Graduate students in the School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) are expected to make satisfactory progress in their programs of study. The SLIS faculty and staff support student advancement toward degree and certificate completion. This policy defines what constitutes academic progress and lack of progress in the SLIS and outlines School actions concerning students who fail to meet their academic progress goals.

Student Responsibilities in Making Satisfactory Academic Progress

To remain in good academic standing with the SLIS, students must make satisfactory progress toward the degree as evidenced by:

1. Achieving candidacy in a timely manner through submitting an acceptable Plan of Work after successfully completing 6 hours of courses and no later than after 9 hours of courses. The University will place holds preventing registration if Plans of Work are not filed on time.
2. Exhibiting ethical professional and academic integrity, as detailed in the WSU Student Code of Conduct.
3. Maintaining a 3.00 (B) grade point average throughout the program of study.

Student Probation and Dismissal

Students who fail to make satisfactory academic progress are placed on probation or are dismissed.

• A student whose cumulative grade point average (GPA) drops below 3.00 (B) will be placed on academic probation and must earn a 3.00 or higher GPA each succeeding term or the student will be dismissed.
• A student who receives any grade of “F” (failure) or “U” (unsatisfactory) will be dismissed and prohibited from completing additional coursework.
• A student who receives more than one grade of “WF” (Withdrawal Failing) will be dismissed.

Students dismissed for failing to make satisfactory academic progress are eligible to apply for readmission after one calendar year according to the procedures outlined in the SLIS Readmission Policy.  If readmitted, the student must remain in good academic standing or he/she will be permanently dismissed. 

Student Retention

The SLIS uses a process called Student Academic Review (SAR) as a method for improving student retention and minimizing probation and dismissal. SAR meetings, held once each academic semester, assess students’ academic and professional growth. These reviews provide an ongoing measure of successful student performance. Results of SAR include direct contact with students who may need academic or professional guidance by course instructors, advisors and occasionally the Program Director.

Continuing Student Enrollment

To continue enrolling in courses, students must satisfy not only the 3.00 (B) grade point average requirement but must also be aware of the time frames and grades that can affect enrollment. Students should consult the university’s Registration Calendar  for exact dates concerning classes, registration, tuition cancellation, etc. Registration activities are conducted through the Student tab in Pipeline. 

Dropping or Withdrawing from Classes

Students may drop a class for fifteen week classes  through the end of the fourth week of class. Classes that are dropped do not appear on the transcript.

Beginning the fifth week of class students are no longer allowed to drop but must withdraw from classes. The withdrawal period for full-term classes ends at the end of the tenth week of the term.  See the Academic Calendar for specific information on when the withdrawal period ends. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate the Withdrawal Request (through Pipeline). Approval of a Withdrawal Request is at the discretion of the instructor.  

N.B.:  Dropping or withdrawing from classes can have financial aid implications.  In order to receive financial aid, students must make satisfactory academic progress (SAP). For complete details, please consult the Office of Financial Aid.

Students who request course withdrawals starting at the 5th week of the term will receive one of the following grades:

• “WP” Withdrawal with a passing grade earned to date
• “ WF” Withdrawal with a failing grade earned to date
• “ WN” Withdrawal never attended, or no graded work to date

None of these W grades affects GPA. However, there is no tuition cancellation provision for withdrawn courses. 

Incomplete Grade Policy

The mark of `I' is given at the discretion of the instructor to a graduate student when he/she has not completed all of the course work as planned for the term. An incomplete will only be assigned in extenuating circumstances and when there is, in the judgment of the instructor, a reasonable probability that the student will complete the course successfully without again attending regular class sessions. The mark of `I' will not be awarded if, in the instructor's judgment, it is necessary for the student to attend subsequent sessions of the class. The student should be passing at the time the grade of `I' is given.
A written contract specifying the work to be completed should be signed by the student and instructor. Responsibility for completing all course work rests with the student. Work must be completed within one calendar year, however, the instructor reserves the right to determine the length of time given to satisfying the incomplete contract. Incomplete grades not completed within one year automatically convert to an F grade with no exceptions.

Change of Grade

Changes of grade must be submitted by an instructor within three semesters (one calendar year) after the end of the term for which the relevant course was originally graded/marked.

 

Grades and Appeal Procedures

The graduate grading system is intended to reflect higher standards of critical and creative scholarship than those applied at the undergraduate level. Graduate students are required to maintain a "B" average GPA of 3.0 to satisfy degree requirements. Final grades are recorded under the following system:

A      Excellent 4.00

A-     3.67

B+    3.33

B      Good 3.00

B-     Below graduate standards 2.67

C+    2.33

C      2.00

F      Failure – 0 grade points per credit hour

S         Satisfactory (pass/fail)

U         Unsatisfactory (pass/fail)

WP     Official Withdrawal Passing

WF     Official Withdrawal Failing

WN     Official Withdrawal Nonattendance

Y         Continuing Grade

A     Consistently distinguished and superior performance in all aspects of the assignment/course. This grade represents nearly flawless work that exhibits mastery of the subject matter/ assignment as well as qualities such as analytical ability, originality, creativity, and interpretation.

A-        Excellent performance; superior achievement in most aspects of the work.

B+       Strong, solid performance; above basic course requirements.

B       Good work, consistent with performance expected of students in a master’s degree program; meets basic requirements.

B-      Work which does not attain acceptable levels in significant aspects of the assignment/course. This is a marginal grade which should alert students to their limited performance.

C+       Below graduate standards. Student has not met all requirements at an acceptable level.

C          Unacceptable work. Student has failed to meet most of the minimum requirements.

F          Failing grade; work does not meet minimum requirements.

 

Student Grade Appeals Policy Guidelines (Revised - August 22, 1994)

1.0 Policies and Procedures

1.1 Policies and procedures adopted by the School of Library and Information Science faculty relative to student appeal of grades. The following policy guidelines are provided to assure the establishment of procedures, which will provide for the prompt, fair and equitable resolution of grade appeals.

2.0      Basic Principles

2.1      Instructors are expected to evaluate student work according to sound academic standards. Equal demands are required of all students in a class (although more work is expected from graduate students than from undergraduates), and grades are assigned without departing substantially from announced procedures.

It is the instructor's prerogative to assign grades in accordance with his/her academic/professional judgment, and the student assumes the burden of proof in the appeals process.

2.2      Grounds for appeals are: 1) The application of non-academic criteria in the grading process, as listed in the university's non-discrimination and affirmative action statute: Race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, marital status, or handicap; 2) sexual harassment; or 3) evaluation of student work by criteria not directly reflective of performance relative to course requirements.

2.3      These policy guidelines do not apply to allegations of academic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty matters should be addressed under the Student Code of Conduct statute.

Appeal of Grades

Informal Appeal

A student's first appeal shall be directed to the instructor in charge.

Ombudsman

Students and faculty may contact the Ombudsman at any time for assistance with any problem associated with a grade decision or grade appeal.

Formal Appeal: Initiation of Appeal

To initiate the appeal process, the student shall submit a written statement detailing his/her objections, along with supporting documentation, to the School of Library and Information Science Director. The student must file the written appeal within 30 calendar days following official notification of grades for the term in which the disputed grade was awarded, whenever informal review fails to resolve a dispute.

School of Library and Information Science Review

The SLIS Director shall assemble all written documentation and oral testimonies from the student and instructor in charge. If the matter is not resolved to the satisfaction of all parties, the Program Director shall convene a Grade Appeals Committee. Students shall be notified in writing of the department's decision regarding the appeal within 60 days of lodging the formal appeal.

Grade Appeals Committee

An ad hoc committee of three faculty members appointed by the Director, and one student (appointed by the Library and Information Science Student Association [SOLIS]), shall consider the appeal. The School of Library and Information Science Director shall appoint a Committee Chair. Opportunity will be given to both the student and the instructor to state their cases before a decision is made by the committee.
All meetings held in relation to the appeal shall provide parties the opportunity to present additional information orally or in writing. No additional persons will be permitted at such meetings without advance approval by the Chair, Director, or Dean, as appropriate. The decision of the Grade Appeals Committee will be reported to the Director. Matters not resolved at the School level may be appealed to the Dean.

Dean's Review

If the appeal is not resolved at the School level the student may initiate a review by the Dean of the University Library System.

Review by Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA)

If review procedures available to the student have been exhausted, the student may initiate VPAA Review. Procedures for VPAA Review are contained in the University Guidelines for Grade Appeal.

Effective February 8, 2012

Graduate Certificates completed conjointly with an LIS degree program:

Students enrolled in an LIS degree program, either the Master’s degree (MLIS) or the Specialist’s Certificate degree (SCLIS), may conjointly complete no more than two Graduate Certificates under the conditions listed below.  Credits completed for certificates prior to enrolling in the MLIS program will not be eligible for transfer to the MLIS degree.

• The student must be officially enrolled in the Graduate Certificate(s) before completing the MLIS or SCLIS degree. All Graduate Certificate requirements must be fulfilled for each certificate sought.
• Nine credits from each Graduate Certificate may be counted toward the MLIS or SCLIS degree. If a course is listed in multiple certificate programs it may be counted toward the MLIS or SCLIS degree and all applicable certificate programs. However, this does not reduce the overall credits needed for completion.
• For each certificate, students must complete a minimum of six hours of coursework beyond the MLIS or SCLIS degree requirements. For example a student in the MLIS degree who wanted to complete two certificates would take a minimum of 12 additional hours. The degree plus certificate completion requirement would be a minimum of 48 hours. For some certificates, more than 6 hours beyond the degree may be needed to fulfill all requirements.
• All MLIS or SCLIS degree requirements must be completed.
• All degree and certificate requirements must be completed within six (6) years. 

Graduate Certificates completed independently (not conjoint with a degree program):

Students who wish to complete a Graduate Certificate independent of a degree (MLIS or SCLIS) must meet the following criteria:

• Officially enroll for the Graduate Certificate.
• Complete all certificate requirements.
• Complete a minimum of 15 hours of coursework. 
• All certificate requirements must be completed within three (3) years.
• Courses previously used in a degree program, even though required in a certificate, may not be used toward the certificate. Alternative electives will be chosen with the concurrence of an advisor.

Regular attendance is expected of all students in every class. Students who anticipate absences or who are unable to attend classes should inform their instructor(s) before class (or immediately following the absence) to explain their failure to attend. Excessive absence, with or without explanation, may result in failure for the course or in a reduced grade.

Whenever attendance forms a basis for a portion or all of a course grade, students must be provided with explicit written information concerning that fact during the first week of classes. Such information shall be specific with regard to the penalty incurred for each absence and the means, if any, to compensate for the absence. It should be recognized that there may be certain situations where the students may not be permitted to make up the absence(s). This policy shall be applicable to all courses within the University, regardless of setting. See the Wayne State University Graduate Bulletin for further information.

Notice of University-wide cancellation of classes due to extreme weather conditions is broadcast on local radio stations and television channels, on the University Newsline (313-577-5345),  and on the LISP listserv. Students can also check Pipeline and may receive a text message or email from the University.

Effective May 5, 2008, the SLIS implemented a comprehensive “Academic Progress” policy that encompasses the former “Grades” policy. The grades section of the SLIS’s Academic Progress policy is available in the Academic Progress section above.

A candidate for a degree or certificate must complete an Application for Degree or Certificate through Pipeline no later than the fourth week of classes of the semester in which he or she expects to complete the requirements for the degree. Consult the university academic calendar for dates. Please note that students applying for both the Master of Library and Information Science and one or more certificates are required to file separate applications for each.

If an Application for Degree or Certificate was filed for a previous term in which the student did not graduate, a new application plus fees must be completed no later than the fourth week of classes of the semester in which the degree requirements will be completed. Information concerning commencement, caps and gowns, invitations, tickets, location, assembling, and other relevant items can be found on the university's commencement page at: http://commencement.wayne.edu/.

The SLIS will issue Graduation Notices to students who have applied for graduation at least four weeks prior to the end of the semester. The notices will specify the remaining requirements for degree completion. Students are reminded to ensure that an up-to-date Plan of Work is on file in order to prevent a delay in the graduation process.
In order to be eligible for graduation, students must have:

• completed all courses included on the Plan of Work.
• completed the required number of credit hours.
• completed the new student orientation requirement.
• obtained at least a 3.00+ grade point average.
• completed the e-portfolio requirement (if applicable).
• completed the degree requirements by the six year deadline.

For transcript information, please visit http://reg.wayne.edu/students/transcript.php.

Online searching is one primary component of the core class LIS 6120: Access to Information. It is also an important part of some advanced courses, particularly those in subject reference and bibliography. Online searching for purposes other than classroom use is not allowed, according to the terms of the School of Library and Information Science's licensing agreements with vendors of online services, who provide their services at vastly reduced prices for instructional purposes only. Wayne State University's acceptable use policy is available at http://wayne.edu/policies/acceptable-use.php.

Please be aware that webcentric courses meet only on days specified in the course schedule. Students must attend the onsite sessions to participate in the webcentric courses. Students who miss a class session will be required to withdraw from the course.

Online classes do not require any physical class meeting. The course is conducted through Blackboard and/or Mediasite.

"Academic work submitted by a graduate student for graduate credit is assumed to be of her/his own creation, and, if found not to be, will constitute cause for the student's dismissal from the School" (Wayne State University Graduate Bulletin). Plagiarism is generally defined as claiming someone else's ideas, words or information. It constitutes intellectual theft. Plagiarism can be avoided by footnoting any data, language, or ideas not of one’s own creation. Paraphrasing or rewording of another’s work without appropriate credit is also plagiarism. Similarly, plagiarism violates a student's responsibilities when a student purchases or otherwise acquires work done by another and submits it as one’s own. Such behavior constitutes fraud, or cheating, and will result in disciplinary action. A related issue arises when a student takes a previously submitted course assignment and, making few or no changes, submits that assignment as part of the requirement for another course. This ethical violation of the student's responsibility to submit fresh, original work for each assignment will also be construed as plagiarism. Discovery of any such practices will result in disciplinary action.

Take the Plagiarism Quiz!

WSU Information on Academic Integrity

Students dismissed from the SLIS for violations of the Student Code of Conduct are not eligible for readmission.  

A student dismissed from the School of Library and Information Science due to academic deficiencies is permitted to request readmission to the School and, if readmitted, to resume his/her studies after a lapse of one calendar year from the time of dismissal.

To request readmission, the dismissed student submits a letter to the SLIS Director (email attachment preferred) at least one month prior to the semester in which the student intends to resume his/her studies:

• outlining the reasons for his/her poor performance.
• explaining how the student intends to ensure he/she will succeed upon readmission.

In order to receive their degree or certificate, a readmitted student must remain in good academic standing each term after readmission.  If the readmitted student fails to maintain good academic standing, he/she will be permanently dismissed. 

The Student Academic Review (SAR) is conceived as an ongoing measure of student performance. It is scheduled each semester and is part of the faculty planning calendar. The SAR is intended to assess academic and professional growth.

The Student Code of Conduct adopted by Wayne State University gives general notice of prohibited conduct and sets out the disciplinary actions that may be taken if such conduct occurs. The Student Code of Conduct Policy is intended to ensure that procedures applied by all schools and colleges are uniform. The Library and Information Science Program follows these procedures. A copy of the policy is available from the Dean of Students Office.

In situations where the final decision of a school or college is based upon an evaluation of the student's academic performance and where all other avenues have been exhausted, a student may request review of the decision by the Vice President for Academic Affairs. For more information about academic appeals procedure, see the Wayne State University Graduate Bulletin.

The SLIS faculty has adopted the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association [APA] (the most recent edition) as the standard style manual for the preparation and submission of term papers. Unless otherwise stated by the instructor, the APA publication manual is to be used.

Official transcripts bear the seal of the university and the signature of the registrar. All financial holds must be released before a transcript will be issued. Transcripts are not issued outside of the university without the student's written permission.

Unofficial transcripts are also available. Unofficial copies do not bear the university seal or the registrar's signature. Unofficial transcripts are normally used for advising purposes.

Request transcripts

Students may also access copies of their unofficial transcripts through WSU Pipeline.