2. A minimum of 60 credits (some areas require more).
4. The following core courses:
FYS 100 - First Year Seminar*
ENG 111 - Composition
ENG 112 - Composition and Literature
SPC 111 - Public Speaking
6. A minimum of 15-30 credits of required and elective courses specific to the student's chosen major.
7. Six (6) credits of free electives.
8. Associate degree full-time students must complete these requirements in a maximum of six semesters. For an extension, a student must appeal directly to the Dean of Academic Support Services.
*If students meet the criteria to have this requirement waived, they will complete three credits of free electives in the place of FYS100.
**A.A. students enrolled in Dance complete different general education requirements. Please consult the specific description of this degree for more information.
Bachelor of Arts Majors:
Arts Management
Dance
SUFFOLK/DEAN Bachelor of Science majors:
Communications/Public Relations
Psychology
Sociology/Criminology and Law
Please consult the 2007-2008 Catalog for additional information and course requirements.
Academic Requirements
Grades are monitored by the College at mid-semester and at the semester's end. Students must meet the following criteria in order to be in good academic standing:
|
|
|
|
|
|
0-18.5 Attempted credits |
1.500 Cumulative GPA |
1.000-1.490 Cumulative GPA |
Cumulative GPA less than 1.000 |
|
19-30.5 Attempted credits |
1.750 Cumulative GPA |
1.500-1.749 Cumulative GPA |
Cumulative GPA less than 1.500 |
|
31+ Attempted credits |
2.000 Cumulative GPA |
1.7500-1.999 Cumulative GPA |
Cumulative GPA less than 1.750 |
Students whose cumulative GPA places them in good academic standing, but who earned a term GPA less than a 1.000, or who completed less than 60 percent of the credits they attempted, will be placed on academic probation. Students on academic probation who do not raise their cumulative GPA to good standing by the end of their probationary semester will be placed on academic suspension.
Academic Probation
Students not meeting GPA or credit completion requirements (see Academic Requirements) may be placed on academic probation for one semester. Each student on probation is expected to adhere to specific terms and conditions outlined in an individualized "Probation Agreement." These might include, but are not limited to, weekly/bi-weekly monitoring meetings, weekly academic support group meetings and/or attendance at a mandatory study group. Students on academic probation may not enroll in more than 16 credits during the semester they are on academic probation. Students receive a transcript entry for each semester they are placed on academic probation. Grades and overall performance of students on academic probation are carefully reviewed by the Academic Review Board at mid-semester and again at the end of the semester. A student on academic probation may be suspended at any time during the semester should s/he not meet the terms of the Probation Agreement. Students on academic probation may not enroll in more than 16 credits each semester. Students receive a transcript entry for each semester they are placed on academic probation. In addition, students who fail to meet the published grade point average standards after spring grades are recorded in May will not be eligible for aid in subsequent academic periods. Students who do not meet the College's standards and are allowed to return to the College on probation granted by the Academic Review Board or the Academic Appeals Board may appeal to regain eligibility for aid through the Center for Student Administrative Services (see section on Financial Assistance).
Academic Suspension
Students not meeting GPA or credit completion requirements (see Academic Requirements) may be placed on academic suspension for one semester. A student is always permitted to appeal this suspension to the Academic Appeals Board. In the letter informing the student of her/his suspension, the student is also informed about her/his right to an appeal and the established appeal date. All appeals are final and students may not take courses at Dean College during the period of their academic suspension. If a student wishes to return to Dean after being suspended, s/he must apply for readmission through the Registrar's Office. S/he must also show evidence of success at a regionally accredited college or university other than Dean College. This requires enrolling in no less than six credits at the other institution and achieving grades of "C-" or better in each course taken. Students receive a transcript entry when they are academically suspended.
Academic Dismissal
Students who have been on academic probation repeatedly, or whose cumulative grade point average falls far below that required to earn a degree, may be academically dismissed from the College. A student may appeal a dismissal. The appeal must be in writing to the Academic Appeals Board. If the dismissal is upheld, it is final and the student may not return to Dean. Students receive a transcript entry when they are academically dismissed.
Academic Fresh Start
Students who have a cumulative GPA less than 2.000 and who have not been enrolled at the College for a period of one year, can petition the Academic Appeal Board to be reinstated under the Academic Fresh Start policy. Under this policy, the student would need to complete all the new degree requirements specified by the academic catalog under which the student would re-enter the College. Only courses for which the student had previously earned a C- or higher could be applied to the degree. Courses with grades below a C- would not apply to the degree, and would not factor into the new cumulative GPA although they remain on the academic transcript. This fresh start could only be used only one time in a student's academic career.
Academic Honesty
Honesty in all academic work is expected of every student. This means giving one's own answers on all quizzes and examinations.
Written material is to be original, with credit given by footnote or citation acknowledging information taken from other sources.
Plagiarism - occurs when information/material that is borrowed, or is not a student's own, has not been appropriately acknowledged. Plagiarism occurs when either a single phrase or sentence has not been appropriately cited as well as when substantial portions of an assignment are not appropriately cited. Such information may include a published text, an on-line text, another student's paper, a computer diskette or computer screen. It is important that all students understand the correct procedures for acknowledging and identifying the sources of all borrowed materials.
The basic rule is this: If material is taken from any sources beyond the student's own first hand experience, and if this material is not common knowledge, the student must give credit for that material in a reference that identifies the source by author, title, and page (or, if the source is not something in print, by details about the source that are equally precise).
Specifically:
• If quoting directly from a source, the quoted material must be enclosed within quotation marks (even if it only a phrase or a single word), and a reference must be provided.
• If paraphrasing - that is, restating the material in one's own words - (a) the paraphrasing must represent a substantial change from the original, not just changing an occasional word or phrase, and (b) a reference must be provided.
• If presenting material that is common knowledge, but borrowing/using the organizational pattern of someone else, that use must be acknowledged in a reference.
• If the language and organization is the student's own, s/he must still acknowledge in a reference any ideas or information that is not common knowledge.
Whenever in doubt as to whether or not to acknowledge borrowing, a good rule is to ask: When consulting the books and articles listed in the bibliography, can you recognize sentences, phrases or single words, patterns of organization, interpretation, points of view, ideas or facts in the paper as being derived from one or any of the sources in the bibliography? If the answer is "yes," the source must be cited.
Cheating - occurs when a student, without authorization from the instructor, copies from, or collaborates with, others on a paper or project; consults another person/s or materials (or permits herself/himself to be consulted) on a quiz or examination. This includes "loaning" files and diskettes for copy or submitting work "as your own" that another student has previously submitted. Submitting one's own work, in part or in whole, to more than one instructor without notifying the instructor in advance and seeking her/his approval to do so, also constitutes academic dishonesty and is subject to appropriate disciplinary action.
Charges of Academic Dishonesty or Academic Misconduct
The formal procedure for addressing a charge of academic dishonesty or academic misconduct (which includes, but is not limited to plagiarism, cheating, dishonest practices involving quizzes or examinations, and disruptive classroom behavior) is as follows:
The faculty in whose course the academic dishonesty has allegedly occurred will contact the Director of Residence Life & Judicial Affairs to determine if this is a first offense of academic dishonesty. If it is a second offense, the case will go directly to the Conduct Board. If it is a first offense, the faculty member should contact their department chair or the Dean of Curriculum & Assessment. They would then advise the faculty member to either:
1) Make the initial determination of the alleged violation and proposed sanction*, and notify the student both verbally and in writing of said violation and sanction within five (5) working days after the alleged violation has been identified. A copy of the written letter must be sent to the Director of Residence Life & Judicial Affairs, the parent, and the advisor.
OR
2) Refer the case directly to the Director of Residence Life & Judicial Affairs within five (5) working days after the alleged violation has been identified for a hearing before the College’s Conduct Board. The hearing will serve to review the alleged violation and determine the sanction within five (5) working days after notification by the faculty member. Please see the Student Handbook for a detailed description of the hearing procedures. In cases involving academic dishonesty or misconduct, the Conduct Board will be chaired by the Chair of the Academic Review Board. The student will be notified both verbally and in writing (see attached form letter) of said violation and sanction within (5) working days. A copy of the written letter must be sent to the Director of Residence Life & Judicial Affairs, the parent, and the advisor.
*If the student has had a previous academic dishonesty/misconduct violation, all subsequent cases of academic dishonesty/misconduct are referred directly to the Conduct Board.
Sanctions from the faculty member or Board may include, but are not limited to:
1) A formal reprimand;
2) An “F” on the assignment, paper, quiz, or examination;
3) An “F” in the course;
4) Mandatory withdrawal from the course.
5) Additional possible sanctions from the Board may include, but are not limited to, academic probation, suspension from the College or dismissal from the College.
Any member of the College faculty or staff (e.g., another instructor, lab assistant, tutors, support staff, residence life staff) who has evidence of academic dishonesty or misconduct will report that evidence to the instructor in whose course the dishonesty occurred, after which point the instructor will handle the case directly or refer it to the Director of Residence Life & Judicial Affairs.
Student Right to Appeal
The student has the right to appeal the decision of either the faculty member or the hearing. In those instances where the faculty member has made the initial determination, the student has a right to appeal the case directly to the Dean for Curriculum and Assessment. To appeal, the student must file a written letter within five (5) working days after receiving the request for appeal. The decision of the Dean is final.
In those instances where the Conduct Board has made the decision, the student has a right to appeal the case directly to the Appellate Board. To appeal, the student must file a written letter to the Dean of Students within five (5) working days after receiving the initial letter/verbal notification from the Conduct Board. The Dean of Students will convene the Appellate Board to hear the case, and the Dean for Curriculum and Assessment will chair the Appellate Board hearing. The decision of the Appellate Board is final.
Academic Warning
Students not currently on academic probation may be placed on academic warning at mid-semester if their mid-term grades fall below the minimum GPA required for good academic standing. At the end of the semester, depending on their final grades, students may be either removed from academic warning, be placed on academic probation, or be placed on academic suspension. Please see "Academic Requirements" for more specific information regarding the precise Grade Point Averages needed to remain in good academic standing.
Adding/Dropping or Withdrawing from a Course
Adding/Dropping courses is permitted only within a designated time "period." The specific dates of these periods (I, II) are published and distributed to each student every semester. Add/Drop Forms must be submitted to the Advising Center with all of the appropriate signatures in order to be considered final. Failure to attend a course does not constitute dropping a course.
Period I: A student may add, drop or substitute a course with the signature of her/his advisor. No entry is made on the permanent academic record. No first quarter courses may be added after Period I. Period I is defined as the first five class days in a semester or the first four class days in a quarter.
Period II: A student may add, drop or substitute a course only with the approval of the instructor and the advisor. No entry is made on the permanent academic record for "dropped" courses*. No course(s) may be added after Period II. For semester courses, Period II concludes at the end of the second week of the semester for adding courses and at the end of the fourth week of the semester for dropping courses. For quarter courses, Period II concludes at the end of the second week of the quarter.
If a student completely withdraws from the College during Periods I or II, s/he will receive a grade of "WC" for all coursework. The "WC" grade is not punitive, and is not reflected in credits attempted, credits earned, or the GPA.
Students who elect to enroll in an Honors option will receive a transcript notation and must submit written permission from the instructor, the Director of the Honors Program, and their advisor prior to the end of Period II.
Withdrawing from courses is permitted only within the designated time period. The specific dates of these periods (III, IV) are published each semester and distributed to all students. Withdrawal from Course Forms must have all of the appropriate signatures and be submitted to the Center for Student Administrative Services in order to be considered final. Failure to attend a course does not constitute a withdrawal from that course.
Period III: A student may withdraw from a course with the notation of "W" entered on the permanent academic record. Signatures of the instructor and advisor are required. A "W" does not affect the grade point average. For semester courses, Period III concludes ten days after the mid-point of the semester. For quarter courses, Period III concludes five days after the mid-point of the quarter.
Period IV: A student may withdraw from a course with a grade of "WP" (Withdrawn-Passing) or "WF" (Withdrawn-Failing), as determined by the instructor of the course. The appropriate notation is entered on the permanent record. The signatures of the instructor and advisor are required. "WP" does not affect the grade point average; "WF" has the effect of an "F" (failure) grade in the computation of the grade point average. Period IV concludes on the last day of regular classes for both semester and quarter courses.
If a student completely withdraws from the College during Periods III or IV, s/he will receive grades of W, WP, or WF as appropriate.
Application for Graduation
To be considered an official candidate for graduation and commencement, each student must file an Application for Graduation with the Registrar's Office no later than four weeks prior to the end of their last term of attendance. No degree will be granted until all requirements of the curriculum have been fulfilled. It is ultimately the student's responsibility to make sure all degree requirements are met. Students are allowed to participate in commencement, provided they are within one course of completing their degree by the May commencement ceremony.
Attendance
Class attendance is a vital part of the Dean College educational philosophy. Attending classes is viewed as an opportunity and an obligation. At the beginning of each semester, each instructor announces her/his attendance policy and includes this policy on the course syllabus. All course syllabi are kept on file in the Registrar's Office.
Students with excessive absences may be withdrawn from a class by the instructor with a grade of "RW", which is given during Periods I, II, and III; or an "RP" or "RF" which is given during Period IV. Instructors must warn students in writing when they are in jeopardy of being withdrawn for excessive absences. A copy of the notification must be sent to the Advising Center. If a student does not respond to this written notification to the instructor's satisfaction, the instructor may withdraw the student from the class by completing a Request to Withdraw form from the Registrar's Office. Both the instructor and the department chair must sign the form, with copies sent to the student, the Advising Center, and the Registrar.
Students who are absent from all of their classes for a period of two consecutive weeks without a valid and verified reason may be suspended immediately from the College by the Academic Review Board. A student has the right to appeal that suspension to the Academic Appeals Board. The appeal must be in writing, and received within three (3) business days of the suspension. The Academic Appeals Board will convene within two (2) business days of receipt of the appeal. The decision of the Academic Appeals Board will be final.
Dean adheres to the following Massachusetts state law as it relates to absence due to a religious holiday: "Any student in an educational or vocational training institution, other than a religious or denominational educational or vocational training institution, who is unable, because of his religious beliefs, to attend classes or to participate in any examination, study, or work requirement on a particular day shall be excused from any such examination or study or work requirement, and shall be provided with an opportunity to make up such examination, study or work requirement which he may have missed because of such absence on any particular day; provided, however, that such make-up examination or work shall not create an unreasonable burden upon such school. No fees of any kind shall be charged by the institution for making available to the said student such opportunity. No adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to any student because of his availing himself of the provisions of this section."
Auditing Courses
Students may audit courses for no credit. Tuition and fees are the same as when registered on a credit basis. If the student wishes to change status from credit to audit, or audit to credit, s/he must do so in writing before the end of the second week of classes.
College Level Examination Program
Dean College participates in the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) of the College Entrance Examination Board. CLEP enables students to receive college-level credit for non-traditional learning. Dean College grants credit using the guidelines that have been published by the American Council on Education (ACE) for General and Subject Examinations. Dean College will accept a maximum of 30 transfer credits, including those earned through CLEP. For more information, please contact the Registrar's Office.
Communicating with Students
The College's official channels of communication with students include Dean’s e-mail, voice mail, and/or campus mail systems.
Dean's List
At the conclusion of each semester, students are included on the Dean's List if they earn a grade point average of 3.300 or higher with no grade below a B- and no Incomplete, RW, RP, RF or WF grades for that semester. In addition, full-time students must complete an academic course load of no fewer than 14 credits hours during that semester. Developmental coursework is excluded from consideration toward the GPA or credit completion criteria. Since students in the School of Professional and Continuing Studies (SPCS) enroll in fewer credit hours during a semester, they are subject to different Dean's List eligibility guidelines which are published by the School of Professional and Continuing Studies. Students placed on the Dean's List receive a transcript entry for that term.
Double Majors and Double Degrees
To earn a double major, students must complete all degree requirements for both majors. To earn a double degree, students may apply 30 credits from the first degree to the second degree, and then must complete all additional credits and requirements to earn the second degree. For more information on specific requirements for both double majors and double degrees, please contact the Advising Center or the Registrar's Office.
English as a Second Language
Advancement Policy
International students for whom English is a Second Language are required to complete the TOEFL test (or its equivalent) prior to Orientation to determine their level of English Proficiency. English language assessments will take place at Orientation if a student TOEFL score (or its equivalent) is less than 500. Depending on this level, students will be placed in the appropriate classes for language development, and, in some cases, additional academic courses that will fulfill associate degree requirements. At all levels, international students are strongly encouraged to enroll in one-on-one tutoring for additional academic support.
Students entering with a TOEFL score of less than 500 (or its equivalent) will be conditionally admitted to Dean College, and will become fully matriculated once they earn a TOEFL of 500 (or its equivalent). Students entering with a TOEFL of 399 or less (or its equivalent) will be enrolled entirely in English language development classes. Students entering with a TOEFL score of 400-449 (or its equivalent) will take 8 credits of English development classes, and a 3-credit academic course linked to an additional 3 credit critical thinking/study skills course. Students entering with a TOEFL score of 450-499 (or its equivalent) will take 6 credits of English language development classes, a 3-credit academic course in mathematics or computer information systems. Students entering with a TOEFL of 500 or higher (or its equivalent) will take a 3-credit academic course linked to a 3-credit critical thinking/study skills course, and 3 additional 3 credit academic courses.
Once enrolled in a given level, students will move to the next level provided they have achieved the necessary level of English language proficiency, which is demonstrated on English language tests administered at Dean College and the student's and progress in the English language development classes. Consistent with Dean College placement policy, students may not complete a non-Dean College English placement test to determine placement level once they have enrolled in English language development classes at Dean College.
Full-Time Student Status
A full-time student is required to register in a minimum of twelve (12) credits of academic work per semester. Failure to maintain the minimum credit requirement may impact:
• Eligibility to remain in residential housing.
• Financial Aid eligibility - If a student is on financial aid s/he is encouraged to inquire into how this change in status will affect her/his specific eligibility.
• Athletic eligibility - Students who drop below 12 credit hours are no longer eligible to participate in athletic competition.
• Certification of Attendance - Failure to maintain full-time status may affect eligibility for health insurance certification as well as past loan deferments.
To enroll in more than 18.5 credits per semester, a student must meet the following criteria:
1. s/he must have completed one semester;
2. to enroll in 19-20.5 credits, s/he must have completed a minimum of 15 credits with a Grade Point Average no lower than 2.5;
3. to enroll in 21 credits, s/he must have completed 15 credits (not including developmental courses) with a Grade Point Average no lower than 3.0.
No student will be permitted to enroll in more than 21 credits in any given semester. Students on academic probation may not enroll in more than 16 credits during the semester in which they are on academic probation. Students who would like to enroll in more than 18.5 credits but do not meet the criteria listed above must get approval in writing from the Dean for Academic Support Services.
Any student registered for less than twelve (12) credit hours may not reside in a residence hall unless advanced written permission is obtained from the Office of Student Development. Should a student need to reduce her/his course load to less than 12 credits during a semester, s/he must have approval from the Dean for Academic Support Services and the Dean of Students. Failure to obtain that approval will result in immediate administrative withdrawal of the student from the College. In the subsequent semester, a student may enroll in no more than 16 credits and must meet with their advisor regularly.
Any student who wishes to change from full-time to part-time status should obtain a Change of Status Form from the Registrar's Office or the Office of the School for Professional and Continuing Studies. Part-time students may enroll in a maximum of ten (10) credits per semester through the School for Professional and Continuing Studies. In order to obtain full-time status, a part-time student must apply for admission through the Registrar’s Office if the student has been previously admitted as a full-time student; otherwise, s/he must apply to the Office of Admission.
Grade Changes
Grades submitted to the Registrar by a faculty member remain final unless the faculty member provides written notification stating that there was an error in recording or computing the grade. A student has the right to challenge a grade if s/he believes it to be inaccurate. The student must first discuss the matter with the instructor. If there is no resolution, the student may meet with the appropriate Department Chair or Dean. If there is still no resolution, the student may meet with the Dean for Curriculum and Assessment. In no case will a grade be changed after six weeks into the following semester (or quarter, in the case of a quarter course).
Grade Reports and Academic Transcripts
Grades are reported to students at mid-semester and shortly after the close of each semester. Mid-semester grades are indicated as letter grades but are not part of a student's permanent record or official transcript.
Mid-term and final grades of all full-time students under the IRS legal minimum age limit of 24 will be sent to the parent/legal guardian of record unless the student files a request to withhold grade information with the Center for Student Administrative Services. Should full-time students under the age of 24 wish to declare independent status with the College, it is their responsibility to file a Declaration for Independent Status Form with the Center for Student Administrative Services.
The following fees apply to requests for all documents:
For currently enrolled students:
Regular Service - No Charge
Rush Service - $20.00 per copy
Overnight - $35.00 per copy
International Overnight - $55.00 per copy
Students and Alumni not currently enrolled:
Regular Service - $10.00 per copy
Rush Service - $20.00 per copy
Overnight - $35.00 per copy
International Overnight - $55.00 per copy
*Regular Service - within 5 business days of the request
*Rush Service - same business day
Students completing their studies at Dean are granted a grace period following the date of their completion of graduation requirements to receive transcripts at the rates of currently enrolled students. These grace periods are: For May completion, August 1; for December completion, March 1; for August completion, October 1. All currently enrolled students and graduating students are limited to one official transcript per semester. An unofficial copy of a transcript can also be obtained from the Center for Student and Administrative Services for $3.00 and will be processed within 5 business days. Current students can download and print an unofficial copy of their transcript free of charge on the web at www.dean.edu using Dean Advisor.
All members of the Dean Community must satisfy all overdue financial obligations to the College prior to the issuing of an Official Transcript, unofficial transcript, or grade report. Any questions about this policy may be directed to the Registrar's Office.
Dean College recognizes all contracted agencies as official agents of the College in accordance with FERPA guidelines. As such, student information can and will be released to these agencies in accordance with contracted responsibilities, such as, but not limited to: Arbour Counseling Services, AT&T Long Distance, Consolidated Health Plans, Follet Higher Education Group, National Direct Loan Servicing Clearinghouse, Pinkerton Security Services, Sodexho-Marriott Service, Tri-County Medical Associates, National Student Clearinghouse.
Grading
In order to arrive at a single scale value to assist in determining the general quality of a student's academic performance, Dean employs the grade point system. According to this method, letter grades are accorded the following numerical value:
A = 4.00 (93+)
A- = 3.70 (90 - 92)
B+ = 3.30 (87 - 89)
B = 3.00 (83 - 86)
B- = 2.70 (80 - 82)
C+ = 2.30 (77 - 79)
C = 2.00 (73 - 76)
C- = 1.70 (70 -72)
D+ = 1.30 (67 - 69)
D = 1.00 (63 - 66)
D- = 0.70 (60 - 62)
S = Satisfactory (for Honors seminars only)
U = Unsatisfactory (for Honors seminars only)
F = 0.00 (Failure, below 60)
RF=0.00 (equivalent to an F grade)
RP = 0.00 (no impact on GPA)
RW = 0.00 (no impact on GPA)
W = 0.00 (no impact on GPA)
WC = 0.00 (no impact on GPA
WF = 0.00 (equivalent to an F grade)
WP = 0.00 (no impact on GPA)
* S and U grades are not counted toward the grade point average.
The Grade Point Average (GPA) is determined by multiplying the grade point value by the total number of credits for a particular course, summing the products (to arrive at the total number of "quality points"), and dividing by the total number of credits attempted. For example, if a student in one semester earned an "A", two "B" grades, and a "C" in each of four 3-credit courses, and a "C" in a 4-credit course, the grade point average would be calculated as follows:
GRADE POINT (Value x Credits) QUALITY POINTS
| A |
4.0 x 3 |
12 |
| B |
3.0 x 3 |
9 |
| B |
3.0 x 3 |
9 |
| C |
2.0 x 3 |
6 |
| C |
2.0 x 4 |
8 |
| |
|
|
| Totals |
16 |
44 |
| |
|
|
| 44 ÷ 16 = 2.75 Grade Point Average (GPA) |
Graduation Honors
Students who earn a cumulative grade point average of 3.200 or higher after successfully completing all degree requirements, will be accorded honors at Commencement. Those students with a cumulative GPA of 3.200 - 3.499 will be awarded "Honors"; those with a cumulative GPA of 3.500 - 3.799 will be awarded "High Honors"; and students with a cumulative GPA of 3.800 or higher will be awarded "Highest Honors."
Honors and Awards
Each year, Dean formally recognizes and honors numerous students who have demonstrated excellence in specific academic programs or in specific academic disciplines, as well as students who have made outstanding contributions to the Dean College community. Other awards honor former members of the Dean faculty, staff or student body. Honors and Awards events are held each spring to officially acknowledge the exemplary individuals.
Incomplete Coursework
An Incomplete grade ("I") will be recorded only when a student is unable to complete coursework as the result of serious illness, accident, or family emergency. If the missing work is completed within six weeks into the following semester/quarter (or within the time designated by the instructor, not to exceed six weeks), the instructor will issue a final letter grade replacing the temporary "I" designation. If the work is not submitted by the appropriate deadline, the "I" grade will be replaced with an "F" grade. The six-week time limit may be extended only through written consent of the faculty member and the Department Chair or Dean in response to a written petition initiated by the student and co-signed by her/his advisor.
Military Activation Policy
Dean will allow students to withdraw from courses without penalty if they are called to active duty as military reservists, National Guard, or for other non-voluntary military service. This shall include a 100% credit of tuition and fees (applied toward their semester of return) upon verification of a student’s orders. A copy of the military orders is required. A non-punitive grade of ‘WC’ (Withdrawal from College) will appear on the student’s transcript. Additionally, the College supports faculty who, at their discretion, wish to assign a credit-bearing or incomplete grade based on coursework completed to date. Students who are able to complete some of their registered courses will have their tuition credit pro-rated to reflect this. Students being placed on active duty should contact the Advising Center to start the process of withdrawal.
Minors
Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in the Dance Program may opt to complete a minor. A minor consists of a total of 18 credits in one area of concentration, at least 3 credits of which must be at the 300/400 level. Minors are not available to students in the associate degree program. For precise requirements, please see the BA-Dance requirements in the Dean College Academic Catalog.
Placement Assessments
All incoming students complete placement assessments prior to attending their initial orientation program. These placement assessments are the only uniform way the College has of measuring student skills in relation to the abilities we know students will need in certain classes. The results of the placement assessments are used to place students in the Dean College classes appropriate to their skill level. Developmental courses will be required of students whose assessment results indicate the need for additional preparation before beginning traditional college-level course work. If a student is required to take designated developmental courses, they must enroll in them in their first semester at Dean College. Students are permitted one retake of a placement assessment, and must do so no later than the end of the second week of classes in their first semester at Dean College. Any course adjustments as a result of this retake must happen before the end of the second week of classes. Students may not retake an assessment once they have attempted a course in the specific area. Students who transfer in coursework equivalent to or beyond the developmental level in reading/writing, mathematics, or computers will be waived from the assessment in which they have transferred in coursework. Students must earn a C- or above in the transfer course in order to be exempted from the assessment.
Readmission to the College
A student who has withdrawn voluntarily from the College and wishes to apply for readmission may do so by submitting the necessary forms, which may be obtained from the Center for Student Administrative Services. The readmission is subject to the approval of the Office of Financial Services, the Office of Student Development and Retention, and the Office of Academic Affairs. Students who have been academically or disciplinarily suspended must also meet any additional conditions of readmission as indicated in their original suspension letters or subsequent College communications.
A student who is readmitted to Dean College must complete degree requirements specified in the catalog under which s/he is readmitted if s/he has not been a student at Dean College for more than one calendar year or her/his original program has been eliminated. If a readmitted student was a full-time matriculated student within the past calendar year and her/his original program has not been eliminated, s/he must complete requirements specified in the catalog that was in effect at that time.
Repeating a Course
Students are permitted to repeat courses; however, if a course is repeated, only the highest grade will count toward the grade point average, and credit will be granted only one time for the course unless otherwise noted in the course description of the Academic Catalog 2007-2008.
Student Concerns About Faculty
If a student has a problem or concern about a faculty member that s/he is unable to resolve by talking directly with the instructor, the student should talk informally with her/his advisor. If the problem is not resolved and the student wishes to pursue the matter, s/he should discuss the situation with the appropriate Department Chair or Dean. If the matter is still not resolved to the student's satisfaction, s/he may discuss her/his concerns with the Dean for Curriculum and Assessment.
Transfer Credit
Transfer credit toward a Dean degree may be earned by successfully completing courses at another regionally accredited college or university. Students may also earn credits through the Advanced Placement Testing Program (AP) and the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). For associate degree candidates, a maximum of 30 credits may be transferred; however, 24 of the last 36 credits must be earned at Dean. For bachelor of arts-dance students, a maximum of 70 credits may be transferred; however, 24 of the last 36 credits must be earned at Dean. Additionally, all dance credits must be approved by the dance department. In order for transfer credit to be awarded from another college or university, students must attain a grade of "C-" or better. Only the credits from transferred courses will be honored, not the grade earned; i.e., the earned grade will not be entered into the student's grade point average.
Prior to enrolling in a course for transfer credit at another institution, students must obtain written authorization from the Registrar's Office at Dean. Such authorization guarantees that the course will be transferable, provided that the student achieves a grade of "C-" or better. Students who transfer in coursework equivalent to or above developmental level in reading/writing, mathematics or computers will be waived from the assessment in which they have transferred in coursework. Students must earn a C- or above in the transfer course in order to be exempted from the assessment.
Voluntary Withdrawal from the College
Students who wish to withdraw voluntarily from the College must obtain a departure form from the Advising Center and complete this form in order to remain in good standing with the College and in order to receive any appropriate refunds. Extended absence from classes does not constitute withdrawal from the College. See grading policies regarding withdrawals. Federal regulations require that students who withdraw from all classes prior to completing more than 60% of an enrollment term will have their eligibility for Federal Aid recalculated based on the percentage of the term completed. Be sure to consult the Financial Aid Office BEFORE you decide to withdraw from the College, so you can fully understand the impact your withdrawal will have on the financial aid already awarded to you. See section on Refund Policies in the 2007-2008 Academic Catalog for more information.
Voter Registration
As a part of the Higher Education Amendment, Dean College must provide students with the opportunity to register to vote. Accordingly, to request a mail-in voter registration form, please visit www.state.ma.us/sec/ele/elestu/stuindx.htm. Please note that students may choose between a Massachusetts form and a Federal form. The Massachusetts form can only be used to register to vote in Massachusetts. The Federal form may be used to register in most other states.
Please note that students cannot register to vote via the Internet, but they can request a voter registration form. Students must fill out the form completely, and return it to their city or town hall.
Remember – students will not be registered to vote until they return the completed voter registration form to their local city or town hall.
The local clerk will thereafter provide students with acknowledgment of their voter registration. If students do not receive acknowledgment of their voter registration within a reasonable time, they should check with their local clerk for more information.
Withdrawing a Student from a Course
Any instructor may, with the written approval of the Department Chair or Dean, withdraw a student from a course if the student disrupts or interferes with the orderly conduct of the class. The student will receive an "RW", "RP" or "RF" (Required to Withdraw) grade on her/his transcript. The "RW" and "RP" do not affect the grade point average. The "RF" does.
Class Cancellation Due to Inclement Weather
When extreme weather conditions occur, students should turn to the following radio stations for information regarding possible college closing, delayed opening, and/or class cancellation:
WGAO-FM 88.3
WBZ-AM 1030
WEEI-AM 590
WPRO-AM 630
WPRO-FM 92.3
Students can also dial the College's snow line at 508-541-1991or check the College's web page at www.dean.edu.
