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ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

Basic Skills Requirement

Administered by Academic Needs Assessment
Morehead Hall 139
973-655-4476

Montclair State University expects all students to demonstrate proficiency in writing, reading, computation, elementary algebra, and speech. Academic Needs Assessment (ANA) coordinates and administers the Montclair State University Placement Test (MSUPT) to all entering freshmen, who have not demonstrated proficiency, and readmitted or transfer students with fewer than 26 transferable credit hours. It also monitors the completion of all required developmental courses.  Subject coordinators in writing, reading, mathematics, and speech monitor the instructional activities in their disciplines.

1. All students must demonstrate proficiencies in writing,  reading, computation, elementary algebra, and speech which are compatible with the successful performance of college level work.  The Montclair State University (MSU) Basic Skills requirement provides for the demonstration of such proficiencies through a program of skills assessment and academic development.

2. The MSUPT is administered prior to the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. All students accepted to MSU will be assigned a test date after they return the MSUPT Reply Form sent to them; registration will not be completed until the Placement Test scores are in.  That is, all entering students must either take the MSUPT at Montclair State University or have the NJCBSPT scores transferred to Academic Needs Assessment from a college previously attended, prior to completing registration for the first semester.  (Scores will not be accepted from another college if they are more than three years old.)  Transfer students may be required to present verification of upper-class standing to Academic Needs Assessment prior to being exempted from testing and other requirements.

3. The Basic Skills requirements in reading, writing, computation, and elementary algebra may be fulfilled by achieving satisfactory scores on the appropriate sections of the MSUPT. Beginning in Fall 1999, students may be exempted from portions of the test by achieving set scores on the appropriate sections of the SAT.

4. Developmental courses in reading, writing, computation, and elementary algebra are required for students receiving unsatisfactory scores on one or more sections of the MSUPT.  These students will have credits added to the number of semester hours required to graduate (see #8 for credit information).

5. Students are expected to take required developmental courses during their first semester at MSU and must satisfactorily complete these courses as follows:  for full-time students, within the first year of enrollment; for part-time students, at least one course each semester until all required courses are completed (all requirements must be completed within the first four semesters of enrollment). No student may withdraw from a developmental course, and any student who does not satisfactorily complete the required developmental course(s) may be dismissed from MSU.

6. The Mathematical Sciences and Computer Science Departments have Basic Skills prerequisites for all of their courses. Transfer students who have not completed GER mathematics and computer science requirements are encouraged to consult Academic Needs Assessment to determine their preparedness for these courses.  Students will not receive credit for any mathematics course if the Basic Skills requirement has not been satisfied.

7. The MSU Basic Skills requirement in Speech must be fulfilled within a student's first 58 semester hour credits by:

A. Satisfactory completion of the Speech Communication Requirement.
OR
B. Successful Speech Placement/Waiver evaluation:

Application for this examination can be made in early October or early February at the Department of Communication Studies.  Passing the examination does not grant semester hour credit, only satisfaction of the Speech requirement.

8. Basic Reading Skills (READ 053), Basic Skills Math I (MATH 050), Basic Skills Math II (MATH 051), Math Lab I (MATH 060), and Math Lab II (MATH 061) do not carry graduation credits.  However, these courses do provide credits toward a student's full-time and financial aid status and, with the exceptions of Math Lab I and II, they do count toward the student's Grade Point Average.  SPECIAL NOTE:  The credits earned in Introduction to Writing (ENWR 100) do count toward the degree.

9. All questions about Basic Skills should be addressed to Academic Needs Assessment, Morehead Hall, Room 139, Telephone (973) 655-4476, E-mail: ana@mail.montclair.edu.