Grade Requirements

1. In non-elective*  music courses, the minimum grade of B minus (B-) is required for graduate credit in graduate-only classes, i.e., in 900-level courses, or in 800-level courses without 400-level counterparts. Applied lessons are an important example of such classes, and as a further rule, lessons are not taken on a pass/no pass basis.
2. In non-elective* music courses, the minimum grade of B is required for graduate credit in cross-listed grad/undergrad classes, i.e., in 800-level courses with 400-level counterparts. Here, the grade of B minus (B-) is not acceptable for graduate credit. Also, these courses may not be taken on a pass/no pass basis for graduate credit. (A maximum of three hours credit may be taken on a pass/no pass basis in a student's program.)
3. In a minor or related area outside music or in elective* courses in music, the  minimum grade of C or pass is required in 800-level or 900-level courses. A grade of C minus (C-) is not acceptable.
4. A maximum of 9 credit hours may be taken in approved workshops.
5. A maximum of 6 credit hours may be taken in Special Topics, Special Problems or Independent Study.

*Note: an elective course refers to any course in which the student has a free and open opportunity to select a course. A scenario in which students may select from a menu of courses in order to fulfill degree requirements in a certain area (i.e., select a music theory course from among 3 different theory courses) does NOT constitute an elective course.

A student who receives a grade below the minimum allowable for graduate credit may not continue the program of studies without permission from the Glenn Korff School of Music Graduate Committee. Typically, an underachieving student will be placed on probation for a semester before a decision about continuing in the program is rendered. The retention of financial aid and other support will require exemplary, rather than minimum, academic standards.

If a student receives a grade below the minimum allowable for graduate credit, then the student will have to take the class off the Program of Studies and take another in its place to be counted toward the minimum required 90 credits, as the class fulfilling the particular course requirement involved.

POLICY FOR HANDLING GRIEVANCES AND APPEALS

Students who want to pursue a grievance or appeal (appeal a grade, for example) should follow this step-by-step procedure:

Step 1: If, after attempting to resolve the problem directly with a GKSOM administrator, professor, staff member, or fellow student, students cannot resolve the matter, the disagreement should be brought to the attention of the Graduate Committee Chair (GD Chair). The GD Chair will discuss with students various options to further air the disagreement, including the options of speaking to the other person again, with the GD Chair present to act as a mediator, or the filing of a formal complaint. NOTE: If the disagreement is with the GD Chair himself or herself, students should bring the matter to the attention of the Director of the GKSOM.

Step 2: If a formal complaint is referred to the Graduate Committee for resolution, the GD Chair shall utilize the Committee to render a decision on the grievance/appeal after interviewing both parties involved.

Step 3: If the student is not satisfied with Committee’s decision, the matter may be referred to the Director of the GKSOM for another hearing.

Step 4: If the person filing the complaint fails to receive satisfaction from the GKSOM Director, the matter may be referred back to the GD Chair, who will then seek the counsel of the Dean of the Graduate College to determine the next course of action.

See also the statement on Academic Dishonesty below in this handbook.