Policies
Graduate students in the Library and Information Science (LIS) Program are expected to make satisfactory progress in their programs of study. The LIS Program faculty and staff support student advancement toward degree and certificate completion. This policy defines what constitutes academic progress and lack of progress in the LIS Program and outlines Program actions concerning students who fail to meet their academic progress goals.
Student Responsibilities in Making Satisfactory Academic Progress
To remain in good academic standing with the LIS Program, students must make satisfactory progress toward the degree as evidenced by:
- Achieving candidacy in a timely manner through registering an acceptable Plan of Work after successfully completing 6 hours of courses and no later than after 9 hours of courses. The University will place holds preventing registration if Plans of Work are not filed on time.
- Maintaining a 3.00 (B) grade point average throughout the program of study.
- Exhibiting ethical professional and academic integrity.
Student Retention
The LIS Program uses a process called Student Academic Review (SAR) as a method for improving student retention and minimizing probation and dismissal. SAR meetings, held once each academic semester, assess students’ academic and professional growth. These reviews provide an ongoing measure of successful student performance. Results of SAR include direct contact with students who may need academic or professional guidance by course instructors, advisors and occasionally the Program Director.
Continuing Student Enrollment
To continue enrolling in courses students must satisfy not only the 3.00 (B) grade point average but must also be aware of grades which can impact enrollment opportunities. These include Withdrawal (WP, WN and WF) and Incomplete (I) grades.
- Withdrawal grades—Since Withdrawals of all types count as an attempt to complete a course, and students may only repeat up to two graduate courses, Withdrawals may impact continuing enrollment.
- Incomplete grades—Incompletes are reserved for extraordinary circumstances that prevent a student from completing the required course work within the semester time frame. Incompletes are given solely at the instructor’s discretion. Students who receive more than two Incompletes will be required to meet with their advisors. (See the LIS Program’s grade policy for more information on Incomplete grades.)
Student Probation and Dismissal
A student who fails to maintain the required 3.00 (B) grade point average is considered to be academically deficient and is subject to the following:
- A student whose cumulative grade point average (GPA) drops below 3.00 (B) will be placed on academic probation and within the next semester of enrollment must raise the GPA to at least 3.00 (B). A student who does not reach a cumulative 3.00 (B) GPA during this grace period will be dismissed.
- A student who receives any grade of “F” (failure) or “U” (unsatisfactory) will be dismissed and prohibited from completing additional coursework.
- A student who receives more than two grades of “WF” (Withdrawal Failing) will be dismissed.
Dismissal Appeals
Students may appeal dismissal. Such appeal will follow the Grade Appeals procedures.
Grades and Appeal Procedures
The graduate grading system is intended to reflect higher standards of critical and creative scholarship than those applied at the undergraduate level. Graduate students are required to maintain a "B" average GPA of 3.0 to satisfy degree requirements. Final grades are recorded under the following system:
A Excellent 4.00
A- 3.67
B+ 3.33
B Good 3.00
B- Below graduate standards 2.67
C+ 2.33
C 2.00
F Failure – 0 grade points per credit hour
S Satisfactory (pass/fail)
U Unsatisfactory (pass/fail)
WP Official Withdrawal Passing
WF Official Withdrawal Failing
WN Official Withdrawal Nonattendance
Y Continuing Grade
A Consistently distinguished and superior performance in all aspects of the assignment/course. This grade represents nearly flawless work that exhibits mastery of the subject matter/ assignment as well as qualities such as analytical ability, originality, creativity, and interpretation.
A- Excellent performance; superior achievement in most aspects of the work.
B+ Strong, solid performance; above basic course requirements.
B Good work, consistent with performance expected of students in a master’s degree program; meets basic requirements.
B- Work which does not attain acceptable levels in significant aspects of the assignment/course. This is a marginal grade which should alert students to their limited performance.
C+ Below graduate standards. Student has not met all requirements at an acceptable level.
C Unacceptable work. Student has failed to meet most of the minimum requirements.
F Failing grade; work does not meet minimum requirements.
Incomplete Grade Policy
The mark of `I' is given to a graduate student when he/she has not completed all of the course work as planned for the term and when there is, in the judgment of the instructor, a reasonable probability that the student will complete the course successfully without again attending regular class sessions. The student should be passing at the time the grade of `I' is given. A written contract specifying the work to be completed should be signed by the student and instructor. Responsibility for completing all course work rests with the student.
The mark of `I' will be changed to a letter grade when the student completes the course work as arranged with the instructor or, if the instructor has left the University, with the Program Director. Work must be completed within one calendar year, however, the instructor reserves the right to determine the term of the incomplete contract. Incomplete grades not completed within one year or the term established by the instructor automatically convert to an F grade with no exceptions.
The mark of `I' will not be awarded if, in the instructor's judgment, it is necessary for the student to attend subsequent sessions of the class. If regular attendance is necessary to complete coursework, the student must register for the class for the semester in which attendance is planned. The student will be assessed tuition and applicable fees for the second registration. If the student decides to register for the course, subsequent to the assignment of an `I', then the mark of `I' for the original election will be changed to a Withdrawal/Passing (`WP'), and the student will be responsible for tuition and applicable fees for the second registration. Students are responsible for notifying the LIS Office that they have reregistered for the course so that the `I' is not changed to an `F.' Any unchanged mark of `I' will, within one calendar year from the time it was received, be changed to a grade of `F' or failure. This will not be changed after the `I' is replaced.
Change of Grade
Changes of grade must be submitted by an instructor within three semesters (one calendar year) after the end of the term for which the relevant course was originally graded/marked.
Withdrawal Grade Policy
The mark of `WF'-Official Withdrawal Failing, is given when the student drops the course in accordance with University policy and the student had earned a failing grade as of the date the withdrawal is approved.
The mark of `WN'- Withdrawal Non-Attendance is given to students who did not attend any classes and/or did not complete any assignments and/or did not participate in credit-earning activities by the withdrawal date.
The mark of `WP'-Official Withdrawal Passing, is given when the student drops the course in accordance with University policy and the student had earned a passing grade as of the date the withdrawal is approved.
The mark of `Y'- Deferred, is given when the student is up-to-date in the work of a course planned to continue beyond the semester (i.e., essay, thesis, dissertation and certain courses taken in sequence).
The mark of `Z'- Auditor, is given when the student has formally registered for the course for audit. The student's Academic Dean or his/her designee must provide written audit authorization to the student at the time of registration.
Student Grade Appeals Policy Guidelines (Revised - August 22, 1994)
1.1 Policies and procedures adopted by the Library and Information Science Program faculty relative to student appeal of grades. The following policy guidelines are provided to assure the establishment of procedures, which will provide for the prompt, fair and equitable resolution of grade appeals.
2.0 Basic Principles
2.1 Instructors are expected to evaluate student work according to sound academic standards. Equal demands are required of all students in a class (although more work is expected from graduate students than from undergraduates), and grades are assigned without departing substantially from announced procedures.
It is the instructor's prerogative to assign grades in accordance with his/her academic/professional judgment, and the student assumes the burden of proof in the appeals process.
2.2 Grounds for appeals are: 1) The application of non-academic criteria in the grading process, as listed in the university's non-discrimination and affirmative action statute: Race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, marital status, or handicap; 2) sexual harassment; or 3) evaluation of student work by criteria not directly reflective of performance relative to course requirements.
2.3 These policy guidelines do not apply to allegations of academic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty matters should be addressed under the Student Code of Conduct statute.
Library and Information Science Program Review
The Library and Information Science Program Director shall assemble all written documentation and oral testimonies from the student and instructor in charge. If the matter is not resolved to the satisfaction of all parties, the Program Director shall convene a Grade Appeals Committee. Students shall be notified in writing of the department's decision regarding the appeal within 60 days of lodging the formal appeal.
All meetings held in relation to the appeal shall provide parties the opportunity to present additional information orally or in writing. No additional persons will be permitted at such meetings without advance approval by the Chair, Director, or Dean, as appropriate. The decision of the Grade Appeals Committee will be reported to the Director. Matters not resolved at the Program level may be appealed to the Dean.
If review procedures available to the student have been exhausted, the student may initiate VPAA Review. Procedures for VPAA Review are contained in the University Guidelines for Grade Appeal.
Regular attendance is expected of all students in every class. Students who anticipate absences or who are unable to attend classes should inform their instructor(s) before class (or immediately following the absence) to explain their failure to attend. Excessive absence, with or without explanation, may result in failure for the course or in a reduced grade.
Whenever attendance forms a basis for a portion or all of a course grade, students must be provided with explicit written information concerning that fact during the first week of classes. Such information shall be specific with regard to the penalty incurred for each absence and the means, if any, to compensate for the absence. It should be recognized that there may be certain situations where the students may not be permitted to make up the absence(s). This policy shall be applicable to all courses within the University, regardless of setting. See the Wayne State University Graduate Bulletin for further information.
Notice of University-wide cancellation of classes due to extreme weather conditions is broadcast on local radio stations and television channels, on the University Newsline (313-577-5345), and on the LISP listserv. Students can also check Pipeline and may receive a text message or email from the University.
A student with a strong academic record who is devoting full-time to graduate study and carrying no outside employment may register in the Program not to exceed twelve credits per semester. A student engaged in part-time work should limit registration in proportion to the amount of outside work. A student employed full-time will normally not register in excess of six credits. A student working full-time who desires to carry more than nine credits must obtain permission from the Director. Graduate Assistants are required to register for six to nine credits each semester. The University considers a program of eight graduate credits per semester to be full-time study.
Although it is possible for a student to complete the Program in one calendar year, it is not recommended as students will soon realize the heavy commitment to study and course work which must be accomplished at the graduate level. Students should be cautioned to enroll for no more than 9 graduate hours per semester, which allows completion of the Program in 4 semesters by full-time students.
Requirements
Students in the Library and Information Science Program will take LIS 6010 and LIS 6080 as the first courses in their program. They are to be taken in the order listed:
- LIS 6010
- LIS 6080
These courses must be completed or in progress before other courses may be taken.
Examples of student enrollment patterns for this policy:
- Students taking one course at a time:
- First semester LIS 6010.
- Second semester LIS 6080.
- Third semester LIS 6120 or LIS 6210 or the first required course in a certificate program. Students in this situation should consult with their advisor about the third course.
- Students taking two courses at a time:
- First semester LIS 6010 and LIS 6080.
- Second semester for regular LIS Students: LIS 6120 or LIS 6210 and any appropriate elective.
- Second semester for students in certificate programs: LIS 6120 or LIS 6210 and/or the first required course in a certificate program.
- Students taking three courses in their first semester:
- LIS 6010 and LIS 6080.
AND - LIS 6120 or LIS 6210 or the first required course in a certificate program. Students in this situation should consult with their advisor about the third course.
- LIS 6010 and LIS 6080.
Strongly Recommended
Consultation with an advisor can aid students in determining appropriate course sequencing. It is strongly recommended that the remainder of the core courses be completed as follows:
- LIS 6120 or LIS 6210 or the first required course in a certificate program should be taken early in a students’ program.
- LIS 6120, LIS6210 and LIS 7040 should be taken as part of the first 18 credit hours .
- LIS 7996 should be taken as part of the last 9 credit hours.
General Guidelines
The 6000-level courses are most suitable for new students. Course content and class assignments are more advanced for the 7000-level and 8000-level courses and build on the material taught in the 6000-level courses. If students have questions regarding course sequencing, they should consult with their advisors.
Students may decide that there is a particular area of study that they would like to pursue instead of taking an LIS elective. The course, LIS 7990: Research and Directed Study, is offered to students who want to pursue individual study in special topics. A student wishing to enroll in LIS 7990 must contact a member of the faculty whose area of expertise corresponds to the student's research interest. A comprehensive written proposal, stating the purpose and proposed methodology, must be approved by the faculty member who has expressed willingness to offer this course. Written permission of the faculty member must be obtained before registering for LIS 7990 - the directed study must also be approved by the student's faculty advisor, by the LIS Director and by the Dean before registration is permitted. This process will ensure that the directed study is rigorous enough to earn graduate credit. While a credit-load ranging from one to eight credit hours is authorized for this course, no more than three credit hours will normally be undertaken per semester.
Petition and Authorization for Directed Study Form
Effective May 5, 2008, the LIS Program implemented a comprehensive “Academic Progress” policy that encompasses the former “Grades” policy. The grades section of the LIS Program’s Academic Progress policy is available at http://www.lisp.wayne.edu/about/policies.php#academicprogress.
A candidate for a degree or certificate must complete an Application for Degree or Certificate through Pipeline no later than the fourth week of classes of the semester in which he or she expects to complete the requirements for the degree. Consult the university academic calendar for dates. Please note that students applying for both the Master of Library and Information Science and one or more certificates are required to file separate applications for each.
If an Application for Degree or Certificate was filed for a previous term in which the student did not graduate, a new application plus fees must be completed no later than the fourth week of classes of the semester in which the degree requirements will be completed. Information concerning commencement, caps and gowns, invitations, tickets, location, assembling, and other relevant items will be mailed to graduates by the Commencement Office prior to the commencement event. Commencement is held once per year on the on the Tom Adams Field in the Wayne State University Football Stadium.
The LIS Program will issue Graduation Notices to students who have applied for graduation at least four weeks prior to the end of the semester. The notices will specify the remaining requirements for degree completion. Students are reminded to ensure that an up-to-date Plan of Work is on file in order to prevent a delay in the graduation process.
In order to be eligible for graduation, students must have:
- completed all courses included on the Plan of Work.
- completed the required number of credit hours.
- completed the new student orientation requirement.
- obtained at least a 3.00+ grade point average.
- completed the degree requirements by the six year deadline.
Wayne State University Commencement Website
Online searching is one primary component of the core class LIS 6120: Access to Information. It is also an important part of some advanced courses, particularly those in subject reference and bibliography. Online searching for purposes other than classroom use is not allowed, according to the terms of the Library and Information Science Program's licensing agreements with vendors of online services, who provide their services at vastly reduced prices for instructional purposes only. Wayne State University's acceptable use policy is available at http://wayne.edu/policies/acceptable-use.php.
Please be aware that webcentric courses meet only on days specified in the course schedule. Students must attend the onsite sessions to participate in the webcentric courses. Students who miss a class session will be required to withdraw from the course.
Online classes do not require any physical class meeting. The course is conducted through Blackboard and/or Mediasite.
"Academic work submitted by a graduate student for graduate credit is assumed to be of her/his own creation, and, if found not to be, will constitute cause for the student's dismissal from the School" (Wayne State University Graduate Bulletin). Plagiarism is generally defined as claiming someone else's ideas, words or information. It constitutes intellectual theft. Plagiarism can be avoided by footnoting any data, language, or ideas not of one’s own creation. Paraphrasing or rewording of another’s work without appropriate credit is also plagiarism. Similarly, plagiarism violates a student's responsibilities when a student purchases or otherwise acquires work done by another and submits it as one’s own. Such behavior constitutes fraud, or cheating, and will result in disciplinary action. A related issue arises when a student takes a previously submitted course assignment and, making few or no changes, submits that assignment as part of the requirement for another course. This ethical violation of the student's responsibility to submit fresh, original work for each assignment will also be construed as plagiarism. Discovery of any such practices will result in disciplinary action.
Take the Plagiarism Quiz!
Dean of Students Office: Academic Integrity
The Plan of Work (POW) serves as a statement of the student's academic objectives and constitutes a contract between the student and the university. Each student must file a POW with the LIS Program upon completion of the first nine (9) hours of course work. The POW should be completed with the guidance and direction of the student's faculty advisor. It is the student's responsibility to draft a POW and to obtain the faculty advisor's approval and signature. Students must file a POW in the required time period or an academic hold will be placed preventing further registration. Following LIS Program approval of the POW, notice of candidacy status is forwarded to WSU Student Records and the completed document is retained in the student's folder in the LIS Program files. This document becomes the official list of courses to be completed satisfactorily by the student for fulfillment of the requirements for the MLIS degree.
Any change in a student's course planning requires that a Change in Plan of Work (CPOW) form be completed in consultation with the faculty advisor prior to registration. Deviation from the POW without notification of change can result in delayed graduation.
Purpose
WSU LISP provides students access to the student server. The use of this resource is a privilege that can be revoked at any time for violations of the policies. This document outlines the policies pertaining to the use of the student server. All persons using the server will be held accountable to these policies. Use of the student server indicates acceptance of these policies.
Goal
The goal of these policies is to maximize the performance of the server and maintain a safe, secure environment in support of the use of computers in the pursuit of higher education.
University Policies
This document is meant to complement existing university policies that govern the use of computing and network resources. University policies shall take precedence in the event of any conflict with LISP policies. Applicable university computing and network policies can be found at: http://computing.wayne.edu/policies.
The University Policy on the Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources (AUITR) “guides students, faculty and staff in the acceptable use of computer systems, networks, and other information technology resources at Wayne State University.”
LISP AUITR Policy identifies specific activities that are PROHIBITED. Students who violate these policies will lose access and may be subject to discipline under the appropriate student, faculty, or staff due process policy. Disciplinary action includes dismissal from the LIS Program. A fee will be charged for processing of violations.
Usage Policy
The student server is for class use only. For non-LISP students, space on the student server is only for the duration of the course. For LISP students, space on the student server is available for one semester after the student graduates, after one year of inactivity, or until the student leaves the program.
The following activities are strictly PROHIBITED on the LISP student server:
- downloading or sharing copyrighted material without the express consent of the copyright owner. Examples include, but are not limited to, MP3 files, digital recordings of movies, and licensed software;
- downloading or sharing non-copyrighted material not intended for class use. Examples include, but are not limited to, legal MP3 files not intended for class use, personal freeware or shareware, family non-class related videos, family non-class related photos;
- accessing (or attempting to gain access to) systems without the owners’ consent;
- eavesdropping or capturing packets not intended for that system;
- scanning other systems for open ports or vulnerabilities;
- use of routers or any device that provides routing functions (including cable routers, Voice over IP (VoIP) devices with built-in routers, wireless routers, etc.) or Network Address Translation (NAT) even if the routing, NAT and/or DHCP functions have been ‘disabled’;
- using LISP resources for commercial purposes;
- using a name that makes a system appear to be a university-owned or operated device, using offensive or profane language in the system name or changing the physical address to conceal the system’s identity;
- sending or relaying SPAM e-mail messages; and
- any other activity that disrupts the operation of LISP Servers.
LISP Policy also identifies specific computing activities that promote a stable and secure service. Students are responsible for the security of the computing equipment that they connect. Failure to maintain secure computing equipment will result in diminished or suspended Internet access until the vulnerability is resolved. Repeated failures may be subject to discipline under the appropriate student, faculty, or staff due process policy.
The following computing activities are enforced:
- operating systems and application software must have all security patches installed;
- computers must have the latest version of McAfee or Symantec antivirus software installed with up-to-date virus definitions. Symantec is available free of charge to WSU students and staff from http://computing.wayne.edu/software; and
- computers running Microsoft Windows operating systems must use a personal firewall. Note that firewalls that use Network Address Translation (NAT) are not permitted.
Contact
If you are unsure whether something you want to do is a violation of these policies, send an email to lisptech@wayne.edu explaining what you want to try and we will gladly give you clarification.
Student Services
Supported operating systems are Microsoft Windows XP and above (excluding server operating systems) and Macintosh OS/X and above. The student is responsible for providing a working PC. The PC’s operating system must have all applicable security patches applied. Microsoft and Macintosh systems must also have antivirus software installed with current virus definitions. This software is available free of charge to Wayne State University students and staff at
http://computing.wayne.edu/software
.The LISP student assistants can assist you with the troubleshooting of LISP specific software and server issues. They will use all reasonable care; LISP however, can not be held responsible for any resulting loss of data or functionality. The student is free to refuse any service on their PC by the LISP student assistant. LISP will not software that have been illegally copied. LISP reserves the right to refuse to work on any PC or associated hardware or software for any reason.
C&IT offers a PC Clinic for limited service on PCs, including the removal of viruses and spyware. For information on this fee-based service, contact the Helpdesk at 313.577.4778 or see the web page at
http://computing.wayne.edu/clinic/
.LISP is dependent on services and communication lines supplied by Wayne State University’s C&IT. LISP cannot be held responsible for network failure attributable to equipment and communications lines or abuse of resources by other network users.
Fee Schedule
- Reactivation of server access after suspension due to viral infection or other non-copyright violation
(1st offense) $25.00 - Reactivation of server access after suspension due to copyright violation
(1st offense) $100.00
Suspension or Termination of Access Privileges
If a violation of LISP or university policies occurs, the individual whose AccessID was used to log in to the server for that session will be held responsible for the violation(s). Most violations will result in a temporary suspension of server access and will require that the student deliver a letter of understanding to the director before server access is restored. A fee will also be applied, according to the schedule above. Repeat offenders and more severe violations will face longer suspensions, higher fees and possible permanent termination of access to the server. Serious and repeat offenders will a lso be subject to discipline under the appropriate student, staff or faculty due process policy. Any criminal activity will be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
The Student Academic Review (SAR) is conceived as an ongoing measure of student performance. It is scheduled each semester and is part of the faculty planning calendar. The SAR is intended to assess academic and professional growth.
The Student Code of Conduct adopted by Wayne State University gives general notice of prohibited conduct and sets out the disciplinary actions that may be taken if such conduct occurs. The Student Code of Conduct Policy is intended to ensure that procedures applied by all schools and colleges are uniform. The Library and Information Science Program follows these procedures. A copy of the policy is available from the Dean of Students Office.
In situations where the final decision of a school or college is based upon an evaluation of the student's academic performance and where all other avenues have been exhausted, a student may request review of the decision by the Vice President for Academic Affairs. For more information about academic appeals procedure, see the Wayne State University Graduate Bulletin.
The LIS Program faculty has adopted the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association [APA] (the most recent edition) as the standard style manual for the preparation and submission of term papers. Unless otherwise stated by the instructor, the APA publication manual is to be used.
Some students may enter the Program with exceptional experience in a particular area such as technology. Students may request permission to "test out" of a required core course by obtaining permission from the full-time faculty member who is designated as the lead instructor for that course. Waiver of a class by testing out does not reduce the number of credit hours required for graduation. Frequently, testing out of a class will provide the student the opportunity to take an advanced elective course in the same general area. For example, an experienced cataloger could test out of LIS 6210, Organization of Knowledge, and then could take LIS 8210, Advanced Classification and Cataloging. The faculty member should place a brief memorandum in the student's file to state that the student has tested out of the course. The student may request the Program Director to review the decision of the lead instructor by submitting a written appeal.
Official transcripts bear the seal of the university and the signature of the registrar. All financial holds must be released before a transcript will be issued. Transcripts are not issued outside of the university without the student's written permission.
Unofficial transcripts are also available. Unofficial copies do not bear the university seal or the registrar's signature. Unofficial transcripts are normally used for advising purposes.
Students may also access copies of their unofficial transcripts through WSU Pipeline.
Transfer credit for graduate level courses taken inside or outside Wayne State University is granted on a course by course and a student by student basis. Any student interested in using hours for transfer credits must contact their faculty advisor to discuss the relevance of a course to that student's Plan of Work. Coursework done at another institution must meet the following criteria to be applied toward your Wayne State degree:
- The courses cannot have been applied toward another degree
- The courses must be indicated as graduate level on an official transcript
- You must have earned a grade of "B" or better
- The courses must have been taken within 6 years of the completion of your MLIS
- Only 6 credit hours outside of LIS may be applied to the MLIS degree
- Under no circumstances may undergraduate credits be used toward this graduate degree
For more specific information about transfer credits, see the
Wayne State University Graduate Bulletin
Petition for Transfer of Graduate Credit Form