Academic Standards
Graduate education requires continuous evaluation of the student. This includes not only periodic objective evaluation, such as the cumulative grade point average, performance on comprehensive examinations, and acceptance of the thesis or dissertation, but also judgments by the faculty of the student’s progress and potential. Continuation in a program is determined by consideration of all these elements by the faculty and the head of the academic unit. The academic records of all graduate students are reviewed at the end of each semester, including the summer term. Graduate students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on all graduate courses taken for a letter grade of A-F. Grades of S/NC, P/NP, and I, which have no numerical equivalent, are excluded from this computation.
Academic Probation
Once at least 9 hours of graduate course work has been completed, a graduate student will be placed on academic probation if his/her cumulative GPA falls below 3.0. A student will be allowed to continue graduate study in subsequent semesters provided each semester’s grade point average is 3.0 or greater. Upon achieving a cumulative GPA of 3.0, the student will be removed from probationary status.
Dismissal
If a student is on academic probation, the degree or non-degree status will be terminated by the Dean of the Graduate School if the student’s semester GPA falls below 3.0 in a subsequent semester. When the particular circumstances are deemed to justify continuation, and upon recommendation of the appropriate academic unit and approval of the Dean of the Graduate School, a student on probation whose semester GPA is below 3.0 may be allowed to continue on a semester-by-semester basis.
Dismissal of a graduate student by the school is accomplished by written notice to the student, with a copy to the Graduate School. Registration for courses in the school from which a student has been dismissed will not be permitted, except by written authorization from that school.
Academic Honesty
Academic integrity is a responsibility of all members of the academic community. An honor statement is included on the application for admission and readmission. The applicant’s signature acknowledges that adherence is confirmed. The honor statement declares:
An essential feature of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is a commitment to maintaining an atmosphere of intellectual integrity and academic honesty. As a student of the university, I pledge that I will neither knowingly give nor receive any inappropriate assistance in academic work, thus affirming my own personal commitment to honor and integrity.
Grievances
In the unhappy event that a graduate student becomes involved in a conflict with another individual at UT that cannot be resolved between them, the student should take orderly, dispassionate steps to solve the problem. The student should first seek help from his/her Major Professor, unless of course, that is where the problem lies. The next level of appeal is the School Director.
Procedures within the school should ensure that: (1) actions taken within the school abide by the general framework of university regulations; (2) the student be informed of the reasons of the school decision; (3) the student be notified promptly in writing of any change of status; (4) the student has an opportunity to seek counsel from at least two faculty members and, if desired, from the School Director (see Graduate Council Appeal Procedure, revised 5 May 1999); (5) the student has an opportunity to present his or her case before the faculty or appropriate committee; (6) the student be notified promptly in writing of the school decision and avenues of appeal; (7) written documentation is maintained of meetings held, actions taken, and decisions made, and (8) decisions are made within a reasonable time frame.
