Student Handbook

which provides a course of study leading to the granting of a post-secondary degree or diploma. Such term shall not include any institution which is operated, supervised or controlled by a church or by a religious or denominational organization whose educational programs are principally designed for the purpose of training ministers or other religious functionaries or for the purpose of propagating religious doctrines. As used in this section, the term “religious belief” shall mean beliefs associated with any corporation organized and operated exclusively for religious purposes, which is not disqualified for tax exemption under section 501 of the United States Code. Exemption from Course Requirements The requirements for exemption are at the discretion of the IOR. The basis of the determination is typically either (a) evidence of prior satisfactory completion of equivalent coursework or (b) the passing of a prerequisite examination. Upon the granting of an exemption, the instructor should forward a written statement to the Registrar indicating the basis of the exemption. Such students will receive the letter "X" on the transcript in place of a grade for the course. Auditing Courses Permission to audit is on a space-available basis, in compliance with appropriate state statutes, and is at the discretion of the IOR with permission of the Office of Academic Affairs. The auditor shall attend without formal recognition (i.e. transcript credit). Requests to audit are handled by the Office of Student Affairs, which shall communicate with the appropriate Department Chair and IOR of the course being requested for audit. Examinations The SUNY College of Optometry Policy on Examinations is designed to minimize conflicts between examinations and other assessments of students during a given semester. For this policy, an examination is defined as a written assessment that requires a full class session for completion. A quiz is considered to be a single short written or oral assessment used to contribute not more than 10% to a final grade, and that does not require a full class session for completion. A lab practical/assessment is essentially a non - written assessment of laboratory concepts that takes place during the laboratory portion of the course using materials or procedures taught in the laboratory. Written assessments of laboratory concepts, whether they are in the laboratory or classroom, are examinations or quizzes, depending on scope, and will be administered according to the following policy statements: • All procedures for student assessment and the determination of the final grade for each course must be clearly defined in the course syllabus. • The dates and times of all examinations and lab practicals, and whether there is a midterm or final examination, must be clearly stated in the syllabus. Defined dates for quizzes are recommended but not required.

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