University Studies

Marva Lucas, Chair

Alley, Armstrong, Belton, Clark, Conway, Dawson, Dooley, Duncan, Fisher, Harrison, Higgs, Hopper, McDaniel, Otts, Raines, Rouse, Stephens, Sundeen, Williams

The University Studies department of the University College is committed to serving first-year and transfer students newly admitted to MTSU. The department’s objective is to work with students to determine their ideal academic placement; to assist them in their transition to the University; and to provide academic support and instruction where appropriate. The overarching mission of the University Studies department is to provide a firm and stable foundation enabling students to confidently and persistently work towards achieving their goals. The department is able to achieve this mission with the support of dedicated faculty and staff committed to empowering students to fulfill their academic ambitions.

In addition, the University Studies department works with students electing a broad-based educational experience rather than a program designed to meet specific vocational or professional job opportunities. To address their area of interest, the Bachelor of University Studies degree is offered. The flexibility in course requirements for this program of study may be particularly attractive to students who have earned numerous prior credits that can be applied to a four-year degree.

Additional information about the Bachelor of University Studies can be obtained from University Studies, B.Unv.S. or at www.mtsu.edu/universitycollege/universitystudies/bus_degree.shtml.

University Seminar (UNIV 1010)

UNIV 1010 is a visible demonstration of the University’s commitment to the academic success of entering first-year students. Designed to equip students to move successfully from first-year status to graduating seniors, the course specifically provides information to ease the transition to the University during the first semester on campus and facilitates the development of strategies leading to a successful college career.

UNIV 1010 is a three-hour elective course. It focuses on helping students enhance academic skills to meet higher university expectations; clarify career goals; develop time and financial management skills; participate in a forum to discuss relevant topics; and become aware of numerous campus resources devoted to student success. Course sections are capped at 25 students to promote a sense of community and to provide a “home base” for students during their initial enrollment.

Several UNIV 1010 sections are linked to other courses as a part of Raider Learning Communities. Honors sections of the course are also offered.

Successful Transitions (UNIV 2020)

UNIV 2020 is a one-hour elective course designed to assist new transfer students in transitioning to the MTSU campus environment and provide information that will maximize students’ chances for success while minimizing the time required to achieve their educational goals. Learning modules include success strategies, campus resources/technology, career development, and campus involvement.

UNIV 2020 class sections are also kept small to promote a sense of community. To address more specific needs, some sections of the course are devoted to specific student populations such as veterans.

Academic Assessment Placement Testing

All valid ACT/SAT scores (less than three years old) of entering degree-seeking students less than 21 years of age will be reviewed to determine if secondary university assessment is needed. Students with ACT scores which are lower than 19 in reading or math or lower than 18 in English are required to undergo secondary university assessment to determine if prescribed course placement is needed. Students with SAT mathematics scores or critical reading scores less than 460 have the same requirement.

Applicants who will be 21 years of age or older at the time of admission are required to undergo university assessment or may elect to provide ACT/SAT scores that have been taken within three years prior to the first day of the first term of enrollment. For these purposes, university assessment includes (1) a test in writing; (2) a test in reading comprehension; and (3) a test in mathematics covering algebra skills. The assessment exam is administered at MTSU or in select remote locations. All test scheduling is managed through the University Studies department. Additionally, transfer students who have not earned college-level, algebra-based mathematics, reading intensive credit, or English composition credits must undergo university assessment in appropriate areas.

Students admitted as Adult Special who have not completed the first college-level course in English composition, a reading intensive course, or algebra-based mathematics must undergo assessment in the appropriate subject area and must complete courses indicated by test placement prior to enrolling in the respective college-level English, reading intensive, or mathematics course. Adult Special students must also enroll in the prescribed courses prior to enrolling in any college-level course that has the needed prescribed course as a prerequisite.

Students admitted with high school English or algebra deficiencies must undergo assessment based on valid ACT/SAT scores or university testing for the purpose of meeting high school unit admission criteria. GED students are included in this category.

Prescribed Courses Offered

When students receive the results of their university assessment tests, they are also given a list of the prescribed courses, if any, in which they must enroll. The K sections of University Seminar (UNIV 1010) have a special focus on academic skills and are required of any student who initially places into two subject areas. Students are encouraged to discuss their test scores and prescribed course placement with advisors in the University College Advising Center.

ENGL 1009KC or 1009K Introduction to University Writing
MATH 1000KC or 1000K Essentials of Mathematics
MATH 1010K Mathematics for General Studies
MATH 1530K Applied Statistics
MATH 1710K College Algebra
READ 1000KC or 1000K Reading Skill Enrichment
UNIV 1010K University Seminar

Academic Support

A number of support services provide tutoring to help students achieve the objectives in their courses. These are (1) the University Writing Center, (2) the Prescribed Course Reading Lab, and (3) the Prescribed Course Mathematics Lab. Free tutoring provided in the labs reinforces the curricula and objectives of the courses. In addition, advisors in the University College Advising Center are available to assist students in all matters related to their academic standing. Each student who has a prescribed course requirement is assigned an advisor who assists with scheduling and other concerns affecting academic success. Students should check with the University College Advising Center (615-898-2339) in the McFarland building upon arrival on campus to determine the name and office number of their assigned advisors. Students should make appointments with their advisors before registration and should see their advisors at least twice during the semester.

Mandatory Enrollment

Students with prescribed course requirements must be continuously enrolled in the courses(s) until all have been successfully completed. Those failing a prescribed course must retake the course the next semester they enroll. They may not drop a prescribed course without the approval of the chair of University Studies. Students are expected to attend all class sessions. Strict attendance policies are in place. Students who are placed in four prescribed classes per semester are advised to take no more than one other course—either ROTC or a PHED activity course. A student may not take any course that requires skill in any area in which deficiency has been determined by the assessment tool. Students are urged to consult with the University College Advising Center for details.

Grades

To successfully complete some prescribed courses, students must earn a grade of C- or better. The grade of D is not assigned for those courses. Prescribed courses carry elective credit or satisfy General Education requirements and are also used to compute the overall GPA.