ATTENDANCE AND STANDING

Lafayette uses a system of course credits in computing progress toward the degree.

The normal course of study in a four-year program requires completion of 32 courses over eight semesters with at least four courses per semester. The Bachelor of Science in Engineering program requires completion of a total of 38 courses.

Lafayette will consider a student's progress toward a degree acceptable if he or she has earned at least the following number of course credits by the end of the second semester:

Students may petition the Academic Progress Committee for permission to enroll for courses above the normal requirement for the degree program. Three courses are considered the minimum load for full-time standing.

Grades:
Lafayette uses a five-letter plus/ minus grading scale to evaluate and report a student's academic performance. The course letter grade of "A" indicates excellent, "B" indicates good, "C" indicates satisfactory, "D" indicates passing, and "F" indicates failure. Grades of C-, D+, D, and D-, though passing, fall below the minimum grade point average required for graduation. The following system of grade points and letter codes is used in computing grade point averages. All courses considered in determining the grade point average are listed in the student's permanent record. Starting with the class of 2001, a grade point average of at least 2.00 both overall and in the major is required for graduation.

Mid-Term Grades:
Grades of "D" and "F" are normally reported to the Academic Progress Committee, the adviser, and student at midterm to identify and help students encountering academic difficulty. They are not recorded on the student transcript. Students receiving midterm grades should discuss approaches for improvement with their instructors, their advisers, or a dean in the Office of the Dean of Studies.

Pass/Fail Option:
A junior or senior in good standing whose cumulative average is 2.0 or higher may, in each semester, take one course on a pass or fail basis, but in no case may a student take more than four pass/fail courses to be counted toward degree requirements.

Students must obtain the permission of the Academic Progress Committee before enrolling in a course for pass/fail credit. They must meet all the regularly stated prerequisites for admission to the course and all the course requirements, such as attendance, assigned work, and examinations. Pass grades received under the plan do not affect a student's cumulative average. Failing grades received under this plan are included in the student's cumulative average.

The course must be outside the major field of concentration and outside related courses as defined by the major department. The pass/fail option normally may not be used for courses which the student intends to count for minor credit, and the pass/fail option may not be used for courses which are to be used toward satisfaction of the requirements for the Common Course of Study. Courses which are considered introductory in any field or which are designed specifically as exploratory courses for non-majors may not be taken for pass/fail credit. Further, courses offered by departments within the same division as the student's major department are normally excluded.

Students taking a course on a pass/fail basis may petition to be permitted to convert to a grade basis at any time before midterm. A student may change from conventional grading to a pass/fail option within, but not after, the first two weeks of classes. If a student drops a course with the pass/fail option after the term has begun, the option may not be used for another course during that term.

Students should be aware that many graduate and professional schools react unfavorably to pass/fail grades.

Academic Probation:
Students not making satisfactory progress may be placed on academic probation by the Academic Progress Committee. Factors such as term averages, cumulative averages, and graduation progress are among the criteria used in evaluating students, but each case is considered individually. The Committee will typically review all first-year students with a 1.80 GPA or less and all other students with under a 2.00 GPA. When a student is placed on probation, the probationary period is in effect from the date of the action until the end of the following semester.

Students on academic probation may not take more than two unexcused cuts in any course. A student on academic probation may be required to withdraw unless during the next semester that student shows improvement sufficient to demonstrate clear promise of eventual graduation, although a period of probation need not precede action requiring a student to withdraw. First-year students on academic probation may not hold office in student or social organizations, represent Lafayette College in any official capacity, or participate in fraternity or sorority pledging. A student who has not completed six courses will be regarded as a first-year student for purposes of probation.

Probationary status for two consecutive semesters will affect college-funded financial aid for subsequent semesters. Please consult the Financial Aid Office for further details.

Academic Services:
Students may seek services for academic assistance from a dean in the Office of the Dean of Studies. Programs and services designed to assist students in reaching their academic potential are provided. Personal evaluation of study skills, habits, and attitudes for academic success, peer tutoring and counseling, evening tutorials, and workshops to enhance academic success are offered throughout the year. A Resource Directory of services offered by departments, student services agencies, and the Office of the Dean of Studies is distributed each semester.

Required Withdrawal for Academic Reasons:
A student may be required to withdraw from the College at the end of any semester because of unsatisfactory progress. A student who is required to withdraw for academic reasons is not eligible for reinstatement for at least one year. Reinstatement is not automatic, but is dependent upon the student's demonstration of clear promise to eventually graduate. Reinstatement to the College may depend upon the space available in the class.

Disciplinary Suspension:
When an individual fails to abide by academic and/or social regulations, or acts in a manner which brings discredit upon the College, the student is subject to disciplinary action which may involve probation or suspension from the College.

Leave of Absence:
A student in good standing may apply to the Dean of Studies for a leave of absence effective immediately or at the end of a semester. Requests to return after a leave of absence should be directed to the Dean of Studies, who may require an interview prior to reinstatement. Reinstatement to the College may depend upon the space available in the class.

Transferring or Resignation from College:
Students who wish to resign from the College or transfer to another college should arrange to do so through the Office of the Dean of Studies. (College policy on refunds) Students who fail to report to the College and complete registration within two weeks after the beginning of any term will be considered as resigned and must request consideration for reinstatement from the Dean of Studies before returning to the College.

Transcripts:
The Registrar's Office issues official transcripts, upon the written request of the student, to persons or organizations outside Lafayette College. The Registrar's Office also releases unofficial copies of academic transcripts to major advisers and college officers who are concerned with the student's academic standing. The transcript may be examined by the student at any time in the Registrar's Office.

Academic Honesty

By College policy, the Dean of Studies and the Academic Progress Committee share responsibility for hearing cases of alleged academic dishonesty and for determining penalties when indicated. Individual faculty members are not empowered to take disciplinary action in the absence of due process as summarized in the Statement of Rights and Responsibilities of Students, which appears in the Student Handbook.