Resolution on Army and Air Force ROTC Grade Procedures

Presented May 7, 1999; Passed May 7, 1999

In a memo dated March 22, 1999, new procedures for handling final grades for Army and Air Force ROTC students were distributed to faculty. There is some confusion about whether the policies outlined in the memo are binding, as the wording in Item A indicates that professors are "encouraged" to administer exams early.  While some professors may be able to accommodate this request, an official policy establishing exceptional arrangements for ROTC graduates as outlined in this memo is unacceptable.  Special arrangements should not be granted for one group of students over all others.  Faculty members have been repeatedly admonished to administer final exams at the scheduled date and time, and yet we are now asked to administer early exams for select students.  Administering early or separate exams for some students places a burden on the professor and could compromise the exam for other students taking the exam at a later time.  The process for distributing grade information to individiuals outside the registrar's office is questionable at best--perhaps even a violation of the Buckley amendment.

Therefore, the Faculty Senate recommends that either

1. Commissioning of ROTC officers take place on a date after graduation, or
2. The exam schedule be amended so that all exams will have been administered and sufficient time allowed for grading of the exams prior to the time that the ROTC would need to have the grades.

In all cases, grades should be distributed to and through the Registrar's office only.

Last Modified: November 12, 2007 8:25 AM
Questions or Comments?
The University of Southern Mississippi
AA/EOE/ADAI