Grades

• Lesley College
• Graduate School of Arts and Social Sciences, School of Education, and Adult Bachelor's Programs
• Art Institute of Boston

Lesley College Grading Policy

Mid Semester Evaluations

Mid-semester evaluations are issues by the Dean's Office. Reports are mailed directly to faculty mailboxes at the midpoint of the semester. Faculty members use mid-semester evaluations to notify students of poor progress in their course(s). Some faculty may choose not to use the official mid-semester evaluation process but may notify students directly. The mid-semester evaluations do not appear on the student's permanent academic record. Copies of the report are sent to the students, their faculty advisors, their program director, and the Associate Dean/Director of Advising.

Final Grades

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

Grading Scale and Point Average

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. If a student repeats a course both grades will be recorded on the permanent record, but only the second will be used to compute the student's cumulative average.

Pass (P)

This grade applies only to courses which are offered on a Pass/Fail basis and to courses in which the student elects the Pass/Fail option. To earn the grade of "Pass" on the Pass/fail option, a student must earn the equivalent letter grade of C- or better. A grade of D or less will be awarded a grade of "Fail."

Incomplete (I)

In exceptional cases, where an unanticipated event beyond one's 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 "I/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This grade indicates that the student has withdrawn from the course prior to the twelfth week of the semester.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 transcripts but student's accumulative grade point average is not affected.

Never Attended (NA)

"NA" is an administrative grade assigned to students who are officially registered for the course and whose name appears on the grade roster, but who have never attended class. The "NA" grade is recorded on the transcript, but the student's grade point average is not affected.

Administrative Withdrawal (AW)

"AW" is an administrative grade assigned to students who have attended no more than the first two classes, but who have not officially dropped or withdrawn from the course. Student who stop attending after the second class, but fail to withdraw by the published university withdrawal deadline must be assigned a letter grade. The grade "AW" is recorded on the transcript, but the student's grade point average is not affected.

Minimum Grades

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

Required Examinations

Midterm and final examinations or other evaluation 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.

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 Associate Dean/Director of Advising will notify the students, in writing, regarding any action. If a student wishes to contest a decision of dismissal made by the Dean, s/he must follow the procedure outlined in the Appeal Policy and must initiate the procedure within ten (10) working days of notification of dismissal.

Copies of the Appeal Policy are available from the Associate Dean of lesley College.

No Progress

A student is considered to have made no academic progress is s/he accumulates six or more credits of incompletes, withdrawals, administrative withdrawals, or never attended or any combination thereof, thus not completing 12 credits of course work in a given semester (pro-rated accordingly for part-time students.) The student may be restricted from registering for course work or be required to take a limited program of study, until the incomplete work is completed and a 2.0 average is attained.

Academic Alert

Academic alert is a warning that the student is in danger of being placed on Academic Probation if academic improvement is not demonstrated in the half semester. A student is placed on Academic Alert when

• the semester grade point average is below 2.0; OR
• the student fails the course.

The student's program of study may be limited by the Academic Status Committee.

Academic Probation

Academic Probation is an indication that the student is considered to be in serious academic difficulty. A student will be placed on Academic Probation when:

• the student has failed two or more courses in one semester; OR
• the student has been on Academic Alert or Academic Probation for one semester and the following semester grade point average is below 2.0; OR
• the cumulative grade point average is below 2.0.

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

Restricted Programs of Study

Education

Any junior or senior having less than a 3.0 average, or who otherwise fails to meet the prerequisites will not be accepted for student teaching.

Art Therapy, Counseling, and Human Services

Any junior or senior having less than a 2.3 cumulative grade point average in major requirements and/or an overall cumulative grade point average of 2.0 will not be accepted for an internship.

Management and Communication Technology

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 or Communication Technology fieldwork.

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. A student may be recommended for dismissal if the student:

• fails to earn removal from probation the following semester; OR
• incurs probation for a third time; OR
• achieves less than a 2.0 average during the first semester of study.

If a student is dismissed, her financial obligation to the college for tuition and other indebtedness is governed by the financial regulations stated in the Lesley College Catalog.

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. Normally, requests for readmission for the fall semester should be submitted by August 1st, and for the spring semester by December 15th.

Graduate School of Arts and Social Sciences, School of Education, and Adult Bachelor's Programs Grading Policy

Faculty members should clearly articulate the criteria and evaluation system they use in grading students' assignments. Students have the responsibility to make sure they understand the expectations of course requirements and grading procedures. Grades submitted by the Faculty to the Office of the University Registrar are considered to be final grades.

Grading Deadlines

Please refer to the Academic Calendar to view on-campus grading deadlines. The grade submission deadline for off-campus courses is within 15 days after the final date of the course.

Students may view recorded grades immediately by accessing Lesley's online information service. Grade reports will be mailed to students at the conclusion of each semester. Students may request printed grade reports by email, by telephone, or in person. Grade reports are not issues to students having financial indebtedness to the University, including library obligations and parking fines.

Grading Scales

Most courses offer evaluation of student performance according to the grade and quality point systems listed below. In some courses, students receive a pass/fail grade instead of a letter grade.

Grades submitted by faculty on Lesley's online information service are final grades. Faculty members should discuss in each course the criteria and evaluation system used for grading. It is the student's responsibility to make sure s/he understands the expectations of course requirements and grading procedures.

Graduate Level Grading Scale

Adult Bachelor's Programs Grading Scale

Additional Grades/Codes

(not included in cumulative average)

P = Pass

CR = Credit

HP = High Pass (Adult Learning Division Only)

NC = Not for Credit

AUD = Audit

I = Incompletes*

* "I" followed by a grade signifies a prior incomplete which has subsequently been graded (Lesley College, fall 1996-forward; AIB fall 2003-forward.) Grade point scale above applies.

Special Codes

AW = Administrative Withdrawal*

NA = Never Attended*

SIP = Course Still in Progress

TF = Technical Fail (did not drop officially)**

TR = Transfer Credit

TX = Waiver

W = Withdrawal

X = Doctoral Work in Progress

RR = Repeated Course***

*AW and NA grades effective fall 2004-forward

**TF grade effective prior to and including summer 2004; phased out as of fall 2004.

***Last grade earned is official. When a student repeats a course in order to improve the grade earned, while the grade of the first course will appear on the transcript, only the second grade will be used in computing the cumulative average, except an "F."

For graduate degree students at the Master's, C.A.G.S., or Ph.D. levels a grade of "B-" or better in all core or required courses must be received in order to count towards degree requirements. A student must re-take core or required courses for which a grade of "C+" or below was earned.

Graduate students may earn a maximum of three (3) credits of "C+" grades in elective courses and have these credits apply towards degree requirements. A grade of "C" or below in elective courses is considered a failing grade and will not be applicable toward degree requirements. Elective courses maybe be repeated or another elective course may be added as a substitute. All grades will be recorded on a student's transcript.

When a student repeats a course in order to improve the grade earned, while the grade of the first course will appear on the transcript, only the second grade will be counted toward the number of credits completed and will be used in computing the cumulative average. The exception is if a student receives a grade of "F."

Graduation Requirements

Academic Eligibility for Degree

Specific degree requirements for each program are published in the Graduate and Adult Bachelor's Programs Academic Catalog.

Baccalaureate Students

Baccalaureate Students must earn a minimum of 128 semester hours of credit with a cumulative grade point average of not less than 2.0 (based on a 4.0 scale) for graduation eligibility. All other program requirements must be met for graduation.

Graduate Students

To be eligible for a Ph.D., C.A.G.S., or Master's degree, a student must satisfactorily complete all requirements of the specific degree program with a minimum average of 3.0 quality points (based on a 4.0 scale.) Only courses numbered 5000 or above are accepted toward graduate degree programs. Students enrolled in graduate programs must complete their degree requirements within seven (7) years from the year of their first course, whether taken as a degree or non-degree student at Lesley University or another regionally accredited institution. Courses completed later than seven (7) years from the anticipated date of graduation will not be accepted. The Ph.D., C.A.G.S., and Independent Study Master's degree programs have different requirements that are detailed in the Graduate and Adult Bachelor's Programs Academic Catalog.

See section on Grades that describes specific information about grade requirements for required and elective courses. Please check the degree requirements for specific programs in each school.

Grades - Incomplete (On-Campus)

Students who, because of unusual circumstances, do not complete a course, may at the discretion of the instructor, receive an "I" (incomplete.) An Incomplete Course Contract available at the Office of the University Registrar or the division/program office, must be completed by the student and instructor and submitted to the division office by the student. Requirements must be completed in accordance with the conditions established by the instructor and submitted to the instructor no later than April 1 for incompletes from the fall semester and January mini-semester, and December 1 for incompletes for the spring semester and summer session.

Those who do not complete their work by the deadline dates above will have "I" (incomplete) permanently recorded on their records. The changing of an "I" to a grade is relayed from the instructor to the Office of the University Registrar via a grade change form. The policy regarding incomplete grades remains in effect regardless of the student's withdrawal or leave of absence status. In those exceptional cases in which a student wishes to request an extension of the incomplete course contract beyond the original time frame, the student must submit a written request. The written appeal should be directed to the Office of the University Registrar and should include the student's appeal and an approval letter from the faculty member supporting the extension. The extension must be submitted prior to the end of the original incomplete course contract. Further extensions will be not be considered.

Grades - Incomplete (Off-Campus)

The deadline for changing an "I" (incomplete) grade to an academic grade is 90 days after the last class meeting of the course. If an official grade change form is not submitted to the Office of the University Registrar by the faculty member within the 90 day deadline, the incomplete will remain a permanent incomplete. If the course is a requirement, students must repeat the course at the current tuition rate to earn a passing grade.

It is the students' responsibility to submit all required work to the faculty member before the 90 day deadline. Students who receive two or more successive incomplete grades will be subject to an academic review to determine eligibility for continued enrollment.

Academic Probation and Dismissal

The faculty at Lesley University is dedicated to providing students a high quality educational experience designed to meet student academic, personal, and professional goals. In turn, the University expects students to maintain the academic and professional standards established by their schools for their programs of study. If a student is not meeting these standards, then the school in which the student is enrolled will initiate a review process. This review may result in the implementation of interventions designed to assist the student, probation, or dismissal. Each school has developed procedures that contain the following elements: review by a committee within the school, recommendations by the committee to the Academic Dean, and a decision by the Dean. If the decision of the Academic Dean is a dismissal from the student's program of study, then the student may appeal that decision as stipulated in the school-based policy.

Students are directed to the schools in which they are enrolled to learn about the specific academic and professional standards applicable to their programs of study as well as the school-based procedures for academic review, probation, and dismissal. Such probation or dismissal does not affect the student's financial obligation to the University for tuition or other indebtedness.

Academic Progress - Satisfactory

For students in graduate programs, two or more grades of "Incomplete" or "C+" or below result in a review of the student's academic standing. The academic advisor reviews the student's progress to determine if academic probation or dismissal is warranted. If academic probation is recommended, the academic advisor forwards this recommendation to the Dean of the school. The school Dean notifies the degree candidate of academic probation or dismissal. For student's in undergraduate programs, two or more grades of "Incomplete" or "C-" or below result in a review of the student's academic standing

Reinstatement Appeal Process

Any student dismissed for poor scholarship may be eligible for reinstatement and may apply after one full regular semester has elapsed. Reinstatement appeals should be directed to the Dean of the school.

Grade Grievance Policy

Lesley University affirms the right of all students to obtain quality academic services. To protect these rights the University provides grievance procedures. Specific grievance procedures for each school can be found in the Academic Catalog for Graduate and Adult Bachelor's Programs.

The Art Institute of Boston

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

Failed classes must be repeated to fulfill program requirement. The highest grade in a repeated course will be used in calculating the cumulative grade point average. Students will not receive credit for failed classes.

Students receiving financial aid may not use their financial aid awards to retake any class. For example, if a student takes Art History I and either fails or withdraws from that class, she/he may not use his/her financial aid award to retake it at a later time.