Academic Policies and Procedures to Know

Working together, individuals, colleges/schools, and the University form an overarching set of policies that dictate the day-to-day happenings at school. It is important to know these policies and put them to work.

Policies and procedures may be different for undergraduates and graduates – so be sure to use the correct catalog.

Some of the following policies and procedures require forms or additional information. In those cases, links are provided.

USM Academic Catalogs

There is no more important document than the Academic Catalog. It’s the road map of your education. Find out how to use it effectively and stay on top of things.

USM's Academic Catalog may seem intimidating and ominous, but it's ultimately an agreement between you and the University. Always be aware of your effective catalog edition as it will be your primary source of major and University-related requirements. For academic policies and procedures, be sure to check the most recent catalogs because they'll reflect the changes you'll need to know.

You'll be dealing with academic policies throughout your career at USM – get to know them. By becoming comfortable with major and university requirements and other policies, there will be no surprises when you apply for graduation and you can become your own advocate!

UNDERGRADUATE Academic Policies and Procedures

• Absence from a Final Examination
• Academic Dismissal
• Academic Forgiveness Policy
• Academic Record Changes
• Add/Drop
  • Add Forms – must be signed by instructor
  • Drop Forms
• Attendance Policy
• Auditing Courses
• Catalog Effective for Graduation Requirements
• Change of College or School
• Change of Major within a School or College
  • Change of Major Form
• Class Membership
• Clinical Course Requirements
• Confidentiality Policy
  • FERPA
• Course Numbering
• Coursework at Other Institutions
• Dean's List
• Degree Requirements -- three things to remember:
  1. College readiness requirements
  2. Core curriculum requirements
  3. Major requirements
• Double Majors
• Enrollment Status
• Examination Policy
• Grade Point Averages
  • USM's GPA is based on a 4.0 scale.
  • Be aware of what your program or major requires as a cumulative GPA.
• Grading System
  • USM uses a letter system with A – F, A being highest honors, F being failure.
  • Be aware that I, MG, and L, are not static and can be computed into an "F" if not resolved within one semester.
• Graduation Honors Policy
• Graduation Requirements
  • Apply to Graduate
• Independent Study
  • As the student, you need to submit an independent study application to the department chair which includes a detailed description of your proposed program of study. The independent study form must be filed with the Registrar before registration will be allowed.
• Matriculation Status (Leave of Absence)
• Minimum Grade and Academic Suspension
  • Students who are not performing well may be academically suspended by the Dean of the department. This can happen when grades fall below a "good standing" GPA. This "good standing" is different depending on program and total number of credits completed.
• Non-Matriculated Students
• Pass-Fail Option
  • Some courses are graded as pass/fail, such as internship courses. Pass/fail grading options are not permitted for courses satisfying Core, major, minor or Honors
• Permanent Academic Record
  • You can request an official transcript using the Transcript Request Form.
• Post-Baccalaureate Study for Second Degree
• Professional Licensure and Certification Notice
• Re-enrollment after Academic Suspension
• Registration
  • MaineStreet
• Repeated Courses
  • Students should complete a Course Condition form each time a course is repeated.
• Residence Requirement
• Student Academic Appeals Policy
• Student Academic Integrity Policy
  • Evidence of a violation of the academic integrity policy will normally result in disciplinary action. A copy of the complete policy may be obtained from the Office of Community Standards, 125 Upton Hall, Gorham, 780-5242.
• Student Administrative Appeals Policy
• Student Complaints
• Substitution of Program and Core Curriculum Requirements for Students with Disabilities
  • A copy of the complete policy and procedures statement may be obtained from the Office of Support for Students with Disabilities, 242 Luther Bonney Hall, Portland campus, 780-4706; TTY 780-5646.
• Unsatisfactory Progress
• Variable Credit Courses
• Withdrawal from the University

GRADUATE Academic Policies and Procedures

• Academic Integrity Policy
  • Evidence of a violation of the academic integrity policy will normally result in disciplinary action. A copy of the complete policy may be obtained from the Office of Community Standards, 125 Upton Hall, Gorham, 780-5242.
• Academic Record Changes
• Add/Drop
  • Add Forms – must be signed by instructor
  • Drop Forms
• Confidentiality Policy
  • FERPA
• Credit for Undergraduate Work
• Credit Previously Received for Graduate Coursework
• Degree Progress
• Enrolling and Auditing
• Extramural Course Credit
• Grade Point Average
• Grading System
• Graduation
  • Application for Degree form
•  Permanent Academic Record
  • At no cost to USM students, you can request an official transcript using the Transcript Request Form.
• Plagiarism
  • Office of Community Standards
• Registration Policies
• Registration Status
• Requirements of Graduate Study
• Student Advisement
• Student Appeals and Complaints:
• Withdrawal