ADMINISTRATIVE  REFERENCE  GUIDE

Inclement Weather: Usually, UMUC does not cancel classes for snow or other ordinary and expected inconveniences. If weather or emergency conditions are severe enough to warrant canceling classes, a public announcement is issued to Washington and Baltimore television and radio stations. Whenever possible, the announcement is aired by 3:30 p.m. for evening classes and at least two hours in advance of weekend classes. For a recorded announcement, call 301-985-SNOW.

A cancellation at one class site does not necessarily apply to other class sites. When listening to radio announcements, it is important to distinguish between the University of Maryland College Park and University of Maryland University College. 

If UMUC classes are canceled, the announcement will specify "University of Maryland University College" or "all of the University of Maryland System." 

Information will also be available from the assistant dean of Graduate Services at 301-985-7200. If a particular campus or facility closes, then UMUC classes adhere to that decision. 

These procedures also apply to weekend classes. As mentioned, every attempt is made to announce cancellations at least two hours before weekend classes start. It should be assumed that classes will be held unless otherwise noted by a radio or television announcement broadcast two hours before a class is scheduled to begin.

Graduate Services: The following information is intended to provide students with a better understanding of matriculation policies and procedures. Further information may be obtained from the office of Graduate Services (GS) at 301-985-7155. 

Admission Requirements: Admission requirements vary by degree program. Students must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university or college and a 3.0 cumulative GPA in their undergraduate coursework. In all executive programs, students must also have  relevant work experience. All students must  submit a personal statement and schedule an interview with the program director. 

Student Admission Status: The admission status of each student determines the total number of credits he or she is eligible to complete. Degree status is for students who meet all admission requirements and are accepted into the Graduate School. All students must maintain a 3.0 grade-point average to remain in the Graduate School. Provisional status is for students who do not meet all the requirements for full degree status at the time of admission; they are permitted to demonstrate their ability to perform graduate-level work in the first 2 executive seminars with GPA of at least 3.0, or after completing necessary prerequisites, provisional students are automatically moved to degree status. The "decision pending" classification is for new applicants whose eligibility for admission has not yet been determined. This status is short term and students are expected to comply with transcript deadlines.

Transcript Requirement: Admission policy requires that prospective students submit transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended (This includes transcripts from institutions where only one course was taken.). Official transcripts must come directly from the institution to the GS office by mail (or in a sealed envelope if hand carried). Student or faxed copies are unacceptable.

Refunds/Withdrawals: Policies concerning refunds and withdrawals, as well as general registration procedures, are administered through the registrar's office at 301-985-7768. GS cannot grant waivers of these policies and can only confirm or deny appeal information provided by the student. Students may contact GS if they have questions about this policy. Both GS and Executive Programs must be notified in writing about refund and withdrawal requests for Executive Program students. 

Change of Program/Track: Students must notify GS and the Executive Program office in writing if they wish to change a degree program or track. 

Inactive Status: A student who has not enrolled in a seminar for three consecutive semesters will be changed from active to inactive status. A student who becomes inactive must reapply and pay another application fee. Inactive students should contact GS. 

Seven-Year Limit Policy: All degree requirements must be completed within seven years of the graduation completion date (5 years for the MBA). This policy also applies to course credit transferred from other institutions or different programs. Students who begin an Executive Masters program must complete all seminars and courses to receive a degree. 

Graduation Policy: For a student to graduate in the fall, spring or summer semesters, all requirements for graduation must be completed by December 15, May 15, or August 15, respectively. Students who have not completed all degree requirements by the above dates must reapply for graduation the following semester and submit a second diploma application and additional $50.00 fee. 

Diploma Applications for Graduation: Deadlines for submitting graduation applications are: 

December graduation October 1 
May graduation February 1 
August graduation June 15 
GUIDELINES ON GRADING

Introduction:  The Graduate School, in keeping with the vision of University of Maryland University College, seeks to provide high-quality educational programs and services responsive to the career and personal goals of adults in the professional work force. As elaborated in its mission statement, this pursuit of quality means that we "prepare students ... to become managers with the vision, knowledge and skills necessary to help lead organizations in a global environment characterized by workforce diversity, increasing competition, and advanced technology." 

This commitment to quality must be understood within the context of the Graduate School's liberal admissions philosophy. We offer graduate educational opportunities to students who are returning to the classroom following a number of years in the workforce. We believe that working adults, because of their work experience and maturity, should be given the opportunity to demonstrate that they can meet graduate-level standards. Thus, rather than depend on entrance examinations (the traditional predictors of academic success), we rely on students to demonstrate through coursework that they can perform at the graduate-level. 

This places unique demands on our faculty. They must be prepared to challenge mature adults, many with considerable experience in their fields, with relevant classroom experiences and, at the same time, hold these students to clear and rigorous standards of graduate level performance. We believe our students deserve the opportunity to prove their ability to perform at the graduate level, and that this ability must be clearly demonstrated in oral and written form. Further, students must receive candid and timely feedback that confirms they are performing at the graduate level or, if they are not, allows them either to take appropriate action to improve (through effort or assistance) or choose to leave the program. 

The Grading System for Seminar Modules:  A grade will be computed for each seminar.  The Graduate School's grading policy, which is set forth in the current Catalog, states that the following symbols will be used: "A" = excellent (4 quality points), "B" = good (3 quality points), "C" = passing (2 quality points), and "F" = failure (0 quality points). The grade of "D" is not a valid grade in the Graduate School. 

The Grade of "I" (Incomplete): The grade of "I" (incomplete) is exceptional and given only to students whose completed coursework has been qualitatively satisfactory but who have been unable to complete all seminar  requirements because of illness or other extenuating circumstances beyond their control. The grade of "I" may be considered only for students who have completed at least 50 percent of the total requirements for each module and who have received a passing grade on all the coursework they have completed. The instructor and the program director retain the right to make the final decision on granting a student's request for an "I," even though the student may meet the eligibility requirements for this grade. 

The student must request the grade of "I" from his/her instructor. The instructor does not initiate the awarding of this grade. A contract between the two parties, instructor and student, concerning completion of the remaining work, must be explicit regarding (1) the nature and amount of work to be completed and (2) the length of time allowed and the deadline for completion of the remaining work. In no case may the deadline extend beyond six months from the end of the seminar. 

It is the responsibility of the student to complete the remaining coursework before the agreed-upon deadline. If the remaining work is not completed within the time specified by the instructor, the grade of "I" will convert to "F".  The grade of "I" can only be converted to a passing grade with the satisfactory completion of the remaining coursework within the agreed upon deadline. 

The instructor must notify the program director when all work is satisfactorily completed.  The registrar's office will notify each student who has been given an "I" when his or her grade change is finalized.  It is the responsibility of the student to confirm that the change is made. 

The Grade of "W" (Withdrawal): Students also may officially withdraw from a course for any reason at any time up to two weeks before the end of the seminar. In this case, a "W" will appear on the record but will not be used in calculating the GPA. The seminar may be retaken at additional cost at a later time within the seven-year limit (five-year limit for MBA).  Failure of the student to make a timely withdrawal results in a seminar grade or an incomplete as determined by the instructor. Students are required to submit requests for withdrawal in writing to both the Executive Programs Office and GS. 

ACADEMIC  POLICIES 

Academic Integrity and Grade Appeals: Academic integrity and grade appeal issues are extremely important in the faculty member-student relationship. Every university has policies and procedures with regard to handling academic integrity problems and grade appeal actions by students. The following guidelines are applicable for Graduate School students. 

Academic Integrity:  Academic integrity is exemplified by a reasoned discussion between the student and instructor, a mutual respect for the learning and teaching process, and intellectual honesty in the pursuit of knowledge. Faculty, administrators, and students share the responsibility for academic integrity. 

Academic dishonesty can take many forms. Plagiarism is one form of academic dishonesty. The University of Maryland System defines plagiarism in the following way, and this statement is required on each Graduate School course syllabus 

Plagiarism is the intentional or unintentional presentation of another person's idea or product as one's own. Plagiarism includes but is not limited to the following: copying verbatim all or part of another's written work; using phrases, charts, figures, illustrations, or mathematical or scientific solutions without citing the source; paraphrasing ideas, conclusions, or research without citing the source; or using all or part of a literary plot, poem, film, musical score, or other artistic product without attributing the work to its creator. 

If it is suspected that a student has plagiarized or demonstrated academic dishonesty, Graduate School must follow an established University of Maryland System policy and procedure for adjudication. This policy, titled the University of Maryland System Policy on Faculty, Student, and Institutional Rights and Responsibilities for Academic Integrity, is implemented by UMUC Policy 150.2, Academic Integrity, which is presented in Appendix H. All faculty should review this policy. Questions concerning the policy or its implementation may be directed to Graduate School's Associate Provost of  Academic Affairs. 

Basically, in a case of alleged academic dishonesty, faculty should attempt resolution directly with the student, and document all actions. If there are any questions about how to proceed, the appropriate department director or associate director should be consulted for assistance or guidance. Should the matter remain unresolved after talking with the student, the faculty member should follow the adjudication procedure that is described in the Academic Integrity policy (Appendix A).

Grade Appeals:  Consistent with academic integrity issues, students have a right to know how they are being evaluated and graded in a course, and to know what is being required of them. Faculty should articulate clearly -- both in the course syllabus and during the first class session -- the course requirements, grading scale weights, and grading policies that set the evaluation standard. Occasionally, however, students who dispute their final grade may submit a grade appeal petition. 

Students have the right to appeal their final course grade. Any appeals submitted are adjudicated according to the University of Maryland University College policy on Procedures for Review of Alleged Arbitrary and Capricious Grading (Appendix B).   Grades on individual assignments or course requirements are not subject to appeal under this policy. 

If a student files an appeal of his or her final grade in accordance with the policy, the petition is adjudicated by a committee comprised of Graduate School faculty. Occasionally, in the process of adjudication, the committee may ask the adjunct faculty member involved for additional information. This request does not mean that the committee has decided in favor of the student. Rather, it means that the committee needs additional information to equitably adjudicate the petition while protecting the rights of both the adjunct faculty member and the student. Cooperation in providing the requested information will greatly assist in expediting the adjudication.
 

APPENDIX A:  IMPLEMENTATION  OF  PROCEDURES  ON  ACADEMIC  INTEGRITY

Academic Integrity:  University of Maryland University College shares and supports the position approved by the Board of Regents of the University System, November 30, 1989, that integrity is central to the learning and teaching process and that all members of the university community share the responsibility for academic integrity as delineated in the Policy on Faculty, Student, and Institutional Rights and Responsibilities for Academic Integrity.

UMUC faculty members and students are expected to comply with the University statement by conducting themselves in a manner that will contribute to the maintenance of academic integrity and by making all reasonable efforts to prevent the occurrence of academic dishonesty. 

University of Maryland University College policy on faculty, student, and  institutional rights and responsibilities for academic integrity. 

(Approved by the Board of Regents of the University System of Maryland, November 30, 1989) 

Preamble: Learning, teaching, and scholarship are at the heart of the academic enterprise.  In universities these are exemplified by reasoned discussion between student and teacher, a mutual respect for the learning and teaching process, and intellectual honesty in the pursuit of new knowledge.  In the traditions of the academic enterprise, students and teachers have certain rights and responsibilities that they bring to the academic community.  While the following statements do not imply a contract between the teacher or the University and the student, they are nevertheless conventions that the University believes to be central to the learning and teaching process.

Faculty Rights and Responsibilities

  1. Faculty shall share the responsibility for academic integrity with students and administration.

    2.  
  2. Faculty are accorded freedom in the classroom to discuss subject matter reasonably related to the course.  In turn, they have the responsibility to encourage free and honest inquiry and expression on the part of the students.

    3.  
  3. Faculty are responsible for the structure and content of their courses, which must be consistent with course descriptions in the University Catalog.  In addition, faculty have the obligation to make students aware of expectations in the course, the evaluation procedures, and the grading policy.

    4.  
  4. Faculty are obligated to evaluate students fairly and equitably in a manner appropriate to the course and its objectives.  Grades shall be assigned without prejudice or bias.

    5.  
  5. Faculty shall make all reasonable efforts to prevent the occurrence of academic dishonesty through the appropriate design and administration of assignments and examinations, through the careful safeguarding of course materials and examinations, and through regular reassessment of evaluation procedures.

    6.  
  6. When instances of academic dishonesty are suspected, faculty shall have the right and responsibility to see that appropriate action is taken in accordance with University regulations.
Student Rights and Responsibilities
  1. Students shall share the responsibility for academic integrity with faculty and administration.

    2.  
  2. Students shall have the right of inquiry and expression in their courses without prejudice or bias.  In addition, students shall have the right to know the requirements of their courses and to know the manner in which they will be evaluated and graded.

    3.  
  3. Students shall have the obligation to complete the requirements of their courses in the time and manner prescribed and to submit to evaluation of their work.

    4.  
  4. Students shall have the right to be evaluated fairly and equitably in a manner appropriate to the course and its objectives.

    5.  
  5. Students shall not submit as their own work any work that has been prepared by others.  Outside assistance in the preparation of this work, such as librarian assistance, tutorial assistance, typing assistance, or such assistance as may be specified or approved by the instructor is allowed.

    6.  
  6. Students shall make all reasonable efforts to prevent the occurrence of academic dishonesty.  They shall by their own example encourage academic integrity and shall themselves refrain from acts of cheating and plagiarism or other acts of academic dishonesty.

    7.  
  7. When instances of academic dishonesty are suspected, students shall have the right and responsibility to bring this to the attention of the faculty or other appropriate authority.
Institutional Responsibility
  1. Campuses or appropriate administrative units of the University System of Maryland  shall take appropriate measures to foster academic integrity in the classroom.

    2.  
  2. Campuses or appropriate administrative units shall take steps to define acts of academic dishonesty, to insure procedures for due process for students accused or suspected of acts of academic dishonesty, and to impose appropriate sanctions on students guilty of acts of academic dishonesty.

    3.  
  3. Campuses or appropriate administrative units shall take steps to determine how admission or matriculation shall be affected by acts of academic dishonesty on another campus or at another institution.  No student suspended for disciplinary reasons at any campus of the University System of Maryland  shall be admitted to any other University of Maryland campus during the period of suspension.
Academic Dishonesty:  Academic dishonesty is the failure to maintain academic integrity.  Academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to obtaining or giving aid on an examination, having unauthorized prior knowledge of an examination, doing work for another student, or plagiarism. 

Plagiarism is the intentional or unintentional presentation of another person's idea or product as one's own.  Plagiarism includes but is not limited to the following: copying verbatim all or part of another's written work; using phrases, charts, figures, illustrations, or mathematical or scientific solutions without citing the source; paraphrasing ideas, conclusions, or research without citing the source; or using all or part of a literary plot, poem, film, musical score, or other artistic product without attributing the work to its creator. 

Students can avoid unintentional plagiarism by carefully accepted scholarly practices.  Notes taken for papers and research projects should accurately record sources of material to be cited, quoted, paraphrased, or summarized, and papers should acknowledge these sources in footnotes.

Procedures for Cases of Alleged Academic Dishonesty: 

  1. Charges of academic dishonesty will ordinarily be raised by a faculty member.  An administrator will be involved in initiating cases only if it is difficult or impossible for a faculty member to act.  The faculty member (or administrator) who receives information indicating that a student may have committed an act of academic dishonesty will investigate the matter and,

    1. If possible, discuss it with the student; and

      1. If it appears to the faculty member (or administrator) that an act of academic dishonesty was not committed, conclude the matter in favor of the student.

      2. If the student admits that he or she committed an act of academic dishonesty and agrees to a sanction proposed or accepted by the faculty member (or administrator), 1) send a letter to the student that describes the act of academic dishonesty and the sanction to which the parties have agreed, and 2) send a copy of the letter to the Vice President, Academic Affairs (VPAA), or designee.  The sanction allowed at this level will be an adjustment of the grade for the work in question or for the course, including the possibility of assigning a failing grade.  It is essential for the faculty member (or administrator) to notify the VPAA of any resolution of the case other than finding the student innocent in order to permit UMUC to maintain adequate records, to detect any patterns of dishonesty by individual students, and to maintain uniformly high standards of academic integrity.

      3. If the incident cannot be resolved between the faculty member (or administrator) and the student, notify the VPAA.

    2. If the student is not available or chooses not to discuss the matter, or if, for other reasons, it is not possible to discuss the matter with the student, 1) send a letter to the student that describes the alleged act of academic dishonesty and the sanction the faculty member (or administrator) proposes and 2) send a copy of the letter to the VPAA.  Proposed sanctions are limited as in paragraph 1.b. above to grade adjustments.  Notification to the VPAA is mandatory as in paragraph 1.b.

  2. Cases referred to the VPAA for information or action will be handled according to the following guidelines.  Students will be offered an opportunity to explain the matter giving rise to appearance of academic dishonesty in accordance with these guidelines:

    1. The central records of UMUC will be consulted to determine whether the student has a prior history of academic dishonesty.  Here and in the following sections, "central records" refers to files maintained in the office of the VPAA.

    2. The VPAA will refer the case to the unit director, defined as follows: for Undergraduate Programs or the Graduate School, the respective dean; for the Overseas Divisions, the respective Director.  The VPAA will notify the unit director of any relevant history in the central records.

    3. The unit director will inform the student that a letter charging or describing academic dishonesty has been received.  The unit director will state his or her understanding of the student's behavior, discussion with the faculty member (or administrator), and any acceptance of the sanction.  The student will be given the opportunity, within one month after the letter is sent, 1) to discuss the matter with the faculty member (or administrator) or the unit director, or 2) to request appointment of a committee to investigate the matter, as explained in section C.1. below.  If there is no timely response, the unit director will choose either 1) to apply the sanction as agreed to or as proposed, or 2) to appoint a committee as in C.1. below.  The unit director may confer with the faculty member (or administrator) who initiated the case in choosing the course of action.

    4. If the central records of UMUC indicate a previous record of misconduct, or if the reported case is a severe violation, the unit director may inform the committee, appointed as in C.1. below, of the facts and recommend an increase in the severity of the sanction.

    5. The student will not be permitted to withdraw from the course in which he or she may have committed an act of academic dishonesty after the case has been reported to the unit director.  In statewide cases, the unit director will notify the Associate Vice President, Student Services, of all pending cases that might affect a course grade.

  3. If the case requires committee action...

    1. The unit director will appoint a committee consisting of two members of the faculty and one student to investigate the matter and make a decision as to the occurrence of an act of academic dishonesty and, where appropriate, to impose a sanction.  The committee will be chaired by one of the two faculty members, as selected by the unit director.  A representative of the unit director may be present in an ex-officio, nonvoting capacity; other officials may attend as deemed appropriate by the unit director.

    2. Before reaching a decision, the committee will offer the student an opportunity to meet with it to discuss the matter.  It will, whenever reasonably possible, provide the student with notice of the time, date, and place at least five working days before such a meeting.

    3. The meeting will be for the purpose of gathering information and will be informal in nature.  The student will 1) offer such facts, documents, witnesses, and arguments as may be relevant to the alleged act and/or appropriate sanction, and 2) answer such questions as the committee may have.  All evidence may be considered that reasonable persons would accept as relevant, provided that the rules of confidentiality and privilege will be respected.  The student may be accompanied by a representative who may advise him or her during the course of the meeting, but who will not personally participate.  Following the meeting, the committee will deliberate in private.  Within five working days, it will forward its decision in writing to the unit director.  The decision of the committee will be final with respect to the occurrence of an act of academic dishonesty.  Repeated or aggravated violations may be grounds for increasing the severity of a sanction.  Except as set forth in paragraph 4. below, the sanction imposed by the committee will be final.

    4. A sanction of suspension or expulsion will not be executed until reviewed by the President or designee.  In either instance, the review will be limited to ensuring that there occurred no substantial procedural error demonstrably prejudicial to the student.

    5. The unit director will inform the student as to the disposition of the case and, when appropriate, will notify the Associate Vice President, Student Services, that the case has been resolved.

Disciplinary Action in Cases of Academic Dishonesty: 

University of Maryland University College reserves the right to take disciplinary action in cases of substantiated academic dishonesty as determined by a committee appointed by the unit director, as in C.1. above.  The following is a list of the penalties that may be used, depending upon the severity of the act and the student's prior history of academic dishonesty: 

  1. A zero or a grade of F on the work in question.

  2. A grade of F in the course.

  3. Suspension for academic dishonesty with a letter in the student's file.

  4. Suspension for academic dishonesty with a permanent notation on the student's transcript.

  5. Expulsion for academic dishonesty with a permanent notation on the student's transcript.

Each of the penalties listed is supplemented by maintenance of a record of the offense in the central records of UMUC for a period of at least three years.  Students who receive a penalty that prohibits them from registering at University of Maryland University College (Mandatory Withdrawal, Suspension, or Expulsion) may not subsequently transfer to UMUC credits earned elsewhere during the time in which they are prohibited from registering.
 

APPENDIX  B:  Procedures for Review of Alleged Arbitrary and Capricious Grading

  1. Purpose:  The following procedures are designed to provide a means for students to seek review of final course grades alleged to be arbitrary and capricious. Before filing a formal appeal, students are urged to resolve grievances informally with the faculty member and/or the administrator of the academic unit offering the course. Students who file a written appeal under the following procedures shall abide by the final disposition of the appeal, as provided for herein, and shall be precluded from seeking review of the matter under any other procedure within the University System of Maryland.

  2. Definitions:

    1. Arbitrary and capricious grading, as used herein, means:

      1. the assignment of a course grade to a student on some basis other than performance in the course; or

      2. the assignment of a course grade to a student by resorting to unreasonable standards different from those that were applied to other students in that course; or

      3. the assignment of a course grade by a substantial, unreasonable, and unannounced departure from the faculty member's previously articulated standards.

    2. Days refers to working days at University of Maryland University College (UMUC),  excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. 

    3. Administrator, as used herein, is defined as:

      1. For undergraduate courses, the Dean, Undergraduate Programs

      2. For graduate courses, the Dean, Graduate Studies; or

      3. For overseas courses, the Division Director or his/her designee

  3. Procedures:

    1. A student who believes his or her final grade in a course is improper and the result of arbitrary and capricious grading, as defined herein, should first confer promptly with the faculty member of the course. If the faculty member cannot be reached by the student after a reasonable effort, or if a satisfactory resolution is not reached through consultation with the faculty member, the student may file a written appeal with the appropriate administrator or his/her designee.

    2. The written appeal should detail the basis for the allegation of arbitrary and capricious grading and provide all relevant evidence pertaining to the matter. The appeal must be filed within 30 days of the mailing date of the UMUC grade report or it may be dismissed as untimely.For purposes of this policy, the date of filing will be the date a written appeal is received by the appropriate administrator or his/her designee by hand-delivery, facsimile or electronic transmission, or the postmark date of an appeal sent through the United States Postal Service.

    3. Upon receipt of the written appeal, the administrator or his/her designee will refer the matter to a standing Arbitrary and Capricious Grade Appeal Screening Committee (Screening Committee) consisting of three academic  directors. In the case of a complaint regarding an overseas course, the appeal will be referred to the person or committee the pertinent administrator has designated to screen appeals (for purposes of clarity, Screening Committee, as used herein, shall also refer to a person so designated). If the faculty member of the course is a member of the Screening Committee, that faculty member shall be disqualified and replaced by another academic director selected by the administrator or  his/her designee.

    4. The Screening Committee shall dismiss the appeal if a majority of the members determine:


      1. the student submitted the same, or substantially the same, complaint to any other formal grievance procedur

      2. the allegations, even if true, would not constitute arbitrary and capricious grading

      3. the appeal was not timely; or

      4. the student did not confer with the faculty member, in accordance with part III.A. of these procedures prior to filing the written appeal. Appeal of a dismissal by the Screening Committee may be made to the appropriate administrator. A decision by the administrator to uphold the dismissal is the final UMUC action on the appeal and is not itself appealable. If the administrator overturns the decision of the Screening Committee to dismiss the appeal, the appeal shall go forward as set forth  below.

    5. If the Screening Committee does not dismiss the appeal (or the administrator overturns a dismissal by the Screening Committee), and it appears that the dispute can be resolved without recourse to the procedures specified in III.F. below, the appropriate administrator or his/her designee will attempt to mediate a mutually agreeable solution between the student and the faculty member.

    6. If the Screening Committee does not dismiss the appeal (or the administrator overturns a dismissal by the Screening Committee), and a mutually agreeable solution cannot be reached, the appeal will be returned to the appropriate administrator who shall convene an Arbitrary and Capricious Grade Appeal Committee (Appeal Committee) consisting of three faculty members of the academic unit offering the course. This committee shall hold an informal, nonadversarial fact-finding meeting concerning the allegations. The student and the faculty member shall be made aware of the date, time and place of the meeting. The student and the faculty member shall be informed that they are entitled to be present  throughout this meeting and to present any relevant evidence. However, the meeting shall not be unduly delayed to permit the attendance of either the student or the faculty member.  Neither the student nor the faculty member shall be present during the testimony of any other student. Neither the student nor the faculty member shall be accompanied at the meeting by an advocate or a representative. The meeting shall not be open to the public or to the press.

    7. The Appeal Committee shall deliberate in private session at the close of the fact-finding meeting. If a majority of the Appeal Committee finds the allegation(s) of arbitrary and capricious grading supported by clear and convincing evidence, the Appeal Committee shall determine, by majority vote, an appropriate remedy in accordance with the following guidelines.

      1. The Appeal Committee may not award a letter grade or reprimand or otherwise take disciplinary action against the faculty member.

      2. The Appeal Committee may:

        1. Direct the faculty member to grade the student's work ane

        2. Direct the faculty member to administer a new final examination or paper in the course

        3. Direct, if the student agrees with the action, that the course registration be changed such that the grade does not affect the student's grade point average (This remedy may apply only if the Appeal Committee has determined that neither of the two foregoing options is adequate and the student has been made aware of the implications of the decision on how the student may apply the credit.)

        4. Direct the cancellation of the student's registration in the course, with tuition refund (Such a remedy should be used only if the Appeal Committee determines that no other reasonable alternative is available.); or

        5. Direct that other action, not inconsistent with III.G.1. Above, be taken to bring about substantial fairness

    8. The decision of the Appeal Committee shall be promptly reported in writing to the student, faculty member and appropriate administrator. The appropriate administrator may, in his or her sole discretion, consider a timely appeal (as defined in III.B. Above, substituting "within 15 days of the mailing date of the decision of the Appeal Committee" for "within 30 days of the mailing date of the UMUC grade report") from the decision of the Appeal Committee.  The appropriate administrator may approve the remedy determined by the Appeal Committee, or may, in his or her sole discretion, direct that a remedy more favorable to the student be implemented.  Under no circumstances may the appropriate administrator direct that a remedy less favorable to the student than that determined by the Appeal Committee be implemented. The administrator of the academic unit shall be responsible for implementing the decision of the Appeal Committee, or, in cases where the appropriate administrator has considered an appeal, the remedy approved or directed by the appropriate administrator.  When implemented, the remedy is the final UMUC action on the appeal.