Student Handbook

If the IOR is unavailable to change a grade, or if a student wishes to appeal a decision by the IOR not to change the final grade, the student must contact the appropriate Department Chair in writing, who will review the case and decide. The student may appeal a grade decision of the Department Chair by applying in writing to the Dean for Academic Affairs who will review the case and make a final decision. All official communications about grade appeals will be sent to students by electronic mail (with delivery confirmation) so that a record of delivery exists, and appropriate faculty members will be similarly notified. Evaluation of Student Academic Performance Evaluation of student academic performance is done through the Office of Academic Affairs, the Registrar, and the Committee on Course and Standing. The Committee on Course and Standing meets with the Dean for Academic Affairs at the conclusion of each semester to review student academic performance. When a student's performance is less than satisfactory as defined by criteria below, the committee may recommend the issuance of a letter of concern, probation, retaking course work or dismissal. In cases where a student is ineligible to advance (see below), the committee may recommend special requirements for retention. When a student is on probation or in a special academic program, the committee will review the student's performance and may recommend removal of probation or dismissal on academic grounds if performance indicates. Students having academic difficulties are considered individually by the Committee and recommendations are made to the Dean for Academic Affairs. The Dean will make final decisions after considering the recommendations of the faculty and the committee and will then communicate decisions to the student and the committee. For students on academic probation with special programs, the Dean for Academic Affairs, with the advice of the Course and Standing Committee, may mandate specific criteria (such as a specified GPA or minimum course grades) for the student to advance following the repeated portion of the academic program. Students for whom action other than advancement has been recommended shall have the opportunity to communicate information directly to the Course and Standing Committee in person or by written statement when the committee is considering such action and before a recommendation is made. See below for more information. Academic Probation The Dean for Academic Affairs, in consultation with the Committee on Course and Standing, may place a student on academic probati on if the student’s current level of achievement is deemed seriously deficient.* Academic probation is mandatory, however, when: Students who are on academic probation will not be permitted to hold class or student leadership positions.

61