Cox School of Business: Enrollment and Academic Records

The standards herein are applicable to all students at the University and constitute the basic authority and reference for matters pertaining to University academic regulations and records management. Enrollment in the University is a declaration of acceptance of all University rules and regulations. A complete University Policy Manual is available at www.smu.edu/policy. Additional information regarding rules and regulations of the University can be found in this catalog. Undergraduate students must follow the University-wide requirements that are in effect for the academic year of matriculation to SMU. The applicable requirements of majors and minors are those in effect during the academic year of matriculation to SMU or those of a subsequent academic year. Students may not follow a catalog for an academic year in effect prior to their matriculation term. Students who are not enrolled for three or more years will return to SMU under the current catalog.

General Policies

Confidentiality of Education Records

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 is a federal law that grants students the right to inspect, obtain copies of, challenge, and, to a degree, control the release of information contained in their education records. The act and regulations are very lengthy, and for that reason, SMU has issued its own FERPA-based guidelines that are available at the University Registrar’s Office FERPA website www.smu.edu/FERPA. Policy 1.18 of the University Policy Manual also discusses this law.

In general, no personally identifiable information from a student’s education record will be disclosed to any third party without written consent from the student. Several exceptions exist, including these selected examples: 1) information defined by SMU as directory information may be released unless the student requests through my.SMU Student Homepage that it be withheld, 2) information authorized by the student through my.SMU Student Homepage may be released to those individuals designated by the student and 3) information may be released to a parent or guardian if the student is declared financially dependent upon the parent or guardian as set forth in the Internal Revenue Code. Additional information is available at www.smu.edu/LegalDisclosures/FERPA.

Student File Number

The University assigns each student an eight-digit SMU identification number, which is used to verify each student’s identity and is provided without additional charges. The student should furnish the SMU ID number on all forms when requested, as this number is the primary means the University has to verify the identity for each student’s academic records and transactions related to the records.

Name Change

A student who has a change in name must provide to the University Registrar’s Office his or her Social Security card or the form issued by the Social Security Administration. A valid passport may also be used to complete a name change. Enrollment or records services for the student under a name different from the last enrollment cannot be accomplished without one of the above documents. All transcripts and diplomas are issued only under a person’s legal name as recorded by the University Registrar’s Office.

Email and Mailing Addresses, Telephone, and Emergency Contact

Each student must provide the University Registrar’s Office with both a home and local (mailing) address, both a home and local telephone number and contact information of a designated emergency contact. Students enrolling at SMU authorize the University to notify their emergency contacts in the event of a situation affecting their health, safety, or physical or mental well-being, and to provide these contacts with information related to the situation.

International students are required to provide a residence address (physical street address where they are currently living) as their mailing (local) address.  International students will be prevented from enrolling if a U.S. address is not provided.

Students are expected to keep current all their addresses and telephone numbers, including emergency contact details, through my.SMU, the University’s Web-based self-service system. Students may be prevented from enrolling if their information is insufficient or outdated. Changes to parent information should be reported by contacting records@smu.edu, and the email should include the student’s full name and SMU student ID number.

The University issues all students an email address. Students may have other email addresses, but the University-assigned email address is the official address for University electronic correspondence, including related communications with faculty members and academic units.

Official University correspondence may be sent to students’ mailing addresses or SMU email addresses on file. It is the responsibility of students to keep all their addresses current and to regularly check communications sent to them since they are responsible for complying with requests, deadlines and other requirements sent to any of their mailing addresses on file or to their SMU email.

Cell Phones

The University requests that students provide mobile/cell telephone numbers, as they are one means of communicating with students during an emergency. Mobile/cell telephone numbers may also be used by University officials conducting routine business. Students who do not have a mobile/cell telephone or do not wish to report the numbers should provide this information to the University through my.SMU Student Homepage. Students may be prevented from enrolling if their mobile/cell telephone numbers are not on file or if they have not declared, “no cell” or “prefer not to report”, in my.SMU.

Ethnicity

SMU requires that a valid ethnic group category be on file for all students. SMU’s policies and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 protect the confidentiality and privacy of this information. A student’s ethnic group category can be viewed in my.SMU Student Homepage.

U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents. Ethnicity is self-determined. Students of multiple ethnic backgrounds may select multiple ethnic group categories. If the ethnic group value is incorrect, the student should go to the University Registrar’s Office in the Laura Lee Blanton Student Services Building and complete an Ethnic/Racial Category Update Form.

International Students Living in the U.S. While Attending School. Selecting an ethnic group category is not required unless the student becomes a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Transcript Service

A transcript is an official document of the permanent academic record maintained by the University Registrar’s Office. The permanent academic record includes all SMU courses attempted, all grades assigned, degrees received and a summary of transfer hours accepted. Official transcripts and certifications of student academic records are issued by the University Registrar’s Office for all students. Copies of high school records and transfer transcripts from other schools must be requested from the institutions where the coursework was taken.

Transcripts are $12.25 per copy. Additional copies in the same request mailed to the same address are $3.50. Additional copies mailed to different addresses are $12.25 a copy. PDF transcripts are $16.00 per email address and are available only for students who attended after summer 1996.

Note: No incomplete or partial transcripts, including only certain courses or grades, are issued.

Transcripts cannot be released unless the student has satisfied all financial and other obligations to the University. Instructions for requesting a transcript to be mailed or picked up on campus are available at www.smu.edu/registrar (“Transcript Requests” link). A student may request his or her official transcript through the online my.SMU Student Homepage. Requests are processed through the National Student Clearinghouse. Telephone and email requests are not accepted. Students or their specified third party can pick up their transcripts at the University Registrar’s Office, 101 Blanton Student Services Building.

Transcripts may be released to a third party as specified by the student on the Student’s Consent for SMU to Release Information to Student’s Specified Third Party form accessible at www.smu.edu/LegalDisclosures/FERPA/Forms.

Note: Chapter 675, S.B. 302. Acts of the 61st Texas Legislature, 1969 Regular Session, provides as follows: Section I. No person may buy, sell, create, duplicate, alter, give or obtain; or attempt to buy, sell, create, duplicate, alter, give or obtain a diploma, certificate, academic record, certificate of enrollment or other instrument which purports to signify merit or achievement conferred by an institution of education in this state with the intent to use fraudulently such document or to allow the fraudulent use of such document. Section II. A person who violates this act or who aids another in violating this act is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction is punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 and/or confinement in the county jail for a period not to exceed one year.

Veterans

The University Registrar’s Office certifies veterans each term for their benefits under federal programs, including the Yellow Ribbon Program. Most academic programs at SMU qualify for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits, making an SMU education accessible and affordable. Veterans are required to provide specific documents before they can be certified with the VA’s Veterans Benefits Administration. Specific information regarding the certification process is available from the University Registrar’s Office at www.smu.edu/EnrollmentServices/Veterans.

Final Examinations

Final course examinations shall be given in all courses where they are appropriate, must be administered as specified on the official examination schedule and shall not be administered during the last week of classes. Exceptions to the examination schedule may be made only upon written recommendation of the chair of the department sponsoring the course and with the concurrence of the senior associate dean, who will allow exceptions only in accordance with guidelines from the Office of the Provost. The Graduate Cox examination schedule is published at the start of each term; note that an exam may be held on a day and/or at a time different from the regular class time.

Complaint Procedures for Students With Disabilities

The complaint procedures for students with disabilities are available in the Disability Accommodations and Success Strategies office, Loyd Center, Suite 202, and online at www.smu.edu/Provost/ALEC/DASS.

Credit Hour Loads

The unit of measure for the valuation of courses is the credit hour. Based upon the federal definition of a credit hour, each credit hour requires one hour of direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours per week of preparation on the part of students, for approximately 15 weeks a term. Most courses are valued for three credit hours, i.e., three contact hours per week and at least six hours of preparation. For three-credit-hour courses deployed via different course types, modes of delivery, or calendars, total number of direct contact hours should be equal to or greater than 45 hours, with the total out-of-class work equal to or greater than 90 hours. Courses that deviate from this standard must provide documentation illustrating how the number of contact hours and/or work outside the course equate to this standard within the term in which the course is offered.

Cox graduate programs have two eight-week modules in each term, and two credit hours are earned in each eight-week module. Each class session generally requires a minimum of nine hours of advance preparation time on the part of the student.

Due to the structure of the Cox graduate programs, students must follow the appropriate degree curriculum as outlined in the Academic Programs section of this catalog. These programs do not include thesis, dissertation, performance recitals, co-op programs or fellowships that other SMU graduate programs might utilize for a full-time status equivalent. There is a one-hour summer internship required of all students in the Full-Time M.B.A. Program, which is included in the curriculum.

Cautionary Note: Federal financial aid agencies and some other agencies require a minimum number of hours of enrollment for full-time status. Students on financial aid should consult a Financial Aid Office adviser regarding minimum enrollment requirements for their situation.

Minimum and Maximum Course Loads. Minimum and maximum course loads allowed are based on the school of record.

Stop Enrollment/Administrative Withdrawal

Insufficient or improper information given by the student on any admission or enrollment form – or academic deficiencies, disciplinary actions and financial obligations to the University – can constitute cause for the student to be determined ineligible to enroll or to be administratively withdrawn.

Transfer Courses From Other Institutions

Policies for transfer credit are found under Transfer Courses From Other Institutions in the Cox Graduate Programs Policies and Procedures section of this catalog.

Enrollment Policies

Course Scheduling and Enrollment Cycles

Students should consult with Cox graduate student services staff for course scheduling, schedule changes, petitions, degree requirements and other such academic concerns. The academic dean’s office or the records office monitors academic progress and maintains official degree plans for all students in a school.

Each fall, spring and summer term has an enrollment period during which the formal process of enrollment in the University is completed. Prior to each enrollment period, the Cox graduate student services staff will publish enrollment instructions. Additional information about enrollment cycles is found under Course Enrollment in the Cox Graduate Programs Policies and Procedures section of this catalog.

Each student is personally responsible for complying with enrollment procedures and for ensuring the accuracy of his or her enrollment. Students are expected to confirm the accuracy of their enrollment each term. Students who discover a discrepancy in their enrollment records after the close of enrollment for the term should immediately complete a Petition for Enrollment Policy Exception. Petitions are to be submitted to the appropriate records office within six months of the term in which the discrepancy appeared; contact information for submitting a Petition for Enrollment Policy Exception can be viewed on the University Registrar’s Office website at www.smu.edu/EnrollmentServices/Registrar/Enrollment/EnrollmentPolicyException. Petitions submitted later than six months after the discrepancy may not be considered.

Enrolling for Graduate Courses

Accelerated Pathway Programs

There are a number of Accelerated Pathway Programs where an undergraduate may complete some graduate level course work that will be applied towards both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. This policy applies to students accepted into one of SMU’s Accelerated Pathway Programs. Institutional aid may be eligible for covering tuition costs associated with graduate courses as described below. Students considering an Accelerated Pathway Program should consult with the Office of Financial Aid about its effect on federal, state and institutional aid.

Students may not enroll for any graduate level course work to be applied toward their master’s degree, prior to the accumulation of 90 credit hours toward their baccalaureate degree. Students must apply and be admitted as a graduate student at least one fall or spring term prior to receiving their master’s degree having had their baccalaureate degree conferred prior to that term. Students must enroll and be in good standing as a full-time status graduate student for at least one fall or spring term prior to receiving their master’s degree.

Graduate hours enrolled as an undergraduate are included in the determination of full-time status for the term. Graduate courses, hours and grades earned as an undergraduate that count towards both the baccalaureate degree and master’s degree are included in the undergraduate academic record and scholastic totals and in the graduate academic record and graduate scholastic totals. The maximum number of graduate hours (up to 30 hours) that may be taken in the final year of the baccalaureate degree is mandated by SMU’s accrediting agency. The number of graduate hours which may be counted towards both the baccalaureate degree and master’s degree is determined by the school to which the master’s degree belongs. An undergraduate is limited to earning a maximum of 30 graduate hours as an undergraduate student after the completion of 90 credit hours towards their baccalaureate degree. A student must earn a minimum 150 combined hours to be conferred both a baccalaureate and master’s degree.

Other Graduate Course Enrollment

In addition to the accelerated pathway programs, with the written permission of their academic dean and permission of the dean of the graduate courses, an excelling undergraduate student may enroll for graduate level course work that will be part of their undergraduate record, count towards the undergraduate degree and be included in the undergraduate scholastic totals. The undergraduate student must have accumulated 90 credit hours toward their baccalaureate degree. Graduate hours enrolled as an undergraduate are included in the determination of full-time status for the term. An undergraduate is limited to earning a maximum of 30 graduate hours as part of their undergraduate record.

Schedule Changes

The deadline for adding courses, dropping courses without grade record and changing sections for each enrollment period is listed in the Cox Graduate Programs Academic Calendar. Students are encouraged to seek assistance from Cox graduate student services staff when considering whether to add or drop a course. A student may drop a course with a grade of W (Withdrew) by using the my.SMU Student Homepage by the specific deadline listed in the Cox Graduate Programs Academic Calendar.

After the deadline date on the Cox Graduate Programs Academic Calendar, the student may not drop a class. All schedule changes must be processed by the deadline date specified on the Cox Graduate Programs Academic Calendar. Note: Schedule changes are not complete for official University record purposes unless finalized in the University Registrar’s Office. Additional information about schedule changes is found under Course Enrollment in the Cox Graduate Programs Policies and Procedures section of this catalog.

Student-Athletes. Students must consult with the Athletic Compliance Office prior to dropping a course. In the consultation, the student will review the effects the drop might have on his or her athletic participation and financial aid. After the consultation, the Athletic Compliance Office will update my.SMU to allow the student to process the drop, if necessary. The consultation is advisory; students are responsible for their enrollment. For assistance regarding scholarships or other aspects of being a student-athlete, students should contact the Office of the Assistant Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Development.

International Students. Students must consult with the International Student & Scholar Services office prior to dropping a course. (Contact isss@smu.edu for consultation.) If dropping a course will cause the student to be enrolled in fewer than the required number of hours to remain a full-time student in fewer than the required number of hours to remain a full-time student, the student’s immigration status could be affected. After the consultation, the International Student & Scholar Services office will update my.SMU to allow the student to process the drop, if necessary. The consultation is advisory; students are responsible for their enrollment.

Students on Merit or Need-based Financial Aid. Students should consult with their financial aid adviser prior to dropping a course. (See www.smu.edu/EnrollmentServices/FinancialAid for information regarding your financial aid counselor.) If dropping a course will cause the student to be enrolled in fewer than the required number of hours to remain in status, the student’s financial aid status may be affected. After the consultation, the student may drop a course through my.SMU Student Homepage. The consultation is advisory; students are responsible for their enrollment. Questions regarding this procedure or financial aid should be directed to the Office of Financial Aid.

Withdrawal From the University

Policies on refunds for withdrawal from the University are found in the Financial Information  section of this catalog and in the Financial Information Bulletin . No refunds are made without an official withdrawal.

Students should be aware of the difference between a drop and a withdrawal and remember that they have different deadlines and separate financial policies. The deadlines for each are posted each term on the Cox Graduate Programs Academic Calendar. A drop occurs when a student removes one or more courses from his or her schedule and remains enrolled in at least one credit hour for the term. A withdrawal occurs when removing the course or courses will result in the student being enrolled in zero hours for the term.

If a student removes all courses from his or her schedule prior to the first day of the term, the transaction is considered a cancellation and does not result in financial penalty or impact the student’s transcript.

The Cox modules within the term can be negatively affected by the withdrawal process; therefore, students should always contact Cox graduate student services staff prior to initiating this transaction.

A student who wishes to withdraw (resign) from the University before the end of a term or session must initiate a Student Petition for Withdrawal form and secure approval from his/her school’s records office. The records office will then submit the form to the Office of the University Registrar. The effective date of the withdrawal is the date on which the Student Petition for Withdrawal is processed in the University Registrar’s Office. Discontinuance of class attendance or notification to the instructors of intention to withdraw does not constitute an official withdrawal.

The enrollment of students who withdraw on or before the tenth class day of the fall or spring semester as listed on the Cox Graduate Programs Academic Calendar will be canceled. Courses and grades are not recorded for canceled enrollments; however, the student will owe a portion of his/her tuition and fees. Additional information is available in the Financial Information Bulletin . A student who withdraws after the tenth class day of the fall or spring semester will receive the grade of W in each course in which he or she enrolled.

Medical withdrawals allow a prorated refund of tuition and fees and have conditions that must be met prior to re-enrollment at SMU. Medical withdrawals can only be authorized by professionals in the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center, Dean of Student Life, or Vice President for Student Affairs. The last day for a medical withdrawal is the last day of class instruction for the term from which the student is withdrawing. Retroactive medical withdrawals cannot be granted.

Mandatory administrative withdrawals occur when a student is not suspended but current and/or future enrollments are canceled or withdrawn. A student’s academic record is annotated with “mandatory administrative withdrawal” and the effective dates for this withdrawal. Mandatory administrative withdrawals allow a prorated refund of tuition and fees and have conditions that must be met prior to re-enrollment at SMU. Mandatory administrative withdrawals can be authorized only by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice President for Student Affairs or Dean of Student Life.

Withdrawing students living in SMU housing must check out of the residence halls with the Department of Residence Life and Student Housing per established procedures.

Audit Enrollment (Course Visitor)

Cox School of Business students currently enrolled in one of the graduate programs who want to audit a course (take a course without credit) must complete and submit a Class Auditor Form for Current Cox Students to obtain permission through the Cox Graduate Programs registrar, who coordinates with the instructor the availability of the course for auditing. Audit enrollment will be permitted only on a space-available basis. Audit enrollment starts on the first class day of the term, and there is no tuition charge for a currently enrolled student.

Individuals not currently matriculated graduate students in a Cox School of Business program who desire to audit a course are required to submit a Class Auditor Form for Non-Cox Students to obtain permission through the Cox Graduate Programs registrar, who coordinates with the instructor the availability of the course for auditing. Audit enrollment starts on the first class day of the term and will be permitted on a space-available basis. If the course is approved for audit, the individual must pay the current published audit fee to the Cox School of Business. The following regulations are applicable:

1. Classroom recitation and participation are restricted; availability of course handouts, tests and other materials is restricted; no grade is assigned and no credit is recorded; no laboratory privileges are included.
2. The individual’s name does not appear on class rosters or grade rosters.
3. Regular admission and enrollment procedures are not conducted for auditors.
4. The audit fee is nonrefundable.
5. If credit is desired, the course must be enrolled for and repeated, as a regular course, and the regular tuition must be paid.
6. Some courses are not available for auditing.

Class Attendance

Regular class attendance is required. At the beginning of the course, the instructor announces policies regarding the effect of class attendance on the student’s standing in the course. These policies may include dropping a student from the course for nonattendance after a certain number of absences. All reasons for absence should be submitted at once to the instructor.

The satisfactory explanation of absence may release a student from disciplinary action but does not relieve a student from responsibility for the work of the course during his or her absence. A student who misses an announced test, examination or laboratory period in a regular course of study and has the permission of the instructor may be given an opportunity to make up the work at the instructor’s convenience. The instructor determines in all instances the extent to which absences and tardiness affect each student’s grade.

Students may be dropped by a course instructor or academic dean for nonattendance or tardiness with a grade of W until the Cox deadline to drop . After the deadline, students must remain enrolled in the course.

Students may also be dropped by a course instructor for inappropriate classroom behavior. The instructor must submit the request by the Cox deadline to drop . After the deadline, the student must remain enrolled in the class and receive a final grade of F.

A student who has a passing grade in a course at the time of the final examination, but who misses the examination due to an unavoidable situation, should immediately contact the instructor and the assistant dean of Cox graduate student services to determine what accommodations may be available.

Excused Absences for University Extracurricular Activities and Religious Holidays

Students who participate in officially sanctioned, scheduled University extracurricular activities or observe a religious holiday should be given an opportunity to make up class examinations or other graded assignments missed as a result of this participation or related travel. The manner in which examinations or other assignments missed because of these activities are to be made up is left to the discretion of each individual faculty member. However, students should not be penalized in any way for these excused absences and should be informed by the instructor at the beginning of the term, preferably in writing, of the instructor’s makeup policy. It is the responsibility of the student to make arrangements with the instructor prior to any missed scheduled examination or other missed assignment for making up this work, and to obtain any class notes or other course material missed due to absence prior to taking any subsequent examinations or submitting any subsequent graded assignments.

This statement of University policy applies for all students. To minimize the difficulties caused for both student-athletes and their instructors by excused absences due to University-sanctioned athletic activities or related travel, the Athletic Department shall 1) make available to all student-athletes and their academic advisers prior to registration a copy of the student’s activity and travel schedule for the upcoming term, so as to facilitate the student’s enrollment in class sections that will minimize activity and travel conflicts; and 2) require all student-athletes to provide a copy of that term’s activity and travel schedule, and a copy of this Statement of University Policy, to each of their instructors at the first class meeting of the term.

Other University colleges and departments whose students will miss classes because of their participation in officially sanctioned, scheduled University extracurricular activities, related travel, or observing of religious holidays are encouraged to adopt similar procedures to minimize the difficulties caused by such absences.

A list of religious holidays for use in requesting excused absences is available on the Official University Calendar. Students must notify the class instructor in writing by the 12th day of the term of any such absences that will occur during that term. Accommodations are to be made without penalty. More information can be found in the University Policy Manual, available at www.smu.edu/policy.

Absence Due to Illness

The Dr. Bob Smith Health Center does not provide documentation for granting excused absences from class. If students are absent for illness, they should talk to their professors about how they might catch up with the material missed. If students are seriously ill and require hospitalization or an extended absence, students should talk to their professors and the assistant dean of Cox graduate student services to decide how to deal with the interruption in their studies. To facilitate communication with their professors about their absence, students may submit the Absence from Class Form available at www.smu.edu/healthcenter.

Interpretation of Course Numbers

Each SMU course has a four-digit course number. The first number indicates the general level of the course.

The second digit specifies the number of credit hours; exceptions are noted below.

The third and fourth digits are used to make the course number unique within the department.

Grade Policies

A student’s grades are available to him or her through my.SMU Student Homepage.

Grade Scale

The grade of a student in any course is determined by the instructor of the course. The following grades are authorized for recording on the student’s official graduate academic record maintained by the University Registrar’s Office. In order for a course to count toward a Cox graduate degree, a grade of C- or higher must be earned. Any grade lower than a C- is not passing.

Note: Asterisks denote grades not included in a student’s GPA.

All graduate courses in the Cox School of Business, except those noted in this paragraph, are assigned a letter grade with grade point value and cannot be taken as pass/fail. The courses specifically established with the pass/fail grading basis are all BAEX courses, and MNGT 6001 , MNGT 6003 , MNGT 6011 , MNGT 6020 , MNGT 6101 , MNGT 6103  and MNGT 6150 .

Grade of F, D, W, and Missing/Blank

Failing is graded F. If the student’s work is incomplete, poor quality and not acceptable, a grade of F will be given. After such a grade, credit may be obtained only by repeating the course.

When the Cox School of Business assigns the grade of D, D- or D+ for poor scholarship, it is not a passing grade. For more details, students should see Course Grades Not Meeting Degree Requirement in the Cox Graduate Program Policies and Procedures section of this catalog.

The grade of W cannot be recorded unless completion of the official drop or withdrawal process has occurred by the applicable deadline during the module of enrollment. Only the grade of W may be recorded if the student has officially dropped courses from the schedule or withdrawn (resigned) from the University for the term. The grade of W may not be revoked or changed to another grade because the act of officially dropping/withdrawing is irrevocable.

The grade of X is a temporary administrative grade used when an official grade has not been received from the instructor. The grade of X will be changed to F if a grade is not received within 60 days of the end of the term. Graduation candidates must clear all X’s prior to the deadline on the Official University Calendar, which may allow less time than 60 days. Failure to do so can result in removal from the degree candidacy list and/or conversion of the grade of X to the grade of F.

A missing or blank grade also indicates an official grade has not been received from the instructor. Graduation candidates must receive a grade for all course enrollments prior to the deadline on the Official University Calendar. Failure to do so can result in removal from the degree candidacy list and/or the assignment of a grade of F.

Grade of Incomplete

A student may temporarily receive a grade of Incomplete (I) if the majority (90 percent) of the course requirements have been completed with passing grades, but for some justifiable reason acceptable to the instructor, the student has been unable to complete the full requirements of the course.

The grade of I is normally changed to a final grade within one year but no later than the time of graduation.

At the time a grade of I is given, the instructor must stipulate in my.SMU the requirements and completion date that are to be met and the final grade that will be given if the requirements are not met by the completion date.

The instructor and the student sign the Incomplete Grade Agreement form, with a copy of the form given to the student and to Cox graduate student services staff and with the instructor retaining the original form.

The maximum period of time allowed to clear the Incomplete is until the end of the next term. If the Incomplete grade is not cleared by the date set by the instructor or by the end of the next term, the grade of I will be changed to the grade provided by the instructor at the time the Incomplete was assigned or to a grade of F if no alternate grade was provided.

The grade of I is not given in lieu of a grade of F or W, or other grade, each of which is prescribed for other specific circumstances.

The grade of I in a course does not authorize a student to attend or enroll in the course during a later term. Graduation candidates must clear all Incompletes prior to the deadline on the Cox Graduate Programs Academic Calendar. Failure to do so can result in removal from the degree candidacy list and/or conversion of the grade of I to the grade indicated by the instructor at the time the grade of I was given.

Grade Point Average

A student’s grade point average (cumulative GPA) is computed by multiplying the credit hours of each course attempted by the grade points earned in the particular course and then dividing the total number of grade points by the total number of hours attempted, excluding those hours for which grades are shown with an asterisk on the grade chart. The GPA is truncated, not rounded, at three decimal places.

Grade Changes

Changes of grades, including change of the grade of I, are initiated by the course instructor and filed with Cox graduate student services staff for processing under the authorization of the dean of the Cox School. If a student requests a grade change, the instructor may ask the student to provide the request as a written petition, which may become an official part of any further process at the instructor’s discretion. Changes of grades may be made only for the following authorized reasons: to clear a grade of I, to correct a processing error or to reflect a re-evaluation of the student’s original work. A change of grade will not be based on additional work options beyond those originally made available to the entire class.

Changes of grades of I should be processed within a calendar year of the original grade assignment. Other changes of grades must be processed by the end of the next regular term. No grade will be changed after 12 months or after a student’s graduation, except in cases where a grade is successfully appealed – provided that written notice of appeal is given within six months following graduation – and in extenuating circumstances authorized by the academic dean and approved by the University Registrar’s Office.

Grade Appeals

A student who feels that an assigned grade is other than the grade earned must first discuss the matter with the course instructor to determine if the discrepancy is caused by error or misunderstanding. At the time of the initial discussion, the student may be asked to provide a written petition requesting the change of grade. Written grade appeals must be initiated by the student within fourteen calendar days of the initial grade being posted. Exceptions to deadlines set forth herein for students in unusual circumstances (e.g., Spring Break, Christmas Break, studying abroad) may be granted in writing by the associate dean of graduate programs.

Within seven calendar days of receiving a decision on the grade appeal from the faculty member, a student who is not satisfied by the instructor’s decision on a request for a grade change, and who maintains that the original grade was capriciously or unfairly determined, may appeal to the chair of the department in which the course was offered (or, in the case of a nondepartmental course, to a faculty agent designated by the dean of the school offering the course). After discussing the matter with the student, and bearing in mind that the final authority in matters of academic judgment in the determination of a grade rests with the course instructor, the chair (or faculty agent) will consult with the course instructor, who will subsequently report in writing to the student the disposition of the appeal.

Within seven calendar days of receiving a decision on the grade appeal which was submitted to the department chair (or faculty agent), a student who is not satisfied by the disposition of the appeal may appeal the decision to the associate dean of graduate programs. The associate dean will take action as he or she deems appropriate, but the action taken must respect the principle that the determination of a grade rests with the course instructor. The course instructor will report in writing to the student the disposition of the appeal.

These provisions are the sole rules that govern the Cox School of Business course grade appeals at Southern Methodist University.

Satisfactory Progress Policies

Leave of Absence

A leave of absence is a temporary leave from the University – a kind of “timeout” – that may be necessary during an academic career. Students may elect to take leaves of absence for a variety of reasons, including 1) medical reasons due to accident or illness, 2) family crises or other personal situation that requires an extended absence from school, 3) financial issues that may take time to resolve, and 4) academic difficulties that may best be handled by taking time to refocus on college work.

The process to return to SMU after a leave-of-absence period can be an easy one, especially if the student has gone through the steps to file for a leave of absence and planned ahead for the return. Following Cox’s leave-of-absence guidelines helps 1) assure that the degree requirements per the catalog of record when the student initially matriculated at SMU still apply upon return, 2) assist with financial aid processing, and 3) provide the support needed to return to Cox and successfully finish the degree. The first step to effect a leave of absence is for the student to arrange an appointment to meet with Cox graduate student services staff, who will assist the student with the process.

Students in good standing may take a leave of absence for up to 12 months by sending a written notice to Cox graduate student services staff. To be in good standing, a student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.000 or higher, must have earned eight or more hours, and must have a clear student financial record. Students seeking to re-enroll after a leave of absence must notify graduate student services staff in writing. A leave of absence does not affect the statute of limitations established by the initial enrollment. Any former student with less than the criteria outlined herein for good standing must reapply to the program. Students who have not enrolled for more than 12 months must follow the guidelines for readmission.

Academic Progress

Failure to meet established minimum acceptable standards of academic or disciplinary performance can result in probation or dismissal. Information regarding disciplinary action can be found under the Cox Graduate Honor Code and Charter of Community Conduct on the Cox School of Business website.

Graduate students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.000. If in any term the student falls below this cumulative GPA, the student will be placed on probation.

To graduate from a Cox School of Business graduate program, students must earn a cumulative GPA of 3.000 or higher (without rounding) with no grade less than a C- (1.700) applying toward the degree. The academic performance of all graduate students is reviewed at the end of each term. All calculations for academic performance evaluations are based on grades earned in Cox programs. Grades earned in accepted transfer courses are not counted in Cox School of Business cumulative GPA calculations.

A student in a graduate Cox program with a cumulative GPA below 3.000 upon completion of the credit hours required for the degree may petition the Cox Graduate Policy Committee to take additional credit hours at Cox to raise his or her cumulative GPA to 3.000, the required level. Students who receive approval to take additional hours will not be permitted to earn more than the maximum hours allowed toward their degree for GPA purposes. A chart of maximum hours allowed is found under Course Grades Not Meeting Degree Requirement in the Cox Graduate Programs Policies and Procedures section of this catalog.

Academic Probation, Scholarships and Academic Dismissal

Academic probation is a serious warning that the student is not making satisfactory academic progress. A student on academic probation is still eligible to enroll and is considered in good standing for enrolling in classes and for certification purposes. Academic probation is not noted on the permanent academic record; however, a student on academic probation may be subject to certain conditions.

In addition, any student with a scholarship who goes on academic probation will have one term to raise the cumulative GPA above 3.000 to retain the scholarship. If the student does not raise the cumulative GPA above 3.000 and remains on academic probation at the end of the term, the scholarship will not be allocated for the following term. However, the student may regain the scholarship in a subsequent term if the cumulative GPA later increases to 3.000 or higher before the start of that term.

Cox graduate students on academic probation are not permitted to serve in any student leadership position of any organization representing either Cox or SMU. A student on academic probation is not permitted to enroll in a directed study. Note: Full-time M.B.A. students are still required to enroll in the internship course as part of the full-time M.B.A. curriculum in the summer term between the first and second year of the program. Additional information about probation policies is found in the Cox Graduate Programs Policies and Procedures section of this catalog.

Academic dismissal is final, with no possibility of reinstatement or readmission to the University. Academic dismissal is recorded on the student’s permanent academic record. Additional information is found under Academic Dismissal From the Cox School of Business in the Cox Graduate Programs Policies and Procedures section of this catalog.

Academic Petitions and Waivers

Petitions and/or waiver requests concerning academic issues should be submitted to graduate student services staff.

Transfer Coursework

Policies for transfer credit are found in this catalog under Transfer Courses From Other Institutions in the Cox Graduate Programs Policies and Procedures section.

Graduation Policies

Apply to Graduate

Students must file an Application for Candidacy to Graduate with their school’s records office no later than the last day of the first week of the term in which they will complete all degree requirements. Applications are filed through my.SMU Student Homepage by the deadline on the Official University Calendar.

Students who file an application after the published deadline may be required to pay a nonrefundable late fee. Late applications may be denied after the start of the next term, and the Application for Candidacy to Graduate applied to the next conferral date. Students taking coursework at another institution and transferring the course(s) back to SMU are responsible for ensuring that the University Registrar’s Office receives their official transcript in order for their degree to be conferred for the anticipated graduation term.

SMU has three degree conferral periods for most programs: fall (December), spring (May) and summer (August).

Prior to approving a graduate business student for degree conferral, Cox faculty and administration will consider any documented judicial or disciplinary complaints on record and audit the student’s academic standing, including satisfactory completion of the required but noncredit-bearing aspects of the Cox program.

Commencement Participation

The Cox School of Business holds a diploma ceremony each year in May following the University-wide commencement program. Students in good academic standing, within eight credit hours of graduating and enrolled to complete all degree requirements during the following summer term may also participate in the May ceremonies, although their degrees will not be conferred until August. To participate in a ceremony, a student must apply online and file with their school’s records office an Application for Candidacy to Graduate or Intent to Participate Form.

Statute of Limitations for Degree Plans

The maximum length of time for degree completion in any and all graduate business degree programs is six calendar years. All course and degree requirements must be completed in this time period, which begins at the time of initial enrollment, with no absence greater than three consecutive calendar years.

Cox Graduate Programs Policies and Procedures

Honor Code of Cox School of Business

By becoming members of the Cox School of Business, students are bound to hold intellectual integrity to the highest standard and commit to uphold the Cox School of Business Honor Code. Any actions committed by a member of the student body in violation of the Honor Code degrades the principles underlying the mission of the University and profoundly affects the integrity and reputation of the degrees to be earned, as well as the reputation of the institution. At the core of the Cox School Honor Code is the student who will not lie, cheat or steal, or tolerate those who do. Not reporting an honor violation is an honor violation. New graduate students receive a copy of the entire Honor Code at orientation and review all standards and policies. For more information, students can access the Honor Code or contact the assistant dean of graduate student services.

Admissions Information

The Cox School of Business seeks candidates who show a strong potential for success in today’s global business environment. Candidates who demonstrate analytical capabilities, leadership experience, interpersonal and communication skills, and personal commitment and motivation are invited to apply. The Admissions Committee seeks candidates who possess outstanding academic achievement and potential, leadership qualities, and management potential. To assess these characteristics, the committee will look to the following elements to help identify a candidate’s potential to succeed in the program: test scores, previous academic records, references who can speak to the candidate’s professional performance and self-evaluation essays. Complete details and an application packet are available from Cox graduate admissions: www.coxgrad.com, telephone 214-768-1214 or 1-800-472-3622, fax 214-768-3956, M.B.A.info@cox.smu.edu.

Deferral of Admission

An accepted graduate business applicant must enter the program for the specific term of acceptance. If extenuating circumstances prevent the student from matriculating for the specific term, he or she may petition the graduate Admissions Committee for deferral prior to the first day of instruction of that term. This petition should state the reason for requesting a deferral to the next entering term. If the applicant fails to matriculate for the deferred term, the deposit is forfeited and the applicant must reapply for acceptance to the Cox School of Business.

Course Enrollment

Students process their own enrollment transactions, including add, drop and swap, on the Web-based my.SMU (my.smu.edu). Prior to each term, there is a period during which the formal process of course enrollment is completed. Graduate student services staff distribute enrollment information and dates for that term’s enrollment transactions by email.

In October, enrollment information is distributed for spring term registration, which starts in November with a week of priority registration. In March, information is distributed for summer term and fall term registration, which starts in April with a week of priority registration. In November and April, after the week of priority registration, open enrollment starts and continues until the first week of classes. P.M.B.A. and M.S. students enroll for the summer term prior to the fall enrollment in April.

Cox graduate students have priority for course enrollment until the week prior to the start of classes. Options for enrolling in courses for credit are available for other students as follows: 1) an M.B.A. graduate of an AACSB-accredited school, 2) visiting students in the P.M.B.A. program and 3) approved non-Cox SMU graduate students taking graduate Cox courses. Other individuals interested in taking a Cox graduate course may be able to do so as an auditor. Policies for these student classifications are included in this catalog.

Changes can be made to enrollments without penalty through the first week of class. In addition, an elective course may be dropped with no refund given and assigned a grade of W (Withdrew) through the deadline listed in the Cox Graduate Programs Academic Calendar. After the deadline date, students may not drop a class. Note that students cannot drop required core courses without the specific written permission of graduate student services staff.

After the deadline date in the Cox Graduate Programs Academic Calendar, a student may not drop a class. All schedule changes must be processed by the deadline date specified in this calendar.

Additional information is found in the Enrollment Policies section of this catalog.

Course Loads and Scheduling

Students need to be aware that examinations, special class meetings and other informal and formal events may be scheduled for alternate times than stated in the course schedule.

Full-time M.B.A. Program. Students complete 36 credit hours in the first year (18 credit hours in the first term and 18 credit hours in the second term), one credit hour internship in the summer (third term) and 28 credit hours in the second year (14 credit hours per term) plus one noncredit-bearing requirement (First-Year Foundations) for a total of 65 credit hours for the two-year program. The maximum hours of course enrollment allowed during the program is 73 credit hours. The required core courses and some elective courses are scheduled for weekdays, with additional elective courses offered in the evenings and Saturday mornings.

Professional M.B.A. Program. Students complete six terms of eight credit hours each term, including summer terms, for a total of 48 credit hours for the part-time program. The maximum hours of course enrollment allowed during the program is 56 credit hours. The usual schedule for the required core curriculum is Thursday evening and/or Saturday morning. Elective courses are offered Monday through Thursday evenings with limited offerings Saturday mornings.

Fast Track M.B.A. Program. Students complete 44 credit hours for this one-year program (12 credit hours in the first term, 16 credit hours in the second term and 16 credit hours in the third term). The maximum hours of course enrollment allowed during the program is 52 credit hours. Required core courses and elective courses are scheduled during the day, in the evening and Saturday mornings.

Master of Science in Accounting. M.S.A. students complete 16 credit hours each term for a total of 32 credit hours for the full-time, one-year program. The maximum hours of course enrollment allowed during the program is 36 credit hours. The courses for this program are generally offered Monday through Thursday during the day and evening.

Master of Science in Business Analytics. M.S.B.A. students complete 17 credit hours in fall and 16 credit hours in spring for a total of 33 credit hours for the full-time, one-year program. The maximum hours of course enrollment allowed during the program is 37 credit hours. The courses for this program are generally offered Monday through Thursday during the evening and Saturday mornings.

Master of Science in Entrepreneurship. M.S.Ent. students complete four consecutive terms of eight credit hours each term for a total of 32 credit hours for the part-time program. The maximum hours of course enrollment allowed during the program is 36 credit hours. This structured program has courses scheduled Monday through Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings.

Master of Science in Finance. M.S. F. students complete 16 credit hours and 14 credit hours in two consecutive terms for a total of 30 credit hours for the full-time, one-year program. The maximum hours of course enrollment allowed during the program is 34 credit hours. The courses for this program are generally offered Monday through Thursday during the day and evening.

Master of Science in Management. M.S.M. students complete 16 credit hours and 14 credit hours in two consecutive terms for a total of 30 credit hours for the full-time, one-year program. The maximum hours of course enrollment allowed during the program is 34 credit hours. The courses for this program are generally offered Monday through Thursday (day and evening) and Saturday mornings.

Master of Science in Sport Management. M.S.S.M. students complete 16 credit hours in the fall, 17 credit hours in the spring and a four credit hour internship in the summer for a total of 37 credit hours for the full-time, one-year program. The maximum hours of course enrollment allowed during the program is 41 credit hours. The courses for this program are generally offered Monday through Thursday during the evening and Saturday mornings.

Course Overloading

Full-time M.B.A. Program. After successfully completing the first term of the full-time M.B.A. program, students with a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or higher may elect to take more than the normal load of 14–16 credit hours, with a maximum of 20 credit hours in one future term. The total number of overload hours can be no more than eight hours during the two-year program. Full-time M.B.A. students may overload at no additional cost as they are charged a flat-rate tuition per term regardless of the number of hours in which the student is enrolled. Students should contact graduate student services staff for assistance.

Fast Track M.B.A. Program. After successfully completing the required core courses with a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or higher, students in the fast track M.B.A. program may elect to take more than the normal load of 14–16 credit hours, with a maximum of 20 credit hours in one future term. Fast track M.B.A. students may overload at no additional cost as they are charged a flat-rate tuition per term, regardless of the number of hours in which the student is enrolled. Students should contact graduate student services staff for assistance.

Professional M.B.A. Program. After successfully completing all 20 credit hours of required core courses with a cumulative GPA of 3.200 or higher, students in the P.M.B.A. program may elect to take up to three courses or six credit hours in a module, a total of 12 credit hours in a term. Students need to contact graduate student services staff for override permission when taking 12 credit hours. P.M.B.A. students are not permitted to transfer into the full-time M.B.A. program; however, with approval from graduate student services staff, an unemployed student may be given permission to carry a full-time academic course load of up to 16 credit hours per term. P.M.B.A. students who take additional credit hours (maximum is 56 allowed in the program) will continue to pay the published hourly tuition rates.

Executive M.B.A. Program. After successfully completing the first year of the E.M.B.A. program, students with a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or higher, may elect to take more than the normal load of 9 – 12 credit hours, with a maximum of 14 credit hours in one future term. Executive M.B.A. students may overload at no additional cost as they are charged a flat-rate tuition per term, regardless of the number of hours in which the student is enrolled. Students should contact the Executive M.B.A. student services staff for assistance.

Master of Science in Accounting, Business Analytics, Finance, Management or Sport Management. After successfully completing the first term of the M.S.A., M.S.B.A., M.S.F., M.S.M. or M.S.S.M. programs, students with a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or higher may elect to take more than the normal load of 14–17 credit hours, with a maximum of 20 credit hours in one future term. The total number of overload hours can be no more than four credit hours or two courses during the program. Students may overload at no additional cost if they are enrolled in 12–18 credit hours, including their overload credit hours, as they are charged a flat-rate tuition. If 18 credit hours per term are exceeded, students will pay the hourly tuition rate for the hours in excess of 18 credit hours. Students should contact graduate student services staff for assistance.

Master of Science in Entrepreneurship. After successfully completing the first term of the M.S.Ent. program, students with a cumulative GPA of 3.200 or higher may elect to take up to three courses or six credit hours in a module, with a maximum of 12 credit hours in one term. Students who take additional credit hours (maximum is 34 allowed in the program) will continue to pay the published hourly tuition rate. Students should contact the Graduate Programs Office staff for assistance.

Acceleration

Acceleration of the M.B.A. degree is defined as a P.M.B.A. student with enough additional credit hours to advance his or her expected graduation date by at least one term. P.M.B.A. students are not permitted to transfer into the full-time M.B.A. program. However, with approval from graduate student services staff, an unemployed student may be granted permission to carry a full-time academic course load of up to 16 credit hours per term, paying the published hourly tuition rates. Additional information is available at smu.edu/EnrollmentServices/Bursar/CostofAttendance.

Readmission

Students in good standing who have not enrolled in more than 12 months must complete a Readmission Request form. To be in good standing, a student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.000 or higher, must have earned eight or more hours, and must have a clear student financial record. After receiving the Readmission Request form, the graduate programs registrar will review the student’s request and academic record to determine the student’s eligibility to be readmitted to the same program. If approval to return to the Cox graduate program is granted, the student will receive information detailing her or his new degree plan, including any updates to the curriculum that must be followed. Readmitted students are charged a re-matriculation fee of $75. Readmission does not affect the statute of limitations established by the initial enrollment.

Any former student with less than the criteria outlined for good standing must reapply to the program. Note: For coursework to count toward a degree, it must be completed within six years of matriculation with no absence greater than three consecutive calendar years. Coursework completed more than three years prior to re-admittance to a graduate program may need to be repeated or replaced with current coursework, at the discretion of the associate dean for graduate programs.

Students seeking readmission to the same Cox program within 12 months of the last term of attendance should follow the guidelines for leave of absence.

Student in Good Standing Criteria

To be in good standing, a student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.000 or higher, must have earned eight or more credit hours, and must have a clear student financial record.

Second Master’s Degree

Graduates of Cox M.S. Programs Applying to the Cox P.M.B.A. Program. Students who are graduates of a Cox M.S. program and who want to pursue a Cox M.B.A. degree may apply to the P.M.B.A. program. Students must complete the application and satisfy all application criteria to be considered for admission. The full-time M.B.A. and the E.M.B.A. programs are excluded from this option.

When a graduate of one of the M.S. programs is accepted into the P.M.B.A. program, the student will be required to complete a minimum of 34 additional credit hours, 17 courses, in order to earn the M.B.A. degree. These hours will consist of M.B.A. core academic courses not taken as part of the M.S. degree plus elective courses not previously taken. All degree requirements of the M.B.A. program must be met for successful completion of the M.B.A. program.

Students will not need to retake successfully completed core required courses if the M.S. and the M.B.A. degrees are completed within six years from the original matriculation date of the M.S. program with no absence greater than three consecutive calendar years. Coursework completed more than three years prior to admittance into the M.B.A. program may need to be repeated or replaced with current courses, at the discretion of the associate dean for graduate programs.

The M.S. graduate admitted to the P.M.B.A. will pay the current P.M.B.A. tuition rate at the time of matriculation.

Graduates of the Master of Science in Sport Management Program Applying to the P.M.B.A. Program. Students who are graduates of SMU’s M.S.S.M. program and who want to pursue a Cox M.B.A. degree may apply to the P.M.B.A. program. Students must complete the application and satisfy all application criteria to be considered for admission. The full-time M.B.A. and the E.M.B.A. programs are excluded from this option.

When a graduate of the M.S.S.M. program is accepted into the P.M.B.A. program, the student will be required to complete 36 additional credit hours, 18 courses, in order to earn the M.B.A. degree. All degree requirements of the M.B.A. program must be met for successful completion of the M.B.A. degree program.

Students will not need to retake successfully completed core required courses if the M.S.S.M. and the M.B.A. degrees are completed within six years from the original matriculation date of the M.S.S.M. program with no absence greater than three consecutive calendar years. Coursework completed more than three years prior to admittance into the M.B.A. program may need to be repeated or replaced with current courses, at the discretion of the associate dean for graduate programs.

The M.S.S.M. graduate admitted to the P.M.B.A. will pay the current P.M.B.A. tuition rate at the time of matriculation.

Graduates of Cox M.S. Programs Applying to Another Cox M.S. Program. Students who are graduates of a Cox M.S. program and who want to pursue another Cox M.S. degree may apply to the specific M.S. program. Students must complete the application and satisfy all application criteria to be considered for admission. When a graduate of one of the M.S. programs is accepted into another M.S. program, the student will be required to complete a minimum of 26 additional credit hours, a minimum of 13 courses, in order to earn another M.S. degree. These hours will consist of courses not previously taken as part of the initial M.S. degree. All degree requirements of the subsequent M.S. program must be met for successful completion of the M.S. degree program.

Students will not need to retake successfully completed core required courses if the two M.S. degrees are completed within six years from the original matriculation date of the initial M.S. program with no absence greater than three consecutive calendar years. Coursework completed more than three years prior to admittance into the subsequent M.S. program may need to be repeated or replaced with current courses, at the discretion of the associate dean for graduate programs.

The student admitted to a subsequent M.S. degree program will pay the current M.S. program tuition rate at the time of matriculation.

Graduates of Cox M.B.A. Programs Applying to Cox M.S. Programs. Students who are graduates of a Cox M.B.A. program and who want to pursue a Cox M.S. degree may apply to the specific M.S. program. Students must complete the application and satisfy all application criteria to be considered for admission.

When a graduate of one of the M.B.A. programs is accepted into an M.S. program, the student will be required to complete 18–26 additional credit hours, nine to 13 courses, in order to earn the M.S. degree. These hours will consist of courses not previously taken as part of the M.B.A. degree. All degree requirements of the specific M.S. program must be met for successful completion of the M.S. degree program.

Students will not need to retake successfully completed core required courses if the M.S. and the M.B.A. degrees are completed within six years from the original matriculation date of the M.B.A. program with no absence greater than three consecutive calendar years. Coursework completed more than three years prior to admittance into the M.S. program may need to be repeated or replaced with current courses, at the discretion of the associate dean for master’s programs.

There are constraints on what M.S. degrees an M.B.A. graduate will be able to complete based on coursework taken during the M.B.A. program. If a student took most of the entrepreneurial courses, a Master of Science in Entrepreneurship would not be possible. Likewise, if a student took most of the finance courses, a Master of Science in Finance would not be possible. Students who apply to an M.S. degree program with a potential conflict can request an evaluation of their academic record. The Master of Science in Management is not an option for M.B.A. graduates.

The M.B.A. graduate admitted to an M.S. degree program will pay the current M.S. program tuition rate at the time of matriculation.

Course Waiver for Required Core Courses

While the Cox School is not obligated to grant any waiver credit, in certain cases, up to eight credit hours for full-time and P.M.B.A. students and up to four credit hours for M.S. students of required core courses may be waived, at entrance only, thereby eliminating the need to take a specific required course. This does not reduce the total number of credit hours required for the degree; it allows only for another course(s) to be substituted for the required course(s) as determined in the waiver process. Requests for waived credit are reviewed and processed only after the student’s enrollment deposit is received in the Admissions Office. For complete details and a Course Waiver Petition Request form, students should contact the graduate programs registrar at gradcox@cox.smu.edu.

Transfer Courses From Other Institutions

Although the Cox School of Business is not obligated to accept any transfer credit, in certain cases coursework may be transferred, at entrance only, thereby reducing the number of credit hours required to be taken at Cox for the degree. Transferable hours, up to eight credit hours for full-time and P.M.B.A. students and up to four credit hours for M.S. students, will be considered only if the following criteria are met: 1) the graduate course was taken at an institution accredited by AACSB, 2) the student earned a grade better than B-, 3) the course was completed within the three years prior to matriculation at Cox and 4) the course was not credited toward a previous degree. Requests for transfer credit are reviewed and processed only after the student’s enrollment deposit is received in the Admissions Office. For complete details and a Transfer Credit Petition Request form, students should contact graduate student services staff at gradcox@cox.smu.edu.

Southwestern Graduate School of Banking Credit

For candidates admitted to the full-time M.B.A. or P.M.B.A. programs, the Cox School of Business will grant six graduate credit hours (equivalent to three graduate elective module courses) to graduates of the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking who completed the SWGSB program no more than two years prior to admission to the full-time M.B.A. or P.M.B.A. programs. The credits will be treated as general graduate elective credits and will not be counted toward any specific area of concentration. The credit may not be applied to the E.M.B.A. program.

Students Taking Courses in Other SMU Graduate Programs

M.B.A. students may petition to take one course offered in another SMU graduate or professional program that is specifically relevant to the student’s academic business goals. Each petition will be reviewed on an individual basis. Additional information is available from the graduate programs registrar (gradcox@cox.smu.edu).

Directed Studies

Although faculty members generally discourage the use of directed studies to replace regularly scheduled elective courses, some students may benefit from a highly focused, specialized research-based project designed in conjunction with a full-time faculty member in a specific academic department of the Cox School of Business. These nonpaying academic projects may involve further study of a specific topic from a previous course or may deal with an area of business or management research not covered in regularly scheduled business courses. No more than four credit hours may be earned through directed study. In general, directed studies do not count toward a concentration; any exception to the policy must be approved by the respective department chair. Students must be in good standing academically and must have completed the required core course sequence prior to enrolling for a directed study. The Directed Study Request form is available from graduate student services staff. The student must meet with the instructor to establish the course criteria, and the instructor must sign the Directed Study Request form acknowledging approval of the request. The documented and signed Directed Studies Request form is returned to graduate student services staff for final approval.

Courses for Credit After Graduation

Cox M.B.A. graduates, and graduates of other AACSB accredited M.B.A. programs, can apply to take graduate courses for credit by submitting the application and providing an official transcript listing the graduation date and program and documenting a final cumulative GPA of 3.000 or higher. Criteria for course enrollment include meeting the course prerequisites and earning grades of B and above in each postgraduate course taken. For Cox E.M.B.A. program graduates and non-Cox graduates, the academic department chair or designee will review prior coursework for meeting the course prerequisites. Enrollment is on a space-available basis one week prior to the start of the course.

For Cox M.B.A. graduates, an additional concentration may be earned and posted to their academic record with the successful completion of the credit hours and specific courses required for the concentration. (Additional details are found in the Concentrations and Minors section of this catalog.)

Enrollment charges include a one-time application fee, the published per credit hour tuition and general student fees at the P.M.B.A. program rate. Students should contact the graduate programs registrar at gradcox@cox.smu.edu for additional information.

Visiting Students

Students currently matriculated at an AACSB-accredited school not located in the greater metropolitan area of Dallas-Fort Worth may apply to take a limited number of courses at the Cox School of Business to transfer back to the student’s home school. For details on this limited program, students should contact the graduate programs registrar at gradcox@cox.smu.edu.

Non-Cox SMU Graduate Students Taking Graduate Cox Courses

Matriculated graduate students in other SMU programs may request permission to enroll in elective courses on the first day of class for the term or module based on the Cox Graduate Programs Academic Calendar. Enrollment is on a space-available basis. For more information, students should contact graduate student services staff at gradcox@cox.smu.edu.

Course Grades Not Meeting Degree Requirement

All required core courses must be successfully completed with an earned grade of C- or above. Required core courses completed with grades of D+, D, D- or F have not been successfully completed and must be retaken the next time the course is taught. Additional information can be found in the policy section Grade Forgiveness Opportunity.

An elective course completed with a grade of D+, D, D- or F has not been successfully completed. The student has the option of taking either the same course or a different one, but must earn a grade of C- or above for a course to count toward the degree; therefore, a student must take an additional course and successfully complete it to earn the credit hours to count toward the degree.

In both situations of required and elective courses not successfully completed, these courses and grades are listed on the student’s transcript. While the grades are included in the student’s cumulative GPA, the credit hours of the unsuccessful attempt are not counted toward the degree. Students are permitted to take no more than the maximum hours allowed (listed below) toward their degree for GPA purposes.

Maximum Hours Allowed

Note: Cox hours needed could include transfer credit of up to eight hours for full-time and P.M.B.A. programs, and up to four hours for M.S. programs if approved by the Cox Graduate Policy Committee prior to enrollment in a Cox program.

Grade Forgiveness Opportunity for Required Core Courses

Students in the M.B.A. programs may repeat up to two different required core courses for which grades of D+ or lower were received, provided the first enrollment of the course was completed during a student’s first three terms of enrollment, or for the E.M.B.A. during the student’s first four terms of enrollment.

Students in the M.S. programs may repeat one course for which a grade of D+ or lower was received for any course completed during a student’s first two terms of enrollment.

The student who repeats a course with the grade forgiveness option remains on academic probation until the course is successfully completed, even if the cumulative GPA is raised to 3.000 or higher. Note that the grade from the second time the course is taken, even if lower than the first attempt, will be the grade used to calculate the student’s GPA.

A specific course may be repeated only once for grade forgiveness, and it must be repeated within the next two terms following the term in which the course was initially taken. Exceptions to the two-term restriction may be requested from the program registrar if the course is not taught again within that period. The student must declare which course(s) he or she will repeat under this policy with the program registrar by the seventh day of classes in the module or term of the repeated course enrollment.

Under this policy, the course hours and grade from the second time the course is taken count toward the degree. However, the initial course and grade also are listed on the student’s permanent academic record with an explanatory note. All completed attempts of the courses are included in the count of “Maximum Hours Allowed” listed under the Course Grades Not Meeting Degree Requirement Policy.

Academic Dismissal From the Cox School of Business

Failure to meet established minimum acceptable standards of academic or disciplinary performance will result in dismissal from the Cox School of Business. Dismissal is a permanent and involuntary separation of the student from the school. The student is not eligible for readmission to the Cox School and is not in good standing in the school. “Academic Dismissal” is permanently recorded on the student’s transcript. The following criteria, also used for financial aid satisfactory progress, outline when graduate students will be dismissed from the Cox School of Business but does not limit dismissal to these criteria:

Full-Time M.B.A. Program. Full-time M.B.A. students MUST have a cumulative 3.000 GPA at the end of 70 GPA hours. Full-time M.B.A. students will be dismissed if they achieve

• Less than a cumulative 2.250 GPA at the end of 14 GPA hours or the first term.
• Less than a cumulative 2.500 GPA at the end of 30 GPA hours or the second term.
• Less than a cumulative 2.750 GPA at the end of 44 GPA hours or the third term.
• Less than a cumulative 2.950 GPA at the end of 62 GPA hours or the fourth term.

With an approved petition to take up to eight additional hours beyond the 62 GPA hours required for the degree, full-time M.B.A. students will be dismissed if they achieve

• Less than a cumulative 2.950 GPA at the end of 62 GPA hours or the fourth term.
• Less than a cumulative 2.970 GPA at the end of 64 GPA hours (+ 2 hours).
• Less than a cumulative 2.980 GPA at the end of 66 GPA hours (+ 4 hours).
• Less than a cumulative 2.990 GPA at the end of 68 GPA hours (+ 6 hours).
• Less than a cumulative 3.000 GPA at the end of 70 GPA hours (+ 8 hours).

Fast Track M.B.A. Program. Fast track M.B.A. students MUST have a cumulative 3.000 GPA at the end of 52 GPA hours. Fast track M.B.A. students will be dismissed if they achieve

• Less than a cumulative 2.250 GPA at the end of 12 GPA hours or first term.
• Less than a cumulative 2.750 GPA at the end of 28 GPA hours or second term.
• Less than a cumulative 2.818 GPA at the end of 44 GPA hours or third term.

 With an approved petition to take up to eight additional hours beyond the 44 GPA hours required for the degree, fast track M.B.A. students will be dismissed if they achieve

• Less than a cumulative 2.818 GPA at the end of 44 GPA hours or third term
• Less than a cumulative 2.869 GPA at the end of 46 GPA hours (+ 2 hours).
• Less than a cumulative 2.916 GPA at the end of 48 GPA hours (+ 4 hours).
• Less than a cumulative 2.960 GPA at the end of 50 GPA hours (+ 6 hours).
• Less than a cumulative 3.000 GPA at the end of 52 GPA hours (+ 8 hours).

Master of Arts /Master of Business Administration and Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration Programs. M.A./M.B.A. and J.D./M.B.A. students MUST have a cumulative 3.000 GPA at the end of 54 GPA hours. M.A./M.B.A. and J.D./M.B.A. students will be dismissed if they achieve

• Less than a cumulative 2.250 GPA at the end of 14 GPA Cox hours or the first term.
• Less than a cumulative 2.500 GPA at the end of 24 GPA Cox hours or the second term.
• Less than a cumulative 2.750 GPA at the end of 34 GPA Cox hours or the third term.
• Less than a cumulative 2.950 GPA at the end of 46 GPA Cox hours or the fourth term.

With an approved petition to take up to eight additional hours beyond the 46 GPA hours required for the degree, M.A./M.B.A. and J.D./M.B.A. students will be dismissed if they achieve

• Less than a cumulative 2.950 GPA at the end of 46 GPA Cox hours or the fourth term.
• Less than a cumulative 2.970 GPA at the end of 48 GPA Cox hours (+ 2 hours).
• Less than a cumulative 2.980 GPA at the end of 50 GPA Cox hours (+ 4 hours).
• Less than a cumulative 2.990 GPA at the end of 52 GPA Cox hours (+ 6 hours).
• Less than a cumulative 3.000 GPA at the end of 54 GPA Cox hours (+ 8 hours).

Professional M.B.A. Program. P.M.B.A. students MUST have a cumulative 3.000 GPA at the end of 56 GPA hours. P.M.B.A. students will be dismissed if they achieve

• Less than a cumulative 2.000 GPA at the end of 8 GPA hours or first term.
• Less than a cumulative 2.250 GPA at the end of 16 GPA hours or second term.
• Less than a cumulative 2.500 GPA at the end of 24 GPA hours or third term.
• Less than a cumulative 2.750 GPA at the end of 32 GPA hours or fourth term.
• Less than a cumulative 2.900 GPA at the end of 40 GPA hours or fifth term.
• Less than a cumulative 2.950 GPA at the end of 48 GPA hours or sixth term.

With an approved petition to take up to eight additional hours beyond the 48 GPA hours required for the degree, P.M.B.A. students will be dismissed if they achieve

• Less than a cumulative 2.950 GPA at the end of 48 GPA hours or sixth term.
• Less than a cumulative 2.970 GPA at the end of 50 GPA hours (+ 2 hours).
• Less than a cumulative 2.980 GPA at the end of 52 GPA hours (+ 4 hours).
• Less than a cumulative 2.990 GPA at the end of 54 GPA hours (+ 6 hours).
• Less than a cumulative 3.000 GPA at the end of 56 GPA hours (+ 8 hours).

Part-Time Juris Doctor and Professional Master of Business Administration Program. Part-time J.D./P.M.B.A. students MUST have a cumulative 3.000 GPA at the end of 56 GPA hours. Part-time J.D./P.M.B.A. students will be dismissed if they achieve

• Less than a cumulative 2.000 GPA at the end of 8 GPA hours or first term.
• Less than a cumulative 2.250 GPA at the end of 16 GPA hours or second term.
• Less than a cumulative 2.500 GPA at the end of 24 GPA hours or third term.
• Less than a cumulative 2.750 GPA at the end of 32 GPA hours or fourth term.
• Less than a cumulative 2.900 GPA at the end of 40 GPA hours or fifth term.
• Less than a cumulative 2.950 GPA at the end of 48 GPA hours or sixth term.

With an approved petition to take up to eight additional hours beyond the 48 GPA hours required for the degree, part-time J.D./P.M.B.A. students will be dismissed if they achieve

• Less than a cumulative 2.950 GPA at the end of 48 GPA hours or sixth term.
• Less than a cumulative 2.970 GPA at the end of 50 GPA hours (+ 2 hours).
• Less than a cumulative 2.980 GPA at the end of 52 GPA hours (+ 4 hours).
• Less than a cumulative 2.990 GPA at the end of 54 GPA hours (+ 6 hours).
• Less than a cumulative 3.000 GPA at the end of 56 GPA hours (+ 8 hours).

Master of Science in Accounting. M.S.A. students MUST have a cumulative 3.000 GPA at the end of 36 GPA hours. M.S.A. students will be dismissed if they achieve

• Less than a cumulative 2.500 GPA at the end of 16 GPA hours or first term.
• Less than a cumulative 2.950 GPA at the end of 32 GPA hours or second term.

With an approved petition to take up to four additional hours beyond the 32 GPA hours required for the degree, M.S.A. students will be dismissed if they achieve

• Less than a cumulative 2.950 GPA at the end of 32 GPA hours or second term.
• Less than a cumulative 2.980 GPA at the end of 34 GPA hours (+ 2 hours).
• Less than a cumulative 3.000 GPA at the end of 36 GPA hours (+ 4 hours).

Master of Science in Business Analytics. M.S.B.A. students MUST have a cumulative 3.000 GPA at the end of 37 GPA hours. M.S.B.A. students will be dismissed if they achieve

• Less than a cumulative 2.500 GPA at the end of 17 GPA hours or first term.
• Less than a cumulative 2.870 GPA at the end of 33 GPA hours or second term.

With an approved petition to take up to four additional hours beyond the 33 GPA hours required for the degree, M.S.B.A. students will be dismissed if they achieve

• Less than a cumulative 2.870 GPA at the end of 33 GPA hours or second term.
• Less than a cumulative 2.940 GPA at the end of 35 GPA hours (+ 2 hours).
• Less than a cumulative 3.000 GPA at the end of 37 GPA hours (+ 4 hours).

Master of Science in Entrepreneurship. M.S.Ent. students MUST have a cumulative 3.000 GPA at the end of 36 GPA hours. M.S.Ent. students will be dismissed if they achieve

• Less than a cumulative 2.500 GPA at the end of 8 GPA hours or first term.
• Less than a cumulative 2.750 GPA at the end of 16 GPA hours or second term.
• Less than a cumulative 2.900 GPA at the end of 24 GPA hours or third term.
• Less than a cumulative 2.950 GPA at the end of 32 GPA hours or fourth term.

With an approved petition to take up to four additional credit hours beyond the 32 GPA hours required for the degree, M.S.Ent. students will be dismissed if they achieve

• Less than a cumulative 2.950 GPA at the end of 32 GPA hours or fourth term.
• Less than a cumulative 2.980 GPA at the end of 34 GPA hours (+ 2 hours).
• Less than a cumulative 3.000 GPA at the end of 36 GPA hours (+ 4 hours).

Master of Science in Finance. M.S.F. students MUST have a cumulative 3.000 GPA at the end of 34 GPA hours. M.S.F. students will be dismissed if they achieve

• Less than a cumulative 2.500 GPA at the end of 16 GPA hours or first term.
• Less than a cumulative 2.900 GPA at the end of 30 GPA hours or second term.

With an approved petition to take up to four additional hours beyond the 30 GPA hours required for the degree, M.S.F. students will be dismissed if they achieve

• Less than a cumulative 2.900 GPA at the end of 30 GPA hours or second term.
• Less than a cumulative 2.950 GPA at the end of 32 GPA hours (+ 2 hours).
• Less than a cumulative 3.000 GPA at the end of 34 GPA hours (+ 4 hours).

Master of Science in Management. M.S.M. students MUST have a cumulative 3.000 GPA at the end of 34 GPA hours. M.S.M. students will be dismissed if they achieve

• Less than a cumulative 2.500 GPA at the end of 16 GPA hours or first term.
• Less than a cumulative 2.950 GPA at the end of 30 GPA hours or second term.

With an approved petition to take up to four additional credit hours beyond the 30 GPA hours required for the degree, M.S.M. students will be dismissed if they achieve

• Less than a cumulative 2.950 GPA at the end of 30 GPA hours or second term.
• Less than a cumulative 2.980 GPA at the end of 32 GPA hours (+ 2 hours).
• Less than a cumulative 3.000 GPA at the end of 34 GPA hours (+ 4 hours).

Master of Science in Sport Management. M.S.S.M. students MUST have a cumulative 3.000 GPA at the end of 19 Cox GPA hours. M.S.S.M students will be dismissed if they achieve

• Less than a cumulative 2.500 GPA at the end of 8 Cox GPA hours or first term.
• Less than a cumulative 2.950 GPA at the end of 15 Cox GPA hours or second term.

With an approved petition to take up to four additional hours beyond the 15 Cox GPA hours required for the degree, M.S.S.M. students will be dismissed if they achieve

• Less than a cumulative 2.950 GPA at the end of 15 Cox GPA hours or second term.
• Less than a cumulative 2.980 GPA at the end of 17 Cox GPA hours (+ 2 hours).
• Less than a cumulative 3.000 GPA at the end of 19 Cox GPA hours (+ 4 hours).

Master of Science in Health Promotion Management. M.S.H.P.M. students MUST have a cumulative 3.000 GPA at the end of 14 Cox GPA hours. M.S.H.P.M. students will be dismissed if they achieve

• Less than a cumulative 2.500 GPA at the end of 6 Cox GPA hours or first year.
• Less than a cumulative 2.900 GPA at the end of 10 Cox GPA hours or second year.

With an approved petition to take up to four additional hours beyond the 10 Cox GPA hours required for the degree, M.S.P.H.M. students will be dismissed if they achieve

• Less than a cumulative 2.900 GPA at the end of 10 Cox GPA hours or second year.
• Less than a cumulative 2.980 GPA at the end of 12 Cox GPA hours (+ 2 hours).
• Less than a cumulative 3.000 GPA at the end of 14 Cox GPA hours (+ 4 hours).

Master of Science in Engineering Entrepreneurship. M.S.E.E. students MUST have a cumulative 3.000 GPA at the end of 16 Cox GPA hours. M.S.E.E. students will be dismissed if they achieve

• Less than a cumulative 2.500 GPA at the end of 8 Cox GPA hours or first term.
• Less than a cumulative 2.800 GPA at the end of 12 Cox GPA hours or second term.

With an approved petition to take up to four additional hours beyond the 15 Cox GPA hours required for the degree, M.S.E.E. students will be dismissed if they achieve

• Less than a cumulative 2.800 GPA at the end of 12 Cox GPA hours or second term.
• Less than a cumulative 2.950 GPA at the end of 14 Cox GPA hours (+ 2 hours).
• Less than a cumulative 3.000 GPA at the end of 16 Cox GPA hours (+ 4 hours).

Guidelines for In-class Use of Laptops, PDAs and Mobile Communication Equipment

All graduate students are expected to have access to a laptop computer for use in the classroom. The instructor has the right and responsibility to set the policy for the specific class, which should be included the course syllabus. Students are bound by the class policy regardless of what other instructors or courses may accept and/or require. This policy may include (but is not restricted to) the following alternatives:

• The use of laptop computers is limited to one of the following levels:
  • Laptop use is restricted to course-related (and possibly session-related) content and applications only.
  • If there is no course-related content that students can reasonably be expected to need during class sessions, laptop use can be restricted to note-taking use only.
  • If in-class tests are provided in electronic form, students may be allowed to take the exam on their laptops.
  • If none of the above uses is desired, the use of laptops can be prohibited during class sessions.
• The use of text messaging services during class sessions is prohibited.
• The use of mobile devices during class sessions is prohibited unless there are course-related mobile devices apps. Mobile phones are required to be shut off or set to silent mode during class sessions, and answering phone calls and text messages during class is prohibited.
• The use of cameras and video cameras on mobile phones and laptops during class sessions may be prohibited or allowed. For example, students may be allowed to take photos of the whiteboard and/or projected materials in the session.
• Students should seek permission of the course instructor before recording any class session.

The Cox School does not prescribe any specific brand or configuration of laptop hardware for student laptops. Rather, it is expected that student laptops will be able to reasonably execute all application programs that are site licensed by SMU for student use in business-related programs. Information about relevant application programs as well as suggested minimum functionality for laptop systems will be made available to incoming students prior to the beginning of their program and can be obtained from the Cox Computer Support staff at support@cox.smu.edu.

Awards

Students who excel during the course of their graduate work in the Cox School may be honored with awards available through the various subject areas. At graduation, students who reach high academic achievement are recognized through an invitation to join Beta Gamma Sigma, the business honor fraternity.

Merit-based Scholarships

Scholarships are awarded by the Cox School to students entering the full-time M.B.A., P.M.B.A., Master of Science in Accounting and Master of Science in Finance programs on the basis of demonstrated academic achievement and capability as well as significant career experience and leadership achievement at the time of acceptance into the Cox program. Scholarships must be used in the term awarded.

Any student with a scholarship who goes on academic probation will immediately go on scholarship probation for the following term. If his or her cumulative GPA is not raised to 3.000 or higher by the end of that term, the student will lose the scholarship.

Financial Aid

In addition to the merit-based scholarships described above, grants, private and federal loans, and employment programs may be available to Cox students. The Cox School of Business encourages all graduate students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form, which may be completed at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Students can obtain a personal identification number which may be used to electronically sign the application. SMU’s code number is 003613. Students should see www.smu.edu/bursar for more information.

Tuition Information

The Student Financials Office (Bursar’s Office) provides information on tuition rates, general student fees, payment due dates and contact references as well as other relevant information to assist students with their financial planning on its website smu.edu/EnrollmentServices/Bursar/CostofAttendance.

Accommodations for Students With Disabilities

Cox students who have disabilities and need special accommodations, such as extended time to take exams or other reasonable academic accommodations, should contact the Disability Accommodations and Success Strategies Office immediately after accepting admission to a Cox program or as soon as possible after arriving at Cox. Since Cox graduate courses are taught in eight-week modules, students may have projects due by the second class meeting or midterm exams three or four weeks after classes begin. It is necessary that students requesting reasonable accommodations do so as early as possible as the eligibility process must be completed prior to the arrangements being made.

In addition, because of the short duration of Cox modules and once-per-week class sessions, faculty must have a full week (seven calendar days) to arrange reasonable accommodations once students have been certified as eligible for reasonable accommodations and have notified their instructor.

More information about DASS is available at www.smu.edu/Provost/ALEC/DASS and in the University Life and Services section of this catalog.