SBHE Policy Manual Index NDUS Procedures Index Section 400 V400.01 Graduate Policies and Procedures (2020) Section 401 [Academic Freedom, Political Activities] 401.1 [Academic Freedom] Section 402 [Delegation of Admission Authority] 402 [Delegation of Admission Authority] 402.1 [First Year Applicants-Certificate Programs, Diploma, and Associate Degree Programs] 402.1.1 [Standardized Test Scores] 402.1.2 [Student Placement into College Courses] 402.2 [First Year Applicants - Baccalaureate Programs] 402.3 [Home Educated and Other Special Categories of Applicants] 402.4 [Admission Policies - Transfer Applicants] 402.5 [Admission Policies - Former Students] 402.6 [Admission Policies - Graduate and First-Professional Degree Programs] 402.7 [Admission Policies - Selected Undergraduate/Graduate Programs] 402.8 [Admission Policies -Non-resident Students] 402.9 [Admission Policies - International Students] 402.10 [Admission Policies - Student Enrolling under Reciprocal Agreements] 402.11 [Tests of High School Equivalency] Section 403 [Curriculum] 403.1 [Academic Program Approval] V403.01 Curriculum Management (2023) 403.1.2 [Institutional Instructional Program Evaluation] 403.2 [Course Inventories and Titles] 403.5 [Secondary-Postsecondary Articulation Agreements, Dual Credit Postsecondary Enrollment Options] 403.6 [Course Challenges and Prior Learning Credit] V403.06 Prior Learning Assessment Program (2020) 403.7 [Common General Education Requirement & Transfer of General Education Credits] 403.8 [Major and Minor Equivalency] 403.9 [Developmental Courses] Section 404 [Continuing Education] 404 [Collaborative Applicant] 404.1 [Distance Education Program Approval] V404.02 Extended Learning @ VCSU (2020) Section 405 [Student Teaching and Other Field Experiences] 405.1 [Student Teaching Field Experience] Section 406 [Calendars] 406.1 [Academic Calendars] V406.01.02 Final Examinations (2022) 406.2 [Class Starting Time] Section 407 Reserved 407.0 [Reserve Transfer] Section 409 [Degrees Offered] V409.01 Bachelor of University Studies (2020) Section 410.0 [Responsible Conduct of Research] Section 420 [Accreditation] Section 430 [Honorary Degrees and Awards] 430.1 [Honorary Degrees] 430.2 [Emeritus Status] V431.01 Faculty and Staff Emeritus Status Policy(2019) V431.01 Faculty and Staff Emeritus Status Procedure (2019) 430.3 [Posthumous Degrees] V432 Posthumous Degree (2025) Posthumous Degree Procedure Section 440 [Enrollment Reporting] Section 441 [Degree Credit, Non-Degree Credit and Non-Credit Instructional Activity] V441.01 Credit Hour Policy (2022) Section 450 [Institutional Reports, Catalogs, Bulletins] 461 [Digital Literacy] Section 480 V480.01 Field Trip Policy (2024) V480.01 Field Trip Procedure (2024) V480.02 Special Topics Courses and Independent Study (2022) V480.03 The Allen Memorial Library Policy (2021) V480.04 Bookstore Textbook Policy (2022) V480.05 Copyright Guidelines (2022)

Office of Graduate Studies Graduate Policies and Procedures The following academic policies guide decision-making of the Office of Graduate Studies. These policies establish minimum standards and qualifications, which program concentrations may exceed. Please refer to each program concentration for additional policies. Policies 1.0 through 5.0 are oriented toward the institution and faculty. Policies 6.0 through 9.0 are oriented toward the graduate student. Policy 10.0 on due process exists for instances when one wishes to appeal a decision based on these policies. The Graduate Council will review and make recommendations for modification in these policies when appropriate. Outline: 1.0 Graduate Faculty and Graduate Council 2.0 Program and course adoption, assessment, revision, termination 3.0 Course numbering 4.0 Course grades 5.0 Course credit 6.0 Admission requirements 7.0 Student admission categories 8.0 Registration 9.0 Academic standards: credit, grades, degree, graduation 10.0 Due Process 11.0 Scholarship applications and processes 12.0 Graduate Assistant Tuition Waiver Policy 1.0 Graduate Faculty and Graduate Council 1.1 Graduate Faculty 1.1.1 Graduate Faculty includes faculty or staff with full graduate status (voting), administrator of Graduate Studies and Research (voting), faculty holding associate graduate faculty status (non-voting), and the Vice President for Academic Affairs (non-voting).    1.1.2 The Office of Graduate Studies and Research will schedule meetings once fall and spring semester and/or as needed, and distribute the agenda one week prior to any meeting. All members may recommend items for the agenda and participate in discussion. Voting members shall make decisions. The members in attendance at the meeting shall constitute a quorum. A simple majority vote of those in attendance is necessary for action on a motion.     1.1.3 the unit Graduate Council represents Graduate Faculty members.  1.2 The Graduate Council 1.2.1 The Graduate Council shall include the following voting graduate faculty members: two from education, one from each program concentration, and two from the graduate faculty-at-large members. The Administrator of Graduate Studies and Research shall serve as chair, vote only in case of a tie, and prepare the agenda for council meetings. The Vice President for Academic Affairs shall serve as a non-voting member.     1.2.2 The Graduate Council chair, in consultation with the Vice President for Academic Affairs, shall appoint all members for the Council except the two graduate faculty-at-large. The Graduate Council chair shall receive nominations from the graduate faculty for the two graduate faculty-at-large members and submit nominations to the Faculty Senate for a vote.     1.2.3 In the event that a member cannot complete a term, the regular process of appointment or nomination and election shall serve to replace that person. Members may serve multiple consecutive terms.    1.2.4 The Graduate Council derives its powers from the Constitution of the Valley City State University Faculty Association. Policies of the Faculty Association Constitution and Graduate Council regulate all matters affecting graduate education. Graduate Council is the graduate unit policymaking body.     1.2.5 Purpose of Graduate Council is to promote graduate education at VCSU. To this end, the Graduate Council will promote graduate education at Valley City State University; recommend addition or termination of courses and program concentrations, determine standards and policies for selection and evaluation of graduate faculty and graduate instruction; determine standards and policies for selection, retention, and graduation of graduate students; act upon appeal by petition of graduate standards and policies by faculty and students; and assure uniform application of the standards and policies. 1.3 Graduate Faculty Status 1.3.1 Graduate faculty status recognizes a faculty member's teaching and research qualifications that enable him or her to conduct graduate level instruction and to supervise and direct graduate student research and scholarship. The expectation is that graduate faculty members shall contribute to the advancement of knowledge, the practice of teaching, and service to the institution and discipline. There are two levels of graduate faculty status: Full and Associate.    1.3.2. Full graduate faculty status may be granted to full-time tenured and tenure-track faculty or staff members holding a doctoral degree, or another degree nationally recognized as the terminal degree in that discipline. In addition to academic preparation, faculty holding full graduate faculty status shall demonstrate a record of ongoing scholarly activity. Full members of the graduate faculty may teach graduate courses in their areas of specialization, be assigned as advisors to graduate students, serve on graduate and student committees, chair student capstone committees, and participate as voting members of the graduate faculty. 1.3.3 Associate graduate faculty status may be granted: to adjunct faculty who meet the academic qualifications required for Full status, to administrators or staff with appropriate academic qualifications as required for Full status, to faculty who hold a masters or a specialist degree from a nationally recognized program in a subject area and record of professional achievement/expertise that would qualify him/her to teach selected courses in that subject at the graduate level. Such professional achievement/expertise shall be documented and accompanied by a letter of support from the unit administrator. Associate members of the graduate faculty may include, but are not limited to, visiting instructors or adjuncts. Associate members of the graduate faculty may teach graduate courses in their degree or specialized areas of expertise, advise graduate students, serve on student committees, and participate as non-voting members of the graduate faculty. Associate members who chair student committees must have another committee member with Full status who agrees to serve as administrative co-chair. 1.3.4 Affiliate graduate faculty status may be granted: a. to individuals who do not meet the requirements for either full or associate graduate faculty status but have a record of professional achievement/expertise that would qualify him/her to teach selected courses in that subject at the graduate level. Such professional achievement/expertise shall be documented and accompanied by a letter of support from the unit administrator. Affiliate graduate status should be granted sparingly and is not a long-term solution. A request for affiliate status should include a rationale for why the individual nominated is the best choice for teaching the particular course. Affiliate graduate status is most appropriate for elective courses or courses for which experiences gained by professionals will provide a valuable educational opportunity for the students. Affiliate graduate status should not be requested for required courses in a program, unless no other viable alternative exists. Affiliate members of graduate faculty serve as non-voting members and may not serve on graduate student committees or serve as committee chairs. 1.4 Approval, Evaluation, and Continuation in Status 1.4.1 Approval procedures for Full, Associate, and Affiliate graduate faculty include The faculty, staff, or unit administrator completes the Recommendation for Appointment to Graduate Faculty form. The form shall be submitted through, and must be approved by, the administrator(s) of the unit involved. Additional materials for Associate and Affiliate members should be included to provide a record of professional achievement/expertise. The Chair of the Graduate Council, acting for the Graduate Council and in accordance with the regulations promulgated by that body, must also approve the application. Associate graduate faculty will be reappointed yearly, based on recommendation from the faculty's unit administrator(s). The Office of Graduate Studies and Research will notify the faculty member, Department Chair/Dean, and VPAA of the Council's action. 1.4.2 Graduate faculty are evaluated through the campus process required of all faculty. Faculty evaluation is the responsibility of the faculty member's unit administrator. This administrator recommends initial appointment to graduate faculty status and monitors continued faculty adherence to the criteria (See 1.3). The unit administrator for graduate faculty will submit to the Administrator of the Office of Graduate Studies and Research an evaluation with a recommendation for continuance or discontinuance in graduate faculty status. Course evaluation is the responsibility of the Office of Graduate Studies and will be conducted for all courses.     1.4.3 Faculty members may appeal decisions on their status through the process described in the Constitution of the Faculty Association procedures for conflict resolution as stated in Article XI Section A of the Constitution of the Faculty Association. 2.0 Program and Course Adoption, Assessment, Revision, Termination Continuous updating of graduate curricula is essential to maintaining a high quality program. The curricular modification process from academic division/school, graduate council, curriculum committee, faculty senate, and if necessary, SBHE, ESPB, and HLC will be followed. 2.1 Program Adoption Structured curriculum, which results in new options, certificates, concentrations, or degrees, is subject to review and approval. The academic unit sponsoring the program prepares a Program Request addressing objectives, relation to unit and university mission, population served, admission requirements, course requirements, impact on degree programs, and start date.     2.1.1 The academic unit sponsoring the program reviews the request. If the program involves courses from two or more divisions/schools, all academic units involved must review and approve the program.     2.1.2 The Office of Graduate Studies and Research presents the program request to the Graduate Council and Curriculum Committee, which may seek additional or related information if helpful for its review. If both approve the program request, it will be referred to Faculty Senate for final approval. If the proposal is not approved, it will be returned to the sponsoring unit. If a program requires approval of external organizations the academic unit and the Office of Graduate Studies and Research will prepare and submit necessary materials. 2.2 Course and Program Revision Faculty need to update courses as changes in the field necessitate. Program needs change over time. Faculty need to continuously assess program content, structure, and continued viability. The assessment may lead to revision, or termination of a course, program part, or program. Initiation of action may be by graduate faculty, division chair/dean or Office of the Graduate Studies and Research. The Office of Graduate Studies will refer revisions to the Graduate Council and Curriculum Committee, which may seek additional or related information helpful to their reviews. If both approve the proposal, it will be referred to Faculty Senate for final approval based on majority vote. 3.0 Course Numbering: 601-699 and 701-799 are reserved for master's level course work and enrollment is restricted to graduate students. 4.0 Course Grades A - Excellent, 4 honor points per credit hour  B - Above average, 3 honor points per credit hour  C - Average, 2 honor points per credit hour  D - Below average, 1 honor point per credit hour  F - Failing, 0 honor point per credit hour, grade/course no acceptable toward graduation  I - Incomplete, not computed into grade point average until final grade awarded  W - No grade, student withdrew  S - Successfully completed  U - Unsuccessful attempt  AU - Audit 5.0 Course Credit 5.1 Course credit is credit granted toward meeting prerequisite or required program course requirements for courses successfully completed at VCSU.  5.2 Transfer course credit is credit toward meeting prerequisite or required program course requirements for courses take at another regionally accredited institution. 6.0 Admission Requirements 6.1a Required Procedures for Degree Seeking Applicants The following must be submitted by degree seeking applicant: Completed graduate application. Application fee check, money order, credit card or online payments for the exact amount of application fee. Official transcripts from all institutions attended. One transcript must show the applicant was awarded a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. Official transcripts (transcripts having an appropriate seal or stamp) of all previous undergraduate and graduate records must be received by The Office of Graduate Studies and Research before the application is considered complete. Three letters of recommendation from persons competent to judge the applicant's probable success in graduate school. A written statement of professional goals in light of your philosophy including a description of your preparation in the field of education. A resume or vita providing education and employment experience. All application materials must be received at least 30 days before classes begin for the fall, spring, and summer terms. 6.1b Minimum Qualifications for Degree Seeking Admission Status A regionally accredited institution must grant the bachelor degree. Degree seeking applicants must have an overall undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale to attain full standing in the program. Applicants whose last degree completed is a graduate degree may be admitted in full standing if the final GPA of that degree is at least 3.0 or equivalent. If applicants have taken any graduate course, the graduate GPA must be at least 3.0. The applicant must have adequate preparation in the field of education and must show potential to undertake advanced study and research as evidenced by academic performance and experience. International students must meet the admission requirements for International Students. (6.5). 6.2a Required Procedures for Certificate Seeking Applicants Two classes of graduate certificates can be distinguished: A certificate awarded with a master's degree indicating that a specific program of coursework has been followed within the regular program coursework. A certificate awarded for completing a specified program of post-baccalaureate courses, not constituting a regular graduate degree program, and awarded independently of a regular graduate degree. 6.2a.1 Certificate awarded with a Master’s Degree requires no additional admission procedures. Admission to the graduate program admits the student to the certificate. Certificates of this type much be applied for prior to or at the time of degree completion. 6.2a.2 Certificate awarded independent of a graduate degree Admission into the Graduate Certificate program does not guarantee admission into a graduate degree program nor imply the waiver of any requirements for admission in to a graduate degree program (6.1a). Certificate students may only take courses restricted to the certificate program. The following must be submitted by certificate seeking applicant: Completed graduate application. Application fee check, money order, credit card, or online payments for the exact amount of application fee. Official transcripts documenting any and all degrees. One transcript must show the applicant was awarded a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. A resume or vita providing education and employment experience. 6.2b Minimum Qualifications for Certificate Seeking Admission Status 6.2b.1 Certificate applied for with a Master's degree requires no other qualifications other than admission into the Graduate degree program.  6.2b.2 Certificate applied for independent of a Graduate Degree A certificate seeking applicant must meet the following qualifications: A regionally accredited institution must grant the bachelor degree. Certificate seeking applicants must have an overall undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale to attain full standing in the program. Applicants whose last degree completed is a graduate degree may be admitted in full standing if the final GPA of that degree is at least 3.0 or equivalent. If applicants have taken any graduate courses, the graduate GPA must be at least 3.0. The applicant must have adequate preparation in the field of education and must show potential to undertake advanced study and research as evidenced by academic performance and experience. International students must meet the admission requirements for International Students. (6.4). 6.3a Required Procedures for Non-Degree Seeking Applicants Non-degree seeking applicants must submit the following: Completed graduate application. Application fee check, money order, credit card or online payments for the exact amount of application fee. No more than nine (9) credits taken under the non-degree status with a grade of B or higher can be transferred to any official program of study should there be, at any future date, a decision be given to degree-seeking students. 6.3b Minimum Qualifications for Non-Degree Seeking Admission Status Non-degree applicants must have a bachelor degree granted by a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have adequate preparation in the field of education. In courses with limited enrollment, preference will be given to degree-seeking students. 6.4 International Student Admission 6.4.1 Canadian Students - Canadian students follow 6.0 Admission Requirements 6.4.2 In addition to all other required admission materials, the following must also be completed: Official academic transcript certifying a four-year baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university All foreign credentials must be officially translated into English All academic credentials must be either original records or certified copies of original records. Non-certified photocopies are not acceptable VCSU requires students seeking to have credits transfer use the Worldwide Education Services (WES) organization to have the course descriptions interpreted. The Registrar's Office will then receive the information to better evaluate what credits will transfer Canadian students do not need to use the evaluation service; however, you must have an official transcript sent to VCSU directly from the university attended TOEFL score (minimum paper score of 525 required/computer 71) 6.5 Applicants denied admission may appeal by petition (see policy herein Due Process 10.0) 7.0 Student Admission Categories 7.1 Process The decision of admission to graduate student status at VCSU is made by the Administrator of Graduate Studies and Research in consultation with faculty of the program concentration to which the student applies. Application should be made to the VCSU's Office of Graduate Studies and Research. See Page 10, Figure 2.  The student may be admitted under one of the following admission categories: 7.2 Full Admission  After the required official documents have been received, evaluated, and a determination that the applicant has met all admission requirements as stipulated by the program concentration will this status be granted by the Office of the Graduate Studies and Research. 7.2.1 Concentration faculty makes recommendations on all applications, and the final admission decision is the responsibility of the Office of Graduate Studies and Research.  7.2.2 Full Admission may be granted only to degree or certificate seeking students. 7.3 Provisional Admission  Students are admitted with provisional status when all requirements for admission are not met, or their GPA is below 3.0 but other materials show potential. Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 must submit scores from at least one examination such as the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE), the Millers Analogies Test (MAT), the Praxis II - Principles of Learning and Teaching, or National Teaching Board for Professional Standards. Scores will be used to assess students' previous educational achievement levels and to evaluate their potential for meeting the demands of coursework at the graduate level. The department faculty may make a recommendation to the Office of Graduate Studies and Research for Provisional Admission. Accompanying for the recommendation must be specific standards of performance that must be satisfied for change to full graduate status. Students admitted under Provisional status may not earn more than nine (9) semester hours of graduate credit in this status. Students with full admission will be assigned provisional status if their cumulative grade point average drops below 3.0 after completing nine (9) semester hours. 7.4 Non-Degree Admission  Individuals who desire to pursue study beyond the baccalaureate degree for professional growth and improvement of skills but not to work toward an advanced degree objective may be admitted as non-degree graduate students under the following conditions: The applicant must complete an application The applicant must hold a bachelor degree from a regionally accredited institution The applicant must pay for an application fee by check, money order, credit card or online for exact amount of application fee Students must have the prerequisite courses or background/experience necessary for the course or courses in which they desire to enroll. This may require consultation and approval from course instructors The applicant must be approved by the Office of Graduate Studies and Research 7.4.1 Students in this category are affiliate with The Office of Graduate Studies and Research and not a program concentration. Courses taken under the non-degree status do not guarantee admission into a graduate program. No more than nine (9) 601-699 and 701-799 credits may be taken under the Non-Degree status. Professional development graduate courses (numbered 700) are not eligible for graduate degree programs, may be taken without formal admission to VCSU, and are not limited to nine (9) credits.     7.4.2 Students enrolled with Non-Degree status may subsequently desire to be considered for admission to Graduate Studies to pursue an advanced degree. Such a change in status may be accomplished for subsequent term submitting a new application to The Office of Graduate Studies and Research as a degree-seeking student and completion of all other requirements. No more than nine (9) credits earned in the non-degree status may be used to fulfill graduate degree requirements if approved by graduate faculty from a program concentration, the Chair/Dean of the division, and the Office of Graduate Studies and Research. 8.0 Registration 8.1 A student shall be permitted to register for graduate study only after formal admission.     8.2 The student is responsible for adhering to all dates established by the Registrar such as adding courses, dropping courses, paying tuition and fees, and withdrawing from course.     8.3 It is the student's responsibility to inform the Registrar, Office of Graduate Studies and Research, and advisor of any changes in student information or intentions.     8.4 Student enrolled in at least nine (9) graduate credit hours in fall, spring, or summer terms are classified as full-time students. Part-time is considered anything less than stated previously. Students enrolled in five (5) graduate credit hours in fall, spring, or summer terms are classified as half-time students.    8.5 Program concentrations may set minimum course credit requirements for their graduate students so as to maintain academic standards and expected progress toward degree requirements. 9.0 Academic Standards: Credit, Continuous Enrollment, Leave of Absence, Reinstatement, Grades, Degree, Graduation Once admitted the student is expected to maintain a high level of academic achievement and a strong continuous connection to his/her adviser, other students, and the program of study. The following policies support this goal. Any deviation must be appealed by a petition submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies and Research. 9.1 Credit 9.1.1 The maximum per semester credit limit for a graduate student is 12 semester hours for fall, spring, and summer terms. Minimum per semester credit required is one semester hour.     9.1.2 Once admitted, students may petition for transfer of graduate credit earned at another regionally accredited institution. The course work must conform to the time limits and grade expectations for course work counted toward the degree at VCSU. The petition is submitted to the adviser and Office of Graduate studies and Research that will process the petition.    9.1.3 Credit counted toward the degree from VCSU through transfer with a grade of B or better from other regionally accredited institutions may not exceed nine (9) credits required for the degree or three (3) credits required for a certificate.    9.1.4 Credit counted toward the degree from VCSU must be completed within a seven (7) year time limit. The time begins with the beginning of the semester when first course counted toward the degree is completed to the end of the semester when the last course counted toward the degree is completed.     9.1.5 Credit counted toward the degree from VCSU must have been earned from a U.S. or Canadian institution accredited to offer graduate courses and degrees. (Credits from international institutions can be transferred only if approved by a departmental committee.)    9.1.6 Credit counted toward the degree from VCSU must be graduate level.    9.1.7 Credit counted toward the degree from VCSU must not be continuing education, correspondence, and extension, workshop, or Pass/Fail Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory courses.    9.1.8 Credit counted toward the degree from VCSU must not have been used to fulfill the requirements of a baccalaureate degree. 9.2 Continuous Enrollment 9.2.1 All enrolled students pursuing a Master's degree will maintain continuous enrollment from matriculation until completion of all degree requirements. Continuous enrollment is defined as registration during each semester (fall, spring, and summer) of the academic year until the degree is attained or until status as a degree-seeking graduate student is terminated through an official University withdrawal.     9.2.2 With continuous enrollment, graduate students will have "active" status until the degree is conferred and have the option of continuous access to University services and resources - such as financial aid, advisor assistance, and information resources - throughout their graduate careers. Continuous enrollment credit does not count toward graduation requirements.    9.2.3 Minimum registration: Unless on approved Leave of Absence (see 9.3), a student must be enrolled in a minimum of one semester hour each semester until his/her degree is granted or the student's status as a degree seeking student is terminated. 9.3 Leave of Absence 9.3.1 On-leave status is available to students who need to suspend their program of study. On-leave status is granted in cases where the student demonstrates good cause (e.g. illness, temporary departure from the University for employment, military service, family issues, financial need, personal circumstances). A graduate student may request a maximum of three academic terms of leave including summer semester during the course of study for the degree. The time spent in approved on-leave status will be included in the seven-year time limit for completing requirements to the master's degree.    9.3.2 A student with approved on-leave status is not required to pay tuition or fees or register for the one credit of continuous enrollment. On-leave status does not provide the student with University resources. Approval of the advisor, program administrator, and the administrator for the Office of Graduate Studies and Research are required.     9.3.3 A student who does not enroll in a minimum of one semester hour or apply for and receive on-leave status fails to maintain continuous enrollment. Failing to maintain continuous enrollment through minimum credit registration or the on-leave status will cause the student to relinquish his or her graduate standing in the University. 9.4 Reinstatement A student who wishes to have graduate standing reinstated will be required to file a Graduate Readmission form and pay any fees required. Acceptance back into the graduate program is not guaranteed. The reinstatement procedures are dictated by the period of absence from enrollment. 9.4.1 Six semesters or less (including summer): The student completes the Returning Student Application, and if approved, must pay any fees required before reinstatement.  9.4.2 More than six semesters (including summers): The student is considered a new applicant, and new supporting materials and fees are required. The applicable standards are those in effect when the student applies for readmission. Coursework more than seven years old is not counted toward a graduate degree. 9.5 Grades 9.5.1 The following letter grades, quality level and points are used to calculate grade point averages. All quarter credit hours are converted to semester hours when calculating grade point averages: Table not available - Please contact Administrator 9.5.2 Graduate students must maintain an overall graduate GPA of 3.0. A student falling below this minimum after nine (9) semester hours will be placed on academic probation and assigned Provisional status.     9.5.3 Graduate students placed on academic probation and assigned Provisional status must raise their overall GPA to at least a 3.0 within the next nine (9) graduate credit hours taken, if not the student will be dismissed from the program/institution.     9.5.4 The minimum passing grade for graduate credit is a 'C'. No more than six (6) semester hours of 'C' graded credit may be applied toward the degree.     9.5.5 'D' graded graduate credit may not be applied toward the degree.    9.5.6 Any course previously taken for which the grade received was below a 'B' may be repeated once. All repeats will be recorded along with the initial attempt. If a course is repeated, the second grade is used to determine grade point average. A student who fails in the first course of sequence cannot take the following courses in that sequence until the course has been completed with a passing grade.     9.5.7 Continuation in the program of study may be denied at any time during the program by not maintaining the University standard of scholarship, including academic integrity, and/or continuous enrollment.     9.8.8 Only two (2) graduate courses, prerequisite and/or required, may be repeated to satisfy completion of the degree.     9.5.9 The grade of "incomplete" may be negotiated with an instructor when the student has failed to meet a specific and important requirement in the course but has in other respects done passing work for the semester. The grade of incomplete must be removed during the regular semester following the term in which it was reported. If the deficiency is not made up within the specified time, the incomplete will revert to the grade earned at the time the incomplete was negotiated. An extension on the incomplete may be requested by the faculty member. 9.6 Degree 9.6.1 The graduate degree is a defined program of courses, research, or practice offered by a department, division, or multiple units that focuses on a field of study. Any deviation from the courses, research or practice must be appealed by petition through the adviser and the Office of Graduate Studies and Research and acted on by the Graduate Council.     9.6.2 All graduate degrees must require a minimum of 32 semester hours of graded courses, research, or practice.     9.6.3 All courses, research, or practice applied toward the degree must be completed within seven (7) years. The time begins with the beginning of the semester when first course counted toward the degree is completed to the end of the semester when the last course counted toward the degree is completed.     9.6.4 It is VCSU's responsibility to inform active and potential students of changes to the degree requirements. Students must be given sufficient notification so as to allow them to finish their program requirements. When this is not possible substitutions must be provided.    9.6.5 A student may complete more than one concentration in the Master of Education degree if the following are met: Concentrations prior to the M.Ed. degree being conferred; Only Core courses and Special Program courses may be double counted; Required and elective courses in each concentration; Research and Portfolio elements specific to each concentration, as agreed upon by concentration representatives, prior to completion of the Capstone Course; and Any other specified concentration requirements, external to the coursework. 9.7 Graduation 9.7.1 Graduation requirements are as follows:    9.7.1.1 Student must apply for graduation according to the dates established by VCSU. (See graduate catalog)     9.7.1.2 Student must successfully complete a minimum of 32 graduate semester hours in an approved plan of study to be eligible for graduation.    9.7.1.3 Student may not transfer more than nine (9) semester hours required for degree.     9.7.1.4 Student must complete the degree requirements as specified by the program.     9.7.1.5 Student must attain a minimum overall graduate grade point average of 3.0 with no more than two (2) course repeats. No course may be repeated more than once.     9.7.1.6 The time elapsed from the beginning of the first course applied toward degree requirements to the degree awarded date will not exceed seven (7) years.     9.7.1.7 Students must successfully complete a final comprehensive portfolio, and other program concentration requirements. 10.0 Due Process 10.1 Faculty may appeal graduate policy decisions through the existing VCSU and SBHE policy and procedures.     10.2 Applicants to a graduate academic program may appeal decisions on their admission status by petition. The petition will be obtained from the Office of Graduate Studies and Research. The Office of Graduate Studies and Research will process the petition with the Graduate Council and notify the applicant of the result in a timely manner.     10.3 A graduate student may appeal a graduate policy by petition. The petition will be obtained from the Office of Graduate Studies and Research and be submitted through the advisor. The Office of Graduate Studies and Research will process the petition with the Graduate Council and notify the petitioner of the result in a timely manner. 11.0 Scholarship Applications and Processes 11.1 Don Mugan Distinguished Scholars Award    11.1.1 Purpose of the Award: To acknowledge exemplary achievement of candidates enroll in the Master of Education program at Valley City State University.    11.1.2 Eligibility Criteria: For Award consideration, a candidate will have; Completed between eighteen and twenty-six graduate credits and have at least one semester of course work remaining beyond fall semester; Earned a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.7; Be currently active in the program (enrolled in a fall class(es), on approved leave of absence, enrolled in continuous enrollment) Received favorable recommendations by graduate faculty 11.1.3 Process of Naming Recipients Fall semester the Graduate Office will generate a list of those who meet the cumulative grade point average and credit hour requirements. The list identifying worthy candidates in each concentration will be provided to faculty teaching in the concentration. Each concentration will select one candidate to be submitted to the Graduate Council. Graduate Council will review Candidates in early November and choose the Award recipient, with the award provided for Spring Semester. 12.0 Graduate Assistant Tuition Waiver Policy Graduate students may apply for graduate assistant tuition waivers during semesters they are actively participating in the graduate assistant program. The application for tuition waivers can be obtained through the VCSU Business Office. The dollar value of tuition to be waived is based on historical data adjusted for annual increases in tuition. 12.1 Key points of the tuition waiver policy are as follows: 12.1.1 Tuition waivers will be awarded independently of stipends. A student may receive a stipend, a Tuition Waiver, or both. Graduate Assistants receiving a stipend may or may not receive a waiver. 12.1.2 Tuition waivers will be awarded in dollar equivalents and may reflect a fraction of total tuition. (Dollar amount waived = credit hours x tuition rate by residency) 12.1.3 Allocation of waiver funds is at the VP of Business Affairs discretion. (The Director of Graduate Studies will determine the number of graduate assistantships available based on funding). 12.1.4 A student may not receive tuition waivers for more than the number of credits in their approved Program of Study. 12.1.5 In any one semester, the maximum dollar value of tuition waived may not exceed the total tuition billed. 12.1.6 Students receiving Graduate Assistantships must not enroll in more than 6 credits per semester (Fall, Spring, and Summer). Only students in “Approved” or Qualified” status are eligible for Tuition Waivers. Students in their last semester who have more than 6 credits remaining on their program of study may petition the Graduate School for an exemption to this requirement. Continuous enrollment credits used in accordance with the Graduate School cannot be used with tuition waivers. 12.1.7 Students receiving graduate assistantships will be notified of the amount of their tuition waiver in their appointment letter. 13.0 Master of Arts in Teaching Credit by Challenge Policy Credit for courses in the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree may be granted through a credit by challenge process. Currently enrolled, degree-seeking MAT students may apply to establish challenge credit for approved education courses already completed at the undergraduate level. Some courses (e.g. special topics or independent study) may not be challenged. Credit by challenge will be posted as a grade, but cannot exceed the grade of the course being used for the challenge process. 13.1 Key points of the credit by challenge policy are as follows: 13.1.1 A Petition for Course Challenge form, obtained from the Office of Graduate Studies, must be completed by the student, Director of Graduate Studies, and the Dean of Education. 13.1.2 Approved undergraduate courses for credit by challenge must be part of the VCSU secondary professional education sequence.  13.1.3 The fee for challenge credit is equal to the difference between graduate and undergraduate tuition for the two courses. If the petition is approved, the student must make payment in full before the credits are applied to the transcript. 13.1.4 No more than 15 challenge credits can be approved in the Master of Arts in Teaching program. All challenge credits must be a “B” grade or better.  13.1.5 Additional research, field experiences, and/or portfolio documentation will be required for any course being challenged.  Figure 1: Figure 2: Sponsored by: The Graduate Council & Faculty Senate  Effective: May 2005 Revised: July 2011 Revised: January 2012 Revised: Spring 2014 Revised: May 2015 Revised: October 2016 Revised: September 2020

Curriculum changes at Valley City State University are initiated and approved under the authority of the Constitution of the Faculty Association. Decisions regarding the addition or deletion of degrees and academic programs are made by the university administration, but the Curriculum Committee, a Faculty Association committee, is responsible for each program’s curricular content and for the continued evaluation of the academic requirements of the University.   The Curriculum Committee receives requests for graduate and undergraduate curriculum changes from the department chair or a faculty member with the department chair’s approval. The Committee is responsible for setting a regular hearing schedule for all proposals, which include a brief, written description of requested changes, including a rationale for the request and impact on the department. Either the department chair, or a faculty member with chair’s approval, will attend the scheduled curriculum meeting to present the request.   The Curriculum Committee reviews the proposal through a first and second reading process. If the proposal is approved, the requests are forwarded to Faculty Senate for final approval. However, if a proposal is not approved, the Curriculum Committee will submit their rationale for not approving to the affected chair/director. The affected chair/director may submit a formal letter of appeal along with supporting documents rebutting the Curriculum Committee’s decision to the Faculty Senate President. The documents must include a copy of the Curriculum Committee’s rejection rationale, and a copy of all the materials in the appeal will be shared with the Curriculum Committee chair. Upon receiving a request for the appeal, the Faculty Senate President will add this item to the agenda of the next regularly scheduled Faculty Senate meeting. If the Senate upholds the appeal, it will provide a letter outlining the rationale to the chair of the Curriculum Committee and allow that body to take the matter up at its next scheduled meeting. The Curriculum Committee may submit documents to the Senate in response to the appeal, and the Senate will set a timeline to deliberate and render a decision at a subsequent Senate meeting. The decision of the Faculty Senate shall be final.   VCSU standards for academic programs and degrees: Major: 32-42 credits (all non-education, non-composite majors require a minor) Composite Major: 52-75 credits (minor not required) B.S.Ed. Major:  32-48 credits (minor not required; professional education sequence required) Minor: 18-26 credits (VCSU norm is 21-24 credits) Certificate: at least 9 credits Certificate of Completion: less than 9 credits Concentration: 18-30 credits Cognate: 12-17 credits Bachelor’s Degree: 120 credits including at least 30 upper level credits   The ten credit gap between a major and composite major is intentional to allow students to fit in their minor and allow students to explore other courses.   Exemptions to this policy must be approved by Curriculum, using the Curriculum Policy Exemption Form (AA-55).  Table to guide curricular changes:  Proposal Notes Curriculum Senate Academic Affairs New academic program (major, minor, certificate) or degree new prefix, change in delivery method or title Initiated by VPAA to move to NDUS approval process N N A Program Termination Initiated by Administration N N A New Course Initiated by Department Chair A* A N Course, program, or degree change implementation or change   A A N * N = notify in advance of the action   A = approve * A = If a change involves courses within the General Education program, need Gen Ed approval before Curriculum approval Sponsored by: Curriculum Committee  Revised: Fall, 1990 Reviewed: Winter, 1996 Revised: March 2015 Revised: October 2016 Revised: April 2020 Revised: June 2022 Revised: Fall 2023  

Prior Learning Assessment Program The Valley City State University Prior Learning Assessment Program encourages adult learners (must be out of high school for 5 years and have documented 10,000 hours of work experience) to apply learning received from life and work experiences toward a Valley City State University degree of their choice. The program offers an individual an alternate way to enter or complete a college degree program. This type of learning is often referred to as experiential learning or prior learning. The program also provides the non-traditional adult student with information about career planning. The Prior Learning Assessment Program, administered through the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, is based on principles of good practice developed by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL). Valley City State University holds an institutional membership in this organization. Student Participation A prospective PLA student completes a PLA questionnaire and submits a resume to determine their eligibility to participate in the program. The student must have taken and passed, with a C or better, at least one course from VCSU and have a minimum 2.0 GPA for all previous college coursework. Upon approval, the student will register for UNIV 180, Prior Learning Assessment for Credit (offered every semester) to begin work on documenting the learning. Through the Prior Learning Assessment Program, student learners may apply for credit in the following areas: general education, major, minor, related field/cultural studies, and electives. PLA credits cannot be used toward the secondary or elementary education degrees, according to the Education Standards and Practices Board regulations. Portfolio Process The student registers for UNIV 180, Prior Learning Assessment for Credit. The student may arrange for credits through the College-Level Education Program (CLEP), challenge tests, transfer credit, the military (ACE), and other sponsored, recognized methods. The student prepares and submits the portfolio for evaluation for experiential credit awards. The time line for an adult learner to submit a completed portfolio is two years from the end of the semester that the learner was enrolled in UNIV 180. Academically appropriate faculty members evaluate the portfolio to determine whether credit should be granted or not. The Vice President for Academic Affairs makes a final determination on the awarding of credits. The adult student will be charged a reduced rate of the resident tuition per credit for each PLA credit. The amount, $50.00 will be for the portfolio evaluation and the transcription fee (SBHE policy 805.3).      Evaluation Faculty members, during the credit request evaluation procedure, may do one of the following: Approve student credit requests. Conditionally approve student credit requests and require supplemental work. Deny student credit requests.    A faculty member may determine that a student has demonstrated or documented mastery of a portion of the content of a course but not at a level appropriate for approval of credit. In this case, the faculty evaluator may negotiate, with the student, additional work.  Faculty members may also, in some instances, assist an individual student in attaining minimum course standards through the use of Special Topics courses. Use the special topics course numbers 499, 399, 299, and 199. The form must be approved by the instructor, the department chair, and the Vice President for Academic Affairs.     Faculty Compensation Faculty evaluators are compensated at $40.00 per academic credit. These payments are made at the end of each semester. Portfolio Retention Portfolios are retained by the university until the student graduates. At the time of or after graduation, students are sent their documentation materials and the following two forms are retained as permanent records of the university: Request for Experiential Credit, and Faculty Evaluation. Copies of these two forms are also on record with the Registrar’s Office.    Appeal Procedure Any student who disagrees with the evaluation of an individual course request may appeal the decision through the following procedure: Step 1. The initial step to resolve a disagreement of evaluation is to meet with the instructor who evaluated the course request. If the disagreement of evaluation is not resolved at this point, step 2 of the appeal procedures would be initiated.   Step 2. The student should submit in writing to the PLA Coordinator, the nature of the complaint. At this point, a meeting will be scheduled with the PLA Coordinator and the appropriate department chair. If the evaluation disagreement is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student, he or she may appeal to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.    Step 3. The Vice President for Academic Affairs, after consultation with all parties involved, will make a final decision regarding the matter. Step 4. Appeals of the Vice President for Academic Affairs' decision are directed to the University Hearing and Appeals Board. A request for a hearing by that board may be made by the student and all operations guidelines set forth by the board will be followed. Sponsored by: Vice President for Academic Affairs  Effective: Fall, 1990 Reviewed: Winter 1996 Revised: December 1998 Revised: October 2015 Revised:  October 2020

Extended Learning is an outreach unit of the university that makes the resources of the institution available in a variety of ways. It provides a flexible framework for courses, and activities that are outside the traditional university structure. These courses are delivered primarily to teachers for the purpose of continued licensure. VCSU was approved by The Higher Learning Commission in 2009 to offer an unlimited number of these credits to educators. Extended Learning functions as an administrative, financial, and assessment entity responsible for supporting professional and continuing education activities held on and off the university campus. It oversees extended learning classroom quality and facilitates marketing strategies. Extended Learning is responsible for the collection and disbursement of fees associated with university sponsored or co-sponsored professional and continuing education activities. While fees are collected for these activities, some activities have other sources of financial support. Policies and Procedures for Professional Development Courses (Course number 2000) The following policies and procedures guide decision-making for Extended Learning in reference to "700" professional development courses. These policies establish minimum standards and qualifications which courses may exceed. Please refer to the Extended Learning website (https://www.vcsu.edu/academics/continuing-education/) for specific information and resources. Policies 1.0 through 3.0 are oriented toward the institution and faculty. Policies 4.0 are oriented toward the student. Outline 1.0 Procedures 2.0 Graduate Professional Development Instructors 3.0 Course Requirements 4.0 Student Enrollment 1.0 Procedures 1.1 Course Numbering 1.1.1 The course number used for graduate professional development courses is 2000. Prefixes determine which department is responsible for approval of the course based on its content. 1.1.2Graduate courses recorded with a 2000 number may not be used as part of a degree program at VCSU. 1.2 Course Proposals 1.2.1 A course proposal form is required for all graduate professional development courses. Instructors intending to teach a graduate professional development course must submit a course proposal form and course syllabus or outline PRIOR to delivery of the course. 1.2.2 Professional development course proposal forms require approval by the department providing the subject for the course. 1.2.3 Professional development course proposal forms require approval by the Dean for Graduate Studies and Extended Learning PRIOR to the delivery of the course. If approvals are not recorded in advance of the course, registration is not available, and credit will not be granted. 1.2.4 VCSU must abide by individual state distance education regulations which may prevent approval of courses if they are intended to be offered in other states. Students from particular states may not be allowed to enroll in online extended learning courses depending on VCSU’s current approval status for that state. More information can be found at https://onestop.vcsu.edu/support/solutions/articles/10000052667. 1.3 Course Fees 1.3.1 Extended Learning courses which impart no financial burden on the institution may be charged a recording or grading fee only. 1.3.2 A technology fee may be charged for online professional development courses supported by VCSU technology. 1.3.3 Other course fees may be charged as determined. 1.3.4 The fee(s) charged for graduate professional development courses is allocated and distributed to help defray costs for creating, maintaining, and delivering the courses. 1.3.5 Fees paid to faculty will be stated in a contract with the faculty member. 1.4 Course Assessment 1.4.1 Courses offered through Extended Learning will be assessed based on the course and campus-wide assessment plan of the University. 1.4.2 Courses may be offered for credit or as non-credit. 1.4.3 Course may be graded by using letter grades or Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory. 1.4.4 Graduate professional development courses are not available for audit. 2.0 Graduate Professional Development Instructors 2.0.1 Instructors teaching graduate professional development courses must hold a master’s degree or higher. 2.0.2 Graduate professional development courses taught by VCSU faculty are taught outside the traditional load of the faculty member. 2.0.3 Résumés must be on file in the Extended Learning office for all instructors who are not currently VCSU faculty before the beginning of the course. 2.0.4 Guest lecturers may be used, but may teach no more than 25% of the course. 2.0.5 At least 75% of a course must be taught by an individual with an advanced degree. 3.0 Course Requirements 3.1 Syllabus 3.1.1 A syllabus or course outline must be submitted with each course proposal and should follow the professional development outline format. 3.2 Grading 3.2.1 Courses may be offered in either an S & U or graded format. Faculty requesting the graded format must include a grading rubric with the course proposal. 3.2.2 The grading rubric should contain expectations for each course objective that reflect the decisions the instructor will make about the student's work to determine each particular letter grade. 3.3 Course Delivery 3.3.1 Face-to-face courses require 15 instructor contact hours for each credit hour. In addition, out of class study time of two hours for each contact hour or 30 hours is expected. Courses that offer credit for conferences require a paper upon completion and a student log of sessions attended, according to North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board. 3.3.2 Online courses are expected to require the same amount of student effort as face-to-face courses. 4.0Student Enrollment 4.1 Admission 4.1.1 Admission to VCSU is not required for enrollment in a professional development course; and enrollment does not ensure admission to VCSU. Individuals interested in enrolling in degree eligible credit activities must complete application procedures through the Graduate School Office. 4.2 Registration 4.2.1 Graduate professional development courses are not degree eligible. 4.2.2 Students are required to fill out the online Professional Development Registration for admittance into the course on the Extended Learning website available until the end of the first day of the event. 4.2.3 Students registering for an Extended Learning graduate professional development course must have a bachelor’s degree, with the exception of students holding or pursuing a North Dakota Career and Technical Education license. Individuals who have not completed an undergraduate degree may not take dual-listed courses between graduate and undergraduate levels for graduate credit. 4.2.4 Registrations to receive credit for the course will not be accepted after the event has been completed or grades have been posted. 4.3 State Authorization Regulations VCSU Extended Learning must follow state authorization regulations which may not allow students from particular states to enroll in the courses. More current information is available on the VCSU Distance Learning webpage (http://onestop.vcsu.edu/support/solutions/articles/10000052667). 4.4 Cancelation of Registration 4.4.1 Withdrawals must be completed through the office of Extended Learning. 4.4.2 Withdrawals are not accepted after the first day of the course. 4.4.3 Refunds are contingent on the VCSU policy. 4.5 Fees 4.5.1 There will be no out-of-state tuition rate 4.5.2 Tuition waivers may not be applied to extended learning courses. 4.5.3 There will be no admission fee charged for extended learning courses as they will not count toward a program. 4.5.4 Other fees may be charged based on self-support procedures. 4.5.5 Payment is due at the time of registration and may be paid through VCSU’s secure online registration site, through third-party payment, or billed through the VCSU Business Office. Forms LE-2-20014 Course Syllabus (https://onestop.vcsu.edu/helpdesk/attachments/10004541248) LE-8-2014 Professional Development Course Application (https://onestop.vcsu.edu/helpdesk/attachments/10004541249) Sponsor: Director of Extended Learning Approving Body: Faculty Senate Approved: March 2010  Revised:  Spring 2014 Revised:  September 2020

Final exam week is required under SBHE Board policy 406.1 (academic calendar). At VCSU, Final Exam Week begins on the Monday following the 75th class day of each semester, at 8:00 am, and ends Friday of that week, at 3:00 pm. 1. The Registrar publishes the exam schedule which has been developed and approved by APAC. a. The exam schedule will be rotated so exams for particular time slots do not always appear at the same day/time each term. 2. Faculty are required to hold face-to-face and hybrid classes during the regularly scheduled times and conduct a meaningful academic exercise during this period - an exam, culminating academic activity, etc. Faculty are under contract during this week and may not move an exam to an earlier date for their personal convenience or the convenience of their students. Exceptions may be granted in unusual circumstances - use form AA-37. 3. Fully online courses will have a final, culminating academic activity due during the final exam week. 4. Evening courses will hold exams on their regular meeting night of exam week 5. Students are expected to attend course exams at the times scheduled on the official exam schedule. Students who have more than two exams scheduled on a single day may request to have the third and fourth exams moved (use form AA-36, linked below). It is not possible to have two exams scheduled at the same time. The exam schedule published by the Registrar is the official schedule; please use this schedule to correct any discrepancies. If a conflict still appears to exist, contact the VPAA for assistance. Exceptions to this policy may be granted for documented university activities or personal emergencies on a case-by-case basis, but planned absences (for example, airline tickets, routine medical appointments, or personal convenience) will not be excused. Exceptions use form AA-36. 6. Student activities and athletic events should not be scheduled during finals week. Anyone who wants to schedule a student event during this week must receive approval from the Vice President of Academic Affairs. Forms AA-36 Final Exam Change - Student AA-37 Final Exam Change - Faculty Approving Body: Faculty Senate Sponsor: VPAA Approved: March 2010 Revised: Spring 2022

The Bachelor of University Studies (BUS) degree is designed to allow the student the flexibility of designing a program of study which fits with his or her interests and goals in life. The program of study must be approved by the BUS program director and Vice President for Academic Affairs. The program of study plan must meet with the generally accepted goals of a bachelor's degree. The degree plan will consist of the following items: Completion of the General Education Requirements. A statement of the interests and goals the student expects to meet by choosing the Bachelor of University Studies degree. The statement should be included in AA-14. A program of study consisting of a minimum of 120 semester hours with at least 36 semester hours of upper-level credit, including UNIV491 University Studies Capstone.  The courses in the program of study may draw from multiple departments but the content must be related and justified by the student's goals. The candidate for the Bachelor of University Studies degree must meet all other general requirements and obligations for graduation. The student's Senior Capstone should demonstrate the Learning Outcomes identified in the program of study and as drawn from the appropriate department(s). Sponsored by: Curriculum Committee  Reviewed: Winter 1996 Reviewed: Winter 2004-2005 Revised: August 2005 Renumbered: April 2010 Revised:  December 2020

Faculty Emeritus All faculty members who leave employment from Valley City State University are eligible for Faculty Emeritus Status if they are 55 years of age or older and have served Valley City State University for a minimum of ten full time years (or the part time equivalent of 10 full years). Staff Emeritus All employees who leave employment from Valley City State University are eligible for Staff Emeritus Status if they are 55 years of age or older and have served Valley City State University for a minimum of ten full time years (or the part time equivalent of 10 full years). Benefits for Emeritus Faculty and Staff: Retain your Viking ID card for admission to VCSU events Parking - permit to park in VCSU Parking Lots Employee privileges to athletic events using Viking ID Card (plus one guest pass) Employee privileges at music events Employee privileges at the library Listing in the VCSU Employee Directory Email Account Annual Luncheon with the President and Alumni Association Board Invitation to the Employee Recognition Banquet Invitation to the President's Christmas Party Christmas Card from VCSU Employee privileges at the bookstore Sponsored by: Staff and Faculty Senate Drafted: May 2005 Adopted and Approved: July 2005 Revised: October 2008 Revised: October 2019

Purpose: To operationalize Valley City State University’s policy 431.01 Faculty and Staff Emeritus Status. Faculty Emeritus Procedure: Candidate may apply for Emeritus status or supervisor may nominate a candidate by writing a letter of application. Application must be submitted within six months after the retirement date. Candidate application is forwarded to faculty member's academic department. The academic department makes a recommendation for Emeritus status by majority vote and sends it recommendation to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, who will make a recommendation to the President. The President makes the final decision. Staff Emeritus Procedure: Candidate may apply for Emeritus status or supervisor may nominate a candidate by writing a letter of application. Application must be submitted within six months after the retirement date. Candidate application is forwarded to employee's supervisor. Employee's supervisor makes a recommendation to the President. The President makes the final decision. The title "Staff Emeritus" is conferred by the selected staff member's Vice President. Sponsored by: Staff and Faculty Senate Drafted: May 2005 Adopted and Approved: July 2005 Revised: October 2008 Revised: October 2019

A deceased student may be considered a candidate for a posthumous degree when nominated by the academic department chair in which the student was enrolled at or prior to his or her death, and when minimum academic degree requirements have been verified. Posthumous degrees may be awarded at the undergraduate or graduate career level. Requirements for Nomination: The student must have been in good academic standing with the institution at the time of death. Good standing is defined as not being academically deficient for their classification (academic probation, continued probation, suspension or expulsion). The student must have satisfied the university requirements for earned credits in residence. The student must have been enrolled at time of death (summer excluded), or their continuous enrollment was interrupted by their injury, illness, deployment, etc. An undergraduate student must have been within two semesters (30 credits or 75% of degree requirements complete) to be nominated for a posthumous degree. A graduate student must have been within 75% of degree completion to be nominated for a posthumous degree. The academic department in which the student was enrolled recommends the awarding of a posthumous degree. Sponsor: VCSU President Effective: May 2014 Revised: February 2025