ACADEMIC POLICIES & UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS
Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs
Somsen Hall, Room 211 (507-457-5010)
www.winona.edu/academics.html
The Office of Academic Affairs oversees all academic matters for the University, which include maintaining the curriculum and making it available to students, assuring the quality of instruction, administering the academic policies and requirements of the University, managing enrollment, and maintaining a stimulating learning environment.
Policy Changes: Administrative and committee actions may change policies that affect students at any time. Students are responsible for complying with changes as they are reported either in the student newspaper (the Winonan) or in announcements posted on the Registrar's Office bulletin board (Somsen Hall, Room 114) or on the University's website (www.winona.edu).
UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS
UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS Students progress toward an associate (2-year) or a baccalaureate (4-year) degree by completing courses that satisfy University Studies requirements. Students in baccalaureate programs must also satisfy the requirements of an academic major and may take required courses in a minor, or related field. Students also commonly take elective courses for personal interest or enrichment that do not satisfy requirements in any of these three areas but that, nevertheless, are applied toward the total number of course credits required for graduation.
However, excessive accumulation of elective courses can delay graduation. Some academic choices lead unavoidably to that end. For example, a student who changes academic goals by transferring from another school or by changing majors may accumulate courses that can only be counted as electives. If a student changes from one curriculum to another within the University, the student must meet requirements of the newly chosen curriculum even though the total number of credits earned exceeds the total minimum for graduation.
On the other hand, some courses may apply to both teacher licensure and a university requirement or may satisfy more than one university requirement simultaneously. Careful academic planning, with the help of an advisor (page 28), can take advantage of such overlaps to satisfy multiple goals within the time span required for an undergraduate degree.
Non-Degree CreditA small number of courses cannot be used to satisfy university requirements or applied toward graduation. These include:
- Developmental courses (course numbers below the 100-level). Developmental courses such as English 099 and Math 050 meet a student's educational needs, but carry only non-degree credit that counts toward financial aid and athletic eligibility but does not count toward graduation requirements. The grade received in a developmental course is not used in computing the term or cumulative GPA.
- Audited courses (page 24).
- Vocational courses (not available at WSU but sometimes taken at another school).
- Courses taken for continuing education credit (CEU) (page 29).
- Courses in which the student has received a failing grade. (Some departments require a grade of “C” or better in courses applied toward the major.)
UNIVERSITY STUDIES PROGRAM (USP)
The University Studies Program (46 semester hours) provides a broad base of skills and knowledge to equip students for informed, responsible citizenship in a changing world. It, thereby, distinguishes a college degree from a technical or occupational training program certificate. The program provides opportunities for students to evaluate their cultural and social inheritance critically, to think scientifically in both the natural and social spheres, to think beyond the boundaries of their own culture, and to understand the expressive arts. It also enhances reasoning, analytic, and communication skills that students will need to perform well in a wide range of occupations and postgraduate programs. Finally, the program provides the opportunity for students to explore how an understanding of the connections among these diverse bodies of skill and knowledge enhance their ability to live well and ethically in the contemporary world. Page 19 provides an overview of the University Studies subject areas and semester-hour requirements. Page 20 lists the courses approved for University Studies credit at the time this catalog was published.
All students, including transfer students, must complete the University Studies requirements in order to graduate from WSU:
- Transfer students who have satisfied specific goals of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum, as identified in the Admissions section of this catalog (page 6), will be considered to have satisfied the equivalent components of the University Studies Program.
- Transfer students who have received an Associate in Arts degree from a community or technical college have automatically satisfied the Basic Skills, Arts and Sciences Core, and Unity and Diversity components of University Studies but must, nevertheless, complete the University Studies Program Flag requirements at WSU.
- Transfer students who have received an A.S. or A.A.S. degree from a community college or university can usually anticipate that they will meet the WSU University Studies requirements once they have completed 40 or more semester credits. Those 40 hours must include humanities, the natural sciences and social sciences (as defined by WSU) and course work equivalent to the courses required in the basic skills.
Note: The list of approved University Studies courses is continually updated as additional or new courses are approved for various levels of the University Studies Program. The most up-to-date list of courses is available at www.winona.edu/registrar/. Students are expected to check all course descriptions carefully to determine prerequisites.
Credit Transfers from WSU
The Minnesota Transfer Curriculum is a cooperative transfer program in which all public colleges and universities in Minnesota participate. If Winona State University certifies that a student transferring to another participating college or university has satisfied all ten areas of emphasis of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum, then the other school will give the student credit for fully satisfying their general education requirements. The ten areas of emphasis are written and oral communication; critical thinking; natural sciences; mathematics/symbolic systems; history and the social/behavioral sciences; the humanities–arts, literature, and philosophy; human diversity; global perspective; ethical and civic responsibility; and people and the environment. Additional information about the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum is available at www.mntransfer.org.
WSU's general education requirements comprise three areas within the University Studies requirements described on page 19 of this catalog: (1) four Basic Skills: College Reading and Writing, Oral Communication, Mathematics, and Physical Development and Wellness; (2) four Arts and Sciences Core requirements: Humanities, Natural Science, Social Science, and Fine and Performing Arts; and (3) four Unity and Diversity requirements: Critical Analysis, Science and Social Policy, Global or Multicultural Perspectives, and Contemporary Citizenship or Democratic Institutions. A current list of courses that meet these requirements can be viewed online at www.winona.edu/registrar/.
If a student, transferring from WSU to another school that participates in the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MNTC), has completed some but not all the University Studies Program requirements, then he or she will be certified as having completed those areas of emphasis indicated by the table below. (Note: For students whose initial enrollment is Fall 2006 or later, introductory or beginning world language courses do not count toward any of the MNTC goals although such courses typically fulfill Humanities requirements in the University Studies Program.)
Successful completion of University Studies Program flagged requirements will not result in certification of completion of MNTC areas of emphasis. Students transferring to a college or university outside Minnesota or to a Minnesota institution that does not participate in the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum may have their transcripts evaluated on a course-by-course basis.
Satisfied Winona State's requirements in Certified as having completed Minnesota University Studies areas of: Transfer Curriculum (MNTC) areas of:
College Reading and Writing and Oral Communications (Basic Skills) Written and Oral Communication (MNTC Goal 1)
Mathematics (Basic Skills) Mathematics/Symbolic Systems (MNTC Goal 4)
Physical Development and Wellness (Basic Skills) Does not satisfy any MNTC area
Humanities and Fine and Performing Arts (Arts and Sciences Core) The Humanities–the Arts, Literature, and Philosophy (MNTC Goal 6)
Natural Science (Arts and Sciences Core) Natural Sciences (MNTC Goal 3)
Social Science (Arts and Sciences Core) History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences (MNTC Goal 5)
Critical Analysis (Unity and Diversity) Critical Thinking (MNTC Goal 2)
Science and Social Policy (Unity and Diversity) People and the Environment (MNTC Goal 10)
Multicultural Perspectives (Unity and Diversity) Human Diversity (MNTC Goal 7)
Global Perspectives (Unity and Diversity) Global Perspective (MNTC Goal 8)
Contemporary Citizenship or Democratic Institutions Ethical and Civic Responsibility (MNTC Goal 9)
(Unity and Diversity)
Using University Studies Courses to Meet Graduation Requirements
1. Students may use University Studies courses toward meeting the requirements in any minor requiring the course.
2. Students may use Basic Skills courses to satisfy both University Studies and major requirements.
3. Students may use courses in the Arts and Sciences Core to meet both University Studies and major/option requirements only if they are Additional Requirements courses.
An Additional Requirements course is an Arts and Sciences Core course that is required in the major/option but offered outside the major/option department. In this catalog, additional requirements are noted in the major/option program descriptions with an asterisk (*). Grades and credit hours earned in additional requirement courses are not calculated into the student's major GPA.
4. Students may use Unity and Diversity courses to satisfy both University Studies and major requirements.
5. Students may use Flag courses to satisfy both University Studies and major requirements. Flag courses will usually be in the student's major or minor program. All Flag courses require the relevant Basic Skills course(s) as prerequisites (e.g., the “College Reading and Writing” Basic Skill course is a prerequisite for Writing Flag courses), although departments and programs may require additional prerequisites for Flag courses.
Overview of University Studies Components
Note: When using the online registration systems, students may use Search Codes to identify courses that satisfy each of the requirements below.
BASIC SKILLS (12 S.H.)
College Reading and Writing (ENG 111; 4 S.H.): Increase students' critical reading, thinking, and writing skills. Help students develop a mature writing style; establish foundation for the reading/writing done in later college courses. Students should take ENG 111 during the first year of college. (Search Code 10)
Communication Studies (CMST 191; 3 S.H.): Develop skill in expressing ideas effectively and interacting with others in dyadic and group contexts. Students should take CMST 191 during their first two years of college. (Search Code 11)
Mathematics (3 S.H.): Develop an appreciation of the uses and usefulness of mathematical models of our world as applied in a variety of specific contexts. Should be taken during the first year, but no later than the student's third semester. (Search Code 12)
Physical Development and Wellness (2 S.H.): Provide knowledge and practical skills in lifetime physical activity, health awareness, and wellness. Courses complement and enhance students' educational foundation by learning how to live a healthy lifestyle. (Search Code 13)
ARTS AND SCIENCES CORE (22 S.H.)
Humanities (6 S.H.): Provide a framework for understanding the nature and scope of human experience. Courses explore the search for meaning and value in human life by examining its expression in cultural forms and texts, literature, and the arts. (Search Code 14)
Natural Science (7 S.H.): Provide students the tools to understand and apply the methods by which scientific inquiry increases our understanding of the natural world. One laboratory course is required. (Search Code 15)
Social Science (6 S.H.): Help students to understand and explain the economic, political, psychological, and sociological perspectives regarding human behavior. (Search Code 16)
Fine and Performing Arts (3 S.H.): Offer opportunities for creative expression. Courses develop basic skills and aesthetic awareness in tandem with a fundamental understanding of artistic traditions and contemporary expressions. (Search Code 17)
UNITY AND DIVERSITY (12 S.H.)
Critical Analysis (3 S.H.): Develop critical thinking or analytic problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify sound arguments and distinguish them from fallacious ones. (Search Code 18)
Science and Social Policy (3 S.H.): Promote students' understanding of the interrelated concerns of society and the sciences. Courses integrate issues related to one of the sciences with the social and government policy decisions that stem from these issues. (Search Code 19)
Global or Multicultural Perspectives (3 S.H.):
Global Perspectives: Improve students' understanding of the growing inter-relatedness of nations, people, and the environment. -OR-
Multicultural Perspectives: Develop students' understanding of diversity within and among societies. (Search Code 20)
Contemporary Citizenship or Democratic
Institutions (3 S.H.):
Contemporary Citizenship: Provide students with the ability to participate as effective citizens in a democratic, multicultural, and global society. -OR-
Democratic Institutions: Help students understand basic concepts of social justice, the common good, and the legitimate scope of government in a democratic and pluralistic society. (Search Code 21)
FLAG REQUIREMENTS (12 S.H.)
I Oral Flag (3 S.H.): Complete the process of providing WSU graduates with the knowledge and experience required to become highly competent communicators by the time they graduate. (Search Code 22)
P Writing Flag (6 S.H.): Reinforce the outcomes specified for the basic skills area of writing. Courses emphasize writing as essential to academic learning and intellectual development. (Search Code 23)
O Mathematics/Statistics or Critical Analysis Flag (3 S.H.):
- Mathematics/Statistics: Provide students with significant practice in applying prerequisite mathematics or statistical knowledge. -OR-
- Critical Analysis: Provide students with significant practice in rigorous argument comparable to what a student is expected to receive in a mathematics/statistics flag course. (Search Code 24)
APPROVED USP COURSES
Note: The list of approved University Studies courses is continually updated as additional or new courses are approved for various levels of the University Studies Program. The most up-to-date list of courses is available at www.winona.edu/registrar/. Students are expected to check all course descriptions carefully to determine prerequisites.
BASIC SKILLS (12 S. H.)
COLLEGE READING & WRITING (4) - MNTC Goal 1-
ENG 111 College Reading and Writing (4)
ENG 112 Research Writing (1) (must be combined with transfer credit)
ORAL COMMUNICATION (3)
CMST 191 Introduction to Public Speaking (3)
MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS (3) -MNTC Goal 4-
100 Survey of Math (3)
110 Finite Mathematics (MATH) (3)
120 Precalculus (3)
130 Matrix Algebra (3)
140 Applied Calculus (3)
150 Modeling Using Precalculus and Statistics (3)
155 Calculus Based Modeling (3)
160 Calculus I (4)
165 Calculus II (4)
110 Fundamentals of Statistics (STAT) (3)
210 Statistics (STAT) (3)
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT AND WELLNESS (2)
Health, Exercise and Rehabilitative Sciences (HERS)
204 Personal and Community Health (3)
205 Nutrition for Lifetime Wellness (3)
Physical Education and Recreation (PER)
Activities (1 S.H. each): 100, 101, 102, 103, 104,
112, 120, 122, 123, 134, 135, 137, 139, 140, 141, 142, 144
199 Lifetime Fitness (2)
214 Standard First Aid and CPR (2)
239 Outdoor Pursuits (3)
ARTS & SCIENCES CORE (22 S.H.)
HUMANITIES (6 S.H.)
Note: For students whose initial enrollment is Fall 2006 or later, introductory or beginning world language courses do not count toward any of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum goals. Introductory language courses include: ARAB 101, 102; CHIN 101, 102; ENG 106; FREN 101, 102; GERM 101, 102; JPN 101,102; and SPAN 101, 102.
Arabic (ARAB)
101 Arabic for Beginners (4)
102 Introduction to Arabic Grammar and Literature (4)
Art -MNTC Goal 6-
109 Introduction to Art (3)
221 Art History I (3)
222 Art History II (3)
224 American Art (3)
Chinese (CHIN)
101 Beginning Chinese I (4)
102 Beginning Chinese II (4)
Communication Studies (CMST) -MNTC Goal 5-
283 Introduction to Rhetorical Studies (3)
289 Gender and Communication (3)
English (ENG) -MNTC Goal 6-
106 ESL: Academic Reading & Writing I (3) (Exception: ENG 106 does not count toward MNTC goals. See Note above.)
120 Introduction to Literature (3)
240 Young Adult Literature (3)
Foreign Languages (FREN, GERM, SPAN)
101 Elementary French I (4)
102 Elementary French II (4)
101 Elementary German I (4)
102 Elementary German II (4)
101 Elementary Spanish I (4)
102 Elementary Spanish II (4)
History (HIST) -MNTC Goal 5-
120 Western Civilization to 1500 (3)
121 Western Civilization 1500-1815 (3)
122 Western Civilization 1815-Present (3)
150 United States History to 1865 (3)
151 United States History Since 1865 (3)
214 The Mississippi River in U. S. History (3)
Humanities (HUM) -MNTC Goal 6-
140 Approaches to Film (3)
Japanese (JPN)
101 Beginning Japanese I (4)
102 Beginning Japanese II (4)
Music (MUS) -MNTC Goal 6-
109 Introduction to Music (3)
112 Musical Culture Along the Mississippi River (3)
113 Women in Music (3)
122 History of Rock Music (3)
Residential College (RESC) - MNTC Goal 6-
140 Topics in Humanities (3)
Philosophy (PHIL) -MNTC Goal 6-
120 Introductory Philosophy (3)
201 Classical Philosophy (3)
230 Moral Theory (3)
240 Philosophy of Science (3)
260 Problems in Philosophy (3)
270 Philosophy of Religion (3)
280 Philosophy of Art (3)
301 Early Modern Philosophy (3)
302 Contemporary Philosophy (3)
NATURAL SCIENCES (7 S.H.)
Biology (BIOL) -MNTC Goal 3-
117 Human Biology (3)
118 General Biology (4)
201 Human Anatomy (4)
203 Natural History (4)
211 Anatomy and Physiology I (4)
212 Anatomy and Physiology II (4)
241 Basics of Life (4)
242 Organismal Diversity (4)
Chemistry (CHEM) -MNTC Goal 3-
100 Chemistry Appreciation (3)
106 Chemistry in Our World (3)
107 Chemistry in Our World with Lab (4)
108 Introductory General Chemistry (4)
208 General, Organic, and Biochemistry I (4) (thru Spring 2005 only)
209 General, Organic, and Biochemistry II (4) (thru Spring 2005 only)
210 Chemistry for Health Sciences (5)
212 Principles of Chemistry I (4)
213 Principles of Chemistry II (4)
Geoscience (GEOS) -MNTC Goal 3-
100 Minnesota 's Rocks and Waters (3)
104 Catastrophes and Extinctions (3)
105 Astronomy with Laboratory (4)
106 Astronomy (3)
110 Oceanography with Laboratory (4)
111 Oceanography (3)
115 Meteorology with Lab (4)
116 Meteorology (3)
120 Dynamic Earth with Lab (4)
121 Dynamic Earth (3)
130 Earth and Life Through Time (4)
Physics (PHYS) -MNTC Goal 3-
115 Conceptual Physics (4)
200 Fundamentals of Aviation (3)
201 General Physics I (4)
202 General Physics II (4)
221 University Physics I (4)
222 University Physics II (4)
Science Education (SCIE) -MNTC Goal 3-
201 Investigative Science I: Earth the Water Planet (4)
401 Investigative Science II (4)
SOCIAL SCIENCE (6 S.H.)
Communication Studies (CMST) -MNTC Goal 5-
282 Introduction to Communication Studies (3)
287 Conflict and Communication (3)
Economics (ECON) -MNTC Goal 5-
201 Principles of Microeconomics (3)
202 Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
Education (EDUC) -MNTC Goal 5-
303 Human Development and Learning: Elementary Education with Early Childhood Emphasis (4)
304 Human Development and Learning: Middle Level and K-12 (4)
305 Human Development and Learning: Secondary (4)
Geography (GEOG) -MNTC Goal 5-
110 World Regional Geography (3)
212 Physical Geography (3)
213 Cultural Geography (3)
Political Science (POLS) -MNTC Goal 5-
120 Introduction to American Politics (3)
130 Introduction to International Relations (3)
150 Introduction to Political Theory (3)
201 Politics and Violence (3)
221 State and Local Government (3)
Psychology (PSY) -MNTC Goal 5-
210 General Psychology (3)
250 Developmental Psychology (3)
325 Social Psychology (3)
Sociology (SOC) -MNTC Goal 5-
150 Introduction to Sociology (3)
205 Social Interaction (3)
212 The Family (3)
216 Social Problems (3)
Special Education (SPED) -MNTC Goal 5-
400 Education of Exceptional Children/Youth (3)
Women's and Gender Studies (WAGS) -MNTC Goal 5-
148 Introduction to Women's & Gender Studies (3)
FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS (3 S.H.)
Art (ART) -MNTC Goal 6-
110 Experiencing Art (3)
114 2-D Design (3)
115 3-D Design (3)
117 Drawing for the Sciences (3)
118 Drawing I (3)
120 Introduction to Ceramics (3)
128 Introduction to Sculpture (3)
130 Introduction to Printmaking (3)
English (ENG) -MNTC Goal 6-
222 Introduction to Creative Writing (3)
Mass Communication (MCOM) -MNTC Goal 6-
115 Photography Appreciation (3)
Music (MUS) -MNTC Goal 6-
110 History of American Jazz (3)
111 Film Music: Art behind the Scenes (3)
120 Introduction to Music Theory (3)
141 World Music Ensemble (1)
143 Women's Chorus (1)
233 Piano Ensemble (1)
239 Jazz Combo (1)
240 Percussion Ensemble (1)
241 Symphonic Wind Ensemble (1)
242 Orchestra (1)
243 Concert Choir (1)
244 Jazz Ensemble (1)
247 Woodwind Ensemble (1)
320 Music for Elementary Teachers (3)
324 Recreational Music (2)
Residential College (RESC) - MNTC Goal 6-
143 Experience and Expressons (3)
Theatre and Dance (THAD) -MNTC Goal 6-
111 Theatre Appreciation (3)
115 Dance Appreciation (3)
131 Performance I for Everyone (3)
141 Oral Interpretation (3)
151 Tap Dance I (1)
153 Jazz Dance I (1)
155 Modern Dance I (1)
157 Ballet I (1)
205 Make Up for the Performer (1)
253 Jazz Dance II (2)
255 Modern Dance II (2)
257 Ballet II (2)
295 Making Interdisciplinary Connections (3) (Summer 2007 or after)
UNITY AND DIVERSITY (12 S. H.)
CRITICAL ANALYSIS (3 S.H.)
Chemistry (CHEM) -MNTC Goal 2-
190 Forensic Chemistry (4)
425 Analytical Chemistry I (4)
Child Advocacy Studies (CAST) -MNTC Goal 2-
301 Perspectives on Child Maltreatment & Child Advocacy (3)
Communication Studies (CMST) -MNTC Goal 2-
375 Argumentation and Advocacy (3)
Computer Science (CS) -MNTC Goal 2-
130 Introduction to BASIC Programming (3)
150 Overview of Computer Science (3)
234 Algorithms and Problem Solving I (4)
Economics (ECON) -MNTC Goal 2-
302 Intermediate Microeconomics (3)
English (ENG) -MNTC Goal 2-
210 Advanced Expository Writing (3)
Finance (FIN) -MNTC Goal 2-
360 Corporate Finance (3)
Geoscience (GEOS) -MNTC Goal 2-
240 Watershed Science (4)
Health, Exercise and Rehabilitative Sciences (HERS) -MNTC Goal 2-
326 Educational Topics/Issues (2)
433 Senior Health Seminar (1)
491 Therapeutic Treatment and Rehabilitation of Athletic Injuries (3)
History (HIST) -MNTC Goal 2-
298 Historical Research Methods and Historiography (3)
Mathematics (MATH) -MNTC Goal 2-
210 Foundations of Mathematics (4)
315 Chaos Theory (3)
Mathematics Education (MTED) -MNTC Goal 2-
201 Technology-Based Geometry and Other Essential Mathematics for Elementary Teachers (4)
Music (MUS) -MNTC Goal 2-
203 Theory III (4)
Nursing (NURS) -MNTC Goal 2-
392 Cardiovascular Risk Prevention (3)
Philosophy (PHIL) -MNTC Goal 2-
110 Critical Thinking (3)
210 Inductive Reasoning (3)
250 Symbolic Logic (3)
Physics (PHYS) -MNTC Goal 2-
223 University Physics III (4)
Psychology (PSY) -MNTC Goal 2-
308 Experimental Psychology (3)
Statistics (STAT) -MNTC Goal 2-
303 Introduction to Engineering Statistics (3)
305 Biometry (3)
310 Intermediate Statistics (3)
321 Industrial Design of Experiments I (3)
Theatre and Dance (THAD) -MNTC Goal 2-
119 Play Reading (3)
215 Introduction to Laban Movement Analysis (3)
Women's and Gender Studies (WAGS) -MNTC Goal 2-
373 Feminist Theory/Process (3)
SCIENCE AND SOCIAL POLICY (3 S.H.)
Biology (BIOL) -MNTC Goal 10-
104 Environment, Society, and Conservation (3)
109 Microbes and Society (3)
269 Human Reproduction (3)
490 Issues in Biology (3)
Chemistry (CHEM) -MNTC Goal 10-
320 Environmental Chemistry (4)
Computer Science (CS) -MNTC Goal 10-
210 Computers in a Global Society (3)
Economics (ECON) -MNTC Goal 10-
315 Environmental and Natural Resource Economics (3)
450 Health Economics (3)
Engineering (ENGR) -MNTC Goal 10-
102 Introduction to Engineering (2)
390 Composites Manufacturing (3)
480 Design Project II (3)
Geoscience (GEOS) -MNTC Goal 10-
102 Resources of the Earth (3)
103 Natural Disasters (3)
108 Geology of the Mississippi River (3)
325 Environmental Geoscience (3)
Philosophy (PHIL) -MNTC Goal 10-
330 Biomedical Ethics (3)
Physics (PHYS) -MNTC Goal 10-
140 Energy (3)
Political Science (POLS) -MNTC Goal 10-
340 Environmental Policy (3)
Psychology (PSY) -MNTC Goal 10-
298 Health Psychology (3)
330 Psychology and the Law (3)
360 Personnel Psychology (3)
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES OR MULTICULTURAL PERSPECTIVES (3 S.H.)
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES
Child Advocacy Studies (CAST) -MNTC Goal 8-
302 Global Child Advocacy Issues (3)
Economics (ECON) -MNTC Goal 8-
404 International Economics (3)
415 International Economic Development (3)
430 Asian Economies in Transition (3)
Finance (FIN) -MNTC Goal 8-
440 International Finance (3)
Geoscience (GEOS) -MNTC Goal 8-
425 Global Climate Change (3)
450 Travel Study in Costa Rica (2)
Global Studies (GS) -MNTC Goal 8-
200 Introduction to Global Studies (3)
205 Global Cultural Encounters (3)
210 Introduction to North America (3)
232 Introduction to Latin America (3)
233 Latin American & Caribbean Immigration in the United States (3)
250 Introduction to Asia (3)
255 Peoples and Culture of South and Southeast Asia (3)
300 Contemporary China (3)
History (HIST) -MNTC Goal 8-
123 East Asian Civilization (3)
165 Latin American History (3)
170 African Civilization (3)
Marketing (MKTG) -MNTC Goal 8-
450 Travel Study in Costa Rica (2)
Political Science (POLS) -MNTC Goal 8-
205 The United Nations in World Affairs (3)
Social Work (SOCW)
445 Globalization of Social Welfare (3)
Women & Gender Studies (WAGS) -MNTC Goal 8-
234 Interdisciplinary Approach to Gender and Latin American Society through 20th Century Literature (3)
235 Interdisciplinary Approach to Women and Social Justice Issues in Latin America (3)
MULTICULTURAL PERSPECTIVES
Biology (BIOL) - MNTC Goal 7-
365 The Cultures & Ecology of East Africa - Tanzania (4)
Business Education (BUED) -MNTC Goal 7-
350 Quality of Work Life (3)
Chinese (CHIN)
201 Advanced Beginning Chinese I (4)
202 Advanced Beginning Chinese II (4)
Communication Studies (CMST) -MNTC Goal 7-
281 Intercultural Communication (3)
290 Disability Communication and Culture (3)
291 Topics in Multicultural Communication (3)
Economics (ECON) -MNTC Goal 7-
435 North American Economics (3)
Education (EDUC) -MNTC Goal 7-
308 Human Relations and Student Diversity (3)
English (ENG) -MNTC Goal 7-
107 ESL: Academic Reading & Writing II (3)
220 Multicultural American Literatures (3)
221 Topics in World Literature (3)
Foreign Languages (FREN, GERM, SPAN) -MNTC Goal 7-
201 Intermediate French I (4)
202 Intermediate French II (4)
201 Intermediate German I (4)
202 Intermediate German II (4)
201 Intermediate Spanish I (4)
202 Intermediate Spanish II (4)
Geography (GEOG) -MNTC Goal 7-
223 Geography of the Orient (3)
225 Geography of Latin America (3)
Global Studies (GS) -MNTC Goal 7-
215 Modern Japanese Culture
History (HIST) -MNTC Goal 7-
220 Introduction to African-American History (3)
235 History of the American Indian (3)
Honors (HON) -MNTC Goal 7-
251 Special Seminar
Japanese (JPN) -MNTC Goal 7-
201 Advanced Beginning Japanese I (3)
202 Advanced Beginning Japanese II (3)
Music (MUS) -MNTC Goal 7-
114 World Music (3)
115 Music of East and Southeast Asia (3)
116 Music of the Americas (3)
Nursing (NURS) -MNTC Goal 7-
325 Transcultural Issues in Health Care (3)
Physical Education and Recreation (PER) -MNTC Goal 7-
265 Leisure in Different Cultures (3)
Political Science (POLS) -MNTC Goal 7-
225 Ethnic Conflict and Nationalism (3)
226 Politics and Society in Africa (3)
270 Politics and Society in the Middle East (3)
335 Latin American Political Systems (3)
390 Comparative Politics - Third World (3)
Theatre and Dance (THAD) -MNTC Goal 7-
312 Japanese Classical Theatre
Women's and Gender Studies (WAGS) -MNTC Goal 7-
220 Power, Privilege, and Gender (3)
CONTEMPORARY CITIZENSHIP OR DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS (3 S.H.)
CONTEMPORARY CITIZENSHIP
Accounting (ACCT) -MNTC Goal 9-
211 Financial Accounting Principles (3)
Business Administration (BUSA) -MNTC Goal 9-
106 Introduction to Business (3)
Business Education (BUED) -MNTC Goal 9-
215 Personal Finance (3)
360 Interpersonal Business Relations (3)
Computer Science (CS) -MNTC Goal 9-
116 Web Technology
Counselor Education (CE) -MNTC Goal 9-
200 Career/Life Decision Making (3)
220 Emotions and Behavior (3)
Economics (ECON) -MNTC Goal 9-
320 Business-Government Relations (3)
420 Labor Economics (3)
Education (EDUC) -MNTC Goal 9-
120 Parenting (3)
English (ENG) -MNTC Goal 9-
211 Writing in Communities (3)
Finance (FIN) -MNTC Goal 9-
201 Introduction to Finance (3)
Health, Exercise and Rehabilitative Sciences (HERS) -MNTC Goal 9-
235 Professional Issues in Exercise Science (3)
Marketing (MKTG) -MNTC Goal 9-
100 Marketing and Society
101 Experimental Entrepreneurship
Music (MUS) -MNTC Goal 9-
298 Foundations and Principles of Music Education (2)
Nursing (NURS) -MNTC Goal 9-
120 Introduction to the Health Professions (3)
260 Women's Health Issues (3)
Philosophy (PHIL) -MNTC Goal 9-
130 Moral Problems (3)
332 Philosophy of Law (3)
Physical Education and Recreation (PER) -MNTC Goal 9-
421 Outdoor Education and Interpretive Services (3)
Political Science (POLS) -MNTC Goal 9-
218 Community Service (3)
228 Public Service (3)
Residential College (RESC) -MNTC Goal 9-
150 Insights and Implications
Statistics (STAT) -MNTC Goal 9-
350 Design of Samples and Surveys (3)
DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS
History (HIST) -MNTC Goal 9-
125 Classical History (3)
Mass Communication (MCOM) -MNTC Goal 9-
100 Mass Media and Society (3)
Philosophy (PHIL) -MNTC Goal 9-
220 Philosophy of Democracy (3)
335 Constitutional Philosophy (3)
Political Science (POLS) -MNTC Goal 9-
135 Comparative Political Systems (3)
220 Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (3)
332 European Political Systems (3)
343 Human Rights in Theory and Practice (3)
FLAG REQUIREMENTS (12 S.H.)
Students may use University Studies Flag courses to satisfy both University Studies and major requirements. Flag courses will usually be in the student's major or minor program. In this catalog, flag course offerings are listed in each academic department's Program Description. The list of Flag courses is continually updated as additional or new courses are approved. For the most recent list of approved flag courses in the University Studies Program, see http://www.winona.edu/registrar.
MAJOR/MINOR REQUIREMENTS
In addition to University Studies requirements, all students in B.A. or B.S. degree programs must complete requirements for an academic major or specialization. The major provides the student with in-depth practical and theoretical knowledge in a particular area of study. Many majors or areas of specialization offer students alternative paths of study or options. Students are also encouraged to pursue their interests by taking elective courses related to their major. Some degree programs require the student to complete a minor.
To declare a major, minor, or licensure program, complete the following steps:
- Determine what major/minor program you wish to pursue. Check the program descriptions in this catalog to determine the major/minor program requirements. Because requirements may have changed since this catalog was printed, you are advised to consult with the Registrar's Office and the department offering the major or minor before making academic decisions.
- If the major/minor program you wish to pursue is not listed in the current catalog, consult with the appropriate academic department to determine program requirements.
- Complete the Declaration/Change to Major/Minor/Licensure Program form, and submit it to your major department, your academic advisor, or the Registrar's Office. When you declare (or change) your major/minor/licensure program, you must conform to the requirements effective on the date indicated on the Declaration/Change to Major/Minor/Licensure Program form.
Program requirements must be completed within seven years after declaring or changing a major/minor/certification. If the seven-year limit expires before the student completes the program requirements, the student must then complete the program requirements effective on the day after the seven-year limit expired.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Four-Year Graduation Guarantee
The offer of a Four-year Graduation Guarantee is extended to “first-time-in-college” students who declare certain majors at the time of matriculation. If the student signs a guarantee and complies with its terms and conditions, the student is assured graduation after completing four years of full-time study. If a student signs a guarantee and complies with the conditions but does not receive a diploma, WSU promises that the student can complete any remaining required courses tuition-free. For more information, contact the appropriate department or college dean.
To determine whether the major you intend to declare participates in the Four-year Graduation Guarantee Program, contact the Office of Admissions (Somsen Hall, Room 106).
Associate in Arts Degree - AA (2-Year)
To be eligible for graduation, the student must satisfy the following requirements:
- Complete a minimum of 64 credit hours.
- Complete at least 16 of the 64 credit hours at WSU.
- Complete the University Studies requirements except for the Flag Requirements.
- Accumulate an overall “C” average (2.00 GPA or higher).
- Be enrolled at WSU during the semester of graduation.
- Submit a completed Graduation Application to the Registrar's Office at least two semesters before the expected graduation date. See page 17 for the detailed application, approval, and notification procedures.
Baccalaureate Degrees (4-Year)
To be eligible for graduation, a student must satisfy the following requirements:
- Complete a minimum of 128 credit hours.
- Complete at least 30 of the 128 credit hours in residence during the junior and senior years combined. Residence credit is credit for classes taught by WSU faculty as well as credit earned under the Minnesota State University Common Market Program; it does not include credit by examination.
- Complete the University Studies Program requirements.
- Accumulate an overall “C” average (2.00 GPA or higher).
- Be enrolled at WSU during the semester of graduation.
- Bachelor of Science (teaching) candidates must complete the Professional Education Sequence, including student teaching.
- Complete, with a “C” average, either a broad major of 47 credit hours or more or a major of fewer than 47 credit hours combined with a minor or a second major. (With a broad major, a minor is not required.) Students should be aware of the following considerations related to the major requirements:
- A student cannot have a minor, option, or concentration that consists wholly of courses that are required in the major or option in which he/she is earning a degree.
- Students can use a course to meet requirements in any major, minor, option or concentration requiring the course. However, they may not use a course in their major to meet arts and sciences core requirements unless it is an additional requirement (see page 19). Credit earned in a course counts only once toward the minimum 128 semester credits required for graduation.
- If the major has more than one option or concentration, the minor requirement may not be fulfilled with a second option or concentration in that major. However, a student may take a major and a minor in the same department, unless the department prohibits that practice.
- Certain departments require students to earn a “C” or better in each course within their major/minor or to earn a “C” or better in specific courses in their major/minor. Students should consult with the department offering the major or minor for any additional GPA requirements.
- The major GPA does not include grades earned in additional requirements courses. (For more information, see page 19.)
- Submit an Application for Graduation to the Registrar's Office. See page 17 for more details about how to apply for graduation.
Notes: No degree is awarded until all grades are finalized; “I” or “IP” grades cannot remain on the permanent record. The student has the final responsibility for selecting and registering in courses that meet curriculum requirements.
Dual Degrees
If a student completes two majors that fall under different degrees (for example, Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science), only one degree is posted to the student's academic record unless the student completes 30 semester hour credits at WSU after the first degree is posted. The student may choose which degree is posted; however, if the student completes a Bachelor of Science (teaching) major and wishes to get a teaching license, the student is encouraged to have that degree posted.
If a student returns after graduation from WSU to earn an additional (different) bachelor degree at WSU, the student must complete a minimum of 30 additional credits for the second degree. If a student completes another major but does not complete the additional 30 credits, the major is recorded on the permanent record, but the additional degree is not recorded nor is another diploma awarded. The student receives only one diploma for each degree earned.
Teaching Degree Requirements for Post-Baccalaureate Students
A Bachelor of Arts graduate who holds a degree from WSU or another accredited institution may qualify for teacher licensure by complying with certain requirements, which are detailed in the Department of Education section on page 87.
ALTERNATIVES FOR EARNING ACADEMIC CREDIT
In addition to taking courses described in this catalog, students may make progress toward academic and career goals by:
- Participating in special learning activities described in the section entitled “Other Academic Resources” (e.g., Cooperative Program with St. Mary's University; Minnesota State University Common Market program; Outreach and Continuing Education Department, Study Abroad Program). (See page 29.)
- Exercising alternatives such as credit by examination, independent study, internships, which are described in this section of the catalog.
Credit by Examination
If students can satisfy the requirements of a particular course by a written or oral examination, they may be able to get credit by departmental examination without formally enrolling in the course. This policy allows students to receive credit if they have completed equivalent study at a non-accredited school or if they can present evidence of independent study and related work experience. Students cannot use this process to repeat a course to improve a grade.
To be eligible, the student must be fully matriculated with a minimum 2.00 GPA at WSU and enrolled at the University during the semester in which a credit by examination is requested. To apply, the student should request a Credit by Examination form from the Registrar's Office (Somsen Hall, Room 114) and obtain the necessary approvals from the academic dean and department offering the course to be credited.
Substitution of a Course
A student may request that a particular course be substituted for a course required in the student's major or minor. The course to be substituted may be one that the student has completed at WSU or at another college/university; it should carry the same credit and level as the course it is to replace. To request a course substitution, students should request an application from the Registrar's Office (Somsen Hall, Room 114) and obtain approvals from the academic department offering the course.
Audited Courses
The auditing procedure permits a student to attend a course without performing graded work. An audited course appears on the student's transcript, but carries no academic credit. Audited courses cannot be used to satisfy graduation, certification, or licensure requirements. Courses pursued on an audit basis must be declared and processed during the registration period. A decision to change from a graded basis to an audit basis must be finalized by the published add/drop deadline for the semester. Regular tuition charges apply. See page 15 for registration information.
Independent Study
Projects beyond the scope or range of any courses offered at WSU can be pursued as independent study at the discretion of the appropriate faculty member, department chairperson, and dean. To be eligible, the student must be fully matriculated with an established cumulative GPA at WSU of 2.00 or higher. Students must apply for independent study according to announced deadlines (see Academic Calendar) and register for the course during the designated registration period. See page 16 for registration information.
Internships
Internships provide students academic credit for a supervised on-the-job work experience. Students apply the knowledge and skills learned in an academic setting to a professional work environment. A number of departments offer specific courses granting internship credits. Students must be fully matriculated to enroll in an internship. WSU policy indicates that students must have a minimum GPA or 2.00 to enroll in an internship; however, some departments require a higher minimum GPA.
University policy limits the number of credits that may apply toward a degree as follows: 12 internship credits per semester and 16 internship credits in total. In cases where combined internship credits in a major and/or minor will exceed 16 credits, a maximum of 21 semester credits may be applied toward graduation. However, individual departments may set a maximum number of credits awarded for internships.
Students should refer to the appropriate department listing for specific internship details, including minimum GPA, prerequisites, and credit limitations. Internships are offered on a pass/no credit basis, except 3 semester credits may be taken for a grade with approval of the department and academic dean. See page 16 for registration information.
GRADING AND CREDIT POLICIES
Credit Load
One hour of credit is granted for one lecture or class period of 50 minutes per week for 15 weeks. Most courses are credited with 3 or 4 semester hours. Laboratory classes, internships, practica, and other special courses typically offer fewer credits per hour of instructional time. To be considered full-time, a student must take a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester. Students who wish to enroll in more than 19 semester credits must obtain prior approval from the academic dean.
The University may restrict the number of credits in which a student can enroll if it determines that previous low scholarship, out-of-school obligations, or similar factors might interfere with satisfactory performance of the student's obligations. The University may restrict a student from registering if the student fails to follow proper registration procedures.
To complete degree requirements in four years (8 semesters), students must earn an average of 16 semester credit hours each semester. For more information about the four-year graduation guarantee, see page 22.
Class Attendance
In order to improve students' access to classes they need and want, the faculty has adopted a policy that requires student attendance at the first meeting of all classes. The purpose of this policy is to identify students who have decided to drop a particular class as early as possible so that students who want to enroll in that class will be able to do so.
If a student wishes to continue in a class but is unable to attend the first class meeting due to circumstances beyond his/her control, the student should notify the instructor or academic department before the first class meeting. If a student wishes to withdraw from a class, the student is responsible for dropping the class (page 26).
An instructor may choose to cancel a student's registration if the student fails to attend the first class meeting of a closed (i. e., full) class; however, the instructor is not required to do so. The student must not assume that the instructor will cancel his/her registration for a class, even if the class is closed. If the instructor cancels the student's registration, a notice will be sent to the student's permanent address.
Other than this policy regarding attendance at the first meeting of a class, the University has no overall policy governing class attendance. Each instructor establishes and announces an attendance policy and has the responsibility and authority for enforcing it.
Grading System
Work in any course is evaluated in accordance with the following system of letter grades:
|
A - Excellent |
F - Failing |
W - Withdrawal |
|
B - Very Good |
NC - No Credit |
V - Audit |
|
C - Average |
I - Incomplete |
IP - In Progress |
|
D - Below Average |
P - Pass |
H - Honors |
The notation of “Z” on an unofficial transcript indicates that no final grade has been reported yet. At the close of a semester, a “Z” grade is replaced with one of the other grades.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
Each semester hour of credit attempted receives honor points according to the following:
- Each “A” credit = 4 honor points
- Each “B” credit = 3 honor points
- Each “C” credit = 2 honor points
- Each “D” credit = 1 honor point
- Each “F” credit = 0 honor points
The GPA is computed by dividing the total number of honor points by the total number of credits attempted. The frequently referred to “C” average is a 2.00 grade point average. The major and minor GPAs do not include Additional Requirements (i.e. Arts and Sciences courses outside the major department that are required courses in certain majors; see page 19). Although courses taken on a pass/no credit basis grant credit toward graduation, the credit does not affect the GPA.
For probation and suspension decisions, only courses and credits taken at WSU count in the computation of GPAs.
Incomplete Grades
An “Incomplete” is reserved for special cases in which the student, for reasons beyond his/her control, is unable to finish an important assignment or other required coursework by the end of the semester, though the student is passing in all other aspects. An Incomplete cannot be used to gain time to perform extra credit work to improve a potentially low course grade.
Students must complete the prescribed requirements of the course before mid-term of the next semester. Once the requirements are satisfied, the instructor will submit a completed Change of Grade/Incomplete form to the Registrar's Office. The Registrar must receive a grade to replace the “I” by mid-term day of the next semester. If an “I” is not replaced with a grade within the specified time, the incomplete grade automatically becomes a failing grade. If an “IP” is not replaced with a grade before the student completes graduation requirements, it becomes a failing grade.
An instructor may assign a grade of IP (In Progress) to a student who is in a course that is not expected to end at the close of a semester. Certain internships and arranged classes, for example, are designed to continue beyond the close of a semester. If an “IP” is not replaced with a grade within one year of the close of the semester in which the course was offered, it becomes a failing grade.
Repeated Courses
When a student repeats a course, he/she must take the course on a regular graded basis (i.e., letter grade). When a student repeats a course, only the last grade received and credits earned are included in the GPA computation. If the student withdraws (W) while repeating a course, the original grade is included in the GPA computation.
At registration, the student must submit the appropriate forms to the Registrar's Office, indicating that a particular course is being repeated. Without this notification, the student's academic records may be adversely affected. Students should be aware that repeating courses will slow their academic progress and may delay graduation, because they will only receive credit for the most recent offering of the course. Once a baccalaureate degree has been awarded, the student cannot repeat any course to improve his/her GPA.
Pass/No Credit (P/NC) Courses
The University's P/NC grading classification enables students to enroll in unfamiliar or difficult academic subjects without fear of jeopardizing their GPA. It is intended to introduce students to lifelong learning-learning that does not include the traditional reward or penalty of a grade.
Although courses taken on a P/NC basis grant credit toward graduation, the credit does not affect the cumulative GPA. When the course is completed, either P (pass) or NC (no credit) is entered in the student's permanent record. P is interpreted as equivalent to an A, B, C or D letter grade. If the student receives a “grade” of NC, the course can be repeated; however, it must be repeated for a letter grade, and the grade will be included in the student's GPA (see “Repeated Courses” above).
Departments designate which courses they require or permit to be taken on a P/NC basis. Major, minor, or professional courses generally are not included, but a department chairperson may approve an exception. The department may permit the course to count toward the major/minor requirements if a student selects a major or minor after taking a course in the department on a P/NC basis.
Students cannot take more than six P/NC credits per semester except for student teaching and internships. The six credits include both optional P/NC classes and classes in which P/NC grading is mandatory.
Additionally, the total number of credits for graduation may not include more than 32 “Pass” credits. Optional P/NC courses, mandatory P/NC courses, student teaching and/or internships all are counted in the 32-credit limitation. For optional P/NC courses, the student must decide, by the last day of the drop/add period, whether the course is being taken on a P/NC basis. See page 15 for more information about declaring/changing the grading method for a course.
Final Examinations
A final examination is required for every course taught at WSU. The course instructor determines the content of the final examination. Students can find out when an exam is to be given by going to www.winona.edu/class_schedule and clicking on the link to the appropriate semester's exam schedule. Exams are scheduled according to the following guidelines:
- Because the semester extends through the final exam week, classes are expected to meet as designated in the final exam schedule.
- An instructor who wishes to reschedule an exam during final exam week must receive prior approval from the college dean.
- Courses of more than two credits will have final exam times determined by the day the class first meets for lecture each week. Final exams for classes beginning on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday will meet at MWF times. Final exams for classes beginning on Tuesday or Thursday will meet at TH times.
- Examinations in classes offered for one or two credits will be given during the last regularly scheduled class period prior to the first day of the final examination schedule.
- The responsibility for allowing exceptions for individual students rests with the student and the instructor.
- The content of the final examination is determined by the course instructor, who is encouraged to consult with the students prior to giving the final.
- Evening class final exams adhere to the published schedule for evening classes. All other classes follow the day class schedule.
- Some classes may begin at times other than the regularly scheduled start times. Final exams for these classes will be held at the examination time schedule for the class period in which the start time of the class falls (example: a class beginning at 9:00 A.M. Tuesday and Thursday will have its final exam at the time scheduled for 8:00 - 9:20 A.M. TH classes).
GRADE APPEAL POLICY
The evaluation of student performance in courses and the reporting of appropriate grades are faculty responsibilities. However, students sometimes feel that their academic work has been evaluated unfairly. The process for student appeals of grades is as follows:
- Any student who considers appealing a grade will confer with the instructor, within the first 10 academic calendar days of the next term (excluding summer terms), in an attempt to resolve the dispute.
- If the student and the faculty member come to agreement, the process ends.
- If the student and the faculty member do not come to agreement, then the student may file a written grade appeal, using the Grade Appeal form, which is available in the Registrar's Office and at the University Center Rochester student services desk. The written appeal must be sent to the chairperson of the Grade Appeals Committee within 30 academic calendar days of the next term (excluding summer terms), and a copy of the appeal to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
- A Hearing Committee, which is a subcommittee of the Grade Appeals Committee, will review the case as presented by the student and the faculty member. Both parties are entitled to assistance and advice from members of the academic community in presenting their case to the subcommittee. The Hearing Committee may recommend that the instructor do one of the following:
- Make no change in the grade
- Re-evaluate the student's academic work
- Change the grade
- The finding of the Hearing Committee is final. It will be conveyed to the student, the instructor, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, and the chairperson of the Grade Appeals Committee. Within seven (7) calendar days, the course instructor will inform the student, Grade Appeals Committee chairperson, and the Vice President for Academic Affairs of the action taken regarding the Hearing Committee's recommendation. The instructor is not obligated to comply with the recommendation of the Hearing Committee.
ACADEMIC PROGRESS
Classification of Students
Based on credit hours completed, students are classified as follows:
Credit Hours
- Freshman 0 - 29
- Sophomore 30 - 59
- Junior 60 - 89
- Senior 90+
Freshmen are not eligible to enroll in courses numbered in the 400-level. In order to make continuous progress toward a four-year degree, a student must take an average of 16 credits per semester. A “freshman,” therefore, is usually a first-year student; a sophomore is usually a second-year student, and so forth. Because a student's credit load in any semester may vary from the average, classification by credit hours is a more informative indicator of progress toward a degree than time spent in school.
Satisfactory Progress
To maintain good academic standing, a student must have a minimum WSU cumulative GPA of 1.75 for the first 15 degree credits attempted (including any credits attempted at other schools) and 2.00 thereafter. The cumulative GPA used to determine satisfactory progress is based solely on courses attempted and grades earned at WSU.
The satisfactory progress requirements that are used to determine eligibility for financial aid (page 10) are more stringent than the requirement listed in this section.
Academic Honors
WSU offers many opportunities for students to achieve academic honors including the Dean's List and Graduation with Honors. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the various department-level and university-level opportunities to earn recognition of their academic excellence and achievements.
WSU belongs to several national fraternities that recognize scholarship and a commitment to service, including Alpha Lambda Delta (first-year students with 3.50 GPA), Golden Key International Honor Society, and the National Residence Hall Honorary Society.
Honor Societies
Some academic departments have joined national honors societies, and other departments are in the process of doing so. If your major is not included in the following list, contact the chairperson of your department to learn what activities are underway regarding honor societies.
| Biology |
Beta Beta Beta |
| Communication Studies |
Lambda Pi Eta |
| Education |
Kappa Delta Pi, Alpha Omega Upsilon |
| Mathematics |
Pi Mu Epsilon |
| Nursing |
Sigma Theta Tau |
| Political Science |
Pi Sigma Alpha |
| Psychology |
Psi Chi |
| Social Work |
Alpha Delta Mu |
Department Honors Programs
Some departments have honors programs with specific requirements for admission and an honors thesis project. Departments offering honors programs include biology, nursing, and psychology. It is the University's expectation that the number of departments offering departmental honors will increase over the next few years.
Dean's List
Undergraduate students are included on the Dean's List if they complete 12 semester hours or more for a grade at WSU (not including pass/no credit) during any one semester and achieve a grade point average of 3.50 or higher.
Graduation with Honors
Note: When this catalog went to print, the criteria for graduation with honors were under administrative review. Please go to www.winona.edu/registrar to see the criteria in effect as of Fall 2006.
Academic Warning and Suspension
To remain enrolled in the University, students must be in good academic standing at the end of each academic year. A Notice of Academic Warning is sent to any student who is not in good academic standing at the end of the fall semester of each academic year. If, at the end of the spring semester, the student's cumulative GPA is below the minimum required for good academic standing, the Vice President for Academic Affairs will suspend the student. Students newly admitted to the University in the spring semester are not subject to suspension until the following spring semester.
Once a student is suspended, he/she can submit a written appeal for readmission. If the written appeal is denied, the student can appeal in person to the Academic Review Committee. If the appeal is granted, the student is eligible to return during the next academic year. Instructions for submitting an appeal are included in the Notice of Suspension.
Re-Admission after Suspension
If the student does not appeal a suspension or if the appeal is denied, the student must comply with the following suspension policy regarding University enrollment. The student cannot enroll:
- For one semester after receiving the first Notice of Suspension.
- For a full academic year after receiving a second Notice of Suspension.
- For two full academic years after receiving a third Notice of Suspension.
A student may enroll in courses at WSU during the summer sessions even though he/she has been suspended. Students who have returned to the University after complying with the suspension policy, but who do not return to good academic standing within the academic year in which they re-enroll, are subject to suspension again at the end of the academic year. For answers to specific questions regarding the suspension policy or procedures, contact the Advising and Retention Center (Phelps Hall, Room 129).
Academic Pardon
The purpose of the academic pardon policy is to grant students a one-time pardon for past failures and to allow them to resume their college careers with a realistic possibility of completing a degree. Academic pardon may be attractive for a student who has left WSU with a very low GPA, gained life experience, and returned after an extended absence to resume degree work. If the student has not yet applied for graduation, he or she may request that grades earned during a specified period of the previous undergraduate career be held aside during calculation of an adjusted cumulative grade point average, as described below.
Approval of academic pardon has the following consequences:
- The cumulative GPA will be recalculated. The new GPA will be based on courses completed after the student was re-admitted. Grades and credits attempted during the period for which academic pardon has been approved will not be used in calculating the cumulative GPA that is printed on transcripts and in determining whether graduation requirements have been met.
- Courses in which the student received a grade of “C” or better prior to being re-admitted will be used for academic credit but not used in calculating the GPA.
- The following statement will appear on transcripts of the student's academic record: “This student was granted Academic Pardon under the WSU Academic Pardon Policy. All WSU courses with a grade of “C” or better taken prior to re-admission and granting of academic pardon were given academic credit, but were not used in the calculation of the WSU GPA.”
- Grades the student received during the period of academic pardon will remain unchanged as a permanent part of the student's academic record, and will be printed on all transcripts of that record.
- The student must meet all major/program requirements in effect at the time he/she was re-admitted.
- The student is not eligible for academic honors at graduation (i.e. Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude).
DROPPING CLASSES
Note: Students should be aware that dropping classes may slow their academic progress and may delay graduation.
When students register for classes, the University reserves seats in those classes for them, and the University provides course syllabi and other materials for their use. Because course availability is limited, a student's registration may also prevent other students from taking a particular class. Therefore, registration in classes obligates each student to pay tuition and other fees unless she/he drops those classes before the “drop-without-tuition-obligation” deadline.
The “drop-without-tuition-obligation” deadline is the sixth day on which classes are offered in the fall and spring semesters, and the third day on which classes are offered in a summer session. Classes that begin in the middle of a fall or spring semester or a summer session and classes that meet only once a week must be dropped before the second class meeting in order to avoid a tuition charge. The “drop-without-tuition-obligation” deadline for short courses (three days or less) is the first class meeting. Specific drop/add dates are listed in the academic calendar.
Classes dropped before the “drop-without-tuition-obligation” deadline are not recorded on transcripts of the student's academic record. Classes dropped between that deadline and the final withdrawal deadline are recorded on transcripts of the student's academic record with a grade symbol “W” (meaning, “withdrew”). Credits in courses with the “W” symbol are not included in the computation of GPAs.
MnSCU expects WSU to charge tuition and fees based on enrollment, not on attendance. Therefore each student's tuition charge will be based on all courses in which she/he is enrolled after the drop-without-tuition-obligation deadline, even if the student has never attended those classes.
In order to increase the numbers of students served, WSU allows instructors to drop students who do not attend the first class meeting. However, instructors may drop students from closed classes only, but they are not required to do so. Therefore, students are responsible for dropping any class that they have decided not to take. Students must not assume that someone else will take care of it for them. Students may drop classes using either the WSU website or staff assistance:
- If you use the website, always print a copy of your schedule after you have finished dropping classes. The printed copy should confirm that the Internet transaction was completed. Also, your computer screen should display a message indicating that the transaction was successfully completed. If it does not, the transaction was probably not successful.
- If you use staff assistance, always ask the staff person for a copy of your schedule.
WITHDRAWAL
If a student intends to transfer from WSU to another school, it is best to do so at the end of a semester in order to present a complete academic record to the new school and to avoid losing the financial investment and the effort committed to a semester in-progress. WSU recognizes, however, that this is not always possible.
Deciding Whether to Withdraw
If you are thinking about withdrawing in the middle of the semester, you owe it to yourself to be well informed and to consider all the consequences. Use the following checklist as you ponder this decision:
- Talk with your academic advisor. She/he will remember your academic and career objectives and listen to your concerns. Your advisor will also be able to help you plan for completing your college education at a later time.
- Make an appointment to see one of the staff members in the Advising and Retention office (Phelps Hall, Room 129; 457-5600).
- If you are having academic difficulty in one or more of your classes, check out the Academic Assistance Center (Library, Room 202) or Student Support Services (Howell Hall, Room 133; 457-5465). See page 28 for more information about specific services available and eligibility for these services.
- If you are not sure that you have chosen a major or career path that is right for you, visit the Career Services office (Gildemeister Hall, Room 110; 457-5340).
- If you are experiencing personal problems, help is available in the Counseling Center (Gildemeister Hall, Room 132; 457-5330).
- If you are experiencing illness, contact Student Health Services (Maxwell Hall; 457-5160).
- If you are having trouble paying tuition and fees, you may be able to work out a payment plan with the Accounts Receivable office (Somsen Hall, Room 104; 457-5076).
- If you are living on campus and are having problems with your roommate or accommodations, contact your Residence Assistant, Residence Hall Director, or the Housing and Residence Life office to find out what changes can be made (Kryzsko Commons, Room 130; 457-5305).
If you withdraw during the term and receive financial aid through the University, you may be expected to return part of it, corresponding to the portion of the semester in which you are not enrolled. If you plan to return to WSU or transfer to another school, leaving in the middle of the term may make you ineligible to receive government-sponsored financial aid in the future.
Withdrawing from the University
If, after exploring your options, you decide to leave the University, here is a checklist of things you should do:
- Be sure to drop your classes, either on the WSU website or with the assistance of staff members as follows:
- Winona classes: Registrar's Office (Somsen Hall, Room 114; 457-5030)
- Rochester classes: UCR Service Desk (507-285-7100)
- Extension classes: Outreach and Continuing Education (Somsen Hall, Room 109; 457-5080)
- Return your laptop computer to the Technical Support Center in Somsen Hall, Room 207. You are responsible for paying the laptop fee for any semester in which you are enrolled at WSU. If you are not enrolled and do not return the laptop by the start of the next semester, you will be charged a late fee.
- If you are leaving the University for only a semester or two, pick up an Intent to Return/Application for Readmission form at one of the registration offices above. Complete it and submit it at least one month before you plan to register for classes for your first term back.
- Check with the Accounts Receivable office (Somsen Hall, Room 104; 457-5076) to make sure your account is paid in full or to inform yourself of the balance on your account and the University's collections policies.
- If you are leaving in the middle of the semester and have received financial aid through the University, find out in the Accounts Receivable office whether you will be expected to return any of the aid you have received.
- If you are living in a campus residence, formally check out of your room with your Residence Assistant or the Residence Hall Director
You may withdraw from the University (drop all of your classes) anytime during the semester until the final withdrawal deadline. If you withdraw from the University within a few weeks after the “drop-without-tuition-obligation” deadline, you will receive a partial refund of tuition and fees, based on the date of your withdrawal, and in accordance with a pro-rated refund schedule (page 9). Each term's pro-rated refund schedule is published on the WSU website.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY
At WSU, academic integrity is based on honesty. The University community requires that work produced by students in the course of their studies represents their personal efforts and requires that students properly acknowledge the intellectual contributions of others.
WSU students are required to adhere to the University's standards of academic integrity. The following are examples, not intended to be all-inclusive, of types of behavior that are unacceptable and will be viewed as violations of the academic integrity policy.
Examples of Academic Integrity Violations
Cheating: Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials in any academic exercise or having someone else do work for you. Examples of cheating include looking at another student's paper during a test, bringing a “crib sheet” to a test, obtaining a copy of a test prior to the test date, or submitting homework borrowed from another student.
Deception and Misrepresentation: Lying about or misrepresenting your work, academic records, or credentials. Examples of deception and misrepresentation include forging signatures, falsifying application credentials, and misrepresenting group participation.
Enabling Academic Dishonesty: Helping someone else to commit an act of academic dishonesty. This would include giving someone else an academic assignment with the intent of allowing that person to copy it or allowing someone else to cheat from your test paper.
Fabrication: Refers to inventing or falsifying information. Examples of fabrication include “drylabbing” (inventing data for an experiment you did not do or did not do correctly) or making references to sources you did not use in academic assignments.
Multiple Submission: Submitting work you have done in previous classes as if it were new and original work. Although faculty may be willing to let you use previous work as the basis of new work, they expect you to do new work for the class. Students seeking to submit a piece of work to more than one class should seek the permission of both instructors.
Plagiarism: Using the words or ideas of another writer without proper acknowledgment, so that they seem as if they are your own. Plagiarism includes behavior such as copying someone else's work word for word, rewriting someone else's work with only minor word changes, and/or summarizing someone else's work without acknowledging the source.
Due Process
Due process refers to the concept of fair treatment. Students accused of violating the academic integrity policy have the following due process rights:
- Oral or written notice of the charges from the faculty member.
- An explanation of the evidence against the student.
- An opportunity for the student to present his/her side of the story.
- Notice of sanction(s) imposed (such as lowering a grade, failing the course, dismissal from a program, etc.).
- An opportunity to appeal the sanction(s).
Students accused of academic dishonesty have the right to appeal a faculty member's sanction to the Grade Appeals Committee. In cases involving accusation of academic dishonesty, the committee will make a recommendation to the appropriate academic dean rather than to the instructor, as is usually the case with standard grade appeals (page 25). The decision of the academic dean (or designee) is final.
Academic sanction appeals must be received in writing within five class days or, in the case of break periods, within five class days after returning from a break. A time extension may be granted upon request to the Grade Appeals Committee. Failure to submit a timely appeal, or request for extension, constitutes a waiver of any right to request an appeal. The written appeal must be based on one or more of the following reasons:
- The evidence from the meeting between the faculty and the student does not support the outcome.
- There are new or newly discovered facts not brought out in the original meeting, which may substantially affect the outcome.
- There was a procedural error, which could have substantially affected the outcome of the meeting.
- The sanction was excessively severe.
There may be circumstances when it may be appropriate for a more severe sanction(s) other than the academic sanction. The dean of the college(s) (or designee) where the alleged violation(s) occurred, in collaboration with the WSU Conduct Officer (or designee), will make the decision as to whether the case will be heard as a behavior discipline and be referred to the Office of Student Affairs to be processed under the guidelines of the WSU Student Conduct Policy. Students found responsible for a violation(s) processed under the WSU Student Conduct Policy face disciplinary sanctions (such as probation, suspension, etc.).
Information pertaining to the WSU Student Conduct Policy can be obtained in the Office of Student Affairs (Kryzsko Commons, Room 129) or website (www.winona.edu/studentaffairs).
Last Modified: Friday, April 20, 2007 13:55 by Lori Beseler
