Academic Policies and Procedures

The Office of the Registrar

The Office of the Registrar maintains student academic records and administers academic policies. The office provides assistance, information, and support regarding students’ academic standing, courses, schedules, registration, transcripts, grades, academic records and enrollment certification.

Student Academic Information and Records

Student academic information is maintained by the Office of the Registrar, including such records as the student’s application for admission, academic transcript, and other information relative to the student’s academic career at the College. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records.

Directory Information

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, provides that the College may disclose Directory Information, that is, information that is generally not considered harmful to students nor an invasion of their privacy if disclosed, without the consent of students. Under provisions of the Act, this information includes: name, address, enrollment status, date of birth, birthplace, major, activities information, sports participation, height and weight of athletic team members, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and most recent educational institution attended. Students who wish the College to withhold Directory Information must notify the Registrar in writing within 14 calendar days after the start of the semester. Request forms are available at the Office of the Registrar.

Age of Majority

Under Massachusetts law, the age of majority is 18 and carries full adult rights and responsibilities. Accordingly, the College will communicate directly with students in matters concerning their education records, such as grades, academic credits, and academic standing. However, the College understands that there may be cases where one or both parents may wish to obtain information regarding the student. In accordance with The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as amended, Curry College will normally release such information only with the student’s written authorization.

Student Persistence

Information In accordance with federal regulations, information regarding retention and graduation rates of undergraduate students is maintained and is available upon written request to:

Academic Transcripts

Requests for student academic transcripts must be made in writing to the Office of the Registrar or online via the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC). No telephone or email requests will be honored. Except as allowed under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, student academic transcripts will be released only upon the written request of the student.

1. Official transcripts bearing the College seal and the Registrar’s signature are issued directly to the requestor

2. Unofficial transcripts may be requested by students for their personal use.

For each official transcript requested, there is a fee of $5 payable in advance. Additional processing fees apply when ordering transcripts online. Requests for course descriptions may be submitted to the Office of the Registrar. There is a $5 fee for each request. Official transcripts will be issued only when all financial obligations to the College have been satisfied.

Change of Address

Students who change either their permanent home address or their local mailing address are expected to complete a change-of-address form at the Office of the Registrar. Failure to notify the Office of the Registrar of address changes may cause serious delays in the handling of student records and in notifying students in cases of emergency. Students who have moved and who have not completed a change-of-address form are not exempt from the consequences of failing to receive official College notices and communications.

Classification of Students

Matriculation/Degree Candidacy

A degree student is one who has been accepted to become a candidate for the baccalaureate degree.

Full-time/Part-time Status

Full-time degree candidates register for 12-18 credits per semester and are eligible for College housing and participation in varsity sports (provided they are making satisfactory academic progress) and student activities; part-time degree candidates register for fewer than 12 credits per semester and are not normally eligible for College housing or for participation in varsity sports and student activities.

Students who wish to change their status from full-time to part time must notify the Office of the Registrar and are advised to consult the Director of Financial Aid to determine whether the change will affect any financial aid they may be receiving.

Also see section in Academic Policies for Satisfactory Progress to Degree Completion.

Declaring a Major

By the end of their first two years of study, students must:

1. Declare through the Advising & Academic Success office the subject area in which they would like to major

or

2. Propose an Individually Initiated Major

Continuing Education Students

Students who wish to take evening, week-end, hybrid, or online courses through the Division of Continuing & Graduate Studies at the College’s Milton or Plymouth campus, or fully online, should register for their courses and apply for admission through the Division of Continuing & Graduate Studies. A Continuing Education student may register for up to 15 credits a semester with no more than nine credits taken simultaneously. Continuing Education students who register for courses held prior to 4:00 pm in the fall and spring semesters will be charged the tuition equivalent to the standard full-time Traditional Student per credit rate.

Class Standing

Class standing is determined as follows:

Grades and Grade Point Average (GPA)

Grade points for a course are determined by multiplying the number of credits by the number of points for the course letter grade. To determine the grade point average (GPA) for an individual semester, divide the total grade points earned by the number of graded credits carried. To determine the cumulative grade point average, divide the total number of grade points earned by the total number of graded credits carried. In addition to other requirements for graduation, a student must maintain a 2.00 cumulative grade point average.

Grading Scale

(Note: Only letter grades appear on the transcript).

Midterm Assessments

Students enrolled in traditional 15-week courses are evaluated by instructors on their progress in each course at a midpoint in the semester. Midterm grades are an indicator of progress for the student’s benefit. They do not appear on the student’s transcript and are not considered when calculating the GPA. Midterm grades are recorded as follows:

Students should consult with their instructors, advisors, and the Academic Success Coordinators for assistance in improving their course standing if their midterm assessments indicate a need.

Grade Reports (midterm and final)

Semester grades and midterm assessments are available online to students. Students are notified when grades are available for viewing. While matters concerning grades are communicated directly to the student, the College recognizes that there may be cases where designated family members may wish to view grades. In accordance with The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as amended, Curry College will normally provide a copy only with the student’s written authorization. If they choose, students may provide consent to allow designated individuals to access their grades online via creation of accounts for these individuals through the Family Portal. If requested, we may release information without a signed release from the student to a parent of a student who is a dependent as defined by the I.R.S. A copy of the income tax return is required if not already on file at the College.

Incomplete Course Status

The incomplete is an administrative designation that means a course instructor has agreed to a specified extension of time -with a due date no longer than the last class day of the following semester-based on the traditional Fall and Spring academic calendar -within which a student may complete a course.

A student may request that the course instructor grant an incomplete because of a serious extenuating circumstance only, such as a medical emergency or family crisis. A student must be passing the course at the time of request in order to qualify for an incomplete. The choice to grant an incomplete is the prerogative of the instructor.

In order to initiate a request for an incomplete, a student must request the incomplete from the instructor no later than the day of the scheduled final exam.

When the instructor grants an incomplete, the instructor will specify on the confirmation form precisely what must be achieved to complete the course; will specify a deadline for resolving the incomplete, which may be shorter than the last class day of the following semester based on the traditional Fall and Spring academic calendar; will provide a copy to the student; and will submit a copy to the Office of the Registrar.

The incomplete must be resolved by the last class day of the following semester, based on the traditional Fall and Spring academic calendar, or by the earlier date specified by the professor. The incomplete is resolved to a letter grade when the course instructor submits an incomplete resolution form to the Registrar, at which time the grade will be included in the student’s overall grade point average.

An unresolved incomplete will be recorded as an F.

If an incomplete is unresolved at the time of a student’s degree conferral, this unresolved incomplete will be recorded as an F.

For graduate courses, an unresolved incomplete will remain on record as an “IN.”

Repeating a Course

A student may repeat a course once when the initial grade is C– or lower. The second grade is recorded on the student’s transcript along with the first. However, only the higher grade is included in calculating the overall grade point average, and only the credits associated with the higher grade are included in credits earned toward graduation. One repeated course is permitted per semester.

Grade/Pass/Fail Option

A student may choose to take up to a maximum of four courses on a Grade/Pass/Fail (GPF) option during their academic career. Only one GPF course can be taken during a semester. Under this option, a student may specify a minimum course grade of “D-” or higher* by contract with the course instructor.

• If the final grade is at or above the contracted grade, the professor will report that grade. The grade will be included in the overall grade point average.

• If the final grade is a passing grade but is lower than the contracted minimum grade, the professor will award a “P”. The “P” grade will not be included in the overall grade point average

. • If a student fails to achieve course goals, the professor will assign an “F”. The “F” will be included in the overall grade point average and credit will not be granted for the course.

The GPF is not an option in courses in the student’s major, except field experience courses that may be part of the major. Only one “P” grade may be used in a minor.

Please note: When exploring the GPF option, students must confirm any minimum course grade requirements with individual departments and programs. The GPF is not an option in credit-bearing graduate courses.

UNDERGRADUATE Degree Requirements

The College reserves the right to revise requirements and course offerings.

TRANSFER STUDENT Requirements

Students who transfer into the College must meet General Education requirements that are affected by the number and type of transfer credits awarded, as determined by the Registrar. Any General Education requirement may be satisfied by an appropriate transfer course.

INDIVIDUAL VARIATIONS

Using major courses in a minor

Students may double count one course from their core major requirements in a minor. Courses designated as prerequisites or related requirements for a major may be double counted in a minor and are not considered as the one allotted major course.

Double Majors

The limits on using major courses to satisfy General Education requirements outlined in the above section do not apply to students who are double majoring. Such students may double count major courses in Breadth and may use major courses from both majors to satisfy the Global and Diversity requirements.

Credit by Examination

1. ACT/PEP, CLEP, and DANTES: Accepted candidates may advance their standing by attaining acceptable scores in the examinations of the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), the American College Testing Program (ACT/PEP) or the DANTES Subject Standardized Testing (DSST) Program. Students can earn as many as 60 hours of credit, or the equivalent of two years of work. Criminal justice majors may take DANTES or CLEP examinations for transfer credit but can receive no more that 10% of their credits in this manner (maximum of 12 credits/120 credits or 6 credits/60 credits). Additional information may be obtained in the Office of the Registrar.

2. Proficiency Evaluations: Proficiency evaluations for certification of credit are available in many courses at Curry. Students who demonstrate satisfactory achievement as determined by individual academic departments, will receive un-graded credit for the course(s). The evaluations measure end-of-course competency in particular Curry course offerings and afford an additional option for shortening the time required to earn a degree. Students should seek directions, fee scale, and the application form for proficiency evaluations from the Office of the Registrar. Some restrictions and conditions for proficiency evaluations apply.

General guidelines (consult appropriate office for special circumstances):

• Course proficiency evaluation methods and evaluation criteria must be approved by the appropriate academic department, and all individual requests for proficiency evaluation must be approved by the department chairperson.

• Students should complete evaluations by the last day of classes.

• If a student fails a course, credit for that course will not be awarded to that student through a proficiency evaluation.

• Students may take a particular proficiency evaluation only one time.

• Individual Departments may have additional criteria.

Equivalent Credit and Life Experience Credit

The Committee on Equivalent Education evaluates proposals from students who wish to receive academic credit for learning that is equivalent to college-level work but is not a part of the curriculum.

Any student who is a degree candidate or who has earned at least 15 credits at the College may apply for credit to the Committee on Equivalent Education. A student may achieve 1-9 credits in this manner. Students may apply for this credit more than once, for different experiences at different times, for example, but cannot exceed the maximum of 9 credits. Any credit award greater than 3 credits must be approved by the Curry College faculty. A student may submit an Equivalent Education proposal for credit in one of two ways. Both methods require the prior submission and Committee approval of an application form. Application approval is not a guarantee of credit.

1. Work to be undertaken: A student may submit a proposal for work to be undertaken. The implementation of the proposal usually involves supervision by at least one faculty member.

2. Life Experience Credit: A student may apply for credit to be awarded for projects, unconventional courses, and for other educational experiences which have already taken place, as well as for non-transferable courses. Students interested in this program should obtain Guidelines for Proposals for Equivalent Education Credit. This gives procedures and indicates the criteria by which the Committee evaluates proposals. A student should examine the proposal in relation to the Guidelines, the College’s curriculum, and its general philosophy of education. If the proposal appears appropriate for the awarding of credit by the College, it should be submitted to the Committee on Equivalent Education.

The applicant must demonstrate to the Committee the liberal arts educational value of the experience(s). Upon such satisfactory demonstration, the Committee will recommend to the faculty the allocation of credit. The Committee focuses its evaluation on a formal, written expository document in which the student articulates and evaluates the learning which has taken place. The quality of this document in large part determines the credit worthiness of the proposal, as contrasted with the quality of the life experience itself.

Credits only will be awarded; no grades will be assigned. Credits awarded will apply toward a student’s degree solely as general elective credits.

Equivalent Education and Life Experience credit proposals must be submitted no later than October 15 of the fall semester and February 15 of the spring semester in order to be considered for credit for that semester.

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) for Criminal Justice Majors

Any Criminal Justice major wishing to apply for Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) credits toward the major must apply for these credits through the Sociology and Criminal Justice Department. 

 Prior learning: Police Academy

Students may apply to the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice to have police academy assessed as prior learning for academic credit. 

1.      If the student has completed a full-time MPTC Police Academy in Massachusetts after a designated date, 6-credits of PLA will be awarded upon receipt of the certification of the successful completion of this academy.  Since the MPTC implemented standardized training, and shared the outcomes of this training, the student only needs to provide the certificate as evidence of the successful completion of this training, if they completed the academy at any time following this date.  Credits will be awarded as CJ 1999 (general elective; cannot meet a major requirement). 

2.      If a student completed a non-MPTC police academy, an out-of-state police academy or an MPTC police academy prior to the implementation of the standardized curriculum, to be considered for such credit, the student must independently develop a portfolio and submit the portfolio for faculty evaluation by the Sociology and Criminal Justice Department.  The student must provide documentation of the activity and the time spent on the activity.  This could be demonstrated with training certificates, or other military transcripts and documents.  In addition, and more importantly, students will need to demonstrate the ways in which the activity/training led to theoretical and practical knowledge.  Students must provide a written statement about their expectations of the training and reflect on the theoretical and practical knowledge gained from the training.  If and when possible, students should identify specific learning objectives or outcomes of the training and how these were achieved, and how they apply to relevant content in the discipline of criminal justice.  If the faculty in the department approves the prior learning credit, this credit will be awarded as CJ 1999 (general elective; cannot meet a major requirement). 

 Related prior learning: Non-Police Academy

There are rare instances when other types of prior learning may be equivalent to academic coursework in Criminal Justice.  If a student has prior learning not related to the Police Academy, such as ROTC or military training, students must provide not only the abovementioned items in a portfolio, but any output or work products from the training that indicate their achievement of the objectives.  The student must provide a detailed written statement addressing the learning outcomes of the course, how they were achieved and a reflective statement about course outcomes.  A student should only apply for course equivalent prior learning if they are able to identify and articulate the achievement of learning outcomes and demonstrate that these are equivalent to those a student would achieve in a specific college course, even if such a course/course title does not currently exist at Curry.  If the faculty in the department approves the prior learning credit, this credit may appear as Criminal Justice elective credit or general elective credit depending on the outcomes achieved and may not be applied as equivalent to core CJ coursework. 

 Prior learning not related to the Criminal Justice major

Prior to the adjustment in guidance, CJ students were precluded from applying for any “Life Experience Credits” through Curry’s Equivalent Education Committee.  Students are now allowed to apply for such credit when not applicable to the Criminal Justice major specifically and only when credit is applicable to General Electives or applied outside of the major (as indicated by a non-CJ designation).   A student who has prior learning in a field outside of criminal justice who wishes to explore their ability to count that prior learning must use the Equivalent Education Committee process. 

Major point and important policies

• Prior learning credit will continue to be assessed using CLEP and DANTES exams. 

• All prior learning will be transcribed as credit earned outside of Curry and will not count toward residency requirements of the college or the major.

• Criminal Justice majors may apply for multiple types of prior learning, police academy, military, exam or other learning.  However, regardless of the combination of activities, skills, and learning, the maximum number of Prior Learning credits awarded toward a Criminal Justice major shall not exceed nine credits.  No student may be awarded more than nine credits total toward the CJ major.

• A student may apply for prior learning credit as long as they are an active student and until such time as this policy is changed by the state or College. 

• A student should expect the assessment review process by the department to take a minimum of six weeks.  The assessment process will only occur during the traditional academic year. No prior learning assessment will occur during summer and winter terms.   

• If multiple students require review, priority ranking will be invoked and students who have the most earned credits will be reviewed first. 

• Criminal Justice majors must apply through the Sociology and Criminal Justice department for prior learning credit, if the credit is related to Criminal Justice.  The Criminal Justice Department will refer students to the Equivalent Education Committee if the learning/activity is determined to be outside the major.   

• The first step in applying for PLA credit is to discuss the possibility with the student’s advisor.  If the student and advisor (or CJ faculty assisting student) determine an application for PLA is warranted, the student should fill out the CJ PLA intent form.

• The PLA intent form with all necessary documentation must be submitted to the Chair two weeks prior to any regularly scheduled department meeting.  If the Chair determines there is ample evidence that the PLA may result in credit, the PLA request will be placed on the agenda of the scheduled Department meeting.  If the PLA request does not contain substantial evidence, the request will be returned to the student.  If it is determined that the student can/could revise and resubmit the application, the student will need to do so for discussion at a subsequent department meeting and must adhere to the two-week deadline prior to the next regularly scheduled department meeting. 

Graduating with Honors

The degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science with Honors are awarded as follows. To be eligible for Honors, a student must have earned at least 60 credits at Curry College; 30 of these must be graded credits. Transfer credits do not count as Curry credits unless they were earned as part of a designated study abroad partnership with Curry College. Outside exams (DANTES, CLEP, etc.) do not count as Curry credit, but proficiency exams and equivalent education credits do. Graduation honors will not be awarded or announced until all degree requirements are complete. Honors will be noted on the diploma and transcript following degree completion.

Alexander Graham Bell Honor Society

The object of this society, named for the famous inventor who was an early chancellor of the College, is the promotion and recognition of academic excellence at Curry. Membership is awarded to those graduating students who attained Dean’s List during each of their semesters enrolled at Curry College and who have completed at least 30 graded credits at Curry.

Participation in Commencement

Curry College awards degrees three times during the academic year in August, December, and May. The Commencement ceremony is held in May only.

All students, undergraduate and graduate, who complete their degrees during a current academic year and who are otherwise in good standing with the College are eligible to participate in the May Commencement ceremony.

Undergraduate students who have not completed all of their degree requirements may participate in the May Commencement ceremony if they meet all of the following guidelines at the time of the ceremony:

1. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00

2. Good financial and conduct standing with the College

3. Are within four (4) credits of degree completion. Degree completion in this case means that the student must be within 4 credits of meeting all requirements for the degree, not just the total of 120 credits.

   Graduate students must have completed all degree requirements to be eligible to participate in the Commencement ceremony.

   A student may only participate in one Commencement ceremony, unless graduating with a higher level degree.

Registration and Course Selection Procedures

Registration is a process whereby students are assisted in planning and implementing their educational program in a thoughtful, intelligent, and reflective manner. This process includes the following:

Course Selection

Students admitted to Curry College will receive from their advisors, the Office of Advising and Academic Success, and/or the Office of the Registrar information regarding times and procedures for course selection and will make these selections with their advisors during the time officially designated.

The normal number of credits per semester is 15-18. To carry more than 18 credits, a student must obtain approval of the Registrar. In addition, a Credit Overload Request form must be completed and submitted to the Office of the Registrar.

Any credits over 18 which remain on the student’s course schedule after the last day designated for course changes without fee will be billed to the student’s account, unless the additional credits are no more than 1.5 and are the result of a learning skills (PAL) course, or the student is enrolled in a 5th year graduate program. The additional tuition charge for each course credit in excess of 18 in any one semester is $1,456/credit.

Registration/Check-In

Each student must finalize their commitment to their selected courses during the time designated for final registration/check-in. Requests for permission to check in late may be made by contacting the Office of the Registrar.

Schedule Changes (Add/Drop)

During the add/drop period (first 14 calendar days after Check-In), students may add or drop courses from their schedules without penalty or fee. The first week of Add/Drop takes place online. The approval of the instructor and advisor for an add and the advisor for a drop are required during the second week. Completed Add/Drop forms must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar.

Course Withdrawals

Students may withdraw from individual courses up to the designated withdrawal deadline, which is typically the 12th week of the full semester, or the 6th week of an 8-week term. The following conditions pertain:

1. The student must obtain approval from the advisor and instructor.

2. A course withdrawal fee of $10 will be assessed to the student’s account.

3. A grade of “W” will be recorded for each course.

4. Financial obligations (course tuition, lab fee, etc.) will not be waived for any course dropped after the designated Add/Drop period (see Add/Drop above).

5. Not attending a course does not constitute an official course withdrawal. Unauthorized withdrawal may result in a failing grade for the student.

Summer or Concurrent Registration at another Institution

When appropriate for the student’s academic program, the student may be allowed summer or concurrent registration at another institution. Students who are degree candidates may transfer credits to Curry College from other accredited colleges or universities under the following conditions. Please note that grades do not transfer and transfer credits do not apply toward the student’s Curry GPA, but do apply toward total attempted credits.

1. Courses are appropriate: one consideration is that they enhance the student’s educational options, e.g., courses are not taught at Curry.

2. Prior approval is required. Approvals are usually obtained from the advisor, area Chairperson/Coordinator, and Registrar during the semester preceding the proposed registration at another institution.

3. A grade of “C–” or better is earned. Certain programs, such as Nursing and Education, may require a higher minimum grade in order for credits to transfer. It is not advisable to elect to take such courses on a “Pass/Fail” basis. In these situations it may be necessary for the instructor to submit an indication of the quality of the work done or for there to be an official indication from the college or university involved that a “P” is awarded for work completed at a grade level equivalent to “C–” or better.

Placement Testing

For placement purposes, entering first-year students will be assessed in math to ensure that they are registering for the appropriate level of math course.

The Mathematics Assessment is administered online prior to summer Orientation, and periodically throughout the academic year. The Assessment evaluates basic arithmetic, algebra and geometry skills needed to succeed in college mathematics. Students who successfully complete the Assessment may take a college-level mathematics course. Students who are identified as needing basic skills development are placed into MATH 1000: Problem Solving Strategies in Mathematics. A passing grade in this course is required before students take a college-level mathematics course. Students may complete the Assessment a second time during their first year, and they may request a broader based assessment which takes other factors into account.

Academic Standing

A. Dean’s List

Dean's List is calculated at the close of the fall and spring semesters. It is not calculated during summer or winter intersession terms.

To qualify for Dean’s List:

1. Full-Time Students must:

a) be matriculated and carrying 12 or more graded credits for the semester – When the semester coursework includes credits required in a major that are offered only on a Pass/ Fail basis and thus results in fewer than 12 graded credits, a student will continue to qualify for the Dean’s List when all other criteria are met.

b) earn at least a 3.30 grade point average for the semester;

c) have no Incompletes and earn no grade lower than a “C” for the semester.

2. Part-Time Students must:

a) be matriculated, carrying 6-11.5 graded credits for the semester;

b) must have earned a cumulative total of 15 graded credits at the College in consecutive semesters as a part-time student;

c) earn at least a 3.30 grade point average for the semester; d) have no Incompletes and earn no grade lower than a “C” for the semester.

If Incompletes are made up prior to the date on which final grades for the succeeding semester are due, students who then qualify for the Dean’s List will have the notation entered into their permanent record.

B. Satisfactory Progress to Degree Completion

Students who have been accepted to the College and register as full-time students are expected to complete their degree requirements within six (6) years or up to 180 attempted credits to earn the 120 credits required for degree completion. To complete the degree in four years, students should successfully complete an average of 30 credits per year.

C. Undergraduate Academic Standing Policy

Notification of academic standing is provided by the Office of the Registrar. For those students who seek financial aid, please note that there is a separate Satisfactory Academic Progress policy, which addresses eligibility for financial aid as it relates to academic performance. Please see the Financial Aid section of this publication for more specific information. The goal of the academic standing policy is to support the successful academic achievement of students. Curry College is committed to academic excellence, and expects its students to maintain good academic standing. The College also recognizes that some students may sometimes face difficulties in progressing toward their degree; accordingly, Curry College is committed to providing programs and systems to promote students’ success. Students who may find themselves in academic difficulty are urged to consult with the Academic Success Coordinator and their academic advisor, and to take advantage of the academic supports that are available.

Good Academic Standing

An undergraduate, degree-seeking student, whether full-time or enrolled part-time through the Division of Continuing and Graduate Studies, is in good academic standing when they meets two standards as measured by cumulative grade point average (GPA) and cumulative attempted credits.

Academic Standing Measured by Grade Point Average

A student is in good academic standing when their academic record meets the standards below according to attempted credits and cumulative GPA:

Attempted credits are those credits for which a student is registered at the end of the College’s official add/drop period. Thus, attempted credits include all graded courses and transfer courses, courses from which a student has withdrawn after the drop/add period (W), and courses that are incomplete (IN).

The cumulative GPA is based on graded credits only. Transfer courses, Withdrawals, and Incompletes are not included in the cumulative GPA.

Academic standing as measured by cumulative GPA for all degree-seeking undergraduate students, including those enrolled through the Division of Continuing Education, will be evaluated at the end of each Fall and Spring semester.

Academic Standing Measured by Cumulative Credits

In addition to the GPA standards, good academic standing also depends on a satisfactory rate of progress toward the degree as measured by cumulative attempted credits. A student is making satisfactory progress when at least 67% of attempted credits have been completed with a passing grade.

Satisfactory progress as measured by cumulative credits for all undergraduate students, including those enrolled through the Division of Continuing Education, will be evaluated at the end of each Spring semester.

Academic Warning

A student is placed on Academic Warning if:

• the semester GPA is below 2.00

or

• less than 75% but more than 67% of attempted credits have been completed.

A student on Academic Warning may be required to subscribe to an individualized achievement plan.

Academic Probation

A student is placed on Academic Probation if:

• the cumulative grade point average is below the standard for good academic standing

or

• less than 67% of attempted credits have been completed.

A student on probation is expected to meet the standards for good academic standing by the end of the probation semester, and may be required to participate in academic support programs. A student who does not return to good academic standing at the end of the probation semester is subject to dismissal from the College.

Participation in Varsity Athletics

A student placed on Academic Probation is not permitted to participate in varsity athletics during the probation semester. Of note, students in 5th year graduate programs who are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate level coursework during the same semester will be evaluated for academic standing status, including academic probation, based on both undergraduate and graduate level criteria as appropriate below.

D. Graduate Academic Standing Policy

The goal of the graduate academic standing policy is to support the successful academic achievement of students. Curry College is committed to academic excellence, and expects its graduate students to maintain good academic standing.

Good Academic Standing

A graduate degree-seeking student, whether full time or part time, is in good academic standing when they meet standards as measured by cumulative grade point average (GPA), minimum grade achieved in each course, and cumulative attempted credits. Academic Standing for all graduate students will be measured at the end of each Fall and Spring semester.

Minimum Grade in Each Course

The minimum passing grade in each graduate course is a B-. A grade of C+ or lower in any course is cause for academic review.

Minimum Grade Point Average

Students enrolled in any Master’s program at Curry College must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 to remain in good academic standing. Academic review will take place if the GPA falls below a 3.0.

Cumulative Credits

In addition to the GPA standards and the minimum grade in each course, good academic standing also depends on a satisfactory rate of progress toward the degree as measured by cumulative attempted credits. A student is making satisfactory progress when at least 67% of attempted credits have been completed with a passing grade, as defined above.

Attempted credits are those credits for which a student is registered at the end of the College’s official add/drop period. Thus, attempted credits include all graded courses and transfer courses, courses from which a student has withdrawn after the drop/add period (W), and courses that are incomplete (IN).

The cumulative GPA is based on graded credits only. Transfer courses, Withdrawals, and Incompletes are not included in the cumulative GPA.

Academic Review

Academic review may result in the student being asked to repeat course work, being placed on academic probation, or in some cases, being dismissed from the program. Students are expected to comply with the terms of continued enrollment outlined as a result of an academic review. Failure to comply may result in dismissal from the College.

Academic Eligibility for Financial Aid

Unsatisfactory academic performance may result in the loss of financial aid eligibility. Students should consult the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (See the Financial Information section.) and the Financial Aid Department personnel to determine their academic eligibility for financial aid.

Summer and Intersession Courses

A student may apply summer and intersession courses to achieve or re-establish good academic standing.

E. Academic Dismissal

A student is subject to dismissal from the College if their academic record does not meet the standards for good academic standing during the semester of probation. A dismissed student is expected to be ineligible for re-admission for at least one year.

Appeals

A student may appeal a decision that results from academic standing policies by submitting an online appeal form. Assistance with any part of the appeal process, including advice on stating the bases for the appeal, is available by consulting with the Registrar’s staff, the Academic Success Coordinator, or an academic advisor.

F. Academic Reinstatement

A student who is dismissed for academic reasons may apply for readmission to the College after one year has elapsed following dismissal. (For readmission procedures contact the Office of the Registrar.) During the first semester after academic dismissal, a readmitted student may be placed on academic probation and must earn a 2.0 semester average for continuance at the College, or meet whatever other specific requirements are indicated in the letter of readmission. (For particulars regarding financial aid, consult the Office of Student Financial Services.)

G. Academic Petitions

Appeals of academic policies except appeals of grades and alleged academic dishonesty are made by petitioning the Academic Petition Committee. Petition forms are available in the Office of the Registrar.

H. Alleged Academic Dishonesty Appeals

Appeals process/guidelines can be found under the Academic Integrity section.

I. Grade Appeals

A student has the right to dispute a final grade or an allegation of academic dishonesty by means of the following appeals process:

Conditions of the Appeals Process

• Only final grades qualify for the appeals process. Responsibility for all other evaluations of academic achievement lies with the course instructor as stipulated in the course syllabus and in accord with College policies.

• The appeals process is initiated by consulting the Academic Success Coordinator, who is responsible for its administration, within thirty (30) calendar days of the beginning of the semester following the one in which the student was awarded the disputed grade.

• At all points in the process, both parties will be notified of all meetings and will have the opportunity to submit a written response. Both the student and the instructor involved will be notified of and have the right to attend all relevant meetings (both may be asked to absent themselves for the final discussion and vote).

• Both the faculty member and the student has the right to choose a faculty member to be present and participating at all points in the process.

• The Grade Appeal Form, available from the Academic Success Coordinator, must be used to initiate the Appeals Process. At the conclusion of the appeals process, the original completed form must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar along with documentation of the final outcome, all of which will become part of the student’s permanent academic file.

Steps in the Grade Appeals Process:

1. The appeals process must begin by the student and course instructor meeting to discuss the subject of the appeal within thirty (30) days of the start of the subsequent semester, with the assumption that the documentation of the argument lies with the student. If the instructor is no longer employed by the College, the student, with the assistance of the Academic Success Coordinator, may initiate the process with Step 3, below.

2. The instructor must respond in writing to the student with in two (2) weeks of this meeting, either with a decision that may include conditions agreed upon in the meeting for resolution of the problem, or by submitting a Grade Change Form to the Office of the Registrar.

3. If the issue continues to require resolution, the student, with the assistance of the Academic Success Coordinator or Advisor for CE students, may submit the Grade Appeal Form (available from the Academic Success Coordinator, or Advisor for CE students) with all necessary documentation to the chair(s) of the Academic Division(s)/Department(s) offering the course with in two (2) weeks with a request that the issue be placed on the agenda at the next scheduled Division/Department Meeting.

4. The Chair(s) must report the decision of the Division(s)/ Department(s) in writing to the student within one week of the meeting with copies to faculty involved.

5. If the matter remains unresolved, the student may forward the Grade Appeal Form with all associated documentation to the Undergraduate Academic Policy Committee (UAPC) within two (2) weeks following receipt of the decision of the Division/ Department, with a request that the issue be placed on the agenda of the next scheduled meeting of the Committee. Any member of the UAPC who participated previously in the appeal shall be disqualified at this step in the process.

6. The Chair of the UAPC will send to all participants a written notification of the committee’s decision. The decision by the UAPC is the final step in the appeals process.

Attendance

The essence of collegiate learning involves dialogue between faculty and students; therefore, a student’s attendance at and participation in every class meeting are expected. In addition, attendance policies specific for each course will be articulated in the course syllabus. Students are responsible for course content even when absences occur.

Curry College is committed to fostering an inclusive community of diverse learners and educators in a rich blend of liberal arts and career-directed programs, enhanced by practical field experiences and co-curricular activities that extend beyond the classroom. Therefore, it is the College’s policy to recognize and appreciate students’ involvement in official activities beyond the classroom, and that faculty should work with students to accommodate such commitments, without penalty and without sacrificing academic rigor. This policy provides guidelines to address student absences for officially sanctioned events, including but not limited to athletic events, competitions, academic-related conferences, leadership opportunities, and performances. This policy is only applicable where students are representing the college in an official capacity and does not include activities incidental, such as team practices, rehearsals, planning meetings, or class trips, etc.

When a student anticipates missing classes for an officially sanctioned event, it is the student’s responsibility to:

1. work with their academic advisor during course selection to develop a schedule that minimize absences

2. provide each instructor, during the first week of class, a written list, of anticipated schedule conflicts. When a schedule conflict is not known during the first week of class, it is the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor, in writing, as soon as the conflict is known.

3. discuss with the instructor an appropriate and satisfactory solution that meets course requirements.

4. The student and instructor should come to an agreement prior to the semester add/drop deadline. It is recommended this agreement be put in writing so all parties have a shared understanding of what was agreed upon.

There may be cases where a satisfactory solution is not feasible. In making a determination as to whether a student may miss class to represent the College in an official capacity, the faculty may take into account the student’s academic performance in the course, the material that will be covered and the ability to make up this material, and the number of absences incurred or requested by the student. This determination by the faculty is final and cannot be appealed.

Academic Integrity

Curry College is dedicated to providing an educational environment that encourages all students to learn, create and share knowledge responsibly and respectfully. Society entrusts our students to pursue knowledge honestly and to report their discoveries truthfully. Any deliberate falsehood or misrepresentation of academic pursuits undermines the stature and mission of the College.

By formulating a code of academic integrity, the College affirms the primacy of personal responsibility and accountability in students’ pursuit, acquisition and creation of knowledge.

I. Academic Integrity

Because academic integrity is a cornerstone of the College’s commitment to lifelong learning, all students – traditional undergraduates, Continuing Education, and Graduate – are required to uphold scholarly and professional standards of practice in research, writing, assessment, and ethics. In the academic community, the high value placed on truth implies a corresponding intolerance of scholastic dishonesty. Written or other work students submit must be the product of their own intellectual and/or creative efforts and must be consistent with appropriate professional standards and ethics. Academic dishonesty, which includes cheating, plagiarism and other forms of dishonest or unethical academic behavior, is strictly prohibited.

A breakdown of behaviors that constitute academic dishonesty is presented below. The definitions are meant to provide additional information and examples of these behaviors; they are not intended to be all-inclusive. Questions regarding this policy or requests for additional clarification can be directed to the Undergraduate Academic Policy Committee or the Graduate Curriculum and Policy Committee, as appropriate.

1. Academic dishonesty includes:

a) Cheating – is using or attempting to use any materials, information, notes, study aids or other forms of assistance— human, digital or otherwise—during in-class or take-home quizzes, examinations or assignments of any kind without the prior consent of the course’s instructor.

b) Plagiarism – is intentionally or carelessly presenting the work, ideas, representations and/or words of another person as one’s own, without proper attribution and citations in accordance with academic and discipline-specific standards. This would also include purchasing or using another person’s work.

c) Fabrication – is the use of invented, counterfeited, altered or forged information in assignments of any type, without the prior consent of the instructor.

d) Multiple Submission – is the submission of the same or substantially the same work for credit in two or more courses, without the prior written approval by the instructor of the current course. Multiple submissions shall include the use of any prior academic effort previously submitted for academic credit at this or a different institution.

e) Complicity – is assisting or attempting to assist another person in any act of academic dishonesty.

f) Misconduct in Research and Creative Endeavors – is any deviation from the accepted professional and ethical practices within a discipline, or from the policies of the College, in carrying out, reporting, publishing or exhibiting the results of research. It includes the fabrication or falsification of data, plagiarism, and scientific or creative misrepresentation.

g) Misuse of Intellectual Property – is the illegal use of copy-right materials, trademarks, trade secrets or intellectual properties. Students are afforded a great deal of discretion under the legal principle of fair use, to employ copyrighted materials for academic purposes, but should consult with their instructor prior to using such materials for coursework of any kind.

II. Process for handling alleged violation of this policy

1. Conference with the Student :

A conference between the student and the instructor is the first step in addressing alleged violations of the policy on Academic Integrity. The instructor has the right to decide whether additional steps in this process should be pursued.

a) If an instructor has reason to believe that a student has committed a violation of the Academic Integrity Policy, the instructor will contact the student within 10 business days to notify the student of the suspected violation and to arrange a time to discuss the matter with the student. The meeting shall take place as soon as possible after the discovery of the alleged violation.

b) The instructor will inform the student of the details of the alleged violation. The instructor will present evidence of the alleged violation of the Academic Integrity Policy. The student will be provided the opportunity to respond to the allegation and may explain any suspected or alleged misconduct by presenting evidence, giving additional information relevant to the matter, explaining extenuating or mitigating circumstance, or acknowledging a violation.

c) If the student declines to discuss the matter or attend a meeting with the instructor, or is unavailable for more than ten (10) business days, the instructor will make a determination as to whether a violation of this Policy has occurred and what the appropriate sanction will be.

2. Reporting of Violation:

a) Once an instructor determines that an undergraduate student has violated the Academic Integrity Policy, the instructor will report the violation through the Academic Alert System, which sends a sends notification to the student, and the Academic Success Coordinator in the Academic Dean’s office. In the case of a graduate student, the instructor will report the violation to the Graduate Program Director, who may send a notification to the Assistant VP for CE/Graduate Studies.

b) The Academic Dean’s office will maintain these files in the event of any future violations of the Academic Integrity Policy, so that further actions can be taken.

3. The instructor may impose one or more of the following:

a) Revision of Work. A requirement that the student revise or replace the work in which the violation of the Academic Integrity Policy occurred. The instructor may assign a deferred grade pending the replacement or revision of the work.

b) Reduction in Grade. The grade on the assignment or in the course may be lowered.

c) Failure of Course

III. Appeal of an Alleged Violation

A student sanctioned for violation of the Academic Integrity Policy may appeal the instructor’s decision that a violation of the Policy has occurred, and/or the sanction. The appeal must be submitted in writing to the instructor no later than ten (10) business days after the student has been notified of the instructor’s decision. The student may then appeal to the College’s Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs.

An appeal not made within the time limit will not be heard unless an exception is made by the College’s Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Classroom Recording Policies

Preamble

Because recording devices have proliferated as part of everyday technology, the College wishes to protect the privacy of faculty and students while maintaining the classroom as a place where ideas can be freely exchanged and explored. The recording policies, stated below, presume compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, as well as federal and/or state copyright laws, including Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, § 99. Classroom recordings for academic accommodations related to documented disabilities are approved separately by the Office of Disability Services and the Program for Advancement of Learning.

Student-Created Classroom Recordings

Students who wish to use audio or video technology to record classroom activities must request permission, in writing, from the professor by completing the Classroom Recording Agreement. The professor has the discretion to allow or disallow such recording. Both the Classroom Recording Agreement form and a summary of the laws cited above may be obtained at the Academic Affairs office or on the portal.

Students who are granted permission must agree to the following conditions:

i. No classroom recordings will occur until the Classroom Recording Agreement form is signed by both the faculty member and the student involved;

ii. Classroom recordings may not be shared by any means with anyone without the professor’s written agreement;

iii.Classroom recordings may not be uploaded, or made available through any technological medium unless otherwise stipulated in the syllabus;

iv. Use of the recordings for anything other than the permitted use is strictly prohibited;

v. All recordings will be destroyed within 7 days of the scheduled final exam at the conclusion of the semester in which the course was taken, unless otherwise stipulated to in writing by the professor.

When permission is granted, the professor will notify the class of the recording; further conditions about recordings may also be stipulated in the course syllabus. The signed electronic Classroom Recording Agreement will be kept in the Academic Affairs Office. Violations may subject the student to disciplinary action. Classroom recordings do not constitute transfer of copyrighted material.

Faculty-Generated Recordings

Any faculty-created recordings designed to be used by students as part of coursework are subject to the following conditions:

i. Classroom recordings may not be shared by any means with anyone without the professor’s written agreement;

ii. Classroom recordings may not be uploaded, or made available through any technological medium unless otherwise stipulated in the syllabus;

iii.Use of the recordings for anything other than the permitted use is strictly prohibited.

Violations may subject the student to disciplinary action.

Classroom recordings do not constitute transfer of copyrighted material.

Withdrawal from the College

A degree candidate wishing to withdraw from the College must do so by completing the online Withdrawal Request, available by logging into the myCurry portal. Students are responsible for notifying the College of their intent to withdraw and must do so by initiating this process. The student must clear their financial status with the Student Financial Services Office. In addition, all keys, library materials, and other College property must be returned to the proper authorities before official withdrawal can be certified. Until such time as all obligations are met, the College will reserve the right to indicate unofficial withdrawal and the conditions under which the student left the College.

Leave-of-Absence

Students who are in good academic standing and have no outstanding financial obligations to the College may take leavesof-absences totaling no more than two years and remain in good standing.

Following consultation with their advisor, the student must complete the online Leave-of-Absence request.

Throughout the course of the student’s leave, their academic record will indicate that they are on leave-of-absence and is in good standing. If a student does not return to Curry after two years of leave, they will be officially withdrawn from the College.

To return to the College, the student must consult with the Student Affairs office and complete the Leave-of-Absence Reactivation form, available in the Office of the Registrar, at least 40 calendar days prior to the start of the semester for return. This is important both for academic and residence hall planning. Residence hall rooms are allocated on a space available basis, according to the date on which students provide room deposits and apply through the Residence Life Office.

Readmission to the College

Students who would like to return to the College after an official withdrawal or dismissal from the College must apply for readmission through the Office of the Registrar. To return to the College, the student must submit their application and supporting documentation 40 days prior to the start of the semester in which they intend to return. This is important for both academic and residence hall planning. Students who seek to apply for readmission should have been withdrawn from the College for at least a full semester prior to seeking readmission unless extenuating circumstances exist. Students who seek to apply for readmission after an academic dismissal should have been away from the College for at least a full academic year. Students who seek to apply for readmission after an academic or conduct related dismissal should review the terms of their dismissal prior to seeking readmission to the College.

Students who are applying for readmission to the College must provide the following:

• Official transcripts from any other college they had attended since withdrawing from Curry College;

• Information about the circumstances that led to their withdrawal from the Curry College including documentation, when appropriate;

• A summary of activities undertaken since withdrawing Curry College;

• Information regarding why they believe they are ready to return to Curry College;

• Information regarding the types of programs and support they believe are necessary for them to be successful upon their readmission to the College;

• Any extenuating circumstances that the College should be aware of in making its readmission decision including supporting documentation that demonstrates resolution of the extenuating circumstances.

Readmission applications will be reviewed by a committee consisting of staff from Academic Affairs, Advising & Academic Success, the Office of the Registrar and Student Affairs. In addition to the information provided by the student, the committee also reviews information including academic standing prior to withdrawal including credits attempted and earned, conduct status, financial clearance, and available space in programs and course sequencing. Students who seek to change their major as part of the readmission process may be required to meet with an advisor prior to completing the process.

Obtaining a Second Undergraduate Major

Any Curry alumnus/alumna who wishes to return to Curry to earn a second undergraduate major or second undergraduate concentration may do so by completing all of the requirements in the new major or concentration. Coursework that was used to fulfill requirements in the first major or concentration may be reused to meet requirements in the second program. While all courses will appear on the same transcript, a new GPA will be calculated for the courses that comprise the second program and students must meet the 2.00 requirement for graduation and all other graduation requirements based on those courses.

Students may be eligible for honors at graduation in the second program only if they complete an additional 60 credits for the new program and meet the other honors criteria.

An alumnus/alumna interested in earning a second undergraduate major or concentration must first meet with an appropriate academic advisor to review prior coursework and develop an educational plan for the second program.

This policy applies only to those students who return to Curry to complete a second major or concentration, not to students earning two degrees or a double major simultaneously. This policy does not pertain to transfer students who earned their first degrees at other institutions. It also does not apply to any Curry alumnus/ alumna who returns to the Division of Continuing and Graduate Studies to pursue an undergraduate certificate program. It does apply to any Curry student who started as a double major but graduated with one major completed and wishes to return to complete the second one.

Continuing Registration

A student who fails to qualify for graduation as a result of outstanding incompletes which they expect to finish, or who has been granted permission to take an additional number of required credits elsewhere, shall be placed on Continuing Registration (CR) status for up to two (2) semesters. The CR status is intended to insure that the student will be considered for graduation and informed of graduation particulars. The student’s academic record will indicate that they have continued their registration and are in good standing.

Independent Coursework

Students who wish to do independent work in a special topic not covered by any traditional course may request to register for an independent course:

1. Use this Catalog to decide which department/division the project falls under; if the project does not fall under any of these areas, consult the Office of the Provost.

2. Visit the department/division chairperson and inquire which faculty have the expertise and are available to guide research.

3. Visit these faculty members and secure from one of them a commitment to direct the work.

4. Complete a Request for Independent Coursework and submit it to the Office of the Registrar by the end of the online registration period in the semester preceding the requested course.

5. The request will be reviewed for academic appropriateness.

All requests for independent coursework are subject to the approval of the Provost.

To elect this course, students must have at least a 3.0 average in the subject area in which they seek to work and at least a 2.7 cumulative average.

An independently structured tutorial course that presents junior or senior students with an opportunity to expand artistic creativity and to make significant additions to their portfolios by working individually with a member of the faculty. To qualify for this course, a student must have a 2.8 or higher average in the subject area, and must have completed nine credits at the 2000-level in the major or minor sequence. The student must also complete a course contract, in consultation with the instructor that describes educational goals, responsibilities of the registrant and the instructor, a schedule for achievement, and criteria for final evaluation. The contract must be signed by the instructor, the department chairperson, and the student, and deposited in the subject area department chairperson’s office.

Students who wish to do reading in a special topic not covered by any course or wish to deal in depth with a specific topic may, under the guidance of a faculty member from that area, elect an Independent Reading. For consideration of this course, one must have earned a minimum of 15 credits and have at least a 3.0 average in the subject area and at least a 2.7 cumulative average. Evaluation procedures for a reading course will be determined by the faculty sponsor.

Tutorials

There are times when, due to special circumstances, students must take certain required courses during semesters when the courses are not officially being offered. Students may request to register for such courses by completing a Request for Independent Coursework and submitting it to the Office of the Registrar by the end of the online registration period in the semester preceding the requested course. The request will be reviewed for academic appropriateness. All requests for tutorials are subject to the approval of the Provost.