Student Handbook 2021

offered in their particular year of study. There is no opportunity to add/drop courses in the OD program. However, students can add/ drop courses when registering for electives.

To maintain active status in the graduate program, full time students normally must be registered for at least 12 credits each term. OD/MS or OD/PhD program students normally must be registered for at least one graduate course (including research credit) each term. Students may register for graduate credit during the summer session, however this is not necessary to maintain active status. Failure to maintain active status, without a formal leave of absence, for more than one term consecutively shall result in dismissal from the graduate program. In addition to the Student Registration Form, a Graduate Student Course Registration Form must be approved, in writing, by the student’s advisor and filed with the associate dean for graduate studies and research, the registrar and the Business Office before the beginning of the summer term for the academic year. Graduate courses may be added during the first two weeks of the term; courses may be dropped during the first four weeks of the term. An add/drop form must be completed, signed by your advisor and filed with the associate dean for graduate studies and research, and the registrar. Class scheduling is the responsibility of the Registrar and the Office of Academic Affairs. Schedules will be distributed to chairpersons, clinic chiefs, students and faculty prior to the beginning of the term. Schedules will not be changed without written approval by the Department Chairs and the Dean for Academic Affairs. If it becomes necessary to change a lecture or laboratory schedule (lengthening, shortening, adding, canceling or rescheduling), the proposed changes must be made at least five working days prior to the lecture or laboratory and cleared by the Registrar to avoid conflicts with other courses. It is the responsibility of the IOR to communicate directly with the students regarding any modifications of class schedule, time or location. Permanent changes, after being approved by the Office of Academic Affairs, will be communicated by the Registrar. If it becomes necessary to cover course material because of scheduling conflicts, occasional exchanges of scheduled class times between courses may be done with the permission of the relevant Department Chairs. Care must be taken because there are some classes that do not have the full roster of students in attendance. The SUNY College of Optometry respects the rights of individuals to observe their religious beliefs. Faculty, staff, or students will be excused from classes and UEC clinics for religious observances in accordance with New York State Education Law, Article 5 Section 224-a (see below). Class Scheduling

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