Academic Policies and Procedures

Unless designated, the following Academic Policies and Procedures are applicable to

all degree and certificate programs.

Academic Advising

It is the responsibility of each student to monitor his or her academic progress at Paul Smith's College. The student is expected to know the graduation requirements pertinent to his or her program, to be cognizant of his or her grade point average, to make appropriate elective course selections, and to add/drop courses to best facilitate attainment of his or her educational goals. To assist in making these important decisions, the College provides each student with an Academic Advisor. Advice and information are also available to each student from the Deans and the Registrar's Office.

Attendance

Attendance is expected of all students. Unsatisfactory attendance occurs when a student's accumulated absences in a semester exceed the number of times the class meets per week. Faculty report absences class absences through the IQ Web system. Weekly updates of students' absences are provided to faculty and support offices. Faculty, however, may establish individual policies in their syllabi which determine the impact of unsatisfactory absences on the student's grade in the course. Verification of unavoidable absences is the student's responsibility.

Behavioral Standards

Students are expected to attend class regularly, arrive on time, come to class prepared, demonstrate courtesy and respect to the instructor and other students, and contribute to a classroom environment supportive of learning and intellectual development.

The College's alcohol and drug policy applies to all aspects of student life, including the classroom, where zero tolerance is the standard. Coming to class or other academic functions under the influence constitutes a misuse of alcohol under or over age 21. Coming to class under the influence of illegal substances is also prohibited and will not be tolerated.

Students who, in the opinion of the instructor, fail to abide by these expectations may face academic discipline. In addition, misconduct or disruption in the classroom or other campus areas may result in academic discipline. The instructor will report any violation of the above to the appropriate parties.

Certification of Enrollment

The Registrar's Office can certify individuals as enrolled in good standing only after students register for courses, and not before the first day of the term for which certification is sought. Note that for student loan and/or health insurance purposes, full-time registration status (a minimum of 12 credits) is required; it is possible that students enrolled for fewer than 12 credits (including externship semesters) may not be covered by parents' health insurance. All parties are urged to check with their health insurer in advance for eligibility coverage, and if that is not available, to participate in the health insurance coverage plan offered through the Paul Smith's College Health Services office.

Challenge/Proficiency Exams

Proficiency/Challenge Examinations* formulated and administered by the dean responsible for the course, will be administered at the request of the student enrolled in the course, but only with the consent of the instructor of the course. Challenges to the Externship requirement must be registered by the student to the appropriate Dean no later than noon on the last day of class of the second semester (excluding summer session) of their enrollment in the program at Paul Smith's College.

• Requests for challenge examinations must be received prior to the end of the second week of the course.
• A fee of $50.00 is charged to administer the examination.
• If the exam is passed an additional fee of $100 per credit will be charged. Additionally, a fee for laboratory examinations or food courses will be assessed to cover the cost of materials used.

Challenge examinations will not be permitted if a student has received a failing grade in the course or was previously enrolled in the course while at Paul Smith's College. *The awarding of credit by examination, including Proficiency/Challenge exams is limited to 15 credit hours.

Classification of Students

Freshman status—0 to 29 credit hours.

Sophomore status—upon accrual of 30 to 59 credit hours.

Junior status—upon accrual of 60 to 89 credit hours.

Senior status—upon accrual of more than 90 credit hours.

All classifications are made as of the registration date each semester. Classification will be reviewed upon re-admission, change of program, etc.

The Registrar is the final authority in determining classification.

Commencement Participation

Paul Smith's College conducts an annual commencement ceremony following the Spring Semester. Students who have completed the graduation requirements, or have a 2.0 GPA or above and are within one course of completing graduation requirements, are permitted to participate in the ceremony. For the December Recognition Luncheon, only those students who have completed ALL graduation requirements may attend.

The commencement ceremony, held in early May, is a time when Paul Smith's College gathers to recognize the accomplishments of members of the academic community, including distinguished guests, faculty, alumni, and students. Those persons who have met all graduation requirements for their respective degree programs from the period immediately following the date of the most recent commencement ceremony to the present date are invited

to participate, subject to all commencement requirements, including submission of final transcripts for any courses outstanding, as of April 1 of the spring term, in which commencement is held. Application to participate in commencement, including for those students not in attendance at Paul Smith's College during the spring term in which commencement is held, is made in writing by April 1 through the Office of the Provost, Phelps Administration 205, Paul Smith's College.

Dean’s List

Students qualify for the Dean's List if they are enrolled full-time during any semester/session in which they obtain at least a 3.30 Grade Point Average and do not receive a grade of "F", "INC.", or "DEF".

As further recognition of outstanding scholarship, students who have met the above conditions, and also have a cumulative average of at least 3.80, qualify for the title of "Adirondack Scholar".

Students who are on the Dean's List at the end of any semester and who have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 are permitted to enroll in one additional course (an overload) in the subsequent semester at no extra charge, provided they are full-time students.

Students scheduled for the 15-week semester in the Hotel/Restaurant 260 Practicum course or the Externship are precluded from carrying an overload. The privilege for these students will be carried over to their next semester on campus, provided that they maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00.

Degree Completion

Students who are continually enrolled or are not enrolled for no more than one continuous semester are permitted a ten-year period from their original date of entry into any Paul Smith's College program during which they have the option of meeting the academic requirements in existence at the time of their original entry into the program, or of meeting the requirements of the program at the time of their re-entry. Students may graduate under one or the other, but not a combination of the two programs. Students who at any point during their studies are not enrolled at Paul Smith's College for two continuous semesters, will be required to meet the graduation requirements in force at the time of their re-admission to Paul Smith's College.

Students who are within 9 credits hours of obtaining their degree are permitted a ten-year period from their original date of entry into any Paul Smith's College program during which they have the option of meeting the academic requirements in existence at the time of their original entry into the program, or of meeting the requirements of the program at the time of their re-entry. Students may graduate under one or the other, but not a combination of the two programs.

Students whose degree work extends beyond the ten year period from their original date of entry into the program are required to meet the graduation requirements effective at the time of their re-entry. A course completed prior to re-entry and fulfilling current degree requirements will be accepted providing no significant changes have occurred in the course. If significant changes have occurred in a course completed prior to re-entry and fulfilling current degree requirements or a course in a field where there has been a significant change in the knowledge base (the sciences, GIS, etc.), the course will be accepted only upon the successful completion of a challenge examination by the student.

Drop/Adds

A student who withdraws from a course after the fourth week of the term will receive a grade of "WP" (withdrew passing) or "WF" (withdrew failing), unless the student simultaneously withdraws from the college. In that case, a grade of "WD" (withdrew) is issued for all courses registered for in the term of withdrawal.

Upon written recommendation of his or her advisor, a student may add a course by Friday of the first week of classes at the beginning of the semester. (The add period will be prorated for courses offered in other than full semester formats. Exact dates are available on the Academic Calendar.)

Externship Verification Process

The Externship semester is a fundamental aspect of the Paul Smith's College educational experience, and required for the great majority of academic programs. Instructional requirements of the various externship courses are determined by and maintained by the academic divisions.

Students who wish to have previous experience in their degree subject area considered for satisfaction of an externship course requirement must submit an application in writing to their Dean no later than noon on the last day of classes of the second semester (excluding summer sessions) of their enrollment in the program at Paul Smith's College.

Students who have not met the externship requirement of their degree program, and who are employed in a full-time position that they wish to submit for consideration of satisfaction of an externship requirement, must:

A. Have applied to the Externship Coordinator of their academic division prior to accepting employment; and

B. If placement is approved, be registered for the given term's externship course. Paul Smith's College is not obligated to accept externship course registrations after the start date of any term.

Students registered in an externship course for any term that follows the most recent commencement ceremony, not including the present term, and who have not submitted satisfactory proof of completion of externship experience, must submit such proof to the Registrar by the close of the first business day following October 31 or March 30, for the fall and spring terms respectively.

Federal Education Right-To-Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (otherwise known as FERPA), sets forth requirements regarding the privacy of student records. FERPA governs the release of records maintained by educational institutions and access to those records. This notice, published in the college catalog, serves as the yearly student notification of their rights under FERPA.

Questions regarding FERPA or any college policies related to it may be directed to the Registrar's Office.

1. Definition of Education Record:

   The meaning of "education records" is, with certain exemptions as listed below, those records, files, documents, and other materials which contain information directly related to a student, and are maintained by any employee or agent of the University. The following categories of information are exempted and are not considered to be "education records:"

   • Records made by College personnel which are in the sole possession of the maker and are not accessible or revealed to any other person.
   • Records maintained by Campus Safety for law enforcement purposes.
   • Medical and counseling records used solely for treatment. (Medical records may be personally reviewed by a physician of the student's choice.)
   • Records only related to a former student (alumni records). Records of that individual while a student continue to be considered education records.

     Note: All records pertaining to students which are maintained by College offices are official College records, and as such, remain the property of the College.

2. Right to Inspect and Review

   Students are granted the right to inspect and review all of their education records, except the following:

   • Financial records of parents.
   • Confidential letters and statements of recommendations placed in education records prior to January 1, 1975.
   • Confidential letters and statements of recommendations for admission, employment, or honorary recognition placed in education records after January 1, 1975, for which students have waived their right of access.
3. Waiver of Rights of Access

   Students may waive their right of access to confidential letters and statements of recommendation. Even if the student signs a waiver, upon request, the names of all persons making confidential recommendations will be made available. Employees or agents of the College may not require a student to waive his or her right of access for receipt of College benefits or services.

4. Procedures for Inspection and Review
   • Requests to review records must be made to Registrar's Office. By law, the Office has 45 days to respond to requests to review and inspect. However, arrangements will be made as expeditiously as possible.
   • Information contained in education records will be fully explained and interpreted to students by College personnel assigned to, and designated by, the Registrar.
   • Students have the right to review only their own records. When a record contains information about more than one student, disclosure cannot include information regarding the other student(s).
5. Right to Challenge Information in Records

   Students have the right to challenge the content of their education records if they consider the information contained therein to be inaccurate, misleading, or inappropriate.

   • This process includes an opportunity for amendment of the records or insertion of written explanations by the student into such records.

     Note: The right to challenge grades does not apply under the Act unless the grade assigned was inaccurately recorded, under which condition the record will be corrected.

6. Procedures for Hearings to Challenge Records

   Students challenging information in their records must submit, in writing, a request for a hearing to the Registrar's Office, listing the specific information in question and the reasons for the challenge.

   • Hearings will be conducted by the Registrar. Students shall be afforded a full and fair opportunity to present evidence relevant to the reasons for the challenge, as referenced in item 5.
   • The Registrar will render a decision, in writing, noting the reason and summarizing all evidence presented within 10 days after the challenge is filed.
   • Should the hearing be in favor of the student, the record shall be amended accordingly. Should the request be denied, an appeal may be made, in writing, and submitted according to the Grievance Procedure in the Community Guide.
   • Should the appeal be in favor of the student, the record shall be amended accordingly. Should the request be denied, the student may choose to place a statement with the record commenting on the accuracy of the information in the record and/or setting forth any basis for inaccuracy. When disclosed to an authorized part the record will always include the student's statement and notice of the Board's decision, as long as the student's record is maintained by the College.
7. Consent for Release Required

   Consent must be obtained from a student for the release of information from education records, specifying what is to be released, the reasons for release, and to whom, with a copy of the record sent to the student if he or she desires.

8. Release Without Consent

   The requirement for consent does not apply to the following:

   • Requests from faculty and staff of Paul Smith's College who have a legitimate educational interest on a "need to know" basis, including student employees or agents of the institution, if necessary to conduct official business, as authorized by the College Registrar. Legitimate educational interest includes performing a task related to the duties of the employee or agent, the student's education, the discipline of a student, a service or benefit for the student, or maintaining safety and security of the campus.
   • Requests in compliance with a lawful subpoena or judicial order.
   • Requests in connection with a student's application for or receipt of financial aid.
   • Requests by State authorities and agencies specifically exempted from the prior consent requirements by the Act--organizations conducting studies on behalf of the College, if such studies do not permit the personal identification of students to any persons other than to representatives of such organizations and if the personal identification data is destroyed when no longer needed.
   • Information submitted to accrediting organizations.
   • Requests by parents of a dependent student, as defined in Section 152 of the Internal Code of 1954.
   • In the case of emergencies, the College may release information from educational to appropriate persons in connection with an emergency, if the knowledge of information is necessary to protect the health or safety of a student or other persons.
   • To authorized federal officials who have need to audit and evaluate federally-supported programs.
   • The results of any disciplinary proceeding conducted by the College against an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence to the alleged victim of that crime.
   • Requests for "directory information" (see item 9).

     Note: The College reserves the right to verify the accuracy of any information contained in what purports to be an official College document (e.g. a transcript or diploma) or information provided to a third party. In addition, degrees (any honors, majors, minors and specializations) are considered public information since they are conferred in a public ceremony.

9. Directory Information

   Paul Smith's College, in accordance with the Act, has designated the following information about students as public (directory) information:

   • Name
   • Address (local, home and e-mail)
   • Birthdate
   • Images (stills, video, etc.)
   • Telephone (local and home)
   • Program of Study (including division of enrollment, major and campus)
   • Enrollment status (e.g. full-time, part-time, withdrawn)
   • Dates of attendance
   • Honors awarded
   • Graduands (potential graduates) and students participating in graduation
   • Previous educational agencies or institutions attended
   • Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
   • Weight and height of members of intercollegiate athletic teams
   • Students have the right to have this directory information withheld from the public if they so desire. Each student who wants all directory information to be withheld must notify the Registrar's Office in writing by filing out the Stop Release Form. At least 10 days should be allowed for processing of these requests.
   • The College receives many inquiries for "directory information" from a variety of sources, including friends, parents, relatives, prospective employers, other institutions of higher education, honor societies, licensing agencies, government agencies, and the news media. Each student is advised to carefully consider the consequences of a decision to withhold "directory information." The College, in all good faith, will not release directory information requested to be withheld, and any requests from persons or organizations outside the College will be refused unless the student provides written consent for the release.
10. Complaints, Concerns or Suggestions

    Any student who has reason to believe that the College is not complying with the Act or this policy should inform the Registrar in writing. The Registrar shall promptly review all such allegations.

Auditing

A student in good academic standing may, with the approval of the academic advisor, audit one course per semester, providing there is space available in the course, as determined by the instructor in concert with the Registrar's Office.

When auditing a course, the student has the option of doing the work required. The student will receive no grade or credit for an audited course. Course(s) that a student has audited may not later be challenged for credit.

An audited course will appear on the student's transcript, with an audit (AU) notation. Attendance will be recorded by the instructor of the course. If a student has more than 5 recorded absences, no record of the course will appear on the transcript. Audited courses may not in any way apply to graduation requirements or to the student's GPA.

With approval of the academic advisor or designee, and the instructor of the course, a student may change his classification from "audit" to "for credit" up to the end of the second week of the semester. Upon reclassification to "for credit" the student will be billed regular tuition costs for the course.

1. Students enrolled at Paul Smith's College as full-time students may audit one course per semester, on a space available basis. If the audited course does not place their total load over 18 credit hours, there is no charge. If the audited course is an overload, the charge is $100 per credit hour plus appropriate fees for supplies.

2. Students enrolled at Paul Smith's College who are not full-time may audit one course per semester, on a space available basis. The charge is $150 per credit hour, plus appropriate fees for supplies. Individuals, other than full-time Paul Smith's College students, who are auditing a course must prove high school graduation and have Dean's approval.

Final Exam Policy

Paul Smith's College requires that a final assessment be administered in every course. The assessment, and the student's preparation for them, provides an opportunity for a comprehensive review of subject material, thus promoting overall synthesis of the course by the student as well as improving long-term retention of the material. Exposure to a final assessment also helps prepare the student for their experiences in possible future endeavors.

A period of two hours will be allocated for final examinations in all courses. The final examinations will be given at the specified time and place indicated on the Final Examination Schedule distributed by the Registrar's Office, unless alternate final assessment arrangements exist. The final assessment format must be pre-approved by the Dean prior to the beginning of the semester and be clearly delineated in the syllabus.

Grade Change Procedure

Considerable care is taken to ensure that all grades entered on a student's permanent record are accurate. Records are considered to be correct if a student does not report errors within one year of the completion of the course. Any student who suspects an error in a semester's final grade should follow the procedure described below.

1. The student first contacts the course instructor to discuss the grade in question within six weeks of the start of the semester (regular academic session) immediately following that in which the grade was awarded. If the instructor agrees that the grade in question was inaccurate, a grade change is processed by the instructor.

2. If the student and the instructor cannot agree on the appropriateness of the grade in question, the student may contact the Dean of the instructor's department, with a specific reason, in writing, within ten working days after the meeting with the instructor. If a mutually agreeable decision is made through mediation conducted by the Dean, the instructor will submit the agreed-upon grade and the process is completed. If there is no outcome that is mutually acceptable to the student and the instructor, the process may continue. If the instructor is also the Dean, then Step 2 is omitted and the process goes to Step 3.

3. The student may appeal the decision to the Office of the Provost in writing within ten working days after the mediation process is complete. The Provost shall collect written views and other pertinent material from the involved instructor, student, and Dean, and consult with any other individuals deemed necessary. The Provost shall convene a panel of faculty who have not been involved in the process described above. The panel must be formed within ten days of receipt of the written request by the Provost.

4. A three-member panel will be selected as follows: The Provost, the faculty member, and the student involved will each select one member of the panel from the designated faculty.

5. The panel will review all appropriate material and make a written determination about the grade. This review must be completed within thirty days of the formation of the panel. The panel has the authority to assign a grade for the course in question. That grade may be the same grade as assigned by the instructor, or a higher, or a lower grade, according to the panel's judgment. The student and the instructor will be informed of the panel's decision and, when applicable, the authorized grade change will be submitted to the Registrar.

6. The decision of the panel may be appealed by the original instructor, or the student, to the Provost only in the following extraordinary circumstances:

A. The grade change procedure was not followed.

B. Prejudice was manifested against either the student or the instructor.

C. New, relevant information was introduced.

The appeal must be brought within thirty days of the panel's decision. The burden of the proof for the appeal rests with the individual bringing the appeal.

7. If the Provost believes that the decision of the panel should be reviewed, a three-member appeal panel will be appointed from the pool of faculty as described in paragraph 3 above. The Provost, the faculty member, and the student involved will each select one member. No member of the original panel may serve on the appeal panel. The appeal panel will follow the procedure in paragraph 5 above, including completion of its task within thirty days of the formation of the panel. The written decision of the appeal panel is final.

Grading System

Paul Smith's College provides both interim grades and final grades each semester. Only the final grades appear on the student's transcript. Grades for all courses attempted during the semester/session are available for student viewing on the IQ Web. Login to your IQ Web account to view your grades, GPA, class schedule and unofficial transcript.

The Grade Point Average (GPA) is computed for each semester, and cumulatively at the end of each semester and other Paul Smith's College sessions.

Quality Points (QP) are awarded as follows: (NG=Numerical Grade, L=Letter Grades). Grades are recorded by letter (L).

All grades submitted to the Registrar by Faculty will be reported in letters, except as indicated below:

1. P or F (Pass/Fail) – awarded only in specifically designated courses.

2. WD – student withdrew from the College after the fourth week of term.

3. WF/WP – a transcript notation that the student withdrew from the course during the period after the fourth week through the first full week past midterm examinations.

4. AU – course was audited; no credit or grade given.

5. NG – little or no student work for the purpose of grade determination; used only during the interim grading period.

6. INC – In the case of student illness, or some other justifiable delay in certain work, an instructor may, with the approval of his or her Dean and the Provost, report an Incomplete (INC) on the Final Grade Report Sheet to the Registrar's Office. In the event that the student does not complete the necessary work within six weeks after the beginning of the next full academic semester, a grade of "F" will replace the Incomplete grade unless an exception is granted by the Provost. A grade of Incomplete may not be given at the interim grading period.

7. DEF (Deferred Final Grade) – entered only for the Capstone Project course, as an interim grade subject to completion of the Capstone Project. Given in the case of student illness, or some other justifiable delay in certain work, by the Capstone Coordinator and with the approval of his or her Dean and the Provost. In the event that the student does not complete the Capstone Project by the end of the next full semester, a grade of "F" will replace the "deferral" unless an exception is granted by the Provost.

A student may repeat any course taken at Paul Smith's College. All attempts will remain on the student's record (unless the student withdraws within the no-penalty period). The last attempt is the grade of record, and the only one included in the computation of the Grade Point Average. Courses attempted after graduation will not be computed and will not change the academic record at the time of graduation. If a failed course has been removed from the curriculum, the students may meet graduation requirements by course substitution if they have a written recommendation from the appropriate Dean. (In such a case, the failed course is not to be included in the computation of credit hours or GPA.)

Graduation Requirements

1. To be eligible for graduation, students must:
   1. have fulfilled the residency requirements;
   2. have completed satisfactorily (passed) all courses in their program;
   3. have met satisfactorily (passed) at least the minimum number of credit hours required in their program.
   4. have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00;
   5. have met their financial obligation to the College.
2. In addition to the requirements stated in 1, baccalaureate candidates must have completed satisfactorily (passed), the minimum number of Upper Division credits (300/400 level) required by their program. No more than half of the upper level courses required in each program may be transferred in for credit.
3. Students become degree candidates when the Dean certifies that the students have completed program and college requirements for graduation. The Provost recommends the students to the faculty for the conferring of the appropriate degree.
4. The student's cumulative GPA at the time of his or her completion of the program of study will be used to determine degrees with honor according to the following schedule. A student who receives final honors shall have such honors indicated on his or her diploma, as well as in the commencement program.

Those students processing at commencement ceremonies although missing one course in order to graduate, may wear honors regalia at the commencement ceremony providing they have otherwise met all honors criteria, and that the course not yet completed be a course that is graded at Paul Smith's College only on a "Pass/Fail" basis.

Exceptions

1. Proposed exceptions to graduation requirements must be recommended in writing by the Dean to the Provost, who will submit the request(s) to the Academic Standards Committee for action.

2. Proposed exceptions to other academic policies and procedures must be recommended in writing by the Dean to the Provost, who will approve or disapprove.

Independent Study

Students may be eligible for Independent Study where the necessary prerequisites are met. Permission to enroll in an Independent Study must be obtained from the student's advisor, the instructor of the course, the Dean of the course and the Provost. A separate registration form for Independent Study is available at the Registrar's Office. The student must file the form in the Office of the Dean, the instructor and the Registrar to be officially registered in the course.

Independent Study is designed under the direction of a faculty member to allow study of material covered in the course master course outline. Unless previously arranged, Independent Study is conducted under the regular semester calendar and completed by the end of that semester. The evaluation of the student will be by written reports, written or oral examinations, and written final examination during the Final Examination Period.

Permission for Independent Study requires Sophomore or higher standing. The student must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or better. Independent Study may not be taken to replace a "D" or an "F" grade received in previous work in the course. No more than one course of the minimum requirements for the program may be met as Independent Study.

The minimum number of student-instructor meetings in an Independent Study shall be four plus twice the number of semester hours of credit granted: e.g.

Multiple Degrees and/or Certificates

A second Paul Smith's College degree and/or certificate is awarded when a student satisfies all degree requirements for two of the College's degree or certificate programs.

Overloads

An overload in a semester is any load over 18 credit hours except where a normal program load is over 18 credit hours. Students are permitted to register for overloads and are charged as stated in this Catalog, except as stated below:

1. A student with a cumulative GPA less than 2.0 may not carry an overload.

2. A student with a grade of "F" or "INC" in the proceeding semester/session, excluding the Externship, is not permitted to register for an overload.

3. A student who is on the Dean's List at the end of the semester and who has a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher is permitted to enroll in one additional course at no extra charge provided he or she is a full-time student.

4. Students scheduled for the Practicum or for the Externship are precluded from carrying an overload. The privilege for these students will be carried over to the next semester on campus, providing that they maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00.

5. No student will be allowed to attempt more than 19 hours per semester without a 3.0 GPA and approval of the Dean with a recommended cap of 22 hours.

Plagiarism

The College requires that each written assignment be the original work of the student who submits it, and of no one else. Plagiarism is the unacknowledged use of another person's work that has not become common knowledge, whether in the form of original ideas, strategies and research, or in the form of sentences, phrases and innovative terminology. In order to avoid the charge of plagiarism, students should cite a source for all significant facts, ideas and evidence that they did not have before they came upon the material. If a student is in doubt about whether to cite a source or not, the best policy is to cite it. Depending on the circumstances, a person found guilty of plagiarism may be assigned a zero grade for the assignment, failed in the course, or dismissed from Paul Smith's College. At the discretion of the instructor, the student's Dean and Program Director and/or the Director of Campus Life may be informed of charges of plagiarism. Such notification must occur in all instances of a course failed or dismissal recommended for plagiarism.

Program Changes

A student may change academic programs with permission of the appropriate dean(s) and execution of the Program Change Form. A program change within the first two weeks of the semester will be effective immediately; a change after the first two weeks will be effective at the beginning of the next academic semester. When a student changes their program, they will be responsible for the graduation requirements of that program in the College Catalog in force at the time the change becomes effective. Prior credit from other institutions will be evaluated in regard to the new academic program. A change of academic advisor will be recommended by the dean if appropriate. Students are reminded that changing their program may result in an increase in the time to graduation.

Provisional Status

Students may be admitted to Paul Smith's College as a transitional student with special requirements after the review of educational records by the Dean of Admissions and in consultation with the appropriate dean. As with all students, transitional students are required to meet the Standards of Academic Progress. Additionally, transitional students are required to participate in the Educational Support Network (ESN) until they successfully complete 45 credits. Working with professionals at Paul Smith's, each student will receive an individualized program plan and will be expected to participate in academic tutoring, advising, mentoring, and workshops as identified necessary for optimum educational success. Transitional Students will be limited to 15 credit hours (not 15 credits) their first semester.

Re-Admission

A student who withdraws from the College will not qualify for re-admission until he or she has been out of school for one semester. Please see the Withdraw Policy for more information. All readmission applications are processed through the Registrar's Office. A student must apply for readmission if he or she did not attend Paul Smith's College during the previous semester. Applications may be obtained directly from the Registrar's Office.

Registration

Students are responsible for being properly registered for their course of study at the beginning of each semester/session. They are required to complete the registration processes (both pre- and final registrations) on the dates and at the times specified by the Registrar. See the Academic Calendar for dates and deadlines. A $50 fee will be charged for failure to complete either part of the registration process within those dates. Students can begin enrollment for a given term and register for courses by Friday of the first week of classes. With the exception of students eligible for overloads without charge, no student may register for any credit hours beyond his or her prescribed curriculum without the written approval of his or her academic advisor and Dean. Charges for additional credit hours are described under the "Expenses" section sub-section, "Other Charges"

Rescheduled Classes

Instructors may reschedule classes only in exceptional circumstances. Such changes, including evening tests, must have the written approval of the appropriate Dean and the Provost. In making such changes, instructors must consider the rights of the individual. If such a change is inconvenient to even one student, the right of that student to attend class at the regularly scheduled time must outweigh the desires of the rest of the class. Classes will not be rescheduled or omitted on the two days immediately preceding or following vacations.

Standards of Academic Progress

Students are required to achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average which becomes progressively higher according to the number of total credit hours attempted.

Probation:

• Students who achieve a cumulative grade point average (see below) which places them in the Probation category will be required to adhere to the conditions set by the Academic Standards Committee for continued enrollment and to the conditions set by the student's Academic Plan including the Advocate Contract. While formal checkpoints for reviewing a student's progress are included in his/her notification letter of the conditions for continued enrollment from the Academic Standards Committee, students not adhering to the requirements may be suspended at any time.
• Students on Probation whose cumulative grade point average places them in the Probation category for the second consecutive semester/session will be suspended from the College

Suspension: Students placing below the Suspension minimum grade point average (see below) will be suspended from the College. All students under suspension may appeal their suspended status.

• Appeals: A student wishing to appeal his/her suspension must submit a letter to the Academic Standards Committee. The letter should detail the specific reasons and/or circumstances that warrant the appeal (a statement simply requesting reinstatement is insufficient). Letters and documents supporting the student's appeal are welcome.
• The Academic Standards Committee reviews the entire record and has the authority to approve the appeal, to approve the appeal with conditions, to deny the appeal and/or to impose conditions for re-admission. Reinstatement conditions set by the Academic Standards Committee may include target grade point averages, or other conditions that otherwise supersede general guidelines for academic standards. While formal checkpoints for reviewing a student's progress are included in his/her notification letter of the conditions for continued enrollment from the Academic Standards Committee, students not adhering to the requirements may be suspended at any time.

(1) Students on probation will be required to develop an academic plan with assistance of a designated advocate. The plan may include services from, but not limited to, the Academic Support Center, Student Development Center or the Center for Accomodative Services and may also stipulate other restrictions.

(2) Students may formally appeal an academic suspension in writing to the Academic Standards Committee for readmission in the subsequent semester/session. See Appeals above.

Notes:

Standards of Progress for Veterans

Paul Smith's College cooperates with the Department of Veterans Affairs to report unsatisfactory progress of students receiving VA benefits. The Department of Veterans Affairs is notified when students withdraw from school or drop to less than full-time status, when veteran students are not making satisfactory progress, or when those students are suspended or dismissed.

Transcripts

Upon receipt of a written request (including fax requests) and payment of the transcript fee of $5, the Registrar is authorized to honor a request for a transcript from any current or former student who is in good financial standing with the College. Current students may charge the transcript fee to their account or pay by cash or check.

In the case of current students, good financial standing means that, even though a bill may be outstanding, in the Controller's judgment the student is making reasonable efforts to pay bills. There can be no state or federal mandated impoundment of the transcripts. Good financial standing in the case of former students means that the student owes no payment to the College and there is no state or federal impoundment of the student's transcript for failure to honor student loan terms. No exception will be made.

Transfer Credit

1. The following procedures must be complied with in awarding transfer credit prior to the student's matriculation to Paul Smith's College:
   1. Courses taken at another College: The appropriate dean, in consultation with the dean responsible for the subject of the course, shall evaluate the transcripts submitted by entering students. Credit will be accepted only for those approved courses which are passed with a grade of "C-" or better. Grades in such courses are not used in computing a student's Grade Point Average (GPA). It is the student's responsibility to have transcripts of prior college work sent to the Registrar's Office. To provide for optimum academic advising and scheduling of the student, transcripts should be received at least one week before the start of the student's first semester.
   2. College Proficiency Examinations (CPEP) and College Level Examinations (CLEP)*: An applicant who passes a CPEP or CLEP exam with a grade of "C or better" will receive transfer credit for those courses applicable to his or her program as determined by the dean responsible for the subject of the course. *The awarding of credit by examination, including CLEP and/or CPEP exams, is limited to 15 credit hours.
   3. Advanced Placement: Transfer credit will be awarded for Advanced Placement scores of 3, 4, and 5. College courses taught in a high school under the sponsorship of an accredited college in which a grade of "C or better" is received, will receive transfer credit for those courses applicable to his or her program as determined by the dean responsible for the subject of the course.
2. The following procedures must be complied with in the awarding of transfer credit subsequent to the student's matriculation to Paul Smith's College:
   1. Proficiency/Challenge Examinations* formulated and administered by the dean responsible for the course, will be administered at the request of the student enrolled in the course, but only with the consent of the instructor of the course. Requests for challenge examinations must be received prior to the end of the second week of the course. A fee of $50.00 is charged to administer the examination. If the exam is passed an additional fee of $100 per credit will be charged. Additionally, a fee for laboratory examinations or food courses will be assessed to cover the cost of materials used. Challenge examinations will not be permitted if a student has received a failing grade in the course or was previously enrolled in the course while at Paul Smith's College. Challenges to the Externship requirement must be registered by the student to the appropriate Dean no later than noon on the last day of class of the second semester (excluding summer session) of their enrollment in the program at Paul Smith's College. *The awarding of credit by examination, including Proficiency/Challenge exams is limited to 15 credit hours.
   2. Courses taken at another College:
      1. Students should obtain approval from the Registrar's Office before taking a course at another college to avoid the possibility of having a completed course disapproved. A catalog description of the course must be submitted with an appropriate form. Courses are subject to approval by the dean responsible for the subject of the course and by the student's dean. It is the student's responsibility to have transcripts of college work sent to the Registrar's Office. Grades in such courses are not used in computing a student's GPA. For courses taken prior to May 2006, credit will be accepted only for those approved courses which are passed with a grade of "C" or better. For courses taken after May 2006, credit will be accepted only for those approved courses which are passed with grades of "C-" or better.
      2. Courses that are taken at Paul Smith's College and then repeated elsewhere and transferred back with a grade level as in part (i) will be noted on the student's transcript. The original Paul Smith's College grade will not be included in the computation of the student's GPA.
      3. With approval, a student will be allowed to transfer back up to a maximum of 9 credit hours following his or her last semester in residence at Paul Smith's College.
   3. Life Experience (Prior Learning Assessment)

      The "Credit-for-Life-Experience" (CLE) option provides the means for matriculating adult students of Paul Smith's College to earn academic credit for the valuable educational experiences they may have acquired through work, at home, or in the community, prior to their enrollment. Such credits are earned through a "Prior Learning Assessment" (PLA) process.

      1. In order to apply for CLE a student must be at least 24 years of age. If the student has less than 15 credits of college work eligible for transfer or has been out of college for more than five years, he or she must complete at least one semester as a full-time student at Paul Smith's College prior to beginning the PLA process.
      2. Up to five three-credit PLA projects may be completed from the chosen discipline areas that are not precisely reflected in the curriculum of PSC approved course offerings.
      3. A student is limited to one PLA project per semester plus the opportunity to complete two projects during the summer months.
      4. The non-refundable fee for each PLA credit attempted will be $250.00, payable once the initial application has been approved.
      5. The complete procedure for earning CLE may be obtained at the Registrar's Office.
3. In no instance may the total transfer credit accepted exceed one-half the program credit requirement for Associate degrees or 90 credits for Baccalaureate degrees.
4. A candidate for a Baccalaureate degree must complete at least 30 credits in residence, with 15 of these credits in the major.

Withdrawal

Students withdrawing from the College for any reason are reminded that housing and course registration will be subject to availability when the student's re-admission application is complete.

1. Non-medical Withdrawals:

Students may withdraw from Paul Smith's College up to the first day of the final exam period. Students who withdraw on or after the third Monday of the semester, will receive a 'W' in all of their classes. This 'W' indicates that the student withdrew and is not calculated into the student's GPA. The attempted class credits will continue to count in the student's attempted credits.

Students who intend to withdraw from Paul Smith's College must meet with the Director of Retention (or a designee) to receive information on the withdrawal process and paperwork. The Director of Retention will also conduct an interview with the student. Through appropriate signatures obtained by the student, the form indicates that the Director of Retention, Fiscal Office, Financial Aid Office, Residence Life and Library are aware of the student's withdrawal. The withdrawal process will not be considered complete until all signatures are obtained and the form returned to the Director of Retention.

Potential refunds are determined by the refund schedule which is included in the current year's College Catalog in the Expense Section under Student Withdrawals in the Expenses section.

Students who withdraw from the College after the Friday of the 7th week of classes (Midterm) will not be eligible for re-admission until they have been away from the college for one semester. Students may appeal this policy to the withdrawal appeals committee through the Director of Retention if and only if they have followed the proper withdrawal procedures listed above.

2. Medical Withdrawals:

In addition to following the procedure listed above under Non-medical Withdrawals, students who intend to seek a Medical Withdrawal must state their intention to seek a medical withdrawal during the interview with the Director of Retention. A student seeking a medical withdrawal will be referred by the Director of Retention to either the Student Health or Student Development Office depending on the medical condition.

Withdrawals will not be processed until the required medical withdrawal paperwork is complete. Students have 30 days to return the necessary paperwork. After this date, the withdrawal will be processed as a non-medical withdrawal.

Medical Withdrawals may qualify for a tuition and fees refund. To qualify, the medical withdrawal process must be initiated through the Office of Retention by Friday of the 7th week of the semester/session (Midterm) according to the academic calendar and completed within the 30 day time limit. Tuition and fees for a medical withdrawal applied for on or after the Monday of the mid-point of the semester/session will be refunded according to the withdrawal refund schedule as stated in the current year's catalog under Student Withdrawals in the Expenses section. Room and Board charges will be pro-rated according to the refund schedule, whether the withdrawal occurs before or after midterm.

Students withdrawing from the College as a result of physical and/or mental health conditions may apply through the Office of Retention to return to the College for the semester/session immediately following withdrawal. All medically-withdrawn students applying for re-entry to the College must submit medical clearance from their physician (physical health) and/or a licensed mental health professional (mental health), attesting that the student is returning to the College in good health and medically prepared to resume full-time studies. No student will be allowed to re-enroll until this documentation is complete.