|
REGISTRATION FOR COURSES
Registration for the following term occurs in the fall and spring at
approximately mid-semester. Students receive information for registration
from the Director of Student Records and Registration Services (Registrar)
and plan their courses. After consulting with their advisors, they then
register for the succeeding semester. The order of registration proceeds
from seniors to freshmen, and within each class, according to the number
of courses completed.
CLASS DETERMINATION FOR
REGISTRATION
1. Students are responsible for following the appropriate program of
their major to ensure the completion of all course work in the normal
four-year sequence. To ensure reasonable opportunity for course planning
at registration the following levels are followed:
Completion of fewer than 8 course credits represents freshman status;
Successful completion of 8-15 course credits represents sophomore
status;
Successful completion of 16-23 course credits represents junior status;
Successful completion of 24 or more course credits represents senior
status.
2. Class determination is made at the completion of the fall and spring
semesters.
Please note that if a student fails to register at the prescribed time,
the student may be allowed to register at late registration or during the
Course Add/Drop period at the beginning of the semester.
RESIDENCE REQUIREMENTS
To complete the College residence requirement, a minimum of eight (8)
course credits (32 semester hours) must be taken on campus.
To complete a major requirement, a minimum of five (5) course credits
(20 semester hours) in the major department must be taken on campus.
To complete a minor requirement, a minimum of three (3) course credits
(12 semester hours) in the minor department must be taken on campus.
ATTENDANCE
Classroom instruction is a principal component of the educational
process. Students and faculty have a mutual responsibility for
contributing to the academic environment of the classroom. Consistent
class attendance and participation in classroom activities are essential.
It is expected that students will attend classes. Students should consult
the course outline or syllabus to determine the relationships between
attendance, including tardiness, and the goals, objectives, requirements,
and grading of each course.
THE COURSE LOAD
1. The normal course workload for each semester for full-time students
is four (4) courses.
2 The minimum academic load for each semester for full-time students is
three (3) courses. The minimum program required for receipt of maximum
educational benefit payment under the Veterans’ Readjustment Benefits Act
of 1966 and for receipt of Social Security benefits as a dependent is
three (3) courses per semester.
3. The maximum academic load for each semester for full-time students
is five (5) course credits, which includes courses taken in Continuing
Education as well as off-campus. Requirements for taking five courses are:
a. an overall QPA greater than or equal to 2.70.
b. successful completion of at least 16 courses.
c. at least one semester of four (4) course credits completed for
students who transferred 16 or more courses.
d. completion of three of the four previous semesters with four (4)
course credits.
Students must obtain written permission from their major Department
Chair prior to the end of the Course Add/Drop period. Department chairs
may grant exceptions to the above stipulations in special circumstances.
4. Matriculated students in the Division of Continuing Education
(evening) part-time undergraduate program may, under certain
circumstances, receive permission to take one or two courses in the Day
Division. Approval for this part-time status must be obtained through the
Office of the Registrar.
5. Full-time students may, under special circumstances, obtain
permission to reduce their course loads to one or two courses. Full-time
students obtain approval for part-time day status through the Office of
the Registrar.
6. Courses may not be "split," that is, all classes in a given course
must be taken by the student within the same section
unless granted permission by the instructor.
7. A student may not register for two courses that meet at the same
time.
8. In the event that students desire to take a course in the Division
of Continuing Education program because one of an equivalent type is not
available in the Day Division, they may take the evening course and count
it as part of their full-time academic load. If this is done, students
must pay the full cost of the evening course in addition to day program
charges.
ADDING OR DROPPING COURSES
1. Students may add or drop a semester course (or change sections of a
course) without penalty if they do so before the end of the tenth academic
day (see semester calendar).
2. Students may add or drop a quarter course (or change sections of a
course) without penalty if they do so before the end of the fifth academic
day (see semester calendar).
If students wish to add or drop a course or change a section of a
course, they must obtain the "Permission to Add/Drop a Course" form from
the Office of the Registrar and return it to that office when completed
within the add/drop deadline as published in the Academic Calendar.
To add or drop a course or change a section of a course, students must
obtain the signature of the professor teaching the course to be added
and/or dropped. Students are encouraged, though not required, to visit
with their advisor or a staff member at the Advising Center before adding
or dropping to ensure that any changes will not adversely affect academic
load requirements.
WITHDRAWING FROM COURSES
1. Students have ten (10) academic days (Course Add/Drop period) to
withdraw from a course with no academic penalty and no notation on their
records. Students who withdraw between the third and ninth week of a
regular semester (or for a quarter course, no later than the end of the
fourth full week of the quarter) will incur no academic penalty as far as
the grade point average is concerned but will have a notation of "W" on
their permanent records. No student may withdraw from a course during a
regular semester after the ninth week unless there are extraordinary
circumstances (such as documented hospitalization or sickness). In such
cases, with the concurrence of both the Dean of Academic and Student
Affairs or designee and the course instructor, a "W" grade may be
authorized.
2. Students wishing to withdraw from a course must either:
A. Submit a completed Course Add/Drop form to the Registrar's Office
before the end of the Course Add/ Drop period (see semester calendar).
or
B. Submit a completed Course Withdrawal form to the Registrar's Office
no later than the designated Course Withdrawal period deadline (see
semester calendar).
3. Students are not officially withdrawn from courses until the
appropriate forms have been completed and have been validated by the
Registrar's Office. Note: Non-attendance does not constitute a
withdrawal.
DECLARING A MAJOR
Students are not permitted to register for their junior year without
having declared a major except in the case of new transfer students
admitted to junior standing as undeclared. These students may delay their
declaration of a major for one semester. In either case, extension of
undeclared status requires written approval through the office of the
Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs. Students may not revert to undeclared
status once they have reached junior standing.
CHANGE OF MAJOR
If students desire to change majors or change from undeclared status to
a major, these procedures must be followed:
1. They must obtain a Change of Major form from the Office of the
Registrar.
2. They must have an interview with the chair of the department to
which they wish to change. Ordinarily the chair will agree to such a
change, but if circumstances warrant, the student may be denied the change
or asked to delay the request for change until a later time. Requirements
for acceptance into a major differ according to the department. A
comprehensive list of department requirements is available in the Advising
Center, CASA.
3. If the change is granted, the chair of the department will assign a
new advisor for the student.
4. Students then notify the former department chair and advisor of this
change. (The department chair for Undeclared students is the Assistant
Dean of Academic Affairs). The former department chair's signature is
required on the Change of Major form.
5. After meeting with all faculty concerned, students must return the
Change of Major form to the Office of the Registrar. Failure to do so will
result in the student being carried on registration rolls in the wrong
major and not being allowed to register for the next semester in the new
program.
6. A change of major must be completed by December 1 of any year to be
effective for the spring semester or by May 1 of any year to be effective
for the fall semester.
7. Entering transfer students are obliged to comply with all of the
above-stated policies for a change of major.
8. It is recommended that students consult department chairs for
entrance requirements for their majors. A student applying to the Art
Department, for example, must meet performance and portfolio requirements
of the Department.
DIRECTED/INDEPENDENT STUDY
Directed or Independent Studies allow students the opportunity to study
an area in greater depth than the content of existing course offerings. A
Directed or Independent Study may also be offered when a course existing
in the College Catalog is not offered during the semesters the student is
enrolled at the College. To enroll in a Directed or Independent Study, a
student:
1. Must be a matriculated undergraduate student in a declared major
(undeclared students are not eligible).
2. Must have a minimum of 16 courses completed.
3. Must have an overall GPA of 2.75 and a GPA of 3.00 in the major.
4. May enroll in only one Directed or Independent Study in a given
semester.
5. May enroll in no more than three Directed or Independent Studies
within undergraduate degree requirements.
6. May be subject to stricter guidelines in the major department. Check
appropriate course description for the major in question for additional
criteria.
7. May be granted exceptions by department chairs in special
circumstances.
TRANSFER COURSES
(AFTER MATRICULATION)
To receive credit for courses taken at other institutions, matriculated
students must obtain approval in advance from appropriate department
chairs. Retroactive approval will not be given.
Off-campus course approval forms are available in the Registrar's
Office. Applications for approval of a course should be accompanied by the
appropriate catalog description from that institution. After obtaining the
appropriate signatures for approval of the course, the student must return
the completed form to the Registrar's Office. The form will then be
reviewed for course credit transferability.
Transcripts of these approved courses must be submitted to the
Registrar's Office within six (6) weeks after the completion of the
course. It is the student's responsibility to have official transcripts
sent directly by the institution to the Office of the Registrar.
All approved courses transferred into Framingham State College after
matriculation will be awarded Framingham course credit in an amount equal
to the cumulative total number of semester hour credits transferred
divided by 4 and rounded to the nearest whole number. For example, if
students take three 3-credit courses, they will be awarded two (2)
Framingham State College course credits.
Transfer credit is given only for courses in which the student received
a grade of C- or better. Courses must extend for at least a three-week
period and meet a minimum of forty-five hours. Although credit is awarded
for all approved transfer courses, the grades will not be recorded on the
student’s Framingham State College transcripts nor be counted in computing
the quality point average.
Students may inquire further when seeking approval of courses to be
taken at other institutions, and they will be notified of the total number
of course credits they have earned from such courses whenever additional
approved courses are transferred.
GRADING SYSTEM
Framingham State College uses the following marking system:
|
Grade |
Quality Points |
|
A |
4.0 |
|
A- |
3.7 |
|
B+ |
3.3 |
|
B |
3.0 |
|
B- |
2.7 |
|
C+ |
2.3 |
|
C |
2.0 |
|
C- |
1.7 |
|
D+ |
1.3 |
|
D |
1.0 |
|
D- |
0.7 |
|
E |
0.0 |
AU = (Audit-no credit) A student may audit courses with
the consent of the instructor. Such course enrollment will be officially
reported on the student’s transcript pending approval by the instructor,
but the student will not receive any credit. An auditor may not
participate actively in course work. A special approval form for this
status must be obtained from the Registrar's Office and returned completed
by the end of the fifth academic day.
P/F = (Pass/Fail) Matriculated undergraduate students attending Day
or Continuing Education division are permitted to take up to two (2) fall
or spring courses on a Pass-Fail basis, subject to the following
conditions:
1. Only students who have successfully completed 16 courses or more are
eligible to take a course on a Pass/Fail basis.
2. Only one (1) course may be taken on a Pass/Fail basis in any
semester.
3. No course may be taken on a Pass/Fail basis if it is part of the
twelve general education course requirements,
or a major requirement including major-related, or if the course is within
the major department.
4. A student may not choose the Pass/Fail option when repeating a
course.
5. A student must declare whether a course is Pass/Fail by the last day
of the course Add/Drop period. The student taking a course on a Pass/Fail
basis will notify the Registrar by the end of that day. Once this has been
done, the student may not change status. A student is eligible for Dean’s
List if one of four courses has P/F status.
6. A pass grade grants the student course credit but does not count in
computing the student’s QPA. A failed grade counts as a course
attempted with zero points.
7. At the completion of the course when the grade is turned in by the
instructor, the Registrar will convert the letter grade and record only
"P" (pass) or "F" (fail) on the permanent record. The original letter
grade is kept by the Registrar and may be released only with the written
permission of the student.
8. Pass/Fail will be interpreted in accordance with the present grading
system. "E" will be fail and all other grades will be pass.
SA/UN = (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory) This grade is used only for
student teaching experience. Additional details are available from the
Education Department.
W = Withdrawal from a Course. Indicates withdrawal from a semester
course in the third through the ninth week of the semester, or for a
quarter course, no later than the end of the fourth full week of the
quarter. See "Withdrawing from Courses" policy for details.
WX
= Withdrawal from the College after the course
Add/Drop period but before the end of the ninth week of the semester. The
student has officially withdrawn from the College and no longer attends
classes. See "Withdrawal from the College" policy for details.
N
= (Absent from Final Examination) This is a temporary grade with
0 (zero) quality point value given for a student absent from a final
examination for justifiable reasons. The Assistant Dean of Academic
Affairs will administer a make-up exam only in those instances where the
involved faculty member asserts that the exam was missed for reasons that
can be justified. The examination that was missed must be taken within two
weeks of the last day of the final exam period, or the grade becomes an
"E", unless an extension is granted by the faculty member when
circumstances warrant.
NG
= Grade not submitted by instructor.
IC
= (Incomplete) This is a temporary grade with 0 (zero) quality
point value which may be given to a student when the instructor is
satisfied that circumstances beyond the student’s control other than
absence from the final examination (see N above) prevented the student
from completing the required work for the course. (An "IC" will not be
given, however, unless 80 percent of the work has been completed.) Student
indifference resulting in inability to get work in on time is not reason
for giving an "IC". The "IC" will be changed to any other appropriate
grade by the instructor if the course has been fully completed by the end
of the first four weeks of the next semester if it is a semester course or
by the end of the first two weeks of the next quarter if it is a quarter
course. If the work is not completed within the given time, the "IC" will
be changed to "E", unless an extension is granted by the Dean of Academic
and Student Affairs when circumstances warrant.
QUALITY POINT AVERAGE
1. Only the work taken at Framingham State College
including the Day Division, Continuing Education, intersession and summer
programs will be used in determining the quality point average (QPA) of
any student.
2. The number of quality points that a student receives in a course is
determined by the letter grade (see section on Grading System for
explanation of quality points). The quality point average is computed by
dividing the total number of quality points by the total number of course
credits attempted at the College, by semester or cumulative total. The
quality point average (QPA) for each semester and cumulative is presented
in three digits, one before and two after the decimal point.
3. The determination of quality point average is made at the end of
each session.
4. To remain in good standing, students with 1 - 8 courses attempted
must earn a cumulative quality point average of 1.70. Students with 9 or
more courses attempted must maintain a 2.00 cumulative quality point
average. Students must have a final cumulative quality point average of
2.00 in order to graduate.
5. The only courses that may be repeated are courses in which a student
receives a grade lower than a "C-" (1.7). All grades, including those
earned in repeated courses, will remain on the academic transcript.
Students must bear in mind that the same course has to be repeated and
that only the most recent grade, whether higher or lower than the original
grade earned, will be the grade calculated in the QPA. Continuing courses
in which "E" grades have been received must be repeated successfully
before the student may take advanced work except when departmental policy
permits otherwise. Only grades in Framingham State College courses can be
used to recalculate the QPA when repeating courses and students are
reminded that only Framingham State College grades are used in determining
the QPA. (See Quality Point Average, #1.)
6. Framingham State College Division of Continuing Education courses
that are appropriate for Day Division degree completion are posted on Day
Division students’ permanent records. In the case of suspended/dismissed
students, such courses will be evaluated for posting at the time of
readmission to the College. Courses that are academically inappropriate
for Day Division programs are automatically inhibited and are not
calculated in the QPA. Therefore, to receive credit for 600-level courses,
students must obtain prior written approval from their major department
chairs. (The Registrar's Office provides forms for this purpose.)
Failure to do so will result in denial of course credit toward the degree,
as 600-level courses are not applied to the baccalaureate degree.
WARNINGS
Major warnings (grade of "E") and minor warnings (grade of "D") may be
issued to the student at the midpoint of any Day Division course. Warnings
may also be issued at any time if the student’s work is approaching a less
than satisfactory level.
EXAMINATIONS
1. All examinations are to be given within the structure of the College
policy regarding academic honesty.
2. Examinations, other than the final examinations, may be scheduled at
the discretion of the instructor. It is the responsibility of the student
to follow whatever procedures are established and presented in writing to
the students by the instructor at the start of each semester for such
tests.
3. Final examinations are required in all courses except those that
have different requirements as determined by the departments offering the
courses. Unless exceptions are approved by the department chair and the
Dean of Academic and Student Affairs or designee, final examinations will
be given during regularly scheduled examination periods and the student
must take the examinations at the prescribed time.
4. Students who are absent from a final examination should contact the
instructor to discuss the reason for the absence. At the discretion of the
instructor, one copy of the final examination may be sent to the Assistant
Dean of Academic Affairs or designee. The exam will be administered on
posted dates.
5. If a student is absent from the final examination, the student may
be given a grade of "N" by the instructor. The "N" grade will be changed
to any other grade by the instructor if the exam is made up no later than
two weeks after the final day of the final examination period. Unless an
exception is approved, failure to make up the exam during this time will
result in a grade of "E".
6. Examinations and other graded course materials should be made
available to students in a timely fashion. If retained by faculty, they
should be kept until the end of the next academic semester and should be
made available for the students’ review upon request.
Standards for Oral and Written Performance
The College’s policy on oral and written performance in courses is:
1. Proper use of English is expected of students in all courses
requiring oral and/or written work.
2. Instructors may evaluate students’ oral and written work
on the basis of the
proper use of English, as well as content.
3. Instructors will specify their policies for evaluating the proper
use of English in course assignments.
4. Students showing major deficiencies in the use of English may be referred to CASA
by the instructor.
GRADE APPEAL POLICY
The College recognizes that the instructor has the right to determine
course evaluation policies that are consistent with departmental and
College policies. The instructor’s policy will be designated in the course
syllabus distributed at the beginning of the semester. It is the
instructor’s responsibility to grade student work in a manner consistent
with those procedures published in the syllabus.
The following procedure is employed in the event that students wish to
appeal a final grade based on a mechanical error in calculation or if
there is reason to believe that the grade was calculated in a manner
inconsistent with the policies of the instructor, the department, and the
College. Appeals based on other criteria can be pursued through
affirmative action procedures.
Level I: Informal
Within the first month of the semester following the
semester of the course in which the final grade is questioned, students
will pursue their concerns on the informal level, as designated below.
Every effort will be made to resolve the students’ concerns informally at
Level I.
Step One-Departmental
A. Instructor/Faculty:
Students make an appointment with faculty to discuss their concerns about
the final grade in question. The instructor is the authority in evaluating
the quality of student coursework. The basis for a possible appeal is
inconsistency with grading procedures specified in the course syllabus. In
many cases this meeting with the instructor can be a learning experience
that provides an understanding of the way that the grade was derived.
B. Chair of Department Offering the Course:
If the students’ concerns are not resolved in the meeting with the
instructor, students may proceed to part B of Step One, discussion with
the chair, who will seek a resolution.
Step Two-Administrative
If the students’ concerns are not resolved at the
departmental level, students may make an appointment with the Dean of
Academic and Student Affairs or designee for an informal discussion of the
basis of the appeal.
Level II: Formal - The Written Appeal Process
If the concerns are not met through informal discussion
students who wish to pursue the formal grade appeal process initiate Step
One prior to the end of the second week in October for courses taken the
prior spring semester or the end of the sixth week in the spring semester
for courses taken the prior fall semester.
Step One - Initiating the Formal Appeal Process
A. Students who wish to go beyond the "informal" pro-
cess make a request to the Dean of Academic and Student Affairs or
designee to begin the formal grade appeal process and file the appropriate
forms.
B . In a timely
fashion, the Dean of Academic and Student Affairs attaches all forms to
any other pertinent materials or information and forwards the appeal to
the chair of the All-College Committee in a sealed envelope identified
only by the academic year filed, the grade appeal number, the
administrator transmitting the form, and the date. The Dean of Academic
and Student Affairs or designee notifies the Vice President of Academic
Affairs of the appeal.
C. The Chair of
the All-College Committee (ACC) logs the appeal and forwards the
unopened envelope to the Chair of the Academic Policies Committee (APC).
Step Two - Formation of the Ad Hoc Grade Appeal
Committee and the Appeal Procedure
A . After
consultation with the administrator transmitting the appeal, the Chair
of the Academic Policies Committee (APC) appoints an ad hoc grade appeal
committee consisting of three (3) faculty members/librarians serving on
the APC. No member of the committee may be from the department offering
the course whose grade is being appealed, nor from the department of the
instructor involved.
B. As part of
the process, the Ad Hoc Grade Appeal Committee may consult with the
student, the instructor, and the chair of the instructor’s department.
If the Ad Hoc Grade Appeal Committee determines that a change in grade
may be warranted, the committee will inform the chair and will consult
with the instructor prior to making its recommendation to the Vice
President. (Note: the instructor will provide the course syllabus and
grading procedures. If grading criteria are not stated clearly or are
complicated, the instructor should submit the method for calculating the
final grade.)
C. The Ad Hoc
Grade Appeal Committee must submit a written recommendation (either that
"the Committee supports the grade as originally recorded" or that "the
instructor should review the grade in question") in a sealed envelope
along with the appeal documentation for the Vice President of Academic
Affairs within one month of receipt of the committee charge. The Chair
of the Academic Policies Committee receives the sealed envelope from the
Ad Hoc Grade Appeal Committee, logs it, and forwards it unopened to the
Chair of the All College Committee, who, in turn, forwards it unopened
to the Vice President. For administrative reasons, the Ad Hoc Grade
Appeal Committee’s recommendation must be forwarded to the Vice
President of Academic Affairs at least three weeks prior to the end of
the academic year.
D. The Vice
President will convey the Ad Hoc Grade Appeal Committee’s recommendation
to the instructor and the student. If the committee recommends that "the
instructor should review the grade in question," the Vice President will
ask the instructor to review the grade and to inform the Vice-President
of the outcome. If the review results in an unchanged grade, the Vice
President has the authority to change the grade in such cases where
there has been a mechanical error in calculation or if there is reason
to believe that the grade has been calculated in a manner inconsistent
with the stated grading criteria of the faculty, the department, and the
College. The appeal ends at this point.
ABSENCE BECAUSE OF
RELIGIOUS BELIEFS
"Any student in an educational or vocational training
institution, other than a religious or denominational educational or
vocational training institution, who is unable, because of his religious
beliefs, to attend classes or to participate in any examination, study
or work requirement on a particular day, shall be excused from any such
examination or study or work requirement, and shall be provided with an
opportunity to make up such examination, study or work requirement which
he may have missed because of such absence on any particular day;
provided, however, that such makeup examination or work shall not create
an unreasonable burden upon such school. No fees of any kind shall be
charged by the institution for making available to the said student such
opportunity. No adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to any
student because of his availing himself of the provisions of this
section." (General Laws, Chapter 151C, Section 2B).
COLLEGE POLICY REGARDING
ACADEMIC HONESTY
Integrity is essential to academic life. Consequently,
students who enroll at Framingham State College agree to maintain high
standards of academic honesty and scholarly practice. They shall be
responsible for familiarizing themselves with the published policies and
procedures regarding academic honesty.
Faculty members shall, at their discretion, include in the
course syllabus additional statements relating the definition of academic
honesty to their courses. They shall administer hour tests and exams in
such a manner as to provide the best possible situation for all students.
Faculty shall proctor exams, or, if they feel it is suitable to schedule a
non-proctored exam, shall designate in writing at the beginning of the
examination: 1) where they shall be found during the period and 2) where
the exam papers are to be turned in.
Academic honesty requires but is not limited to the
following practices: appropriately citing all published and unpublished
sources, whether quoted, paraphrased, or otherwise expressed, in all of
the student’s oral and written, technical, and artistic work; observing
the policies regarding the use of technical facilities.
Infractions of the Policy on Academic Honesty include, but
are not limited to:
1. Plagiarism: claiming as one’s own work the
published or unpublished literal or paraphrased work of another. It
should be recognized that plagiarism is not only academically
dishonest but also illegal.
2. Cheating on exams, tests, quizzes, assignments, and
papers, including the giving or acceptance of these materials and
other sources of information without the permission of the
instructor(s).
3. Unauthorized collaboration with other individuals in
the preparation of course assignments.
4. Submitting without authorization the same assignment
for credit in more than one course.
5. Use of dishonest procedures in computer, laboratory,
studio, or field work. Further clarification on academic honesty will be
provided, when appropriate, in individual courses.
6. Misuse of the College’s technical facilities (computer
machinery, laboratories, media equipment, etc.), either maliciously or for
personal gain. Examples include but are not necessarily limited to:
a. Accessing the private files of another person or
agency without express permission.
b. The unauthorized use of technical facilities for
purposes not connected with academic pursuits. When evidence indicates
that a student has improperly used a technical facility, an appropriate
supervisor (faculty or staff member) may take appropriate action
reflecting the seriousness of the infraction, ranging from a verbal
warning to, but not beyond, denial of use of the facility. If coursework
may have been plagiarized, the supervisor will also inform all concerned
faculty members, who may take action as described in the procedures for
handling cases of alleged infractions of academic honesty.
PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING CASES OF ALLEGED INFRACTIONS OF
ACADEMIC HONESTY
In the case of a student’s first or second alleged
infraction of the academic honesty policy, every effort should be made
to resolve the matter directly between the faculty member/supervisor and
student. The faculty member/supervisor will confront the student with
the allegation of dishonesty and take appropriate action. Appropriate
penalties for a first infraction range from re-submission of the work in
question to failing the course. Appropriate penalties for a second
infraction range from failing the work in question to failing the
course. If, however, a faculty member feels that the severity of the
alleged infraction warrants dismissal from the college prior to the
third offense, the faculty member may request a hearing. If, in the
hearing, the student is found guilty of the infraction, the Dean for
Academic and Student Affairs will determine if dismissal is appropriate
or if a lesser penalty should be imposed.
If the student and faculty member cannot agree as to
whether the student is responsible for a violation of the academic honesty
policy, either may request a hearing on the matter. The Dean for Academic
and Student Affairs will convene a hearing body, which shall consist of
the Dean for Academic and Student Affairs and two faculty members, one
from a department other than that of the department of the involved
faculty member/supervisor. If the student is found responsible for the
violation by the hearing body, the involved faculty member will take
appropriate action. The penalty after the hearing will be the same as that
offered to the student prior to the request for hearing except in cases
where dismissal is being considered.
In the case of the third alleged infraction of the
academic honesty policy, the involved faculty member will forward all
evidence and appropriate documentation of the alleged infraction to the
Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, who will convene a hearing as
indicated above. If the student is found responsible for a third violation
of the academic honesty policy, the Dean shall, in consultation with the
involved faculty member, impose a penalty of dismissal from the college.
Students have the right to appeal the decisions of the
hearing body on first and second infractions to the Vice President for
Academic Affairs. Appeals for decisions on third infractions will be made
to the President of the College.
NOTE: Notification of the alleged infraction must be
submitted to the Dean for Academic and Student Affairs within a week of
the infraction. Upon resolution of the infraction, all documentation
regarding the academic honesty policy violation will be maintained by the
Dean.
FIELD TRIP POLICY
Field trips must be approved in writing by the chair of
the department to which the faculty member planning the trip belongs
before any definite arrangements are made.
No special notice is required if the trip is to be
completed during the normal class time. If a trip of longer duration than
the normal class time is to be taken, it is the responsibility of the
faculty member to post notice of any such trip in the FOCUS Newsletter at
least two weeks prior to its occurrence.
Participation on the part of the students will be on a
voluntary basis when a field trip conflicts with regularly scheduled
classes. Before any such field trip, the instructor must advise students
that they will not be penalized for non-participation. If more than half
of the students in another class are absent because of such a field trip,
the instructor in that course may cancel the class.
ELIGIBILITY FOR ATHLETICS
Students participating in intercollegiate athletics must
(a) carry a full academic course load throughout the entire semester
(minimum of three courses) and (b) maintain a minimum QPA: students with
1- 8 courses attempted must earn a cumulative quality point average of
1.70; with 9 or more courses attempted, 2.00. All athletes must pass 24
semester hours during each year of attendance.
In addition, to be eligible for intercollegiate athletics,
all student/athletes must pass 24 semester hours (6 credit -bearing
courses) within one calendar year of enrollment (September 1 to September
1, or January 1 to January 1 if enrolled second semester). All students
must take a minimum of 12 semester hours (3 credit-bearing courses) during
their season(s) of competition to be eligible to compete in athletics.
ELIGIBILITY FOR OFFICES
To hold any class or student organization office,
students must (a) be full- or part-time fee-paying undergraduate
matriculated students enrolled in a minimum of two courses per semester,
and (b) maintain a minimum QPA: students with 1 - 8 courses attempted
must earn a cumulative quality point average of 1.70; students with 9 or
more courses attempted, 2.00.
Eligibility for student participation on the following
major governance committees is subject to the Framingham State College
Professional Association Contract. The Student Government Association
selects all student representatives to serve on governance committees.
• All College Committee - All full-time students of
the College
• Curriculum Committee - All full-time juniors or
seniors during their service in office
• Academic Policies Committee - All full-time
students of the College
• Student Affairs Committee - All full-time
students of the College
ACADEMIC PROBATION
After grades are recorded at the end of each semester,
students who have not achieved the minimum cumulative quality point
average (CQPA) for the number of courses completed are placed on
academic probation for the following semester.* Students must raise
their CQPA to the required level by the end of this probationary
semester or they will be suspended (see Academic Suspension).
As shown below, the minimum CQPA required depends on the
number of credit-bearing courses the student has completed at Framingham
State College with a letter grade other than W, plus the number of
transfer courses accepted for credit, if any. Note that transfer courses
are included in the total number of courses completed, but the CQPA is
calculated only on courses taken at the College. Grades for transfer
courses are neither posted on the student’s transcript nor calculated in
the CQPA.
Number of Courses Completed
(includes transfer credits) |
* Minimum CQPA |
| 1 - 8 |
1.70 |
| 9 or more |
2.00 |
Students on probation are restricted as follows:
1. Ineligible to carry more than the normal academic
load (4 courses).
2. Ineligible to hold or run for office in any club,
society, or organization officially recognized by the College.
3. Ineligible to serve on College governance committees.
4. Ineligible to participate in intercollegiate
athletics.
*The College reserves the right to suspend students
whose CQPA falls below 1.00.
ACADEMIC SUSPENSION/DISMISSAL
Suspension: If, within one (1) semester, a student on
academic probation fails to increase the cumulative quality point average
(CQPA) to the minimum required, the student will be suspended from the
College. Students should be aware that new courses completed during the
probationary semester will add to the total number of courses, possibly
raising the minimum CQPA to a higher level (see Academic Probation).
Courses that are repeated count only once in the number of courses. If a
student is suspended from the College, the period of such suspension is
one academic semester (fall or spring), during which the student may not
enroll in Framingham State College Day Division courses. However,
suspended students may enroll in courses offered through the Framingham
State College Division of Continuing Education in the evenings, summers,
and intersessions as a non-matriculated student.
Dismissal: Students who have been suspended (see
Suspension above) may be readmitted to the College after one semester,
through the Office of Admissions. A formerly suspended student who, upon
readmission, fails to achieve the minimum CQPA within one (1) semester
will be dismissed from the College for a period of three (3) years. During
the period of dismissal, students may not enroll in Framingham State
College Day Division courses, but may enroll in courses offered through
the Framingham State College Division of Continuing Education in the
evenings, summers, and intersessions as a non-matriculated student.
For either suspension or dismissal, students may
petition the Academic Standing Committee for special consideration of
reinstatement to continue for another semester. Students who submit a
written appeal for reinstatement must also include a written plan of
action for improving the level of academic performance. For students not
reinstated, academic suspension or dismissal is noted on the student’s
transcript.
While on suspension or dismissal, a student may improve
his/her CQPA by retaking Framingham State College courses in which
he/she received a grade lower than a "C-" through the Framingham State
College Division of Continuing Education. The last grade for any course
repeated in this manner will be posted on Framingham State College’s Day
Division permanent record and be used in place of the grade lower than
"C-" to recalculate the Day Division CQPA when the student has been
accepted for readmission to the Day Division.
Suspended or dismissed students may also earn credit for
courses taken at other institutions. However, consistent with the
College’s policy on transfer courses, grades from other institutions are
not counted in computing the CQPA, and therefore do not constitute a
grade repeat. Students taking courses off-campus are therefore advised
to enroll only in new courses that have not been previously attempted at
Framingham State College.
READMISSION AFTER ACADEMIC SUSPENSION/DISMISSAL
1. If a student has been suspended from the
College for academic reasons, the student may request readmission after
the lapse of one (1) semester. The student must apply for such
readmission through the Admissions Office. The decision as to whether or
not to readmit the student will be made by the Admissions Committee on
the basis of evidence received from the student which provides
reasonable expectations of successfully completing the degree program
upon the return to the College.
2. A student who is dismissed for academic
deficiencies can only apply for readmission after a three-year period. In
order to graduate from either the day or evening division a student must
be readmitted to the College by the Admissions Committee at least one (1)
semester prior to graduation.
3. Students who have been suspended or dismissed must
follow the degree requirements stated in the College Catalog at the time
of return.
SOCIAL SUSPENSION
Students may also be suspended for social reasons, as
outlined in the RAM Student Handbook.
READMISSION AFTER SOCIAL SUSPENSION
1. If a student has been suspended from the College for
social reasons, the student may request re-admission - unless previously
stated otherwise by the appropriate administrator or board - at the end of
the suspension period. The student must send a letter to both the Dean of
Academic and Student Affairs or designee and the Dean of Admissions
requesting readmission. The student may not
be considered for readmission if the Dean of Academic and Student Affairs
or designee determines the social suspension must remain in force for a
further length of time.
2. A student who is expelled for social reasons may not
apply for readmission.
3. Students who have been suspended for social reasons
must follow the degree requirements stated in the College Catalog at the
time of return.
WITHDRAWAL FROM THE COLLEGE
In the event that a student wishes to withdraw from the
College, these procedures must be followed:
1. A Withdrawal from College form must be obtained from
the Office of the Registrar and signatures obtained on the form from the
following offices:
A. Dean of Academic and Student Affairs (or designee)
B. Student Accounts Office
C. Financial Aid Office
D. Residence Life (if in residence hall)
E. Registrar's Office
2. If withdrawing from the College during the Course
Add/ Drop period, the student must obtain signatures from instructors on
the Drop side of the Course Add/Drop form and submit signed forms along
with the completed Withdrawal from College form.
3. Students officially withdrawing from the College after
the Course Add/Drop period and before the deadline of the Course
Withdrawal period (prior to the end of the ninth week of the semester; see
semester calendar) will receive a notation of "WX" in all courses. After
this time students will receive a final grade in all courses. Students
with extraordinary circumstances (such as documented hospitalization or
sickness) should consult with the Dean of Academic and Student Affairs.
4. All forms must be returned to the Office of the
Registrar. Note: A student is not officially withdrawn from the College
until the appropriate form has been completed and has been validated by
the Office of the Registrar. Non-attendance does not constitute
withdrawal from the College.
5. Students should refer to the College’s policy on
refunds as outlined in the College Expenses section of this catalog.
READMISSION AFTER WITHDRAWAL
A student who withdraws from the College in good
standing without completing baccalaureate studies may return to the
College upon request to the Registrar. Students attending the Day or
Continuing Education Division who do not enroll in the subsequent fall
or spring semester are considered inactive. To insure return at the time
desired, the student must make such a request to the Registrar before
August 1 for the fall semester or before December 1 for the spring
semester. Requests received later than these dates may result in a
semester’s delay in the return of the student to the College. In
determining "good standing", the College will consider academic, social,
and financial records of the applicant student. Students who have
been withdrawn for more than one (1) semester must follow degree
requirements stated in the College Catalog at the time of return. This
applies to matriculated undergraduate students attending the Day or
Continuing Education Division.
GRADUATION
Degree Application
All students who expect to receive their degree from
Framingham State College are required to complete a formal degree
application. The College has four (4) graduation dates. Applications are
available in the Office of the Registrar and must be submitted as
follows:
|
September 1 |
December graduation |
|
October 1 |
January graduation |
|
February 1 |
May graduation |
|
May 1 |
August graduation |
No student’s name may appear on the graduation list unless all financial
debts to the College have been settled. Conferral of a degree occurs only
when the Registrar finalizes the student's academic record and confirms
that all degree requirements have been met.
Commencement Ceremony: Students who are within two (2)
courses of completing undergraduate degree requirements for graduation may
participate in the annual Commencement ceremony held at the end of May.
Undergraduate students must attend a mandatory rehearsal (generally held
on the Thursday before Commencement). Participation in the Commencement
ceremony does not constitute conferral of the degree. Similarly, inclusion
of a student's name on such publications as the Commencement program does
not confirm eligibility for the degree.
HONORS
President’s List
A matriculated undergraduate student carrying a minimum
of four (4) credit-bearing day and/or evening courses earns a place on
the honor roll (published after the end of ev- ery fall and spring
semester) after earning a QPA of 3.25 or higher for each of three (3)
consecutive semesters. The student must maintain this average to remain
on the list.
Dean’s List
A matriculated undergraduate student carrying a minimum
of four (4) credit-bearing day and/or evening courses earns a place on
this honor roll (published after the end of every fall and spring
semester) for each semester in which the student earns a QPA of 3.25 or
higher. A student is eligible for Dean’s List if one of the four courses
has "P/F" status.
Additional Eligibility Limitations
A student obtaining either an "IC" grade or an extension
for an "N" grade is not eligible for the Dean’s/President's List.
Graduation Honors
The baccalaureate degree is conferred with honors upon a
student with a final cumulative point average of:
Cum laude.......................3.25 - 3.59
Magna cum laude............ 3.60 - 3.79
Summa cum laude...........3.80 - 4.00
To be eligible for graduation honors, a student must
have completed all degree requirements and must have completed a minimum
of 16 course credits at Framingham State College.
Class Valedictorian
The valedictorian will be the student who has achieved
the highest cumulative average and has been enrolled as a full-time
student for a least four (4) out of the last five (5) semesters attended
at Framingham State College. To be eligible for valedictorian, a student
must have completed all degree requirements and must have completed a
minimum of 16 courses (or equivalent) at Framingham State College.
PRIVACY RIGHTS OF PARENTS AND STUDENTS
Parents and students are hereby notified that Framingham
State College complies with the provisions of federal laws governing the
privacy and disclosure of student information. The College has adopted a
policy for assuring this privacy. This policy defines types and
locations of educational records, stipulates students’ and parents’
rights, describes procedures for parents and students to review and
inspect educational records, and provides a procedure to file complaints
concerning alleged failures by the institution to comply with the
federal law. Copies of the institutional policy may be secured from the
Dean of Academic and Student Affairs.
NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
It is the policy of Framingham State College not to
discriminate in education or employment on the basis of race, color,
religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status,
marital status, or national origin. The College operates under an
Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Plan, approved by the Board of Higher
Education and the College’s Board of Trustees, that promotes and maintains
a policy of nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action.
This policy incorporates, by reference, the requirements of Federal
Executive Orders 11246 and 11375 as amended; the Civil Rights Act of 1964
as amended; Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972 as
amended; Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Section
402, Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974; the Civil
Rights Restoration Act of 1988; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; and pertinent Laws, Regulations
and Executive Orders; directives of the Board of Higher Education, the
Boards of Trustees of the Massachusetts State Colleges, the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts, and other applicable local, state and federal statutes.
Further, the College encourages people of color, women, and persons with
disabilities to participate in all the rights, privileges, programs, and
activities generally accorded or made available to the College community.
Inquiries or advice concerning discrimination and the
application of these policies, laws and regulations may be referred to the
Disability Services Coordinator, Framingham State College, 100 State
Street, PO Box 9101, College Center, Room 510C, Framingham, Massachusetts
01701-9101, telephone number (508) 626-4627 (V/TTY) or to the Affirmative
Action Officer at (508) 626-4530, Room 310 in Dwight Hall. Further
inquiries may be made to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, U.S.
Department of Education, Washington, D.C.
|
