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AAS DEGREE
See "Associate of Arts and Sciences Degree".
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ACADEMIC ADVISOR
See "Academic counseling".
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ACADEMIC COUNSELING, ACADEMIC COUNSELOR
No, academic counselors are not tutors and neither is it their
first responsibility to provide counseling if you get into academic difficulties
(although they will help, but you ought to talk with your profs first).
Rather, academic counselors are Student Services professionals who assist
you in choosing courses appropriate for your degree (for wherever you intend
to transfer). Meet with a counselor each semester as you prepare to
register for next semester.
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ACADEMIC STANDING
Students are expected to maintain certain standards of academic achievement.
This is measured by both semester and cumulative GPAs.
Certain exceptions are allowed for part-time students, but unless otherwise
stated, part-time students are expected to meet the same standards of academic
achievement as other students.
Good standing is the status assigned when your semester and cumulative GPA is 2.0 or higher;
Probation and final probation are the statuses assigned when your academic progress is inadequate as determined by semester and/or cumulative GPA;
Academic suspension is the status assigned when your record of achievement is unacceptable to the extent that continued enrollment in the UW Colleges is not permitted.
Details of the GPA values for each status are to be found in the UWMC Timetable. As a freshman, if your GPA at the end of the fall semester is 1.5-1.999 (i.e. less than a C) you be placed on probation; you will be assigned final probation if your GPA is 0.75-1.499; and you will be suspended (unable to register for the following semester) if your GPA for the fall is less than 0.75. If you are placed on probation or final probation you must show improvement the next semester to avoid being given a lower status.
You may appeal a suspension to the "Academic Actions Committee", a committee
made up of faculty and student representatives. Any appeal must include
a clear explanation of problems causing your inadequate achievement and
how you propose to resolve those problems. If you are allowed to continue,
you will be on final probation and may be subject to other special conditions.
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ADDING A COURSE, ADD DATE
The "add date" is the last day on which you can add a course to your
semester schedule. It is two weeks after the start of the semester
(the exact date is given in the UWMC Timetable). After this date you've
really missed too much of the course to catch up. The only exceptions
to this are one credit courses that start half way through the semester.
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ADMISSION
Anyone who desires a University education will be considered for admission
to a University of Wisconsin Center. If you want details on requirements
check here.
If you are admitted and your high school record, placement test scores,
or other previous academic performance indicates that you may have difficulty
with university work, you will be required to participate in special classes
aimed at remedying these difficulties (see "Basic Skills
Classes"). If you fail to meet high school admission requirements,
you may appeal to the Director of Admissions for an exemption.
When you come to UWMC you can be guaranteed admission into the
baccalaureate campus of your choice -- see "Transfer"
for details on admission to baccalaureate schools during or following your
stay at UWMC.
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ASSOCIATE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES DEGREE (AAS)
A detailed outline of the degree requirements is located in
another page. This is a liberal arts general education degree. The
sixty credits required are distributed throughout the humanities, sciences
and social sciences with specific proficiencies required in English and
Math. The degree fulfills the university-wide general
education requirements of all UW System schools.
If you are undecided about a major in your freshman and sophomore years, the associate degree can be particularly valuable. The diversity of courses required in this degree can help you find potential strengths and possible career directions. Completing the requirements of this degree will demonstrate proficiency in Math and English and knowledge from a wide variety of courses including humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. The skills and abilities gained will prepare you for baccalaureate and professional programs, lifelong learning, leadership and responsibility.
To learn about this option and creating a plan for completion see your
Student
Services counselor.
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ATTENDANCE IN CLASS
Some instructors establish class attendance policies which are announced
in the course syllabus. Most instructors do not require attendance (but
see here for some good reasons to attend). Whether
or not you attend, you are responsible for completing all work.
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BASIC SKILLS COURSES
These courses will assist you with the transition from high school
to University work, improve your academic background by developing English
and math skills and, in general, support your effort toward a successful
University experience.
The need for the English and math skills courses will be indicated by placement test scores. Scores of 454 or below on the English placement test indicate that you must enroll in Basic Skills English. If your math test score is below 371 in Algebra you will be required to enroll in a basic skills math or Algebra.
Students are required to complete the necessary basic skills courses, with a C or better, prior to the completion of 30 credits.
Each of the basic skills courses carries three non-degree credits.
Fees for these courses are the same as for degree credit courses.
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"BLUE BOOK"
Small, blue-covered exam booklet used in finals and other tests, 8-24
double-sided pages long.
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BUSINESS OFFICE
This is not the same as Student Services. The Business Office is located
at the north end of the concourse near the north (Stewart Ave.) entrance
to campus. You pay your tuition and pick up financial aid checks here.
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CAREER COUNSELING
Career counseling, including testing, is available free at Student
Services.
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COLLEGIUM
The Collegium is UWMC's governing body, consisting of faculty, staff
and student representatives. It has numerous committees that help govern
almost all aspects of campus life. Collegium meets once a month. Its meetings
are chaired by the Dean, a non-voting member of the
Collegium.
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COURSE LOAD
Twelve credits is considered a full-time load. Freshman and sophomore
students may enroll in up to 18 credits during the fall or spring semester,
but 15-16 credits is the maximum recommended because generally you have
to study 2 hours out of class for each hour in class -- so that would
be a total of 45 hours of work for a 15 credit load. (High school special
students are limited to six credits per semester and credit restrictions
also may be imposed on students designated as high risk).
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CREDIT HOURS
A credit hour is equal to one fifty minute ("hour") lecture or discussion
once a week for the duration of the semester. Most classes are three-credit,
and so meet for three fifty minute periods per week (or equivalent time).
Lab hours generally count half -- one "two hour" lab counting for one credit.
Therefore, a five-credit science course might consist of three "hours"
of lecture and four "hours" of lab.
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DEAN
The Dean is UWMC's chief administrator -- the CEO of the campus who,
together with the Collegium, helps plan for the
future of our campus and run it on a daily basis. The dean of UWMC is Dr.
G. Dennis Massey. He is available to all students who wish to meet with
him to discuss campus and degree concerns.
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DEAN'S LIST
Dean's List honors are awarded to full-time students carrying at least
12 semester credits, and to part-time students who have earned at least
15 credits with a cumulative average of 3.5 and who carry a minimum of
three semester credits. Highest Honors GPA 4.00; High Honors
GPA 3.75 - 3.99: Honors: GPA 3.50 - 3.74
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DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
This section will describe the general characteristics of a UW degree.
Details vary from school to school, but your UWMC academic
counselor will ensure you are taking a program of study that will fulfill
the requirements for the school of your choice.
A baccalaureate university consists of colleges and departments. There
are minimum, university-wide degree requirements that must be met in order
to obtain any degree. These university-wide requirements generally consist
of:
The colleges that comprise the university occasionally have additional degree requirements, beyond these minima. For example, it is not unusual for a college of arts and humanities to have additional general education credits required in the social sciences or humanities; or a college or science to have additional requirements in science and math; colleges may also have higher minimum credit requirements for majors or minors. Again, your UWMC academic counselor will ensure you are taking a program of study that will fulfill the requirements for the school/college of your choice.
Individual departments also have their own degree requirements for majors and minors and these also often go beyond the minima required for the university and college. It is not unusual for a department to require up to 70 credits for a major (compared to a possible university-wide minimum of 40). Again, your UWMC academic counselor will ensure you are taking a program of study that will fulfill the requirements for the school/college of your choice.
As you plan your general education you can build into it courses that
also count towards your major -- a certain number of credits can be "double-counted"
in this fashion at all schools.
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DROPPING A COURSE, DROP DATE
The drop date is the last day on which you can drop a course from your
semester schedule (or, withdraw entirely from school) and not have it appear
on your transcript. To drop a course you have to file a form with Student
Services. Be sure to check the Timetable for this important date,
usually the tenth week of classes.
By the end of this day, if you do not drop a course you are doing poorly in (maybe you've already stopped attending), then you are stuck with it. The course will forever be listed on your transcript with whatever grade you earned. All you can then do is re-take the course -- the new grade will appear on your transcript and will be used for GPA calculations provided you indicate when you register that you are repeating the course to improve the grade otherwise both the old and the new grade will become part of your GPA. However, under any circumstances, the original grade (most likely an "F") will remain on your transcript as a matter of record.
If you leave school, but do not fill out a "withdrawal" form by this
date, then you will have a transcript consisting entirely of "F"s which,
again, can only be negated by re-taking the courses.
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ELECTIVES
Possibly the least understood course designation. Nearly all courses
taught at UWMC count towards specific degree requirements, either as general
education (humanities, science, social science etc.) or as required courses
for a major. Some courses do not -- these are "electives". BUT, all degrees
require a minimum number of credits, and a certain number of these can
be electives (the number varies from program to program). So, they are
not "lost" or "wasted" -- they count towards your degree. In fact,
most electives are extremely useful in expanding your knowledge of a subject
and, if well chosen, can lead you in directions you never thought to try.
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EXAM DATES AND TIMES
Term tests are held during class time on dates set by each instructor
-- be sure to find out when they are from the course syllabus.
Final exams are held in December -- dates and times are listed
beside each course in the UWMC Timetable, and a key to the codes is in
the same publication.
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EXTRA CREDIT
Grades are assigned based on the quality of work. Therefore
you cannot increase your grade by doing more work. Few, if any,
instructors give extra credit. However, if you have a legitimate reason
for doing poorly in a test, the instructor may take this into consideration
when determining your semester grade.
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FINANCIAL AID
The UW Centers has a comprehensive student financial aid program which
includes all major federal and state aid funds. UWMC has a staff member,
located in the Student Services Office, who serves as a financial aid advisor
to assist you in all areas of the financial aid process. This advisor will
help with pre-college financial planning and provide application forms,
information and advice about money management and post-college
debt repayment.
You must apply for financial aid each year because eligibility
does NOT carry over from one academic year to the next.
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GENERAL EDUCATION
General education proficiencies and distribution requirements are the
foundation of a baccalaureate degree. It is general education that produces
a well-rounded graduate and not just a narrow specialist. General education
emphasizes proficiencies and breadth of knowledge that contribute to our
knowledge and abilities as citizens rather than just specialist professionals.
The Associate of Arts and Sciences degree offered
at UWMC meets university-wide general education requirements
at any UW baccalaureate school.
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GRADES
Grades are assigned by individual instructors following assessment
procedures (i.e. tests, recitals etc.) described in the course syllabus
(see "Syllabus"). The manner by which grades are
calculated varies from instructor to instructor, but this should also be
laid out in the course syllabus. Some instructors "curve" grades, but most
do not. The points required for an "A" etc. also vary, and this should
also be stated in the course syllabus.
Semester grades are mailed out soon after the end of each semester.
Mid-term grades (see entry below) are mailed out after the sixth week of
classes. The mailings are addressed to you: the only way you parents
can find out about how you are doing is to ask you -- legally the university
cannot release or discuss grades and your progress with them.
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GRADE POINT SYSTEM
Semester grades are recorded by letter only. Each letter grade equals
a certain number of grade points per credit. A grade of B in a three-credit
subject equals nine grade points, as illustrated by the following
scale of grades and grade points:
| Grade Points | Grade Points | |||
| Grade | per Credit | Grade | per Credit | |
| A (excellent) | 4.00 | C (average) | 2.00 | |
| A- | 3.67 | C- | 1.67 | |
| B+ | 3.33 | D+ | 1.33 | |
| B (good) | 3.00 | D (poor) | 1.00 | |
| B- | 2.67 | D- | 0.67 | |
| C+ | 2.33 | F (fail) | 0.00 | |
| COURSE | CREDITS | GRADE |
| BIO 130 | 5 | C |
| GEO 110 | 3 | A |
| PSY 201 | 4 | B |
BIO 130 contributes 5 credits x 2.00points-per-credit = 10.00 grade
points.
GEO 110 contributes 3 credits x 4.00points-per-credit = 12.00 grade
points.
PSY 201 contributes 4 credits x 3.00points-per-credit = 12.00
grade points. Total grade points are thus
34.00.
GPA is then grade points divided by the total number of credits taken: 34.00/12 = 2.83.
Here you can see the effect of the greater weight of the five-credit science course on the average. This average can be calculated for each semester or it can be calculated for all the courses you have taken thus far (your "cumulative GPA"). Your "Academic Standing" depends on your GPA.
Note that grades carrying pluses and minuses are rounded. Thus three credits of A- generates 11.00 grade points rather than 11.01.
A temporary grade of "incomplete" may be given by agreement with an instructor if you were passing the course but were unable to take the final exam or complete a part of the course work due to circumstances beyond your control. You must then agree to complete the work by an agreed upon date (before the end of the next semester) or else the grade you would have received without consideration will be applied. "Incompletes" are not automatic: you must request it bad be prepared to show evidence of the circumstances claimed.
You may also take course on a pass/fail and audit (attendance/no
exams) basis -- neither of these count for GPA, although pass/fail courses
do count towards semester credit load. Neither count towards general education
or major requirements.
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HOMEWORK
There is no "homework" in university in the same sense as you encountered
it in high school. For example, in a math class the instructor might
suggest or assign certain problems to be completed by the next class. The
idea is that doing these problems will help you further understand the
concepts s/he has just being talking about and will help you gain experience
in doing problems (which improves reasoning skills, and helps you tackle
new problems in exams). However, when you show up to the next class you
will likely find that the instructor goes over the problems on the board
(perhaps after giving you some time to discuss them among yourselves),
but does not take them in for grading, or go around to check you did it,
or give you a "pop quiz" on the material! So, you might think, "Next time
I'll skip doing the 'homework' and just get the answers from the board!"
WRONG! By just sitting there passively you are not really testing your
understanding or ability to reason, and so you will not do well on the
test in three weeks time (or whenever). "But why doesn't s/he grade the
work I do and give me credit for it?" Well, you have give yourself credit
for it, and know that you will do far better on tests (when they come)
for having done the work. Then you will see the value of it. This is
all part of the self-discipline of being a student. Also, remember
that you have chosen to attend university seeking a higher education --
unlike the majority of your previous schooling, there is no law that requires
you to enroll and attend. In high school, teachers have to force many students
to complete the work -- here, it is assumed that you want to learn.
Everything that has been stated above also applies to the chapters you are assigned to read alongside those geography (or whatever) lectures, or the material you have to read for that special discussion. If you choose not to do it because no-one is checking up on you, that's entirely your business (not the instructor's), but don't expect the best of grades at the end of the semester. Students who don't keep up with the "homework" usually fail or drop out. "Doing the homework" is also vital to maintaining your interest in classes.
If you wish to read more about this go to the file on learning
and also read the material on "time management
as self management".
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HONORS COURSES AND THE HONORS PROGRAM
High ability students should consider honors course work leading to
sophomore honors. Such distinction on your transcript can be quite meaningful
when you seek admission to a degree-granting program, employment, or a
graduate program.
Students are admitted to the Honors Program upon application when the student ranks in the upper 10% of his/her high school graduating class or has maintained a 3.0 GPA. in all University work. In order to maintain membership in the program, the student must not fall below a B average. The designation Sophomore Honors is awarded to students who complete 20 or more credits in Honors courses within the first 60 credits.
The Honors Program at UWMC is designed to offer the student an academic challenge beyond the expectations typically held for University-level courses. Though the quantity of work in honors sections will usually be greater, the primary emphasis will be on the depth and comprehensiveness of understanding in the student's approach to concepts and perspectives presented in honors courses.
Look here for
more information on the Honors Program.
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INCOMPLETE GRADE
See "Grade Point System".
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MAJOR, MINOR
Beyond general education, you will specialize
in a particular discipline -- this is your major. A lesser specialization
(a minor) may also be completed at the same time. Double majors are also
possible. See Degree Requirements for what is usually
involved.
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MENTOR
Freshman are assigned a faculty or staff mentor -- someone who can
assist them in settling into campus life and its academic demands. S/he
can provide information on services, help with decisions in choosing courses
(or dropping them), choosing a major, provide references etc. You should
be sure to visit with your mentor soon after the start of the semester.
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MID-TERM GRADES
Mid-term grades will be available to you by the end of the ninth week
of the semester. These are intended to let you know how you are progressing
in the course. If you visit during office hours, a professor will often
provide you with up-dates later in the semester.
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OFFICE HOURS
Professors post office hours on their doors and often state then in
the course syllabus. These are times when you can visit with your professor
and ask questions relating to the course or any other academic-related
matter on which you would like advice. Most professors are available at
other times by request (phone, e-mail or ask right after class for a time).
Take advantage of access to your professor -- s/he can provide help quickly
and get you back on track fast.
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PROBATION
See "Academic Standing".
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PROFESSORS
Strictly speaking, a professor is a tenured or tenure-probationary
faculty member. Other faculty who teach are academic staff instructors.
However, both are often just referred to as "instructors." At UWMC most
of your instructors are professors. Also, most professors and academic
staff instructors at UWMC have a PhD (a "doctorate"), and are entitled
(if they wish) to be called "Dr."
Confused? How do you know which is which? Well, you don't have to be so strict about it -- nobody will get offended. To begin with, just call your instructor "Professor So-and-so." But avoid "Mr." or "Mrs." If they care to be called anything else, they'll let you know quietly.
Professors and instructors post Office Hours --
find out when they are and take the time to visit if you have any questions
you think your professor can help you with -- they very much welcome the
opportunity to talk with you. They can help with academic questions, and
they can also help with advice on majors and can supply references (but
only if they know you, so visit once in a while).
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REGISTRATION
You can register for classes any time up to the add
date each semester. Before registering it is best to consult with an
academic counselor in Student Services to ensure that you are selecting
the correct courses. In the fall and spring, continuing students are given
the opportunity of early registration to ensure class availability. Check
announcements for the dates.
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REPEATING A COURSE
If you are disappointed with a grade you can re-take the course. However
the new grade will only be used for GPA calculations provided you indicate
when you register that you are repeating the course to improve the grade
otherwise both the old and the new grade will become part of your GPA.
Under any circumstances, the original grade will remain on your transcript
as a matter of record.
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SCHOLARSHIPS
A large number of scholarships are awarded each Spring at UWMC's annual
awards ceremony. Awardees for most of them are chosen by a committee on
the basis of academic achievement and service and no application is needed.
Some, such as the Newberry Creativity Award, have a competition you must
enter.
However, there are a large number of scholarships that are not administered
by UWMC at all -- these you must find out about for yourself and apply
for. Often there are announcements in the "Weekly Marathon" (a one-page
newsletter distributed on campus). Also, the baccalaureate campus to which
you are transferring will have scholarships -- these you can find out about
from their catalog (available in UWMC's Student Services
Office) or by writing the registrar's office at the baccalaureate campus.
Again, it is up to you to take the initiative -- a good deal of
scholarship money goes begging each year for lack of applicants! Can you
afford to overlook this possible source of funding?
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SEMESTERS
There are three semesters: Fall and Spring are each 15 weeks long,
and Summer Session is 7 weeks. Fall begins around Labor Day; Spring begins
about the third week of January; and Summer begins the second week of June.
Usually about 12 courses are offered in the summer, plus some basic
skills classes.
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STUDENT ASSOCIATION
The Student Association is the student organization on campus, paid
for out of a portion of your fees, and elected by you to represent students
in campus governance. They also organize many activities, run the Student
Union, and provide some budget to student clubs etc. Check out their homepage
and visit their office opposite the bookstore at the west entrance.
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STUDENT EVALUATIONS
Contrary to what the term might imply, these are not evaluations of
students; rather, they are evaluations by students of their instructor.
All instructors are evaluated in alternating Fall and Spring semesters,
although some are evaluated every semester (instructional academic staff
and tenure-track professors).
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STUDENT SERVICES
Student Services is located centrally, beside the main 7th. Ave. entrance
to the campus (around the corner from the Student Association office).
Student Services provides academic counseling (help with choosing your
program of courses), career counseling and financial counseling. It has
a library of catalogs from just about any place to which you might want
to transfer, and provides tests to help in career choices. The receptionist
here accepts requests for transcripts, sells stamps, collects fines for
parking tickets, and distributes tickets to theatre events (which are free
to students). For more information go here.
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SUSPENSION
See "Academic Standing".
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SYLLABUS
A syllabus is a document usually given out in the first class meeting.
It contains information of great importance to successfully completing
a course, such as: the name, phone number and office hours of the professor;
the text(s) to buy; the manner in which your grade will be computed; class
policies on attendance, missed exams, late papers etc.; a listing of topics
in sequential order with readings, exams times and dates; and just about
anything else the instructor thinks you ought to know about the course.
Keep you syllabus safe and refer to it frequently if you have any questions
on the topics it covers.
There is a file of recent syllabi from most courses in the Student Services
Office. Some instructors have syllabi on the WWW.
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TESTS
See "Exam dates and times" and "Grades".
Some instructors have examples of tests on file in the library.
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TRANSCRIPT
A transcript is your academic record. Your transcript and the grades
it contains cannot be released to anyone but yourself, including your parents
or guardian. You can obtain a copy of it by filing a form with the
Student Services receptionist. For a modest fee you can also request that
copies be routed to schools to which you might transferring. You can't
get a copy of your transcript if you owe the University any fine, money,
or materials or have a delinquent loan account through the University Financial
Aid Office.
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TRANSFER
There are a number of transfer options available.
The Guaranteed Transfer Program enables students to begin their education as freshmen at the University of Wisconsin Centers, and be guaranteed admission to a UW System institution as a junior. After fulfilling certain credit and grade point average requirements, students will transfer with the same rights and privileges as those who begin their education at the baccalaureate institution.
To participate you must begin as a new freshman at UWMC and submit a Declaration of Intent to participate in the Guaranteed Transfer Program prior to the start of the sophomore year (30 credits) at UWMC. You must then complete the number of credits required for junior status at the baccalaureate institution to which you student intend to transfer within three years. The baccalaureate institution may make exceptions to the required number of credits for those majors/programs for which early transfer is recommended.
A minimum of a 2.00 cumulative grade point average (2.6 for UW-Madison) and a 2.0 in the term prior to transfer must be maintained (i.e. you must be in good academic standing). UWMC students participating in the Guaranteed Transfer Program must meet the same criteria (e.g. GPA, course requirements, etc.) for admission to specific majors/programs as continuing students. The guarantee of admission applies only to the institution and not to the specific program or major. But in this respect you are treated no differently from students beginning their education at the baccalaureate campus.
Further information on Guaranteed Transfer is available here.
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TUTORING SERVICES
Students needing assistance with mathematics, writing or tutoring in
any subject should stop by the UWMC Resource Room, located in Room 176
(around the corner from the Union, heading south). Students can receive
small group or individual assistance in any subject. Most services are
free, although one-on-one tutoring requires a nominal fee.
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UNDECIDED MAJOR
This is UWMC's most popular major! It is not unusual to be undecided,
and very often students who know what they want to do change their minds
two or three times. If you are undecided then plan a course of study around
the Associate of Arts and Sciences Degree (remember,
it will meet the university-wide general degree requirements
at
any UW school) while you settle on a major.
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WITHDRAWAL
Non-attendance does not constitute official withdrawal. Withdrawal
means terminating your registration in all courses for the semester. You
must complete the process no later than the 10th week of classes in any
semester (less in summer). If you do not withdraw you will receive grades
in all courses for which you were registered. These grades can only be
negated by repeating the class.
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