View Bill 14-15-29

Senate Bill 14-15-29

Bill ID: 14-15-29
Name: Suggested Revision to the Academic Clemency Policy
Proposed: 02/23/2015
Sponsor: Donna Hamilton
Proposal: The current policy on academic clemency allows too much room for arbitrary decisions, encouraging both uncertainty and a too wide range of interpretation in implementation. Re-wording will reduce this uncertainty and bring the policy in line with current academic standards.

The proposed changes are intended to clarify that the policy is only meant to help a student get on solid footing for graduation, only grades from 'F' to 'D+' should be available to be removed. The grades/courses removed should not affect positively the student's opportunity for academic/Latin honors. The option for clemency should be automatic and guaranteed, not subject to department/college decision.
Active?No
Policy: http://president.umd.edu/policies/2014-iii-130a.html

Status

Status: Completed
Completed On: 04/21/2016

History

Approval(s):
Presidential Approval: 04/21/2016
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Reviewed By: Senate
Received: 04/13/2016
Decision Date: 04/20/2016
Decision: The Senate voted to approve the proposal.
Next Step: Presidential Approval
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Reviewed By: Senate Executive Committee (SEC)
Received: 03/28/2016
Decision Date: 04/04/2016
Decision: The SEC voted to forward the proposal to the Senate for review.
Actions: The SEC discussed the proposal at its meeting on April 4, 2016 and voted to send the proposal to the Senate for review.
Next Step: Senate Review
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Reviewed By: Academic Procedures & Standards (APAS) Committee
Received: 03/30/2015
Decision Date: 03/28/2016
Decision: The APAS Committee voted to send its recommendations to the SEC for approval.
Actions: The APAS Committee began reviewing the charge in during the spring 2016 semester. APAS reviewed the current policy from 1991, as well as the University System of Maryland (USM) Policy on Academic Clemency (III-1.30). In consulting with the Office of Undergraduate Studies, APAS determined that the University's current policy is ambiguous and open to different interpretations; APAS learned
that many advising colleges have not allowed clemency. APAS learned that some students have had a difficult time determining whether returning to the University was in their best interest.

At their March 24, 2016 meeting, the committee finalized and voted to send their recommendations to the SEC.
Next Step: SEC Review
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Reviewed By: Senate Executive Committee (SEC)
Received: 03/13/2015
Decision Date: 03/24/2015
Decision: To charge the Academic Procedures and Standards Committee (APAS) with review of this proposal.
Actions: The SEC reviewed the proposal at its meeting on March 24, 2015.
Next Step: APAS Committee Review
Related Files: