduction to Education (ED 11 02) course;
  • pass the Praxis I certification test (Students transferring into Mansfield University from another institution and who have met all other Gate One requirements may be designated a probationary TECC. They will have one semester after admission to Mansfield University to pass the Praxis I);
  • complete criminal background and child abuse clearances.
  • See program description or advisor for additional program specific requirements.

Gate Two: Students wishing to be admitted to Student Teaching must complete the following requirements:

  • have a Quality Point Average (QPA) of 3.0 or higher for those students admitted to TECC after August 29, 2004;
  • complete all education courses except student teaching and professional seminar; students wishing to take non-education courses after student teaching must petition the appropriate department chair and the Director of Teacher Education.
  • Student Teacher Clearances

    Updated criminal background and child abuse clearances are absolutely necessary in order to student teach. All students must have the appropriate documentation by the following deadlines. Student teaching placements will be revoked unless this requirement is met. Fall Student Teachers: Clearances must not be dated prior to February 1st of the year that student teaching will take place. In addition, all clearances must be turned into The Educational Field Experience Office in Retan Center no later than June 3 0th. Spring Student Teachers: Clearances must not be dated prior to June 1 5th of the year that student teaching will take place. In addition, all clearance must be turned into The Educational Field Experience Office in Retan Center no later than September 30th.
  • See program description or advisor for additional program specific requirements.

Gate Three: Students who wish Mansfield to recommend them for Teacher Certification must complete the following requirements:

  • pass the Praxis II certification tests;
  • complete the appropriate Education degree with a QPA of 3.0 or higher for those students admitted to TECC after August 29, 2004;
  • apply for Pennsylvania Teacher Certification, repeating criminal background and child abuse clearances if they have expired.

For information and registration for Praxis I and Praxis II exams, contact the Career Development Center at 570-662-4133. For more information on specific program requirements, see the individual program descriptions in this catalog or contact your education program advisor. For more information about becoming a TECC, contact your education program advisor or the Teacher Certification Officer at 570-662-4873. Information for obtaining clearances and participating in Field Experiences, contact your education program advisor or the Field Experiences Office 570-662-4024.

Applicants wanting endorsement for teacher certification (initial or added) by Mansfield University must contact the Field Experience Office, Retan Center and complete or submit the following:

  1. Personal interview with the Certification Officer, if requested.
  2. Complete application. Application forms are available in the Field Experience Office, Retan Center.

Official transcripts of all college work completed must be sent directly to the Field Experience Officer at Mansfield University.

Federal Title II

In October 1998, the U.S. Congress enacted Title II of the Higher Education Act (HEA). It includes requirements for institutions and states to report on teacher preparation. The purpose of Title II reporting is to provide the public information on the quality of teacher preparation. The U.S. Department of Education Title II report to congress for 2006 is based on students who completed their certification programs or degrees between September 1, 2004 and August 31, 2005.

Pennsylvania requires two series of certification tests. Praxis I consists of Reading, Writing, and Mathematics tests. Praxis II consists of a Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge for K-6, K-12 or N-12 areas, plus one specialty test depending on the teaching area. Students in the Mansfield University teacher education program must complete from 4 to 5 certification tests depending on their teaching area or areas. Students often complete certification in more than one area.

Title II data is compiled on students who have successfully completed teacher preparation programs and are eligible for certification. In 2004-2005, a total of 174 people completed teacher certification programs at Mansfield University and 174 of those took one or more certification tests. These 174 people took a total of 826 tests. 168 passed all the tests they attempted for an institutional summary pass rate of 97% compared to a statewide summary pass rate of 95%, ranking Mansfield University in the second quartile statewide. Federal reporting guidelines mandate providing aggregate pass rates in a number of categories. Those aggregate categories and pass rates are:

  • Aggregate Basic Skills: 174 people took the tests in this category, with 2 not passing all the tests they attempted for an aggregate institutional pass rate of 99% compared to a state wide rate of 99%.
  • Aggregate Academic Content Areas (Math, English, Biology, etc.): 170 people took the tests in this category with 1 6 not passing all tests they attempted for an aggregate institutional pass rate of 91% compared to a state pass rate of 93%.
  • Aggregate Teaching Special Populations (Special Education): 25 people took the tests in this category with 0 not passing all tests they attempted for an aggregate institutional pass rate of 100% compared to a state wide pass rate of 100%

Additional information and the complete Title II report may be obtained from the Registrar’s Office, Doane Center, Mansfield University, Mansfield PA 16933.

Second Baccalaureate Degree

A student who possesses a baccalaureate degree may earn a second bachelor’s degree upon completion of the following requirements: 1) a minimum of 30 credit hours at Mansfield following the first degree (internships, observation/participation, and student teaching credit hours are not counted in the required minimum), 2) all requirements for the major in which the second degree is to be earned, 3) General Education is considered closed on the first degree except any specific General Education requirements for the second degree if not already completed, and 4) earn at least a 2.0 cumulative quality point average (QPA) in all work attempted and in the major. The QPA of the original degree will be “sealed”. There will be a new and totally distinct QPA for the new degree.

Adding Major(s) to a Completed Baccalaureate Degree

A graduate of Mansfield University may readmit to add new major(s) to a prior degree. You must be accepted by the department offering the program of study and fulfill all the requirements for the new major. Any courses required in the new major that were completed prior to returning to Mansfield will be waived. General Education will be considered satisfied, except specific requirements for the second major, if they have not already been completed.

The QPA of the original degree will be “sealed”. There will be a new and totally distinct QPA for the new major(s). You must maintain a minimum QPA of 2.0 in work taken after the baccalaureate degree to remain at Mansfield. There are no minimum number of hours which must be completed after receipt of the degree in order to add a new major.

Upon completion of all requirements, a notation will be made on the permanent record indicating the new major(s) and the date completed.

Dual/Multiple Majors

Students may complete multiple majors within the same degree; that is, a B.A. major may be added to a B.A. degree, a B.S. to a B.S., etc. The first major selected is considered primary. The one exception to this is the Liberal Studies major. A student may not declare Liberal Studies as a second major. Students may also complete two majors that do not lead to the same degree (B.A., B.S., B.M., etc.). To complete two majors leading to different degrees, the student declares the first major and the second major. The first major determines the specific degree awarded, and successful completion of the second major is noted on the student’s transcript (“Successfully completed requirements of the academic major in.” Completion of two different majors does not result in the award of two degrees.

Academic Major/Minor Requirements

The requirements for your major and/or minor appear on the Degree Audit, which is maintained in the Registrar’s Office. You must complete the major/minor requirements that exist at the time you are admitted to the university. Should major/minor requirements change, it affects only new students and currently enrolled students who may choose to satisfy the new program requirements. Students readmitted following a break of more than one semester fall under all university policies in effect at the time of readmission.

Academic Minor

A minor consists of no less than 1 5 and no more than 24 related credit hours in an approved program of study. The minor is a clearly defined area of study that is sufficiently distinct from a student’s academic major to qualify for recognition on the transcript. Students may apply up to 8 credits form the core discipline of their major to an academic minor. Students must attain a minimum 2.0 cumulative quality point average (QPA) in all courses required.

The Bachelor of arts degree candidate must choose between a minor or second year foreign language proficiency. To earn a Mansfield University minor, students must complete at least 50% of the required minor course work from Mansfield University. Though not a requirement for other degrees, a minor can be used to enhance your academic experience and will appear on your permanent record. Forms for declaring an academic minor are available online at http://records.mansfield.edu/.

Change of Major/Minor

Change of major or minor forms are available online at http://records.mansfield.edu/.

Undeclared Academic Exploration Program Majors

Entering students who are not ready to choose a major may be accepted as Undeclared. An advisor assists the student in choosing courses to fulfill General Education requirements and advise them about introductory courses as a means of selecting a suitable major. An undeclared student should choose a major after the second semester freshman year; however, all students must declare a major by the time they have earned 64 credit hours.

Petition

Program Variance: under special circumstances, curriculum requirements may be modified. A department chairperson may substitute or waive major course requirements by informing the Registrar’s Office in writing of such requested program change. Students may petition the Provost for other program variances.

Waiver of University Policies or Regulations: when any rule or regulation of the university causes an unfair hardship, you may petition the Provost for an exception. You should contact your advisor for assistance in preparation of a petition. Petitions are available online at http://records.mansfield.edu/.

Alternatives to Traditional Study Experiences

Advanced Placement (AP)

We accept high school courses taken prior to admission to the university under the national Advanced Placement (AP) program. A minimum score of three on the qualifying examinations is required for award of credit. No more than 1 2 credits earned by such examinations may be applied toward graduation requirements.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

We participate in the national College Level Examination Program (CLEP). Mansfield University grants credit for CLEP SUBJECT examinations, but does not grant credit for the CLEP GENERAL examination. Subject examinations are available in the areas of business, composition, education, foreign languages, humanities, mathematics, science, and social science.

CLEP is a way to earn college credits for what you have already learned and may shorten your college experience. Information regarding CLEP examinations is available from the Admissions Office.

Credit by Exam (EX)

Matriculated students who feel they have already mastered the material in a Mansfield course may request permission to challenge the course by examination. Students may elect this option during the first seven working days of the semester. This does not include courses in the areas of independent study, ensemble or other group participation courses, student teaching or pre-professional experience, seminar or selected topics, and laboratory experience unless special permission is provided by the department offering the course and the Office of the Provost.

Students may not challenge a course in which they have demonstrated competency by passing a more advanced course nor a course which has been waived because of demonstrated competency or advanced placement. The examination must be completed and the contract returned to the Office of the Provost within the first four weeks of the semester. Applications are available online at http://records.mansfield.edu/.

Graduate Courses

As an undergraduate student at Mansfield, you may enroll in a graduate course (500 level) if you are within 18 semester hours of having satisfied the requirements for a bachelor’s degree (as certified by the Registrar’s Office).

Graduate courses may be applied toward the undergraduate degree requirements upon completion of the “Request for Permission to Enroll in Graduate Courses” request. The request form is available online at http://records.mansfield.edu/ and satisfactory completion of such course(s).

Graduate courses may count for graduate credit upon conferral of the bachelor’s degree if these credits raise your total beyond the number required for the bachelor’s degree. This does not imply automatic admission into the Graduate program.

Military Service Credit

Veterans having completed a minimum of basic training with honorable service in the United States Service Branches (DD 214) may apply for three credits in HPE (Health & Physical Education). In addition, credit may be awarded for service training programs based on an official military transcript and recommendations in the American Council on Education Guide.

Study Abroad and International Exchanges

A world of opportunity exists for Mansfield students who participate in international exchanges or study abroad. We offer direct exchange programs with Charles Sturt University in Australia, Volgograd State University in Russia, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität in Jena, Germany, the Institute of Political Science in Toulouse, France, Nipissing University in North Bay, Ontario, and University College Cape Breton in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

Through Mansfield University’s membership in the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), the world’s largest student exchange program, you can study at over a hundred other universities in nearly forty other countries where you can take courses in English and in many other languages. In the past few years, Mansfield students have studied in Bulgaria, Chile, China, Iceland, Netherland, Poland, Scotland, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Thailand, and Ulster, along with Australia, Russia, Germany, France, and Canada. You may also participate as a visiting student in international programs at other Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education universities or in approved programs offered by other US and foreign institutions of higher education.

Contact the Study Abroad office or the Registrar’s office for information about available programs and an application file. Most study abroad programs require two academic recommendations and a GPA of 2.75, but some programs require a 3.0. You should consult the study abroad director and your academic advisor to determine the status of study abroad programs, grade transfer policies, and how the courses taken abroad will meet general education or major program requirements. You can opt to receive a Pass or Fail grade for up to 15 credits of course work per semester abroad.

The cost of study abroad programs varies, but most are affordable. Our goal is to offer you a semester abroad at roughly the same cost as that of a resident student at Mansfield. Financial aid and study abroad scholarships are available for qualified students.

Visiting Students

Students enrolled full-time at a SSHE university may elect to participate in The Board of Governors’ Visiting Student program offered at sister institutions for a limited period of time. Information regarding the Visiting Student program is available from the Registrar’s Office.

Independent Study and Individualized Instruction

Guidelines for Independent Study and Individualized Instruction

Independent Study and Individualized Instruction provide academic opportunities that can enhance a student’s education. They also are offered at considerable financial cost if one considers the number that may be supported across the university in a particular semester. Approval of these activities requires a careful consideration of academic, individual, and financial considerations. These guidelines are based primarily on the current Mansfield University Catalog. Phrases are underlined for emphasis. Bullets are added to note administrative expectations designed to promote fair and consistent decisions about these activities.

Independent Study (IS) is available in each curricular field. The appropriate curricular prefix precedes the course number 4497, and the credit hours vary from one to three. Independent Study may be repeated for more than three credit hours total, but each Independent Study project may be for no more than three credit hours.

Independent Study is an activity initiated by you to increase your already advanced knowledge in a particular academic discipline. The subject is examined in an intensive manner with guidance by a faculty member who has special expertise in that field. To request approval for an Independent Study, prepare a contract (available online at http://records.mansfield.edu/.) which then must be completed and approved by the faculty director, department chairperson and Office of the Provost. A request for Independent Study must be completed prior to the start of the semester or summer session for which the Independent Study is sought.

Independent studies will be approved only where there is sufficient evidence of the potential of the study to advance the student’s scholarly development.

All requests for Independent Study should be accompanied by an appropriate and scholarly proposal that has been carefully reviewed by the student and the faculty member director who will supervise the independent study.

The proposal should include a plan of activities to be undertaken, the “products” to be expected from the study (for example, a paper, a performance, a research report, or presentation to a departmental symposium), a timetable for the study and an estimate of the amount of effort that will be applied to the study so that the appropriate amount of credit can be assessed. Only in rare instances would more than two independent study proposals be approved as part of a student’s curriculum.

Individualized Instruction (II) is available on a restricted basis. Ordinarily permission to take a course by Individualized Instruction is reserved for students who are close to graduation and who have not been able to meet a degree requirement either because he course has not been available or because of some other mitigating circumstance.

A student’s decision to move from the Mansfield area or a conflict with another obligation, such as a job, would not normally be sufficient to justify an Individualized Instruction. A call to military service or a serious extended illness, on the other hand, may be viewed as sufficient mitigating circumstances.

An Individualized Instruction would not normally be approved if there is evidence that a student delayed taking a course or dropped a course earlier in their academic career and did not make a clear attempt to complete it as part of a regular schedule.

In instances where there are repeated requests from a department to offer a course via Individualized Instruction, it would be advisable for the department to reassess their ability to support the curriculum.

A request for a course by Individualized Instruction (available online at http://records.mansfield.edu/), must be completed and approved by the faculty director, department chairperson, and the Office of the Provost. A request for Individualized Instruction must be completed prior to the start of the semester or summer session for which the individualized instruction is sought.

Requests for Individualized Instruction should be accompanied by a detailed justification and explanation of the mitigating circumstances that require the course to be taken in this manner, a current course syllabus that outlines the material to be covered, a timetable for the instruction, and the means of assessment that will be applied to determine the grade assigned.

Human Subject Research Policy

Research projects undertaken by Mansfield University students, staff, or faculty members must be approved prior to involvement of human subjects and the initiation of the research project. The review process is intended for the protection of the human subjects and shall be the sole object of the review. The Mansfield University Institutional Review Board (IRB) is the final authority in determining approvals of human subjects research. To apply for a request for review of research, contact your department chairperson who will give you a copy of the guidelines, application form, and a sample informed consent form. You must submit two copies of the Request for Review of Research form and one copy of the Informed Consent form to your department chair. Depending on the nature of the research, and the potential risks to subjects, the department will undertake a departmental review of the application, or they will forward it to the IRB Chairperson for board review. Copies of the IRB guidelines and forms are also available at the university web site: http://www.mansfield.edu/~grantsde or by contacting Dr. Francis Craig, Chairperson of the IRB, Hemlock Manor. Persons undertaking human subjects research should plan to submit their applications at least 3-4 weeks prior to the proposed research project start.

Sexual Harassment Policy

Harassment on the basis of sex is a violation of Title VII of the U.S. Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act. Because the University is committed to providing an environment where each person can learn and work to his or her fullest capacity, the university does not tolerate sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment occurs when:

  1. submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment, or a student’s academic status or treatment.
  2. submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for academic or employment decisions affecting such individual; or
  3. such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or academic environment.

Individuals who believe themselves to be the victims of sexual harassment, or who have questions about the university’s policy on this matter should contact the Affirmative Action Office, Pinecrest 113, or call (570) 662-4051.

Existing affirmative action guidelines are used in processing complaints.

Handicapped Policy

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 provides that Any otherwise qualified handicapped individual shall, solely by reason of his/her handicap, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Section 504 prohibits discrimination against handicapped individuals in recruitment, testing, admissions, or after being admitted to a college/university. Mansfield University is committed to making the necessary adjustments in order that persons who are mentally and/or physically challenged are able to fulfill academic requirements and to ensure that they are not excluded from employment or services because of their disabling condition. Inquiries should be directed to the Affirmative Action Office, Alumni Hall 112, or call (570) 662-4051.

 

^ TOP