Academic Programs and Policies

 

Suzanne Ozment Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Office of Academic Affairs
Calkins Hall, Station 6015
telephone: (205) 665-6015
fax: (205) 665-6018
e-mail: sozment@montevallo.edu

Shayne Gervais, Registrar
Registrar’s Office
Palmer Hall, Station 6040
telephone: (205) 665-6040
fax: (205) 665-6042
e-mail: sgervais@montevallo.edu

Degree requirements
General education

All students seeking an undergraduate degree at Montevallo must complete a core curriculum, which includes courses in oral and written communication; literature, humanities, and fine arts; the natural sciences and mathematics; history and social and behavioral sciences; health and activity education; and computer applications.

Purpose and goals of general education
The core curriculum is the most complete embodiment of the University’s mission as Alabama’s publicly funded liberal arts college. In this curriculum, the University bears continually in mind the special meaning of freedom embodied in the term “liberal arts”: the arts that free or enable students to explore the perennial questions that confront every thoughtful human being—questions about nature, human nature and society, and metaphysics. The University provides opportunities to explore these questions through liberal studies in the sciences, literature, the fine arts, history, behavioral and social sciences, and philosophy. The University is committed to liberal inquiry, not only in its core curriculum, but also in its professional and pre-professional programs. In all of these, the University aims to graduate students who can bring to their vocations, their private lives, and their civic participation the habits of lifelong learning and energetic, informed reflection.

Liberal education is possible only if the student has acquired some degree of mastery and understanding of the instruments or skills through which the human mind can absorb information about the world, come to a deepened understanding of that information, and transmit that understanding to others. Accordingly, the University dedicates a substantial portion of the core curriculum to acquiring the skills and symbol systems that, because they make it possible for the mind to grasp what is not apparent to the senses, enable genuine learning.

• Students will acquire knowledge of English grammar, logic, and rhetoric, enabling them to use verbal symbols in their inquiry into important matters crucial to their understanding of themselves and the world and to communicate clearly and thoughtfully to others. Because such vitally important matters as justice and love come into view through language, students will practice the skills of reading, writing, and conversation throughout the disciplines. Moreover, students will find that the study of a foreign language enhances their understanding of the world and their control over their own language.
• Students will acquire knowledge of mathematical skills, enabling them to use numerical symbols in their analysis and measurement of important matters crucial to understanding themselves and the world. Vitally important features of the physical universe, of human behavior, and of social relationships become visible through mathematics. Moreover, a study of mathematics is helpful in illuminating for students how the mind builds abstract, logical structures leading to logical conclusions.
• Students will acquire knowledge of the special “languages” and symbolic structures of the fine arts, enabling them to understand and to reflect upon themselves and the world through works of art, music, dance, and theatre.

The arts of learning outlined to this point enable students to explore, in the traditional disciplines, three principal kinds of questions posed to thoughtful people by the world around them:

• Students will acquire knowledge of nature by using the scientific method of discovery and by reflecting on the significance of nature in order to answer questions about physical structures and causes and about the various meanings of the word “nature.”
• Students will acquire knowledge about human nature, enabling them to begin to answer the central question facing every thoughtful person: “What does it mean to be human?” Students will explore the range of answers to this question provided by the artistic, historical, scientific, and philosophical works available in classical, religious, and modern culture. In addition, students will study human well-being and engage in physical training to improve their health and their sense of self-mastery.
• Students will acquire knowledge of society and politics in order to answer important questions about justice and law—questions that are at issue in classical, religious, and modern cultures.

In the contemporary university, students have access to modes of acquiring, processing, and transmitting information unknown to previous generations. Accordingly:

• To support and enable their academic work, students will master basic computer use and become skilled in the acquisition and analysis of information. Because information by itself does not constitute knowledge until it is analyzed and considered by a trained intellect, students must become not only aware of the sources of information available and skillful in accessing them, but also careful in evaluating their worth. Students must acquire information literacy.

General education credit hour requirements
For the most-current list of approved general education (GE) course titles, refer to the latest published course schedule (issued for Fall, Spring, May, and Summer semesters).

Written Composition, 6 credit hours
English Composition I, 3 credit hours
English Composition II, 3 credit hours

Humanities and Fine Arts, 18 credit hours
Literature, 6 credit hours
Oral Communication, 3 credit hours
Fine Arts, 3 credit hours
Further study in humanities, 6 credit hours

Fine Arts (maximum of 3 additional credit hours in Fine Arts)
Foreign Language
Philosophy

Natural Sciences and Math, 11 credit hours
Mathematics, 3 credit hours
Lab science in two disciplines, 8 credit hours

Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Geology

History, Social, and Behavioral Sciences, 12 credit hours
History, 6 credit hours
Social and Behavioral Sciences, 6 credit hours

Anthropology
Economics
Family and Consumer Sciences
Geography
Political Science
Psychology
Social Work
Sociology

Health and Wellness, 3 credit hours
Health and Wellness (KNES 120), 3 credit hours

Computer Applications, 1–3 credit hours
Courses offered in several disciplines

For transfer purposes, courses taken to meet the general studies curriculum requirements approved by the Articulation and General Studies Committee of the State of Alabama (AGSC) will apply to UM general education requirements. The AGSC requirements are degree and program specific, and some courses may not apply if a student changes programs upon or after transferring to the University of Montevallo. Students should consult an academic adviser or the Associate Registrar (Registrar’s Office) concerning substitutions or the applicability of transfer credit in satisfying general education requirements. The AGSC requirements are available at any public accredited post-secondary institution in Alabama and on the UM website (www.montevallo.edu) or at http://stars.troy.edu/.

The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs must approve any substitution or waiver of a General Education requirement.

General graduation requirements

Responsibility for meeting all graduation requirements rests with the student. In addition to the University’s minimum general requirements, colleges and/or departments may have additional graduation requirements as described in the colleges’ information sections of this Bulletin. Seniors are considered candidates for graduation once a diploma card is submitted to the Registrar’s Office. The Associate Registrar will notify candidates and their academic advisers via ForUM e-mail the results of a final degree evaluation, including all remaining requirements for graduation, prior to the final academic advising and registration session. Minimum general requirements for graduation are:

• credit for at least 130 semester hours, distributed according to the General Education and departmental curriculum requirements specified elsewhere in this Bulletin;
• credit for at least 30 semester hours earned at Montevallo after attaining senior classification, i.e., after completing 90 semester hours; and
• credit for at least 30 semester hours of 300- and/or 400-level study earned at Montevallo.
• No more than 64 semester hours of two-year college credit may be applied toward degree requirements.
• No more than 45 combined semester hours of credit through Advanced Placement (AP), College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) ,and military credit may be applied toward degree requirements. The University of Montevallo does not award academic credit for non-academic pursuits such as continuing-education courses, “life experience,” or any other coursework taken on a non-credit basis.
• At least 25 percent of the hours in the degree must be completed at the University of Montevallo.
• At least 50 percent of the courses in the major must be completed at the University of Montevallo.
• A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 on all courses attempted, including transfer courses.
• Major and/or minor GPA of at least 2.0 for courses in the major or minor. When calculating the major or minor GPA only the highest grade earned in each course will be used.
• Students must file a notification of intent to graduate in the Registrar’s Office before the beginning of the last semester and preferably one year prior to the date on which the degree is to be conferred.
• Although students with a financial obligation to the University may be permitted to participate in commencement exercises, official transcripts will be withheld until all financial obligations are satisfied. Students must complete the required senior assessments in order to participate in commencement exercises.

Specific degree requirements

Bachelor of Arts
In addition to the General Education curriculum, students seeking this degree must complete the second-year course sequence in French, German, or Spanish.

Bachelor of Science
Students seeking this degree must complete a total of 18 or more credit hours in mathematics and science.

Other undergraduate degrees
For information about the Bachelor of Business Administration degree, refer to the College of Business section of this Bulletin. For information about the Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Music degrees, refer to the College of Fine Arts section.

Second bachelor’s degree
A second bachelor’s degree may be conferred when all degree requirements of the second degree are completed. Requirements for the second degree are as follows.

1. The student must have received the first bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
2. All of the requirements for the second degree major, in effect at the term of admission for the second degree, must be met as specified by the department.
3. At least half of the courses in the major must be completed at UM.
4. A minimum of 33 credit hours must be taken at UM.
5. A minimum of 30 credit hours taken at UM must be at the 300/400-level.
6. Additional coursework to meet standards including, but not limited to, program accreditation, teacher certification, or graduate program entry may be required.
7. A minimum cumulative and major UM GPA of 2.0.

All requirements should be reviewed with the academic adviser. Responsibility for meeting all degree requirements rests with the student.

Double majors
Students who select two majors must meet the degree requirements of both majors, including the General Education requirements. If the majors are in different degree programs, students will receive two diplomas simultaneously at graduation. The recipients’ names will be listed in the printed commencement program under both degree programs.

Teacher certification requirements
Students who intend to earn teacher certification should review requirements with their advisers during the freshman year. Information regarding teacher education programs is included in the College of Education section of this Bulletin and in the undergraduate Teacher Education Handbook.

Academic regulations and procedures
Academic advising

Responsibilities of students
The academic advising process is crucial to the success of a student’s University career. In planning a program of study, students should coordinate their personal goals with their academic and professional goals and should discuss long-range goals and career opportunities available in a particular major with their advisers.

Students must obtain approval from their adviser in order to register or preregister for courses. A student should meet with the adviser during the preregistration advising period and should consult the adviser prior to any change in classes, prior to a change in major or minor, immediately following any report of unsatisfactory progress, and when considering withdrawal from Montevallo.

Students are responsible for being familiar with the requirements of the University as outlined in this Bulletin and on the University’s website and should maintain copies of their personal checksheet and transfer evaluation so information regarding progress toward a degree is readily available.

Students are ultimately responsible for planning and implementing their own academic programs, and no legal responsibility rests with Montevallo. The University reserves the right to modify degree requirements, programs of study, and curricula as it deems necessary or appropriate.

Declaration of major and minor
The major and minor fields of study should be chosen by the end of the sophomore year. Requirements for specific majors and minors are listed under the appropriate department headings in this Bulletin. Courses for the major and minor must be selected in consultation with the academic adviser. A minor is optional except where required for a specific major.

Change of major or minor
To change a major, students may obtain a change-of-major form in any department office or from the Registrar’s Office. The form must be taken to the new department, for approval and for assignment of an academic adviser, and then to the Registrar’s Office, where the change will be recorded. To change a minor, a student should contact the Registrar’s Office.

Assignment of academic advisers
Advisers are assigned by the major department. However, if a student changes majors, a new adviser is assigned by the new major department. The change takes place at the time that the change of major is approved. A student may change advisers within a department by consulting the chair of the department.

Degree evaluation
Degree evaluations indicating the equivalency of transfer courses are issued to new transfer students at orientation. Updated degree evaluations for all currently enrolled students are available by accessing CAPP through ForUM at any time. Any questions concerning degree evaluations should be directed to the student’s academic adviser or to the Registrar’s Office at www.montevallo.edu/registrar.

Academic standards

Grades

Grading system
Grades represent the instructor’s assessment of the student’s performance on classroom and laboratory assignments, as well as on essays, term papers, class participation and examinations, etc. Grades and grade points are earned and recorded as follows:

Grade, grading standard, grade points per hour

A	Excellent	4
B	Good	3
C	Satisfactory	2
D	Passing	1
F	Failing	0
I	Incomplete	0
IP	In Progress	0
NC	No Credit	0
P	Pass	0
S	Satisfactory	0
U	Unsatisfactory	0
W	Withdrawn	0

Incomplete grades
Grades of “I” (Incomplete) may be given when students, because of circumstances beyond their control, are unable to complete coursework that is assigned and/or due during the last 15 calendar days of long semesters and/or during the last 5 calendar days of the May and Summer terms. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements to complete remaining requirements.

All incomplete work must be finished by a date determined by the instructor and not later than the conclusion of the next long semester (i.e., for Fall semester “I”s, no later than the last day of the following Spring semester; for Spring semester, May term, and Summer term “I”s, no later than the last day of the following Fall semester). Otherwise, an “I” grade automatically becomes an “F”.

In Progress grades
A grade of “IP” (In Progress) may be assigned only in designated courses.

Repeating courses and grades
Students who want to receive credit for a course failed at UM must repeat the course at UM. The credit hours for every occurrence of the course are used in determining the grade-point average (GPA).

Students who want to improve a grade(s) of B or lower in a UM course must repeat the course(s) at UM. The credit hours for every occurrence of the course are used in determining the GPA. The credit hours for only one occurrence of a repeated, previously passed course are included in earned hours. See General Graduation requirements for determining the major or minor GPA.

Transient courses and grades
A student must receive approval from the chair of the department, the academic adviser, and the Registrar to register for courses at another college or university. A passing grade must be earned in each course to transfer credit to Montevallo.

Grade-point averages
Applicable grade-point averages, including UM term GPA and UM cumulative GPA, will appear on the academic transcript.

Final grade appeals
Faculty members’ rights and professional responsibility to assign grades based on their professional judgments of student performance are respected. However, students have a right to appeal a final grade that they believe does not accurately reflect their performance in a course. The student must first attempt to resolve the issue informally by conferring with the faculty member involved. If, after doing so, the student is dissatisfied with the outcome, he or she may complete and submit a Final Grade Appeal form to the appropriate department chair, who will review the appeal with the faculty member. The department chair will then meet with the student and render a decision, either during the meeting or shortly thereafter. If the student is dissatisfied with the outcome of the appeal, he or she may request a review by the appropriate college dean. Should a subsequent appeal be sought, the student has a choice of submitting it either to the Provost/VPAA or to the Justice Council and the VPSA. (See www.montevallo.edu/registrar/Docs/Final%20Grade%20Appeal%20Procedures%208%207%2010.pdf for detailed procedure and Final Grade Appeal form.)

Absence policy
The University expects students to attend all classes for which they are enrolled. Instructors may establish specific regulations governing their classes and will provide them to their students at the beginning of each term.

Academic progress
Class standing
Students who have completed fewer than 30 semester hours are classified as freshmen. At 30 hours, the student is classified as a sophomore, at 60 hours a junior, and at 90 hours a senior.

Good standing
Students must have at least a 2.0 cumulative University of Montevallo grade-point average (UM GPA) to maintain academic good standing.

Maintaining minimum academic progress
A student is expected to achieve consistent progress toward the attainment of a University degree. Earning the following minimum cumulative UM GPAs is considered minimum academic progress:

0–29 earned hours*, 1.5 GPA (UM)
30–59 earned hours*, 1.7 GPA (UM)
60–89 earned hours*, 1.9 GPA (UM)
90+ earned hours*, 2.0 GPA (UM)
*includes transfer hours

Academic warning
At the end of each semester, a student will be placed on academic warning when his or her cumulative UM GPA is below 2.0 but above the appropriate minimum academic progress standard as defined previously. A student may be removed from academic warning only by attaining a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. Academic warning will be noted on the student’s academic transcript. Academic warning does not restrict registration for a subsequent term.

Freshman academic warning
At the end of each semester, a freshman will be placed on freshman academic warning when his or her cumulative UM GPA is below 1.50. Freshman academic warning will be noted on the student’s academic transcript. Freshman academic warning does not restrict registration for a subsequent term. Students placed on freshman academic warning will be required to schedule an appointment with their academic dean to review academic progress prior to the first day of classes in the subsequent term.

Academic suspension*
At the end of each semester all students, other than freshmen, who do not maintain minimum academic progress, as defined previously in this section, will be suspended from study for one regular semester (identified as the subsequent Fall or Spring term) and all registration for subsequent semesters will be dropped. Any student who is suspended in Spring semester will be allowed to enroll in the subsequent May and/or Summer term but must still meet with their academic Dean prior to the beginning of the semester. If summer enrollment results in a term GPA of 2.0 or meeting minimum academic progress, the student will be reinstated for the Fall semester. The previous suspension will be noted on the student’s academic transcript. If a student chooses not to enroll in the subsequent Summer term, the suspension will remain in effect and the student will not be allowed to enroll in the Fall semester. Students placed on suspension may appeal to the Dean of the College for reinstatement to the subsequent semester. This appeal must be made by the date outlined on the academic calendar. All academic statuses are reflected on the student’s transcript each term.

A student may not transfer to the University any credits earned at another college or university while on suspension.

If the student sits out for a regular semester, the student may appeal to be reinstated from suspension. A student reinstated from suspension is placed on warning and must achieve a term GPA of 2.0 or better to continue in subsequent terms. Freshmen are not suspended but are placed on Freshman Academic Warning instead. See above for requirements of Freshman Academic Warning.

The Registrar’s office will notify students of their academic standing via regular mail as well as ForUM e-mail immediately following the completion of the grading period.

* Note: Information regarding academic suspension was updated on this page 06-28-2012. This information reflects the current academic policy regarding academic suspension, and supersedes previous information provided in both the online and print versions of this publication.

Special conditions
Students placed on academic warning are usually not eligible to participate in extracurricular activities; however, a student incurring warning during a period of active participation in an intercollegiate sport, theatrical production, or other officially recognized extracurricular activity in which the student represents the University (in the case of athletes, from the first scheduled game through the last scheduled game only, including playoffs) may be allowed to complete the period of participation, provided that this provision does not conflict with relevant external rules. For purposes of enforcing this policy, the beginning and ending dates of each activity are determined on a case-by-case basis.

Honors
Graduation honors
Graduation honors that are designated on the transcript and on the diploma are based on the following standard:

Cumulative UM GPA, graduation status
3.5–3.69, cum laude
3.7–3.89, magna cum laude
3.9–4.0, summa cum laude

President’s List and Dean’s List
Students who earn at least 12 semester hours and a minimum 3.8 GPA during a semester are placed on the President’s List for that term. Those students who earn at least 12 semester hours and between a 3.5 and a 3.79 GPA during a semester are placed on the Dean’s List for that term. The designations appear on the transcript.

Registration

Orientation and evaluation
The University provides freshmen and transfer students a program of orientation, advising, and academic counseling prior to enrollment. The program provides students with an opportunity to better understand academic requirements and degree programs, to consider personal abilities, interests, and talents, and to become familiar with the campus and facilities.

New students are expected to participate in an orientation session prior to beginning classes. Students entering Montevallo during a Summer Session or during the Spring Semester attend one-day registration/orientation sessions. Fall Semester transfer students attend a one-day preregistration/orientation session offered during the summer. Fall Semester freshmen attend a one-day preregistration session during the summer and return to campus for Freshman Orientation immediately prior to the beginning of Fall Semester classes. An orientation fee is required of all new students.

Students also participate in one or more evaluative activities:

• as freshmen, as part of the orientation process;
• as seniors, as a required part of the preparation for graduation; and
• at other times during the college career, as deemed appropriate by the University.

University Calendar and credit hours
The University operates on the semester system. The University Calendar includes Fall and Spring Semesters, and a Summer Semester that includes a May Term, two five-week terms (Summer I and Summer II), and a full summer session for selected courses, which runs from the beginning of the May Term to the end of Summer II.

The semester hour (or “credit hour”) is the unit of academic measurement. One semester hour represents one clock hour of instruction per week for approximately 16 weeks. Two clock hours of laboratory time are considered equivalent to one hour of instruction.

Registration procedures
Registration procedures and dates are available on the Registrar’s Office website at www.montevallo.edu/Registrar/ each semester prior to academic advising. The schedule of classes is available on the University’s website at: www.montevallo.edu/Registrar.

Each semester students may preregister for the subsequent semester. Students who preregister and pay by the required date (published in the class schedule) do not have to participate in regular registration. Schedules of students who do not submit payment by the payment deadline may be dropped.

Maximum course loads
Maximum course loads are as follows: 19 semester hours for Fall or Spring Semesters; 4 semester hours for May Term, and 7 semester hours for each Summer Session. Overloads must be approved by the student’s academic dean.

Auditing courses
Students may audit courses (i.e., without receiving grades or credit) on a space-available basis. Auditing students must register in the Registrar’s Office during the official late-registration period only. Students taking courses for credit may not change credit to audit after the add-period ends.

Drop-add procedure
Students may drop and/or add courses during the specified period, as indicated in the University Calendar, either through ForUM or in the Registrar’s Office. A student who is considering either dropping or adding a course should discuss the proposed change with the academic adviser.

Withdrawal from the University
Students intending to withdraw during a term must go to the Registrar’s Office to complete a withdrawal form. Students receiving financial aid should consult the Office of Student Financial Services to determine the effect the withdrawal may have on their aid. Resident students should notify the Office of Housing and Residence Life of their intent to withdraw. Residents who withdraw from the University must check out of their room within 24 hours of withdrawal. Completing these procedures results in official withdrawal from the University, and a grade of “W” is recorded for each course. Students may not withdraw from the University after the final withdrawal date, which is published in the University Calendar in this Bulletin. Those who do not adhere to the withdrawal procedure receive those grades as posted to the academic record at the conclusion of that semester or term.

Cancellation of courses
The University reserves the right to cancel any course offered when enrollment is fewer than 10. The decision is made by the dean of the college in which the course is offered.

Non-academic credit
The University of Montevallo does not award academic credit for non-academic pursuits such as continuing education courses, “life experience,” or any other course work taken on a non-credit basis.

Records

Transcript of academic record
The transcript is a student’s official permanent record. The handling of transcripts and the retention and disposal of student records are in accordance with the guidelines of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers and the requirements of the Alabama University General Records Schedules.

Final grades for each term are reported to students on their Banner Student Self-Service link. A printed copy of grades is available from the Registrar’s Office upon written request.

Students who have fulfilled their financial obligations to the University may obtain official transcripts of their records from the Registrar’s Office. Students may obtain unofficial transcripts from the Registrar’s Office or from their Banner Self-Service page.

Confidentiality of records
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. They are as follows:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the University receives a request for access.
   
   Students should submit to the Registrar written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The Registrar will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
   
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading.
   
   Students may ask the University to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the University official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.
   
   If the University decides not to amend the records requested by the student, the University will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
   
3. The right to privacy of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
   
   One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the University has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.
   
   A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
   
   The University may release without consent the following directory information: name, address, e-mail address, telephone numbers, major fields of study, date of birth, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of student-athletes, most-recent educational institution attended, number of current hours in which the student is enrolled, student enrollment status (i.e. full or part-time), degrees and graduation dates, anticipated degrees and graduation dates, classification (i.e. freshman, sophomore, etc.), awards and honors, dates of attendance, and class schedule, (this latter only by the Police Chief or a designee). Students wishing to withhold directory information must fill out a “Request to Prevent Disclosure of Directory Information” form, which may be obtained in the Registrar’s Office.
   
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University of Montevallo to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
600 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-4605

Any complaints or questions should be addressed to the Registrar, Registrar’s Office, Palmer Hall, (205) 665-6040. There is also a complete copy of the University’s FERPA policy on file in the Registrar’s Office.

Special Programs
Honors Program

The mission of the University of Montevallo Honors Program is to provide intellectually talented students with specially designed academic offerings, co-curricular activities, and recognition.

The academic dimension is composed of two types of honors classes. One type is designed to fulfill requirements in the General Education Program, such as Foundations in Writing (ENG 103 and 104), World Civilizations (HIST 103 and 104), and Oral Communication (COMS 102). The other type of honors class, intended to supplement the student’s course work, consists of seminars on topics best considered in an interdisciplinary context. Seminars often include guest speakers or involve travel to special events or places.

Upon successful completion of honors courses in each year of attendance at the University, a student may be awarded Honors Certificates and the University Honors Degree. The degree will be awarded with “University Honors” upon satisfactory completion of a minimum of 26 credit hours in honors courses. For the degree, the hours in honors classes should be distributed as follows:

• 18 hours during the freshman and sophomore years (100 and 200 level)
• 8 hours during the junior and senior years, including the Golson Seminar (300 and above level).

Honors students will be awarded Sophomore Honors Certificates upon satisfactory completion of 18 hours of honors courses during the freshman and sophomore years. Upon satisfactory completion of the additional 8 hours of upper-division honors courses, students will graduate with University Honors. Students who enter the program after their sophomore year can earn an Upper Division Honors Certificate after satisfactory completion of 8 hours of upper-division honors courses.

Honors students are recognized for their achievements at special occasions during the academic year. Participants will have notations on their transcripts recognizing their participation in the Honors Program for the purpose of alerting prospective employers and graduate schools to the quality and extent of honors work.

For information and application forms, contact the Honors Program Director at (205) 665-6501. The Honors Program office, classroom, and lounge are in Hill House.

Honors courses are open to students in the Honors Program and also to all other Montevallo students by permission of the Honors Program Director and on a space-available basis. Inquiries are encouraged.

Honors courses
Communication Studies (COMS)

Course number	Course name	Credit hours
102	Honors Foundations of Oral Communication	3

English (ENG)

Course number	Course name	Credit hours
103	Foundations in Writing for Advanced Students	3
104	Foundations in Writing for Advanced Students	3
233	Honors World Literature I	3
234	Honors World Literature II	3

History (HIST)

Course number	Course name	Credit hours
103	History of World Civilizations for Honors Students	3
104	History of World Civilizations for Honors Students	3

Honors (HNRS)

Course number	Course name	Credit hours
300	Vacca Seminar	3
308	Special Topics	1
309	Special Topics	3
314	Model Arab League	1
320	Model United Nations	1
400	Golson Seminar	1
490	Thesis/Project	0–3

Philosophy (PHIL)

Course number	Course name	Credit hours
111	Honors Introduction to Philosophy	3
221	Honors Ethics	3

Theatre (THEA)

Course number	Course name	Credit hours
122	Honors Introduction to Theatre	3

Interdisciplinary Studies major

The Interdisciplinary Studies Major is a self-designed course of study that permits students to combine features of more than one discipline in a program of study that may take the place of or complement a traditional major. Students interested in the individualized degree obtain application materials from the Chair of the Interdisciplinary Studies Oversight Committee (IDSOC). The committee will be comprised of the following: Chair/Assistant VPAA, one faculty member from each of the four colleges, the Registrar, and the Director of Faculty Development and Collaboration.

The student works with a faculty mentor (depending on the proposal, it could be one or two faculty mentors working together with the student) to develop a program that follows the application guidelines. Students and their mentors should begin the application process as soon as appropriate for specific plans. Many students who apply to the IDSOC Committee do so during their sophomore or junior year, although a student may be ready to apply as early as the second semester of his/her freshman year. Typically a student cannot apply any later than 75 earned credit hours, however exceptions could be approved by the IDSOC.

The application will be submitted to IDSOC for approval. A completed application packet includes the following:

• A title and compelling rationale for the individual program and a description of what the student intends to gain from this major.
• A specific list of required courses totaling at least 36 hours drawn from at least two different disciplines and/or colleges. Each semester the faculty mentor(s) will review progress toward the major with the student and determine if any changes need to be proposed and approved. At least 21 of the 36 hours must be at the 300 level or above. There will be a minimum of one 400-level course, IDS 400, the capstone course. At least two-thirds of the major must be taken while a student is at UM. It is possible for BACHE courses to be included
• A proposed plan of study for the major courses by semester that also serves as an approximate timetable for completion
• A list of several student learning outcomes (these may be modified as the program progresses).
• A specific description of the capstone experience will be required for approval prior to the senior year. Some examples of a capstone experience are a senior thesis, an undergraduate research project, or an internship.
• The application must be signed by the faculty mentor(s) and the Chair of IDSOC. The mentor will be responsible for the paper or project that fulfills the capstone experience.
  

Once the application is approved the student can declare a major in Interdisciplinary Studies. This declaration is contingent upon the Registrar’s certification that the proposal meets all graduation requirements. No changes may be made in the approved program without written authorization from IDSOC. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the major. The title of the individualized degree will be identified on the student’s transcript at the time of graduation.

Environmental Studies minor

Environmental Studies at the University of Montevallo is an interdisciplinary minor grounded in the natural sciences that incorporates perspectives from the social sciences, the arts and humanities, and business. The purpose of the program is to provide students with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes they will need as citizens and as members of the workforce to make informed decisions with respect to ecological issues. The overarching objective is to help students learn to balance present needs with those of future generations while promoting environmental justice and biological sustainability. Course offerings include ES 200: Introduction to Environmental Studies, ES 300: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Environmental Studies, ES 310, Special Topics in Environmental Studies, and ES 400: Senior ES Independent Study, as well as regularly taught classes that meet the criteria for ES designation.

Environmental careers now exist in a wide variety of fields in the public and private sectors, both in the U.S. and abroad. Career paths for Environmental Studies minors include employment in public schools and private educational facilities; in city and regional planning agencies; in agencies and firms dealing with environmental impact analysis, law, and natural resource management; in energy management and design consulting firms, utilities and renewable energy businesses; in federal, state, county, and city parks; in public art projects; in environmental writing; and in activist organizations.

Environmental Studies courses
Environmental Studies (ES)

Course number	Course name	Credit hours
200	Introduction to Environmental Studies	1
300	Interdisciplinary Approaches to Environmental Studies	3
310	Special Topics in Environmental Studies	1–4
400	Senior ES Independent Study	1–4

Game Studies and Design minor

UM’s Game Studies and Design minor offers students a unique opportunity to academically explore the interdisciplinary concepts involved in game studies and design from a liberal-arts perspective. Students choosing this minor will be able to select classes from a wide variety of disciplines including English, marketing, mathematics, philosophy and sociology; all of which play pivotal roles in the design and composition of the vast majority of games throughout history. This minor studies a range of games, such as card games, board games, alternate reality games, serious games, and video games.

A minor in Game Studies and Design (GSD) consists of 21 credit hours. The following five courses are required of all students in order to successfully complete the minor: GSD 210 (History of Games), GSD 225 (Survey of Modern Games), GSD 301 (Game Design Workshop I), GSD 302 (Game Design Workshop II), and Mathematics 202 (Mathematics of Games).

Students choosing this minor will also select two courses from the following: English 361 (Creative Writing), Marketing 351 (Principles of Marketing), Theatre 318 (Costume Design), any GSD 295 Special Topics course, any GSD 395 Special Topics course (including, but not limited to, English: Children’s Literature of Games, English: Technical Writing for Games, Philosophy: The Aesthetics of Games and the Ethics of Gaming, and Sociology: Sociology of Games). GSD 295 and GSD 395 may be repeated if the special topics are different.

Undergraduate Research in Game Studies and Design is also available on an individual basis. For more information, contact Dr. Cathlena Martin at cmartin16@montevallo.edu or games@montevallo.edu.

Game Studies and Design courses
Game Studies and Design (GSD)

Course number	Course name	Credit hours
210	History of Games	3
225	Survey of Modern Games	3
295	Special Topics	1–3
301	Game Design Workshop I	3
302	Game Design Workshop II	3
395	Special Topics	1–3

Study Away

Study away is defined as any number of arrangements by which University of Montevallo students may complete one or more degree requirements through educational activities off campus. Such activities include — but are not limited to — undergraduate and graduate classroom study, research, intern- or externships, field studies, clinical or observational trials, and service learning accomplished for credit both outside the United States and through participation in the National Student Exchange. Local courses taken through the BACHE Consortium or transient courses transferred from local universities are not considered study-away courses. Study away can include formal exchange programs with other universities, trips sponsored by the University of Montevallo, or trips sponsored by other institutions of higher education. The length of time can range from a few weeks to a full semester or academic year. Study away does not substitute for or relieve any residency requirements. Awarding of academic credit is dependent on the type of program and agreement under which the student studied. In all cases, students are encouraged to confirm academic credit arrangements before leaving campus.

International and Intercultural Studies courses
International and Intercultural Studies (IIS)

Course number	Course name	Credit hours
299	Study Away	1–15 hours
399	Study Away	1–15 hours
499	Study Away	1–15 hours

Service Learning

Service Learning is defined as a teaching and learning method that combines service objectives and learning objectives with the focus on promoting a deeper understanding of course content through real-world experiences that positively impact the community. These personal growth experiences provide an opportunity for critical reflective thinking and for promoting a sense of civic responsibility. The University of Montevallo’s Mission Statement, Vision Statement, and Strategic Plan explicitly identify service and informed citizenship as University emphases, as follows. Service learning courses provide a mechanism by which university students can meet academic objectives while addressing community needs and gaining practical experience in their fields of study. In addition, service learning programs enable universities to have greater and more targeted impacts on the local and global community.

Students can participate in the service learning curriculum by enrolling in courses with SL designations. Students enrolled in SL courses are expected to complete the service activity(ies) as specified in the syllabus just as students are expected to complete other activities assigned by their professors. Students are prepared by their professors to conduct themselves in a professional manner and meet specific expectations of their service site such as confidentiality, collegiality, punctuality, and dress code. Benefits of student participation in service learning courses include the following:

• gaining a deeper understanding of course content
• developing collaboration and communication skills
• increasing awareness of social and community issues
• gaining experience in a specific field of study
• establishing professional contacts

Students who demonstrate excellence in service are recognized with a cord at graduation and a certificate of recognition for exemplary service on Honors Day. Criteria for recognition include the following:

• a minimum GPA of 2.75
• one of the following:
  – 300 documented hours of service to the community
  – Completion of 4 service learning courses
  – 150 documented hours of service to the community and completion of 2 service learning courses.

Military training courses

Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps
Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) is available to Montevallo students through a cooperative program with Samford University. Students enrolling in Air Force ROTC courses will attend classes on the Samford University campus or the University of Alabama at Birmingham campus. The AFROTC provides college men and women the opportunity to attain a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force upon graduation from college. The program is divided into the General Military Course (GMC) and the Professional Officer Course (POC). The GMC includes freshman- and sophomore-level courses and is open to all students without military obligation. The POC includes junior- and senior-level courses for those committed to service on active duty. Uniforms and textbooks for all aerospace studies courses are provided at no charge.

Scholarship Programs
Some freshmen enter AFROTC with a four-year college scholarship, though most freshmen and sophomores enter without. Freshmen and sophomores are able to compete for two-year and three-year scholarships through the In-College Scholarship Program (ICSP). Scholarship awards range from $9,000 to full tuition, $600 for books, and a $250-400 monthly tax-free stipend. Students must meet minimum requirements to receive scholarships.

General Military Course
The General Military Course (GMC) is comprised of AFRC 101, 102, 201, and 202. These courses are open to all students regardless of qualifications for military service or intent to compete for a commission. As part of the GMC, students examine the basic organization and structure of the Air Force, gain an appreciation of the historical significance of air power, apply basic communications skills, and receive an introduction to total quality management.

Professional Officer Course
Students who complete the GMC and desire to serve on active duty in the Air Force continue training in the Professional Officer Course (POC). The POC is designed to provide students with advanced leadership training, application techniques for a quality culture, study of military history with particular attention paid to the role of air power, and a complete understanding of the national-security process. The POC prepares men and women with the skills necessary to be leaders in the United States Air Force.

Leadership Laboratory
Leadership Laboratory is an integral part of the AFROTC program. Each academic class has an associated leadership laboratory that meets for two hours each week. It provides an opportunity for students to apply classroom teachings to actual environments. Instruction is conducted within the framework of an organized cadet corps with a progression of experiences designed to develop leadership potential. Leadership Laboratory involves a study of the life and work of Air Force junior officers. Students develop their leadership potential in a practical, supervised laboratory. The first two years of Leadership Laboratory involve activities classified as initial leadership experiences. The last two years consist of activities classified as advanced leadership experiences.

Field Training
All cadets in the AFROTC must complete field training. It is offered during the summer months and normally occurs between the sophomore and junior years. Field training is an intense, four-week training environment designed to evaluate students’ potential to lead in the United States Air Force. The major areas of evaluation include a leadership reaction course, an assault and obstacle course, drill and ceremonies, reaction in a deployed environment, survival training environment, and physical training.

Additional Information
For additional information about Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps programs available to Montevallo students, contact:

Unit Admissions Officer, Samford University
AFROTC Building, 800 Lakeshore Drive
Birmingham, AL 35229
Phone: (205) 726-2859

Curriculum
For complete descriptions of ROTC courses, refer to the Courses of Instruction section of this Bulletin.

Army Reserve Officer Training Corps
The Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program is maintained under Federal Laws by acts of Congress. Under these laws, the Senior ROTC Program in General Military Science is offered. ROTC is a program of leadership and skills training. Through hands-on training and classroom instruction by experienced, active-duty Army officers and Non-commissioned officers, men and women in ROTC develop invaluable skills that enable them to rise above their peers in a professional civilian or military career. Students not only learn military skills; they learn how to lead; how to organize and manage people, things, and tasks.

Qualified students may earn a commission as a Second Lieutenant with the opportunity to serve either full time in the active Army or part time in the National Guard or U.S. Army Reserve. Students compete for valuable two- and three-year, and other special ROTC scholarships. The Army ROTC office is located on the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) campus. Under the Cooperative Exchange Program and a partnership agreement, University of Montevallo students are eligible to participate. Course credit is granted on a semester-hour basis. Registration for the classes should be coordinated through the Registrar’s Office.

Enrollment
Enrollment in Lower Division is open to all members of the student body. The Military Science Department offers several courses that may be counted as electives in support of other degrees. ROTC is traditionally a four-year program that is divided into a lower and upper division. The first two years of military science courses are designed to provide the student with broad flexibility in the choice of a profession. The second two years of ROTC will lead to a presidential appointment as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

Lower Division
The Lower Division is generally taken during the freshman and sophomore years. For students who did not take ROTC during their first two years of college and are not veterans, a compressed version of the Lower-Division Sequence is available each summer through a six-week all-expenses-paid training seminar. Successful completion gives students credentials necessary for enrollment in the Upper Division.

Upper Division
The Upper Division, during the final two years of college, includes an advanced summer leadership seminar that takes place between the junior and senior years. Students in the Upper Division are paid $450 to $500 per month while enrolled, plus salary for all summer internships.

Scholarship Program
Army ROTC offers several opportunities for full tuition and fees scholarships. Once on campus, students may apply for three-year or two-year scholarships. Each scholarship covers tuition, an annual allotment of $1,200 for most books and fees, plus a $300–$500 tax-free allowance per school month, based on academic class (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior). Army ROTC scholarships are awarded strictly on the basis of merit to the most-outstanding students who apply. Unlike most academic scholarships, family income has no bearing on qualifications. For more details, refer to the Financial Aid section of this Bulletin or contact the scholarship adviser at the ROTC Department, at (205) 934-8749, or via e-mail at roo@uab.edu.

Veterans
Students with prior military experience can fulfill credit requirements for the ROTC Lower Division sequence. This means that, if credit is granted and provided the student is not on a three-year Army ROTC scholarship, he or she can skip the freshman and sophomore years of ROTC and enroll directly in the Upper Division sequence. Students with prior service may be eligible for special veteran scholarships. In addition to any financial assistance from ROTC, veterans are still qualified to receive any and all VEAP/GI Bill/Army College Fund benefits to which they are entitled.

Simultaneous Membership Program
Students may also take advantage of a program that allows them to participate in ROTC and enlist in the Army National Guard or Reserve at the same time. It is called the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP). Students in the SMP serve as officers in a Guard or Reserve unit and perform duties commensurate with the grade of second lieutenant. SMPs are paid at the rate of at least a Sergeant E-5 for Guard or Reserve service.

Minor in Military Science
A minor in Military Science is available and requires the following: ARRC 301, 302, 303, 401, 402 or 403 (18 hours); approved Military Science electives (6 hours); the successful completion of the ROTC Advanced Camp; Military History (3 hours); computer science (2 hours); and English (6 hours). Students must earn a 2.0 GPA or better in all the required military courses, as well as a C or better in the approved classes.

Honors Program
As part of the Military Honors Program, Military Science students possessing outstanding qualities of leadership, academics, and high moral character may be designated by the Professor of Military Science as Distinguished Military Students. Upon earning a commission as a Second Lieutenant and a baccalaureate degree, select students may be designated Distinguished Military Graduates.

Additional Information
For additional information about the Army ROTC program available to Montevallo students, contact:

Professor of Military Science
UAB, 501 12th Street South
Birmingham, AL 35294-4490
Phone: (205) 934-7215
website: www.uab.edu/armyrotc

Curriculum
For complete descriptions of ROTC courses, refer to the Courses of Instruction section of this Bulletin.

 

Last updated: 06-29-2012 (See information on Academic Suspension.)