Undergraduate Credit Hour Policy
A unit of credit (one credit hour) is defined as the equivalent of one 50-minute class period per week for one semester with a minimum of two hours of additional work outside of class meeting time for each hour in class, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time. For laboratory and lessons, measurement of credit hours vary and may be equivalent to one credit to ½ -3 hours in lab or lessons. For internships, practicums and student teaching, credits awarded based on average hours per week with 40 hours per 1 credit including 2 or more hours of additional coursework. Details of the policy:
- 50 minutes of in-class or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester hour of credit. This accounts for approximately 15 hours of in-class or direct faculty instruction and minimum of 30 hours of out-of-class student work for a total of approximately 45 hours for one semester hour of credit; or
- The equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or
- The equivalent amount of work by other instructional modes of delivery such as distance education (online), independent and directed studies
Laboratory: Practical application type courses where the major focus is on ‘hands on’ experience to support student learning using equipment, activities, tools, machines etc. 1 credit hour is approximately 2-3 laboratory hours.
Applied Music Lessons: Courses are individual lessons which meet once per week. Students receive 1-2 credits with lessons lasting 30-60 minutes. Additional independent practice is expected.
Internship: a pre-professional practical learning experience in an appropriate work environment that will benefit the student. 1 credit per 40 hours of internship, with an additional 2 hours or more of coursework, not to exceed 8 credits in one experience with the exception of student teaching.
Online Credit Hour Policy
Federal Guidelines mandate that one credit hour is equivalent to 3 hours of student work (every week for 15 weeks). In the online accelerated (8 week) environment, this translates to approximately 6 hours of student engagement per week per credit for a total of 18 hours per week for a 3 credit course. Student work includes preparation time, reading, research, discussion board participation, assignments, exams and practical application of materials.
Attendance
The participation of students in all regularly scheduled classes is considered an important part of the academic procedure. It is assumed that students will conscientiously fulfill this responsibility when classes are scheduled and will contribute to class activities. An instructor may consider irregular attendance in his/her evaluation of students’ educational achievement. Students are responsible for ascertaining attendance requirements for each course in which they are enrolled.
Specific policies related to excused and unexcused absences can be found in the Student Handbook. Additional copies of this may be obtained by contacting the director of student housing.