SPECIFIc POLICIES

Degree Requirements

Students are required to complete 120 credits for the bachelor's degree: Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies (B.A. in L.S.,) and a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science (B.A. in B.S.). Titles of degrees are awarded based on programs of study. Students must complete at least 32 credits of Lesley University coursework, and must be accepted as degree candidates in order to receive a certification or a Bachelor's degree. With the help of a faculty advisor, the student plans a course of study which reflects personal career goals. Each semester, a schedule of upcoming courses is published, and students and their faculty advisor review academic records and choose appropriate courses. This meeting is scheduled prior to the student's registration for courses. Students may enroll for part-time or full-time study, depending on their individual needs.

Student Grade Grievance Policy

Lesley University is committed to delivering quality academic services, including fair grading to all students. The University recognizes that day-to-day problems affecting students in their classes will normally be resolved between the student and the instructor. Such matters shall not be deemed grievances.

The following formal grievance procedure provides Adult Learning Division students with a mechanism to appeal grades which they believe constitute an unfair or incorrect application of the grading policy as outlined by a faculty member in his or her syllabus, or are the result of a perceived lack of requested reasonable accommodation for a documented disability. This grievance procedure will be instituted only after the student has made attempts to resolve the issue through informal discussion with the faculty member, but still believes the grading outcome to be unacceptable. In the event that the student has made every reasonable effort to contact the faculty member for an informal discussion of the grade, either in person or on the telephone, but has been unable to do so, then the student may proceed to Level I. A complete copy of the grade grievance policy may be obtained from the Adult Learning Division Office.

Academic Honesty Policy

True learning can only exist in an environment of intellectual honesty. As future professionals, you have a particular responsibility to yourselves and society to conduct your academic studies with integrity. The Lesley community must refuse to allow plagiarism and cheating; all of us must work to create an environment where intellectual curiosity and honesty are valued.

Plagiarism is defined as using or knowingly representing the words or ideas of another as your own in any academic exercise. Cheating is defined as using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information or study aids in any academic exercise.

You have specific responsibilities in maintaining academic integrity in the community:

1. It is your responsibility to learn how to document sources and what constitutes plagiarism. The Modern Language Association Handbook and the American Psychological Association Handbook define plagiarism and give complete descriptions. You can ask at the Center for Academic Achievement for assistance as well.
2. It is your responsibility to report observed cases of cheating or plagiarism to the faculty member in whose course the incident took place or to the Associate Dean and Director of the Adult Learning Division, who will refer the case to the Academic Honesty Committee.
3. It is your responsibility to keep notes, rough drafts, and a copy of each finished paper until it has been graded and returned.
4. You may not submit one piece of work to meet the requirements for more than one course. If you wish special consideration to do so, you must request and receive written permission from the instructors of the courses involved.

Violation of the Lesley University prohibition of cheating or plagiarism may result in lowered grades, suspension from classes or dismissal from the University.

The Adult Learning Division has a committee on Academic Honesty which oversees issues relating to academic honesty. You may obtain a complete description of policies and procedures of the Committee on Academic Honesty from the Associate Dean and Director of the Adult Learning Division at 37 Mellen Street. The policy includes procedures for student appeal.