Student Records And Disclosure Of Student Information
All collegiate work for which a student registers for credit toward the Morehouse degree constitutes a part of the academic record, unless dropped from his registration by the posted deadline.
Student Records
Student records include the records, files, documents, and other material that contain information directly related to a student and that are maintained by the College or by a person acting on behalf of the College.
Student Access to Their Records
Students have the right to inspect and review the contents of their records. They also have the right to a hearing if they wish to correct or amend these records.
Records may be inspected only at the office responsible for maintaining the record in question. Each office has the responsibility for establishing its own access procedures, which must include a written request from the student.
The following records are excluded from student access:
- Financial records of parents and any information contained in them.
- Confidential letters or statements of recommendation written prior to January 1, 1975.
- Personal medical and psychiatric treatment records prepared and used solely in connection with the treatment of students. Such records will be made available to other physicians upon the student’s request.
- Personal notes kept by faculty members, department chairs or program directors, deans, provosts, or counselors for their own use in their individual capacities, and which are kept in their own personal files.
Safeguarding the Privacy of Students
The Family Educational Rights And Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (“the Act,” often referred to as FERPA or the “Buckley Amendment”) is designed to protect the confidentiality of the records that educational institutions maintain on their students and to give students access to their records to assure the accuracy of their contents. The Act affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights are:
- The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the College receives a request for access. Students should submit to Records and Registration or other appropriate College official written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The College official will arrange for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected within 45 days from receiving the request. If the records are not maintained by the College official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
- The right to request the amendment or correction of the student’s educational records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading or in violation of the student’s privacy or other rights.
- Students should write to the College official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.
- If the College decides not to amend the records as requested by the student, the College will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
- The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosures without consent.
- It is the intent of Morehouse College to limit the disclosure of information contained in students’ educational records to those instances when prior written consent has been given for the disclosure.
- The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the College to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
600 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605
More information regarding FERPA can be found at the U.S. Department of Education FERPA site.
Release of Academic Information
Information other than directory information shall not be released without the student’s written request, except for the following purposes:
- To College officials who have a legitimate interest in the material.
- To officials of other schools or school systems in which the student wishes to enroll.
- In connection with a student’s application for or receipt of financial aid.
- To state and local officials if required by law adopted before November 19, 1974.
- To organizations conducting studies for or on behalf of educational agencies, provided such studies will not permit identification of students and their parents.
- To accrediting agencies to carry out their accrediting functions.
- To parents of dependent students.
- In compliance with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena, with the condition that the College will make reasonable effort to notify the student before such compliance.
When a student’s consent is required, the student must complete the Student Information Release Authorization form.
When a student’s consent is required and is given to access his record, the names of those to whom such access has been granted shall be recorded and made available to the student upon his request.
Disclosing Directory Information About Students
Information furnished to other individuals and organizations will be limited to items listed below, unless accompanied by a release signed by the student:
- Whether or not a student is enrolled
- Dates of enrollment
- Classification
- Degree earned (if any) and date
- Major(s)
- Honors(s) received
- Weight and height of athletes
- Most recent previous school attended
- Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
- Photographs for members of Band, Glee Club, Student Government Association, or Athletes.
Directory information cannot include student identification numbers or social security numbers.
If a student does not wish to have any of the above information released, he should complete the Directory Information Non-Disclosure form.
Review Of Academic Records
It is recommended that a student, with assistance when needed from their academic advisor, examine their record at least two times per semester: prior to mid-semester exams and just before the pre-registration period.
Grade Reports
At the end of each term every eligible student should check their academic record for lists of courses taken, the grades earned in each course, and the semester and cumulative grade-point averages.
Grades will not be visible for students who have delinquent financial accounts with the College. Students whose grades do not appear in their academic record should contact the Office of Records and Registration.
Student Verifications
Enrollment Verification
Students can retrieve enrollment verifications online at the National Student Clearinghouse. The certificate produced is an official Morehouse College document used for loans, scholarships, housing, employment, etc. Students also can have third parties retrieve their information from the National Student Clearinghouse site.
Enrollment verifications are available one week after classes start.
Verification of Academic Standing
Students needing verification of academic standing should download and complete the Verification of Academic Standing form.
Verification of Expected Graduation Date
If students require verification of expected graduation date, they should download and complete the Verification of Enrollment Expected Graduation Date form. Along with an enrollment verification form from the National Student Clearinghouse, the form should be sent to the Office of Records and Registration.
Verification for Military, Tricare, DEERS ID Card
Enrollment verification requests for military, Tricare, or DEERS ID should be emailed from a student’s Morehouse email account to records@morehouse.edu. The processing time for this request is typically 1-2 business days.
The request should include:
- Student name and MCID
- Information to be verified (e.g., enrollment status, expected graduation date, or other pertinent details)
- Recipient’s contact information (e.g., name, title, fax number or email address)
Veteran Services
Veteran Services is a component of the Office of Records & Registration to assist our veterans and their families with veteran education benefits. We are dedicated to ensuring your experience in navigating these services will allow for a smooth transition to and through college.
Eligible students must apply for VA Federal Education Benefits on the Veterans Affairs website. In the “Education” tile, select “Apply for education benefits.” An application tool on the page will assist in selecting the form most appropriate for a student’s situation. Veterans Affairs will send students a Certificate of Eligibility in about 30 days that determines what benefits students may qualify to use while matriculating through Morehouse College.
Types of VA Federal Educational Benefits
- Chapter 33 (Post 9/11)
Provides up to 36 months of education benefits.
If a student’s release from active duty was before January 1, 2013, there is a 15-year time limitation on use of benefits.
If a student’s last discharge date is on or after January 1, 2013, the time limitation has been removed.
- Chapter 35 (Dependent Educational Assistance)
The Dependent Educational Assistance provides educational and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to service-related condition, or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition.
The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training. Spouses may take a correspondence course.
- Chapter 1606 (Selected Reserve)
The Selected Reserve program is available to students if they are a member of the Selected Reserve. The Selected Reserve includes the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve, and the Army National Guard and Air National Guard.
This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training, and correspondence courses.
- Chapter 31 (Veteran Readiness & Employment)
The Veteran Readiness & Employment program is for service-disable veterans who require further education to attain suitable, sustainable employment. This program may provide vocational and other training services and assistance, including tutorial assistance, tuition, books, fees, supplies, handling charges, licensing fees and equipment, and other training materials necessary.
Commonly Used Veteran Benefits at Morehouse College
Below are the most used veteran education benefits at Morehouse and their required documents.
Chapter 31 - Veteran Readiness & Employment
- Authorization for Invoice via Tungsten Network
- VA Certification Request Form
- Tuition bill from Tiger Pay
- Member 4 copy DD214
Chapter 33 - Active Duty
Chapter 33 - Transfer of Entitlement
Chapter 35 Dependent Educational Assistance (DEA)
Chapter 1606 (Selected Reserve)
Transferring VA Benefits to Morehouse College
Students can transfer their VA benefits to Morehouse College. Below are the most used benefits at Morehouse College and required documents.
Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 Active Duty or Transfer Entitlement) or Chapter 1606 (Selected Reserve)
Chapter 35 (Dependent Education Assistance)
Current and potential students have the opportunity to view the established equivalencies from a variety of accredited institutions. These equivalencies are subject to change without notice.
Continuing Morehouse Students
Each term, students are required to submit:
Academic Record Changes
If students make any schedule changes by increasing or decreasing hours, they should notify the School Certifying Official by emailing records@morehouse.edu.
If students change their address during the academic year, they must notify the VA directly by calling 1-888-442-4551 (1-888-GI-BILL1). This ensures students receive their benefits check and other VA correspondences at the correct address.
Satisfactory Progress/Probation
A student receiving VA benefits should understand Morehouse’s policy regarding satisfactory progress and academic probation.
A VA student placed on probation has a maximum of two consecutive semesters to return to good academic standing. Failure to return to good academic standing within two semesters will make the student ineligible for VA educational benefits.
A student may regain eligibility for VA benefits for future terms under one of two conditions:
- A return to good academic standing at Morehouse
- Request for resumption of VA educational benefits that is submitted to the VA claiming mitigating circumstances and the VA’s reinstatement of benefits based on evidence supporting the student’s claim
Tuition Assistance
Students applying for Tuition Assistance must first visit their military branch Education Officer for advice on the Tuition Assistance Program.
To be eligible for Tuition Assistance, the student must meet both of these requirements:
- Qualify for Post 9/11 Benefits
- The cost of the course and fees are more than Tuition Assistance will cover
If students meet both requirements above, then they must do the following:
Afterward, the student can apply for VA Educational Benefits.
The Department of Veterans Affairs explains the Tuition Assistance Program in greater detail.
Pending Payment Compliance Policy
In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679 subsection (e)}, this institution adopts the following additional provisions for any students using benefits under Ch. 31 -VR&E and Ch. 33 - Post 9/11.
While payment is pending from the VA, the institution will not:
- Prevent the student from course registration
- Assess a late penalty fee to the student
- Require the student to secure alternative or additional funding
- Deny access to any resources (access to classes, libraries or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution
To qualify for this provision, a student must submit:
- Certificate of Eligibility
- VA Enrollment Certification Request Form
- Any additional documentation needed to certify benefits as requested by the School Certifying Official
Isakson & Roe Section 1018 Provision
Schools must provide a covered individual (a student using benefits under chapter 30, 31, 32, 33, or 35 of title 38, U.S.C., or chapter 1606 of title 10, U.S.C.) with a personalized shopping sheet that contains:
- Estimated total cost of courses that includes tuition, fees, books, supplies, and any other additional costs.
Cost of Attendance information can be found here: https://morehouse.edu/admissions/tuition-and-fees/cost-of-attendence/
Schedule of Fees can be found here: https://morehouse.edu/admissions/tuition-and-fees/schedule-of-fees/
To determine the cost of attending Morehouse College before applying, you can use our Net Price Calculator found here: https://morehouse.studentaidcalculator.com/survey.aspx
All students receiving veteran education benefits are highly encouraged to complete a FAFSA to ensure the cost of attendance can be met in addition to using veteran funding.
Additional Funding Resources
As a private institution of higher learning, some benefits including Ch. 33 have a maximum payout for tuition and fees per year. See Post 9/11 payment rates here: https://www.va.gov/education/benefit-rates/. This information updates each year by the VA and should be viewed for information gathering.
More information on Financial Aid & Scholarships at Morehouse can be found here: https://morehouse.edu/admissions/financial-aid-and-scholarships/
Transcripts
Morehouse has authorized the National Student Clearinghouse to provide transcript ordering services online.
National Student Clearinghouse Instructions
To order an official Morehouse transcript, log into the National Student Clearinghouse secure site. For first-time visitors, a signed consent form will be generated. The form must be completed to fulfill the transcript order.
Students should follow the steps on the National Student Clearinghouse site to place an order, which will present delivery options and fees. Each transcript will cost $10, plus a processing fee. Charges are applied after an order has been completed.
Transcripts for LSAC, SOPHAS, PharmCAS, or Other Entities
If students have a form that needs to accompany their transcript, they can upload the form when placing their transcript order with the National Student Clearinghouse.
Diplomas
The diploma is the document given by the College upon conferral of the earned degree certifying the student has satisfactorily completed the course of study. The diploma includes the type of degree and major.
Academic Notations on Transcript and Not Diploma
Double majors, minors, and Latin honor notations appear on the transcript and not the diploma.
No Pursuit of Additional Courses of Study After Degree Conferred
Once a degree has been conferred students are not allowed to pursue additional majors, minors, or concentrations.
Payment of All Charges and Fees Due to the College
The diploma and participation in the commencement ceremony is withheld until the student has paid in full all charges and fees due the college.
Receipt After Commencement
Diplomas are not distributed on the day of Commencement exercises.
Students should allow 10-12 weeks for delivery after diplomas are ordered. Morehouse will mail diplomas to addresses specified on a student’s graduation application, which means that an active address should be supplied at the time of application. You must provide an US address, we do not ship to international addresses.
Diploma Re-Orders
Diplomas can be reordered by completing the Diploma Re-Order Form.
Classification Of Students
Students will be considered belonging to one of the following academic classes, depending on the number of credit hours that they have earned.
- Freshman = 0-25 credit hours earned
- Sophomore = 26-57 credit hours earned
- Junior = 58-88 credit hours earned
- Senior = 89+ credit hours earned
Enrollment Status
Full-Time Student
A full-time student is one who is taking at least 12 semester hours of scheduled work during a semester.
Part-Time Student
Any student taking fewer than 12 hours in a regular session is considered a part-time student.
Transient or Exchange Student
Students at other colleges who wish to attend Morehouse College for a maximum of two consecutive semesters may be admitted as transient students. This privilege is usually reserved for summer sessions and special exchange opportunities unless a formal exchange for the home institution exists with Morehouse. A letter of good standing and eligibility to return to the last institution attended is required. A letter from the academic dean or registrar of the home institution also should indicate approval for the student to take courses at Morehouse College. Transient and exchange students are not eligible for Morehouse College financial aid funds.
Credit By Examination Policies
The maximum number of hours of credit through transfer, AP, IB or CLEP is 60. All credit by examination is recorded on the student’s permanent record as (CE) credit without a grade and becomes part of the official transcript. No credit is valid without the student’s enrollment for credit at Morehouse College. Transfer credit that does not meet Morehouse’s requirements will not be allowed for credit by examination.
Grading System
Letter Grades and Equivalent Grade Points
Averages are computed in grade points. Each graded semester hour of academic credit carries a corresponding number of grade points as follows:
| A+ 4.0 |
B+ 3.3 |
C+ 2.3 |
D+ 1.3 |
|
| A 4.0 |
B 3.0 |
C 2.0 |
D1.0 |
|
| A- 3.7 |
B- 2.7 |
C- 1.7 |
D- 0.7 |
F 0 |
Grade-Point Average Calculation
The student’s grade-point average at Morehouse College is calculated by dividing the total number of quality points (grade points x semester hours) by the total number of grade-point hours (GPA). Except for coursework taken through the cross-registration program with other Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC) schools, the grade-point average does not include hours or quality points transferred from other institutions.
Incomplete Grades
An “I” grade is intended to be only an interim course mark. It is to be used only if a student has an excusable and acceptable reason for not having completed all requirements prior to grade reporting time. The notation “I” is recorded when the student has been granted explicit permission by the instructor to defer the final examination or other parts of a course. The deferment shall be given only in the case of illness or another emergency.
Submitting Incomplete Grade
Instructors must notify Records and Registration that an incomplete grade is being submitted for a student. Instructors must copy their department chair or program director and division dean on communications about the submission of an incomplete grade.
When issuing an incomplete grade, the instructor must complete any required forms and indicate the following:
- Specific assignments or exams that must be completed by the student to resolve the incomplete grade
- The grade that will be received if the assignments or exams are not completed by the deadline for finishing incomplete work
Deadline for Finishing Incomplete Work
The student must submit the deferred work no later than the end of day of the third Friday of the following semester or term (summer excluded).
Deadline for Instructor to Change Incomplete Grade
The instructor will have until sixth week of the semester in which the deferred work was submitted to change an “I” to a permanent grade.
Resolution of Incomplete Grade
Work not completed will result in a grade that reflects all work that has been submitted for the course.
Completed work will result in the appropriate letter grade preceded by an “I”.
Department chairs or program directors and division deans will work with appropriate faculty colleagues to address any incomplete grades unresolved due to an instructor no longer being employed by or on a leave from Morehouse College.
Course Withdrawals
This designation is assigned when you officially withdraw from a course according to the Academic Calendar. The “W” indicates that a student withdrew without academic penalty. For COVID-19, during the Spring 2020 semester, we indicated a grade of “CW” or COVID-19 Withdrawal for students who experienced COVID-19 withdrawals for a course. The “CW” grade is equivalent to the standard “W” grading guidelines.
Pass/Fail
The designation “P” is used to indicate satisfactory completion of non-credit and credit courses. The “P” does not accrue quality points.
Cross-Registered Course Grades
Because Morehouse students are eligible to participate in cross-registration programs at the Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC) and Atlanta Regional Council of Higher Education (ARCHE), grade designations not listed above may appear on a student’s grade report and transcript.
Courses
Credit Hour
Academic credit at Morehouse College is awarded based on the successful completion of learning outcomes. All courses are approved by the College’s faculty through a process that requires review and action by all appropriate academic programs and the recommendation of the Curriculum and Educational Policy Committee (CEPC).
Contact with the course instructor is a key component required for students to meet learning outcomes at Morehouse College. In keeping with accepted practice in American higher education, Morehouse uses the semester hour as the unit for expressing the completion of academic credit. One semester credit hour is granted for a minimum of three hours of student academic work per week, on average, for a semester of approximately fifteen weeks in duration. Academic work includes not only formally structured activities such as lectures, seminars, laboratories, supervised field work, tutorials, and applied and studio instruction; it also includes out-of-class activities such as required conferences with the faculty member, homework, research, writing and revision, reading, independent study, community engaged experiences, recitals, rehearsals, and recitations.
To maintain the integrity of the overall contact between students and faculty, courses offered in terms of shorter duration shall have increased academic work per week to compensate for the decrease in term length.
Class Meeting Duration
For traditional students, courses at Morehouse generally meet for 50 minutes three times each week or for 75 minutes twice each week. For Morehouse Online students, courses consistent of synchronous and asynchronous coursework. All students are advised to plan their schedules carefully. It may not be possible for students to secure their first preference for course meeting times in every instance. While the faculty is sensitive to the many obligations that students have, the course schedule is planned each semester to provide greatest access to the courses offered to the greatest number of students.
Some classes, such as science laboratories or applied music performance sessions, may meet at irregular hours. Meeting times for all classes are listed via Banner Web and the Morehouse College Dynamic Schedule (https://ssb-prod.ec.morehouse.edu/MC/bwckschd.p_disp_dyn_sched) each semester. Class schedules for the other Atlanta University Consortium institutions are available via each school’s website.
Prerequisite Courses
No student is permitted to enroll in courses requiring prerequisites for which the prerequisite has not been met. If an exception is made, the instructor of record will grant an override in the student information system allow the student the ability to enroll.
If a student is currently enrolled in a prerequisite course, the student will be allowed to pre-register for the subsequent course. Final registration will be determined based on the final grade in the prerequisite course.
Repeated Courses and Forfeiture Of Course Credit
By registering for and receiving a grade in a course for which credit hours have already been granted, either by work at Morehouse College, transfer equivalency, or by cross registration through the AUCC, a student forfeits any previous credits in that course. A student may not use the same course more than once in satisfying graduation requirements.
The last grade recorded will prevail, whether it is higher or lower than the original grade. While all grades will remain on the permanent record, only the last grade recorded will be used in computing the grade-point average. Though the grade requirement for all coursework in a major or minor is a grade of C or better, students should pay close attention to the threshold requirements for the course in the General Education program.
Transfer Credit
The College will consider awarding transfer credit for coursework completed at regionally accredited institutions of higher education provided that a grade of C or better has been earned. Except when otherwise noted, credit hours transfer but not grade points; thus, transferred credit hours typically have no impact on the GPA.
Evaluation of Transfer Credit
Credit for work earned at other schools will be evaluated by Records and Registration or the admissions director when that work is intended to substitute for courses in the core curriculum. In most instances, a department chairperson, program director, division dean must be consulted prior to awarding substitution credit. Students should be prepared to provide course syllabi when requested to facilitate this substitution process.
Current and potential students can view established transfer course equivalencies from a variety of accredited institutions. These equivalencies are subject to change without notice.
Transfer Credit for Off-Campus or Cross-Registration Programs
Students enrolled in off-campus programs sanctioned by Morehouse may receive full academic credit for courses taken, including grade points. In addition, students enrolled in courses through Morehouse-sanctioned cross-registration programs may receive full academic credit.
A course taken outside of the College or the Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC) must be approved by the appropriate department chair or program director BEFORE the student registers for the course. Enrolled Morehouse students planning to take courses outside of Morehouse or the AUCC must complete the proper course approval forms, which are available in the Office of Records and Registration.
Transfer Credit for New Students
New students who transfer from another four-year institution or community college must submit in advance for admission, transcripts of all previous work done at the college level. Such transcripts must be sent directly to Records and Registration from the institution at which the work was completed. Academic work completed at other schools not listed on the admission application will not be accepted for transfer purposes.
College Board Advanced Placement Program
Morehouse encourages prospective students in secondary schools to take the Advanced Placement (AP) Tests given by the College Board. In most departments, course credit is granted for a score of four (4) or above, which may be applied towards the degree requirements. In a few departments, a score of three (3) will be accepted. Students who present scores of five (5) or above on certain foreign examinations may, on a course-by-course basis, be awarded the same credit as noted above. These foreign examinations include British A Levels. The decision to grant course credit is reported prior to registration.
A student may apply advanced credit or its equivalent toward degree requirements in the following ways:
- AP credits may be used to fulfill course requirements in the appropriate core curriculum areas.
- While students may not, in most instances, apply AP credits towards the requirements of their respective majors, AP scores, together with subject-level examination, may be used as a basis for placement.
College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Entering students who demonstrate superior ability on the CLEP General Examination may be granted course credit by the College. The minimum score for credit for the CLEP exam is 50. The maximum number of hours of credit through transfer, AP, IB, or CLEP is 60.
International Baccalaureate Program
Morehouse College allows students to earn credit prior to entrance through the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program, sponsored by the International Baccalaureate Organization of Geneva, Switzerland, and the International Baccalaureate North American regional office in New York. Morehouse awards IB credit for higher-level examination scores of 5, 6, or 7. Credit will be granted upon receipt of an official IB transcript.
Disputed Grades
Substantial Grounds
If a student has substantial grounds for believing, apart from questions of the quality of work, a particular grade was assigned in a manner that was arbitrary or unjust or that crucial evidence was not considered, the student should initiate a grade dispute.
Substantial grounds can consist of the following:
- Clear evidence that a student received a different grade in comparison to a student who submitted work of equal quality
- Miscalculation of a final grade that the instructor is unwilling to correct
- Clear evidence that some submitted work does not appear to have been included in grade calculations
- Discrepancy between the final course grade and grades provided on a learning management system (e.g., Blackboard or Moodle)
- Clear evidence that a final grade seems to have been calculated in a manner inconsistent with grading policies described in the course syllabus
Arguments about the quality of course instruction or the overall grade distribution in a course do not constitute substantial grounds for a grade dispute.
Deadline for Initiating a Grade Dispute
A student must dispute a grade no later than the first week of the semester/term following completion of a course. Disputes brought forward after this time period will not be considered by the instructor, chair/director, dean, or Associate Provost for Academic Success.
Initiating a Grade Dispute with the Course Instructor
If a student believes there are substantial grounds for a grade dispute, they must contact the course instructor to attempt to resolve matters. The student must present evidence to support their grade dispute claim to the instructor, who is expected to analyze the information presented and render a fair decision.
If an instructor does not respond within two (2) weeks to the grade dispute evidence submitted by the student, the case will be escalated to the appropriate chair/director.
Escalating Beyond Instructor to Chair/Director
If the outcome of bringing the grade dispute to the course instructor’s attention has not resolved matters, the student or instructor can consult with the department chair or program director. If the chair/director believes neither side has sufficiently considered evidence in the grade dispute, the chair/director may convene a conference with the student and the instructor to resolve matters.
In most cases, the chair/director is expected to resolve the grade dispute and further escalation will be unwarranted.
Escalating Beyond Chair/Director Conference to Division Dean
If the outcome of the conference with the chair/director does not resolve the grade dispute, the student or chair/director may contact the dean of the division. If the dean believes the previous discussion with the instructor and conference convened by the chair/director failed to sufficiently consider evidence in the grade dispute, the dean may convene a conference with the student and chair/director to resolve matters.
In rare cases, the dean is expected to resolve the grade dispute and further escalation will not occur.
Final Escalation to Associate Provost for Academic Success
If going through the instructor, chair/director, and dean processes for resolving the grade dispute does not resolve matters, the student or dean may contact the Associate Provost for Academic Success for final resolution. The Associate Provost for Academic Success will gather all relevant information and render a decision on behalf of the Office of the Provost.
A decision made by the Associate Provost will be considered final and cannot be appealed further.
Only very rare cases will require the Associate Provost to resolve the grade dispute.
Academic Honesty
Morehouse is an academic community. All members of the community are expected to abide by ethical standards both in their conduct and in their exercise of responsibilities toward other members of the community. The College expects students to understand and adhere to basic standards of honesty and academic integrity. These standards include but are not limited to the following:
- In projects and assignments prepared independently, students must never represent the ideas or the language of others as their own.
- Students must not destroy or alter either the work of other students or the educational resources and materials of the College.
- Students must not take unfair advantage of fellow students by representing work completed for one course as original work for another or by deliberately disregarding course rules and regulations.
- Students must not represent the work completed for one course as original work for another course.
- Unless directed by the faculty member, students should neither give nor receive assistance in examinations.
- In laboratory or research projects involving the collection of data, students must accurately report data observed and not alter data for any reason.
The College expects students to understand and adhere to academic honesty.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, paraphrasing or directly quoting the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgment of the original author. Plagiarism also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in selling of term papers and other academic materials.
Destruction of Resources or the Work of Others
Students must not destroy or alter either the work of other students or the educational resources and materials of Morehouse College.
Use of Work in One Course from Another Course/Self Plagiarism
Students must not represent the work completed for one course as original work for another course.
Cheating
Unless directed by a faculty member teaching their course, students neither should give nor receive assistance on assignments or tests. Cheating includes, but is not limited to:
- Use of any unauthorized assistance in completing assignments or taking quizzes, tests, and exams
- Dependence on aid in writing papers from sources beyond those authorized by a faculty member teaching their course
- Preparation of reports, solution of problems, or completion of assignments on behalf of other students
- Acquiring tests or other academic material belonging to a Morehouse faculty or staff member to gain unfair advantage in academic work
Incorrect Reporting of Data
For academic work involving collection of data, students must accurately report observed data and not alter or falsify information.
When an instructor concludes that the above standards have been disregarded, it is their responsibility to make the evidence available to the student and report the incident to the Associate Provost for Academic Success. The instructor is free to assign any academic penalty, including failure in the course, for violations of the academic honesty regulations.
Review Process for Alleged Violations of the Academic Honesty Policy
As used in this policy, the term “days” shall mean calendar days or workdays in which the College is in session, including reading and examination periods, but excluding weekends and the days after the last exam in the semester and the first day of class in another.
- Faculty Action and Mediation
Faculty members who suspect a violation of academic integrity adhere to the following procedures:
- If the faculty member believes that the violation resulted from an error in judgment and was unintentional, they may, at their discretion, elect to handle the matter preliminarily. If the instance can be used to educate the student about appropriate academic standards, the faculty member shall inform the student of the charge, meet to discuss the matter, and then act within the context of the course. Permitted actions of a faculty member in such an instance shall include:
- requiring the student to repeat the assignment or exam;
- requiring the student to complete an alternate assignment or exam; or
- issuing a failing grade for the assignment, exam, or course.
The faculty member shall notify the student of their decision and the manner in which it was resolved.
- For a course failure, written notice must be given to the student, department chair/program director, dean, and Office of Records and Registration. A student who receives a failing grade in the course in this manner may appeal the decision to the appropriate dean.
- If a faculty member elects to address the violation in an academic manner, they shall send written notification of the charge and action taken to the department chair or program director in which the student has declared his major. (Note: The chair/director is responsible for reporting violations of this policy to the Associate Provost for Academic Success.)
- If possible, this situation may be resolved by mutual consent or through a process of mediation between the student and the faculty person.
- Formal Review by Honor and Conduct Review Board
If a faculty member is unable or unwilling to mediate a resolution to alleged violation of the academic honesty policy, a formal review shall occur.
At the time that an Honor and Conduct Review Board (HCRB) is impaneled, the coordinator shall furnish the student with a written notice of the violation and the date, time, and place for the hearing, which shall be held at least five (5) calendar days, but not more than then (10) days, after the board is impaneled. The HCRB shall conduct a formal review of all alleged violations and evidence.
At the proceeding, the student will be afforded an opportunity to respond. The faculty member also shall be available to communicate with the HCRB.
After reviewing the evidence, including statements of all witnesses, the HCRB shall meet in a closed session to determine whether a violation of the academic honesty policy has occurred.
- If a majority of the HCRB members determine that the violation is supported by a preponderance of the evidence, then the HCRB shall determine the appropriate penalties. Alternatively, the HCRB may make a recommendation to the Student Conduct Administrator, who may accept, reject, or modify the HCRB recommendation but may not impose any penalty greater than the one imposed by the HCRB.
- If the student fails to appear at the time and place appointed for the hearing, the HCRB may proceed without him.
- Legal counsel or parents/guardians will not be permitted to participate in the formal review of HCRB proceedings.
The penalties that may be imposed by the HCRB shall include:
- The student must repeat the assignment or exam (only with faculty member’s concurrence).
- The student receives a failing grade on the assignment or exam (only with faculty member’s concurrence).
- The student receives a failing grade in the class.
- The student receives a failing grade in the class, and a notation is made on the student’s record.
- The student receives a failing grade in the class, with or without a notation to the student’s record, and the student is placed on academic probation.
- The student receives a failing grade in the class, a notation is made on the student’s record, and the student is suspended for one [or more] terms from the College.
- The student receives a failing grade in the class, a notation is made on the student’s record, and the student is dismissed from the College.
When the offense is sufficiently serious to merit failure in the course, immediately after such determination, if no appeal is taken or a final decision on appeal affirms the failing grade, the student will be administratively withdrawn from the course and will not be permitted to remain in class, to attend classes, or take any exam in the course.
A student may not withdraw from a class in which an allegation of an academic violation is pending unless and until the matter is resolved favorably for the student. A student who receives a failing grade and is administratively withdrawn from a course following faculty action, mediation, or a hearing shall not be entitled to any refund or credit of tuition for that course.
Receiving a failing grade in the class with academic probation, notation on the internal academic folder, or violation of the “Crown Standards” should be considered the default penalty. Mitigating or aggravating circumstances may suggest alternate penalties. Mitigating circumstances include factors such as the student’s class status (freshman, sophomore, junior or senior). Aggravating circumstances include factors such as a repeat offense and severity of the violation.
Records of a student’s violation of academic standards shall be retained for a period of two years from the date of the student’s graduation from the College, or five years from the date of the student’s last attendance at the College if the student ceases to matriculate prior to graduation. Notations made to the student’s permanent record shall remain indefinitely. All such records shall be maintained in a confidential manner. Students have a right to inspect their records relating to academic honesty violations in accordance with College policies.
- The Appeals Process
In all matters pending before them, the Assistant Dean of the College for Student Conduct or the HCRB, as appropriate, shall notify the student in writing of the findings and the penalty imposed. The student will be informed of his right to appeal to the College Appellate Committee (CAC).
The Assistant Dean of the College for Student Conduct will automatically refer cases involving decisions for suspension or expulsion to the CAC.
The student may file a written appeal with the CAC within four business days* after he is notified of the decision of the Assistant Dean of the College for Student Conduct or HCRB. Appeals are limited to questions of improper procedure, excessive sanction, or the availability of new evidence that was unavailable to the student at the time of his informal review or the original HCRB meeting.
Following review, the CAC shall deliberate privately and vote on whether to uphold the decision of the Assistant Dean of the College for Student Conduct or HCRB.
- The CAC may deny the appeal, reduce the sanction, or, in the instance of improper procedure or new evidence, remand the matter to the appropriate party for a new hearing.
- The judgment of the CAC shall be determined by a majority vote and shall be considered the final judgment of the College on the matter.
Class Attendance Policy
Students at the College are required to attend class and not be absent without adequate cause.
Student Responsibility
It is the responsibility of the student to make up scheduled work missed because of officially excused class absences. Absences from unannounced tests and other assignments may be made up at the discretion of the instructor.
Unexcused Absences
Each student is allowed as many unexcused absences as the credit hours for the course. For example, a student is allowed three unexcused absences for a three-credit-hour class.
Students who exceed the maximum number of unexcused absences may be administratively withdrawn from the course or receive a failing grade.
Instructor Obligations
Instructors are expected to outline their attendance requirements at the beginning of the semester and to include these requirements in the course syllabus issued to the students. They are required to maintain attendance records on all students and, at the request of the Office of Records and Registration, report any student who exceeds the maximum number of unexcused absences.
Official Excuses for Class Absences
Each Morehouse student is expected to attend scheduled classes on a routine basis and be punctual.
The Office of Student Services verifies all official class excuses. All requests for class excuses must be accompanied by written documentation to substantiate the request. Any requests must be submitted within five (5) calendar days of the class absence. If the Office of Student Services does not contact a faculty member communicating that an absence is excused, a faculty member has no obligation to work with the student to address any consequences associated with the class absence.
The following causes for missing class may be considered by the Associate Dena of Student Services:
- Court appearance
- Family emergency
- Funeral
- Illness (documentation must come from a licensed medical provider supporting the absence)
- Military obligation
- Official school business
Class excuses are not granted for public transportation issues, oversleeping, and vehicle breakdowns.
Class excuses are not issued during the summer sessions.
The above policies and procedures apply for students from other institutions attending Morehouse classes, except that excuses should come from the equivalent officials of their institutions.
Exams
Instructors may administer mid-semester exams during a specified period.
Final exams happen at the end of each semester. Students are required to take final exams at the scheduled time. Instructors may make exceptions if students provide sufficient proof that an absence from a final exam is unavoidable. The instructor must approve any deferral for an exam prior to the scheduled exam date.
Academic Advisement
Academic advisement at Morehouse College is designed to assist students in making appropriate and timely decisions about the course of study in General Education and in the major. To promote “a coherent course of study” among all students, students and their advisors should use the Degree Works degree auditing tool to understand all curricular requirements for the General Education program, courses in the major and any non-credit bearing requirements.
In addition, students and their advisors should continue to review Morehouse’s Academic Catalog for any current information on academic policies and procedures (e.g., a normal course load, transfer credits, and what constitutes academic honesty and progress).
Following the first year, students continue to receive academic advisement from faculty members in their major departments. Though academic advisement can occur at any time during a semester, an academic advisement hold must be removed prior to class selection for subsequent semesters.
Registration
Course Pre-Selection and Registration
On appointed days late in each semester, all continuing students are required to pre-select courses by completing schedules listing their choices of courses for the following semester. Students who pre-select courses and who meet fee payment deadlines will have schedules confirmed electronically. All other students are permitted to confirm their schedules on appointed days at the opening of the next semester. Students will not be permitted to receive academic credit for courses for which they did not properly register.
Changes In Registration
Students may make changes in registration online during the registration period. Gaining access to classes that are full or that carry certain prerequisites may involve a manual process. Forms for making changes in registration are available from instructors and department chairpersons. With the approval of the advisor, a student wishing to modify his schedule by addition, deletion or substitution of courses may do so on the days announced by the Office of Records and Registration. No change of registration is valid unless the student has fully complied with the procedures established by the Office of Records and Registration.
Dropping a Course
A student may drop a course (i.e., the course is removed from the student’s course schedule and permanent record) until the end of the Add/Drop period as determined by the appropriate academic calendar. The College will not make any tuition adjustments for changes in registration following the end of the Add/Drop period.
Withdrawing from a Course
A student may withdraw from a course(s) by the deadline printed on the Academic Calendar each semester. The course(s) remain on the student schedule and permanent record with a designation of W. Students without holds preventing registration activity may withdraw online using Banner Self Service by the deadline date. Students with a hold preventing registration activity may submit a Course Withdrawal Form by the deadline date.
Unofficial Withdrawal from Course(s)
Students who stop attending class meetings and participating in course activities and requirements and have not officially withdrawn from courses will be awarded final course grades in accordance with academic policies. Instructors of record are required to post to the student information system the last date of attendance for each student a grade of F is posted. Instructors may request an administrative withdrawal for students who stop attending and participating.
AUCC Cross-Registration
The Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC) has operated a program of cross-registration for over half a century. This has provided expanded academic opportunities comparable to the offerings of a major university.
For the purposes of AUCC cross-registration, the “home institution” is defined as the institution where the student is principally enrolled. The “host institution” is defined as the institution where the student cross-registers.
The following guidelines govern the AUCC cross-registration program.
- Each AUCC undergraduate institution permits eligible students to participate in cross-registration without any exchange of tuition.
- Cross-registration occurs on a space-available basis. Each participating institution gives its own students priority in the cross-registration process. In cases where courses are required for completing either major or graduation requirements, every effort will be made to enroll students from the other AUCC institutions. Priority will generally be given to majors and seniors from all participating institutions.
- A student is expected to take core or general education requirements at their home institution.
- Students will not be permitted to cross-register for a course that is offered simultaneously by the home institution without the approval of the department chair or program director.
- The academic regulations and codes of conduct of the host institution will apply to students participating in the cross-registration program. The home institution also will determine if its regulations and rules of conduct have been violated and, where applicable, take appropriate action.
- The course withdrawal policies of the host institution will apply to cross-registrants. In circumstances where institutional policies and grade designations for course withdrawals differ, the policies of the home institution that most closely correspond to those of the host institution will apply.
ARCHE Cross-Registration
The Atlanta Regional Council of Higher Education (ARCHE)’s cross-registration program allows students at member institutions to broaden their academic experience by registering for courses at other member colleges and universities. ARCHE offers students access to courses not offered at their home institution and allows them a chance to experience a different campus environment.
Coursework At Other Colleges
Each student should plan to complete all coursework at Morehouse College or one of the Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC) schools through the cross-registration program. Each student desiring to take courses at another institution must have the prior written approval of the appropriate Morehouse department chairperson and the Registrar.
Students who fail to achieve prior approval will not receive credit for the coursework.
Students wishing to attend summer school classes other than at Morehouse must have the courses approved in their major by their department chairperson or program director if core curriculum is involved.
Student Course Load
Normal Course Load
During the fall and spring semesters, the normal course load is 15-16 semester hours. A student may register for a maximum of 19 semester hours; however, students are advised that course loads exceeding 18 semester hours will incur additional charges (for tuition).
During the summer session, a student may register for a maximum of nine (9) semester hours.
Course Overload
An overload is any course load in the fall or spring semester exceeding 19 semester hours. The student must have a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.0 to be considered for an overload. An overload must be approved by signature of the department chairperson or program director in which the student has selected their major.
An overload shall not result in a course load in excess of 22 semester hours.
Students are not permitted to take more than nine (9) semester hours during the summer session.
Auditing Course
A student admitted to Morehouse College as a regular or special student may audit courses, with the consent of the instructor and the department chairperson or program director. The student auditing the course must pay a fee per credit hour as indicated in the schedule of fees on the Morehouse College website, currently $181 per credit hour.
Such arrangements will not be officially recorded, and the auditor will not receive academic credit. An auditor may not participate actively in course work and may not, therefore, request registration for credit after the normal registration period has ended.
Catalog Year Requirement
Students will follow the curriculum and degree completion requirements specified in the catalog issued for the year of initial enrollment as a degree-seeking student.
A student who transfers to another degree program will follow the requirements specified in the catalog issued for the year of the transfer to the new degree program.
Students whose enrollments are disrupted for more than two semesters are required to apply for readmission and will re-enter under the catalog in force at the time of their readmission.
Leaves Of Absence
Students may take leaves of absence from Morehouse College: (1) to participate in approved study-away programs; or (2) for personal reasons.
Study Away Leave
Students who are approved by the College to study away (concurrent enrollment) at other institutions in the United States or abroad should, upon notification of acceptance by the other institution, file appropriate course approval forms with Records and Registration. The students should indicate the duration of study and expected semester of return. If the program of study is approved in advance, credit will normally be granted for courses graded C or better, reflected on official transcript.
Personal Leave
Students who are in good academic standing may be approved by the College to take a personal leave for one semester for the purpose of work or other nonacademic experiences.
Re-entry Following Leave
Students who plan to return from a one-semester leave must formally notify Records and Registration no later than July 1 for the fall semester or December 1 for the spring semester.
The onus is on the student to make necessary arrangements with Student Financial Services and to forward housing requests to the director of Department of Housing and Residential Education.
Withdrawal From Morehouse
When a student finds it necessary to discontinue college work (during the period after add/drop and the last day to withdraw) the student can submit a Course Withdrawal Form to process the complete withdrawal or withdraw from all courses online through Banner Web.
The student must clear all College accounts, e.g., financial, housing, library, etc. by contacting each administrative office if holds exists.
Financial - Student Financial Services at studentfinancialservices@morehouse.edu
Housing - Dept. of Housing & Residential Education at tigerden@morehouse.edu
Library - AUC Woodruff Library at https://www.auctr.edu/about/contact-us/
Grading will be done on the following basis:
- The transcript of a student discontinuing studies for the specific term before the Add/drop deadline, the student record will list no courses for that term.
- The transcript of a student withdrawing (during the period after add/drop and the last day to withdraw) will contain “W” grades for each course.
- When a student leaves the College at any time during a term without submitting a Course Withdrawal Form and without clearing all College accounts, the student will receive a grade of “F” in all courses.
- Further, he will forfeit all rights to a statement of honorable dismissal, thereby jeopardizing the student’s re-entrance into the College or transfer to another accredited institution.
Types of Withdrawals
Administrative withdrawal
An administrative withdrawal is defined as a withdrawal initiated by an academic staff member with the student’s knowledge including an advisor, faculty, deans, department chairs or the Provost office. These requests are usually submitted after the withdrawal deadline has passed if the student can no longer withdraw themselves in Banner Web or by submission of the Course Withdrawal Form.
It is at the faculty member’s discretion to provide an administrative withdrawal to a student due to academic related reasons. An administrative withdrawal can be submitted to the Office of Records and Registration using the Faculty Referral form or the Starfish Alert tool.
Voluntary Withdrawal
In cases of voluntary withdrawal, during the withdrawal period, it is the student’s responsibility to file a notice of withdrawal in the Office of Records and Registration by submitting a Course Withdrawal Form or withdrawing from all courses online through Banner Web. Failure to do so will result in “F” grades for the term and no appeal will be honored after the term has ended or for prior terms.
Medical Withdrawal
Upon the recommendation of the Student Counseling Center or a student’s personal physician, a medical withdrawal may be granted and initiated by Morehouse’s physician. Morehouse’s physician must email the Office of Records and Registration upon immediate receipt of the student’s recommendation to withdraw. The recommendation of Morehouse’s physician is required before the student can be considered for re-admission. Medical withdrawals are processed based on the effective date. If a medical withdrawal is submitted for a previous term and the next term has already begun, the medical withdrawal may not be honored. Provost approval may be required for medical withdrawals for extenuating circumstances.
Directed to Withdraw
We reserve the right to direct a withdrawal of any student who violates its rules and regulations or the rights of others, or whose conduct or presence constitutes in any way a risk to the health, safety or general well-being of the community. An administrator must notify the Office of Records and Registration with all pertinent information regarding the withdrawal.
Academic Standing
Satisfactory Progress
Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 and be on course to graduate in four years to be in good academic standing.
To be on course to graduate in four years, students must be registered for 15 or more credit hours, complete all academic requirements, and semester GPA and cumulative GPA at 2.0 or higher.
Good Academic Standing
Students must have a semester GPA and cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Academic Warning
While on academic warning, students remain in good academic standing. However, students will be considered at risk of academic probation and not graduating in four years if the following conditions apply:
- Major not declared by the time 30 credit hours is earned
- Not averaging 15 credit hours per semester
- Receiving two (2) or more failing grades at midterm
- Not following prescribed course sequence(s)
Academic Probation
At the College, a student is placed on academic probation at the end of any semester in which his cumulative grade-point average falls below 2.0. Students may remove themselves from academic probation by achieving a cumulative 2.0 average by the end of the following semester.
While a student is on probation, the following will apply:
- The probationary status on a student’s official transcript
- Not permitted to enroll in more than 15 credit hours
- Not eligible for active participation in any college organization with status of officially representing the institution that involves missing classes.
Temporary Academic Separation
After an unsuccessful attempt to remove academic probation by the end of a semester after being placed on academic probation, a student on academic probation or with a cumulative GPA of less than 2.0 will be separated from the College for up to one year if he fails to make the academic progress toward a degree specified in the table below:
| |
Number of Credit Classification Hours Earned |
Minimum Cumulative GPA to Avoid Separation |
| Freshman |
0-25 |
1.7 |
| Sophomore |
26-57 |
1.8 |
| Junior |
58-88 |
1.9 |
| Senior |
89 and above |
2.0 |
Academic Dismissal
A student will be dismissed from the College if, after having been readmitted following a temporary separation, he continues to fail to make the academic progress specified in the table above.
Awards And Honors
Semester Honor Roll
At the end of a semester (traditional) or term (Morehouse Online), each student who has attained a grade-point average of 3.25 or higher shall have his name appear on the honor roll for that semester or term.
Traditional Students: To be eligible for the honor roll, the student must have completed a minimum of 12 semester hours in graded courses and must have earned no grade lower than C. (Note: Remedial coursework is not included in the determination of recognition for academic achievement.)
Morehouse Online Students: To be eligible for the honor roll, the student must have completed a minimum of two (2) courses that total at least four (4) credits per module and must have earned no grade lower than C. (Note: Remedial coursework is not included in the determination of recognition for this academic achievement.)
Dean’s List
Students enrolled for more than one semester (traditional) or term (Morehouse Online) must maintain a cumulative grade- point average of 3.50 with no grade lower than C in order to be accorded dean’s list honors. Students are not eligible for Dean’s List consideration if their prior academic records includes a grade of less than a C.
At the discretion of the provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, the names of students receiving either honor roll or dean’s list honors may be announced in an appropriate manner. Honor Roll and Dean’s List does not include Summer term.
Latin Honors
Any student who completes degree requirements will be eligible for Latin honors based on their cumulative grade point average. Morehouse College awards Latin honors based on all coursework completed at the College.
Cum laude requires a cumulative grade-point average of 3.25-3.49.
Magna cum laude requires a cumulative grade-point average of 3.50-3.79.
Summa cum laude requires a cumulative grade-point average of 3.80-4.00.
Departmental Honors Distinction
This distinction is based largely on departmental seminars that each department requires of its seniors.
Seniors must have at least a 3.0 average in their major before they are eligible to apply for departmental honors. They must graduate with general honors to qualify for departmental honors.
Requirements for departmental honors vary with each department and involve comprehensive written or oral reports, extra research, and some independent study.
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