Lesley College Academic Policies

Lesley College Degree Requirements

A student who satisfactorily meets the following requirements is awarded a degree of Bachelor of Science with a professional program coupled with a liberal arts program. In accordance with State of Massachusetts regulations, students who major in Education and a liberal arts major may qualify for a provisional teaching certification in the State of Massachusetts and have Interstate Certification Compact (ICC) endorsement. This Compact provides students with certification in 32 states.

Professional and Personal Requirements

Professional Goals:

Demonstrate and maintain a sense of direction and commitment to a career in Education, Human Services, Management, or the Arts.

Professional Competence:

Demonstrate a high level of performance or potential in the practical application or chosen area of professional preparation as defined by the program of study.

Personal:

Demonstrate adequate social and emotional adjustment which may indicate ability to serve effectively in her profession.

Academic Requirements

Credits:

Earn a minimum of 128 semester hours of credit with cumulative grade point average of no less than 2.0. Specific program requirements are listed in appropriate academic program sections of this catalogue.

Communication Skills:

Demonstrate capacity to employ basic communication skills (e.g., listening, speaking, writing) sufficient for effective performance in chosen professional career.

Competencies:

Fulfill all competencies assigned to competency based courses.

Teacher Certification

Successful completion of Lesley College graduation requirements as well as approved professional majors in Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School and Special Education provide Lesley undergraduates with eligibility for provisional certification in Massachusetts. The requirements of each provisional certificate major are outlined under the degree requirements for Education majors. Students must also pass a state examination in order to be certified.

In October 1994, Massachusetts began implementation of the regulations for certification. These regulations established a two stage certification process. The first stage in that process is provisional certification. The completion of a Master's degree is required for the second stage-standard certification. Teacher certification requirements vary nationally. Information for all states is available at the Career Resource Center. Questions related to certification can be referred to the Program Director for Education, the Coordinator of Field Placement for Lesley College, and/or the Lesley College Certification Officer.

Lesley College Academic Responsibility

True learning can exist only in an environment of intellectual honesty. As future professionals, Lesley students have a particular responsibility to themselves and society to conduct their 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 one's own in any academic exercise. Cheating is defined as using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise or activity.

The School of Undergraduate Studies Committee on Academic Honesty oversees issues and cases of plagiarism and cheating. A more complete description of policies and procedures of the Committee on Academic Responsibility is available in Lesley College Student Handbook or from the Dean's office.

Lesley College Academic Advisement

Helping the student with her course selection and advising her in other matters relating to the College's instructional program is the role of an academic advisor. An academic advisor is assigned by the Associate Dean/Director of Academic Advising. Academic advisors are chosen from among the College's faculty and administrators.

Advisors help the student:

• explore the academic options available at Lesley, including the choice of majors, specializations, and minor concentrations;
• explore the course options available within each program, as well as the general electives available outside the field of special interest;
• assess life and career goals.

Students are, therefore, strongly urged to seek out advice in order to successfully meet the requirements of their degree program. The actual responsibility for fulfilling these requirements rests with the student. Advisee's

Statement of Role and Responsibilities

Lesley College students are committed to expanding their knowledge while working towards their educational and professional goals. As members of a diverse college community, students recognize that they are committed to the process of life - long learning and strive to work with their advisors in this process.

The advisee-advisor relationship is based on a philosophy of shared responsibility. Ultimate responsibility, however, for satisfying college and professional requirements rests with the student.

• Students will familiarize themselves with Lesley College Catalog and Handbook. Advisees are also responsible for becoming knowledgeable of Lesley College's academic policies and procedures and for monitoring their academic planning for the completion of college and professional requirements.
• Students will adhere to college deadlines regarding picking up registration packets and materials, drop/add, pass/fail and the like.
• Students are responsible for making and keeping appointments with their advisors in a timely manner, as well as updating their advisor on their academic progress.
• Students will take their advisor's suggestions into consideration to make informed decisions regarding academic planning.
• Students will utilize various on-campus support systems such as: the Career Resource Center, Counseling Center, Disabilities Services, College Chaplain as well as the services of the Learning Center.
• Advisees recognizes that advisors can provide support and guidance to students in transition to college life for developing skills in accomplishing their personal, academic and professional goals.

Advisor's Role and Responsibilities

Lesley College faculty advisors support the Lesley College's missions of being committed to providing excellent, creative instruction. Faculty advisors view academic advising as being consistent and integral to the College's educational philosophy of being responsive to the needs of students.

The advisor - advice relationship is based on a philosophy of shared responsibility. Ultimate responsibility, however, for satisfying college and professional requirements and goals rests with the advisee.

• Plan their overall academic program and select their courses for registration.
• Interpret academic policies and programs.
• Monitor their academic progress.
• Obtain current information in relation to their college and professional requirements.
• Increase their awareness of support services in the Career Resource Center, Counseling, Residence Life, Disabilities Services and Religious Life, as well as the Learning Center.

In general, faculty advisors support the importance of forming quality advising relationship with their personal growth, as well as for their educational and professional success.

Change of Advisor

Students requesting a change of advisor should petition the Associate Dean/Director of Academic Advising. Once approval is granted, the student is required to obtain the signature of the new faculty advisor and return the Change of Advisor form to the Dean's office.

Junior Audit

During the second semester of her Junior year, each student meets with a representative of the Registrar's Office to review graduation requirements. Each Junior is audited to ensure that her official records at the Registrar's Office are complete and accurate. Using the information received during the audit, each Junior should meet with her academic advisor to plan an appropriate schedule for the Fall and Spring semesters of her Senior year. It is the student's responsibility to schedule this appointment. Failure to do so may result in an error in her course selection which could adversely affect her graduation date.

Lesley College Academic Procedures

Credit Hour Definition

One credit is awarded for approximately 15 contact hours of class time. Thus, a three-credit course has approximately 45 hours of class time scheduled. Additional coursework outside of the classroom is expected.

Course Load

The prescribed four-year course load at Lesley College is five to six courses per semester (15-17 credits). To meet the minimum academic requirements of 128 credits, a student must average 34 credits each year. It is the student's responsibility to monitor the number of credits she completes each year as they relate to her program of study.

Additional Tuition Charge

Students desiring to register for more than 18 credits per semester must obtain the signature of their academic advisor and the approval of Associate Dean or the Dean before registration. A student who receives permission to carry a course overload will be charged on a per semester credit hour basis for all course credits over the normal course load (34 credits per academic year including the January term.) Those students registering for only one semester during the academic year and carrying a course overload will also be charged on a per semester credit hour basis for all course credits over the 18 credit per semester course load.

Double Counting

Lesley College policy will allow students to count up to nine credits of coursework to satisfy program requirements in more than one area. This policy does not reduce the number of credits a student must take to complete her baccalaureate program. Rather, it provides additional elective credit opportunities within the present curriculum offerings. Exceptions to this policy are so noted in the academic program section of this catalog. Students are advised to discuss their options with their academic advisors.

Cross-College Registration Policy

All undergraduate students at Lesley College may take advantage of the resources available in the other Schools of the College. Lesley College students may enroll in all courses in the Adult Baccalaureate College with a few exceptions and selected graduate level courses. Courses offered jointly between schools may be coeducational.

Written permission from her advisor is required to register for courses outside Lesley College at Lesley. These credits will count toward the baccalaureate degree, but graduate courses taken towards the baccalaureate degree cannot be counted again for graduate credit should the student wish to take an advanced degree.

Provision of Waiver

Under extenuating circumstances, specific academic regulations may be waived by the appropriate Program Director. Students requesting waiver of academic requirements should petition the Program Director and provide a typewritten request that gives full particulars and justification.

Class Standing Definition

First year students at Lesley are those students who have earned fewer than 30 credits which count toward the baccalaureate degree. Sophomores are students with between 30 and 59 earned credits. Juniors have earned at least 60 credits. To achieve Senior class standing, students must have earned 93 credits.

Access to Records - Lesley College Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Policy

Lesley College is required to notify students annually of their rights with respect to the treatment of their education records under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA, also known as the Buckley Amendment). In accordance with FERPA, students are notified of the following rights:

1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day Lesley College receives a request for access.

The student should submit to the Registrar, Dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official, written requests that identify the record(s) she wishes to inspect. Within ten business days of receipt of the request the Lesley College official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the College official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the current official to whom the request was submitted or an appropriate designee will be present when the student examines his or her records.

Lesley College may deny a student access to certain information set forth in FERPA, including, without limitation, confidential letters and confidential statements of recommendation placed in the student's education records before January 1, 1975, and such letters and statements placed in the file after January 1, 1975, if the student has waived the right to inspect and review those letters and statements.

The written request for access and the date and hour of the student review will be recorded in the student file. A student may request and receive photocopies of information and documents contained in her education record. Students may not request copies of college transcript submitted for admissions.

2. The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading.

The student may ask the College to amend a record that she believes is inaccurate or misleading. She should write to the College official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record she wants changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.

If the College decides not to amend the record as request by the student, the College will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.

3. The right to consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent the FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the University has contracted (such as an attorney, auditory, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate education interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

In addition, Lesley College may, at times, disclose directory information without a student's consent. Directory information includes: student name, major field of study, and degrees or awards received. If a student does not want some or all of those items designated directory information to be released to the public, she must notify the Dean of Students in writing prior to October 1.

4. The right to file a complaint with the US. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Lesley College to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

If a student believes that her rights under FERPA have been violated, she may file a complaint with the executive assistant to the President of Lesley College or with the US. Department of Education. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office
US. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue SW.
Washington, DC. 20202-4605

Note: Students should be aware that the definition of directory information differs between FERPA and the Solomon Amendment as described below:

Under the Solomon Amendment, Lesley College may not in policy or practice prohibit or prevent the Secretary of Defense from obtaining, for military recruiting purposes, entry to campus, access to students on campus, access to directory information on students or have an anti-ROTC policy. According to the Solomon Amendment, Lesley College must provide the military with access to directory information (including name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, level of education, academic major, degrees received and the educational institution in which the student was most recently enrolled) unless a student has formally requested that such information be withheld from third parties.

Parents may have access to information pertaining to their daughter's educational records and academic standing without prior written consent of their daughter if she is a dependent as defined under section 152 of the IRS Code of 1954. If the student is not a dependent, as defined by the IRS Code, then the College must receive prior written consent from the student in order to release such information to her parents.

Lesley College Course Information

Course Waiver/Substitution

When it can be determined that a student has successfully completed a course at Lesley or at another regionally accredited institution which is substantially the same as a required course in one of the degree programs offered in Lesley College, a waiver or substitution may be granted. Applications for course waiver/substitution must be approved and signed by the appropriate Program Director before submission to the Registrar. Approval of the course waiver/substitution does not reduce the total number of credits required for the awarding of the degree, but allows the student, in consultation with her advisor, to select another approved course for the same number of credits which may then be taken in lieu of the waived or substituted course.

Independent Study

Lesley College offers students the opportunity to choose Independent Study. No more than six hours of independent study credit may be counted as part of the 128 hours required for graduation. Independent studies are open only to juniors and seniors. The deadline to register for an independent study is the last day of the drop/add period for the semester in which the student is performing the study.

An Independent Study offers students an opportunity to explore a topic not available through the current course offerings or to explore a subject in greater depth than is possible in a regular course. Independent studies are specifically designed for students to do advanced independent work. Students are expected to research the topic with significant independence. A student wishing to apply for independent study should have a 3.0 GPA and demonstrate the ability to do advanced independent work. Students wishing to pursue independent study must obtain the consent of a faculty sponsor to guide the study/project. Independent study proposals, and the amount of credit assigned, will be recommended by the faculty member and authorized by the Program Director. Contact the Registrar's office for the appropriate application form and procedures.

Teaching Assistantships

A student may be asked to serve as a teaching assistant in a particular course that she has taken previously (or otherwise demonstrated competency). In this role, the student studies the process of planning, implementing, and evaluating the course, while assisting with the preparation and teaching of the course. Students who decide to accept this honor register for course number 4089 under the appropriate discipline prefix. A Teaching Assistant Approval Form, signed by the faculty and approved by the Program Director, is required for registration. A student may not serve as a Teaching Assistant in the same course more than once and may not complete more than a total of two courses in this manner.

Changing Courses

During the first two weeks of each semester, a student may drop or add a course. During this period, any course that is dropped will not be recorded on the student's permanent record. However, if after the first week of classes, a student withdraws from the College, withdrawal grades will be reflected on the academic record as required by the student refund policy. A fee will be charged per transaction beginning the second week of classes. Students are required to have their advisor's signature on each drop/add form. Drop/Add forms can be obtained from the Registrar's office.

Withdrawal From Course Policy

The policy regarding withdrawal from courses becomes effective after the drop/add period terminates. If a student withdraws from a course or from the College prior to the end of the twelfth week of the semester*, she will receive a grade of W on her transcript. No credit will be given, nor will this be counted in computing the cumulative grade point average. A student who withdraws or discontinues studies in any course after that date will receive a grade of F. Exceptions to this policy will be granted in exceptional cases only by the Dean of Lesley College.

*Refer to semester calendar of dates distributed each semester for the exact date.

Transferring Credit Into Lesley College

A student in good standing at Lesley may enroll in a course at another accredited college during the academic year or summer. The following conditions govern the transfer to Lesley of credit earned at another institution.

• A total of at least 63 credit hours in residence must be completed at Lesley College.
• A grade of C- or better is necessary for transfer of credit; letter grades for transfer are not recorded on the student's permanent record. Grades of P (Pass) must be accompanied by documentation verifying that each is equivalent to a C- or better.
• Written approval must be obtained from the Lesley College Registrar's Office before a course is taken for transfer credit. Students should contact the Registrar's Office for more specific information and forms.
• Credit for Student Teaching and other practica or internships must be approved by the appropriate Program Director.

Lesley College Grading Information

Grading System

Grades are issued at the end of each semester according to the following system:

Fail (F)

If a required course is failed, the course must be repeated or an equivalent one taken. No credit is accrued with a grade of F. When a student repeats a course or takes an equivalent after failure, both grades will be recorded on her permanent record, but only the second will be used to compute her cumulative average.

Pass (P)

This grade applies only to courses which are offered on a Pass/Fail or a High Pass/Pass/Fail basis and to courses in which the student elects the Pass/Fail option.

Incomplete (I)

In exceptional cases, where an unanticipated event beyond her control interferes with a student's completion of course requirements, a letter grade of "I" (Incomplete) may be given to a student, at the instructor's discretion. Student and instructor must complete and sign an Incomplete Contract. Responsibility for completion of work rests with the student. The deadline for completion is the end of the following semester. Contracted work not completed by that time is recorded as "F" (Failing).

Withdrawal (W)

This grade indicates that the student has withdrawn from the course prior to the twelfth week of the semester. The grade of W is recorded on the transcript but the student's cumulative grade point average is not affected.

Technical Failure (TF)

"TF" is a grading symbol which represents a Technical Fail. It may be used on the grade sheet to indicate that a student either never attended or attended no more than two classes but did not officially drop or withdraw. Students who stop attending after the second class, but fail to withdraw by the final withdrawal date, must be assigned a letter grade. The grade of TF is recorded on the transcript but the student's grade point average is not affected.

Grade Point Average

The student accumulates credit points toward a grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale, as follows:

To compute her GPA, the student should use the table above to translate her letter grades into credit points, add all her credit points, and divide the total by the number of credits completed. In computing grade point averages Pass (P) is not included, but a Fail (F) is always included except when the course has been repeated.

Grade Reports

Midterm Deficiencies

Midterm reports for courses are issued by the Registrar at the midterm marking period during the semester for which a student's work is below average or incomplete. Midterm deficiency reports are provided to alert the student that the faculty member is concerned about her academic performance. The grade does not appear on the student's permanent academic record. Copies of the report are sent to students, their academic advisor, and the Associate Dean/Director of Academic Advising to inform them about students' deficient academic performance. Some faculty choose not to use the official midterm deficiency process and will instead notify their students directly.

Final Grades

Students receive their final grades from the Registrar at the close of each semester, provided all financial obligations, including those of the Bursar's Office, the Financial Aid Office, the Library, and the Kresge Center have been met.

Minimum Grades

If a student fails to earn a passing grade in a course with a designated minimal grade level as part of the course requirement, she must repeat the course. In addition, the student may not use the course to satisfy another course requirement as part of her program of study.

Pass/Fail Option

Two elective courses per academic year may be taken for a Pass/Fail rather than for a letter grade. The student must request authorization from the instructor to take the course on a Pass/Fail basis no later than the close of the drop/add period. The request may be granted or denied at the discretion of the course instructor. Once Pass/Fail terms are submitted they cannot be retracted.

Grade Grievance Policy for the School of Undergraduate Studies

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

The School of Undergraduate Studies has a Grade Grievance Policy which provides Undergraduate students with a mechanism to appeal grades which they believe constitute an unfair or incorrect application of the grading policy as outlined by 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 follow the directives of the policy.

A complete description of the grade grievance policy for the School of Undergraduate Studies is available in the Dean's office.

Lesley College Class Attendance

Students are expected to attend classes. Daily records of student attendance are kept at the discretion of the individual instructor. However, enrollment in a course carries with it an implied, mutual agreement between instructor and student: both agree to come to class prepared and to be active participants in the teaching-learning process. Thus, penalties for student absences or tardiness will also be at the discretion of the individual instructor. Moreover, if excessive absence or tardiness does occur, responsibility for an explanation rests with the individual student. The instructor is not obligated to grant requests for make-up or supplementary work regardless of the reason for the absence or tardiness. Therefore, students should know the individual instructor's policy on attendance at the beginning of the course.

Required Examinations

Midterm and final examinations or other assessment activities are required in most courses. Absences from examinations are excused only in cases of severe illness, death in the immediate family, or occasions of equal exigency and make-up exams or work are granted at the discretion of the individual faculty member.

Religious Observance

Students who are unable, because of their religious beliefs, to attend classes or to participate in any examination, study, or work requirement on a particular day shall be excused from any such examination, study, or work requirement. As a result of absence due to religious observance, students shall have the opportunity to make up the examination, study, or work requirement which they have missed provided, however, that such makeup examination or work shall not create an unreasonable burden upon the college. The college will not charge any fee for providing students the opportunity to make up examinations or work. No adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to students who avail themselves of the provisions of this policy.

Cancellation of Classes

Classes generally will not be canceled because of inclement weather. If cancellation does occur, announcements will be made on local radio and TV stations. Students may also call the College switchboard for cancellation news.

Lesley College Academic Standards

Honors and Awards

Dean's List

Each semester, students who complete at least 12 semester hours and who attain a semester average of 3.6 or better are eligible for Dean's List. Of these 12 credits, freshmen and sophomores must carry a minimum of nine credits in letter grades, while juniors and seniors, who are not in their placement semester, must carry a minimum of nine credits in letter grades. In the semester when seniors and juniors are in placement - and in the case when their placement does not receive a letter grade - they must carry a minimum of 3 credits in letter grades, attain a PASS in their placement and achieve a 3.6 cumulative GPA.

Graduation Honors

To graduate with honors, a student must have completed at least 63 credits in residence at the College and must have achieved the following cumulative grade point average:

• Cum Laude
• Magna Cum Laude
• Summa Cum Laude

Lesley College Academic Status

Academic Status Committee

The Academic Status Committee is responsible for monitoring students' overall performance in meeting the baccalaureate requirements and academic regulations of the College. The Committee examines students' records of academic achievement and evaluations of professional preparation. The Academic Status Committee carefully considers each instance of an undergraduate student's deficiencies and takes action in each case. Such action may result in a student being placed on academic probation or dismissal from the College. On behalf of the Committee, the Dean or the Registrar will notify the student in writing regarding any action taken. If a student wishes to contest a decision of dismissal made by the Dean, she must follow the procedures outlined in the Appeal Policy and must initiate the procedure within ten working days of notification of dismissal. Copies of the Appeal Policy are available from the Dean of the School of Undergraduate Studies.

No Progress

A student is considered to have made no academic progress if she accumulates six credits or more of incompletes, withdrawals, or technical failures or any combination thereof, thus not completing 12 credits of course work in a given semester (pro-rated accordingly for part-time students). She may be restricted from registering for course work or required to take a limited program of study until the incomplete work or failures are completed and a 2.0 average is attained.

Alert

Academic Alert is a warning to the student that she is in danger of being placed on Academic Probation if she does not demonstrate academic improvement. A student is on Academic Alert when

• her semester grade point average is below 2.0; OR
• she fails one course.

She may have her program of study limited by the Academic Status Committee.

Probation

When a student is on Academic Probation, she is considered to be in serious academic difficulty. A student is on Academic Probation when

• she has been on Academic Alert or Academic Probation for one semester and her following semester grade point average is below 2.0; OR
• her cumulative grade point average is below 2.0.

A student on Academic Probation may have her program restricted by the Academic Status Committee.

A student who fails to earn removal from Academic Probation the following semester or who incurs Academic Probation for a third time may be dismissed from the College.

When a student is on Academic Alert or Academic Probation, she and her academic advisor will be notified in writing. It is the student's responsibility to schedule a conference with her academic advisor and/or the Associate Dean/Director of Academic Advising to establish an academic contract to ensure her progress.

Restricted Programs of Study

Education

Any junior or senior having less than a 2.5 average, or who otherwise fails to meet the prerequisites, will not be accepted for student teaching.

Human Services

Any junior or senior having less than a 2.3 cumulative grade point average in Human Services and Liberal Arts support courses and an overall cumulative grade point average of 2.0 will not be accepted for a Human Services internship.

Management

Any junior or senior having less than a 2.0 average, or who otherwise fails to meet the prerequisites, will not be accepted for a Management internship.

Individualized Professional Minor

Any student having less than a 2.0 overall average and less than a 2.3 average in her Individualized Professional Minor and Liberal Arts Major course, will not be accepted for an Individualized Professional Minor internship.

Professional and Personal Standards

In cases where a student appears unable to conform to the professional and personal standards of Lesley College, the Associate Dean will refer the matter to the committee on Academic status.

Academic Dismissal

The College reserves the right to suspend or dismiss at any time any student who, in the opinion of the College authorities, does not maintain any one of the stated degree requirements. The Academic Status Committee can recommend dismissal to the Dean of Lesley College who may then recommend dismissal action by the Dean of the School of Undergraduate Studies. A student may be recommended for dismissal if she:

• fails to earn removal from probation the following semester, or
• incurs probation for a third time, or
• achieves less than a 1.0 average during her first semester of study.

If a student is dismissed, her financial obligation to the College is governed by the financial regulations stated in the financial information section of this catalogue.

General Dismissal

In addition to academic dismissal and financial administrative withdrawal, the College reserves the right to suspend or dismiss from the academic programs and the residence halls any student who, in the opinion of the College authorities, does not achieve and maintain the required academic, personal and professional standards as defined in the Degree Requirements section of this catalogue on page 46. Such suspension or dismissal may occur as a result of both on-campus and off-campus violations of the Degree Requirements and/or the Community Standards of Conduct described in Lesley College Student Handbook. Dismissal from the academic programs or the residence halls does not terminate the student's financial obligation to the College for tuition, residence fees or other indebtedness.

For further information regarding suspension/dismissal procedures, contact the Dean of Lesley College.

Lesley College Change of Status

Leave of Absence

A Leave of Absence may be granted for up to two consecutive semesters with the following stipulations:

• The student must plan to return to the College at the end of the specified period of time to complete her academic degree program;
• The student must be in good academic standing at the time the leave is requested.
• The student must be cleared by the Bursar's Office and the Financial Aid Office at the time that the leave is requested and, if receiving financial aid, she must meet with a representative of the Financial Aid Office.

In order to be granted a Leave of Absence, the student must complete a Leave of Absence Form which is available in Lesley College Dean's Office. She must arrange to meet with the Associate Dean/Director of Academic Advising. The Associate Dean will determine if the Leave of Absence will be granted. A student on a Leave of Absence will remain a degree candidate but will not retain the privileges of a registered student which preclude utilization of the library, residence hall accommodations, and financial aid. Additionally, a student who currently has a Stafford Loan (formerly GSL) or is on deferment as a full-time student from a prior Stafford Loan or has been granted a one semester Leave of Absence is entitled to a one time, one semester deferment without using her grace period.

All policies and procedures regarding financial information and transcription of grades are in effect.

Withdrawal

A student planning to withdraw from the College must make an appointment with the Associate Dean/Director of Academic Advising for an exit interview and to complete official withdrawal forms. A resident student is expected to vacate her room within 24 hours of the effective date of withdrawal. A resident student must make an appointment with her Resident Assistant to complete the check-out procedure.

Reinstatement Policy

A student who has withdrawn or been dismissed from Lesley College may apply for reinstatement by submitting a written request to the Dean of Lesley College. The request should explain fully why reinstatement is justified and should also include the necessary supporting documentation. It should be sent in sufficient time to enable the Dean and, as appropriate, the Academic Status Committee to review and act upon the request prior to the beginning of the term for which the student is requesting readmission.

Lesley College Degree Conferral

Lesley University holds one commencement ceremony in May of each year. Degrees are conferred three times each year in October, February, and May. Students who complete their course of study and expect to graduate must complete the online declaration of intent to graduate https://www.lesley.edu/lois/menu?CONSTITUENCY=WBST&type=P&pid=ST-WBSTS015 . Responsibility for meeting the requirements for graduation rests primarily with the student. The individual student should become acquainted with the various requirements of general education, liberal arts, and his/her professional program. Before filing the online intent form, students should review their senior audit with their advisor and/or program director to determine that they have satisfactorily completed all degree requirements needed for graduation. The Declaration of Intent to Graduate form will be moved to the next conferral period only once if requirements are not completed. No additional deferrals will be permitted; a new Declaration of Intent must be submitted and a new fee billed to the student's account.

Students must file online by the published conferral deadlines, regardless of whether or not they intend to participate in the May commencement ceremony. All students who complete degree programs during the October and February conferral dates are invited to participate in the following May commencement ceremony. All financial obligations to the College, including fines for overdue library materials, must be met prior to graduation.

Students who complete degree programs between conferral dates may request, in writing, a Requirements Completed Transcript http://www.lesley.edu/services/registrar/transcripts.html from the Office of the University Registrar. A Requirements Completed Transcript is an official transcript with a date verifying that all degree requirements are met. The statement on the transcript will serve as official confirmation of degree completion prior to the next conferral date. Requirements Completed Transcripts are acceptable to the Massachusetts Bureau of Teacher Certification and by most other state departments of education and school systems.

Request to participate in Commencement Ceremonies with Outstanding Credits

Seniors lacking six credits or less can participate in the commencement ceremonies with their graduating class by obtaining approval from the Dean of Lesley College Office and the Registrar's Office.

The "march only" form may be obtained from the Dean's office and must be submitted no later than one week after the posted drop/add period.