ACADEMICS

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Blue Vertical Divider(Information regarding the following items are below: day, evening, and weekend classes; ACCEL Program; unit of academic credit; student classification; class load; class standing; pre-grad review; requirements for degrees; dual major; dual degree; waiver (course or policy); academic alternative credit; independent/directed study; reserve officers' training corps (ROTC); servicemember's opportunity college; field experience; grading system; repeating a course; honors; graduation honors; warnings and standards; attendance; course disclosure policy; evaluation of students' work; academic decorum; academic dishonesty; grievance procedure; grade appeal; prerequisites; course numbering; placement; records; changes; registration; and advising)

Day Classes
Day classes begin at 8:00 a.m. and may extend to 5:45 p.m. Day classes operate on a semester basis. Ordinarily, a particular course will be held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday or Tuesday and Thursday. Most students take five courses per semester. Those who wish to be full-time students must register for 12-18 credits a semester.

Evening Program
If you are a person with day-time obligations, you'll appreciate the convenience provided by our Evening Program. By attending classes only two or four evenings per week, you may earn a bachelor's degree or an associate degree. You would be eligible to receive the same financial aid benefits as any full-time student. Evening courses are taught on Monday/Wednesday and Tuesday/Thursday sequences, beginning at 6:00 p.m. and 8:15 p.m., each class running two hours and five minutes. Each semester consists of two modules. Most students take two or three courses per module (nine weeks in length). Those who wish to obtain full-time status should register for 12-18 credits over the semester's two modules; students are not permitted to register for more than nine credits in a single module.

Weekend Classes
In an effort to provide our students with maximum flexibility, the College offers courses on Saturdays as well as on Friday evenings.

ACCEL Program in Amherst and Rochester
Medaille's ACCEL is an accelerated adult degree completion program, offering the following degrees: the Associate in Science (A.S.) in Business, the Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.), and the Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.). This unique program is offered at the College's branch campuses at the Centerpointe Corporate Park in Amherst, New York and at the Corporate Woods Office Park in Rochester, New York. ACCEL is designed for the ambitious working adult, who has transferable undergraduate credit, and is seeking the challenge of a degree program that is oriented toward the real educational needs of the business world. The innovative schedule enables you to complete one course at a time while retaining full-time student status for financial assistance. In addition, you will master course content through your own student study group. A personal laptop computer, provided through ACCEL is used in the B.B.A. and M.B.A. programs. Unlike traditional semester systems, classes in ACCEL can begin whenever adults are ready to start. There is no waiting for months for the start of a new school year. In ACCEL, the program's schedule is built around student needs, not vice versa. Upon enrollment in the program, students receive the ACCEL Student Handbook. ACCEL students should refer to this handbook regarding program policies and procedures. For complete details on the ACCEL program, including admission procedures, degree requirements, course descriptions, and financial information, contact the Amherst ACCEL office at (716) 631-1061 or toll free 1-888-5ACCEL or the Rochester ACCEL office at (585) 272-0030 or toll-free 1-866-21ACCEL..

Unit of Credit
Generally, one credit represents the equivalent of one hour of lecture or recitation or at least two hours of laboratory work each week for one semeter term or its equivalent.

Student Classification
A full-time undergraduate student is one who carries a minimum of 12 semester hours per semester. A part-time student is one carrying fewer than 12 semester hours per semester. A matriculated student is one following a prescribed program of study. A non-degree or non-matriculated student is one taking classes but not applying for a degree or certificate. A student must matriculate after completing 15 credit hours.

Class Load
The normal class load of a full-time undergraduate student each semester is 12-18 hours. A student must meet the criteria listed below to carry more than 18 hours during one semester or more than 9 hours during one module. A student is not allowed to carry more than 21 credits in any one semester. All students will be charged additional tuition for those semester hours over 18 during one semester.

The overload policy is as follows:
Freshmen--no overload permitted.
Sophomores--no overload permitted.
Juniors and Seniors--must have GPA of 3.0 or higher.

The student's academic advisor will certify, on the student's registration form, that he/she meets the criteria for an overload by (1) stating that the student is a junior or senior and (2) recording the student's GPA.

Class Standing
Class standing is determined by the number of semester hours a student has completed in his/her program of study. For sophomore standing, a student must have a minimum of 30 semester hours of accumulated credits; for junior standing, a minimum of 60 hours; for senior standing, a minimum of 90 hours. The student should consult the Registrar concerning any questions pertaining to class standing.

Pre-Graduation Review
A pre-graduation review listing outstanding requirements, a Program Requirement Form, and a Diploma Information Form will be mailed to all potential graduates in August preceding the May Commencement. These forms are sent to all baccalaureate degree candidates and associate degree candidates who apply for the upcoming graduation. A potential graduate who does not receive this material by September 15 should notify the Office of the Registrar immediately.

General Requirements for College Degrees
Graduation from the College with the award of the appropriate degree will be granted upon fulfillment of the following general requirements:

The student shall complete all prescribed courses in a specific program and sufficient elective credits to make up the minimum total required credit hours with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0. A minimum 2.0 grade point average is also required of students in their major (core and elective courses). Any student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Education degree must attain a 2.5 cumulative grade point average for graduation. Please note: The average of the grades for all graduate-level courses in fulfillment of degree requirements for the B.S./M.B.A. Dual Degree (4+1) program must be at least a B (3.0).

The student must earn his/her final 30 credits at Medaille if enrolled in a bachelor's degree program and his/her final 15 credits at Medaille if enrolled in an associate degree program.

All College property on loan to the student must be returned in satisfactory condition to the College and all financial obligations to the College must be met prior to degree conferral and transcript release. Any person who wishes to participate in the annual Commencement, held during the month of May each year, must complete all academic requirements for graduation in order to participate, except for (1) those students in the process of completing requirements in the semester during which Commencement takes place and (2) those students lacking one to six credit hours, who prior to the ceremony, register to take those outstanding credits during the Summer Session of their graduation year.

Dual Major
The following are guidelines for Dual Major status:

  • All requirements for both majors must be fulfilled to qualify for Dual Major status.
  • A Dual Major generally occurs when the student pursues a second program leading to one degree.
  • A Liberal Studies Degree may not be part of a Dual Major.

    Dual Degree
    The following are guidelines for Dual Degree status:
  • Dual Degree status is distinguished by the pursuance of two separate and unrelated fields of study in which two degrees are awarded during the same year upon successful completion of each program.
  • A student seeking a second baccalaureate degree must complete an additional minimum of thirty (30) Medaille credit hours of study beyond the work taken for the initial baccalaureate degree.
  • A student seeking a second associate degree must complete an additional minimum of fifteen (15) Medaille credit hours of study beyond the work taken for the initial associate degree.
  • In all cases, all academic course requirements for both degree programs must be satisfied to qualify for Dual Degree Award.

Course Substitution
Deviation from a prescribed curriculum will be permitted only under extraordinary circumstances. A course substitution must be approved by the student's academic advisor, department chairperson, the Registrar, and the Academic Dean or his designee. No student should begin attendance in a requested substitution unless a copy of the approved Course Substitution form has been received by the student. No course substitution will be granted retroactively. Students graduating in May must have course substitutions approved by December 1 of the preceding year.

Policy Waiver
Deviation from a prescribed policy will be permitted only under extraordinary circumstances. An academic policy waiver must be approved by the student's academic advisor (where appropriate), department chairperson, the Registrar, and the Academic Dean or his designee. If the waiver is approved, the student will receive a copy of the completed Policy Waiver Form. No policy waiver will be granted retroactively.

Academic Alternative Credit
The total number of credits earned through any of the following academic alternatives or combination thereof cannot exceed 60 for the baccalaureate degree or 30 for the associate degree. All students working toward the bachelor's degree must earn the last 30 credits in course work at Medaille; for the associate degree, the last 15.

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)
The College recognizes the educational value of and awards credit for many types of life experience related to its degree programs. Each program may decide which of its requirements may be fulfilled by PLA. No student will be allowed to receive credit for Prior Learning Assessment to replace a course in which a failing grade was earned. Students applying for such credit must be matriculated at Medaille either part- or full-time before application. Credits for Prior Learning Assessment are considered as transfer credits. All students working for the baccalaureate degree must earn the last 30 credits in course work at Medaille; for the associate degree, the last 15. Each student applying for PLA prepares, in consultation with the Portfolio Advisor, a portfolio showing evidence in support of the application. A Faculty Evaluator reviews the portfolio submitted and makes a recommendation to the Academic Dean regarding credit. More information and application packets can be obtained from the Assistant Academic Dean, the Associate Dean for Special Programs, or the Academic Alternatives Committee Chairperson.

PLA Deadlines
January Graduates
File by: March 15
Submit by: April 15

May & August Graduates
File by: October 1
Submit by: November 1

Challenge Exams
Any student enrolled at Medaille College may apply for Challenge Exams. The Assistant Academic Dean will have a list of available exams from department chairpersons. No student will be allowed to take a Challenge Exam to replace a course in which a failing grade was earned. The College does not guarantee that a Challenge Exam will be available for a particular course in any given semester. In general, the College will not offer tests already offered through the College Level Examination Program. A student successfully completing a Challenge Exam receives credit; no grade is issued. Application packets are available from the Assistant Academic Dean. A non-refundable fee of $100 for each Challenge Exam is paid in the Business Office. Attach original receipt of payment to your completed application and return it to the Assistant Academic Dean. A test for any particular course will be given only once to an individual student.

Challenge Exam Deadlines
January Graduates
File by: May 1
Take by: December 15

May Graduates
File by: November 1
Take by: May 1

August Graduates
File by: February 1
Take by: August 1

Other Academic Alternatives
Medaille offers the DANTES (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support) exams at a fee of $100 per examination. All other alternatives are options taken at other institutions and are eligible for possible transfer credit at Medaille. They are as follows: Excelsior College Examinations, CLEP (College Level Examination Program), AP (Advanced Placement), ACE/CCRS (American Council on Education College Credit Recommendation Service), and ACE/Military.
The College records will indicate that transfer credit has been earned and from which source. The number of credits to be accepted will be determined on an individual basis. Credit by examination granted through other colleges will be subject to review by the Academic Dean. Additional information can be obtained from the Assistant Academic Dean.

Independent/Directed Study
Independent Study is the student's self-directed pursuit of academic competence in an autonomous manner which requires a rigorous search into a specified body of knowledge in which the course content, learning activities, and evaluative criteria are developed by the student in collaboration with the faculty mentor. It is a demonstration which provides evidence of capability in self-directed learning. Independent Study is limited to four courses per baccalaureate degree and normally no more than one may be undertaken at a time. Also, freshmen and sophomores normally will not be allowed to take an Independent Study. Generally, applications will be approved for students who have GPAs above 2.7 and who have demonstrated the ability to pursue a topic in an academically rigorous manner. The faculty and College do not guarantee that this is available during any particular semester. Students may not take an Independent Study to replace a course in which a failing grade was earned.

Directed Study is individualized instruction identical in regard to the title, course objectives, course content, and evaluative criteria of the course. Directed Study is generally limited to two courses per baccalaureate degree and is usually implemented to fulfill a graduation requirement. Application approval will usually be granted to seniors for courses required for graduation provided that the course(s) is not otherwise available to the student. GPAs of 2.0 are required of students who wish to undertake Directed Study. The faculty and College do not guarantee that this is available during any particular semester. Students may not take a Directed Study to replace a course in which a failing grade was earned. Before completing an application, a student should discuss the matter with the appropriate instructor. The instructor should be aware of what the student intends to accomplish and be willing to direct the study. The student and the instructor must agree on the time that will be devoted to supervision and the manner in which the instructor will evaluate the study.

Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC)
Medaille College has a special cross-enrollment, tuition-free arrangement with Canisius College for students desiring leadership education through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) Program. For more details, as well as scholarship and other financial assistance information on this program, contact the Canisius College Professor of Military Science (PMS) at 888-2769 or 888-3239.

Servicemember's Opportunity College
Medaille College has been identified as a Servicemember's Opportunity College (SOC) providing educational assistance to active duty servicemembers. An SOC institution offers the following benefits for servicemembers:

  • Use of admissions procedures which ensure access to higher education for academically qualified military personnel;
  • Evaluation of learning gained through military experiences and academic credit awarded where applicable to the servicemember's program of study;
  • Evaluation of non-traditional learning and awarding of academic credit for such learning where applicable to the servicemember's program of study;
  • Evaluation of request for inter-institutional transfer of credits and acceptance of such credits whenever they are appropriate to the servicemember's program and are consistent with the College's curriculum;
  • Flexibility to servicemembers in satisfying residence requirements by making adjustments for military students who transfer when there are other assurances of program balance;
  • Designation of personnel with appropriate academic qualifications and experience to administer and supervise SOC-related activities and to develop policies and procedures appropriate to the scope of their voluntary education programs;
  • Educational services for veterans.

Field Experience
Medaille's curriculum stresses the importance of gaining work experience that is related to your major program of study. Consequently, most programs offer field experience. These field experiences not only give you academic credit, but they also increase your skills and your chances for future employment. Depending on your program, you would be placed in an appropriate work situation usually in, but not limited to, the Buffalo area. More information and a complete description of each program's field experience requirements are available from department chairpersons.

Field Experience Minimum GPA Requirement
A College minimum of 2.0 cumulative grade point average is required for any student seeking entry into field experiences. Individual programs may establish their own minimum cumulative grade point requirements with the College minimum as a base.

The Grading System and What It Means
The following system of grading has been adopted by the College:

Quality Grade Points

High distinction, an exceptionally high achievement A 4.0
  A- 3.7
B+ 3.3
High achievement B 3.0
  B- 2.7
  C+ 2.3
Average, average achievement C 2.0
  C- 1.7
D+ 1.3
Pass, below average achievement D 1.0
  D- 0.7
Failure, unsatisfactory grade F 0.0
Official withdrawal W  
Incomplete I  
Pass/Fail P/F  
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory S/U  
Audit AU  

(GPA) Grade Point Average
Grades received earn quality points as indicated on the preceding table. A grade point average is computed by dividing the number of quality points earned by the total number of credit hours for which you were registered. Grade point averages may be computed for one semester's courses or on a cumulative basis. To compute a semester grade point average, multiply the number of quality points earned for the grade (see preceding table) by the number of credits awarded for the course; add the quality points and divide by the number of quality credits for the semester.

Cumulative Average
The cumulative average is computed for all of the courses you have taken at Medaille. It changes whenever a new semester's grades are calculated and is a reflection of how a student is doing in all of his/her work. In cases of repeated courses, only the last grade earned is utilized in the cumulative GPA calculations.

(W) Course Withdrawal
In order to withdraw from a course after the drop/add period, a student must obtain a Course Withdrawal Form from the Office of the Registrar. The signature of the advisor should be obtained. If the student's advisor is not available, however, the student must write on the Withdrawal Form that he/she takes full responsibility for withdrawing from the course, sign and date it. The completed form is returned to the Registrar's Office. A student may withdraw from a course during the final two-thirds of a semester or module. See the Academic Calendar for specific dates. A grade of "W" appears on the transcript for an official withdrawal. No withdrawal is permitteed after the deadline. Depending upon the withdraw date and the number of credits a student is carrying during a particular semester, course withdrawal may affect tuition. (See Tuition Liability Policy.) There is the possibility of reduced financial aid if withdrawing from a course means the student would carry fewer than 12 credits. Please note: Discontinuance of attendance in one or all classes does not constitute an official withdrawl. A student who does not follow the proper procedure and/or stops attending class (an unofficial withdrawal) will receive from the instructor the grade earned according to the student's performance.

(I) Incomplete
An Incomplete is given only for a good and sufficient reason as determined by the instructor. It is completed in a manner determined by mutual agreement of student and instructor as indicated on the Incomplete Form, which must be signed by both student and instructor.
Incomplete Grade Forms may be obtained by the instructor in the Office of the Registrar. It is the responsibility of the student to complete the requirements of the Incomplete by the date stated on the form which is not to exceed the termination of the semester immediately following the initiation of the Incomplete. The student assumes the risk of not being able to complete the study if a faculty member is no longer at the College. All information must be complete when the form is submitted to the Office of the Registrar. If any part of the Incomplete Form is left unanswered, the form will be sent back to the instructor and no grade will be issued until the form is correctly filed. An Incomplete must be removed from the student's record by the end of the semester following the semester in which the Incomplete was received. Exceptions will be made to this rule only prior to the stated deadline and under compelling circumstances with the approval of the Academic Dean. Any student receiving an Incomplete ("I") grade will not be considered for Dean's List or Merit List status during the semester in which the Incomplete was issued.

(P/F) Pass/Fail
Medaille offers the P/F grade primarily as an encouragement for students to take more challenging courses than they might without endangering their grade point average. Students earn credits, but not quality points, for courses in which they earn a "P" grade. A grade of "F" is punitive and is factored into the quality point average.
Students may take a limited number of courses on a P/F basis. Although there is no limit to the number of courses to be taken P/F during a single semester, no more than ten percent (10%) of the total degree or certificate program may be taken P/F. Students may not take Core General Education courses P/F. Students must consult their department office for a list of acceptable courses within their program. P/F grades are student initiated. Forms are available in the Office of the Registrar. Arrangements must be made within the deadline prescribed. Students requesting to take a course on a P/F basis must sign and return the form to the Registrar. Arrangements to take a course on such a basis are final. Since colleges differ on acceptance of P/F grades, students interested in advanced study at other institutions should investigate the acceptance of such grades by specific graduate schools.

(S/U) Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Due to their nature, certain courses are offered only with grades of S/U. These grades are instructor or department initiated; courses taught on this basis are not included in the limit for P/F.

(AU) Audit
A student desiring to audit a course must receive the approval of the appropriate instructor and complete the normal registration process. Only officially audited classes will appear on the transcript. Students who audit are expected to attend classes but their work is not subject to review by the instructor and they will receive no grade at the completion of the class.

Repeating a Course
In cases of repeated courses only the last grade earned, whether higher or lower, is used in calculating the grade point average. All grades earned for courses taken at Medaille, however, remain a part of the student's permanent record. Students must complete and submit the appropriate form at the time of registration.
Students should take note that if the repetition is not required by the College, New York State will not allow the credit hours for the course to be counted in determining the minimum course load required for financial aid purposes. Students may not take a Directed Study, Independent Study, Challenge Exam, or have a course transferred from another college to replace a course in which a failing grade was earned.

Academic Honors
At the end of each semester, the College announces the names of the full-time students who are recorded on the Dean's List. Students who take a minimum of 12 credit hours, and who earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher for all credit hours carried during that semester, are placed on the Dean's List. Pass ("P") and Satisfactory ("S") grades are not included in the minimum 12 credit hours required for Dean's List qualification. Any student receiving an Incomplete ("I") grade will not be considered for Dean's List status during the semester in which the Incomplete was issued. A student who attains Dean's List status for four semesters is eligible for the Medaille Medal which is awarded at the College's annual Honors Convocation. At the end of each semester, the College announces the names of the part-time students who are recorded on the Merit List. Students who take a minimum of 6 but no more than 11 credit hours, and who earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher for all credit hours carried during that semester, are placed on the Merit List. Pass ("P") and Satisfactory ("S") grades are not included in the minimum 6 credit hours required for Merit List qualification. Any student receiving an Incomplete ("I") grade will not be considered for Merit List status during the semester in which the Incomplete was issued. Full- and part-time status for academic honors is determined at the conclusion of the drop/add deadline.

Graduation Honors
The cumulative grade point average determines graduation honors. A student must have 48 credits in residence for baccalaureate degree graduation honors and 24 credits in residence for associate degree graduation honors. If a student has a cumulative GPA for all course work of 3.5, the student is eligible for Cum Laude; an average of 3.7, Magna Cum Laude; an average of 3.9, Summa Cum Laude.
Students who qualify for honors at the end of the fall semester preceding commencement will have these honors announced during the graduation ceremony.

Academic Warnings
Students who are in danger of failing a course receive an academic warning. Students who receive a warning should immediately talk with the instructor to find out how the grade can be improved.

Academic Standards: Academic Alert, Probation, Suspension, Dismissal
At the conclusion of each semester, all student grades are reviewed by the Registrar's Office. Any student experiencing academic difficulty (semester or cumulative grade point average below 2.0) is reviewed by the Academic Standards Committee for appropriate action. The following policy is adhered to in usual situations.
Students whose semester grade point averages fall below 2.0 but whose cumulative grade point averages remain at 2.0 and above for any given semester are given academic alerts. These official academic alerts are considered official warnings to recipients that continuation of such performance may lead to academic probation. Seniors, juniors, and sophomores with cumulative grade point averages below 2.0 will be placed on academic probation. Freshmen with cumulative grade point averages below 1.7 are placed on academic probation. Two consecutive semesters on academic probation will result in academic suspension or academic dismissal. All students on academic probation are limited to twelve credits per semester while on probation and are required to sign and adhere to a prescribed probationary contract. Failure to adhere to the prescribed conditions of the probationary contract will result in immediate academic suspension or academic dismissal. Any student with a 0.0 semester average will be subject to automatic academic dismissal. Students may be dismissed for academic reasons following review of semester grades by the Academic Standards Committee. Students may be suspended rather than dismissed if the Committee judges that extenuating circumstances have been the cause for poor grades. Students placed on academic suspension may, upon signing a Probationary Contract with and Advisement Counselor, continue studies after the lapse of one regular (fall, spring) semester; those who have been dismissed may apply for readmission after the lapse of two regular semesters. Such students who then again are placed on probation must earn removal by the end of one semester or be subject to suspension or dismissal. Students affected by the academic standards are contacted by the Academic Dean's Office and directed to meet with an Advisement Center representative. Counselors, academic advisors, and the Academic Skills Center staff work with students having academic difficulties to help solve problems that may be affecting their grades. If a student wishes to appeal a decision or policy of the Academic Standards Committee, he/she may do so by appeal to the Committee through the Office of the Academic Dean. The initial appeal must be in writing within 14 calendar days of notification or by the end of the first week of the next semester (whichever comes first) and state, in specific terms, the student's case for appeal.

Attendance
Regular attendance is expected at all classes and academic activities related to a course (for example, field trips) unless otherwise specified. Medaille College subscribes to the "Guidelines on Students and Religious Observance" adopted by the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities. Absence does not excuse a student from course work and responsibility. Excessive absence is detrimental and it may affect certain types of financial aid. Discontinuance of attendance does not constitute an official withdrawal.

Course Disclosure Policy
At the beginning of every course, the instructor distributes a written course disclosure statement to all students taking the course. The course disclosure describes the objectives and content for the course and the method by which students' work will be evaluated for grades. Make sure you keep all of your course disclosure statements so that you may refer to them throughout the semester.

The Evaluation of Students' Work
An evaluation system is required for each course. Examinations are ordinarily part of the evaluation system, but alternative methods of overall evaluation may be employed. At the first class period of the semester or module, the instructor will inform students through the course disclosure of the type of evaluation system that will be used for that course throughout the semester.

Academic Decorum
Medaille College does not tolerate sexual or racial harassment of students or employees by College faculty, staff, or students. Students are legally protected from such activity by both state and federal legislation and are asked to report any occurrence to the Dean without fear of recrimination. The College does not tolerate immature or abusive behavior in the classroom setting. Upon receipt of a written complaint from the instructor, the Academic Dean may immediately remove the student from the class. The Academic Dean and the Dean of Students will review the evidence and render a final decision within 30 days.

Academic Dishonesty
Medaille College does not condone acts of academic dishonesty such as cheating or plagiarism. When a student is accused of an act of academic dishonesty, the following process below will be implemented.
The instructor will present evidence to the department chairperson who will decide within one week if a charge is warranted. If a charge is not warranted, the accusation will be rejected and no action will be taken. If the charge is warranted, the case will be presented to the Academic Dean. The Academic Dean and the Dean of Students will inform the student in writing within one week that a charge has been filed. The Deans will review the evidence, interview the student, and interview the faculty member. They will render a decision within 30 days to dismiss the charges, or to fail the assignment, or to fail the course, or to suspend from college. Suspension will be reserved for serious instances where premeditation, recidivism, etc. are present.

Academic Grievance Procedure
Should a student wish to resolve an academically related conflict with an instructor, the Academic Grievance Procedure should be followed. The student should attempt to resolve the conflict directly with the instructor, if possible. If the conflict cannot be resolved between student and instructor, the student should bring the problem to the chairperson of the instructor's department. If still not resolved, the Academic Dean should be contacted in writing. If still lacking a resolution to the problem, the final step would be to approach the President with the conflict.

Grade Appeal
Students wishing to appeal a final grade in a course must do so in writing within 60 days of the semester's grade report. This written appeal should be directed to the instructor of the course in question. Next, the instructor's department chairperson and, thereafter, the Academic Dean.

Course Prerequisites
Students who for extraordinary circumstances wish to register for a course without the required prerequisite(s) should first consult with their advisor regarding the viability of this action. Students pursuing such action do so at their own risk and upon registration must complete the Course Prerequisite Disclaimer Form available in the Registrar's Office.

Course Numbering
Course numbers indicate the following: 100-299 undergraduate, lower division courses, primarily for freshmen and sophomores 300-499 undergraduate, upper division courses, primarily for juniors and seniors, 500-599 graduate, primarily foundation courses, and 600-699 graduate, advanced courses
.

Placement
The following are overall placement results from the graduating class of 2000 (based on responses from 87% of the 2000 graduates):

Graduates employed 91%
Graduates enrolled in further schooling 24%
Total overall placement 96%

Iformation regarding completion rates and other student data is available upon request from Medaille College's Office of Information Services and Technology.

Your Academic Records
Student Records
All student records are maintained and made available in accordance with the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. Thus, with some exceptions, all student records are made available for review upon request by that student and the right to challenge the content is provided. No records are released to third persons except as provided in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Detailed information on the maintenance and availability of student records is available in the Office of the Registrar.
Normally the College will disclose whether or not an individual is now or has been enrolled as a student at the College. This information may include dates of attendance and a student's last known home address, if requested.

Grade Reports
Grades are mailed to the student's permanent address at the end of each semester. Grades are not given out over the telephone or in person at the Office of the Registrar. Copies of a student's grade report are also sent to the department chairperson. Please note: On the grade reports, IP indicates the course is still in progress; NR indicates a grade has not yet been recorded.

Transcript of Record
A student request for a transcript of his/her record must be filed in writing in the Office of the Registrar at least 48 hours in advance of the date it is required. Under no circumstances will an official transcript be presented to a student; it will be issued directly to the institution or individual indicated by the student. Transcripts clearly labeled "Unofficial (for student's use only)" may be given directly to the student for personal use. No fee is assessed for the first transcript requested; however, a $5.00 charge is applied to each additional copy. Transcripts will not be released until all financial obligations to the College have been satisfied.

CHANGES YOU MAY NEED TO MAKE

Course Change (Drop/Add)
A student may not drop or add courses within any particular semester or module after the dates indicated on the Academic Calendar. There is the possibility of reduced financial aid if dropping a course means the student would carry fewer than 12 credits. The form is available in the Registrar's Office. To add a course, the signature of the student's advisor is required. To drop a course, the advisor's signature should be obtained. If the student's advisor is not available to sign the Drop Form, however, the student must write on the form that he/she takes full responsibility for dropping the course, sign and date it. The completed form is returned to the Registrar's Office. Any course dropped within the published drop/add deadlines is removed from the student's record and no charges are assessed for the dropped course work.

Change of Name or Address
Students are required to notify the Registrar promptly in writing of any change of name or address. Fill out a Change of Name/Address Form provided by the Registrar.

Change of Degree Status
If you are taking courses but not applying the credits toward a degree or certificate, you are considered to be a non-matriculating student. If you acquire 15 credit hours, and wish to continue, you must apply for admission to the College. Follow procedures described in the Admissions section of this catalog.

Declaring a Major Program of Study
If you are an undeclared student, you must declare a major program upon completing 48 credit hours. You simply discuss your choice of program with your present advisor and the chairperson of the program of interest to you. Obtain a Change of Status Form from the Registrar. Have both your advisor and new department chairperson sign the form and return it to the Registrar's Office.

Transfer from One Program to Another
Forms for changing from one major program to another may be obtained in the Office of the Registrar and must have the appropriate signatures before the change is approved. A student may not transfer to another program during the last 12 credit hours required for degree completion.

Leave of Absence
A student may apply for a leave of absence from the College for either one or two consecutive semesters. The student must submit a completed Leave of Absence Form to the Office of the Registrar by the "Last Day/Evening to Withdraw" in order to receive "W's" (see Academic Calendar). An Advisement Center representative will attempt to make contact with the student prior to registration week of each semester the student is on leave. A student on leave for one or two consecutive academic semesters who wishes to return, may register for classes with his/her advisor. A student on leave for more than two consecutive semesters will be readmitted to Medaille College through the Admissions Office and will be subject to all program requirements and policies in effect at the time of readmittance.

College Withdrawal
A student must submit written notification of intention to permanently withdraw from the College. Forms, which are available in the Registrar's Office and the Advisement Center, must be completed and returned to the Registrar's Office. Failure to provide written notice on an official form means you will be liable for full tuition and fees originally incurred (see Liability Policy).
A student will receive "W's" if the Withdrawal Form is submitted to the Registrar's Office by the "Last Day/Evening to Withdraw" (see Academic Calendar). Any student who officially withdraws from the College must reapply through the Admissions Office and is subject to all program requirements and policies in effect at the time of readmittance.

REGISTRATION PROCEDURES

To register, complete the following steps:

  • Obtain the Master Schedule from the Registrar's Office.
  • Review your Program Evaluation Form to determine what courses you need. Bring this information with you when you see your advisor.
  • Schedule an appointment with your advisor who will have your pre-printed Registration Form and will guide you in course selection. He/she will sign the Registration Form and will keep a copy. (Please note: Your advisor is meant to serve as a "guide." It is your ultimate responsibility as a student to make sure you are complying with the specific requirements of your program.)
  • Take the Registration Form to the Registrar's Office.
  • Visit the Financial Aid Office and Business Office to discuss applicable financial aid and make tuition payment arrangements. Once satisfactory payment arrangements have been completed, the Business Office will provide you with a printed schedule.

PLEASE SEE FALL AND SPRING MASTER SCHEDULES FOR CURRENTLY SCHEDULED COURSE OFFERINGS AND CANCELLATION POLICY.

NEW STUDENTS ARE REGISTERED THROUGH THE ADVISEMENT CENTER.

Cross-Registration
Medaille College belongs to the Western New York Consortium of Higher Education, which permits full-time students to register for individual courses in any of the participant colleges or universities. A student may only cross-register for one course per semester. Cross-registration is valid only during the fall and spring semesters. There is no additional fee for courses taken through the Consortium, provided the student's total class load does not exceed 18 hours, at least 12 of which are being taken at Medaille. Forms for cross-registration are obtained from the Office of the Registrar. Students wishing to earn credits at other colleges have the responsibility of checking to see if those credits form an acceptable part of their degree program prior to registration. They also have the responsibility to request that a transcript of those credits be sent to the Registrar of Medaille.

Registration at Alternate College
A Medaille student, who has been accepted as a matriculated student, may take course work from another college if he/she has prior written approval from his/her advisor and department chairperson. The form to request this permission is available in the Registrar's Office. The student must receive a grade of "C" or better to transfer. The permission is granted for one semester only. (Note: For a bachelor's degree, a student must earn the final 30 credit hours at Medaille; for an associate degree, the final 15.)

ACADEMIC ADVISING
Each student matriculating at Medaille is assigned an academic advisor who will assist the student in developing realistic educational, career, and life goals. Working together, the student and advisor will evaluate and modify these goals as needed throughout the student's course of study. Advisors are available throughout the academic year so that students are able to work closely with their advisor to address any academic need and register for classes.

Advisors Roles and Responsibilities

  • To assist students in developing an academic plan that satisfies graduation requirements.
  • To monitor student progress and help students make appropriate program adaptations.
  • To discuss academic, career, and life goals with advisees.
  • To become personally acquainted with advisees.
  • To refer advisees, when necessary, to proper services.
  • To have access to information related to College programs, policies, and services.
  • To inform advisees of changes in their course of study.
  • To maintain regular and adequate office hours and keep appointments with advisees.
  • To collect and distribute student data as needed.

Advisee Roles and Responsibilities

  • To meet with advisor during the academic year to work through academic, career, and life goals.
  • To make use of appropriate campus and community services to meet goals.
  • To read the College Catalog and Master Schedule in order to select courses.
  • To make and keep appointments with advisor concerning educational needs and goals and course selection.
  • To know the requirements for the chosen program of study.
  • To make certain that requirements are met for that program.
  • To become an active participant in the advisor/advisee relationship and to become increasingly self-directing.
  • To maintain personal records of academic progress.

 

Page Updated 1/03 (lak)
Medaille College, 18 Agassiz Circle, Buffalo, NY 14214
Phone: (716) 884-3281; FAX: (716) 884-0291 
email: Academic Affairs