User Guides:
The Office of the University Registrar’s Degree Audit staff creates and maintains degree audit templates for all undergraduate majors, many minors, certificates, dual degree programs, and, increasingly, graduate and professional programs.
The degree audit templates must match the program requirements as published in the catalog. This ensures that when a degree audit runs for a specific student, the student’s academic record is matched against the appropriate requirements, to create an accurate degree audit report.
Creating Degree Audits Templates for New Programs of Study
Degree audit templates for new programs of study are typically created during the Summer following approval of the program of study. The degree audit template effective term matches the first term of admission into the program. Please see the Catalog Year and Approved Degree Programs, Emphasis Areas, and Other Academic Credentials policy.
Revisions and Updates to Existing Degree Audit Templates
Typically, degree audit templates are revised and updated once a year, starting after the catalog update cycle for the next academic year closes (May 1st or thereabouts) and through summer.
Sometimes, advisors, students, and others, notice issues that require changes during other times of the year. The following rubric was approved by the Undergraduate Deans in consultation with the Office of the University Registrar:
- Errors/Omissions in the audit.
Update audit to match catalog. - Emerging External Mandate (governmental, accrediting, etc.)
Follow the departmental changes request process outlined in the Mechanism for Requesting Exceptions to Catalog Edition or Year Policy (http://catalog.missouri.edu/academicpolicies/catalogyear/). - Emerging Internal Issues (such as the required class can no longer be offered due to faculty unavailability, and a substitute is being proposed)
Follow the departmental changes request process outlined in the Mechanism for Requesting Exceptions to Catalog Edition or Year Policy (http://catalog.missouri.edu/academicpolicies/catalogyear/). - Programs that follow calendar year rather than academic year (start in January)
The revision cycle may be off-set by six months. - Requests to Redesign the Layout of a Degree Audit Report
From time-to-time degree audits are completely redesigned (layout, overall appearance, etc.). These requests will be prioritized and undertaken as time permits; typically, over the summer, but they must still align with the published catalog. - Requests to add alternate, preferred or hidden courses.
Follow the applicable process as outlined in the Options for Managing Courses that are Preferred or Recommended (Sometimes Hidden) policy. - Add new courses to a requirement.
Follow generic process below.* - Add existing courses to a requirement.
Follow generic process below.* - Delete courses from a requirement.
Update future versions only. Old versions will continue to include the course.
*Generic Process
Requester (AU/Department) must make changes in CIM Programs for the next catalog revision cycle. CIM Programs changes can be made year-round.
Note: To be included in the degree audit, all course options must be listed in the catalog.
If many students are affected by the changes:
- The requester should specify which degree audit versions should include the updated courses.
- New Courses – update current audit and prior degree audit versions as requested.
- Existing Courses – add courses with an effective date beginning with the next term.
If few students are affected by the changes:
- The students’ catalog year in myZou can be changed to a subsequent term, to match a version of the degree audit, which includes the new requirements as outlined in the catalog (use this form) OR
- Advisors can enter exceptions for each affected student.
Note: If the student’s catalog year is changed, the student’s general education requirements may change as well.
Changing the Title of a Program of Study
The degree audit template will be updated effective with the Fall term following the academic year when the change was approved. Please see the Changes to Titles of Credentials portion of the Catalog Year and Approved Degree Programs, Emphasis Areas, and Other Academic Credentials policy.
Deactivating Degree Audit Templates for deleted/discontinued Programs of Study
Degree audit Templates for deleted/discontinued programs of study are deactivated effective the Fall term following the academic year the program last admitted students.
Questions?
If you have additional questions concerning updates to degree audit templates in your area, please email degreeaudit@missouri.edu.