Academic Suspension
A student classified as on academic suspension cannot enroll at the university for one semester from the time he or she is suspended. The complete summer sessions, or the entire summer, constitute one semester for this policy. A student who wishes to resume an education at UTC after the suspension must complete the undergraduate admissions process outlined in the “Enrolling at UTC” section of this catalog.
A student who is suspended from another institution of higher education may not enroll at UTC until one semester after the suspension date.
A previously suspended student who is readmitted is placed on academic probation regardless of the institutional cumulative grade point average at the time of readmission. If the student's institutional cumulative GPA for the subsequent semester is 2.0 or better, the student is reclassified as in good standing. If the student's institutional cumulative GPA remains below 2.0, but the student earns at least a 2.0 institutional semester GPA, the probation status will be extended for another semester. A student who fails to achieve either of these requirements will be dismissed for an indefinite period and may not apply for consideration for readmission for one calendar year.
A suspended student who enrolls in other colleges or in correspondence courses during their semester of suspension must earn at least a 2.0 average on all hours attempted during this period in order to be eligible for automatic readmission to UTC. A student not meeting the 2.0 requirement must apply for readmission through the Admissions Committee.
Dismissal
Students who have been dismissed for academic reasons may not enroll at the University for one calendar year from the time of dismissal. In order to appeal for reentry after one calendar year, they must explain in the supplemental readmission form why they can now achieve the grades necessary to meet UTC’s continuation standards. Students who have been dismissed from another institution of higher education may not enroll at UTC until one calendar year after the dismissal date.
Appeals from Suspension and Dismissal
Although the University believes it to be in the best interests of students who have been suspended or dismissed to remain out of school for a reasonable period, it also recognizes that in unexpected circumstances (e.g., incapacitating injury or serious illness of a family member) students may fall behind in their studies through no fault of their own. Students with extenuating circumstances may submit appeals for reentry prior to sitting out the required suspension or dismissal period. Suspension and dismissal appeals are due in First Place, 101 Hooper Hall, no later than one week (seven calendar days) prior to the first day of classes in any semester or summer term. The Petitions Committee will consider appeals for readmission, but it should be understood that exceptions to the suspension and dismissal period will be rare.
Honor Code
The Honor Code expresses the University's expectation that students behave in an honest and responsible manner in all matters within the University community, and that education is a cooperative enterprise between student and teacher and among fellow students. Dishonesty violates and weakens this relation and lessens the value of the student's education. Violation of the honor code may be recorded on the student's academic record. The Student Handbook presents the Honor Code, and describes the Honor Court and its procedures.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism occurs when a person presents words, ideas, patterns of ideas, data, and other intellectual or creative work as the product of his or her effort. Plagiarism is a violation of the University's Honor Code and can lead to specific penalties including classification on disciplinary probation, a failing grade for the course, or suspension or dismissal from the University. Each student assumes full responsibility for understanding the concept of plagiarism and the University's policies.
The University encourages all its students to learn more about plagiarism and methods to appropriately present the work of others. Students should refer to the Student Handbook or to www.utc.edu/Administration/StudentDevelopment/handbook/academics.pdf to review the University's Honor code and treatment of accusations of plagiarism.
Grade Appeal Process
Preamble
It is the prerogative and responsibility of each member of the faculty to determine in accordance with his or her best judgment the grade for each student. Whenever a student feels that his or her rights and interests have been seriously jeopardized by way of unfair, arbitrary, or malicious exercise of faculty grading prerogatives and desires to appeal the grade, the following appeal procedures must be followed. (It is recognized that the following time frames are maximal and that, in cases where a failing grade prevents a student from continuing in the course, the appeal procedures can be accelerated.)
1. Conversation with the Instructor
Within five calendar days of receiving notification of the grade, seek an appointment with the faculty member who awarded the grade for the purpose of requesting clarification of the basis for the evaluation. If the student is unable to locate the faculty member personally, the request may be presented to the head of the department (or director or dean as appropriate) in which the course is offered. During these conversations, the student shall have had access to all his or her exams and papers for the period covered by the grade. If the complaint is not resolved by way of such discussions and the student is still convinced that the grade is arbitrary or unjust, a formal appeal may be made to the Faculty Grade Appeals Committee.
2. Appeal to the Faculty Grade Appeals Committee
Within five calendar days of the conversation with the faculty member who awarded the grade, the student desiring to proceed with a formal appeal shall present in writing the reasons on which
