Cox School of Business - Policies and Procedures
Matriculation in the University is a declaration of acceptance of all University
rules and regulations. (Please see the University’s catalog for a complete listing.)
Additional information regarding rules and regulations of the University may be
found in this catalog.
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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,
recommendations that speak to a candidate’s professional performance and selfevaluation
essays. For complete details and an application packet, please visit the
website at
mba.cox.smu.edu or contact the Cox Admissions Office: telephone 214-
768-1214 or 1-800-472-3622; fax 214-768-3956;
mbainfo@cox.smu.edu.
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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 must 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
graduate Admissions Committee accepts the petition, the applicant must secure
his or her seat with an additional deposit. If the applicant fails to matriculate for
the deferred term, the deposit is forfeited and the applicant must reapply for acceptance
to the Cox Business School.
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The University registrar maintains the official permanent academic records for
all students. This record includes all SMU courses attempted, grades assigned,
degrees received and a summary of transfer hours accepted. Official transcripts
and certifications of students’ academic records are issued by the Office of the
Registrar for all students of the University.
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The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (also known as FERPA)
is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records and affords
students attending postsecondary institutions certain rights with respect to their
education records. SMU has posted information and guidelines on the University
registrar’s website at
smu.edu/registrar/ferpa. Students are responsible for acquainting
themselves with the guidelines.
In general, no personally identifiable information from a student’s education
record is disclosed to a third party without written consent from the student. Exception
is made regarding information defined by SMU as Directory Information that
may be released unless the student requests in writing that it be withheld. SMU
defines the following student information as Directory Information under FERPA:
personal data (name, address, telephone and campus e-mail), enrollment data (academic program, degree objectives, attendance dates, degree and awards received,
and previous education) and participation data (officially recognized activities and
sports).
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A student’s SMU identification number is an eight-digit number assigned by the
University. Students are also asked to provide their Social Security number. The
SMU ID number or Social Security number should be furnished on all forms when
requested, as they are the primary means for identifying the student’s academic
records and transactions related to the records.
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A student who has a change in name after his or her last enrollment at SMU, or
a change from the name submitted on his or her application for admission, must
provide his or her revised Social Security card (not a copy) or the form issued by
the Social Security Administration to change his or her name on all SMU records.
No enrollment or records services can be accomplished for a student under a name
different from the last enrollment without the above documentation. All grade
reports, transcripts and diplomas are issued only under the person’s legal name as
recorded by the University registrar.
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Students are required to provide the University a current permanent home address
and a current local mailing address; a billing address can be provided if it differs
from the home address. In addition, a residence address (not a post office box
number) is required for international students. Students are required to provide a
local telephone number and are requested to also provide a cell telephone number.
At the time of matriculation, an e-mail address is issued to each student. This is
the only e-mail address maintained by the University.
Students should use
access.smu.edu to verify and update as appropriate their
address and telephone information.
EMERGENCY CONTACT: University policy requires all students to provide the
name, address and telephone number of a Primary Emergency Contact (student
maintains on access.smu.edu.). Students enrolling at SMU authorize the University
to contact their Emergency Contact in the event of a situation affecting the student’s
health, safety or physical or mental well-being and to provide that contact with
information related to the situation.
Official correspondence from the University may be sent to any of the student’s
mailing addresses or the SMU e-mail address. It is the student’s responsibility to
provide updates to their mailing addresses to the University and to regularly check
both their mail and SMU e-mail address for correspondence from the University.
Use access.smu.edu to view and update current address information or report a
change in writing to the University registrar.
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Official transcripts are issued by the University Registrar’s Office and bear the
University seal and registrar signature. Official transcripts are not processed if the
student has an outstanding obligation, financial or otherwise. Enrolled students
can obtain an unofficial transcript through
access.smu.edu.
SMU has authorized the National Student Clearinghouse to provide transcript
ordering via the Internet. Walk-in requests for transcripts can be made at the Student
Service Counter of the Laura Lee Blanton Student Services Building located at 6185 Airline. Telephone and e-mail requests are not accepted. No partial or incomplete
transcripts including only certain courses or grades are issued. Complete
details are found at
smu.edu/registrar/transcripts.asp.
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Students who have disabilities and need special accommodations, such as
extended time to take exams or other reasonable academic accommodations, should
contact the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities 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.
The documentation review process for establishing eligibility for receiving
reasonable accommodation can take as long as two weeks and is required before
reasonable accommodations may be arranged. In order to determine their eligibility
for reasonable accommodations, students who have disabilities and would like to
be considered for services must request services themselves by phone or letter and
submit appropriate, current documentation of their disability directly to the Office
of Services for Students with Disabilities. In their requests, students should indicate
what assistance is being sought and provide information on how to be contacted
after the documentation is reviewed. Documentation will not be reviewed unless
students make such a request.
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.
For additional information and documentation guidelines, please see
smu.edu/studentlife/ossd_facts.asp. The Office of Services for Students with Disabilities
is located at 220 Memorial Health Center; telephone 214-768-4557.
The director is Rebecca Marin;
rmarin@smu.edu.
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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, steal or tolerate those who
do. Not reporting an honor violation is an honor violation.
New graduate students receive a copy of the Honor Code at orientation and
review all standards and policies. For additional information, contact the director
of Graduate Student Services or see the Honor Code on the website at the graduate
student intranet community page at cox.smu.edu.
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The maximum length of time for degree completion in any and all graduate
business degree programs is six (6) 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 (3) consecutive calendar years.
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The unit of measure for the valuation of courses is the credit hour; for example,
two (2) credit hours are earned by 24 classroom contact hours in an eight-week
module. There are two eight-week modules in each term. Each classroom contact
hour generally requires a minimum of two to three hours of advance preparation
time on the part of the student. A student must be enrolled in at least 10 credit
hours in a term to have full-time academic status; this is true for all graduate Cox
programs, full-time and part-time.
Full-Time M.B.A. students complete 32 credit hours in the first year (16 credit
hours per 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 61 credit hours for the two-year
program. The maximum hours of course enrollment allowed during the program
is 69 credit hours.
Professional M.B.A. students complete six terms of eight (8) credit hours each
term, including summer terms, for a total of 48 credit hours for this part-time
program. The maximum hours of course enrollment allowed during the program
is 56 credit hours.
M.S. in Accounting 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.
M.S. in Entrepreneurship students complete four consecutive terms of eight (8)
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.
M.S. in Management students complete eight (8) credit hours, 10 credit hours,
and 12 credit hours in three consecutive terms for a total of 30 credit hours for the
part-time 12-month program. The maximum hours of course enrollment allowed
during the program is 34 credit hours.
The credit hour load requirements may be different in regards to student financial
accounts and loans. Please refer to the Financial Bulletin for additional information
(smu.edu/bursar/financialinformation.asp).
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A Full-Time M.B.A. student with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher may elect to
take up to 20 hours in any given term after the first term. The total number of overload
hours can be no more than eight (8) hours during the two-year program. (For additional
information, please see the section on Academic Performance Standards and
Probation.) Each 16-week term is divided into two eight-week modules, A and B,
with four (4) courses in each module earning two (2) credit hours per course. Exceptions
to the stated curriculum schedule must be approved in advance by the Graduate
Student Services Office. Full-Time M.B.A. students may overload at no additional
cost. (Please note: Full-Time M.B.A. students are charged a flat-rate tuition per term.
For the current rate, please see currently published tuition rates. A Full-Time M.B.A.
student electing to enroll in any given term must pay the full flat-rate tuition for that
term, regardless of the number of hours in which the student is enrolled.)
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A student can submit a written request to take up to three (3) courses or six (6)
credit hours in a module to the Graduate Student Services Office for review. To be
eligible for consideration, the student must be in good standing with a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or better and have successfully completed all 20 credit hours of required
core courses. Professional M.B.A. students currently enrolled in their last term of
the required core courses may be eligible to take a course overload. Professional
M.B.A. students who take additional credit hours (maximum is 56 allowed in the
program) will continue to pay the current published tuition rates.
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Acceleration of the Professional M.B.A. degree is defined as a Professional M.B.A.
student with enough additional credit hours to advance his or her expected graduation
date by at least one term. Professional M.B.A. students are not permitted to transfer
into the Full-Time M.B.A. program. However, with approval from the Graduate
Student Services Office, an unemployed student may be granted permission to carry
a full-time academic course load of up to 16 credit hours per term.
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A student who wishes to withdraw from a Cox program must notify the Graduate
Student Services Office, in writing, by completing the Cox Withdrawal Form.
A student who wishes to withdraw for a specific term from a Cox program before
the end of the term must notify the Graduate Student Services Office in writing by
completing the Student Petition for Withdrawal/Cancellation Form by the officially
published date for that term. The Graduate Student Services Office will advise the
student concerning withdrawal procedures applicable to his or her situation. The
effective date of the term withdrawal is the date on which the Student Petition for
Withdrawal/Cancellation is processed in the University Registrar’s Office. To stop
attending class or notifying an instructor does not constitute an official withdrawal.
When the term withdrawal is complete, a grade of W (Withdrew) is recorded for
every course in which the student was enrolled for that term.
Reduction of tuition and fees is based on the schedule listed in the publication
Financial Information: Southern Methodist University and is determined by the
effective date of the withdrawal. Students receiving financial aid should refer to
the Financial Information section of the catalog.
Students who withdraw on or before the sixth day of regular classes as listed in
the Graduate Business Academic Calendar will have their enrollments canceled
but this will NOT cancel financial obligations. Courses and grades are not recorded
for canceled enrollments.
Medical withdrawals provide a daily pro rata refund of tuition and fees and have
conditions that must be met prior to re-enrollment at SMU. Medical withdrawals
must be authorized by the medical director, psychiatric director, counseling and
testing director or vice president for Student Affairs.
For additional information, see the Withdrawal From a Course section of the
catalog.
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Students in good standing may take a Leave of Absence for up to 12 months by
sending a written notice to Graduate Student Services. To be in good standing, a
student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, 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 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.
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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 3.0 or better, must have earned eight or more hours and
must have a clear student financial record. After receiving the Readmission Request
Form, Graduate Student Services 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 rematriculation
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. Please 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
readmittance to a graduate program may need to be repeated or replaced with current
coursework, at the discretion of the associate dean for Master’s 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.
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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 Professional 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 Executive M.B.A. programs are excluded
from this option.
When a graduate of one of the M.S. programs is accepted into the Professional
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 will
need to 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. and the M.B.A. degrees are completed within six (6) 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 Master’s programs.
The M.S. graduate admitted to the Professional M.B.A. will pay the current
Professional M.B.A. tuition rate at the time of matriculation.
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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, M.S. in Accounting
or M.S. in Entrepreneurship. 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 a minimum of 18 additional credit
hours, nine (9) 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 will need to 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 (6) 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.
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.
* Note: There are situations that may preclude a Cox M.B.A. graduate’s ability to complete
an M.S. degree. For example, a student may have taken most of the entrepreneurial courses
and that would disqualify that student from earning the M.S. in entrepreneurship degree.
Students who apply to an M.S. degree program with a potential conflict can request an
evaluation of their academic record. The M.S. in Management program is not an option
for graduates of a Cox M.B.A. program.
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While the Cox School is not obligated to grant any waiver credit, in certain
cases, up to eight (8) credit hours for Full-Time and Professional M.B.A. students
and up to four (4) credit hours for M.S. students of core required 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 will be
considered and processed only after the student’s enrollment deposit has been
received in the Admissions Office. For complete details and a Course Waiver
Petition Request Form, please contact the Graduate Student Services Office.
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Although the Cox School of Business is not obligated to accept any transfer
credit, in certain cases up to eight (8) credit hours for Full-Time and Professional
M.B.A. students and up to four (4) credit hours for M.S. students of 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 will be limited to
graduate courses taken at institutions accredited by AACSB International. Exams
may be required in some subject areas in order to qualify for transfer credit. Any
course accepted for transfer credit must have been completed with a grade better
than a B- within three years of matriculation at Cox and must not have been credited
toward a previous degree. Requests for transfer credit will be considered and
processed only after the student’s enrollment deposit has been received in the
Admissions Office. For complete details and a Transfer Credit Petition Request
Form, please contact the Graduate Student Services Office.
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For candidates admitted to the Full-Time M.B.A. or Professional M.B.A. programs,
the Cox School of Business will grant six (6) graduate credit hours (equivalent to three graduate elective module courses) on a pass/fail basis to successful graduates
of the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking. This credit is awarded only to
SWGSB graduates from the two graduating classes prior to the student’s admission
to the Full-Time or Professional M.B.A program. The credits will be treated as
general graduate elective credits and will not count toward any specific area of
concentration. The credit may not be applied to the Executive M.B.A. program.
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M.B.A. students may petition to take a course that is offered in another SMU
graduate or professional program and that is specifically relevant to the student’s
academic business goals. Each petition will be reviewed on an individual basis.
For additional information, please contact the Graduate Student Services Office
at
gradcox@cox.smu.edu.
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Full-Time M.B.A. and M.S. in Accounting students have core required courses and
some elective courses scheduled for weekdays. Additional elective courses will be
offered in the evenings and on Saturday mornings. Examinations, special class
meetings and required special events may be scheduled for evenings, Fridays and
Saturdays. Students must plan to be available for scheduled events seven days a
week – mornings, afternoons and evenings.
Professional M.B.A. students have core required curriculum courses scheduled
for Monday and Wednesday evenings on the Legacy Campus in Plano and Thursday
evenings and Saturday mornings on the Dallas Campus. Most elective courses are
offered Monday through Thursday evenings on the Dallas Campus with limited
course offerings on Saturday morning and limited offerings on the Legacy Campus.
Students must plan to allow time for additional formally and informally scheduled
events during the evening and weekend hours.
Students enrolled in an International Professional M.B.A. course taught at a
partner school cannot be concurrently enrolled in a course at Cox.
M.S. in Entrepreneurship students are in a structured program taking courses
that are scheduled Monday through Thursday evenings and on Saturday. Students
must plan to allow time for additional formally and informally scheduled events
during the evening and weekend hours.
M.S. in Management students are in a semi-lockstep program with courses
scheduled for Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings plus starting in the fourth
module a third course is taken on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday evening. Students
must plan to allow time for additional formally and informally scheduled events
during the evening and weekend hours.
For all graduate students:
Prompt and regular class attendance is considered necessary for satisfactory
work. All absences should be explained to the instructor in advance if at all possible.
The satisfactory explanation of absence may release students from disciplinary
action but does not relieve the student from responsibility for the coursework during
their absence.
A student who misses an announced test or examination with the instructor’s prior
permission 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 at any time by a course instructor or academic dean
for nonattendance or tardiness, which automatically assigns a grade of W (Withdrew)
for that course with no refund.
Absences due to observance of religious holy days are addressed by the State
of Texas in 1985 legislation. Allowance is made for completion of an assignment
or examination within a reasonable period of time after the absence for this reason.
Notification of intended absence is the responsibility of the student and must be
given in writing to the instructor of each class the student is to miss no later than
the 15th day after the first day of the term.
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The 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 than the regular class time.
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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 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 unless approved by the respective department chair. Students
must be in good standing academically and also must have completed the required
core course sequence prior to enrolling for a directed study.
The Directed Study Request Form is available in the Graduate Student Services
Office or on the Current Student page at cox.smu.edu. 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 the Graduate
Student Services Office for processing.
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Students process their own enrollment transactions including add, drop and
swap on the Web-based Access.SMU (access.smu.edu). Prior to each term, there
is a period during which the formal process of course enrollment is completed.
The Graduate Student Services Office distributes by e-mail and posts on the Current
Student page at cox.smu.edu enrollment information and dates for that term’s
enrollment transactions. Students are responsible for complying with enrollment
procedures and for the accuracy and completeness of their enrollment.
The enrollment information is distributed in October for the November enrollment
period for the following spring term. In March, the information is distributed
for the April enrollment period for the following fall term. Professional M.B.A.
and M.S. students enroll for the summer term prior to the fall enrollment process
in April. A student may drop a course with a grade of W (Withdrew) through the
deadline listed in the Cox Graduate Programs Academic Calendar. After the deadline
date, the student may not drop a class.
Only students matriculated in a Cox graduate program may enroll in courses
for credit, with two exceptions: 1) visiting students in the Professional M.B.A. program and 2) 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 three student classifications are included
in this catalog.
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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, contact the Graduate Programs
registrar at
gradcox@cox.smu.edu or 214-768-2609.
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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 graduate Cox academic calendar. Enrollment is on a space-available basis.
For more information, contact the Graduate Student Services Office at
gradcox@cox.smu.edu
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Cox School of Business students who are currently enrolled in one of the graduate
programs and 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 who are not currently matriculated graduate students in a Cox School
of Business program and 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.
Regulations for Course Auditors
- Classroom recitation and participation are restricted; availability of course
handouts, tests and other materials are restricted; no grade is assigned and
no credit is recorded; no laboratory privileges are included.
- If credit is desired, the student must enroll in the course, pay regular tuition
and repeat it as a regular course.
- The student’s name does not appear on class rosters or grade rosters.
- Regular admission and enrollment procedures are not conducted for auditors.
Audit approval comes by completing one of the audit forms detailed
above.
- The audit fee is nonrefundable.
- Some courses are not available for auditing.
- Courses in starting a business are offered through a certificate program in
the Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship.
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To be in good standing, a student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better,
must have earned eight or more credit hours and must have a clear student financial
record.
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Only the course instructor determines a student’s grade in the course. The following
grades are authorized for recording on Cox School of Business graduate
students’ transcripts maintained in the University’s Office of the Registrar.
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: ACCT 6125, all BAEX, MNGT 6001, MNGT 6003, MNGT 6020, MNGT
6101, MNGT 6103 and MNGT 6150.
The student’s grades are available to the student through the Web-based Access.
SMU (access.smu.edu).
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A student’s GPA is computed by multiplying the term hours of each graded
course taken by the grade points earned in the course and then dividing the total
number of grade points by the total number of graded hours, excluding those hours
for which grades are shown with an asterisk in the chart above.
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After earning a grade of D+, D, D- or F in a core required course, the student must
retake the same course the next time it is taught and earn a grade of C- or above.
After earning a grade of D+, D, D- or F in an elective course, a student must
replace the credit hours for the course by taking an additional elective course. The
student has the option of taking either the same course or a different one, but must
earn a grade of C- or above.
In both situations, the original course and grade are listed on the student’s
transcript. The grade is included in the student’s cumulative GPA, while the original
course credit hours are not counted in the total credit hours necessary for the Cox
graduate degree, meaning students must replace the credit hours. Students are
permitted to take no more than the “Maximum Hours Allowed” (reference chart
at end of policy) toward their degree for GPA purposes.
Grade Forgiveness Option Within Grades for Repeated Courses Policy
Students in the M.B.A. programs may repeat up to two courses for which grades
of D+ or lower were received for a core required course, provided these courses
were completed during a student’s first three terms of enrollment, or for the Executive
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 grade from the repeated course, even if lower, will be the grade used to
calculate the student’s GPA.
A course may be repeated only once under this policy, 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 option, only the repeated course hours and grade count toward
the degree. However, the initial course and grade are shown on the student’s permanent
academic record with an explanatory note. Both courses are included in
the count of “Maximum Hours Allowed” below.
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A student may receive a grade of I (Incomplete) 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 (Incomplete) can be requested
and given only at the end of the module. At the time a grade of I is given, the instructor
must stipulate on an Incomplete Grade Assignment Report Form the requirements
and completion date that must be met and the grade that will be given if the requirements
are not met by the stated completion date. The instructor and the student sign
the form, with a copy of the form given to the student and to the Graduate Student
Services Office and with the instructor retaining the original form.
The maximum period of time allowed to clear the Incomplete grade is until the
end of the next term. If the Incomplete grade is not cleared by the date set by the
instructor or by at 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 grade was assigned or
to a grade of F if no alternate grade was provided. The grade of I should be used
only for incomplete coursework as set forth in the previous paragraph, not as a substitute for a grade of F (Fail) or W (Withdrew). If the student’s work is incomplete,
poor quality and not acceptable, a grade of F will be given. The grade of I
does not authorize a student to attend the course during a later term.
Graduation candidates must clear all Incomplete grades prior to the official
University Calendar deadline, which may allow less time than one additional term.
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.
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If a student is unable to complete the work in a course and is ineligible to receive
a grade of I (Incomplete), he or she may withdraw from the course. The official
withdrawal process must be completed by the published deadline for the term.
(Please see the Academic Calendar for more information on specific dates.) The
grade of W (Withdrew) may not be revoked or changed to another grade, as the act
of officially withdrawing is irrevocable.
In addition to a student processing an official withdrawal from a course, professors
may administratively withdraw a student if he or she fails to attend class.
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The course instructor can initiate a grade change for legitimate reasons, including
a change for a grade of I (Incomplete). A Change of Grade Form is filed in the
Graduate Student Services Office for processing under the authorization of the
dean of the Cox School. No grade will be changed after 12 months or after a student’s
graduation.
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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.
If the complaint is not satisfactorily answered by the instructor, and the student
believes that an error has not been corrected or that the assigned grade was capriciously
or unfairly determined, the student may appeal the decision to the chair of
the department in which the course is offered (or, in cases pertaining to nondepartmental
courses, to a faculty agent designated by the academic dean). After
discussing the matter with the student, the chair (or faculty agent) will consult with
the instructor, and the instructor will report a decision to the student.
A student who still is convinced that a complaint has not received a fair determination
may appeal the decision to the associate dean of Master’s programs. The
associate dean will proceed as deemed appropriate, but the final authority in the
determination of a grade must rest with the course instructor.
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To graduate from a Cox School of Business graduate program, students must
earn a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better (without rounding) with no
grade less than a C- (1.7) 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 3.0 upon
completion of the credit hours required for the degree may petition the Cox Graduate
Policy Committee to take up to eight additional credit hours at Cox in order to
raise his or her cumulative GPA to 3.0, the required level. Students who receive
approval to take additional hours will not be permitted to earn more than the
“Maximum Hours Allowed” (see below) toward their degree for GPA purposes:
A Cox graduate student who fails to maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA is placed
on academic probation and is not considered in good standing. No entry of academic
probation is made on the student’s transcript.
In addition, any student who is awarded a scholarship and who goes on academic
probation will immediately lose the scholarship but may be given an opportunity to
regain the scholarship when his or her cumulative GPA is raised to 3.0 or above.
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 nor
enroll for an internship during an active term. Full-Time M.B.A. students are
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.
The following criteria outline when graduate students will be dismissed from
the Cox School of Business but does not limit dismissal to these criteria:
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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 Cox
School of Business. The student is not eligible for readmission to the Cox School
of Business and is not in good standing in the Cox School of Business. “Academic
Dismissal” is permanently recorded on the student’s transcript.
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Before approving a graduate business student for degree conferral, the Cox
faculty 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.
Students must file an Application of Candidacy to Graduate Form with the Graduate
Student Services Office at the beginning of the term in which the student expects
to complete all degree requirements. Applications must be filed by the posted deadline
date for applicants to be considered graduates at the end of that term.
The Cox School of Business holds a diploma ceremony each year in May. This
diploma ceremony usually follows the University-wide commencement program.
In December, there is a University-wide graduation ceremony for all SMU graduates
completing their degree requirements in August or December.
Students in good academic standing and within eight (8) credit hours of graduating
may petition to participate in the graduation ceremonies and activities but, if
approved, will not receive a diploma. For additional information, contact the
Graduate Student Services Office at
gradcox@cox.smu.edu or 214-768-2609.
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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.
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All graduate students are expected to have access to a laptop computer for use
in the classroom. The rules regarding use of laptops in class sessions will be set
by the course instructor and may include (but are not restricted to) the following
alternatives:
- Students are required to use their laptops in all class sessions.
- Students are required to use their laptops in specific sessions, which may or
may not include exam sessions.
- Students are free to use their laptops in any session, as long as this use is not
a distraction to classmates or the instructor.
- Students are not allowed to use their laptops in any class sessions.
It is expected that student laptop use during class sessions (including sessions
with guest lecturers) will be only for purposes relevant to the course.
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 by e-mailing
support@mail.cox.smu.edu.
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Scholarships are awarded by the Cox School to entering Full-Time M.B.A. and
M.S. in Accounting students 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 who is awarded a scholarship and who goes on academic probation
will immediately lose the scholarship but may be given an opportunity to regain
the scholarship when his or her cumulative GPA is raised to 3.0 or above.
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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. The FAFSA may be completed online
at
fafsa.ed.gov. Students can obtain a personal identification number at
pin.ed.gov,
and it may be used to electronically sign the application. SMU’s code number is
003613.
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The Student Financial Office (also known as the Bursar’s Office) provides current
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 at
smu.edu/bursar/index.asp.
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