Policies & Standards
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School of Music Policy Statement
It is the responsibility of the students to inform themselves in regard to grades, credit requirements, quality points and regulations applying to students in the School of Music. The administrators and faculty of the School of Music do not assume the responsibility of notifying students concerning the regulations of the School of Music, the university or the student’s particular status with regard to credits, requirements or quality points. They are more than willing to inform them at any time students request the information.
Policies
Unit Policy:
Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty is prohibited at the University of Louisville. A faculty member should consult Section 5: Academic Dishonesty of the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Before disciplinary action is taken, the faculty member should bring the problem to the attention of the Department Chair and Associate Dean. Copies of all materials related to the issue will be placed in the student’s file.
University Policies:
Academic Standing | University of Louisville Academic Catalogs
Unit Policy:
Academic Standing | University of Louisville Academic Catalogs
University Policies:
Academic Advising
Academic Advising | University of Louisville Academic Catalogs
Registration
Registration | University of Louisville Academic Catalogs
Unit Policy:
Advising is required for all music students until they have achieved Upper Division status. (See Upper Division statement in the School of Music unit section and in the music degrees outlined in the undergraduate catalog.) School of Music academic advisors assist with registration and monitor progress toward completion of Upper Division course prerequisites. Students will be blocked from registration for classes until the advising requirement has been satisfied. Registration calendars can be found online. Once a student has achieved Upper Division status, it is their responsibility to monitor their progress toward completing the degree. Students planning to graduate should request a degree check prior to their final semester. (See Application for Graduation.)
University Policies:
Undergraduate Course Loads
Course Load | University of Louisville Academic Catalogs
Graduate Course Loads
General Policies, Procedures and Requirements | University of Louisville Academic Catalogs
Unit Policy:
Undergraduate Course Loads
The minimum load for full-time undergraduate students during fall and spring semesters is 12 credit hours per semester. Students will be allowed to enroll for a maximum of 18 credit hours per semester. A student who has completed a minimum of 30 hours at UofL and maintained a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 may petition the Associate Dean for an overload not to exceed 20 credit hours per semester. A student must petition the Undergraduate Studies Committee if requesting an overload above 20 credit hours. A petition will be required for each semester of overload request. A student on probation is limited to a maximum of 14 credit hours per semester and a student admitted in conditional status to a maximum of 14 credit hours. No overloads will be approved while a student remains in such status. Summer session enrollments will be limited to a maximum of four credit hours for three weeks terms and seven credit hours for five-week terms. A student may receive credit only for courses for which he/she has officially registered and only for the number of hours specified for such courses in the catalog.
Graduate Course Loads (unit)
The minimum load for full-time graduate students during fall and spring semesters is nine (9) credit hours per semester. Students will be allowed to enroll for a maximum of twelve (12) credit hours per semester. A variance request to The Graduate School will be required for each semester of overload request. A student may receive credit only for courses for which they have officially registered and only for the number of hours specified for such courses in the catalog.
University Policy:
Final Examinations | University of Louisville Academic Catalogs
Additional Unit Policy:
If a student fails to show up for a class final exam, the student will receive a grade of “F” for the exam. It will be up to the instructor to decide whether the student will also receive a grade of “F” for the final grade, or whether the “F” exam grade will be included with the other grades for the semester. The instructor’s policy for this must be clearly indicated on the syllabus.
University Policy:
Undergraduate Grading
Grading | University of Louisville Academic Catalogs
Graduate Grading
Grades and Grading Policies | University of Louisville Academic Catalogs
Unit Policy:
No work below a “C” (not a “C-”) will apply toward a major area subject. Students in a music therapy program will also require a “C” grade (not “C-”) in order to pass supportive area courses as well. The grades of “S” and “U” may be received in applied music and class piano. When such a grade is received in a course, no hours, credit, or quality points are received, and the course must be repeated.
Undergraduate, University Policies:
Graduation and Degree Requirements | University of Louisville Academic Catalogs
Unit Policies:
Minimum Hours and Point Standing
To be recommended for a degree or minor in Music, the undergraduate student must have completed the prescribed number of hours in the courses taken and must have a 2.5 grade point average.
Application for Graduation
Candidates must apply for graduation at the beginning of the semester in which they expect to complete all degree requirements. The date is published for each semester in the academic calendar. The degree application is done online. The Dean’s Office will conduct a degree audit following receipt of the forms; however, students are strongly urged to request a preliminary degree audit prior to their final semester so that any deficiencies in degree requirements can be identified early. To be recommended for a degree, the student must have completed the prescribed number of hours in the courses taken and must have a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average for undergraduates.
University Policy:
Pass/No Credit Courses
Pass/No Credit | University of Louisville Academic Catalogs
Unit Policy:
Pass/No Credit Courses
Any School of Music undergraduate student who has achieved Upper Division status and who is in good standing may take one elective course each semester outside the major field on a pass-fail basis. Forms may be obtained in the Dean’s Office. Any course which is taken to fulfill the University’s General Education requirements or any “MUS” course to fulfill a degree requirement may not be taken on a pass-fail basis.
University Policies:
Undergraduate Residency Requirements
Residency Requirements | University of Louisville Academic Catalogs
Graduate Residency Requirements
Degree Requirements | University of Louisville Academic Catalogs
University Policy:
Withdrawals | University of Louisville Academic Catalogs
Unit Policy
Withdrawal Procedures and Policies
The last day to withdraw from any course is in the academic calendar. Upon proper documentation of special circumstances, decisions for approval of late complete withdrawals may be made by submitting a Petition Form to the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Late withdrawals are those requested after the deadline to withdraw has passed and before the instructor has assigned a grade. After a grade has been assigned, the instructional unit has the authority to change the grade to a withdrawal. Please note, petitions are considered only during the Fall and Spring semesters.
Compassionate Withdrawal
Students may request and be considered for a compassionate withdrawal when extraordinary circumstances prevent students from continuing in classes or completing academic requirements. If students are gravely incapacitated, the request may come from the student’s spouse, family, or legal surrogate. The office of the Dean of Students will gather necessary documentation to show that the situation is incapacitating. Such situations cover both physical and mental health issues, serious illness or injury, and extraordinary personal reasons. The Office of the Dean of Students will review and evaluate the compassionate withdrawal request and take follow up action to refer the case to the appropriate officer (e.g., unit dean) for review and decision.
The Office of the Dean of Students will coordinate the process with the unit dean’s designee. An academic withdrawal does not remove a student’s financial responsibility for his/her educational expenses. Students are responsible for payment of any outstanding charges including, but not limited to tuition, fees, parking, housing, and other expenses, after the academic withdrawal is granted. The Office of the Dean of Students will assist with the identification and completion of all necessary business processes.
Documentation to Support a Medical Withdrawal
In order to request a medical withdrawal from the university, the student must provide supporting documentation from the healthcare provider(s) on doctor/clinic letterhead which must include the following:
- Date of onset of illness or condition
- Date medical/clinical care first sought
- Dates patient was subsequently seen and was under subsequent medical care
- General nature of the medical condition and how/why it prevented completion of coursework (To ensure confidentiality, a provider may use a Release of Information form in order to document the condition.)
- If applicable, the provider is requested to comment on the potential consequences if withdrawal is not granted
Policy Quick Links
Additional School of Music Requirements
All School of Music majors are charged a Student Music Fee of $175 per semester, pro-rated for part-time students. This fee helps to offset expenditures exclusively related to the educational and artistic needs and interests of music majors. These include, but are not limited to, expenses related to accompanists (not to exceed four, one-hour services with a staff accompanist per full-time student, per semester), technology and infrastructure, secondary lessons (which may be accessible on a space-available basis and with permission of the major and secondary applied instructor), summer grants, and attendance at select concerts and events, with advance sign-up.
Music minors and non-music majors approved to take applied lessons within the School of Music will be charged a Non-Music Major Applied Lesson Fee. The fee is $200 for a 30-minute lesson and $400 for a 60-minute lesson.
Undergraduate Policy:
Transfer Grade Acceptance
The University of Louisville recognizes appropriate course work done at other accredited universities and colleges and accepts that work according to the principles set forth in the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers Transfer Credit Practices and state law.
Transfer work that is college-level, academic in nature, and earned at appropriately accredited institutions will be accepted and posted as credit earned (i.e., with no grade) and will be accepted as credit towards a degree, consistent with policies in effect for resident students. An undergraduate student is required to complete 30 of his/her last 36 semester hours at UofL for any 120 credit hours. Additionally, if the degree is more than 120 credit hours, the university policy states that 25% of the total degree credit hours must be completed at the University of Louisville.
The School of Music does not accept undergraduate transfer grades below a “C”. No credit is transferred for applied music or theory. Advanced standing for applied music may be awarded at a jury. Advanced standing for theory is awarded by examination. Other credits are evaluated for transfer by the respective faculty. Recital Attendance credits may be transferred. Principal ensemble credits may be transferred, but not to exceed one per semester. The Dean’s Office will evaluate those with Recital Attendance transfer credits, or documented ensemble experiences or courses, on an individual basis.
Transfer Equivalency Determination
Transfer equivalencies are determined by the instructional unit, or the “best fit” unit as determined by the Admissions Office in consultation with the Office of the University Provost.
Courses that meet general education requirements may be transferred under course equivalencies established in the Office of Transfer Articulation. In cases where no equivalency is established, the Office of Transfer Articulation will direct students to the university academic department, school, or college where similar courses are offered for evaluation of transfer credits.
When a transcript from an accredited institution records credit granted for ‘non-traditional’ education experiences (including but not limited to credit by exam, correspondence work, dual credit high school work, portfolio work), the credit will generally be accepted in transfer regardless of the hours of credit the student earned at the transferring institution(s).
No limit is placed on the number of hours students can earn from prior learning assessment. Prior learning assessment includes but is not limited to credit by exam, correspondence work, dual credit high school work, and portfolio work. The academic unit will decide how and whether the credit applies to graduation, unit, program, and residency requirements.
Advanced Standing Credit
Advanced standing credit in any applied music subject (piano, voice, organ, guitar, band, or orchestral instruments) or in music theory will be granted only by examination, and then only after the student has satisfactorily pursued advanced work in that subject for one semester.
Community College Transfer Limits Policy
For bachelor’s degrees, students must present at least sixty (60) semester credit hours earned at four-year institutions. Students must also meet residency requirements.
Graduate Policy:
Transfer Grade Acceptance
The University of Louisville recognizes appropriate course work done at other accredited universities and colleges and accepts that work according to the principles set forth in the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers Transfer Credit Practices and state law.
Transfer work that is college-level, academic in nature, and earned at appropriately accredited institutions will be accepted and posted as credit earned (i.e., with no grade) and will be accepted as credit towards a degree, consistent with policies in effect for resident students. A graduate student must complete twenty-four (24) credit hours at the University of Louisville.
The School of Music does not accept transfer grades below a “B” for graduate degrees. No credit is transferred for applied music. Advanced standing for applied music may be awarded at a jury. Music History and Music Theory credits are evaluated for transfer by the appropriate faculty.
Advanced Standing Credit
Advanced standing credit in any applied music subject will be granted only by examination, and then only after the student has satisfactorily pursued advanced work in that subject for one semester.
Undergraduate Enrollment Standards
Enrollment units may establish grade point average standards that exceed the minimum grade point average requirements of the University. School of Music undergraduate students are in good standing when they have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5. Should an undergraduate student fail to meet the requirements of their enrollment units, they may be subject to enrollment restrictions, course repetition requirements, other corrective interventions, and ultimately, dismissal from their enrollment unit. A student who is dismissed from their enrollment unit may seek immediate transfer to an enrollment unit for which their cumulative grade point average is acceptable.
Academic Standards
The University of Louisville communicates its expectations for undergraduate academic achievement through the Undergraduate Academic Standards Policy. The faculties of the enrollment/degree-granting units determine academic standards.
Applicable standards for continuation in a particular enrollment unit can be based upon grade point average, course-specific achievement, and in some programs a professional and behavioral component. Students are encouraged to consult their enrollment unit and the catalog for the specific standards of their unit.
Undergraduate Academic Standards Policy
Good standing is defined as a cumulative grade point average not less than the minimum GPA set by the degree-granting unit. School of Music undergraduate students are in good standing when they have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5.
- School of Music undergraduate students who, after the first 12 degree-applicable semester hours taken at UofL, have a grade point average below 2.5 will be placed on Academic Warning. They will be notified that their achievement is below expectations and be strongly encouraged to seek assistance, but no limitation will be placed on their registration for the next term.
- In any semester subsequent to that described above, an undergraduate student whose cumulative grade point average falls below 2.5 will be placed on Academic Probation for the next semester in which the student enrolls. Undergraduate students on Academic Probation are notified that their achievement is below expectations and are subject to course and/or credit hour limitations, and they are limited to 14 semester hours while they remain on probation, specified course registration requirements, and other intrusive advising interventions as deemed appropriate by their enrollment unit.
- School of Music undergraduate students on Academic Probation will have their records evaluated at the end of the probationary semester with one of the following outcomes:
- If the student has a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or above, the student will be restored to good standing in the School of Music.
- A student whose cumulative grade point average is still below 2.5, but who earned a semester grade point average at or above 2.5, will be maintained on academic probation.
- A student whose cumulative grade point average is below 2.5 and who earned a semester grade point average below 2.5 may petition for continuation on academic probation. The petition describing the student’s plan of action to return to good standing must be submitted to the Associate Dean of the School of Music.
- A student whose cumulative grade point average remains below 2.5 after a semester of continuation and who earned a semester grade point average below 2.5 will be placed on Academic Suspension and will not be allowed to register for any courses in the School of Music.
- UofL students who are suspended or dismissed by the School of Music unit are eligible to apply for admission to another unit and may be admitted if they meet minimum admission standards of that unit. Students who apply for admission to another unit may not enroll in any School of Music courses.
- Readmission of suspended students is not guaranteed and may require an audition. In order to be considered for readmission, a School of Music student must submit a written petition to the Associate Dean of the School of Music and an “Application for Undergraduate Admission” form to the Office of Admissions. The School of Music must receive the petition at least one month prior to the first day of classes for the semester in which the student seeks readmission. The petition should address the student’s perception of the causes of poor performance, the steps the student has taken to address those causes, and a plan of action to return to good standing. Students who are granted reinstatement will be readmitted on probation.
- No student will be reinstated more than twice; the third suspension is an Academic Dismissal. A student academically dismissed can only return through special permission from the faculty of the School of Music.
Academic Standards for Undergraduate Students Admitted as Conditional Admit
School of Music students who are conditionally admitted enter the university on Academic Warning and are limited during their first semester to a 14-hour credit load. Their admission letter will indicate whether they have one or two semesters to achieve academic good standing. A one-semester conditional period will require students to achieve no less than a 2.5 cumulative GPA by the end of the first semester, or they will be suspended from the School of Music. A two-semester conditional period will require students to achieve no less than a 2.5 cumulative GPA at the end of the first semester, or they will be placed on Academic Probation. If they do not achieve academic good standing by the end of the first year (i.e. end of the second semester), they will be suspended from the School of Music.
All undergraduate students enrolled in a music degree program will be reviewed at the approximate midpoint of the selected program in order for students to achieve Upper Division status. Students must meet the standards of this review to register for 400-level courses in music. Both the elements and standards of the review are established by the faculty and include credit for MUS 242 Musicianship IV or Analysis (MUS 347 for B.A. General; MUS 349 for B.A. Jazz Studies; MUS 350 for B.A. Music & New Media); MUS 361-01 Music Literature; 4 semesters of Applied Instrument at the course numbers required for the degree; Piano Proficiency Examination; MUS 97 Recital Attendance, with “S” for 4 semesters; Ensemble Participation; cumulative 2.5 GPA (good standing); minimum of 48 credit hours completed towards the degree; pass English 101 or 105; and 3 additional Cardinal Core courses.
Additional specific elements and standards appropriate to specific degree programs in jazz studies, music composition, music education, music history, instrumental and vocal performance, pedagogy, music theory, and music therapy are required of students in order to achieve Upper Division status and to continue in the degree program. Specific degree requirements are determined by the concentration and area faculties and are outlined below.
Jazz Barrier Exam
All Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance students must complete the Jazz Barrier Exam by the end of their fourth semester of applied study. The exam contains an extensive combination of scales, chords, patterns/phrase sections, and improvising over a selected list of common progressions and standard jazz repertoire. There will be numerous opportunities each semester to demonstrate this knowledge, including two Jazz Barrier Exam dates, juries, and events such as Jazz Combo and Jazz Area performances. Please refer to the instrument specific guidelines.
Music Education
In order to enroll in upper division coursework, music education degree students must meet the following criteria:
- Be admitted to teacher education.
- Successful interview for admission to teacher education.
- Successful review of coursework to this point as indicated below.
- No grade lower than a “C” for the first three semesters of applied study.
Admission to the teacher education program is competitive, and decisions will be made by the professional judgment of the faculty screening committee. Preference will be given to applicants who have strong academic records, positive experiences and abilities, and disposition that shows promise of a successful classroom teacher.
Admission to Teacher Education:
- Minimum 45 credit hours (completed or in progress at the time of application) with a minimum 2.75 cumulative college grade point average
- Grade of “C+” or higher in MUS 116
- Successful completion of an additional two credit hours of Music Education courses
- Passing PPST PRAXIS I scores in Math, Writing, Reading
- “C” or better in ENGL 102
- “C” or better in Oral Communication course (such as COMM 111 or 115)
- Professional statement (as directed in application for admission to teacher education)
- Three letters of recommendation (as directed in application)
- Successful interview
- Agreement to Professional Code of Ethics, Statement of Understanding of Admission Guidelines, and CEHD Acceptable Use of Technology forms (as directed in application)
Music Therapy Barrier Exam
Each student must create a repertoire list of at least 20 songs chosen from a provided list to use at the assessment. There must be at least 2 songs from each genre. Students will be asked to sing and accompany four songs of his/her choice, two using piano and two using guitar and may be asked to sing and accompany additional songs selected by the faculty. Students may use music, but should know the music well enough to make eye contact while singing and playing and not focus on the music. Students should know and sing several verses of many of the songs. Students may be asked to apply one of the songs to a clinical situation/population.
Performance and Piano Pedagogy
For the Sophomore Evaluation Applied Examination, each student must perform eleven minutes of music consisting of a minimum of three pieces of varying styles. If the length of the selected works will not allow three pieces to be heard within the allotted time, the student should consult with the applied teacher to select appropriate cuts or stopping points. If a composition has an accompaniment, it must be performed with accompaniment. At least one of the pieces on the jury must be with accompaniment (with the exception of keyboard instruments, guitar, and harp). Piano performance majors must have passed the Piano Proficiency Exam before they perform the Sophomore Evaluation.
Some applied areas may require students to be prepared to talk about the music they present, including information about the composer, stylistic period, form, etc. Further details will be provided in faculty syllabi.
Composition, Music History, Music Theory
No additional requirements beyond satisfying the requirements of course work for admission to Upper Division as stated in the Undergraduate Catalog.
Methods Class Use
Students may use a UofL-owned instrument for a methods class at no additional cost with the provision that the instrument is signed out to the student for temporary use and, while so provided, the student is responsible for its return in the same condition. Missing instruments or repairs beyond reasonable expectation shall be assessed directly to the student’s university financial obligation account for the stated value of the instrument or cost of repair, as required.
Ensemble or Secondary Applied Music Use
Students requesting to use a UofL-owned instrument for elective ensemble participation or secondary applied music study may have use of an instrument provided that such an instrument is available and not required for use in a methods class. Instruments provided must be checked out for each semester of use, with a financial hold placed on any student’s account for the stated value of the instrument when the instrument is not returned or renewed for any semester. Students are responsible for securing safe storage and conditions for the instrument and will be further responsible for replacement of the instrument if lost, stolen, or damaged at replacement cost as noted in the instrument sign-out process.
Use for Degree-Required Applied Music Study
Students requesting to use a UofL-owned instrument for required applied music study for their respective degree program may have use of an instrument tied to a set fee schedule based on the replacement value of the instrument. If available, and recommended for use by the applied music teacher, instruments may be checked out for each semester of use, with a financial hold placed on any student’s account for the stated value of the instrument when the instrument is not returned or renewed for any semester. Students are responsible for securing safe storage and conditions for the instrument and will be further responsible for maintaining the instrument in playing condition while in his or her possession. Students shall be further responsible for costs up to replacement/repair of the instrument if lost, stolen, or damaged up to the replacement cost as noted in the instrument sign-out process.
Effective Fall 2015, usage fees for degree-required applied music study will be assessed beginning with the student’s second semester of applied study.
Fee schedule based on Replacement Value:
- Value less than $1000: $50 per semester
- Value up to $2000: $100 per semester
- Value up to $3000: $150 per semester
- Value up to $4000: $175 per semester
- Value up to $5000: $200 per semester
- Value between $5000 to $9,999: $300 per semester
- Value of more than $10,000: $400 per semester
- Percussion majors instrument fee: $150 per semester
If the instrument is left unattended or improperly secured, a $50 reclaiming fee will be charged to the student before the instrument may be returned to the student.
Optional Secondary Instrument Applied Music Study Assigned by the Studio Teacher
Students required to study a secondary instrument as part of his or her applied music study may request at no cost the use of a UofL-owned instrument for secondary instrument study as part of studio instruction or as recommended/required by the studio teacher if the requested instrument is available. Students are responsible for securing safe storage and conditions for the instrument and will be further responsible for maintaining the instrument in playing condition while in his or her possession. Students shall be further responsible for costs up to replacement/repair of the instrument if lost, stolen, or damaged as noted in the instrument sign-out process.
All instruments provided must be checked out for each semester of use. The instrument contract is found here: School of Music Student Files - Home.