The academic policies are grouped in categories. Click on a heading below to view the policies in that category. These policies are also found in the continuing education student handbook.
Advanced Placement
High school students who take the College Entrance Examination Board Advanced Placement Tests may receive college credit. For details and passing grades for particular subjects, see the chart on page 25 of the Undergraduate Catalog or contact the MLC Records Office. The MLC code for reporting scores is 6435.
College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
This College Board program allows students to earn college credit by demonstrating mastery of college -level material in introductory subjects. To determine if CLEP credits will apply to MLC requirements, see the chart on page 26 of the Undergraduate Catalog or contact the Records Office. The passing score of 50 is required for all examinations accepted by Martin Luther College. The MLC code for reporting scores is 6435.
International Baccalaureate Courses
Martin Luther College will award transfer credit for the exams listed on page 27 of the Undergraduate Catalog in which students receive a score of 5 or above.
Credit by Examination
Students may request to test out of a course. The application form is found on the MLC website and is submitted to the director of continuing education. ideally before the student has registered for the course. If the student has registered for the course, the deadline for requesting credit by examination is seven calendar days after the first class day of the semester. The director, in consultation with the course instructor, has authority to grant or deny the student’s request. Tests must be completed within one calendar week after the request is submitted. Each examination for credit may be taken only once. A $25 fee is charged for the test. An examination grade of C or higher must be earned to receive credit. A student cannot use credit by examination to earn credit for courses that the student has failed.
Experiential Learning Credit
An “experiential learning” experience is a previous learning experience in a classroom, on the job, in previous training, or through personal study that a student wishes to apply towards credit for a college course. The student must provide supporting documentation in the form of a portfolio. Three faculty members evaluate the portfolio for fulfillment of course objectives. Application forms may be obtained from the director of continuing education. A $50 non- refundable fee is charged for each application.
Number of Nontraditional Credits Applicable to Program
A combined maximum of 30 credits earned by Advanced Placement, from credit by examination, from experiential learning, from CLEP, and from International Baccalaureate courses may be applied to a degree program.
Transfer Credits
Students who have completed coursework from a regionally accredited credit-granting institution are welcome to transfer credits from that previous undergraduate experience. To qualify for transfer credit, courses must meet the following criteria.
- They must be applicable to MLC degree requirements.
- They must carry a grade of C or higher.
- Match the requirements for general education, theology, and professional education courses below.
General Education Courses
They must either relate to a comparable MLC course or fit the subject area category.
Theology Courses
They must match previously articulated transfer agreements with a college in WELS fellowship.
Professional Courses
They must relate to a comparable MLC course, a rule of thumb being 2/3 similar material/concepts.
Enrollment at Other Institutions
A student enrolled at Martin Luther College may take courses at other accredited institutions for transfer credit. Students should receive prior approval from their academic dean for courses they wish to take elsewhere to ensure that the course(s) will transfer. Enrollment concurrent with MLC’s fall or spring semester at another institution is generally not permitted. When a valid programmatic need arises, a student may appeal to the Vice President for Academics. The outside coursework approval form is available online from the Records Office. Only courses with a C grade or better are accepted in transfer.
Credit Hour Policy
A class hour is defined as 50 minutes. The definitions below refer to the number of class hours during a semester that is approximately fifteen weeks long or an equivalent amount of time for terms of shorter duration. These definitions conform to commonly accepted practices in higher education.
- One on-campus class credit is defined as: 1 class hour of direct faculty instruction per week and 2 class hours of out-of-class student work each week.
- One distance learning or hybrid class credit is defined as: an equivalent amount of instruction and student work leading to equivalent learning outcomes as required for an on-campus class as defined above.
- One laboratory credit (science or music) or one physical education activity credit is defined as: 2 class hours of direct faculty instruction and 1 class hour of out-of-class student work each week.
- One studio private music lesson credit is defined as: .5 class hour of direct faculty instruction and 5 class hours of individual practice.
- One laboratory piano credit is defined as: 3 class hours of direct faculty instruction and 3 class hours of individual practice.
- One ensemble music credit is defined as: 3-5 class hours of supervised rehearsal each week, attendance at performances, and attendance at special rehearsals.
- One internship, clinical, or student teaching credit is defined as: at least 45 hours of supervised work in a field placement within or outside of the academic calendar.
- One individualized study credit (e.g., thesis, capstone project, directed study, independent study) is defined as: 3 class hours of direct instruction and/or individual work each week.
- A course offered in a term of less than 15 weeks shall contain the same class hours, preparation time, content, and requirements as the same course or an equivalent course offered over a 15-week semester.
- Physical education activity courses are 0.5-credit quarter courses. Typically, two quarter activity courses are scheduled in one semester to achieve one physical education credit.
- Undergraduate class hours (classroom and out-of-class) consist of all educational activities associated with achieving the student outcomes, including any combination of the following: seat time; assigned readings; participation in discussion; listening to or viewing required instructional presentations; finding, gathering, and reviewing resources; preparing and sharing papers, projects, presentations; collaboration with classmates around a given task; creating and implementing research projects; preparing for quizzes and examinations, internships, clinicals, student teaching; and other academic work as outlined in the course syllabus.
- One graduate-level credit hour is equivalent to an undergraduate credit in regard to the amount of work, but the type of work regularly involves more rigorous standards for discussion and application. In addition to educational activities outlined for undergraduate work, graduate work also includes retrieving, reading, discussing, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating empirical research and reports of research; applying research to practice; and conducting and reporting one’s own research.
Attendance and Absences
Martin Luther College requires regular class attendance and online participation of all students. Repeated absences or lateness of online submissions may result in a lower grade or loss of credit as stated in the course syllabi. The college places the responsibility for attendance on the student.
Active Status
Students are required to remain active. Active status requires successful completion of at one credit or registration for EDU9999 Continuing Study. There is no cost or credit for EDU9999, but it keeps the student active.
Full time: Full time students in this online program take a minimum of 6 credits in a semester.
Part time: Part time students in this online program take 1 to 5 credits in a semester.
Satisfactory Progress
Once admitted, students have eight years to complete the associate degree. Students must remain active, maintain a 2.0 GPA, and complete at least one credit during a given academic year (Fall, Spring, Summer). Students who do not make satisfactory progress are dropped from the program and must reapply.
We recognize that candidates are adults who work in a demanding settings and have busy personal lives. The generous Active Status policy permits participants the flexibility to attend to life circumstances, but a pace of 1 credit per semester may be insufficient to complete the program in the eight-year window. Students are encouraged to work with the advisor to create a successful program plan. Students not
Academic Integrity
As a Christian community that draws its life from the gospel, Martin Luther College encourages its students to pursue academic excellence with honesty and respect for intellectual property. Because of its focus on ministerial training, MLC has an additional reason to emphasize academic integrity. It is one of many areas in which students are expected to demonstrate the faithfulness required of gospel ministers (1 Corinthians 4:1, 2) . Course syllabi remind students of the importance of academic integrity and indicate how instructors will deal with infractions. Failure to meet expectations in this area may result in dismissal from the college.
The procedure for academic dishonesty is as follows:
- Preliminary Step—Instructor determines the seriousness and possible level of sanction.
- Notice Procedure—Instructor communicates with the student, informs the student of the consequence, and informs the student of the appeal process. The instructor informs the Director of Continuing Education and the Vice President for Academics.
- Hearing—The student may appeal the sanction to the Vice President for Academics, who arranges a hearing. The decision of the Vice President for Academics is final.
Writing Policy
Because the college considers the ability to express oneself clearly, correctly, and responsibly in writing to be a necessity for college work and an essential characteristic of a Christian minister, it strives to teach and maintain good writing practices. Students are advised that grades on poorly written papers, regardless of the course, may be reduced because of the quality of the writing; in extreme cases, a failing grade may be given for this reason.
Grading System
| Grade
A |
Grade Points per Semester Hour
4.00 |
Grade
C |
Grade Points per Semester Hour
2.00 |
| A – | 3.67 | C – | 1.67 |
| B + | 3.33 | D + | 1.33 |
| B | 3.00 | D | 1.00 |
| B – | 2.67 | D – | 0.67 |
| C + | 2.33 | F | 0.00 (Failure) |
Other Symbols (Non–GPA)
| AUD | Audit | P | Pass |
| I | Incomplete | W | Withdrawal |
| NP | No Pass |
Honors
Diploma Predicates:
3.60 – 3.74 ……….Cum Laude
3.75 – 3.89 ……….Magna Cum Laude
3.90 – 4.00 ……….Summa Cum Laude
Academic Good Standing
Semester and cumulative grade point average (GPA) requirements are as follows.
Minimum GPA Requirements
Sem. I – 1.70 Sem. II – 1.80
Sem. III – 1.90 Sem. IVff – 2.00
A cumulative GPA applies to academic good standing requirements after a student’s first 6 credits are earned. Failure to meet these minimums results in academic probation. Students have 6 credits to return to academic good standing.
Full-time Students
Full-time student status is defined as 6 credits or more. To be in good academic standing, both the semester and the cumulative GPA must meet the minimum GPA requirements.
Part-time Students
Part-time student status is defined as fewer than 6 credits. To be in good standing, the cumulative GPA must meet the minimum GPA requirements.
Summer Session Students
Summer session students are generally limited to six credits. Students wishing to overload (take more than six credits) must appeal to the Director of Continuing Education. Grade points earned in a summer session do not affect a student’s previous semester GPA. However, they do affect a student’s cumulative GPA. Consideration will be given to timing of additional credits, academic standing, financial aid packages, and possible impact on semester GPA.
Transfer Students
Academic standing of transfer students is determined by the GPA earned at a student’s most recent institution. The number of semesters completed at other institutions is used to determine the minimum GPA requirements. After matriculation the GPA of transfer students is computed using only Martin Luther College credits.
Academic Resources
MLC offers resources to students in need of academic assistance.
Academic Advisor
The Director of Continuing Education and his assistant serve as student advisors. They provide information about programs, registration, academic standing, and graduation.
Professors
In addition to seeking help from fellow classmates, students should meet with their professor for help with academic issues. Syllabi and Moodle course shells list office hours.
Library
Library resources are available online on the library website: https://guides.mlc-wels.edu/ Select “Library Info for Online Students” from the “by Topic’ dropdown menu.
Academic Success Center
The Academic Success Center, located in the upper level of the library across from the library offices, offers free tutoring services for all students in need of academic help. Consult with the Director of Continuing Education to set up times for virtual meetings. Instructors may request assistance for students through Portal > Forms > Tutoring Request.
Writing Center
MLC offers free guidance from experienced student coaches on writing projects. This service is available Sunday-Thursday evenings. Student interested in services should contact Coordinator Prof. Paul Grubbs (grubbspj@mlc-wels.edu) to set up virtual meetings and/or assistance.
FERPA and Student Records
In accordance with the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Martin Luther College has adopted policies to protect the privacy rights of its students. All students will be notified of their rights under FERPA each year in the annual edition of the Student Handbook and the Undergraduate Catalog. Revisions and clarifications will be published as warranted.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights include:
- The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the college receives a request for access.
A student should submit to the Records Office a written request that identifies the record(s) the student wishes to inspect. The college will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the college official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
- The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.
A student who wishes to ask the college to amend a record should write to the Records Office, clearly identify the part of the record the student wants changed, and specify why it should be changed.If the college decides not to amend the record as requested, the college will notify the student in writing of the decision and the student’s right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
- The right to provide written consent before the college discloses personally identifiable information from the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
The college discloses education records without a student’s prior written consent under the FERPA exception for disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the college in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the college has contracted as its agent to provide a service instead of using college employees or officials (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Governing Board; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities for the college.Martin Luther College discloses education records to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll only with written consent of the student.
Directory Information Policy
Directory information is made public. If a student does not want directory information released, the student must submit a written request to the Records Office. Martin Luther College collects directory information on students.Directory information includes
Student’s name
Student’s photo,
home and campus addresses
email address
telephone number(s)
date and place of birth,
grade classification level
full or part-time status
honors and awards,
degrees and fields of study
high school graduated from
home congregation
participation in sports and campus activities
weight and height of members of athletic teams
athletic performance data
dates of attendance
ministry candidate assignment
- The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the college to comply with the requirements of FERPA.
The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-5901
Grading System
| Grade | Grade Points per Semester Hour |
| A | 4.00 |
| A– | 3.67 |
| B + | 3.33 |
| B | 3.00 |
| B– | 2.67 |
| C + | 2.33 |
| C | 2.00 |
| C– | 1.67 |
| D + | 1.33 |
| D | 1.00 |
| D– | 0.67 |
| F | 0.00 (Failure) |
| Other Symbols (Non-GPA) | |
| AUD | Audit |
| I | Incomplete |
| NP | No Pass |
| P | Pass |
| W | Withdrawal |
Incompletes
An instructor issues the temporary grade I (Incomplete) when a student doing otherwise acceptable work is unable to complete the course assignments for reasons acceptable to the instructor. A first-semester Incomplete must be converted to a permanent grade by the end of mid-term of the second semester, a second semester Incomplete by July 31, and a summer session Incomplete by mid-term of the first semester, or the permanent grade is recorded as an F.
Repetition of Courses
Some courses are open for students to repeat if they choose. Certain majors require courses to be repeated for the purpose of continued growth in an area (e.g., music lessons). The course description indicates if it is a repeatable course. Each time the course is taken, a grade is received and is included in the grade point average calculation.
Other courses, those not designated as repeatable, are only available to be retaken
- to receive credit for a failed course that is required for graduation. This can be earned either by repeating the course at MLC or by successfully completing an approved substitute from MLC.
- if a student desires to better his/her grade point average. Only the grade earned in repetition will be figured in the student’s grade point average, but the original grade will remain on the record.
Courses taken to remove a failure or repeated to better the grade point average are taken only through Martin Luther College.
Note: If a student wants to replace a grade for a course that is designated as repeatable, the student must contact the appropriate academic dean to complete the paperwork indicating that intent.
Review of Students
At the end of each semester, the director reviews students’ academic progress toward their degrees. As warranted, policies of academic notice, academic probation, academic exclusion, or advice to review continued enrollment may be applied. The faculty also reviews students’ aptness for ministry—attitude, comportment, diligence, aptness, social skills, etc. As warranted, policies of formal expression of concern, formal review of aptness, and exclusion may be applied.
Probation
- A student on probation must become a student in good academic standing by the end of 6-credits. A student who fails to gain this status is required to withdraw from college. Application for re-admittance is considered after a lapse of one semester. A student required to withdraw at the end of a semester is ineligible to attend the subsequent semester.
- A student on probation discusses with the Director of Continuing Education the desirability of reducing the student’s course load as an aid in regaining good standing. If the course load is reduced, consultation between the student and advisor and the advice of the dean determines the course(s) to be dropped. In the interest of the student as well as in the interest of maintaining proper academic standards, a student on probation also discusses with his/her advisor the extent of cocurricular activities and outside employment.
Dismissal from College
A student may be dismissed from college for academic reasons, disciplinary reasons, or lack of aptness for ministry.
Dismissals for Academic Issues
Grounds for dismissal: academic exclusion
Policy: Students have credits to move from academic probation to good standing. Students remaining on academic probation after six credits are dismissed from MLC. The policy of academic exclusion stands without the right of appeal. Students who are academically excluded may apply for readmission after at least one regular semester away from MLC and will, if admitted, return on probation. Students dismissed during the second semester are ineligible to attend the subsequent summer session. A student who is academically excluded a second time is no longer eligible for readmission.
Student Appeal of Dismissal Decisions
Undergraduate students dismissed by MLC may utilize this Student Appeal of Dismissal Decisions process. The general objective of an appeal is to bring new information that might not have been available or previously considered, to protest a procedural error or inconsistency in the appeal process, or to question the appropriateness of a decision.
The appeal process/grievance procedure must be initiated within 10 calendar days after the dismissal decision is communicated to the student. The appeal must be made in writing on the Student Appeal/Grievance Form located on the MLC website (www.mlc-wels.edu).
Appeals will be considered by a panel consisting of the Vice President for Academics and at least one academic dean.
On the Student Appeal/Grievance Form, the student may request to present his or her appeal and supporting information in person. The request to appear in person will be granted or denied by the panel or vice presidents at their discretion. If an in-person presentation is granted, it will be held at a time designated by the panel or vice presidents, and the student may be accompanied by one other person. The student will be informed of the decision on the appeal in writing. The appeal decision is final.
Student Appeal of Admission Decisions Process
Students denied admission by MLC may appeal. The general objective of an appeal is to bring new information that might not have been available or previously considered, to protest a procedural error or inconsistency in the denial process, or to question the appropriateness of a decision.
The appeal process/grievance procedure must be initiated within 10 calendar days after the denial decision is communicated to the student. The appeal must be made in writing on the Student Appeal/Grievance Form located on the MLC website (www.mlc-wels.edu).
Appeals of denial from the Director of Admissions will be considered by the Admissions Committee. Appeals of denial from the Admissions Committee will be considered by the Vice President for Academics or the Vice President for Administration. Appeals are to be emailed to admissions@mlc-wels.edu or mailed to Admissions, Martin Luther College, 1995 Luther Court, New Ulm MN 56073. The prospective student will be informed of the receipt of the appeal and of the appeal decision in writing. The appeal decision is final.
Student Appeal of Dismissal Decisions
Undergraduate students dismissed by MLC may utilize this Student Appeal of Dismissal Decisions process. The general objective of an appeal is to bring new information that might not have been available or previously considered, to protest a procedural error or inconsistency in the appeal process, or to question the appropriateness of a decision.
The appeal process/grievance procedure must be initiated within 10 calendar days after the dismissal decision is communicated to the student. The appeal must be made in writing on the Student Appeal/Grievance Form located on the MLC website (www.mlc-wels.edu).
Appeals will be considered by a panel consisting of the Vice President for Academics and at least one academic dean.
On the Student Appeal/Grievance Form, the student may request to present his or her appeal and supporting information in person. The request to appear in person will be granted or denied by the panel or vice presidents at their discretion. If an in-person presentation is granted, it will be held at a time designated by the panel or vice presidents, and the student may be accompanied by one other person. The student will be informed of the decision on the appeal in writing. The appeal decision is final.
Student Complaints and Grievances
Academic Complaints
If a student’s concern is an academic policy concern, first consult the “person responsible” as that term is defined in the chart below. A student may appeal the decision of the “person responsible” within 10 days after that decision has been communicated to the student. Appeals are made to the Vice President for Academics. The student may use, but is not required to use, the Student Appeal/Grievance Form. All appeals must be in writing.
Other academic complaints and grievances are addressed to the Vice President for Academics. Students are welcome to speak to the vice president at any time about a concern. Only written complaints and grievances are considered formal student complaints that receive a written response within 10 days of their receipt. Students filing a formal complaint or grievance may use the Student Appeal/Grievance Form, which is accessible on the college website.
Non-Academic Complaints
Martin Luther College encourages that disagreements and complaints be openly and forthrightly discussed between those who are involved. Disagreements and misunderstandings may arise between students, students and professors, or students and college staff members. Sometimes a student may feel strongly that a college policy or an aspect of campus life is a source of justifiable complaint.
Students are encouraged to speak freely with their professors and the Director of Continuing Education when they find a particular matter especially disconcerting, and may file a formal written complaint about such matters with the appropriate administrative head. All complaints, oral or written, receive a courteous hearing and are acted upon in a Christian manner.
The college maintains a log of formal, written student complaints. This log is kept in the Administration Office Suite. Students filing a formal complaint or grievance may use the Student Appeal/Grievance Form which is accessible on the Martin Luther College website. All student complainants are assured of anonymity when the topic of their formal complaint appears on the log. The following administrators comprise the list with whom students may file formal, written complaints.
- Director of Continuing Education
- Vice President for Academics
- President
In order to participate, students must fulfill the degree requirements and make application for graduation. Diplomas are printed at the end of each semester. Formal recognition for degrees occurs in May.
Requirements for All Degrees
- Associate degrees require students to earn a minimum of 67.5 credits.
- At least twenty semester hours of credit must be earned from Martin Luther College.
- A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 for the total number of courses taken at Martin Luther College is required.
- The student is responsible for meeting all requirements for graduation.
Application for Graduation
Applications are due in the Director of Continuing Education Office by February 1 of the year preceding the student’s graduation. This information is needed to conduct the student’s graduation degree audit and to ensure that the student has the appropriate number of credits to graduate. Students are also responsible for notifying the Director of Continuing Education if their anticipated graduation date changes. Failure to apply for graduation may delay the student’s graduation date.
Graduation Recognition
Martin Luther College conducts commencement exercises in May. Graduates will be recognized in the May Program, but will not participate in the graduation ceremony.
Definition
The portfolio is a systematic collection of work that documents your progress and readiness for the teaching ministry.
The contents of your portfolio also provide documentation that you:
- know how your coursework/educational experiences help you meet the program goals.
- know how your coursework/experiences may enhance your work in the teaching ministry.
Creating and Organizing Your Portfolio
As you complete the Associate of Science in Early Childhood degree, you will collect artifacts that you will include in your portfolio. It is important to have a collection system for keeping track of the artifacts that you plan to include in your portfolio. You will need to have “digital” artifacts that can be uploaded or attached to an electronic portfolio. Digital artifacts can include files, documents, photos, videos, and screenshots.
Each program goal will need two artifacts. One of these artifacts will be required and the other artifact is one of your choices. Course assignments will be used in your portfolio as required artifacts. These are listed in the table below. The second artifact is one of your choice. You may use a course assignment or you could also include something that was completed outside of coursework. An example of this might be advertising that you designed for a parent event. Each artifact may only be used once.
The artifacts you choose will need to demonstrate how you have met the program goals. You will write a separate essay for each program goal that details exactly how artifacts demonstrate that you have accomplished the goal. Then explain how this artifact will be useful to you in your ministry.
Submitting and Reviewing of Your Portfolio
You will submit your portfolio using an online portfolio software. Your portfolio will be reviewed by two instructors in the program. You will receive a “pass/no pass” for your portfolio submission. Revisions will be suggested for a “no pass” and you will have the chance to submit your portfolio a second time. Portfolio reviewers will receive $25 per review.
