Academic Policies and Procedures

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Students are billed full-time tuition for 9 to 18 credit hours. Students are advised to take a minimum of 12 credits to ensure athletic eligibility in varsity and club sports, insurance coverage, and full financial aid consideration and to facilitate academic progress toward completion of a degree.

Fee Structure, Financial Aid Eligibility, & Athletic Eligibility by Semester Credits Taken

* Any course taken on an audit basis is not included in the student’s course load for financial aid eligibility.

** Students must be enrolled in a bachelor degree program and registered for at least 12 credits per semester to participate in either varsity or club sports.

A full-time Mount Ida College student may carry up to 18 credits per semester at the full-time tuition rate in all delivery systems of instruction. Students with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.00 or higher may take a one-course overload, with the permission of their advisor and clearance from their Program Director, School Director and the Vice President for Academic Affairs, prior to enrolling in the overload course.

With a few program-mandated exceptions, a full-time Mount Ida College student is defined as one scheduling between 9 and 18 credit hours per semester in any of the College’s schools or divisions. Because credits for individual courses may vary from 1 to 6, the credit totals created by an overload course may show some variation.

Students who enroll in Mount Ida College’s summer session are limited to two courses (6 credits) due to the intensity of a short-length session.

Note:

• A fee of $525 is charged for each overload credit in excess of 18.
• First semester freshmen and students enrolled in EN 003, EN 004, EN 099, EN101, MA 090, and/or MA 098 are not eligible for overload privileges.

The College reserves the right to cancel any class, course or section of a course for which the minimum number of students fail to enroll. Further, Mount Ida College reserves the right to make such changes in course and program offerings as may be deemed necessary by the Administration and the Board of Trustees.

It is Mount Ida College’s expectation that students attend class and that instructors organize and conduct their classes with this expectation in mind. At the beginning of each course, the instructor will distribute a written statement of his/her policies on absenteeism, attendance, warnings, requests for withdrawal, and makeup privileges. Excessive absence for any reason may lead either to failure or a low grade in a course. When an instructor, as stated in the course syllabus, determines that a student’s ability to benefit from instruction is being compromised by repeated absences, he or she will give the student prompt notice. In cases where the student’s continuing absence prevents the instructor from notifying the student directly, notice may be given through the Department of Academic Services.

Whether an absence is extended or of short duration, whatever the reason, students should contact their instructors promptly. Instructors appreciate learning of student absences before or during the absence, rather than after the fact. To notify an instructor, students should refer to the instructor’s office hours and telephone extension or electronic mail address printed in the course syllabus distributed at the beginning of the semester. In special circumstances, such as an absence due to serious illness that extends for a week or more, the student should notify the Academic Office at 617-928-4511.

It is the responsibility of the student to discuss his or her situation with the instructor, should a student anticipate exceeding the number of absences allowed by the instructor’s syllabus. At the instructor’s discretion, and based on the conditions written in the course syllabus, reasonable accommodation may be made.

Students who miss class because of scheduled College-approved curricular or co-curricular activities such as field trips, site visits or athletic contests or due to compelling factors beyond their control (i.e., illness, personal or family emergency, etc.) may, at the discretion of the instructor and within the parameters of the instructor’s syllabus, be provided an opportunity for make-up work. Certain assessments, however, are either not replicable or, in terms of administration, place an unreasonable burden on the instructor and hence may not be made up.

When an individual instructor cancels a class meeting, the Office for Academic Affairs is notified. Students may call the Faculty Absence Hot Line at 617-928-4510 for information as to which faculty, if any, have cancelled their classes for that day.

In the event of stormy weather, the decision to cancel day classes will be made by 6:30 a.m. The following local television stations are notified of the cancellation: WBZ Channel 4, WCVB Channel 5, and WHDH Channel 7. WBZ Radio1030 AM is notified as well. Separate announcements are made for day and evening classes. In addition, an announcement of college-wide closure due to stormy weather is added to the greeting message on the main number of the automated telephone system (617-928-4500).

Advanced Placement Program of the College Board

Mount Ida College supports the Advanced Placement Program of the College Board and will award the student up to 30 advanced placement (AP) credits for examinations completed with a score of 3 or higher, unless otherwise stipulated in the student’s program of study. Specific programs within the college may require scores of 4 or higher on the corresponding AP examination in subject areas appropriate to the student’s overall program of study. Specific programs within the college may require scores of 4 or higher on the corresponding AP examination in all subject areas. In keeping with the recommendations of the American Council on Education, Mount Ida College will base the number of semester hours of credit awarded on the scope and content of the equivalent AP course.

International Diploma Program of the International Baccalaureate Organization

Mount Ida College recognizes the academic challenge inherent in the successful completion of course work in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. If the student has completed the full International Baccalaureate Diploma with a total of 30 or more points, Mount Ida College will award the student up to 30 advanced placement credits as appropriate to the student’s overall program of study. If the student has not completed the full Diploma curriculum with a total of 30 or more points, Mount Ida College will award credit for individual Higher Level (HL) examinations completed with scores of 4 or higher, unless otherwise stipulated in the student’s program of study. Specific programs within the college may require scores of 5 or higher on the corresponding HL examination in subject areas appropriate to the student’s overall program of study. Specific programs within the college may require scores of 5 or higher on the corresponding HL examination in all subject areas. Course descriptions and syllabi for IB courses must be submitted for credits to be reviewed. In art and design subject areas, the student may also be required to submit a portfolio to support the awarding of advanced placement credits.

Note: Advanced placement credits awarded by Mount Ida College may be applied toward credits needed for graduation as appropriate to the student’s overall program of study. Students must have an official AP or IB transcript sent to Mount Ida College for advanced placement credits to be considered by the Office of the Registrar. Students who have completed both Advanced Placement (AP) examinations and Higher Level International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations in similar subject areas will not receive credit for both. The maximum number of advanced placement credits that may be awarded is 30.

Policies/Procedures for Applicants/New Students

The Office of the Registrar initially evaluates applications for transfer of credit earned at other institutions as part of the admissions process. Applicants for admission who plan to have credit considered for transfer must have official transcripts sent directly from the Registrar’s Office of every institution attended. Applicants should provide catalog descriptions of courses completed elsewhere to facilitate the transcript evaluation process. Applicants who have taken courses at more than one institution should note that transfer credit evaluations are done after official copies of all transcripts have been received.

Mount Ida College recognizes, for transfer credit, courses appropriate for the selected major taken at regionally accredited colleges or universities with a grade of C (2.00) or higher. The College is the sole judge of the courses it will accept in transfer towards requirements of its programs and degrees. Courses and credits only are transferable - not grades or honor points. As a general rule, the College will not accept transfer credit for courses completed more than seven years ago if such courses are central to the current knowledge and/or skills base of a program of study.

Note: Selected programs of study may have special policies regarding transfer credits. In a select few cases, the College accepts transfer credit from institutions that are accredited by a specialized accrediting association.

Policies/Procedures for Matriculated Students to Take Courses Elsewhere

Matriculated students may petition for approval to take courses at another accredited college or university when the College is not in session. Students may not enroll in courses concurrently at Mount Ida College and another institution. To petition for approval to take a course elsewhere, students complete a Petition to Pre-approve Potential Transfer Credits, available from the Office of the Registrar in Holbrook Hall or its website www.mountida.edu/registrar, and attach a copy of the catalog description of the desired course to the petition. Petitions are to be submitted in advance, with course registration to occur after receipt of written preapproval. Approvals for coursework outside Mount Ida College, if granted, are typically limited to no more than two courses a year. A pre-approved petition form with the appropriate signature(s) must be on file in the Office of the Registrar for transfer credits to be considered for acceptance and application to Mount Ida College requirements.

Students who have credit deficiencies due to course failures, course withdrawals, and/or placement in developmental courses are strongly encouraged to resolve such deficiencies by taking appropriate courses at Mount Ida College, if courses are offered, or elsewhere during the summer. Students who are on academic warning or probation as a result of credit deficiencies may petition for consideration to take more than two summer courses elsewhere, if needed, to earn the requisite number of credits to avoid placement on probation or academic dismissal.

If pre-approval for course work elsewhere is granted, the student is responsible for having an official transcript sent to the Office of the Registrar at Mount Ida College from the institution attended promptly after completing the course. Students may also hand carry the official transcript in a sealed envelope from the institution to Mount Ida College. Under no circumstances will the Office of the Registrar accept a hand-carried transcript that is not enclosed in a sealed envelope from the Registrar’s Office where the course was taken. Credits for pre-approved courses with grades of “C” (2.00) or higher are accepted in transfer.

Students may sit for nine (9) credits by examination. Students who successfully complete comprehensive examinations for certain approved courses will receive the credits as “credits by examination.” To receive credit, authorization must be secured from the appropriate School Director and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs prior to completion of any examination. The examination must be passed with a grade of “C” or higher on first attempt for credit to be received. Authorization may not be granted for the purpose of acquiring credit for a course previously completed or attempted for which a letter grade (including W or I) has been assigned at Mount Ida College or for the purpose of acquiring a letter grade with a quality point value affecting the cumulative grade point average for a course for which the College has previously granted transfer credit or life experience credit. Credit by examination may not be attained on a pass/fail or satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Credit by examination may not be used to evade placement test results and requirements, nor may it substitute for the First-Year Seminar course (CC 101).

Procedure:

• The student obtains a Credit by Examination Request Form from the Office of the Registrar.
• Using this form, the student requests a credit by examination for a particular course from a faculty member who teaches in the program or department offering the course and is willing to create and administer such an examination.
• The faculty member agrees to create and administer the examination for the student. He/she signifies approval by signing the student’s Request Form and submitting it to the appropriate School Director.
• The School Director signifies approval by signing the form and forwarding it to the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. To be officially approved, the Request Form must bear the signature of the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. Prior to approval by the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs the student must demonstrate that he/she has made complete payment to the Bursar for such requests ($210 per credit hour for credit by examination).
• The student then presents the approved Credit by Examination Request Form to the instructor who will administer the examination.
• Once the examination is completed and a grade determined, the instructor reports the earned grade in a timely manner to the Office of the Registrar who will record the grade on the student’s official transcript, provided the requisite minimum grade for credit by examination (C or higher) is achieved.

The College recognizes, for life experience credit, CLEP examinations completed in appropriate subject areas with the ACE (American Council on Education) recommended score. Matriculated students may petition for approval to take a CLEP examination by completing the Petition to Pre-approve Potential Transfer Credits, available from the Office of the Registrar, and attaching a description of the desired CLEP examination to the petition. Petitions must be submitted in advance, with registration for the CLEP examination to occur after receipt of written approval.

In selected cases and only with approval in advance from the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Mount Ida College also accepts applications, prepared and submitted as a formal paper, for life experience credit. Students may petition for approval to pursue this option by completing a Credit for Life Experience Request Form. The fee for Credit for Life Experience under this option is $210/credit hour. Information about the College’s Credit for Life Experience Policy and the Credit for Life Experience Request Form may be obtained from the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs in the Academic Office in Holbrook Hall (617-928-4588). Up to 16 life experience credits, inclusive of both the CLEP option and the formal application option, may be applied toward requirements of a degree program.

Note: Of credits received through the above methods (i.e., advanced placement credit, transfer credit, credit by examination, credit for life experience), only credits received as “credit by examination” are considered credits completed in residence.

Course changes (additions and/or drops) are processed by the Office of the Registrar during the Add/Drop period. To change a course, students must obtain an Add/Drop Form from the Office of the Registrar and secure the appropriate signatures. When adding and/or dropping a course or courses, the student must obtain the signature of his/her academic advisor. If changing a section of a course only, the advisor’s signature is not required. When seeking permission to add a course section that is closed to further enrollment, the section instructor’s signature is required for approval. When dropping a course or courses, students should ensure that they continue to carry appropriate credit levels so as to maintain financial aid eligibility (normally 12 or more credit hours).

Courses dropped during the Add/Drop period do not appear on the student’s transcript. No classes may be dropped or added after the last day of the Add/Drop period for each semester. In most cases, the date is one week after the opening of classes, and is listed on the official College Calendar.

Note: Students will be charged for any class not officially dropped by the end of the Add/Drop period.

As a general rule, students are expected to complete any course, required or elective, for which they register. Course withdrawals may have adverse effects on a student’s academic progress, eligibility for financial aid, eligibility for participation in varsity athletics or club sports, residence hall status, and/or international student status.

To withdraw from a course after the Add/Drop period ends, students must go to the Office of the Registrar to complete and file an official Course Withdrawal Form. Students are encouraged to make and keep a copy of that form, initialed by staff in the Office of the Registrar, upon filing it as proof of submission. Prior to course withdrawal, a student must consult his/her academic advisor and the course instructor, as well as any other appropriate offices (e.g., Academic Affairs, Financial Aid, Athletics, Residence Life, International Student Affairs) to review the consequences of the intended action. Students may formally withdraw from a course through the end of the twelfth week of the semester. The Office of the Registrar will forward the student’s course withdrawal form to the course instructor, who will assign a grade of “W” (Withdrawal) if between end of Add/Drop and the end of the third week of the semester or a grade of “W” (Withdrawal), “WP” (Withdrew Passing), or “WF” (Withdrew Failing) if between the fourth week and the end of the twelfth week. The grades of W, WP and WF are not averaged into the GPA and CGPA. Students may not withdraw from a course after the twelfth week of the semester. (Note: The week of spring break is not included in the count of class weeks for the spring semester.) The closing date for course withdrawals for each semester is published on the Academic Calendar in the College Catalog.

Placement tests are required in English and mathematics. If placement test results indicate a need for developmental (pre-college level) course work, students must enroll in developmental courses - e.g., EN 099, MA 090, MA 098 - to prepare themselves to undertake college-level English and mathematics courses. Because developmental courses are not college-level, the credits earned in these courses do not count towards graduation.

Students who have more than two examinations scheduled on the same day of the College’s final examination period may request from their instructors to take the examinations on alternate days during the official final examination period to permit them the opportunity to take at a maximum only two examinations on any given day. Students must make such a request no later than three weeks prior to the official last class meeting of the semester for the course for which they are seeking an accommodation in the final examination time period. The student may be invited by the instructor to sit for the examination with another of the instructor’s classes for this purpose; if that is not feasible, other mutually agreed upon arrangements may be made.

Students are responsible for all requirements of their degree program, based on the curriculum outline published in the Catalog for the year of entry and/or change into the program, as well as for any program-specific standards that may apply. Students who enter the College and/or change their program in 2007-2008 are subject to the requirements and policies for their program in this Catalog.

Curriculum Petition for Course Waiver or Substitution

Any exceptions to above general rule require the filing and approval of a Curriculum Petition to Waive or Substitute Program Requirements or Prerequisites, which is available from the Office of the Registrar. An approved petition requires the signature of an appropriate faculty member, the School Director, and the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. If a course waiver is approved, the student is still responsible for earning the credits associated with the waived requirement. If the petition pertains to a waiver of a course prerequisite, the appropriate faculty signature is the instructor of the course section for which the student wishes to register. With other petitions, the appropriate faculty signature is typically the student’s advisor.

Students who wish to change their major or minor must petition for approval to do so. The petition process requires students to obtain a Petition for Change of Major, Minor and/or Faculty Advisor from the Office of the Registrar. Students complete the sections of the form that apply to them and sign and submit their petition to the appropriate School Director. The School Director signs off on the petition and forwards it for approval to the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Director of International Student Affairs must also sign off on all petitions for a change of major that are filed by international students. The Office of the Registrar will inform students of the action taken on their petition by returning a copy of the completed form with the approvals noted.

Students seeking a change of major must meet all entrance and/or academic progress standards for the desired new program of study. Students are responsible for the requirements and policies of the program that are published in the Catalog for the academic year that the program change is effective. As a general rule, as an NCAA Division III institution, Mount Ida College does not allow program changes that involve a change in an athlete’s degree level from baccalaureate to associate after the start of their first semester as an enrolled student.

Baccalaureate degree-seeking students may simultaneously complete two distinct majors with the approval of the appropriate program directors, school director(s), and the Office for Academic Affairs. Students must request the double major option in writing to the Office of Academic Affairs prior to entering their junior year (i.e., prior to completing 61 academic credits). Students requesting a double major must be making satisfactory academic progress (with regard to cumulative credits earned) and have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75.

Students pursuing a double major must complete all specified All College Curriculum requirements and all specified major and related area requirements for both majors. Requirements that are common to both majors will be considered satisfied. Courses required for either major may not be used for a minor. If the two majors lead to two distinct degrees (B.A., B.S., and/or B.L.S.), students must, in addition, meet the residency requirement for each degree. At least 30 academic credits must be earned in residence to qualify for any one degree from the College.

Depending on the majors, more than four years (eight semesters) may be needed to complete all requirements. However, students must complete all requirements of both majors within six years (twelve semesters), which is the maximum time frame allowed for completion of a bachelor degree by the College’s satisfactory academic progress standard. Students should note the College’s course overload policy: students must have a CGPA of 3.00 or higher and the permission of their advisor and clearance from their program director(s), school director(s) and the Vice President for Academic Affairs to carry a one-course overload in any given semester. Credits taken during the summer are not included in 12- semester time frame for completing a bachelor degree.

Mount Ida College offers internship courses as part of various programs. Descriptions of internship courses are included in the Course Descriptions section of this Catalog. Courses with titles that include such language as the following fall under the “internship” umbrella: Externship, Internship, Independent Practical Experience, Pre-Practicum, Practicum, Senior Child Development Capstone Experience, Clinical Dental Hygiene II and III, Senior Clinical Rotation, and Embalming Laboratory.

Placement in an internship is not guaranteed, and in many cases it is the responsibility of the student to identify an internship opportunity and to present it to the program director for approval. Internships may require a specific minimum CGPA, the satisfaction of prerequisite courses, recommendations, or other criteria (including, for example and without limitation, dress and comportment codes) as required by the internship site or the College. In all cases, internships that are completed for academic credit must be approved prior to a student’s beginning the internship. Students who do not follow this most basic step may not receive credit for the unofficial or volunteer experience.

As there is an increasing demand for internships for students enrolled in colleges and universities in the Boston area, it is recommended that students begin planning for their internships at least a semester in advance of the semester in which they intend to enroll in an internship course. To facilitate early planning and should a program-specific Internship Application not exist, students will complete a Mount Ida College Internship Application/Learning Contract Form (available from the Office of the Registrar), in consultation with appropriate program faculty, and attach a current resume to their application. The Internship Approval (last page of this form) must be signed by the student, the faculty supervisor, and the internship site prior to registering for the internship course; a copy of the same must be attached to the registration form. Students in programs that have an existing application form must provide a copy of the program-specific form that indicates the internship has been secured and approved prior to registering for the internship course. The Director of Career Services is available to assist students with resume development, if needed.

Note: At the present time, the following courses are exempt from the above requirement: CH 203, CH 204, CH 205, DH 203, DH 204, ED 420, ED 430, ED 440, FS 133, SM 202, VT 301, VT 401, VT 402, VT 403, VT 404, VT 405, and VT 406. In these courses, placements are handled and/or monitored directly by the program.

Additionally, internship placements are contingent upon the availability of sites - which may vary from year to year. Students unable to secure internship placements for any reason may have to plan for additional time to complete their degree. For information about guidelines, requirements, and specific offerings, students should consult their program director or their school director. International students are asked to inform the Director of International Student Affairs before pursuing an internship in order to confirm that the parameters of the internship are in line with visa regulations.

Rights with Respect to Education Records under Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Annually Mount Ida College notifies students of their rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). FERPA affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights include:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the College receives a request for access. Students who wish to review their education records must submit a written request to the Office of the Registrar identifying the record(s) they wish to inspect. The Registrar or his/her designee will make arrangements for access within fourteen (14) business days of the Office’s receipt of the request and notify the student of the time and place where the record(s) may be inspected. If the requested records are not maintained by the Office of the Registrar, the student will be notified of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education record(s) that the student believes is/are inaccurate. Students should notify the College official responsible for the record in writing, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed and specify why it is inaccurate. Once the request for amendment has been received, the appropriate College official will notify the student within forty-five (45) business days whether the record will be changed as requested or whether the request for amendment has been denied. If the request has been denied, the College will advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. FERPA allows schools to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions:
   • School officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the College has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
   • Appropriate parties in connection to financial aid to a student
   • Other institutions in which a student seeks to enroll
   • Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school
   • Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes
   • Accrediting agencies
   • Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies
   • Appropriate parties to comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena

     Personally identifiable information, with the exception of information the College has defined as Directory Information, will not be released to parties other than those listed above without the student’s written consent.
     
     The following information has been designated by Mount Ida College as Directory Information and can be released without the student’s written consent:

   • Name
   • Home and local addresses and telephone numbers
   • Student e-mail addresses
   • Dates of attendance
   • Program of study
   • Degree(s) awarded
   • Semester and graduation honors

   Students may prohibit release of Directory Information by submitting a written request to the Office of the Registrar. If a student has prohibited release of Directory Information, the College will not release it to anyone, including potential employers, relatives, etc. without the student’s written consent. Currently enrolled students may have disclosure of Directory Information withheld by submitting written notification to the Office of the Registrar prior to the end of the Add/Drop period. Students entering the College for the first time in the spring semester may have disclosure of Directory Information withheld by submitting written notification to the Office of the Registrar prior to the end of the Add/Drop period.

4. The right to file a complaint with the United States Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Mount Ida College to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington DC 20202- 4605.

Procedures for Release of Student’s Educational Records to Parent/Guardian

A parent or guardian may be given the opportunity to review a student’s educational record if a Permission to Review Educational Records (PVER), which must be signed by both the student and parent/guardian, has been submitted to the Office of the Registrar. Parental permission to view a student’s educational record will continue until the student formally withdraws it. The PVER Form is available from the Office of the Registrar, Holbrook Hall, Mount Ida College, 777 Dedham Street, Newton, MA 02459 and on its website at www.mountida.edu/registrar.

Academic Transcripts

The official permanent academic record is the academic transcript, which reflects all courses attempted by a student, including courses from which a student has withdrawn and the grades in those courses. Transcripts contain only information about academic status and any interpretive data necessary for accurate evaluation of achievement.

Requests for transcripts and references are honored only with the knowledge and approval of the student. Other confidential records are made available only after consultation with the student, except under legal compulsion or in cases where the safety of persons or property is involved. The College reserves the right to withhold grade reports, transcripts, degrees, and references for students whose financial obligations to the College (including library fines and other small fines, fees and loans) have not been met and for students who are in default of their Stafford Loans (as determined by the guaranteeing agency of the student’s home state).

Grading System

The College grading system evaluates student work by letter grades for which the following quality point values have been established:

Letter Grade Interpretations

The preceding interpretations have been established by vote of the faculty. Unless otherwise noted, instructors give letter grades. All grades submitted at the end of a course are final and can be changed only by the instructor’s submission of an official Grade Change Form to the Registrar and the written approval of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Note: Course Withdrawals are not indicators of Satisfactory Academic Progress. Students may not withdraw from a course after the twelfth week of the semester.

Grade Point Values

At the close of each semester, a student’s quality point average is indicated on the grade report. To compute a “GPA,” the credit value of each course is multiplied by the grade value. These results are added and divided by the number of credits for which the student is registered. Grades of P, W, WP, WF, AU, CS, and I do not affect the GPA. Advanced placement credits, transfer credits (T) and Life Experience credits (L) also do not affect the GPA.

Mid-Semester Warnings and Grade Reports

Deficiency Warning Grades are issued at the mid-semester marking period in the fall and spring semesters in those courses in which a student’s work is below average. Warnings are temporary grades and do not appear on the permanent academic record.

Course Retakes

Required courses in which a failure grade is earned (or in which a grade necessary for progression in a program has not been obtained) may be made up by repeating the course successfully. The original grade will remain on the student’s record, but if the course is repeated at Mount Ida College, it will be replaced by the new grade for purposes of calculating the CGPA. Students thus have the opportunity to raise their CGPA by retaking courses at Mount Ida College in which low or failing grades have been initially earned. If approval to repeat a failed course at another institution is granted, the CGPA is not affected as the College accepts credits, but not grades, in transfer

Note: “Retakes” are not exempt from tuition charges.

Policy on Change of Grade

Final course grades (excluding Incompletes) may not be changed after grade sheets have been filed with the Office of the Registrar unless an authentic and demonstrable miscalculation is discovered. An instructor may not allow extra-credit work or examination re-take opportunities after course work has been completed and final grades have been submitted and posted. Grade changes must be filed on an official Grade Change Form and must be submitted no later than the mid-point of the semester following that in which the course was taken. Grades may not be changed for any course taken more than one semester prior to the term in progress.

College-wide Minimum Grade Standard for Program-specific Courses in Major or Minor

Mount Ida College has a college-wide minimum standard for grades for program-specific required courses in a given major or minor: a minimum grade of C- is required. Programs may stipulate a higher grade for program-specific required courses in a major or minor. Programs may stipulate minimum grade requirements for other (i.e., non-program-specific) required courses within the major or minor as well.

Expectations of the Code of Academic Honesty

An important component of Mount Ida College’s mission is to provide a challenging education that blends the liberal arts with professional preparation for all students who are members of the College community. Academic integrity and academic honesty are core values of our learning community. Mount Ida College students are expected to be honest in their academic endeavors at all times. Violations of the Code of Academic Honesty will result in appropriate disciplinary action.

The Code of Academic Honesty applies to all work prepared for evaluation by a course instructor. This includes, but is not limited to, homework, projects, in-class and take-home examinations, quizzes, and research papers. The Code of Academic Honesty also applies to the College’s academic records, the accuracy and integrity of which must be maintained, and to other documents including, but not limited to, tests.

Students are expected to distinguish their ideas and work from those derived from other sources. Information derived from other sources includes published material, the opinions of others, and computer programs as well as material from Internet sources.

While collaboration with other students is encouraged in certain class settings, students must assume that coursework submitted for evaluation must be their own unless otherwise specified by their instructor.

Violations of Code of Academic Honesty

Mount Ida College reserves the right to determine on a case-by-case basis if a violation of an academic nature has been committed. Violation of this policy includes, but is not limited to, stealing another student’s work, unauthorized collaboration on papers or homework assignments, cheating on exams, tampering with and/or falsifying grades, participation in activities to obtain or distribute any part of an unadministered test, and the like.

The Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs acts on violations of an academic nature. In any alleged violation, every reasonable effort will be made to ensure fair and prompt action. In the event that an alleged infraction of this policy has occurred, the following procedures will take place:

1. The faculty member or, if the alleged violation pertains to an academic office rather than a class, a designee of the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs will meet with the student to discuss the alleged dishonesty. If the student admits to the infraction, the penalty for the infraction will be at the discretion of the instructor or of the designee of the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, if applicable. Notification of the infraction and the penalty will be given to the Office of the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs.
2. However, if the student denies the allegation, or has failed or refused to meet with said faculty member or said designee of the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, if applicable, within seven (7) business days after the faculty or designee notice requesting the same, the faculty member or designee will then submit a report within seven (7) business days of this meeting, or the date for the meeting if the student fails to attend, to the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs.
3. The Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs will then call a formal hearing consisting of the faculty member or designee, if applicable, and the student as soon as possible. The Associate Vice President hears the case and recommends a finding of responsibility to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
4. If the student is then found guilty of this violation, and it is his/her first offense, under appropriate circumstances, he/she will be required to complete a contract with the College. The contract, in addition to providing for other appropriate remedies and/or disciplinary action, will stipulate that the student understands that if found guilty of this violation or other academic dishonesty or violation of the Code of Academic Honesty in the future, he/she will face academic suspension or dismissal, and the infraction will be permanently noted in his/her academic record. In addition, the student may receive a grade of “F” for any plagiarized work or course. Should the incident constitute an egregious or flagrant disregard for the Code of Academic Honesty, or should the student be found guilty of subsequent academic dishonesty or a violation of the Code of Academic Honesty, he/she will face academic suspension or dismissal, and the infraction will be permanently noted in his/her academic record.
5. If the student is found innocent of this violation, he/ she will continue in the course, if applicable, without further penalty.

Procedure for Student Grievance Against Faculty Member

A student may initiate a grievance against a faculty member pertinent to a grade, academic performance, or educational environment. Grievance procedures are outlined in the Mount Ida College Student Handbook, available on the college website (www.mountida.edu select Student Affairs and then select Student Handbook).

Time Frames for Degree Completion

Mount Ida College expects students to make satisfactory academic progress toward a degree. Federal regulations also mandate that students make satisfactory academic progress in their program of study to receive financial aid. In particular, the maximum time frame for completion may not exceed 150% of the length of the program.

• With respect to transfer students, in determining satisfactory academic progress, the College includes all transfer credits accepted for course work completed prior to admission.
• Students with documented disabilities whose CGPA is in line with the College’s standard are allowed up to one additional year to complete their degree, with the exact amount of time determined at a rate proportionate to the number of course reductions taken.
• English as a Second Language (ESL) students who have a CGPA that is in line with the College’s standard are allowed up to one additional year to complete their degree, with the exact amount of time determined at a rate proportionate to the number of hours of required ESL course work. Credits earned in ESL courses do not count toward graduation.

Course Withdrawals, Incompletes, Retakes and Effect on Academic Progress

Course withdrawals (W’s) adversely affect a student’s progress because they count as “credit hours attempted” and remain on the academic record. Grades of incomplete (I’s) also adversely affect progress for any given semester. Course retakes adversely affect academic progress as well, but earning a higher grade by repeating a course at Mount Ida College improves the CGPA. Students who repeat a course for whatever reason do not earn additional credits for doing so. In other words, credits are not granted for any given course more than once. Any course repeated outside Mount Ida College would not affect the CGPA because the College accepts credits, but not grades, in transfer.

Academic Progress Review

The Office of the Registrar conducts a review of the academic record of each student when grades are released at the end of each semester to determine whether the student is making satisfactory academic progress in terms of cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and cumulative credits earned toward her/his degree. Students who are not meeting the College’s Satisfactory Academic Progress Standard are subject first to placement on Academic Warning, followed ordinarily by placement on Academic Probation if the standard remains unmet at the end of their semester on Warning. Students in these situations are notified by the Registrar in writing of their academic status in terms of CGPA and credits accumulated to date, the conditions associated with that status, and the consequences of non-improvement.

Students on Academic Warning who are moved from Academic Warning to Academic Probation and do not meet the conditions of their probationary semester are subject to Academic Dismissal. In selected cases, students who do not meet the conditions of their semester on Academic Warning may be moved directly to Academic Dismissal if the situation is such that it would be mathematically impossible for them to meet the expected standard even if granted a probationary semester and/or the opportunity for additional summer course work. Policies regarding the academic progress review of students with conditional admittance status are in the section specific to the same.

Note: Students must be academically eligible to continue their studies at Mount Ida College to be eligible for financial aid. Students who are no longer academically eligible to continue their studies at the College are subject to Academic Dismissal.

Academic Contract

Students who are placed on Academic Warning or Academic Probation are required to sign an Academic Contract, which outlines the steps they are expected to take as a student on Warning or Probation to facilitate their academic success including, but not limited to, the following:

• immediately repeating courses with failure grades at the College,
• immediately resolving Incompletes,
• using academic support services on a regular basis,
• participating in a group meeting conducted by the Office for Academic Affairs at the beginning of the semester for all students on Academic Contracts, and/or
• enrolling in summer courses or intensive courses during the January break to resolve credit deficiencies.

The class schedules of pre-registered students who are placed on Academic Warning or Academic Probation are subject to adjustment, if indicated, to meet the conditions of their respective Academic Contracts.

Satisfactory Academic Progress by Degree Level and Semesters Completed

To be recognized as making satisfactory academic progress towards a degree for both College and Student Financial Aid purposes, all students must achieve the minimum CGPA and all full-time students must, in addition, accumulate the minimum number of earned credits indicated in the chart on the opposite page for each semester of enrollment and for each degree category or type.

Students who take 12 or more credits a semester are expected to accumulate credits at a rate of 12/semester.

The number to be accumulated by students who take less than 12 credits/semester is pro-rated and is equal to the number of credits attempted. With respect to transfer students, the number of transfer credits accepted for course work completed prior to admission is included among the credits completed by a student to date, and the expected minimum CGPA and timetable for degree completion are adjusted accordingly.

Note: Selected programs of study offered by the College have program-specific policies for continuation and/or progression in the curriculum, which apply to students enrolled in that program. Information regarding academic progression policies specific to a particular program can be found on the page(s) in the Degree Programs/Majors section of this Catalog for that degree program.

* or total credits required by program

Procedure for Appeal of Academic Probation or Academic Dismissal Actions

Students who believe they have legitimate and compelling reasons for not maintaining satisfactory progress in any given semester may submit a written appeal of probation or dismissal decisions to the Academic Progression Committee for consideration. Appeal petition forms are available from the Office of the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs in Holbrook Hall (617-928-4588).

Petition for Possible Reinstatement after Academic Dismissal

Students dismissed from the College due to unsatisfactory academic progress may submit a reinstatement petition to the Academic Progression Committee after one full year of separation from the College. If the statement of readiness presented in the petition and supporting documentation (which must include the results of course work completed successfully elsewhere in the interim) appears to the committee to constitute sufficient evidence that the student is prepared to resume his/her studies with a reasonable expectation of success, the student will be reinstated on the condition that he/she will complete all course work undertaken from that point on. If reinstated, the student will be held accountable for the requirements and policies of the program and of the College that are in effect at the time of reinstatement. Reinstatement petition forms are available from the Office of the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs in Holbrook Hall (617-928-4588).

Students who are admitted to the College with conditional admission status agree, prior to entry, to a Guided Studies Program Contract in which they accept the requirements of their conditional acceptance. These requirements include, but are not limited to, the following: to achieve at least the minimum CGPA required for their degree level, per the College’s Satisfactory Academic Progress Standard, at the end of their semester with conditional admission status; to enroll in and successfully complete a Guided Studies Seminar that meets once a week; and to attend tutoring sessions at the Academic Success Center and/or Writing Center if referred by an instructor.

The Academic Progression Committee reviews the academic progress of conditionally admitted students at the conclusion of their semester with conditional admission status. Conditionally admitted students who satisfy all conditions of their Guided Studies Program Contract are allowed to continue their studies at the College and are subject to the policies that apply to all students. Conditionally admitted students who do not meet the conditions of their Contract are subject to Academic Dismissal from the College.

Outstanding academic achievement is recognized at the close of each fall and spring semester by announcement of the Dean’s List: Highest Honors indicates a grade point average of 3.80 or higher; High Honors an average between 3.67 and 3.79; Honors an average between 3.33 and 3.66; and Meritorious Performance an average between 3.00 and 3.32. Students must have earned at least 12 college-level credits in any given semester to qualify for the Dean’s List. An Incomplete on the record disqualifies a student from Dean’s List status for the semester the “I” grade was given. Dean’s List status and Honors cannot be awarded retroactively.

Honor Societies: Eligibility Requirements

Alpha Chi: Membership in Alpha Chi is open to bachelor degree-seeking students who have completed all freshman and sophomore course work required by their program of study with a CGPA of 3.50 or above upon entry to the junior year. Students entering the junior year with all freshman and sophomore requirements completed with a CGPA of less than 3.50 are eligible for membership after one semester in residence if they earn a CGPA of 3.50 or higher in no fewer than four 3- or 4-credit courses. Students transferring with junior standing from another institution become eligible for membership by earning a minimum CGPA of 3.50 after 24 credits taken in residence.

Phi Beta Delta: Phi Beta Delta is the honor society of international scholars. Membership is open to international students in the United States on non-immigrant visas and to students who have participated in a Mount Ida College study abroad or international exchange program and are juniors or seniors. New members must have a CGPA of 3.30 or higher. Membership is also open to faculty and staff who have participated in international endeavors.

Phi Theta Kappa: Phi Theta Kappa is an international honor society for students in associate degree programs. Membership is open to freshmen and sophomores who have completed twelve credit hours at Mount Ida College with a 3.50 CGPA. To retain membership, students must maintain a CGPA of no less than 3.00. Students falling below the maintenance standard of 3.00 for a given semester must earn a 3.50 in the following semester or their membership will be revoked.

Pi Sigma Eta: Pi Sigma Eta is a national honor society for funeral service students. The objective of Pi Sigma Eta is to promote fellowship and individual and collective efforts toward a better understanding of the funeral service profession. To be eligible, a student must have been enrolled as a funeral service major for at least one semester and have achieved a 3.00 grade point average.

Sigma Beta Delta: Sigma Beta Delta was established to encourage and recognize scholarship and accomplishment among students of business, management and administration. It promotes aspirations toward personal and professional improvement and a life distinguished by honorable service to humankind. Sigma Beta Delta has installed over 250 chapters in 46 states, plus one international chapter, with over 34,000 members.

Sigma Phi Alpha: Sigma Phi Alpha is the national honor society of the dental hygiene profession. Membership of Sigma Phi Alpha includes elected dental hygiene educators and graduates of accredited dental hygiene programs with high scholastic achievement. The purpose of Sigma Phi Alpha is to promote, recognize, and honor scholarship, leadership, and service among dental hygiene students and graduates of dental hygiene programs.

Application for Graduation

Mount Ida College has three graduation dates a year in September, January, and May respectively. A formal Commencement ceremony is conducted once a year in May. All eligible students are required to file an application for graduation with the Office of the Registrar according to the following deadlines:

• May graduation - filing deadline: first day of registration for the spring semester
• September graduation - filing deadline: May 15th
• January graduation - filing deadline: September 15th

With respect to the May graduation date, students who are eligible to apply are those (1) who are within two courses of completing all requirements for their degree at the end of the spring semester and (2) who have a CGPA of at least 2.00. Students who are within two courses of completing their degree and have a CGPA of 2.00 or higher may attend graduation and participate in the ceremonies, though they will not actually graduate until their requirements are complete, at which time they must reapply for the next graduation date. Students in this category are not eligible for honors until all requirements for the degree are completed. They must complete their remaining one or two courses no later than the end of the following semester. With respect to the September and January graduation dates, eligible students are those who have completed all requirements for their degree with a CGPA of at least 2.00 prior to the date of graduation.

Steps Involved in Clearance for Participation in Graduation Ceremony

1. August: The Office of the Registrar conducts an audit of the academic records of all students whose credit totals indicate that they may be within one or two semesters (no more than 40 credits) of completing their degree during the summer preceding the projected graduation year. Copies of this audit are mailed to students and their academic advisors prior to the beginning of the fall semester for use in course selection planning and/or class schedule adjustments, as appropriate, to ensure that requirements for the degree are met.
2. May: The Office of the Registrar conducts a final audit after all spring semester grades are received in the days preceding the May graduation ceremony and posts a final list of all students who are eligible to participate in the Commencement ceremony. Students are responsible for checking that list to confirm their continued eligibility to participate and/or to learn of a change in their status. Students who withdraw from, fail, and/or have Incomplete grades in required spring semester classes such that they are no longer within two courses of completing their degree and/or no longer have a CGPA of 2.00 or higher after spring grades are processed do not meet the eligibility requirements for filing an application for graduation and are not eligible to participate in the Commencement ceremony.

Students may not participate in more than one Commencement ceremony for any one degree.

Requirements for Graduation

Students who have satisfied all program of study requirements and all degree level and residency requirements and who have met all financial obligations of the College are candidates for graduation at Commencement. Attending the graduation ceremony does not ensure that students have met the requirements and graduated from Mount Ida College.

• Bachelor Degree Candidates: The degree of Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Liberal Studies or Bachelor of Science is awarded to those candidates who have met all requirements of their program with a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or higher. As a general rule, a minimum of 120-122 college-level credits is required for a bachelor degree. Most baccalaureate programs at Mount Ida College require 122. Some programs require more than 122.
• Associate Degree Candidates: The degree of Associate in Arts or Associate in Science is awarded to those candidates who have met all requirements of their program with a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or higher. A minimum of 60-62 college-level credits is required for an associate degree. Most associate degree programs at Mount Ida College require 62. Some programs require more than 62 credits.
• Residency Requirements: All degree candidates must earn at least 30 credits in academic courses at Mount Ida College to qualify for any one degree from the College - i.e., B.A., B.L.S., B.S., A.A. or A.S. It is the student’s responsibility to make certain that all academic requirements are met not only for progression to sophomore, junior, or senior status, but also for eligibility for graduation.
  

  Waiver of Residency Requirement: Students may request a waiver to the requirement for 30 credits in residence through the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Waivers will be considered on a case-by-case basis in conjunction with the appropriate School Director or Program Director. Students must in all cases complete at least 25% of their academic credits at Mount Ida College, including the majority of the intermediate and advanced coursework in the student’s academic program.

Note: Developmental courses, physical education/recreational activity electives, and other special interest courses do not count towards the academic credits required for graduation.

Graduation Honors

Students who graduate from associate or bachelor degree programs with high cumulative grade point averages are awarded honors as follows:

Students are not eligible for graduation honors until they have completed all academic requirements for their degree. Graduation honors are based on the cumulative grade point average (CGPA) over the student’s entire academic career at Mount Ida College. Thus, for students who complete an associate degree at the College and then continue for a bachelor degree, graduation honors for the baccalaureate degree are based on the comprehensive CGPA inclusive of grades earned in course work for both degrees.

Students who enroll are considered to be financially responsible for the academic semester.

College Withdrawal Form

Whether a student wishes to withdraw from the College permanently or temporarily, he or she must obtain an official College Withdrawal Form from the Office of the Registrar and complete it in accordance with directions given on the same. Before filing the form and leaving the College, it is desirable that the student obtains a clear understanding of his or her official withdrawal date (from the Registrar), financial obligations (from the Bursar) and financial aid status (from the Financial Aid and/or Loan Office).

Resident students should seek resolution regarding precise day of departure from campus, removal of belongings from room, and return of room keys. Instructors will assign students leaving the College while the semester is in progress a grade of W, WP, or WF.

For College charges refund information, see the “Withdrawal Adjustment Schedule” in this Catalog. Adjustments to College charges will be made at the discretion of the College on a case-by-case basis. To be considered for an adjustment, the student must write a letter to the Bursar requesting an adjustment and describing the circumstances necessitating his or her withdrawal. College Charges Refund Insurance, if purchased, covers students withdrawing for medical reasons.

Grades Received upon Withdrawal from College while Semester Is in Progress

Any student desiring to withdraw from the College while the semester is in progress due to medical reasons or compelling personal circumstances is advised to have a conference with the Vice President for Academic Affairs or the Vice President for Student Affairs and then to complete the College Withdrawal Form. The Vice President for Academic Affairs or the Vice President for Student Affairs must approve withdrawal requests of this nature referencing the medical factors or other extenuating circumstances beyond the student’s control. In both cases, documentation confirming the student’s situation is required.

Students who withdraw from the College will receive grades based on the following criteria:

• Students who, for any reason, withdraw from the College BEFORE the end of the Add/Drop period will have their courses dropped from the registration system. However, students will be billed for the semester according to the “Withdrawal Adjustment Schedule” in this Catalog.
• Students who withdraw from the College for medical reasons AFTER the end of the Add/Drop period will receive a grade of “W” in their courses. A letter from the attending physician must support medical withdrawal. Reactivation is contingent on receipt of a letter from the attending physician, and this letter must clearly indicate that the student is now able to attend classes.
• Students who withdraw from the College because of other extenuating circumstances (e.g., serious illness of a family member) AFTER the end of the Add/Drop period will receive a grade of “W” in their courses, provided that the circumstances in question can be documented.
• Students who withdraw from the College AFTER the end of the Add/Drop period and who do not have documented extenuating circumstances of a medical or personal nature that justify their withdrawal, will receive grades of W, WP or WF according to College policies regarding grades in situations of course withdrawal. In such cases, the individual faculty member will determine the course grade in accordance with the guidelines on the Course Withdrawal Notification Form received from the Office of the Registrar.

Request for Reactivation Form

Students withdrawing or absent from the College for one year or less (one or two semesters) must fill out a Request for Reactivation Form, available from the Office of the Registrar, and obtain the necessary approvals before resuming active status. If reactivation is granted, students returning to the same major, as a general rule, continue under the requirements of their original program. Students who are absent from the College for more than one year (i.e., three or more semesters) and academically eligible to return must reapply through the Admissions Office and are subject to program requirements and academic policies in effect for the academic year in which studies are resumed.

The College reserves the right to immediately suspend any student representing a threat to life or safety, or disruption of the College community or any one or more of its members. The Vice President for Student Affairs or designee will determine when such action will be taken. A hearing will be accorded said student as soon as is reasonably possible following such a summary suspension.

Students placed on interim suspension are issued a Notice Against Trespass prohibiting them from entering the campus during the suspension period without authorization from the Vice President for Student Affairs or designee. Make-up of academic work missed during a temporary suspension is at the discretion of the instructor after the Notice Against Trespass is removed. The Vice President for Student Affairs notifies the Vice President for Academic Affairs or designee when a student is placed on interim suspension; the Office for Academic Affairs notifies the appropriate faculty.

Students who have been suspended from the College are liable for all fees and charges for the semester in which the suspension occurs, are withdrawn from their courses, and may not complete them. Students suspended from the College may not attend classes nor visit the campus for any reason during the suspension period nor may they visit in the residence halls. Instructors are advised of this action by the Office of Academic Affairs.