Credit and Grading Policy

Required Course Load

• You are required to carry a full­ semester course load as defined by your study away program. Course loads less than a full load as defined by your study away program require approval from the Center for Study Away. 
• This must fall in the range of 12-18 semester credits, however, 14-17 credits is more typical (similar to expectations for enrollment when at Macalester to maintain progress toward graduation). 
• Course loads greater than 18 credits must have the prior approval of the Registrar and are subject to supplemental Macalester tuition charges. 
• Course loads less than 12 attempted credits are still subject to full-time tuition charges. 

Credits and Grades

All coursework from a semester study away program, including failed courses, will be reflected as Macalester credit on your Macalester transcript. All grades are factored into your Macalester grade point average.

• Macalester will enroll you in a 16-credit placeholder course for your study away semester, which will be replaced by Macalester credit after the Registrar’s Office receives a transcript from your program or university. 
• The final Macalester credit you earn while studying away is determined by the Registrar’s Office based on the number of credits awarded by the program or university you attend. 
• Credit conversions are found on each program page under the “Academics” tab, or on this credit conversions spreadsheet.
• The study away program or host university must report all credits earned. 
• You will not receive credit for courses that may duplicate coursework you have already completed, nor for courses you do not pass.

Taking a Class Pass/Fail

Students studying away are subject to the same pass/fail grading policy as students studying on campus. The declaration of this grading option is usually made according to the policies of your study away program. If your program has no provision for pass/fail grading, or your program’s policy and deadlines differ from Macalester’s pass/fail grading policy, you may declare it to Macalester by submitting the Study Away Course Pass/Fail Form with the required details. The form must be completed and submitted no later than the final day of class for that specific course. Late pass/fail requests or appeals to this policy are not permitted.

Examinations

A student enrolled at a foreign university must sit at the regularly scheduled times for all required examinations, including those given at the end of individual academic terms and, if the student is on an academic year program, any comprehensive exams that are given at the end of the academic year unless the student makes alternative arrangements acceptable to the university. Failure to do so will in most cases result in a failing grade.

Questions?

Email your study away advisor and/or the Registrar.