Faculty Handbook

who will evaluate it based on: (1) Whether the course can accommodate the student, and (2) Whether the student's background is suitable for the course. The approval of the appropriate Department Chair and the Dean for Academic Affairs is required after the instructor's approval. If the application is approved, the student must register with the Office of Student Affairs and pay all necessary tuition charges. Requirements for Graduation A student must receive a passing grade for every required course in the curriculum (including clinics) and at least a 2.0 grade-point average to be considered for graduation. A student on academic probation is ineligible to graduate. Availability of Academic Records Students may request copies of their transcripts for themselves or for third parties. Requests must be made in writing and students must provide the contact information. At the request of the President or Dean, term reports and written instructor comments may be made available. Transcripts from the SUNY College of Optometry will be provided to members of the Course and Standing Committee. The committee, by vote, may request a student’s transcripts from previous institutions attended, standardized test scores, and letters of recommendation. The Registrar, or a person designated by the Registrar, shall be responsible for distributing and collecting all documents, and copies thereof, used in the Committee on Course and Standing meetings. All such documents and copies must be returned to the Registrar or designee prior to the end of the meeting. The chair of the Course and Standing Committee at any meeting where student records are reviewed and discussed must inform all present about the necessity to maintain confidentiality of all student records and of the proceedings of the meeting. Student academic records, scores and grades may be used for educational research only as part of de identified group data. Proposals for educational research involving student records must comply with FERPA regulations and will be evaluated by the Dean for Academic Affairs in consultation with the Vice

President for Student Affairs and the President of the Student Council. Proposals for use of student data for educational research must include: • A statement of the objective of the study. • The qualifications of the individual or group conducting the study. • A description of the methodology to be employed. • A signed statement assuring confidentiality of all data. • Assurance that data will only be reported as de-identified group data.

Textbooks and Readings IORs must include a list of all required readings and textbooks in the course syllabus, make it available prior to the beginning of the term, and send the list to the library. Required textbooks will be made available in the library reserves. A list of required texts, and any other materials for the course requiring time to acquire, should be provided to the Department Chairs and a compiled list of all required texts and

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