|
|
Answers
|
| Registration and Classes |
|
| [How does my student actually register for classes at the U of M?] |
|
A: Your students will register for classes online using the University's web portal (gateway to online services) to access registration web pages. Following their application to the University, students were mailed login information that contained instructions as to how to activate the Username/Password combination needed to login to the portal. Once students log in, they should click on the “Student” tab and look for the “Registration Tools” channel. This channel contains the key links needed to register for classes.
More Info:
|
|
| [What makes a student full-time?] |
|
A: If your undergraduate student is enrolled for a total of 12 credit hours or more in a semester, he or she is considered full-time.
More Info:
|
|
| [How many courses can or should a student take a semester?] |
|
A: The maximum number of credit hours a student can take in a Fall or Spring semester, without special approval, is 20.5. The maximum number for the Summer is 23. Most students should not take the maximum number of hours, especially in their freshman year. An advisor will be helpful in recommending an appropriate load..
More Info:
|
|
| [I need proof that my student is enrolled at the University of Memphis. How can I get this?] |
|
A: This proof is called Enrollment Verification and is available from the Registrar's Office.
You may request an Enrollment Verification yourself, or you may assign this responsibility to your student. If you need a "good student" discount verification, the student should request this personally on the web.
You or your student may request an Enrollment Verification in a variety of ways:
Web:
(Students Only) |
Use Student Self Service; follow these instructions. |
| In Person: |
Go to 003 Wilder Tower and complete a Verification Request form. |
| E-mail: |
E-mail a request with the information listed below to the U of M contact for Verification. |
| Phone: |
901.678.2810 |
| FAX: |
901.678.1425 |
In any request, be prepared to provide the following information:
- Student's Name.
- Student's U-Number (The student's SSN is acceptable if the student does not yet have or does not know what his/her U-Number is.)
- Name and mailing address, or FAX number, of the organization to receive the verification.
- Student's anticipated graduation date if the organization requires this.
- If the student is not enrolled at least half-time (6 hours undergraduate or 4.5 hours graduate), please indicate on your request the special circumstances that would qualify him or her to be considered half-time (e.g., internship).
| Note: |
If the Enrollment Verification is for an insurance company, it may be requested before the semester's first day of classes. However, if the Enrollment Verification is for a loan company, it may not be requested until classes have started.
|
Please allow 48 business hours for a verification to be processed and sent.
More Info:
|
|
| [How much study time is required?] |
|
A: A good rule of thumb is that your student should spend two hours preparing for each lecture hour he or she spends in class. Student abilities, of course vary; some students may need to spend less time preparing, some more. But the 2-to-1 rule is a reasonable recommendation.
|
|
| [Can I contact my student's instructors?] |
|
A: We don't recommend that you contact your student's instructors on matters such as grades, attendance, assignments, etc. Our instructors consider our students to be adults and, therefore, expect the students to contact them regarding such matters. Also, FERPA restrictions prevent faculty from discussing a student's work with anyone other than the student.
However, if your student becomes very ill or incapacitated and is unable to contact his or her instructors, you may have to. Use the online directory search (U of M White Pages) to look up instructor phone numbers and e-mail addresses.
If you do not know your student's instructors and your student cannot tell you who they are, contact Student and Faculty Services at 901.678.2810 for advice on how to proceed.
More Info:
|
|
| [Does my student have to declare a major right away? What if my student doesn't know what he/she wants to major in?] |
|
A: No, your student does not have to start college by declaring a major. It is not unusual for entering freshmen to be undecided as to their majors. Those who do not declare a major are classified as "Undecided" and are advised by the Academic Counseling Center. Students should declare a major by the end of their sophomore year. From that point forward, they will be advised by faculty in the college of their declared major.
More Info:
|
|
| [How does my student pick or change a major?] |
|
A: Many students know what they want to major in when they apply for admission. The admission application contains a space for this. However, if your student is like most students, he or she will not be certain of what to major in. Such students are termed "Undecided" or "Undeclared" and assigned to the Academic Counseling Center for advising.
Later, when he or she decides upon a major, your student should notify his or her counselor in the Academic Counseling Center. The counselor will transfer your student's records to the appropriate college. That college then notifies your student about advising.
Even after your student has declared a major, he or she may decide to change. If so, your student should go to the Dean's Office of the college of the NEW major and request the change. This office will see that records are transferred and that your student is assigned a new advisor.
|
|
| [Are freshmen courses taught mostly by temporary or part-time instructors and by graduate assistants?] |
|
A: This varies by department. In some departments almost all freshman courses are taught by full-time faculty. However, in some departments, a significant portion of freshman courses are taught by graduate assistants or adjunct faculty. Typically, such courses are introductory courses with numerous sections. Still, some sections of these courses will be taught by full-time faculty, and your student may choose one of these sections.
It is important to note that having a graduate assistant or an adjunct faculty member is not a bad thing. Graduate students are top students pursuing advanced degrees in their fields of interest. And adjunct faculty are typically people who have excelled in their field of expertise outside of the University environment (for example, a newspaper editor who agrees to teach a Journalism class).
|
|
| [Is any tutoring or extra help available?] |
|
A: Yes, the University offers extra help to students through its Educational Support Program (ESP). Your student can work with tutors in the six ESP Learning Centers, request a tutor, or attend helpful study skills seminars. The Learning Centers offer help with English, Math, Business courses, and Biology and Chemistry. These services are free.
More Info:
|
|
| [Should my student have a computer?] |
|
A: Though it might be convenient, it is not absolutely necessary that your student bring a computer to his/her Residence Hall or off-campus housing. The University has many computer labs on campus; a couple are even open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week while classes are in session. Your student can use these labs with his/her valid University ID.
The labs have printers, and the computing workstations are equipped with the software that students need to complete coursework for most courses.
More Info:
|
|
| [Can my student earn a degree in 4 years?] |
|
A: It certainly is possible to do this, but it is not at all unusual for students to take more than 4 years to earn a degree. Five years is not uncommon. Consider that your student may change majors one or more times during his or her college career, or might drop some courses now and then, or might not attend during the Summer term, or might have work or other obligations that keep him or her from taking heavy courseloads (18 or more hours). Any of these reasons could push your student beyond 4 years.
|
|
|
Grades
|
| [How do students get their grades?] |
|
A: Grades are official on the Thursday following the semester’s last exam date. Students may then login to Student Self Service and view their official grades. Prior to grades being official, students may see their unofficial grades through a dedicated “Unofficial Student Grades” channel on their portal page.
| Note: |
Students who have a "transcript hold"--usually placed by the Bursar for unpaid fees or fines--will not be able to view their grades until the hold has been cleared. |
The University no longer mails grade reports. However, students who need term grades for an employer or insurance agency for proof of satisfactory academic progress may:
- Request an enrollment verification with grades through Student Self Service. This option has a 24-hour turn around, but provides the report on U of M letterhead.
- Print their official grades from Student Self Service and have the Registrar’s Office (Student and Faculty Services Counter Staff) validate the printout. This option is immediate but requires the student to appear in person with a picture ID.
More Info:
|
|
| [Can I check my student's grades?] |
|
A: No, not unless you have your student's consent or you can show that the student is still a dependent for federal income tax purposes.
This may seem strange to you, but federal law prevents us from releasing a student's information to anyone but the student unless we have the student's written consent. The specific law is the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), also known as the Buckley Amendment.
You can ask your student to show you his or her grades on the web. If this isn't practical, you can ask your student to complete a consent form that would permit the Registrar to release a copy of the grades to you. If your student is unwilling to complete the consent form, you can complete a parent's request for the release of records, provided your student is a dependent for tax purposes.
| Note: |
A copy of your most recent tax return showing the student to be a dependent is required. |
More Info:
|
|
| [How do I get a copy of last semester's grades or your verification that my student qualifies for a Good Student Discount for auto insurance?] |
|
A: If your insurance company has sent you a discount form to complete, your student can bring it to the Registrar's Office, 003 Wilder Tower. The Registrar's Office will verify the student's information and grades, and sign and date the form. Your student can pick up the form the next day and mail it, or the Registrar can FAX or mail the form to the appropriate number or address (these must be provided).
If your insurance company has not provided you with a form, your student can visit the Registrar's Office, show a photo ID (University ID, driver's license, etc.), and request a copy of last semester's grades and Grade Point Average (GPA), both of which the insurance company will require. Provided your student has no "holds" on his/her grades, the Registrar will produce the requested copy. (A grades "hold" usually means that the student owes the University money; grades cannot be released until financial obligations have been fulfilled. Your student can use the registration system to check for Holds.)
Your student may also request Good Student Verification by FAX rather than going to the Registrar's Office in person. The FAXed request must contain the following information:
- Student's NAME
- Student's SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
- A STATEMENT giving the University of Memphis permission to release last semester's grades and GPA
- Student's SIGNATURE
- Photocopy of the student's PICTURE ID (University ID, driver's license, etc.)
- The ADDRESS or FAX NUMBER where the requested grades and GPA should be delivered
|
|
|
Emergencies and Medical Problems
|
| [How can I reach my student in an emergency if he or she is in class?] |
|
A: Contact the University's Police Services department. An officer will locate your student and relay your message.
More Info:
|
|
| [How do I withdraw my student for medical reasons?] |
|
A: How you proceed in this matter depends on how much of the semester has passed.
Before the Last Day to Drop a Class Deadline
Your student can withdraw from all courses online until the semester's Last Day to Drop a Class deadline has passed. (This deadline can be found on the semester's Dates & Deadlines calendar.)
If your student's condition makes it impossible for him or her to login to the registration system, call the Registrar's Office at 901.678.2810 for instructions and assistance.
After the Last Day to Drop a Class Deadline
If the Last Day to Drop a Class deadline has passed, you need to contact the Dean's Office of the college of your student's major, or, if your student has not declared a major, the Academic Counseling Center (ACC). The Dean's Office or ACC will advise you on how to best proceed. In some cases, this office may recommend that your student be issued "I" (Incomplete) grades and be allowed to complete the coursework later. In other instances, the office may recommend that your student be withdrawn from the University. Any requests for a late withdrawal or the issuance of "I" grades must begin with the Dean or the ACC.
If you need assistance in determining whether to call the Dean's Office or the ACC, or in determining which Dean's Office to call, contact the Registrar at 901.678.2810.
More Info:
- Academic Counseling Center - Phone: 901.678.2062
- Colleges and Schools (links to colleges' websites with contact information)
|
|
| [What if my student becomes ill while at college? Can he or she get any treatment on campus?] |
|
A: Yes, the University's Student Health Center is staffed by a physician, nurses, nurse practitioners, technologists and other support personnel. The Health Center offers a variety of services, but its emphasis is on "the diagnosis and treatment of short-term, acute, medical illnesses on an outpatient basis." So if your student isn't feeling well, he or she can visit the Health Center for treatment.
Most of the Health Center's services are free to current students, though some services (specialized tests or vaccinations) may cost. Visit Student Health Services' web site for more information.
More Info:
|
|
|
Housing
|
| [What are the dorms like? What sort of on-campus housing options are available?] |
|
A: Visit Residence Life's web site. This web site is an excellent source of information on available on-campus housing. You can check out the various dormitories and their rooming options, look at floor plans, check out rental rates, find application information, and more.
More Info:
|
|
| [What sort of off-campus housing is available?] |
|
A: The Adult and Commuter Services Office can provide you and your student with information on housing options in the Memphis area. This office publishes a very useful "Apartment Guide" on its website. The guide contains not only ads for various apartments in the area, but tips on safety and information on renters' rights and responsibilities.
More Info:
|
|
|
Expenses
|
| [How much is tuition?] |
|
A: Tuition rates are reviewed and often revised on a yearly basis by the Tennessee Board of Regents. When the rates are ready for publication, the Bursar's Office publishes them on its web site. Visit the link below to view current tuition costs.
More Info:
|
|
| [How can I pay my student's fees?] |
|
A: You can pay your student's fees online if your student has established a Parent login for you.
Please note:
- Only your student can establish a Parent login for you.
- Your Parent login is good for online fee payment purposes only. You cannot used this login to gain access to your student's education record.
Students themselves may pay their fees in a variety of ways: in person at the Bursar's window, by mail, or online. You can "assist" them (supply the money) in any of these approaches, but there are some restrictions.
If your student is going to pay in person at the Bursar's window, you may, of course, accompany your student and pay the fees yourself, or give your student your cash, check, or credit card to do so.
If your student is going to pay by mail, you can include your check or supply your student with your credit card information.
If your student wishes to pay online through the portal without establishing a Parent login for you, you will have to provide your student with your credit card information.
More Info:
|
|
| [Can I buy my student's textbooks online?] |
|
A: Your student can reserve his or her books online. You can then, if you wish, accompany your student to the bookstore to pay for them yourself.
More Info:
|
|
|
Scholarships, Aid, and Student Employment
|
| [What sort of financial aid or scholarships are available?] |
|
A: The Student Financial Aid and Scholarship offices both maintain websites that provide you with complete information on the financial aid and available scholarships. The sites also contain contact information so that you may submit questions to these offices.
More Info:
|
|
| [Is my student eligible for in-state tuition?] |
|
A: Residency can be a complicated issue. If you have any question as to whether your student qualifies for in-state tuition, call or stop by the Office of Admissions, 101 Wilder Tower, 901.678.2111 to discuss your residency issues.
|
|
| [Is my student eligible for a Tennessee lottery scholarship?] |
|
A: If your student graduated from a Tennessee high school before January 2003, then he or she will NOT be eligible.
If your student graduated from an eligible Tennessee high school in January 2003 or later, then he or she MAY be eligible. Home-schooled students and students who have passed a GED examination MAY be eligible as well. Eligibility, application for, and continuance of these scholarships depend on many factors. Your best bet is to explore the links below.
More Info:
|
|
| [Does the University offer any internships?] |
|
A: Yes, some internships are available to University of Memphis students. Visit Career and Employment Services' Internship page.
More Info:
|
|
| [What jobs are available on campus for students?] |
|
A: The University does offer on-campus part-time employment for qualified students. These positions are classified as either Federal Work Study Student Employment or Regular Student Employment positions. For information on qualifications and responsibilities, as well as job listings, visit Financial Aid's web page (Student Employment).
More Info:
|
|
|
Campus Safety
|
| [How safe is the campus?] |
|
A: The University of Memphis has the lowest crime rate of any urban campus in Tennessee. Visit our Police Services' web page for more information and for links to campus safety information. Be sure to review the Campus Safety Report and to check out the Tiger Patrol Escort Program, the free personal escort service available to all students on campus during evenings.
More Info:
|
|
|
Life After College
|
| [Does the University help students find jobs after they graduate?] |
|
A: The University's Career Services Office offers assistance to students searching for post-college jobs. Students can register with the office's online recruiting system - eRecruiting. This system allows them to review job listings, post their resumes, and set up on-campus interviews with recruiters. Additionally, the office offers workshops in writing resumes and interviewing for jobs.
More Info:
|
|
|
More Questions?
|
| [I can't find the answer I need on this page. Can you help?] |
|
A: TOM can. If your question/answer doesn't appear in the list of commonly asked questions above, submit your question to AskTOM. You will receive an answer by e-mail within 2 days. Just click on the AskTOM image to get started.
More Info:
|
Facebook 
YouTube 
Twitter