At the Baccalaureate level

• Bachelor of Arts

• Bachelor of Fine Arts

• Bachelor of Music Education

• Bachelor of Science

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing

• Bachelor of Social Work

At the Non-Baccalaureate level

• Associate of Arts

• Associate of Science

• Associate of Applied Arts

• Associate of Applied Science

• Associate of Business

• Associate of Technology

• Certificate

• Vocational Diploma

Information about graduate degrees can be obtained in the 1998-2000 Northern Michigan University Graduate Bulletin which is available from the College of Graduate Studies.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) helps protect the privacy of student records. It provides students the right to inspect and review their educational records, the right to seek to amend those records and the right to limit the disclosure of information in the records. In complying with the act, Northern Michigan University will not release educational information about a student without the student’s written permission. For a more complete explanation of the provisions of the law, see the NMU Student Handbook. 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act allows the university to identify information which it considers public record and will release without student authorization. This information is called directory information.  Directory information at NMU includes the following information about the student:

• name

• local address

• permanent address

• local telephone

• permanent telephone

• NMU e-mail address

• date of birth

• program level

• class standing (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, graduate student)

• current enrollment status (enrolled vs. not enrolled)

• enrolled full-time/enrolled part-time

• major/minor

• dates of attendance

• current term candidacy for degrees and/or teaching certification

• honors, degrees earned, and dates

• participation in officially recognized university activities and sports; and

• weights and heights of athletic team members

Students have the right to restrict the release of all or a portion of their directory information. This is done by completing a form available from the Student Service Center, 105 Cohodas Administrative Center, or at my.nmu.edu. Restrictions can be applied to a student record any time during the semester. However, to prevent information from appearing in the university telephone directory, the request must be made by the date appearing in the Fall Schedule of Classes.

Students have an obligation to abide by accepted standards of academic honesty, which dictate that all scholastic work shall be original in nature. Procedures and penalties pertaining to academic dishonesty are outlined in the NMU Student Handbook.

Northern Michigan University is on the semester system; the academic year consists of a fall and winter semester followed by a summer session.

Academic Calendar

Students at Northern Michigan University are classified according to the number of credit hours earned numbered 100 level or above.

*Remedial or developmental courses do not meet requirements for associate or bachelor degrees, but may meet requirements for vocational diplomas and certificates.  Remedial, developmental or vocational courses are not calculated in the NMU GPA and are not counted as earned credit hours toward an associate or bachelor degree.

Continuing and re-entry students may register in advance for the next session's classes during the weeks designated by the university. Registration information and the schedule of classes are available in late March for the summer session and fall semester and in late October for the winter semester.

Registration information for continuing students is sent to their local address. Re-entry students should contact the Admissions Office, 304 Cohodas Administrative Center, 906-227-2650, for information. Students who pre-register for classes and decide not to return to NMU are expected to call the Student Service Center at 906-227-1221 to cancel their registration.

Students applying as new freshmen or transfers should contact the Academic and Career Advisement Center, 208 Cohodas, 906-227-2971, for registration information.

A senior with at least a 3.00 overall grade point average, a 3.00 grade point average in the area of concentration, and within 12 credit hours of graduation may petition to enroll for a maximum of eight credit hours of graduate credit. These credits may be applied to the undergraduate degree, at the department’s discretion, or toward a master’s degree from NMU, but not both.

Credit to be applied toward a master’s degree at NMU will be accepted and recorded as graduate credit only after admission to the College of Graduate Studies and after the successful completion of an additional 12 credit hours of graduate study. In general, these credits will not be accepted in transfer by another institution.

Forms for permission to take a graduate course are available from the Graduate Office.  They require approval from the instructor of the course, the advisor, and the College of Graduate Studies.

Note: Students will be charged graduate tuition for all courses taken for graduate credit and for 500 level courses taken for undergraduate credit.

An auditor is one who enrolls in a course but does not want credit. The cost of auditing a course is the same as enrolling for credit. Students must notify the Registration and Scheduling Office, 305 Cohodas Administrative Center, to obtain the appropriate form for enrolling in a course for audit.

Changing a course from audit to credit or from credit to audit must be completed by the ninth calendar day of a semester. The time frame for classes meeting less than a full semester is prorated. At the end of the semester, students will receive a grade of “AU” (audit) on their transcript. The instructor has the option of requesting a withdrawal from the course if a student’s attendance is irregular or if the student does not complete the course work required by the instructor. Departments may require a student to meet all prerequisites for a course prior to granting permission to audit a class.

During the first week of classes in the fall and winter semesters, students may add classes through the fourth day, provided seats are still available. Classes may be dropped through 5 p.m. of the ninth calendar day of the semester; no grade will be recorded on a student’s transcript for courses dropped during this period. The add/drop period varies during the summer session, depending on the length of the course. Refer to the summer schedule for specific add/drop information. See also Tuition and Fees section for payment and refund schedules.

Before changing your major, it is recommended that you meet with an academic advisor from the department of the major in which you are interested.  If you are unsure of what you should declare as a major, it is recommended that you meet with an advisor in the Academic and Career Advisement Center.

For most academic majors, declaring or changing your major can be done in one of the following ways:

1. In the department in which you are seeking a new major.

2. Coming to the Academic and Career Advisement Center, 208 Cohodas Administration Building, 906-227-2971, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.  It will take 5 to 10 minutes.

3. On the Web at www.nmu.edu/advising.

Students who want to declare any of the following majors must go directly to the department: Education, 104 Magers Hall; Psychology, 346 Gries Hall; or Cosmetology, Admissions Office, 304 Cohodas Administrative Center.

Students with 87 or more credits should also inform the Degree Audit Office of this change so that they may begin preparation of a new degree audit.

Students are expected to attend all class meetings of courses in which they enroll. Students who are absent from classes because of participation in university-sponsored activities are excused. Students are responsible for all class work whether or not their absence is excused.

Students dropping a class after the official add/drop period through the tenth week of the fall and winter semesters will be issued a “W” grade. Students dropping courses after the tenth week of class will receive “F” grades in these courses. Dates for withdrawing from a course not meeting for a full semester or for summer session courses will be prorated. These dates are published by the Registrar’s Office at the beginning of each registration period. With documentation of the extenuating circumstances preventing a student from meeting the withdrawl deadline, exceptions to this policy may be made with the written approval of the Dean of Students Office. See also Tuition and Fees section for payment and refund schedules.

To be considered full time, a student must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours in each semester of attendance– fall, winter, and summer.

Northern Michigan University places a “hold” on a student’s registration, transcript request, diploma or certificate when the student has not met conditions or obligations due the university. The following are general reasons for a hold:

• Financial—A hold may be placed by the Financial Services Office because of any financial obligation to the university.

• Advisor Registration—An electronic hold may be placed on a student's record to ensure that a student has seen his or her advisor.

• Disciplinary—A hold may be placed by the dean of students on students who have been suspended or expelled for disciplinary reasons.

• Medical—A hold may be placed at the request of the dean of students on the enrollment of a student who has been withdrawn from the university or who is being denied enrollment because of psychological or medical problems. Holds applied in these situations are made on the basis of recommendations from the director of the Health Center, another medical doctor, and/or a member of the university Health Center counseling staff. A medical hold may also be placed on students who have not submitted proof of measles (rubeola) vaccinations.

• Admissions/Registrar’s—A hold may be placed by the director of admissions or registrar on the enrollment of a student who fails to provide proof of graduation from high school or transcripts from previous colleges attended.

• Academic—A hold may be placed at the request of the chairperson of the Admissions and Academic Policies Committee on the enrollment of a student who has been suspended or expelled for failure to maintain the standards outlined in the Academic Proficiency Policy.

Students may not enroll later than 5 p.m. of the fourth day of classes of a semester. Following the last official registration day of a semester, $25 is charged to those students who, for any cause, have not completed registration. Registration is not completed until all tuition and fees are paid.  The late charge applies to all instructional programs of Northern Michigan University and to all students enrolling in eight or more credit hours. Students whose registration is delayed by the Academic Proficiency Committee are exempt from the late registration charge. Check the summer course schedule for summer college dates.

Northern Michigan University requires that all full-time new and re-entry students born after 1956 provide proof of immunity to measles (rubeola).  To comply with this policy, students born after 1956 must submit satisfactory evidence of measles immunity to the Health Center.

Active military personnel and veterans are exempt from providing proof of immunity, since they have already met comparable immunization requirements. To comply with the policy active military personnel must present their military I.D. card and veterans must mail a copy of their DD 214 to the Health Center.

Most courses may be repeated, with some exceptions: A student will not be allowed to repeat OC 080 General Mathematics or EN 080 Reading and Writing without approval of the department head. Students who fail such courses may be directed to other means of improving their skills (e.g. computerized instruction or community school's instruction) and must re-take the appropriate NMU Placement Exam (i.e. math or English) before proceeding to MA 090, EN 090, or a higher level math or English course. Students who fail an NMU class two times must wait for one semester during the academic year prior to enrolling for a third time and must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the department offering the course that the factor(s) causing consistent failure was addressed and resolved.

When a course is repeated, credit is only granted once. The last grade and credit hours for a repeated course are used for computing a student’s grade point average and for awarding credit hours applicable toward a degree or certificate, even if the last grade and/or credit hours is lower than the previous grade and credit hours. However, a grade of “W” (withdrawal, no credit) will not replace a previous grade or credit hours for a course.

Students who wish to repeat an NMU course at another college or university must receive permission from the Evaluation Services Office prior to enrollment. See Transfer Credit Policy for NMU Students in this section of the bulletin.

Under special circumstances a student may petition to repeat a lower level course with a higher level course (e.g., EC 101 with EC 201). Written permission from the appropriate department head must be sent to the Academic Records Office before the student enrolls in the course.

To ensure the proper recording of repeated courses on a transcript, students must notify the Student Service Center, 105 Cohodas Administration Center, 906-227-1221, of the repeat.

Students are sent a copy of their class schedule with their tuition bill. Students should verify their schedule on my.nmu.edu after the add/drop period for the fall and winter semesters. Errors should be reported to the Student Service Center, 105 Cohodas Administrative Center, 906-227-1221.

A normal academic load for undergraduate students is 16 credits during the fall or winter semesters and 12 credits during a summer session. The minimum number of credit hours required for a baccalaureate degree is 124. Some majors require students to take an academic load in excess of 16 credits, but never more than 20. In general, students are advised not to enroll in more than 20 credits in the fall and winter semesters or more than 16 credits in the summer. They may be permitted to do so only if they have established a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or higher. First semester freshmen, however, are not allowed to take more than the maximum credits in a semester (16 or 20).

A written petition to carry more than the maximum credits in a semester should be submitted to the Registrar’s Office by the student’s advisor.

At the discretion of individual departments and/or instructors, students who have not attended through the first four days of the semester (or its equivalent) of a class and who have failed to contact the instructor may be dropped from the class roster. Since this is an optional action on the part of departments, students who wish to drop a class should do so themselves.

Students who decide to leave the Northern Michigan University without finishing the semester for which they are currently enrolled must complete a “Notice of Withdrawal” form at the Dean of Students Office. Following the proper withdrawal procedures ensures (1) that the maximum allowable proportion of fees due the student will be refunded, (2) that the appropriate grades will be recorded on the student’s transcript, and (3) that the individual’s records will be properly maintained in the event of future enrollment at NMU or transfer to another university or college.

Students who withdraw from the university after 5 p.m. of the tenth week of classes will receive “F” grades. In extreme cases exceptions to this policy may be made with the written approval from the Dean of Students Office.

Northern Michigan University uses letter grades which are assigned a numerical value. The total number of grade points (honor points) is the product of the credits and the honor point value of the grade received in the course.

Grade reports are not mailed to students at the end of each semester. Students access their grades on the Web at my.nmu.edu.

Grade of I– A grade of “I” (Incomplete) applies to work of acceptable quality when the full amount is not completed because of reasons acceptable to the instructor, such as illness. It is never applied to poor work.

Grade of MG–  A grade of "MG" (No Grade Submitted) is issued when the instructor does not submit a grade by the deadline to be included on the official grade report.  After the final grade is recorded, a new grade report will be issued to the student.

Grade of P– A grade of “P” (Completion) is awarded when a student has marginally a student teaching assignment. These students are not recommended to the state for certification.

Grade of R– A grade of “R” (Research in Progress) is issued when research field study or internships extend beyond the end of the semester. Used for graduate courses only.

Grade of S– A grade of “S” (Satisfactory) is issued when a course has been satisfactorily completed.  Courses graded "S" are counted in earned hours. The grades are not included in the computation of the GPA.

Grade of U– A grade of “U” (Unsatisfactory) is issued when a course has not been completed satisfactorily.  Courses graded "U" are included in attempted hours.  The grades are not included in the computation of the GPA.

Grade of W– A grade of “W” (Withdrawal) is awarded when a student has officially withdrawn from a course.  Courses graded "W" are included in attempted hours.  the grades are not included in the computation of the GPA.

Grade of X– A grade of “X” is awarded when a course continues to meet past the time of grading for a particular semester.

Grade of AU– A grade of "AU" (Audit) is awarded to a student who is not taking a course for credit.

Students can not graduate with a grade of "I" or "X" on their record.

Honor Point Values

How to Calculate Your GPA

At the time an “I” grade is awarded, the instructor will complete the appropriate form stating (1) the reason for awarding the incomplete, (2) what work has to be performed by the student to complete the course, (3) the deadline for completing the work, and (4) the alternate grade to be awarded in the event the deadline is not met. (One copy of this form is retained by the instructor, one is forwarded to the Academic Records Office and one is mailed to the student.) If an instructor fails to indicate an alternate grade, the incomplete will automatically revert to an “F” at the expiration of the deadline. The maximum time that can be given to complete an “I” grade is one year.

Students can request a duplicate copy of the incomplete grade form from the department in which the course was taken. The student is responsible for obtaining all information regarding the completion of the course, including deadlines, from the instructor or the instructor’s department head.

If a student believes that a clerical error has been made in awarding the final grade for a course, he or she should meet with the instructor to determine if there has been an error.  A change of grade is normally allowed only for clerical error. Requests for a grade change must be signed by the instructor of the course and the head of the department before being referred to the college dean for review. If a grade is changed, the Registrar’s Office will notify the student of the change. Grade changes must be received by the Registrar no later than the fifteenth working day of the following semester (exclusive of the summer session).

Students who believe they have been unfairly graded in a course should follow the appeals procedure outlined in the NMU Student Handbook.

The academic proficiency policy defines the academic standards students must meet to continue their enrollment at NMU. Students must maintain a minimum overall GPA (NMU plus transfer) of 2.00 to be in academic good standing. Students with a overall GPA below this level will be placed on academic probation and will have to attain certain semester GPA requirements to remain at NMU (see Academic Probation Standards).  All students must attain good standing and a minimum NMU GPA of 2.00 before a degree, certificate or diploma may be conferred.

Students are notified of their academic status via their end of semester grade report.  Any questions regarding academic proficiency should be referred to the Academic and Career Advisement Center.

Academic Dismissal–Students who have previously been academically suspended from NMU, re-enter, and are academically suspended again, are dismissed from the university.  Dismissed students may only re-enter NMU through an appeal to the Admissions and Academic Policies Committee (AAPC) of the Academic Senate.

This table provides a quick reference to the semester GPA that students on academic probation must attain to remain at NMU.  In addition to these requirements, students on academic probation may also be required to participate in additional activities to remain at the university.

All academic and immediate suspensions from NMU are for one calendar year. Suspended students have the right to appeal to return early. Students desiring to appeal their suspension should contact the academic proficiency officer in the Academic and Career Advisement Center. They will have the opportunity to discuss their appeal and also receive a copy of the NMU Academic Proficiency Policy and Procedures document.

Students who are academically dismissed from NMU may not appeal for one calendar year from the date of their dismissal. At the end of this period, students interested in an appeal of their dismissal need to contact the academic proficiency officer in the Academic and Career Advisement Center. 906-227-2971. They will be provided a copy of the appeal procedures for academic dismissal. The appeal must be approved by the Admissions and Academic Policies Committee (AAPC) of the Academic Senate for the student to be allowed to return to NMU. Appeals are presented to the AAPC by the academic proficiency officer, so it is important for students to discuss their appeal with this staff person.

The NMU Semester Deletion Policy is designed for students who had a poor academic performance at NMU and who return to the university after an extended period of time to continue their education. It is of greatest benefit to students who have changed majors upon readmission, and whose academic record contains poor grades in courses that are not required in their new field of study. Students eligible to apply the policy will have one semester of grades from their freshmen or sophomore year deleted from their grade point average.

Students must fulfill each of the following conditions to be eligible to delete the semester grades:

• Student cannot have attended any community college, college or university during at least a five-year period before re-entering NMU.

• Students may use this policy only if their NMU grade point average is lower than 2.00 at the time they are readmitted.

• Students must complete a minimum of 12 credits (excluding 080 courses) during their first three enrollment periods after readmission with grades of "C" or higher.

• Students must exercise this policy within one year following the completion of the required credits outlined above.

• Students must be enrolled at NMU at the time they exercise this policy.

• Students may select one semester of grades to be deleted from their NMU record from the freshman or sophomore year. All grades for the semester, including any passing grades, will be deleted.

• Students may implement this policy only once.

Semester deletion applications are available in the Academic and Career Advisement Center. Students interested in the policy or who have questions regarding the policy should schedule an appointment with the academic proficiency officer in the Academic and Career Advisement Center.

Students who have attended regionally accredited community colleges may transfer up to 64 semester hours of credit, plus four semester hours of physical education activity credits. There is no limit on the number of credits transferred from regionally accredited baccalaureate-granting colleges and universities.  NMU uses its grading policy to compute a transfer grade point average in accordance with its grading policies used for admission.  In subsequent semesters a cumulative grade point average (transfer plus NMU) is computed and is used to determine academic proficiency status, honors recognition and re-entry. All grades transfer, including "F’s" and "U’s" (unsatisfactory). Grades of "WF" (withdrawal failing) and notations of unofficial or unauthorized withdrawal transfer as an "F."

If a transfer course is equivalent to a Northern Michigan University course, a direct course equivalency will be granted even if the number of credits is different. If a transfer course has no direct equivalent, but could be taught by an NMU department, the course will be assigned departmental credit. Such a course may, at the department’s discretion, be used as a program elective. If a course has no equivalent and no home department can be established, the course will be assigned general elective credit. The course can be used to meet the free or general electives available for most degrees. An attempt is made to designate courses with no NMU equivalents that can be used to meet the liberal studies program requirements.

Students who have taken CLEP, APP-CEEB, or International Baccalaureate exams should submit their scores. See the Advance Placement Policy in this section for additional information.

No transfer credit is granted for remedial courses or for courses from religious affiliated colleges or universities that are doctrinal in nature. Transfer credit is not granted for departmental advance placement unless a grade is awarded and the course is included in semester earned hours.

If a student believes that his or her transfer credit evaluation does not accurately reflect the course work he or she has completed, a syllabus for the courses in question should be provided for review.

A student who has credit from a college or university not accredited by a regional accrediting body may under certain circumstances receive credit for all or a portion of his or her work. For some students, departmental advance placement credit may be a possibility.

All international students, with the exception of those educated in Canada, must submit their credentials to Educational Credential Evaluations. The university follows the recommendation of this agency and the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. NMU grants advance placement credit for EN 111 and EN 211 College Composition for Canadian OAC composition courses completed before September 1990 if the passing score was 60 percent.

Northern Michigan University generally follows the guidelines of the American Council of Education in evaluating military credit. NMU does not grant credit for Basic (recruit) training or for credit at the upper division level. Credits for these schools and credits from the Community College of the Air Force are assigned as general elective credit. They can be used as free or general electives, but may meet major or minor requirements upon the recommendation of a departmental advisor.

Students who transfer from a Michigan community college who have the MACRAO stamp on their transcript have completed the foundations of communication requirement. The remainder of their credits will be reviewed for completion of the requirements of the other five divisions of the liberal studies program. Many majors specify certain courses for part of the liberal studies requirements. These courses are required for the degree and they must be taken even if a student has sufficient hours to complete a particular category. NMU applies courses transferred under the MACRAO Agreement in accordance with guidelines established by its faculty. In some cases courses used by the community college to meet the MACRAO Agreement may not be accepted by NMU. An example would be mathematics courses below the level of college algebra (MA 103, MA 104, MA 105).  Upon request the Admissions Office will provide a transfer guide to help students select courses.

The MACRAO Agreement is designed for freshmen and sophomore requirements. It does not cover upper division requirements or graduation requirements not a part of the liberal studies requirements, although with careful selection of courses students may complete these requirements at the community college. NMU does not recognize the MACRAO Agreement if a student has attended a community college outside the state of Michigan, has attended a baccalaureate institution before or while attending a community college, or was originally matriculated at NMU and subsequently took courses at a community college.  An exception to this policy is granted to transfer students from Bay De Noc Community College and Gogebic Community College who were dually enrolled at their community college and NMU in approved consortium degree programs.

Students seeking a bachelor’s degree must earn 32 credits at Northern Michigan University. Associate degree, certificate, and vocational diploma candidates must earn 16 credits at NMU.

Northern Michigan University students who take classes at other institutions are considered guest students at the other colleges or universities. A special application, called a Guest Student Application, must be completed for admission. For Michigan colleges and universities, this application is the only one necessary and the student does not need to submit a transcript to the guest college. Out-of-state colleges may have additional requirements. The application is available in the Evaluation Services Office. Staff in the office assist students in completing the application and will review courses to ensure that they are transferable. The office requests summer school course listings from Michigan colleges and universities and from selected Wisconsin and Illinois schools.

Note: Students who attend other institutions without completing a Guest Student Application assume the responsibility for course transfer. All students must request an official transcript of their courses from guest colleges and universities to be sent to the Records Office at Northern Michigan University.

Northern Michigan University grants advance placement credit through three national testing programs: CLEP (College Level Examination Program), APP-CEEB (Advanced Placement Program of the College Examination Program), and International Baccalaureate and through academic departmental recommendation based upon previous life or educational experiences. When students receive advance placement credit, the course title and credit is recorded on the transcript. Since no letter grades are given, the courses are not computed in the student’s grade point average, but they do count as credits earned toward the degree. Advance placement credit will be awarded with the following limitations—32 credits for a baccalaureate degree, 16 credits for an associate degree, and eight credits for a certificate.

NMU considers college composition with essay, humanities, social sciences and history and natural sciences as freshman examinations.  Credit earned through the freshman examinations may be applied toward the liberal studies program requirements only. Students with more than 27 college semester credit hours are ineligible to receive credit at NMU through CLEP freshman examinations.

Other examinations measure achievement in specific college courses.  Students may not earn credit for CLEP subject examinations if the student has credit in the course, was previously or currently enrolled in the course, or has credit in a higher level course. The determination of a higher level course is the decision of the department head who may in writing approve the examination.

Advanced Placement via APP-CEEB

Advanced Placement via International Baccalaureate

Advanced Placement via Department Evaluation

CLEP Examinations Equivalencies

The following information applies only to VA-assisted students and is not applicable to other students.  In order to comply with Michigan Department of Education and Veterans Administration regulations concerning “Standards of Progress,” Northern Michigan University will:

1. Inform students that they are required to immediately report any withdrawals from school, reduction of credit load, repetition of courses, and/or any changes in major or curriculum. Students who receive a failing grade must notify the Veterans Student Services Office of their last attendance date in the class.

2. Notify students qualified for VA benefits with regard to being placed on VA academic probation when their grade point average (GPA) falls below the cumulative GPA required for graduation at the undergraduate (2.00) or graduate (3.00) level. If VA students fall below this minimum GPA for consecutive semesters, all benefits will be terminated immediately. Notice to terminate benefits will be forwarded by NMU to the Veteran’s Administration.

3. Inform VA-assisted students that when they are terminated they may re-qualify to be certified for VA benefits only after they meet the minimum GPA standards.

4. Notify VA-assisted students who are seeking an associate degree that they are required to maintain a 2.00 GPA when they have 12 credit hours or less to complete the requirements for the associate degree.

5. Inform VA-assisted students that they may receive a copy of their transfer credit evaluation. These standards are subject to change through legislative or administrative action of the federal government, and such changes shall supersede this section.

In addition, VA-assisted students must also meet the minimum academic standards as set forth by Northern Michigan University in order to continue their enrollment.

For athletic eligibility purposes, all athletes are required to carry a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester and maintain satisfactory progress. Satisfactory progress is based upon satisfactory completion of courses in an athlete's designated program, as well as his or her overall academic record.

At the beginning of the fifth semester or third year of enrollment, all athletes are required to designate a program of study leading toward a specific baccalaureate degree and carry a minimum of 12 credit hours in a designated program of study leading toward a specific degree. If an athlete designates a program of study leading toward a specific baccalaureate degree prior to his or her fifth semester or third year of enrollment, he or she must abide by the same rules governing the third-year athlete.

Advisers of student athletes must complete the Academic Advisor Affirmation Form. Students are responsible for informing their advisers of this requirement and for taking the completed form to the Registrar’s Office. Failure to do so may result in the loss of athletic eligibility.

Students cannot use the same course to fulfill a requirement in more than one major, or a major and a minor, or in more than one minor.

1. If a course is required for both a major and a minor, the major requirement will take precedence over the minor and an appropriate substitution must be made in the minor with the written approval of the minor department.

2. If a course is required in two majors or two minors, the first designated major or minor will take precedence over any subsequent major or minor and appropriate substitutions must be made with the written approval of the head of the second major or minor department.

Note: All such substitutions must be filed with the Degree Audit Office.

Students may use a course from their major, minor or courses designated as other required to meet liberal studies requirements.  The minimum number of credits required for the degree remains as listed even if a student double counts a course.

Normally, the courses required to complete the total degree plan are offered frequently or on a rotational basis so that the student, with academic advisement, may complete all requirements as stipulated in a timely fashion.  The faculty advisor with the support of the department head may substitute* a required course in the students major or minor with another departmental course when:

1. There has been a curriculum revision and the required course listed is no longer offered;

2. The student is in the final semester before graduation and one required course is offered in time that conflicts with another required course, or a required course is not being offered during that final semester;

3. The same course is required in the student's minor, second major or minor;

4. The faculty advisor has waived a requirement and has selected another course to complete the required hours.

*The use of course substitutions and the waiving of requirements is restricted to 50 percent or less of the stipulated course requirements for each major or minor.

A degree audit is a listing of course work and requirements that the student must complete before minimally becoming eligible for a certificate or degree. This audit is prepared each semester for eligible students in order to assist them in preparing for their degrees. To be eligible for an audit, a student must be matriculated in a degree-granting program and have declared a major, concentration and minor, if required, and have acquired sufficient earned hours toward a degree according to the following chart:

Course work that is in progress is not complete. Students should review their audit carefully with their advisers prior to advance registration. Students who file for graduation will receive a final audit and their records will be reviewed to determine graduation eligibility. A student who is eligible for an audit and does not receive one should contact the Degree Audits Office.

Students are allowed to declare alternate majors and/or minors at the time of graduation.  An alternate major is a rearrangement of major courses within the same discipline to meet requirements for another major in that discipline. Similarly, an alternate minor is a rearrangement of minor courses within the same discipline to meet requirements for another minor in the same discipline. A note indicating the alternate major and/or minor will be placed on the student’s transcript.

The following regulations apply to the declaration of alternate programs:

1. An alternate major/minor is a rearrangement of completed courses. Alternate major(s)/minor(s) should not be interpreted as the official major(s)/minor(s) used for degree purposes. The degree awarded will be based on the official major(s).

2. Each alternate program must have a major separate and distinct from the officially declared major(s) or any other declared alternate major: i.e., the same major cannot be re-declared in order to rearrange courses into new minors.

3. The rearrangement of credits must be such that it would permit a student to graduate in the alternate program. Double counting restrictions apply to alternate programs (see Double Counting above).

4. If waivers or substitutions are necessary for the declaration of alternate programs, they must be obtained from the involved departments.

5. Students in teacher certification programs will be certified only in their official major(s)/minor(s).

6. Students must complete the necessary forms, available in the Degree Audit Office. These forms must be completed by the time the student submits application for the degree. Alternate programs will not be accepted after the deadline for submission of degree applications. (See Graduation and Commencement.)

To qualify for a bachelor degree, students must fulfill the following requirements:

1. Successfully complete the minimum credits required for the chosen curriculum in courses numbered 100 and above, including liberal studies and specific university graduation requirements. The minimum credits required for a baccalaureate degree is 124 credits.  Programs that require 150 or more hours take five years to complete.

2. Obtain a minimum NMU grade point average of 2.00 and overall GPA of 2.00.

3. Obtain the minimum GPA and the minimum grades in majors, minors and other courses where required by departments.

4. To qualify for a bachelor of arts degree students must complete a language offered at Northern Michigan University at the 202 level. Students with a major in the Walker L. Cisler College of Business must complete one of the following options:

1. FR 202 and FR 310

2. GR 202 and GR 310

3. SN 202 and SN 310 or SN 312 or SN 314

In lieu of the culture course students may meet the requirement by completion of the language at the 202 level and an approved directed study for a summer or semester in a country of the language. This must be submitted in writing by the student's advisor to the Degree Audits Office prior to inception of the directed study.

1. Complete a minimum of 32 semester hours of credit in residence at Northern Michigan University, excluding advanced placement credit. Transfer students must earn a minimum of eight credits in each major and four credits in each minor.

2. Apply toward the degree no more than 32 hours of advance placement credit.

3. Adhere to the following limit for a non-business degree: Total credits that may be taken from the Walker L. Cisler College of Business (courses with prefixes ACT, CIS, FIN, IS, MGT, MKT, and OIS) cannot exceed 25 percent of the requirements for that non business degree. This includes credits taken to complete a major or minor, a minor in the College of Business, and general elective credits taken from the College of Business.

4. Meet one of the following residency requirements:

1. Students must be enrolled at Northern Michigan University for their last eight credit hours preceding the awarding of their degree, or

2. Students must complete 20 of their last 30 credits at Northern Michigan University. To qualify for this option students must:

• Have a minimum cumulative and NMU GPA of 2.00;

• Meet the minimum GPAs as established by their major and minor departments;

• Obtain written approval from their department head as well as the Registrar’s Office;

• Have all courses approved prior to enrollment at another institution;

• Have completed the Writing Proficiency Exam if applicable; and

• Have processed a guest student application form through the Re-entry and Evaluation Office.

5. Receive only one degree per commencement.

To qualify for an associate degree, students must fulfill the following requirements:

1. Successfully complete the minimum credits required for their chosen curriculum in courses numbered 100 and above, with a minimum NMU grade point average of 2.00 and overall GPA of 2.00. The minimum credits required for an associate degree is 62 credits.

2. Complete a minimum of 16 semester hours of credit in residence at Northern Michigan University, excluding advance placement credit.

3. Apply no more than 16 semester hours of advance placement credit.

4. Meet one of the residency requirements as listed in number (8) above, under the requirements for a bachelor’s degree.

5. Receive only one degree per commencement.

6. Complete the number of liberal studies requirements associated with their degree.

In addition, the associate of arts and associate of science degrees require 32 semester hours in the following disciplines;

1. Foundations of communication–eight semester hours.*

2. Foundations of humanities–eight semester hours. Courses must be taken in more than one academic discipline. (Students can take any course from Divisions II and VI.)

3. Foundations of natural science/mathematics–eight semester hours. One course must be a laboratory science. (Students may take any course from Division III and any MA, CIS, CS and IS course from Division V.)

4. Foundations of social science–eight semester hours. Courses must be taken in more than one academic discipline. (Students may take any course from Division IV.)

*Transfer students may meet this requirement with six semester hours as long as the total number of liberal studies credits is 32.

In addition, the associate of applied arts and associate of applied science degrees require 12 to 16 semester hours in the following disciplines;

1. Foundations of communication–four to eight semester hours.

2. Other liberal studies-eight to 12 hours.

In addition, the associate of business and associate of technology degrees require eight semester hours in the following disciplines;

1. Foundations of communication–four semester hours.

2. Liberal studies–four semester hours.

1. Complete the prescribed program of course work. The minimum credits required for the certificate is 31 credits.

2. Maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.00 in all course work following matriculation (official admission) into the certificate program.

3. Obtain a minimum grade point average of 2.00 in all program courses as well as meet the minimum GPAs established by their major department.

4. Earn a minimum of 16 semester hours of credit in residence at Northern Michigan University.

5. Apply no more than eight semester hours of advanced placement credit to a certificate program.

6. Meet one of the following residency requirements:

1. Students must be enrolled at Northern Michigan University for their last four credit hours preceding the awarding of their certificate.

2. Students must complete ten of their last 15 credits at NMU. This allows students to complete their certificate at another school by enrolling in previously approved courses to a maximum of five semester hours of credit. To qualify for this option, students must meet the requirements stipulated in points 1-5 above.

7. Receive only one certificate per commencement.

To qualify for a vocational diploma, students must fulfill the following requirements:

1. Complete the prescribed program with a minimum NMU GPA of 2.00, and overall GPA of 2.00. Only those courses applying to the program will be utilized in calculating the GPA.

2. Earn a minimum of 16 credits in residence at NMU.

3. Meet one of the residency requirements described in item 4 above, under the requirements for a certificate.

4. Receive only one vocational diploma per graduation.

Students who have earned a baccalaureate or associate degree or a certificate at Northern Michigan University or elsewhere may earn additional degrees or certificates in academic areas or programs other than any previously earned degrees or certificates.  Students must meet all current university requirements relating to their new degree or certificate. Students with an earned baccalaureate degree who are seeking additional degrees must apply in the Admissions Office. Students may only enroll in courses leading to their new degree or certificate and may not enroll in any courses at the 500 level or above.

To qualify for a second baccalaureate degree, the student must: complete a minimum of 32 semester credit hours at NMU beyond the first baccalaureate degree.

To qualify for an associate degree, the student must: complete a minimum of 16 semester credit hours at NMU beyond the first baccalaureate or associate degree.

To qualify for a certificate, the student must: complete a minimum of 16 semester credit hours at NMU beyond the first baccalaureate, associate degree or certificate program.

The Dean’s List is published each semester naming those undergraduate students who have achieved a high scholastic standing for the previous semester. To qualify for this recognition, a student must (1) have completed a minimum of 12 credits, earning honor points in at least eight credits, and (2) have earned a GPA of 3.25 or higher. Remedial courses at the 080 level are not included in the 12 hours.

Full-time students with exceptionally high grade point averages, and students selected by their department as its outstanding graduate are honored each spring during the Honors Recognition Banquet. Honors graduates are honored at commencement by wearing a gold cord.  Honors Program students who graduate with full honors designation are honored by wearing a white cord.

Scholastic recognition at the commencement ceremony is based upon a student's cumulative GPA and Northern Michigan University GPA through the semester prior to graduation, provided the student will have complied with the minimum Northern Michigan University credit hour requirement at the completion of the degree program.

Scholastic recognition is recorded on the transcript and diploma of the first baccalaureate degree for a student with a superior academic record. To qualify for this recognition a student must have earned, at the end of his or her last required session, a total cumulative grade point average of 3.30 or higher. To graduate “cum laude,” a student must earn a GPA of 3.30 to 3.59; to graduate “magna cum laude” a student must earn a GPA of 3.60 to 3.79; to graduate “summa cum laude” a student must earn a GPA of 3.80 or higher.

A student who has transfer credit must meet the following additional criteria to be eligible for scholastic recognition:

1. A minimum of 32 credits for which honor points are recorded must be earned at Northern Michigan University;

2. The cumulative GPA from transfer credits and from credits earned at Northern Michigan University must be 3.30 or higher; and

3. The GPA earned at Northern Michigan University, exclusive of transfer credits, must be 3.30 or higher.

To determine the level of academic recognition, the lower of the two grade point averages from 2 and 3 above is used.

Scholastic recognition at the commencement ceremony is based upon a student’s cumulative GPA and Northern Michigan University GPA through the semester prior to graduation, provided the student will have complied with the minimum 32 Northern Michigan University credit hour requirement at the completion of the degree program.

Scholastic recognition is recorded on the transcript and diploma of the first associate degree for a student with a superior academic record.  To qualify for this recognition a student must have earned, at the end of his or her last required session, a total cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or higher.  In order to graduate with "honor" a student must earn a GPA of 3.50 to 3.79; to graduate with "high honor" a student must earn a GPA of 3.80 or higher.

A student who has transfer credit must meet the following additional criteria to be eligible for scholastic recognition:

1. A minimum of 16 credits for which honor points are recorded must be earned at Northern Michigan University;

2. The cumulative GPA from transfer credits and credits earned at Northern Michigan University must be 3.50 or higher; and

3. The GPA earned at Northern Michigan University, exclusive of transfer credits, must be 3.50 or higher.

To determine the level of academic recognition, the lower of the two grade point averages from (2) and (3) above is used.

Scholastic recognition is recorded on the transcript and diploma of students who have earned a baccalaureate degree and are earning an associate degree.  To qualify for this recognition a student must have earned, at the end of his or her last required session, a total cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or higher.  In order to graduate with “honor” a student must earn a GPA of 3.50 to 3.79; to graduate with “high honor” a student must earn a GPA of 3.80or higher.

Post-baccalaureate associate degree students also must meet the following criteria:

1. A minimum of 16 semester hours of credit for which honor points are recorded must be earned at Northern Michigan University as a post-baccalaureate degree student.

2. The cumulative GPA from all undergraduate credits earned and from credits earned at Northern Michigan University as a post-baccalaureate degree student must be 3.50 or higher.

3. The GPA earned at Northern Michigan University as an associate degree student, exclusive of all credits earned at other colleges and universities including prior Northern Michigan University credits, must be 3.50 or higher.

To determine the level of academic recognition, the lower of the two grade point averages from 2 and 3 above is used.

Students who expect to graduate with a vocational diploma, certificate, associate degree, or baccalaureate degree must apply for graduation. Students apply for graduation by registering for graduation using the appropriate coding at the same time they register for their final semester of course work, but never later than the fourth calendar day of that semester. Students expecting to graduate at the end of the summer semester, but wish to be publicly recognized in the preceding winter commencement, must register for graduation at the time they register for that winter semester course work. Graduation and appropriate commencement codes are found in the Schedule of Classes booklet.

Note: A $15 graduation processing charge is payable at the time of application. See Tuition and Fees.

Students who do not register for graduation on time will only be considered for a subsequent graduation period providing they register and still qualify. Students may only receive one diploma, certificate, or degree at any one graduation.

The name printed on the diploma, certificate, or degree will be the same as the name on the student's academic record file. Any change to that name such as the inclusion of a middle name or maiden name must be submitted to the Records Office prior to the fifth calendar day of the semester of graduation.

Commencement is a public ceremony held twice each year to bestow degrees upon students. A student who completes the requirements for a vocational diploma, certificate, associate degree, or baccalaureate degree may participate in commencement.  Students who plan to participate in commencement must select the appropriate coding from the course scheduling booklet when registering for graduation.

Students graduating in December (fall semester) are eligible to participate in December commencement.

Students graduating in April/May (winter semester) are eligible to participate in April/May commencement.

Students who qualify for April/May graduation, but are enrolled in a study abroad program or are enrolled in an internship not located in Michigan or the surrounding states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana or Ohio during the winter semester, may participate in the December commencement preceding that enrollment. At the time of registration for the fall semester but no later than the fourth calendar day of the fall semester, these students must provide the Degree Audits Office written verification from their advisor of the location of their winter semester enrollment. These students must then be enrolled in all courses by the end of the first week of advance registration for the winter semester.

Students that qualify for August graduation and are enrolled in their correct courses by the end of the first week of advance registration for that session may participate in the April/May commencement preceding that enrollment.  These students must register for their degrees during the registration period for the winter semester but never later than the fourth calendar day of the winter semester, choosing the coding for "August graduation, participating in the April/May commencement" from the Schedule of Classes booklet.  Students who graduate in August may participate in the next December's commencement ceremony.  Arrangements must be made in the Degree Audits Office.

Commencement is an optional activity. Students who do not participate in commencement at the time they qualified may not participate in a later commencement unless they now qualify for the awarding of an additional vocational diploma, certificate, or degree.

Note: All students participating in commencement must check with the bookstore to ensure they already possess or to order appropriate attire.