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Undergraduate Catalog 2019-2020
College of Engineering & Science
Mission Statement
It is our mission to serve the Detroit, the national and the world communities through the education of professional engineers, scientists and mathematicians, and through the discovery, application and dissemination of knowledge.
That education will be personally focused in the needs of each student, value centered in the tradition of the Catholic Church, affordable, and unexcelled in quality of instruction and content. It will be characterized by a hands-on nature, which includes frequent laboratory experiences and integrated cooperative experience for all students. It will be convenient to all students, whether full-time or part-time, on-campus or off-campus.
The College will discover and apply knowledge which effectively addresses the critical opportunities and challenges of the urban and industrial communities. It will do so in active and intimate partnerships with industry and government.
We will be helpful, courteous, and professional in all internal and external interactions.
College Contact Information
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College of Engineering & Science
4001 W. McNichols Road
Detroit, MI 48221-3038
Fax: (313) 993-1187
Katherine Snyder, Dean
Telephone: (313) 993-1216
Email: snyderke@udmercy.edu
Elizabeth Roberts-Kirchhoff, Assistant Dean for Academics
Telephone: (313) 993-1021
Email: robkires@udmercy.edu
Carolyn Rimle, Assistant Dean for Academics
Telephone: (313) 993-3362
Email: rimlec@udmercy.edu
Richard Hill, Assistant Dean for Research and External Initiatives
Telephone: (313) 578-0428
Email: hillrc@udmercy.edu
College of Engineering & Science Handbook:
Admissions Requirements
First Year Students
To be admitted as first year students to the College of Engineering & Science, applicants must meet Detroit Mercy's general entrance requirements. In addition, they should have completed at least four units of mathematics, two units of laboratory science, four units of English, and three units of social studies.
The College of Engineering & Science does not admit those who, in its judgment, do not have the background to succeed in its academically demanding programs. Applicants should rank in the upper two-fifths of their high school classes and should have at least a B average in high school mathematics, sciences and English. Special note is taken of scores on the College Entrance Examination (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT). (Minimum of 21 ACT Composite and 21 ACT Math)
On-line placement tests in English and mathematics are highly recommended for all new students admitted into the College. Without placement tests, ACT or SAT scores will be used. An on-campus placement test in chemistry is required of those applicants whose intended program calls for chemistry. Scores from these tests along with past academic performance are used in determining the level of the first course in each of these disciplines.
Transfer Students
Detroit Mercy gives full consideration to students who wish to transfer from any accredited college or university. Many such colleges and universities have articulation agreements for various programs in the College of Engineering & Science. In some cases, transfer students may need to take Detroit Mercy placement tests in English, mathematics, and/or chemistry.
Transfer candidates may be accepted and given the same academic standing as students who have completed the corresponding courses at Detroit Mercy. However, the academic standing of each transfer applicant is appraised on an individual basis. In addition to other University requirements, a substantial portion of the major program must be completed from approved major courses at Detroit Mercy. For example, Engineering majors must complete a minimum of 24 credit hours of departmental courses from Detroit Mercy. Engineering courses that seem similar, but do not contain the required content, will not be transferable to the program. Only classes having at least a grade of "C" or equivalent will transfer.
International Students
Qualified international students who are graduates of recognized secondary schools are invited to pursue degree programs in the various departments of the College of Engineering & Science. All students entering the College from secondary schools are required to complete placement examinations in English, mathematics, and (if the intended program calls for it) chemistry.
For students transferring into the College with prior college or university work, it is the policy that official evaluation of transcripts for transfer credit will not be made until after the completion of one term of full-time academic work at the University. This means completion of a minimum of twelve (12) credit hours, not including any American Language courses that may be required.
Academic Advisor/Registration
The role of the advisor is to provide counsel and guidance concerning program or career objectives, selection of courses during registration, conflicts in scheduling, probation problems, poor grades, tutorial referral, and personal matters. Each student has ultimate responsibility for his/her own academic program and should be very familiar with all program requirements.
It is recommended that students run their Degree Evaluation in Self-Service on a regular basis, and let their advisor or the assistant dean of Academics know if there are any concerns regarding program requirements.
In order for an advisor to best serve the student, it is important for the student to keep his/her advisor informed on all academic actions (e.g. registrations, add/drop, etc.)
The faculty advisor is not authorized to waive pre-requisites, make substitutions to program requirements, or make exceptions to Department/College/University policies. A student who feels that good and sufficient reason exists for such action should submit a written petition to the Assistant Dean of Academics for review by the Student Affairs Committee of the College.
When, for serious reasons, there is a perceived need for a student to deviate from his/her academic program or a published regulation, the student may petition the College Student Affairs Committee. The written petition is submitted to the Student Affairs Committee in care of the Assistant Dean for Academics and should contain details on the circumstances associated with the requested exception or substitution. Exceptions and/or substitutions are only provided where there is a clear case of unreasonable hardship that occurs through no fault of the student. In all cases, engineering students must fulfill all requirements for ABET accreditation. A written response is provided, usually within 2 weeks after the request.
Any changes in the program requirements for an individual student must be approved by the Chair and Assistant Dean of Academics. Any approved changes must be documented in the student's file and reflected in the Degree Evaluation.
During the advising period set aside by the University, students meet with their advisors to plan a program of courses for the following term. They then register online using Self-Service after being authorized by their advisor. Students should make an attempt to register as early as possible for any upcoming term. Early registration helps the student avoid closed sections and course conflicts. Students should prepare for the meeting with the advisor by assuring that prerequisites for the courses they wish to take have been completed and that all courses are taken in the sequence established by the department. Students should run their Degree Evaluation in Self-Service, which provides an overview of his/her record, requirements completed and those still needed. This is the principal tool used by the advisor in the advising process. Each student has the responsibility to review their Degree Evaluation and check it for accuracy at each meeting with the advisor. Careful attention to the early registration process can eliminate much of the Change in Registration activity.
A student is officially a member of a class only when the registration process is completed.
Assignment of Undergraduate Advisors
First Time Students: An advisor will be assigned to new freshmen for Summer Orientation and Advising (SOAR). The student may be assigned a new advisor before the next advising session of their first year.
Transfer Students: Transfer students are normally assigned to departmental advisors in the programs of their choice when they begin their time at the University.
General Information:
A departmental advisor in the student's program will be assigned after the first year. If the student is still undecided about the particular program, he or she may continue into the sophomore year with the initial advisor.
It is possible that the assigned advisor is not available for advising purposes. In this case, other faculty in the student's department may provide the necessary service.
In all cases, if a student wishes to declare a major or to change a major, a new advisor will be assigned only after the student formally declares the new major.
Academic Grievance Policy
PREFACE
The faculty of the College of Engineering & Science are educational professionals. Most have accumulated many years of experience. As such, they have become proficient in assessing a student's performance in a class by measuring in an unbiased fashion achievement of the materials presented in the light of the course syllabus. Therefore, it should be rare that a student should grieve the grade they have received in a course. Should a student believe that they have received an unfair grade, they have the burden of presenting a case identifying circumstances beyond their control that may have affected the course grade.
PROCEDURES
In the event that a grievance occurs between a student and a faculty member on
an academic matter, the following procedure is in effect:
Step 1. Faculty Member:
The grieved party should make every effort to resolve the problem with the faculty member.
Step 2. Chairperson:
If a solution cannot be achieved with the faculty member, then the grieved party may submit, in writing, his/her position on the matter to the department chairperson. If the chairperson can resolve the issue, the grievance procedure is terminated.
Step 3. Departmental Grievance Committee:
If the recommendation is not acceptable to either the student or the faculty member, or if the complaint is against the department chairperson, then the matter becomes the responsibility of the AD HOC departmental grievance committee (where the department has a policy for such). The department committee makes appropriate recommendations in an attempt to resolve the grievance using procedures established by the department. If the departmental grievance committee can resolve the issue the procedure is terminated.
Step 4. Student Affairs Committee:
If no departmental committee exists or if the issue is not resolved by the departmental committee, the student may request in writing a review by the Student Affairs Committee. The Student Affairs Committee consists of one full-time engineering faculty member; one full-time mathematics/science faculty member, and assistant dean(s) of Academics of the College. One engineering student and one mathematics/science student are selected to join this committee to review the case. The assistant dean(s) will act only to resolve indecision in the committee. The committee will prepare a short written report on its recommendations and the procedure used to reach them. The committee does not change grades. This is the instructor's prerogative.
Step 5. Dean:
If the student is dissatisfied with the recommendation of the committee or the response of the faculty member, he/she may appeal to the dean.
THE GRIEVANCE IS TO BE FILED IN THE TERM IN WHICH IT OCCURRED OR WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THE BASIS FOR THE GRIEVANCE AND WHENEVER POSSIBLE THE COMMITTEE IS TO RESOLVE THE GRIEVANCE IN THE TERM IT WAS INITIATED.
Academic Integrity (Cheating & Plagiarism)
We are members of an academic community engaged in the pursuit of knowledge, justice, and truth. We seek to integrate the intellectual, spiritual, ethical, and social development of our students and thus expect students to exhibit a high standard of honesty and integrity in their academic activities. The University and the College of Engineering & Science fundamentally assume that the work submitted by a student is a product of his or her own legitimate efforts.
In all cases, the burden is on the student to document by appropriate citations the work product of others that might be included in a submission. It is expected that students will conduct themselves with honesty and integrity when taking exams, quizzes, and other assessments. It is also expected that students take measures to protect their own work and do not engage in actions that contribute to others violating academic integrity.
Using the Internet as a source of information can be considered proper if correctly documented; however, if paragraphs, sentences, phrases, keywords, graphs and/or figures (the work product of others) are taken and presented as one's own, without quoting and full citation, it is considered plagiarism.
If violation of these standards is believed to have occurred, either by intent to deceive, or a disregard for proper scholarly procedure, the following procedure applies.
PROCEDURES
Upon the occurrence of a suspected breach of academic integrity, the instructor of the course will explain to the student(s) involved the nature of the breach of academic integrity and the reasons for suspecting a violation. The student(s) may use this opportunity to explain their behavior and/or take responsibility for their action.
If the instructor still believes that a violation of academic integrity has occurred, the instructor will complete an Academic Integrity Violation Report Form which will include the sanction(s) imposed. These may include one or more of the following (flagrant or repeat occurrences may include other actions):
- Assign a grade of "F" (or score of 0) for the work in question (recommended sanction)
- Assign a grade of "F" for the course (Note: The instructor must continue to grade the student normally pending the outcome of any appeal(s) by the student.)
- Lower the grade for the work in question
- Require the student to redo the assignment
- Request a letter of reprimand be sent from the dean, a copy kept in the Dean's Office
The student may also be required to complete additional educational activities in order to help avoid future academic violations from carelessness or ignorance. If a faculty member's grading policy for this course allows for a low grade to be dropped, the score subject to discipline may not be dropped.
Within two weeks of the alleged violation warranting disciplinary action, the instructor will provide copies of Academic Integrity Violation Report form to the student and to the assistant dean for Academics. Any additional relevant documentation will also be provided to the assistant dean for Academics. A hardcopy of this form will be kept in the Dean's Office.
The student will then meet with the assistant dean for Academics to provide their response to the allegation. In order to maintain his/her right to appeal, the student must provide a written response to the allegation within one week of receiving a copy of the Academic Dishonesty Report form. This document will include an acceptance of responsibility and/or a request to contest the allegation or the penalty.
If the student contests the allegation or the penalty, a hearing will be held with the Student Affairs Committee in a timely manner. The instructor and the student may provide evidence and witnesses as appropriate, but legal representation is not permitted. The student may be accompanied by a faculty advisor whose role is to provide moral support only. The faculty advisor may not be an active participant in the proceedings.
The Student Affairs Committee will review relevant materials and testimony, and then make a recommendation regarding the allegation and the penalty. Note that the committee may recommend a different penalty than initially imposed.
It is expected that all involved will conduct this process with confidentiality and respect. All documents and discussions related to cases and appeals related to incidents of breeches of academic integrity should be held in strict confidence.
If the student or the instructor wishes to appeal the recommendation of the committee, they may do so, in writing, to the dean of the College of Engineering & Science. A representative of the Student Affairs Committee will present the materials and notes collected by the committee to the dean, as well as a written report of the committee's findings. The dean will collect additional information as deemed necessary to make a decision on the appeal. Note that the dean may recommend a different penalty than recommended by the committee. Any further appeals must be approved by the academic vice president/provost.
REPEATED OR FLAGRANT OFFENSES
Possible penalties for a repeated or flagrant offense may include:
- a grade of "F" in the course
- suspension from the College
- expulsion from the College
Examples of flagrant offenses include but are not limited to the following: use of a surrogate to take an examination; physical theft of another student's work; use of intimidation to obtain the aid of another student, theft of an examination, electronic theft of course related materials. In such a case, the penalty will be suspension or expulsion from the College, even upon a first offense.
Academic Standards
Regardless of formal notice, a student's academic status is determined as outlined below. While the overall GPA is the principal criterion for academic standing, other factors, such as the GPA for the latest term, the major GPA, progress in required courses, number of courses in which registered and actually completed, and any pattern of frequent withdrawals and/or incomplete grades may be considered in making the decision on academic status.
In order to remain in good standing in the College of Engineering & Science, a student must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.00 and a 2.00 GPA for the courses in their major.
Academic Standing Rules
New Freshmen
- Good Standing: Term GPA ≧ 2.00
- Academic Warning: 1.70 ≤ Term GPA < 2.00
- Probation: 1.00 ≤ Term GPA < 1.70
- Dismissed: Term GPA < 1.00
Other Students
- Good Standing: Term GPA ≧ 2.00 AND Cumulative GPA ≧ 2.00
- Academic Warning: Term GPA < 2.00 AND Cumulative GPA ≧ 2.00
- Probation: Previously in good standing AND Cumulative GPA < 2.00
- Probation: Previously on probation AND Cumulative GPA < 2.00 AND Term GPA ≧ 2.00
- Dismissed: Previously on probation AND Term GPA < 2.00
Probationary Students
A student whose cumulative GPA is below 2.00 is automatically placed on academic probation (whether officially notified or not). He/she must meet with the assistant dean for Academics to discuss and sign a probation agreement. Conditions and restrictions in this agreement are set for the term in which the student registers following the probationary status. Registration without this agreement is considered invalid. If a student has already registered before receiving notification of the probationary status, he/she must contact the Dean's Office immediately or risk being withdrawn from courses.
If a student does not satisfy the conditions of the probationary contract he/she is dismissed from the College.
Dismissed Students
Any student who has been Dismissed from the College will be administratively withdrawn from any registered courses, including co-op. A student may appeal their dismissal in writing.
A student who wishes to appeal the dismissal and petition for readmission must write a letter of appeal and meet personally with the Student Affairs Committee of the College. In the letter, the student must fully explain any extenuating circumstances which led to the dismissal, and describe steps which he/she has taken to ensure that future academic performance will improve significantly. Based on the written petition from the student, the Committee explores the circumstances associated with the student's performance and then grants or denies the petition to continue to take classes. The Committee is authorized to place conditions on the student's enrollment. These might include, but are not restricted to, limiting of the academic load, requiring the repetition of previous course work, and requiring attainment of a GPA higher than 2.0.
Dismissed students may apply for re-admission or may apply for admission to another College or School within the University.
Alcohol Policy
It is a violation of Detroit City Ordinance 38-5-1 to consume alcohol or liquor on the street or sidewalk. On campus, licensed areas are approved by the MLCC for the consumption of alcohol by those 21 years of age or older. Academic buildings, hallways, lounges, campus grounds, and athletic fields are “public places” under law and University policy, meaning consumption is banned unless a temporary permit is obtained from the state.
Attendance
The University defers the attendance policy to the individual instructors. It is expected that students will attend all class sessions and be prepared to contribute as required. As a courtesy, the student should inform the instructor prior to an absence or within 24 hours. If a student misses an assignment, examination, or quiz, the instructor is not required to provide a make-up. Depending on the policy of the instructor, attendance can affect the course grade.
Catalog of Entry
Students whose interruption of study at the University is less than one year retain the right to the requirements of their catalog of entry. Students who have not completed course work at the University for one year or more will have their previous work reevaluated according to the requirements of the catalog in effect at the time of readmission. If a program/degree has been discontinued during the period of inactivity then the applicant is not entitled to request a program or classes that no longer exist. The College will work with students in this situation to provide them with a program that is as close to the initial objectives as possible so that as much of the course work previously taken can be applied to the new program. It may also be required for a student who has been academically inactive for several years to repeat some key courses that are prerequisites for major courses, even though they have received credit for the former course work. Consult the program chairperson and assistant dean for Academics about this.
Change in Grade
On rare occasions, a student may receive an incorrect grade (i.e. posting error). Should this occur, the student must contact the instructor and chairperson or assistant dean directly within 30 days of receiving the grade. With sufficient reason the instructor may submit a change in grade form (including the reason for the change). These must be approved by the Dean’s Office. Grades will not be changed if an extended period (e.g. six months) between the assignment of the grade and the action to correct the matter has expired. Appeals must be made to the assistant dean for Academics and the provost.
Children in the Classroom
Students of the Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà have the right to attend class free from the distraction of non-students. Therefore, the general policy of the University is that non-registrants are not allowed in the classroom or laboratory. This pertains to children of students as well as other non-registrants because classrooms and other instructional facilities are not intended for children. A faculty member may, at his/her discretion, allow a student to bring a child or other non-registrant to class in an emergency situation provided that:
- the behavior of the child or other non-registrant is appropriate to the classroom;
- the rights of all other enrolled students to an effective learning environment are assured;
- that the presence of the child or other non-registrant is not habitual,
- and that the child or other non-registrant does not compromise the academic use of any computers or other equipment used in the learning facility.
Under no circumstances should a student bring a child or other non-registrant to an experimental laboratory or a clinical facility.
Classification of Undergraduate Students
Students are classified on the basis of the number of earned hours completed according to the following scheme:
- FRESHMAN: Less than 32 earned credits
- SOPHOMORE: At least 32 earned credits and less than 63 credits
- JUNIOR: At least 63 earned credits and less than 95 credits
- SENIOR: 95 or more earned credits
Even though a student may be in one of the above classifications, the actual progress in the program will be determined by his or her progress in the sequence of courses needed for graduation (e.g. an engineering student who has not successfully completed Calculus I and II is still considered a freshman in the program).
Classroom Etiquette
To prevent distracting classroom instruction, students should not use cell phones during class time, including texting. Cell phones are not permitted in Chemistry laboratories. Also, phones should be turned off during class time (see the section ELECTRONIC DEVICES IN THE CLASSROOM.) Unless there is an emergency, students should refrain from leaving the room while class is in session. Food and drink are prohibited in all computer and instructional laboratories. Food should not be consumed during class sessions unless medically necessary.
Co-operative Education
All undergraduate students in Engineering programs (excluding some concentrations in the Bachelor of Engineering international programs) are required to participate in co-operative education. Students in Science and Mathematics programs are also strongly encouraged to participate. Engineering students will normally complete their three required co-op assignments during the summer terms. In order to prepare for the experience of finding a co-op job and participating effectively in it, students should take ENGR 3000 during Term I of their Freshman year.
Part-time students may earn co-op credit through appropriate full-time technical work. Such students petition the E & S Co-op Office for co-op credit by portfolio at the beginning of their last term of study. It is also possible, but difficult for a student to complete part-time co-ops during a student’s academic terms. Note that this could result in additional semesters to complete required courses only offered once per year.
Co-op credits from other institutions are not transferable to Detroit Mercy.
Core Curriculum
In addition to the courses required for a program, the student must also fulfill the requirements of the University Core Curriculum for this program.
Some of these courses may be satisfied by courses in your program. Please review your Degree Evaluation or consult your academic advisor for more information.
Course Grades
Not uncommonly a student might believe that they need a higher grade than they were assigned. They might seek a higher grade through offering to perform extra work. Grade negotiation of this type is not the practice of the College. Each student in a class is to have equal opportunity to convey their knowledge of the course material through common measures (e.g. homework, quizzes, papers, presentations and examinations). If a student believes that he or she was unfairly graded in a course, then the College Academic Grievance Policy (see above) should be followed.
Course Syllabi
Each student should receive from the instructor, during the first regular class session, a written copy of the syllabus for that course. The syllabus should include information such as: a brief description of the purposes and topic content of the course; the grading system employed in the course; attendance policies; required and optional textbooks; special materials and supplies; the approximate dates of major examinations and/or papers; any required “field trips” or other obligations; and the location of the instructor’s office, regularly scheduled office hours and a instructor contact information. For some courses, syllabi may be found online.
Dead Week
It should be noted that it is University policy not to give quizzes or examinations during the week preceding the final week of a 15 week course. This is referred to as “DEAD WEEK”. It is acceptable, however, for instructors to require homework or papers due during this week.
Elective Courses
Electives provide students the opportunity to tailor an undergraduate academic program to meet specific interests. Some majors have several electives in the published academic program. Others have very few or no electives. In all cases elective courses may be taken over and above the minimum program required for graduation. Elective courses are selected through discussion with the academic advisor and should be part of a coherent overall plan of study. Technical electives in engineering programs are restricted to the approved lists of courses published by the individual departments and are, at a minimum, courses in the College numbered 3000 and above. General electives may be taken from any of the University’s offerings at the 1000-level or higher. They are the choice of the student. Transfer students may have suitable courses, taken prior to transfer, assigned as technical or free electives through the transcript evaluation process.
Electronic Devices in the Classroom
The type of electronic devices that can be used during a class or on an examination will be determined either by the department for which the course is taught or by the instructor of the class. Once these rules are set for a class, they will be strictly enforced. All other electronic devices such as cell phones, smart watches, etc. should be silenced during class time. Students should be sure they are aware of a department’s or instructor’s policy in the classes for which they are registered. Cell phones are not permitted in Chemistry labs.
Exceptions and Substitutions
When, for serious reasons, there is a perceived need for a student to deviate from his/her academic program or a published regulation, the student may petition the College Student Affairs Committee. The written petition is submitted to the Student Affairs Committee in care of the assistant dean for Academics and should contain details on the circumstances associated with the requested exception or substitution. Exceptions and/or substitutions are only provided where there is a clear case of unreasonable hardship that occurs through no fault of the student. In all cases, engineering students must fulfill all requirements for ABET accreditation. A written response is provided, usually within two weeks after the request.
Any changes in the program requirements for an individual student must be approved by the chair and assistant dean of Academics. Any approved changes must be documented in the student's file and reflected in the Degree Evaluation.
Finals Week
The last week of each of the regular trimesters is set aside for a single class session for each course. The class meets for either an extended class period or an examination. The class meeting time is posted in the Schedule of Classes. If a student has been assigned three examinations during the same day of “Finals Week” he/she may first ask his/her professors for reassignment of an exam. When necessary, or in conflicts involving two scheduled class meetings, the assistant dean for Academics may be consulted for assistance.
Guests in the Classroom
The approval of guests attending a class session is at the discretion of the instructor. A student must “audit” the course if they intend to be present for a significant portion of the term. Auditing a course results in a tuition charge (except in the case of the alumni audit benefit).
Also see "Children in the Classroom" section above.
Laboratory Safety
Students in the College take numerous laboratory courses. While special care is taken in the set-up of laboratory experiments to minimize risks, it is essential to follow proper safety precautions while in the lab. It is essential that the protective wear (e.g. safety glasses, gloves, hair nets, face masks, lab coats) appropriate for the specific laboratory be used. Laboratory staff has the authority to remove from a laboratory anyone not properly protected.
Power machinery (milling machines, saws, drill presses, grinders, etc.) may only be operated by those properly instructed and cautioned as to safe practices of the specific piece of equipment. Please see the College safety procedures for more information.
Pass/Fail
See the Academic Policies and Procedures section of the catalog for Pass/Fail guidelines. Additionally:
- Only students with a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or better are eligible to take courses on a pass/fail basis.
- A maximum of 12 credit hours may be taken on a pass/fail basis during a student's academic program.
Prerequisite Courses
Some prerequisite courses may be required of a student to ensure their success in a program. They are to be completed as early as possible in the student’s study plan. Failure to take a prerequisite course first does not eliminate it from a student’s graduation requirements. Many prerequisites include a minimum course grade of “C”. All mathematics courses, freshmen and sophomore chemistry and biology courses, and some courses in other majors require a grade of “C” or better in any prerequisite courses.
To see the prerequisites for a course, click the course title in the CLASS SCHEDULE in Self-Service.
Senior Graduation Plan
The responsibility of fulfilling all program requirements for the degree resides with the student. As an aid to the student’s efforts in meeting his or her graduation requirements, a SENIOR GRADUATION PLAN is to be completed by the student, the advisor, and chairperson at the beginning of the senior year (or end of junior year). Each student must complete this plan, as its implementation should assure timely graduation. Furthermore, each student is expected to be aware at all times of his or her progress in meeting degree requirements. A student must complete all the required courses in the program, not merely accumulate a certain number of hours and meet all GPA requirements.
Senior Residency Rule
Candidates for a bachelor’s degree are to complete the last 30 credit hours of their program at Áù¾ÅÉ«ÌÃ. Any exception to this rule must be petitioned in writing to the assistant dean for Academics. In some cases this will also be reviewed by the Student Affairs Committee.
Sequence of Courses
The program flow charts, where they exist, illustrate the normal sequence of courses in the various programs. Some variations of these sequences are possible but care should be taken in that not every course is offered every term. In general, freshmen courses should be taken during the freshman year, sophomore courses during the sophomore year, etc. Students who delay the completion of courses planned for early in the program frequently find that course scheduling conflicts prevent the timely completion of program requirements.
Social Media Policy
Student Organizations
Participation in student organizations is voluntary, but strongly encouraged for a number of reasons. These organizations give students the opportunity to associate both professionally and socially with students and faculty members who have similar professional interests. New students, in particular, can learn much about their major program and subsequent professional directions from upperclassmen, faculty, and alumni, and from discipline-oriented programming by the organization. Active participation can give students leadership experience. It is for all these reasons that potential graduate schools and employers consider participation in extracurricular activities an important consideration when reviewing applicants.
Time Limits
There is no official time limit for the completion of an undergraduate program. Note however, the information under the Handbook section “Catalog of Entry” relative to discontinued or altered programs/courses. In addition, financial aid availability may be impacted if it is determined a student is not making satisfactory progress towards a degree.
Transfer Credit
New Transfer Students - official transcripts should be sent directly from all previously attended institutions to the Admissions Office as part of the application process. When there is uncertainly regarding the equivalency of courses, the student may be asked to submit course syllabi and/or other materials. The evaluation of a transcript may grant credit for course work that is not applicable to the student’s program in the College. (Note: In many cases, international students must earn a full term of credit prior to the preparation of an official evaluation.)
In considering transfer credit for engineering students, no credit will be granted for engineering design courses unless the credit was earned from an ABET accredited program.
A maximum of 63 credit hours can be transferred from community and junior colleges unless an articulation agreement exists. The maximum which can be transferred from four year institutions (and/or a combination of 2-year and 4-year schools) is 96 credit hours. In any case, transfer students are expected to complete all of the fourth year courses (at least 30 credits) of the curriculum at Detroit Mercy in order to receive a degree from Áù¾ÅÉ«ÌÃ. Engineering students must complete a minimum of 24 credits in their major at Detroit Mercy.
Current Detroit Mercy Students - may take courses at other colleges or universities with the prior approval of the department and Dean's Office. The student is to complete a Michigan Guest Application and a “Request for Transfer Credit" form providing details on the course(s). This must be signed by the student’s advisor and the assistant dean for Academics. After the course is successfully completed the student should arrange to have an Official Transcript sent from the institution directly to Detroit Mercy's Transfer Team (transferteam@udmercy.edu). The student must request to have the transcript sent; this is not an automatic process. The course transfers, but the grade does not, except where special agreements are in place. Only courses with the grade of “C” or better will transfer.
Note: Courses with grades of “C-” do not transfer.
In general, students are discouraged from taking courses at other schools unless it can be demonstrated that not taking the course would significantly delay graduation or cause other undue hardship. The University residency requirement states that candidates for a bachelor degree must complete the last 30 credit hours of their program “In Residence” at the Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà (i.e. seniors are not permitted to take courses at other institutions).
Also, generally when a course is offered at Detroit Mercy a similar course cannot be taken at another institution during the same term. Exception to this must be petitioned in writing.