UWM College of Letters and Science
College of Letters and Science Faculty Document No. 616
April 11, 2002

Recommendation of the L&S Course and Curriculum Committee and the L&S Faculty to Authorize Awarding Undergraduate Certificates to Non-Degree Candidates

Recommendation:

That the Faculty Senate of the University authorize the Schools/Colleges of UWM to award undergraduate certificates to non-degree candidates who complete approved certificate programs of study.

Rationale:

UWM offers a broad range of undergraduate certificate programs that have a potential clientele extending beyond degree candidates (and those who already have degrees) to the community at large. Both The Milwaukee Idea and the Regents' plan to reach out to communities seek to extend programs to such students. This proposal would make it possible for participating certificate program advisory committees to allow tuition-paying, non-degree candidates to apply for admission to their certificate programs. Those admitted to the programs would be subject to the same standards in the courses in which they enrolled as are degree candidates. Successful non-degree candidates, upon completion of certificate program requirements, would receive certificates from the university.

The College of Letters and Science has had numerous inquiries from community members regarding this matter. In particular, there are significant audiences for the Certificate in Celtic Studies, the Certificate in Jewish Studies, and an undergraduate certificate in Translation. Reasons cited for interest in these certificate programs have varied from professional translators seeking credentials to enhance their opportunities for advancement to older individuals who, because of their life circumstances, were denied opportunities for formal education and who now wish to engage in a high-quality academic challenge. The quality of these programs will be ensured by application of the parameters outlined below.

Budget Implications:

At the present time, this proposal is not expected to require any additional resources. The courses already are being taught, and systems for admitting special students are in place. If the demand from non-degree candidates should expand dramatically, there may be a need for additional sections for some courses. Since these students will pay regular tuition, the increased tuition revenues should be able to meet the expenses of that demand.


Parameters for Certification or Non-Degree Candidates

  1. No certificate program will be required to participate.
  2. The same requirements applied to degree candidates and post-baccalaureate students participating in a certificate program will be applied to non-degree candidates:
    • all required courses must be completed;

    • the gpa requirements of the certificate must be met;

    • the residency requirements (if any) of the certificate must be met;

    • all course prerequisites must be met (unless a waiver is granted by the instructor).
  3. Non-degree candidates must enroll in all courses for grades, and they must complete all required assignments (exams, papers, group work) in each course. Non-degree candidates will be held by the course instructors to the same performance standards applied to degree candidates and post-baccalaureate participants.
  4. Non-degree candidates will be admitted as special students within the appropriate school/college and will pay regular undergraduate tuition.
  5. Special students will receive the lowest registration priority for the classes required in the certificate programs.

C&CC Subcommittee
G. McBride, Chair
B. Arnold
B. Fetter
M. Velguth
C. Jo (ex officio)
10/30/01


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Last Updated: April 5, 2002
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