Communications for the start of fall term

The start of term is a busy time for everyone, including for our systems and websites. Targeted communications have been sent out to help reduce online traffic (such as to MyU) and provide back up plans should issues arise. Students have been encouraged to print or take a screenshot of their class schedule. Instructors and departments have been asked to minimize changes to classes and to send an email to affected students when a change is necessary. Please keep these things in mind as we move into the first week of classes.

Complete drop initiative

Starting fall 2018, undergraduate students will be prevented from dropping all of their classes without speaking to an advisor. This will be achieved by applying a six-credit minimum threshold to their records (the day after the 100% refund deadline, fall and spring semesters only). If they attempt to drop below this threshold, they will receive an error message directing them to contact their advisor or college office. Each college/academic area can have their own business process for how they handle it.

This process does not apply to international students and athletes as there are different processes that apply to them. For more information about this initiative, review the August RAC minutes.

NameCoach software

NameCoach is a student-recorded name pronunciation software that is under consideration for purchase for the University. While there is not an official implementation plan, attaching it to Canvas would be the first goal. Learn more about NameCoach from the company.

Policy updates

Two policies are currently posted for 30-day review prior to changes becoming effective: Credit & Grade Point Requirements for an Undergraduate Degree: Twin Cities, Crookston, Morris, Rochester and Grading & Transcripts Twin Cities, Crookston, Morris, Rochester. For more information or to submit your comments, visit the Policy Library.

FERPA Q&A

Q: You have been contacted by a student who wants review their entire file at the University of Minnesota. What should you do?

A: Students have a right to inspect and review nearly everything that the University maintains on them; the two exceptions are parents financial records and letters of recommendation that the student has waived the rights to access. Any request to review an entire file must be made in writing through the Office of the General Counsel.