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Mission, History and Religious Affiliation Admissions, Expenses and Financial Aid Scholarships and Special Endowed Funds Catalog Statement and Policies
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Instructional PoliciesGrades 1. Grading Options:For the fall and spring semesters the regular grading option is: A, A–,B+, B, B–, C+, C, C–, D+, D, D–, NC (no credit); the alternate grading option is S (satisfactory), SD (passing), N (no credit). The grade of S is equivalent to a C– or better. Courses taken on the alternate grading option do not compute in the Macalester grade point average. For January or summer independent study, registered at Macalester, the options are the same. Activity Courses: S and N will be the only grades in any of the physical education activity courses, dance technique courses and forensic practicum courses. Music majors and minors will be graded on the regular grading option for ensembles and performance courses; non-music majors and minors should refer to the music department section of this catalog. Theater and dance majors and minors will be graded on the regular grading option for practicum courses; non-majors will receive S or N grades for these courses. 2. Written Evaluations: Instructors may provide written evaluations of performance for those students who request them. A student who opts for a written evaluation may take the course on either grading option. A student who chooses a written evaluation is encouraged to file with the instructor a statement of his or her objectives, to aid the instructor in the evaluation. The request for written evaluation must be made at the time of grading option selection and requires the approval of the instructor. Students may request to have the written evaluations accompany transcripts, with the understanding that either all or none of the written evaluations will be sent. 3. S, SD, N Option Regulations: Each student is limited to one course taken under the S, SD, N option without written evaluation, in the fall and spring semesters. Courses may be taken under this option in a summer term, but each course so taken reduces by one the number of such options available to the student in the fall or spring semesters. There is no limitation on the number of courses a student may take under the S, SD, N option with written evaluation, or in activity courses. Courses taken under this grading option may not be included on major, minor or concentration plans without specific departmental approval. 4. Time of Selection of Grading Options: The choice of grading option is made by the student from the available options at the start of the fall or spring semester or by the published deadline for summer term. Forms must be returned to the Registrar’s Office by the published deadlines. 5. Incompletes: Students are expected to complete the work in each course by the deadlines established by the instructor; the final deadline for work cannot exceed the end of the final examination period for that term. However, a grade of incomplete may be awarded at the discretion of the instructor, if requested by the student, under the following conditions: 1) at least three-quarters of the required work for the course has been completed, 2) unforeseen circumstances beyond the student’s control (usually restricted to illness or family emergency) preclude completion of the remaining work for the course by the semester deadline, 3) the student is not on strict academic probation. Note that poor planning or having a lot of work to complete at the end of the term are not, in fairness to other students, considered circumstances beyond a student’s control. Faculty and students with questions about whether the conditions for an incomplete are met should consult with the Director of Academic Programs. If the conditions for an incomplete are met, a course completion agreement form specifying the work yet to be completed must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar by the end of the final examination period. Both the student and the instructor are expected to sign the form. For a fall semester course, students have until the first class day of the spring semester to complete an incomplete; for a spring semester course, students have until July 1 to complete an incomplete. Students may not petition to extend the college deadline for the completion of an Incomplete, except with the approval of the course instructor and the Dean of Students. Medical reasons or family emergencies are typically the only conditions under which an extension will be granted. If the student and the professor have set a deadline for completion of the work that is earlier than the official college deadline, the faculty member may approve an extension of that deadline up to the official deadline for that term. Students who have multiple incompletes for a term will be reviewed by the Academic Standing Committee and are subject to the College’s satisfactory academic progress rules. Students who plan to request more than one incomplete for a term are advised to consult with the Director of Academic Programs, who serves as Chair of the Academic Standing Committee. As in all matters, it is also wise for students to discuss their circumstances with their faculty advisors. 6. Grade Point Averages: The grade point average (GPA) is calculated by the Registrar’s Office. Each grade is assigned a point value, as follows: 4.0 A The GPA is calculated by dividing the total grade points by the number of semester hours attempted on the regular grading system. Grades for courses taken on the S, SD, N grading option, or courses with a grade of W, will not figure in the GPA. Grades for courses transferred to Macalester are not included in the GPA. 7. Repeated Courses: In cases where a course is repeated both courses remain on the record and one course (if the grade is D– or above) will be counted toward the degree; grades for both courses will be included in the GPA. 8. Reporting of Grades: Instructors report grades to the Registrar’s Office. Written evaluations will be reported on standardized forms provided along with the grade report forms. Copies of standard written evaluations will be provided to the student and the instructor. The original copy will be kept in the Registrar’s Office. 9. Recording of Grades: For each student there is only one transcript, and all grades are recorded on it. A copy of the written evaluations for each student will be filed as a supplement to the official transcript. Students choose whether or not to include the written evaluations with transcripts they request, with the understanding that either all or none of the written evaluations will accompany the transcript. 10. Auditing Courses: To audit a course, a student must register in the Registrar’s Office with the approval of the instructor. Refer to the section on Tuition and Fees in this catalog for information on additional charges (if any) for auditing an additional course. A student may only audit one course per semester. An audited course will appear on the transcript with a grade of AU. That grade is only indicative of a registration as an auditor and does not imply atendance or a particular level of success in the course. Final Examinations The following policies are observed by students and faculty with regard to final examinations: The Registrar announces in advance a final examination schedule. In this schedule, each course is reserved a place and a designated two-hour period for a final examination. Students may negotiate exemptions or changes in schedule with instructors whenever circumstances warrant such considerations. Students who are scheduled for three or more examinations on the same day have the option of rescheduling with their instructor one of these examinations. Proctoring, special materials, time allotment and other matters pertaining to the actual circumstances of the examination are entirely the responsibility of the instructor. Academic Advising Through a strong faculty advising system, the College assists students in making informed curricular decisions. Students begin with advisors who usually are their instructors in first year courses. After students select a major, they may change to an advisor in that department or program. Information about faculty advising is available from the Academic Programs Office. Registration and Validation Students are required to register and/or validate (confirm previous registration) at definite times announced in advance by the Registrar’s Office. Students are responsible for accurate registration; credit can be received only in those courses for which a student is properly registered. A student is also held responsible for every course for which he or she registers unless he or she officially cancels it within the stated deadlines explained below. Registration and validation are not complete or official until fees are paid or arrangements for payments have been made with the Student Accounts Office. Late Registration and Validation Fees: Returning students will be charged a late fee for registering after the announced times of registration. The fee for late registration is $100. Late registration will be accepted during the first two weeks of classes with the payment of the late fee. Students may not register or validate after that time except with special permission from the Registrar. Student Course Load A student normally enrolls in courses earning 16 credits during each of the fall and spring semesters. A student may not register for more than 20 credits in a single semester. A course load of at least 12 credits is required to be considered a full-time student. Adding Courses A student may add a course at the start of the fall or spring semester by obtaining the written or on-line permission of the instructor of the course. Transactions must be completed by the published deadlines, whether on-line or by returning the properly signed form to the Registrar’s Office. Dropping and Withdrawing From Courses A student may drop a course at the start of the fall or spring semester on-line or by completing the proper form available in the Registrar’s Office. Transactions must be completed by the published deadlines, whether on-line or by returning the properly signed form to the Registrar’s Office. An officially dropped course will not appear on the student’s record or transcript. Part-time students and students whose course load changes from full-time to part-time as a result of officially dropping a course are subject to the tuition refund policy described elsewhere in this catalog. For courses where first day attendance is required, as specially noted in the class schedule, instructors have the option of dropping students who did not meet that requirement. For all courses, instructors have the option of dropping students who have not attended within the first week of classes. The Registrar’s Office must be informed by the instructor which students should be dropped for non-attendance. A student may withdraw from a course between the end of the second and ninth weeks of classes by obtaining the signature of the instructor of the course on the proper form available in the Registrar’s Office and returning the form to the Registrar’s Office by the published deadlines. If a student officially withdraws from a course, a “W” (withdraw) grade will be recorded on the record and transcript. A “W” grade is not computed into the GPA. If a student remains registered after the ninth week of classes, one of the grades described under Grading Options must be recorded. Classification of Students Normal progress toward graduation is as follows: Class standing granted and number of semester hours for that standing: Sophomore, 32; Junior, 64; Senior, 96. Special student classification is assigned to students not seeking a degree from Macalester. Dean’s List The Dean’s List at Macalester College is published at the end of each semester. For fall semester, it will be published one week after the grade submission deadline. For spring semester, it will be published three weeks after the grade submission deadline. To be eligible for the Dean’s List a student must have been registered as a full-time, degree-seeking student and may not have been on a study away program. Furthermore, a student must have achieved a semester grade point average of at least 3.75, twelve or more credits on a regular (A, A-, B+, etc.) grading option, no grades below C-, and no withdrawal or incomplete grades for the semester. Grades for activity, practicum, and technique courses in dance, music, and physical education are not factored into eligibility for the Dean’s List. Probation and Dismissal The College monitors the academic performance of every student in order to offer support and services to those students who are not making satisfactory academic progress. Students are expected to earn their degree within a four-year period. The academic record of every student is reviewed at the end of each semester by the Academic Standing Committee of the faculty. Academic status is calculated at the end of a term only. After the Academic Standing Committee has reached its decisions at the end of a term, a student’s status will normally only be reconsidered by the Committee in cases where an action has been taken which prevents a student from re-enrolling in the College and there has been a change to the student’s academic record. Probationary status is never a part of a student’s public record unless the student gives authorization to release this information. Academic probation is intended as an indication to a student that he or she is not making the expected progress toward the completion of a Macalester Bachelor of Arts degree. Every effort is made through faculty advisors, the counseling services of Winton Health Services and the MAX Center to provide counseling to students who are placed on academic probation. As a result of the Academic Standing Committee’s review of student records, a student may be placed on one of the categories of probation listed below. In addition to the specific term performance guidelines indicated below, the Committee also takes into consideration a student’s classification, his or her cumulative grade point average and any prior probationary status in determining the appropriate category of probation. Academic Warning. Students with a term grade point average between 2.00 and 2.50 and/or at least one NC grade in a course carrying two or more credit hours may be placed on Academic Warning if the Academic Standing Committee sees reason to be concerned about their level of achievement. Academic Probation. Students with a term grade point average below 2.00 and/or two or more NC grades in a course carrying two or more credit hours will be placed on Academic Probation. Strict Academic Probation. Students will be placed on Strict Academic Probation when they are liable for academic probation for a second consecutive semester or when the Committee considers their record to indicate serious academic difficulties which warrant the addition of specific criteria to be met during the next semester in order to be removed from this probationary status. These criteria usually are: a term grade point average of a least 2.00 and no grade lower than C–; registration as a full-time student taking twelve or more credit hours; no grades of Incomplete. A student on strict academic probation is ineligible to practice or compete in intercollegiate athletics, to hold an elected office or a leadership position in a student organization, to undertake a role in a major music or theatre production or forensic activity, to apply for study abroad or to register for an internship. Suspension. A student will be suspended from the College for failure to meet the criteria established for removal from Strict Academic Probation. Additionally, students are suspended for one or two semesters after two consecutive semesters on academic probation or strict academic probation unless the Academic Standing Committee finds that this action would not be appropriate. Under exceptional circumstances, the Academic Standing Committee may suspend students from the College without first placing them on probation. Students who wish to return after a suspension must apply for readmission to the College. In order for a student to be readmitted, the Academic Standing Committee expects to see evidence that the student is ready to return and have a successful experience. Shortly after receiving a suspension letter, students are expected to work out a plan with either the Dean of Students or the Director of Academic Programs for how they will provide this evidence of readiness to return. In most cases students will attend another institution of higher education during their suspension period and earn grades which demonstrate their ability to perform successfully in an academic environment. Dismissal. A student is subject to dismissal from the College whenever, in the view of the Committee, his or her level of scholarship is so low as to make the completion of a Macalester degree unlikely. Students should be aware that maintaining good academic standing does not automatically insure continued financial aid eligibility. Refer to the financial aid section of this catalog for information. Appeals of suspensions must be based on procedural grounds and be made in writing by the following deadlines. For actions taken following Fall term, appeals must be received as soon as possible but no later than five days prior to the beginning of the Spring term. Students should be advised not to return to campus until they have learned the result of their appeal. For actions taken following Spring term, appeals must be received as soon as possible but no later than 30 days after the date of the Academic Standing Committee letter. Appeals should be made to the Provost through the Director of Academic Programs. The Provost may or may not choose to hear the appeal. The Director of Academic Affairs will inform the petitioner and all concerned College officials of the results of the Provost's determination. The decision of the Provost is final. Academic Integrity Macalester College expects academic honesty from all students and faculty. Academic honesty encompasses accurate portrayal of contributions and appropriate use of resources. For more specific information about Macalester’s Academic Integrity Policy please refer to the Academic Programs website, or contact the Director of Academic Programs. Withdrawal from the College A student may request complete withdrawal from the College at any point in a term. Students should make an appointment with the Dean of Students to complete the appropriate withdrawal form. In order to obtain tuition or room and board refunds, the student must follow the policy described under “Refunds.” Temporary Withdrawal The Dean of Students may grant a temporary withdrawal for a duration of one semester up to one year to any student requesting to temporarily withdraw from Macalester for personal reasons or for the purpose of attending another institution. In order to request a temporary withdrawal, a student must have completed the first term as a new student and be in good academic standing. First year students withdrawing in their first term at Macalester are not eligible to return before the following Fall. A form requesting a temporary withdrawal must be completed in the Dean of Students Office no later than the 10th day of the current term. Any student who wishes to leave Macalester for the purpose of entering military service or fulfilling mandatory religious obligations shall be granted a temporary withdrawal upon notification of the Dean of Students. Returning students should note the following: Applications for financial aid and housing in the term following a temporary withdrawal, and room and board deposits, must be made by deadlines required of all students in residence. A temporary withdrawal does not exempt or defer a student from repayment of Macalester loans, or extend the deadlines for the makeup of incomplete courses. Questions about a temporary withdrawal should be addressed to the Dean of Students Office. Involuntary Temporary Withdrawal A student may be placed on involuntary withdrawal when she or he demonstrates developing and/or continuing behavior that threatens the life or health of themselves or another member of the Macalester community or if there are clear indicators a student will be unable to make academic progress. The Dean of Students is responsible for placing a student on involuntary withdrawal. A student placed on involuntary withdrawal must request readmission to the College. The complete involuntary withdrawal policy may be found in the Student Handbook. Questions should be addressed to the Dean of Students Office. Readmission to the College Any student who has not temporarily withdrawn from the College, or who was suspended from the College, or who did not complete the prior semester at Macalester, is required to make application for readmission to the College for the term in which he or she wishes to register. Application forms should be requested of and returned to the Registrar’s Office at least one month prior to the date of intended registration. When a student is readmitted to the College, he or she must then satisfy the graduation requirements in effect at the time of readmission in order to complete their degree. Credit by Examination Any full time, degree-seeking Macalester student may receive credit for a course listed in the catalog by successful completion of an examination or other type of evaluation to be determined by the instructor. There is a fee for Credit by Examination (see Tuition and Fees Section). Credit and a grade will be certified to the Registrar’s Office by the instructor and endorsed by the department chair. Such credit may be granted only during a fall or spring semester in which the student is registered for at least twelve semester credits, or a summer term in which the student is registered for at least four semester credits. The grade received will be included in the student’s GPA. A student is limited to earning eight semester hours of credit by examination in courses not described in the catalog and each such course must be approved by the Educational Policy and Governance Committee before work is begun. The student will receive no instruction from a faculty member in obtaining credit by examination. No such credit will be granted for a course previously registered, or audited. The student may not sit in on the class. The student is expected to demonstrate a competence comparable to, but not necessarily identical with, that attained by students receiving credit for the course in the usual manner. Note: Departments may designate those lower level courses for which credit may not be received if comparable courses have been taken at the secondary level. Advanced Standing Transfer of Credit Generally, liberal arts courses taken at regionally accredited undergraduate institutions, and comparable in content to Macalester courses will be considered for transfer. The grade earned must be at least a C–; grades of S or P must be certified in writing by the instructor of the course to be the equivalent of C– or better before that course can be transferred. Students who have attended non-accredited or non-regionally accredited institutions must have their work validated by examination or by showing competence to carry advanced work successfully. Award of credit in such cases may be delayed for one or more semesters awaiting such evaluations. The Macalester course system is based on the semester credit. Macalester does not award more credit for transfer courses than what is awarded by the host institution for those courses, as indicated on the host’s official transcript. Therefore, semester credits will be transferred as equivalent from the host institution, and quarter credits will be converted at a ration of six (6) quarter credits equivalent to four (4) semester credits. No strict correlation exists between contact hours in courses taken off-campus and credits awarded by Macalester. No more than the equivalent of one half of the semester credits required for graduation may be transferred from another institution to Macalester. No more than the equivalent of eight (8) semester credits earned through a correspondence program or through distance learning may be included among the academic credits transferred to Macalester. For students admitted to Macalester through the first-year admissions program, Macalester will accept for credit no more than the equivalent of twenty Macalester credits from courses earned at a college or university prior to matriculation at Macalester. Summer session college credits, Minnesota Post-Secondary Education Options Program credits, International Baccalaureate credits, and Advanced Placement Program credits are included under this limitation. (The only exception to this limitation applies to students who have achieved the equivalent of twenty-four Macalester credits solely through College Board Advanced Placement Examinations.) Credits earned through Advanced Placement Exams, International Baccalaureate or GCE A-Level examinations cannot be used to meet the college’s general distribution requirement. College- or university-level courses must be taken directly at the college or university from which the credit is granted. Macalester will not award credit for courses which were taken in secondary school, or which were used to satisfy any of the requirements for graduation at the student’s secondary school. ROTC is designed to prepare students to be commissioned officers in the United States military. Air Force ROTC is available to Macalester students through the Associated Colleges of the Twin Cities at the University of St. Thomas. For more information call St. Thomas at 651-962-6320 or 1-800-328-6819, ext. 6320. Navy and Army ROTC is also available to Macalester students at the University of Minnesota. For more information on Navy ROTC, call 612-625-6677. For more information on Army ROTC, call 612-626-1584. Although Macalester College does not grant credit for ROTC courses, participation in this program will be noted on the Macalester record. College Board Advanced Placement Examinations Students who have taken the College Board Advanced Placement Examinations may be eligible for advanced placement and appropriate credit. Freshmen who wish to have their scores considered should have them sent to Macalester College. Scores of 3, 4, or 5 may result in credit or exemption. Academic departments determine which scores result in credit or exemption for their subject. Some departments require the student to discuss their scores with the department chair before a credit determination is made. A score of 2 will receive no credit, but the academic department involved may recommend some exemption. A score of 1 will receive neither credit nor exemption. Advanced Placement credit is only granted on the basis of the examination scores. Macalester does not recognize the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests for advanced standing. International Baccalaureate and General Certificate of Education Students whose scores on Higher Level Examinations of the International Baccalaureate Program are 5, 6, or 7 receive the equivalent of four or eight semester hours of credit for each such examination. Credit is determined by the appropriate academic department on an individual basis and is subject to the limitations described in Transfer of Credit under the Advanced Standing Section. International students who have not earned university level academic credit will have their advanced standing limited to no more than twenty semester credits. Those who have completed A-Level Examinations in order to earn a General Certificate of Education (GCE) receive the equivalent of eight semester credits for each A-Level Examination with a score of A, B, C, or D. No more than the equivalent of twenty semester credits can be earned in this manner. Minimum Size of Classes The College does not hold itself bound for instruction in any elective course for which fewer than five students have registered. Such classes may, however, be organized at the option of the department with approval by the Provost.
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