Tips for Special Populations of Students

Honors College Students & Prodesse Scholars

Honors College Requirements

This mission of the Honors College is to produce citizen scholars, who emerge from their honors education equipped not only with a lifelong love of learning, but also a lifelong commitment to use their talents, interests, and ambitions to advance the common good. For our community of learners, the Honors College offers unique courses, Honors-exclusive study abroad programs, opportunities for faculty mentorship, and a supportive residential experience in which students thrive. Honors College students complete rigorous, scholarly curricular requirements and produce an Honors Senior Project that meets the quality of publishable or professional work by the time that they graduate.

The Honors College requires you to complete six (6) Honors Experiences and an Honors Senior Project over the course of your undergraduate studies. This averages out to two (2) experiences per semester in your first three years, followed by the Honors Senior Project during your final year. The intended path is:

• Two (2) First-Year Honors courses
• Four (4) Honors Experiences in any combination of the following:
• Honors courses or course extensions
• Independent research, mentored by faculty
• Internships, student-teaching, co-ops, or other pre-professional opportunities
• Study abroad
• Significant philanthropic, service-oriented, creative, or leadership projects
• Honors Senior Project, completed during your senior year, during which you completes a scholarly, creative, or pre-professional project under the mentorship of a faculty member in your field.

Your honors advisor will work with you to plan your individualized Honors path.

Regional Campus Honors Program

Beginning in Fall 2021, Regional campus students are not eligible to participate in the Honors College in Oxford while registered as Miami Regional (Middletown/Hamilton) students.

The Miami University Regional Campuses has an Divisional Honors Program for College of Liberal Arts & Applied Science (CLAAS) students. For more information about the program and an application, please contact: Dr. John Cinnamon, cinnamjm@MiamiOH.edu.

Honors College Registration

Honors College content is included in the orientation Canvas modules, and honors advisors are available to work with students individually to discuss Honors requirements. Consult the honors orientation Canvas modules to contact your honors advisor directly, or email honorsadvising@MiamiOH.edu. Please note that your divisional advisor is your primary resource for advising questions not related to Honors.

Prodesse Scholars Program

Oxford campus students accepted into the Prodesse Scholars Program participate in a one-year, cohort-based experience led by an outstanding faculty member, focused on a cross-cutting and relevant theme or problem, and supported by one of Miami’s renowned interdisciplinary centers or institutes.

Students are automatically enrolled in the Prodesse Scholars Canvas site. To remain in the program, Prodesse Scholars are required to complete in their first year of study:

• One approved interdisciplinary theme-related course or seminar in the fall semester of the first year
• One approved integrative co-curricular activity or project which relates to one of the program themes in the fall or spring semester of the first year
• Two reflection essays about these experiences, submitted via the Prodesse Scholars Canvas site

Prodesse Scholars are enrolled in their fall Prodesse Seminar prior to orientation. Students who have questions about their seminar should consult with Teresa Radomski-Bomba at radomstm@MiamiOH.edu

Efforts are made to offer a diversity of seminar topics and co-curricular opportunities so that students may make choices that suit their interests and schedules. Through Prodesse Scholars programming and activities, you will recognize the value of learning and working with individuals from multiple disciplines and how this integrated approach to education provides an excellent foundation for all career paths. For more information about the Prodesse Scholars Program, please visit: https://MiamiOH.edu/academics/honors-programs/prodesse/index.html  or contact Amy Bergerson at bergera9@MiamiOH.edu.

International Students

Welcome to Miami University! We are happy that you are part of our community. Here are some tips for you:

• You will be registered for a course focused on your educational transition to Miami University (UNV 101 I Am Miami or CAS 116 American Academic Culture & Communication).
• Become familiar with International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) which is located in MacMillan Hall, room 214 (advising) and room 017 (International Student Center).
• International students who are in F-1 or J-1 status should follow the rules below to ensure maintenance of legal status. Please note these regulations are subject to change. More information can be found on the ISSS website at www.MiamiOH.edu/international.
  • Maintain full-time enrollment (12 credits) each Fall and Spring semester.
  • Ensure that at least 9 credits of coursework are taken in person (face-to-face) each semester. Hybrid courses that are taught at least 50% face-to-face count as in-person coursework. 
  • Make sure your I-20 or DS-2019 is valid, accurate, and issued by Miami University – notify ISSS of any changes in your major, degree level, or source of funding.
  • Make sure you have a valid travel signature from ISSS on your I-20 or DS-2019 before traveling outside the US.
  • F-1 students are authorized to work on campus up to 20 hours per week during the school year. J-1 students must obtain authorization from ISSS for on-campus employment. Do NOT seek or accept off-campus employment prior to discussing it with ISSS.
  • Update your local address through Banner Self Service within 10 days of moving each time you move.
  • Do not stay in the United States beyond the grace period associated with your visa status – 60 days beyond degree completion for F-1 students, 30 days beyond program completion for J-1 students.
  • Make sure your passport remains valid – you can renew your passport through your country’s embassy in the US.

International Student and Scholar Services

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), located in MacMillan Hall, room 214 (advising) and 017 (International Student Center), has staff members ready to help you with the following:

• Visa regulations and procedures for maintaining legal status
• >Assistance with obtaining off-campus work authorization (CPT, OPT and Academic Training)
• General advising, resources and referrals to other campus offices
• Acculturation to campus and the local area
• >Programs, events and excursions to support students’ practical, social, cultural and academic interests

Many requests (for example, travel signatures >and program extensions) can be made online through InterLink at https://ioffice.MiamiOH.edu. 

ISSS sends a weekly newsletter to all enrolled international students via your Miami email account announcing relevant programs and events as well as visa-related reminders and other resources. Information is also posted online at www.MiamiOH.edu/international. You can find ISSS on Facebook and Instagram at “MiamiOhISSS.”

For questions or to schedule an appointment with an international student advisor, email international@MiamiOH.edu, call 513-529-8600, or visit ISSS in MacMillan 214 or 017.

English Placement

At Miami University, all students, including international students, must satisfy the first-year English requirement. Students are placed in the appropriate English courses based on test scores or other proof of English proficiency received at the time of admission, as well as electronically and locally administered placement tests in writing and speaking.

• CAS 116 is a transition course designed to support academic English speaking and listening skills
• ENG 107 is designed to provide foundational skills for international students in written English
• ENG 108 is a course designed to provide international students with competence in written academic English and a basic understanding of American cultures
• ENG 109 is similar to ENG 111 except ENG 109 concentrates on special needs of non-native speakers.

The University expects students to take English courses until the Miami Plan requirement is completed (ENG 109 or ENG 111), which may take one to three semesters, depending on where students are placed in their first semester.

American Culture and English (ACE) Program 

>International students who receive Conditional Admission to Miami are enrolled in Miami's >American Culture and English (ACE) Program> during their first term. >The American Culture and English (ACE) Program supports the linguistic, cultural, and academic transition of international students to Miami University. ACE provides program participants with high-quality English language instruction and a challenging and supportive intellectual environment. In addition, ACE provides the cultural and co-curricular opportunities necessary for student success at Miami in future degree programs and in campus engagement. >For a student’s status to be changed from conditional admission to regular enrollment, the student must successfully complete and fulfill all criteria established by the program. Students must complete ACE within two semesters in order to matriculate to Miami University. Please note that additional course fees may apply for ACE courses.

English Language Center (ELC)

The Miami University Regionals ELC is a 5-Level intensive English program (IEP) designed to provide participants access to the highest quality academic English language education in a safe and optimal learning environment. Participants who successfully complete the ELC program leave with the necessary language, college, social, cultural, soft, and life skill sets to be successful in Miami University’s higher-education system and become valuable contributing members in the University, local, and global communities and workforces. MURELC@MiamiOH.edu, 513-217-4052.

Miami Regionals

Welcome to Miami University! We are happy that you are part of our community. Miami Regional students are a varied and diverse group of learners who attend classes on our Middletown, Hamilton, Voice of American Learning Center in West Chester, or online through E-Campus. Some students are attending our campuses directly after high school, while others have taken a few years off or are adult learners. Some are student parents, the first in their families to attend college, or veterans. Others may be working just a little or full-time. Regardless of which of these categories describes you, know that we are committed to your learning and success. Here are some tips for you:

• Step outside of your comfort zone. Meet new people, take new classes, and participate in the many programs, organizations, and events Miami’s campuses have to offer.
• Enroll in UNV 101, “I am Miami,” or a recommended major-based freshman seminar in your first semester at Miami University. This class establishes a solid foundation for college and career success as it introduces you to the skills and resources you’ll use to make the most of your time at Miami.
• Consider getting involved on campus. The Regional Campuses offer many ways for students to engage with the campus community, including over 40 student organizations, opportunities for community engagement, athletics, and many social and academic events. Getting involved with campus can help you feel more comfortable with college life and will help you build relationships at Miami.
• Avoid the mistakes many college students make:

1. Be prepared to study. If your study skills aren’t as solid as you’d like, no problem. Enroll in TCE 110R or connect with a Tutoring and Learning Center Coach.
2. Be realistic when considering how your class AND study schedule will fit with your work and home/life schedules. Doing well in college requires doing schoolwork outside of class. See below for recommendations on how to balance college and work.
3. Seek help early if you feel stressed or overly anxious. Utilize all the resources the campuses offer including counseling services, tutoring, and academic advising.

Work / College Balance

Work Hours	Credit Hour Load
10 per week	14-16
20 per week	12-14
40 per week	3-9

Weekly School Commitment

Credit Load	Study Hours	Total Hours
9	18	27
12	24	36
16	32	48

National Pathways Program

The National Pathways program is a short-term, intensive learning program for students who have been selected to begin their studies in a structured academic setting with a dedicated student success navigator who facilitates their transition to college and overall success. Students enjoy the benefits of campus life while living in the required Pathways Living-Learning Community in an on-campus residence hall. Pathways first-semester core courses are taught in Oxford by Miami faculty who are based on our Regional campuses. Students benefit from a lower student-to-advisor ratio for academic advising and the first-semester tuition is at the Miami Regionals rate, not the Oxford rate. After one semester and successfully completing the Pathways program, students transition to a less structured academic program, with full access to Oxford coursework and a firm foundation for a successful Miami career. Beginning the second semester, all coursework is taught by Oxford-based faculty, and tuition switches to the Oxford-based student rate.

Change of Campus to Oxford, or taking 1-2 classes on the Oxford Campus

Regionals Students seeking a degree or courses offered on the Oxford campus may apply to take some or all of their classes on the Oxford campus when they have achieved the following requirements:

• 2.00 cumulative GPA
• Acceptable conduct record
• 16 earned credit hours of graded Miami college courses (not including credit/no credit, CLEP, AP, transfer, military, developmental 00 classes, and College Credit Plus credit). 
• At least one fall or spring semester on a regional campus.

>Regional Campus students requesting to take some or all of their courses on the Oxford campus >should review the >change of campus information> and> submit a “>Taking Courses On Another Miami Campus>”> request to be considered for an Oxford registration time ticket. This action should be taken at least a month prior to the opening of registration time tickets for the requested term.

Considering an On-Campus Job

You can fill some of the gaps in your daily schedule -- and your wallet -- by working on-campus. Positions are available in the library, gymnasium, onsite childcare centers, physical facilities (buildings and grounds), and various administrative and departmental offices. For more information, including available jobs and how to apply, search for “Student Employment” on the Miami University website.

Work+

Work+ is a program designed to assist Miami University Regionals students in obtaining an associate or bachelor's degree while working part-time and having their tuition paid. Work+ makes it possible for you to earn a college degree debt-free! For more information contact Ekatarina Gay at barminev@MiamiOH.edu, (513)  727-3208, or visit Work+ | Regionals - Miami University.

Service+

Service+ is an AmeriCorps program hosted by the Center for Social Impact at Miami University Regionals. More than just a volunteer opportunity, Miami University students will enhance their workforce and leadership skills while having a direct impact in advancing the critical mission of their nonprofit host site. Students serving as AmeriCorps members in Service+ will receive participant support, a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award, and endless professional development opportunities.  For more information contact CSI@MiamiOH.edu, 513-785-3005 or visit Service+ | Regionals | Miami University.

Campus Kids in Hamilton

Our on-site childcare center is fully accredited and provides a safe and nurturing environment for children of Miami regional campus students. Many regional students are also eligible to receive additional financial assistance through the State of Ohio or the U.S. Department of Education, which helps cover the cost of childcare at our center. Space is limited and early registration is recommended. For more information, contact Hamilton - Campus Kids at 513-785-3011 or email Krista Lambright at crawfokr@MiamiOH.edu.

Transfer Students

While you are not new to college, you are new to Miami and will need to learn how Miami University differs from your previous institution. Academic advisors are here to assist you with this transition.

Orientation & Advising

For the Oxford campus, transfer students have two options when it comes to attending an orientation session. There are small, one-day, virtual, transfer-specific orientation programs from May through August (for those entering in fall semester) and in December and January (for those entering in spring semester). Alternatively, new transfers can attend an in-person orientation right before the start of each semester that includes both first-year and transfer students. These orientation sessions are coordinated by the <Office of Orientation and Transition Programs and include participation from the various academic divisions. 

For the Regional campus, transfer students complete an online orientation, and then are connected with an appropriate advisor for registration. For more academic advising information, contact the Office of Academic Advising at 513-727-3440 or RegAdvising@MiamiOH.edu. 

Transferring Courses to Miami

One of the most important tasks you need to complete is to determine which courses or credits from your previous institution have been transferred to Miami. See the section “Transferring College Courses to Miami” earlier in this guidebook for more information.

Other Types of Credit

Miami will accept up to 32 hours of nontraditional credit, such as credit by examination and armed forces credit. 

• Armed Forces Credit: Credit for courses taken at U.S. military services schools will be given on the basis of the Military Transfer Assurance Guides (MTAG) and the American Council on Education publication, Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experience in the Armed Services. To receive transfer credit, you must submit a Joint Services transcript. Students entering the university fall 2012 or after will also be awarded for military training and experience. 
• Credit by Examination: Credit earned by taking CLEP tests, Advanced Placement tests, International Baccalaureate (IB), or proficiency examinations administered by one of Miami’s academic departments is traditional credit and does not count in the 32 semester-hour limit. Credit earned through proficiency exams at other institutions must be validated or accepted by the appropriate department at Miami. 

*Note: Advanced placement credit does not transfer from one institution to another. Each time you transfer, your test scores must be sent from the College Board. To have your credit transferred to Miami, visit the College Board Website, and request to have your test scores sent to Miami University (Ohio) - Code #1463.

• Credit for Prior Learning: Credit for prior learning is a process that allows students to earn academic credits for knowledge and skills gained outside of traditional classroom settings. This recognition can come from work experience, military training, volunteer work, or self-directed study. By assessing and validating prior learning, you can potentially shorten the time needed to complete your degree or certification programs, saving both time and money. Reach out to your academic advisor for details on the process for evaluating credit for prior learning.

Key Terms You Should Know

Course Equivalent: The courses that you transferred to Miami that are determined to be the equivalent of an existing Miami course; these courses appear on your transcript with a Miami course number. If you have earned only Advanced Placement credit or college credit while attending high school or during the summer after your admission to Miami has been processed, you are not considered a transfer student.

"T" number courses: Courses evaluated by Miami University that do not have a Miami equivalent* are assigned a "T" number. The "T" denotes transfer (e.g., ENG T01). These courses can be re-evaluated by the appropriate academic department by following these steps:

• Make a course syllabus or textbook available
• Make an appointment with a divisional advisor for the proper referral
• Make an appointment to see the appropriate Lead Departmental Advisor.

*Just because courses are assigned T numbers does not mean that they cannot be applied to requirement categories.

Quarter-Semester Conversion: A quarter hour is two-thirds (0.6667) of a semester hour. To figure semester hours, multiply the quarter hours by 0.6667.