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The CTI program is a very unique program within the university. Not only is it a gateway to the world of Air Traffic Control it is a job interview and therefore has many rules and expectations of the student that are above and beyond the university requirements. The following information is an attempt to help the student understand what is expected of them. It is the students’ responsibility to have read this policy manual and adhere to the requirements.

MISSION STATEMENT:

The mission of the Aerospace department is, in general, to prepare a student with the foundation upon which to develop and function as a professional in the field of aviation.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY:

Middle Tennessee State University, in its educational programs and activities involving students and employees, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, or age. Furthermore, the university does not discriminate against veterans or individuals with disabilities.

ETHICS:

The AT-CTI office will follow university policy for defining plagiarism.  Plagiarism is grounds for immediate dismissal from the AT-CTI Program.

ABSENCES:

CTI Policy:

Student must follow the policy set forth in the syllabus for each class. Any absences more than allowed by the professor are grounds for expulsion from the CTI program. 

University Policy:

Since a principal function of a university is to bring faculty and students together, and since the classroom is the primary place for doing this, both faculty and student are expected to attend the classes for which they are assigned or for which they are registered. The University recognizes that there are occasional unavoidable circumstances that cause a student to miss a class. However, the fact that a student may be absent from a class does not, in any way, relieve that student of the responsibility for the work covered or assigned during the absence. It is the responsibility of faculty members to excuse or refuse to excuse absences of students who missed their classes. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain excuses for absences and to arrange with the faculty member in question to make up the work missed. Excuses for absences must be presented to the faculty member upon the student’s return to class. (See current MTSU Undergraduate Catalog).

While students are expected to attend all of their classes, exceptions are made for University-sanctioned activities. Students shall not be penalized for such absences. Students anticipating participation in University functions which take them out of classes should discuss these absences with their instructors at the earliest convenient time. The student is responsible for work missed.

In order to assure smooth implementation, faculty members and team coaches or directors should provide students with a brief written description of the off-campus field trips, musical presentations, athletic events, and similar official obligations that every member of the class or team will be required to attend. Students are responsible for sharing this information with the instructors of their courses well in advance of the required absence from these classes. Prior notification will enable faculty members to work out arrangements for students to fulfill their responsibilities to complete any work missed due to participation in an official University activity.

Absences begin with the first date the student is enrolled in class. Policy regarding class attendance is established and promulgated by the professor. Only the professor has the prerogative of excusing an absence. Students must contact professors or departmental secretaries directly to report anticipated absences. In emergency circumstances, student personnel deans will, upon request, inform professors of student absences. In such instances, the student is advised to confer with t he professor upon return about make-up work, etc.

Assistance Alert forms are available from each of the five college academic advisors. If a faculty member feels it necessary to report a perceived student problem (excessive absences, emotional concerns, etc.), the Assistance Alert for m should be completed and submitted to the academic advisor of the faculty member’s respective college.

It is necessary to report excessive absences of veterans that affect their satisfactory progress in class. The University is liable for any overpayments made to a veteran who does not attend class and who fails to make satisfactory progress if the institution fails to report this fact to the V.A. Regional Office. The Records Office will indicate on class rolls and by memo to the professors those students who are receiving veterans’ benefits, and professors should be alert to the need for reporting absences of these students. Additionally, letters which list veterans are sent to faculty members who have veterans enrolled in their classes.

CLASSROOM MISCONDUCT:

Any student conduct determined by an instructor to be detrimental to that student or other students will be documented and reported to the AT-CTI coordinator and review panels.  This includes but is not limited to talking during class, computer or cell phone abuse and attitude toward the instructor.

ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT:

Academic misconduct is defined as "plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, or facilitating any such act (MTSU Rights and Responsibilities of Students, p. 5)." The instructor should report allegations of academic misconduct to the head of the concerned department and to the assistant dean of Judicial Affairs. The instructor should attempt to inform the student of the allegation and notify the student that the information has been forwarded to the assistant dean.

Prior to notifying the assistant dean and at the instructor's discretion, the instructor may conduct a conference with the student in compliance with the following procedures:

1. The student will be provided notice that he/she is believed to have committed an act or acts of academic misconduct in violation of the University rules;
2. The student will be presented with all evidence in the knowledge or possession of the instructor which tends to support the allegation(s) of academic misconduct; and
3. The student will be given an opportunity to present information on his/her behalf.

In any case, and based upon the instructor's policy regarding academic misconduct, the instructor will either assign a grade of "F" for the exercise or examination or assign an "F" for the course.

REPEATING A COURSE:

CTI Policy

A course may be repeated in order to expunge a grade of F, but failing a CTI class automatically eliminates the student from the CTI program. In the case of trying to improve the grade the first grade made in the class will be the standing grade for the CTI program.

University Policy

Students may repeat courses for the purpose of raising their grade point averages subject to the following:

1. No course may be attempted more than twice (i.e., repeated more than once) except upon advice of the faculty advisor. The first time a course is taken is the first attempt; it is not a repeat until taken again. If a student repeats a course more than once, the hours will be added to the total quality hours and, therefore, will be included in calculating the cumulative grade point average, the major average, the minor average, and the upper-division average. For example:

First attempt of ENGL 1010: F = 0 quality hours, 0 hours earned;

First repeat of ENGL 1010: F = 3 quality hours, 0 hours earned;

Second repeat of ENGL 1010: C = 6 quality hours

An example of a successful repeat:

First attempt of ENGL 1010: F = 0 quality hours; 0 hours earned;

First repeat of ENGL 1010: C = 3 quality hours

In other words, if a student repeats a course once and improves the grade, the effect on the cumulative hours taken is the same as if the course were successfully completed on the first attempt. However, if a student takes a three-hour course multiple times, each repeat increases the cumulative quality hours; taking the same three semester-hour course five times, for example, is one attempt and four repeats and, therefore, is 12 quality hours; (the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies should be contacted concerning the effect of a repeated course in regard to specific averages required for graduation for graduate students).

2. The last grade earned will stand even if the last grade received is an F and the student has previously received a grade higher than an F; all repeated courses remain on the student’s transcript with repeat notations.< /P>

3. Veterans receiving educational assistance benefits may not repeat courses previously passed and receive financial assistance for such;

4. Students may not repeat a course in which they have previously earned the grade of “A” or “B” without written approval from the dean of the college which houses their major;

5. Students may use either ENGL 2130, or ENGL 2330, or ENGL 2230, or HUM 2610 interchangeably for purposes of repeating a course;

6. This repeat policy took effect in fall 1981. All courses attempted since then are subject to this policy. Courses attempted prior to Fall 1981 are subject to the previous repeat policy.

The Dean of Graduate Studies should be contacted about repeated courses policy for graduate students.

STUDENT DRESS:

CTI Policy:

It is the responsibility of each student to be aware of any addition or changes to the university policy and to comply accordingly. It is recommended to the faculty that they impose a policy closely aligned with the FAA academy policy for dress. (No hats, no sandals, no shorts)

University policy:

The University has no specific dress code for its students. A student is expected, however, to exercise reasonable judgment and decency in dress style. The faculty member may require reasonable dress standards during class.

SUSPENSION FROM CLASS:

Instructors have the authority to temporarily suspend from class any student whose conduct disrupts the instructor's ability to teach. A written report of the circumstances involved must be submitted to the Dean of Student Life through the appropriate channels, i.e. continued talking, game playing, sleeping, doing other class assignments.

TEST AND EXAMS:

There are two exams administered as part of the AT-CTI program.  The entrance exam will test applicants on material covered in AERO 1010, 1020, 1230, and 2010.  Applicants must score at least 75% to enroll in the CTI program.  The exam will be administered on the Friday after final exams of the spring and fall semesters to all new applicants.

At the end of the Advanced Air Traffic Control Class all students eligible to graduate before the next offering of the course will take the MTSU AT-CTI exit exam.  This exam will test students on basic aeronautical knowledge, weather, and air traffic regulations and procedures.  Students must pass this test with a grade of 80% or higher to qualify for recommendation; there is no retake.

MANDATED TEST:

The Air Traffic Selection and Training (AT-SAT) exam is a requirement for recommendation to the FAA.  This exam will be scheduled based on the students’ expected graduation date by a vendor authorized by the FAA.  The FAA and the vendor will contact the student as to the date, time and location of the test; MTSU has no jurisdiction over the AT-SAT.  A student file is not complete without a copy of the AT-SAT score report; a recommendation to the FAA can not be given without it.

TOBACCO:

The use of any tobacco product (cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco) is strictly prohibited in any FAA air traffic control facility and MTSU AT-CTI classes.  After one offense the student will be placed on probation; another offense will remove the student from the AT-CTI program.

DISABLED STUDENTS:

Middle Tennessee State University, under the guidelines of ADA and Section 504 federal legislation, is required to make reasonable accommodations to the known physical and mental limitations of otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities.  For more information see http://www.mtsu.edu/~dssemail/index.htm or contact the MTSU ADA office at 615-898-5366.

HOW THE FAA CTI SYSTEM WORKS:

The FAA has approved fourteen schools throughout the United States to offer instruction in air traffic control.  This instruction does not guarantee a job; however, recommended graduates of approved AT-CTI schools do receive preferential hiring.  A complete description of the AT-CTI program is available at: http://www.faa.gov/jobs/job_opportunities/airtraffic_controllers

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

The following section details the requirements necessary to enroll in the AT-CTI program at MTSU.  Meeting these requirements does not guarantee employment as an air traffic controller.

Students applying for Conditional Admission in the AT-CTI program:

Q     Must meet Middle Tennessee State University entry requirements;

Q     Must submit AT-CTI application*, citizenship form*, copy of MTSU letter of acceptance, recent photo, and transcripts from any colleges/universities attended to the AT-CTI office;

Q     Must have completed or be able to complete AERO 1010, 1020, 1230, and 2010 before applying for candidacy in the AT-CTI program.

*forms available at http://aerospace.web.mtsu.edu/programs.htm

Students applying for Candidacy in the AT-CTI program:

Q     Must be a student in good standing with the University

Q     Must have the following items on file in the AT-CTI office: CTI application*, Citizenship form*, Candidacy form*, Information release form*, recent photo and transcripts from any colleges or universities attended.  The packet must be submitted to the Aerospace CTI office by the dates below. 

*forms available at http://aerospace.web.mtsu.edu/programs.htm

Summer and Fall applicant files must be complete by the first Monday in April. 

Spring applicant files must be complete by the first Monday in November.

Q     Must have completed AERO 1010, 1020, 1230, and 2010 with an AERO GPA of at least 3.0 and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 by the end of the semester during which the application is made. Please contact the AT-CTI office if you wish to transfer credit for these courses.

Q     Must have scored at least 75% on the MTSU AT-CTI entrance exam. 

CTI STUDENT TRACKING:

Students who apply for candidacy in the AT-CTI program will have his/her academic records reviewed numerous times by various university personnel.  Each student will be tracked using electronic and paper documents.  The information release form must be signed for a student to enroll in the AT-CTI program.  This form states that MTSU can submit to the FAA any information provided by the applicant for the purpose of gaining employment as an air traffic controller.  Students will submit to the AT-CTI office the application and citizenship form after enrolling in MTSU.  This is done so the AT-CTI office can be made aware of the student’s intention to pursue air traffic control as a career and can begin the paperwork necessary to record the student’s progress.  When application for candidacy in the AT-CTI program is made the student will submit a candidacy and information release form along with an attendance record from AERO 1010, 1020, 1230, and 2010.  This, along with the entrance exam, will be considered and the student will be posted to the FAA as an AT-CTI student.  All panel review forms and university correspondence will be placed in the student’s file.  All files will be reviewed at least once per semester and updated accordingly.

PROGRESS EVALUATION COMMITTEE:

At the end of the fall and spring semesters the AT-CTI coordinator will meet with two other Aerospace professors to evaluate those students applying for candidacy in the AT-CTI program.  Based on grades, attendance, faculty reports (if applicable) and entrance exam results students will be admitted or declined for the AT-CTI program.  Candidates will be notified by mail of the committee’s findings.  This committee may also convene as the recommendation committee. 

RECOMMENDATION COMMITTEE:

After each university convocation a panel of three Aerospace professors chaired by the MTSU AT-CTI coordinator will review the following items for each candidate.  In order to be recommended for hire to the FAA the following requirements must be satisfied:

Q     Fulfill University requirements for Graduation

Q     2.75 Cumulative GPA on all college coursework

Q     3.0 GPA Core Cumulative Aerospace GPA

Q     No grade lower than a “C” on a AT-CTI class

Q     Score 80% or higher on AT-CTI exit exam

Q     Score 70 or higher on AT-SAT exam

Q     Exit Interview with AT-CTI coordinator during last semester

Q     Submit Recommendation request form in the semester before Graduation

This committee may also convene as the progress evaluation committee.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Summer and Fall applicant packets must be complete by the first Monday in April.

Spring applicant packets must be complete by the first Monday in November.

FORMS:
MTSU AT-CTI Enrollment Application (Form 1000): To be submitted to the AT-CTI office with the citizenship form upon enrolling in MTSU.

Citizenship Form: FAA form to be submitted to the AT-CTI office with the MTSU AT-CTI Enrollment Application upon enrolling in MTSU.

Candidacy Form (Form 1001): To be submitted to the AT-CTI office with the Information release form when applying for candidacy in the AT-CTI program.

Information Release Form (Form 1002): To be submitted to the AT-CTI office with the Candidacy Form when applying for candidacy in the AT-CTI program.

Class Attendance Record (Form 1003): To be submitted at the completion of every AT-CTI class.  Students should print the forms off of the Aerospace website and give to the instructor.  The student is responsible for confirming that there is an attendance record on file for every AT-CTI class:  AERO 1010, 1020, 1230, 2010, 2220/2230, 3210, 3230, 4530, and 4560.

Progress Panel Evaluation (Form 1004): This form will be used by the faculty in determining if a student’s progress justify entering the AT-CTI program.  This form is NOT available on the Aerospace website.

Recommendation Review Panel Checklist (Form 1005):  This form will be used by the faculty in determining if a student has completed the requirements for recommendation to the FAA.  This form is NOT available on the Aerospace website.

Recommendation Request (Form 1006): To be submitted to the AT-CTI office in the semester of graduation.  This form indicates the student is ready to be reviewed by the Recommendation Review Panel.

Unless otherwise noted all forms are available on the Aerospace website and in the Aerospace department office.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

The MTSU AT-CTI office reserves the right to change or add requirements as necessary to maintain the high standards of MTSU’s prospective air traffic controllers.