Undergraduate Enrollment Restrictions in Graduate-Level-Only Courses

I. Current Policy

There is no existing policy document.

II. Proposed Policy

Open enrollment in graduate-level-only courses (currently numbered 700 and above) is restricted to graduate students. All other categories of students are required to obtain instructor’s approval to enroll in such courses.

III. Background and Rationale

Historically, undergraduate special students have been allowed to enroll in graduate level courses, unless specifically prohibited. This practice preceded the establishment of a separate graduate special student (Graduate Non-degree) classification.

University Special Students, one category of undergraduate special students, are given global permission to enroll in a course (or may be prohibited from enrolling in a course) upon approval of the initial course proposal. However, the current student information system cannot prevent enrollment in restricted courses. The restricted enrollment designation merely generates printing the “+” symbol (Not Open to University Special Students) in the Schedule of Classes and provides authority for processing an administrative drop. The PeopleSoft system will be able to block registration on the basis of student career (undergraduate vs. graduate).

Requiring instructor approval for undergraduate enrollment in graduate-level-only courses will allow instructors to verify student preparation for the course and discuss performance expectations and will uphold the integrity of graduate-level courses.

IV. Recommendations for Action

1. That the proposed policy be approved.
2. That the proposed policy become effective upon implementation of the PeopleSoft records module.

December 18, 2000

Graduate Faculty Doc. No. 838 Approved