2020-2021 Core Faculty Handbook

Grading Information for All Schools

 

Most courses offer an evaluation of student performance according to the grade and the quality point system listed in the “Grade and Transcript Key.” In some courses, students will receive a pass/fail grade instead of a letter grade. Grades submitted by faculty on LOIS are final grades. Faculty members should discuss in each course the criteria and evaluation system used for grading. No grade changes are accepted after graduation. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure they understand the expectations of course requirements and grading procedures.

Grade Submission: Faculty members submit grades via LOIS at www.lesley.edu/lois to the Office of the University Registrar. Grades are due within 15 days after the final end date of the semester or term. All grade submission deadlines can be found on the academic calendars at lesley.edu/students/academic-resources/academic-calendars.

Final Grades:  Students may request their final grades via the Lesley Online Information Service (LOIS) at the close of each semester, provided all financial obligations, including those of the Financial Aid Office, the parking/security office and the library have been met. Grades are available to students in real-time, after the faculty member has entered them electronically. FERPA, also known as the "Buckley Amendment" does not permit the posting or displaying of student grades.

Grade Changes: The process for making grade changes can be found here:  https://lesley.edu/faculty-staff/faculty-academic-resources/teaching-and-scholarship/grading. The Dynamic Form to complete this transaction can be found on the Lesley Faculty Sharepoint page.

To compute a GPA, the student may use the key to the transcript to translate letter grades into quality points (for example, a three-credit course with a grade of “B” [3.0] is worth nine quality points), add all quality points earned, and divide the total by the number of credits attempted. The grades “P” (pass), “I” (incomplete), “W” (withdrawal), “AW” (administrative withdrawal), and “NA” (never attended) are not included, but “F” (failing) is always included in calculating the grade point average, except when the course is repeated.

For graduate degree students at the Master’s, C.A.G.S., or Ph.D. levels: a grade of “B-” or better must be earned in all core or required courses for the course to count toward 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 to apply the courses toward 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 may be repeated or another elective course may be added as a substitute. All grades will be recorded and appear on a transcript.

If a required course is failed, the course must be repeated or an equivalent course taken. No credit is accrued with a grade of "F". If a student repeats the same course, both grades will be recorded on the official transcript, but only the second grade will be used to compute the cumulative GPA.

If a student repeats a course in which a grade other than an "F" was received, both grades remain on the official transcript, but only the second grade will be counted toward the number of credits completed and will be used in computing the cumulative GPA.

Incomplete Grades:  See Incomplete Grade Policy within this handbook.






 

Grade & Transcript Key for Graduate & Undergraduate Programs

Letter Grade Point System P/F GRADE
A 4.0
A- 3.7
B+ 3.3
B 3.0
B- 2.7 Pass (Graduate)
C+ 2.3
C 2.0
C- 1.7 Pass (Undergraduate)
D+ 1.3
D 1.0
D- 0.7
F 0.0

Additional Grades/Codes (not included in cumulative average)

P = Pass
CR = Credit
NC = Not for Credit
AUD = Audit
I = Incomplete*
ATT = Attended
ABS = Absent

* “I” followed by a grade signifies a prior incomplete which has subsequently been graded. This is only used for undergraduate courses (Fall 1996-Spring 2013). Grade point scale above applies.

Special Codes

AW = Administrative Withdrawal
NA = Never Attended
SIP = Course Still in Progress
TR = Transfer Credit
W = Withdrawal
RR = Repeated Course*
WV = Waiver
YL = Year Long Course

* If a student repeats a course in which a grade other than an "F" was received, both grades remain on the official transcript, but only the second grade will be used to compute the cumulative GPA.

Fail  (F): If a required course is failed, the course must be repeated or an equivalent course taken. No credit is accrued with a grade of "F." If a student repeats the same course, both grades will be recorded on the official transcript, but only the second grade will be used to compute the cumulative GPA.

Pass  (P): This grade applies only to courses that are offered on a Pass/Fail basis and to courses in which the student elects the Pass/Fail option. Minimum passing grades vary among the schools. Reference the individual school’s policy for the additional information on Pass grades.

Incomplete  (I): Students who have successfully completed a majority  of course requirements (as determined by instructor) but are unable to complete all requirements due to extenuating circumstances may request a temporary grade of “I” (incomplete). The course instructor will determine whether a student is eligible for an Incomplete. Incomplete grades are not guaranteed. (See the complete incomplete grade policy located within this handbook.)

Withdrawal  (W): The policy regarding withdrawal from courses becomes effective after the add/drop period terminates. If a student withdraws from a course or from the college prior to the end of the twelfth week of the semester* or prior to the end of the sixth week for accelerated courses, they will receive a grade of "W" on their 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."

* Refer to the Academic Calendar for exact dates (lesley.edu/students/academic-resources/academic-calendars).

Administrative Withdrawal  (AW): ”AW” is an administrative grade assigned to students who have stopped attending, but who have not officially dropped or withdrawn from the course. Students who stopped attending, 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.

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 grade “NA” is recorded on the transcript, but the student’s grade point average is not affected.

 

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Pass (P): This grade applies only to courses that 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): Students who have successfully completed a majority of course requirements (as determined by instructor) but are unable to complete all requirements due to extenuating circumstances may request a temporary grade of “I” (incomplete). The course instructor will determine whether a student is eligible for an Incomplete. Incomplete grades are not guaranteed. (See the complete incomplete grade policy located within this handbook.)

Mid-Semester Evaluations: CLAS: Mid-semester evaluation forms are recommended for all students and are required for students with a grade-to-date of "C-" or below by the 7th week of classes. Faculty members submit mid-semester evaluations electronically via Advisor Trac to notify students of poor progress in their course(s).

The mid-semester evaluations do not appear on the student's permanent academic record. Copies of the report are automatically sent electronically to the students and their advisors.

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 retaken. 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. Make-up exams or work are granted at the discretion of the individual faculty member.

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Academic Review

Satisfactory Academic Progress: To maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress a full time student 1) must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits each semester, 2) is expected to maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0, and 3) must successfully complete 75% of attempted credits per academic year. Students who are registered for 11 or fewer credits in an academic semester will also be expected to maintain a GPA of 2.0 and must successfully complete 75% of attempted credits per academic year to maintain satisfactory academic progress.

ACADEMIC REVIEW: In each college, the Academic Review Committee is responsible for monitoring students' overall performance to meet the bachelor’s degree requirements and academic regulations of that college.

Academic Alert

A student in Good Academic Standing is given an Academic Alert if the student,

  • obtains a semester GPA below 2.0 (2.3 for LUCAD students);
  • the student fails one course

Academic Support Following an Academic Alert

Students receiving an Academic Alert should consider adjusting their course loads and re-evaluating their involvement in co-curricular activities while they work towards achieving satisfactory academic standards. Students should make appropriate use of the University’s academic and personal support services, including the Academic Advising Center and the University’s Center for Academic Achievement.

The Director of Academic Advising will assign an Academic Success Advisor to (non-LCAL) CLAS students who receive an academic alert immediately following their first semester at Lesley. LCAL students (on campus, off campus, and online adult learners) will obtain this additional support from their academic advisor.

Academic Probation

A student who had been in Good Academic Standing is no longer in Good Academic Standing and is placed on Academic Probation if the student’s cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 (CLAS) or 2.3 (LUCAD). If, while on Academic Probation, a student earns a semester GPA of 2.0 or greater but has a cumulative GPA below a 2.0, then s/he will remain on Academic Probation.

The Academic Review Committee may place a student on academic probation if the student has not completed 75% of courses attempted, has not met the internships/student teaching requirement of the major, or has been placed under Divisional Review.

The Associate Dean of the college will notify the student by email of the Academic Review Committee’s decision to place the student on academic probation. The student may appeal this decision by providing potentially significant information or evidence that was not available to, or considered by, the Academic Review Committee. The student has five (5) business days from the date of the email notification to file an appeal with the Dean’s office. The Dean of the college will review the decision of the Academic Review Committee and all documentation both considered by the committee and provided by the student. The Dean will make the final decision on academic probation and will notify the student and the Academic Review Committee of the decision.

Academic Support While on Alert or Probation

Students on Academic Probation must adjust their course loads to have no more than 12 credits, and may be required to reduce their involvement in co-curricular activities until they have achieved satisfactory academic standards. Students should make appropriate use of the University’s academic and personal support services, including the Academic Advising Center and the University’s Center for Academic Achievement.

The Director of Academic Advising will assign (non-LCAL) CLAS students who are on academic probation with a Probation Advisor to serve in addition to the student’s regular academic advisor. LCAL students (on campus, off campus and online adult learners) will obtain this additional support from their academic advisor.

Academic Dismissal

The Academic Review Committee may recommend dismissal to the Dean of the college if a student,

  • Earns a semester GPA below a 2.0 while on Academic Probation; or
  • Earns a GPA of 1.0 or less during their first semester of study at Lesley; or
  • Does not demonstrate the ability to meet degree requirements, including the internship/student teaching requirement of the major, or the Remediation Plan required in the major. The Dean will notify the student by email of the Academic Review Committee’s recommendation for dismissal and offer the student the opportunity to respond. The student will have five (5) business days from the date of the email notification to submit, by email, a detailed written response to the Dean’s office. The Dean will make the final decision concerning dismissal and will notify the student (by email and U.S. mail) and the Academic Review Committee of the decision. The Dean’s decision is final and may not be appealed.

If a student is dismissed, the financial obligation to the college is governed by the financial regulations stated in the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Restricted Programs of Study

These programs of study have specific academic and professional standards in addition to the College’s general standards. Copies of the relevant standards are available through the divisions and are distributed to the students in the programs of study.

Education: Any junior or senior having less than a 3.0 cumulative grade point average, or who otherwise fails to meet the prerequisites, will not be accepted for the Senior Practicum. Likewise, students who do not pass all of their MTEL exams will not be accepted for the Senior Practicum, which is a required element of the Education majors.

The Division’s Review Committee may determine that a student who fails to meet academic and professional standards of the major will not be allowed to continue in the major. A student may appeal the decision within five working days of receiving notification if s/he disagrees with the decision and if s/he can demonstrate the availability of new information or evidence that is potentially significant and was not available to the committee and therefore not considered by the committee. The Dean will review the decision of the committee and all documentation considered by the committee. The Dean will notify the student and the committee of her/his decision within five working days. The decision of the Dean is final. Copies of the appeal process are also available from the dean of the college.

Credit-Bearing Internships and Field Experiences for Students not Majoring in Education; Unless otherwise stated, students must receive a grade of “C-“ or better in any internship course, including the first year introduction to field experience course, in order to take subsequent internship courses.

Art Therapy, Counseling, Expressive Arts Therapy 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.

The Division’s Review Committee may determine that a student who fails to meet academic and professional standards of the major will not be allowed to continue in that major. The Academic Notification informs the student of the Division Review Committee’s concerns and may, if appropriate, include a Remediation Plan. A student may appeal the decision within five working days of receiving notification if s/he disagrees with the decision and if s/he can demonstrate the availability of new information or evidence that is potentially significant and was not available to the committee and therefore not considered by the committee. The Dean will review the decision of the committee and all documentation considered by the committee. The Dean will notify the student and the committee of her/his decision within five working days. The decision of the Dean is final. Copies of the appeal process are also available from the Dean of the college.

Business Management: All Business Management majors must achieve a grade of “C” or higher, with the exception of one course, in all courses with prefixes CMGMT or CECON. Courses with grades below “C” must be repeated. Any exceptions must be approved by the Division Director in order to continue to the next course sequence.

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 less than 2.0 will not be accepted for an internship.

A grade of "C" or better is required to move to the next internship course.

A grade of "B-" or better in the capstone course is required to meet the requirements of the major.

A cumulative grade point average of 2.3 or better in the major is required to meet the requirements of the major.

Within the General Education Requirements, Business Management majors are required to complete the following courses in the specified categories:

Social Science Requirement:

CECON 2101 Microeconomics. This is 3 of the 6 credits required in the Social Science category.

Math Requirement:

CMATH 1590 Patterns and Functions. Please note that based on a student’s SAT Math and/or ACT Math scores, the student may be placed in a lower level math course prior to taking CMATH 1590. CMATH 1590 satisfies the 3-credit general education mathematics requirement.

Liberal Arts Electives Requirement:

CECON 2102 Macroeconomics. This is 3 of the 12 credits required in the category Liberal Arts Electives.

Business Management majors are required to demonstrate a foreign language competency. Students who have studied a foreign language prior to entering Lesley University are encouraged to take the foreign language proficiency exam. Students who receive a passing score will be exempted from the language competency requirement. Competency can be fulfilled by taking two semesters of the same foreign language at the University.

Creative Writing, English and History

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.

Individually Designed Major (LCAL Students)

Adult students with transfer or PLA credits may pursue approved individually designed majors. The Individually Designed major leads to a BA or BS in Liberal Arts with a concentration in the student’s area of interest. The concentration should be one that is not offered through Lesley’s traditional programs. Students should be aware that for some disciplines, students will be required to meet the same documented professional standards as outlined by the division for the major.

Online and Community College Partnership Programs

Online programs and programs run through Lesley University's Community College Partnership Programs are restricted to students in the Center for the Adult Learner.

Professional and Personal Standards: When a student appears unable to conform to the professional and personal standards of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the case will be referred to the Academic Review Committee.

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 Review Committee can recommend dismissal to the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences if the student meets any of the following conditions:

  • Remains on academic probation for two (2) consecutive semesters;
  • Earns a GPA of 1.0 or less during the first semester of study; or
  • Does not demonstrate the ability to meet degree requirements, including the internship/student teaching requirement of the major.

If a student is dismissed, the financial obligation to the college is governed by the financial regulations stated in the Financial Information section of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Academic Catalog.

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 the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Academic Catalog. 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 the 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.

Reinstatement Policy

A student who has withdrawn or been dismissed from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences may apply for reinstatement by submitting a written request to the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. 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 Review 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 15, and for the spring semester by January 2.

College of Art and Design

Pass (P): This grade applies only to courses that 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): Students who have successfully completed a majority of course requirements (as determined by instructor) but are unable to complete all requirements due to extenuating circumstances may request a temporary grade of “I” (incomplete). The course instructor will determine whether a student is eligible for an Incomplete. Incomplete grades are not guaranteed. (See the complete incomplete grade policy located within this handbook.)

Mid-term Grading: Faculty are required to post mid-term grades for students performing at levels of "C-" or lower at the midterm point. Faculty are also encouraged to post mid-term grades for all students. Mid-term grades are posted through the LOIS system in the same way final grades are posted. Mid-term grades are not reflected on transcripts but are simply tools to let students know immediate action is needed for academic success.

Students sign up for critique week in the middle of spring semester (at about the same time they sign up for fall classes). Participation in critique week is required (except as noted above, or for students who have taken less than 6 credits of studio courses), and students should be careful to note the schedule as published in the academic calendar.

College of Art and Design Academic Review

STANDARDS OF ACADEMIC PROGRESS - COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN

Academic Progress: To be in good academic standing and to receive federal and state financial aid, students must be making satisfactory academic progress in their course of study. Progress is reviewed each semester by the Academic Affairs Office and the Financial Aid Office.

Qualitative Measurement: Students must maintain a minimum of a 2.0 grade point average (GPA) for their first year (through 30 credits earned). By the end of the first semester of their second year, they must have a minimum of a 2.3 GPA and maintain that minimum level through graduation.

Quantitative Measurement: Students must also make minimum progress toward their educational objectives each semester they are enrolled. The University determines this based on the number of credits attempted and the number of credits completed or earned. Any ’I’ (incomplete), ’W’ (withdrawal), or ’F’ (failure) is not a completion. Specifically, full-time students must complete 75% of their total credit hours attempted. For example, students attempting 18 credit hours must complete at least 13.5 credit hours to maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Degree Completion: Full-time students have 6 years to complete degree programs. Part-time students must take 6 credits per semester and complete their programs in no more than 10 years. Part-time students who are degree candidates must earn a minimum of 12 credits per year to maintain good academic standing (fall, winter, spring and summer terms). They are held to the same academic progress policies as full-time students in order to be in good standing.

Academic Level: Students must accumulate a minimum of 30 credits prior to entrance to the second year; 60 prior to entrance to the third year; and 90 credits prior to entrance to the senior year.

ACADEMIC STATUS AND ACTIONS

The following actions will take place if students do not maintain satisfactory progress:

Academic Alert: An academic alert is issued to students who do not fulfill the semester or cumulative grade point average (GPA) requirement for satisfactory progress at the close of a given semester or do not meet the requirement for percentage of credits successfully completed. Students who do not meet the standards detailed above in any given semester will be placed on Academic Alert and will receive a notice by mail outlining the academic policies. Students who are improving, but whose cumulative grade point average in the second or subsequent semesters remains below the standard for satisfactory progress, will remain on Alert status until the average indicates satisfactory progress.

Academic Probation: Students are placed on Academic Probation if they do not fulfill the semester or cumulative grade point average (GPA) requirement for satisfactory progress at the close of a given semester or do not meet the requirement for percentage credits successfully completed for a second semester in a row. A student who was on Academic Alert who improves their semester GPA to an acceptable standard of progress, but whose cumulative GPA remains below the standard will remain on Academic Alert until their cumulative GPA reaches an acceptable standard. Similarly, a student who is on Probation, and improves their semester GPA to an acceptable standard or progress, but whose cumulative GPA remains below the standard will remain on Probation until their cumulative GPA reaches an acceptable standard.

Dismissal: Students who do not fulfill the semester or cumulative grade point average (GPA) requirement for satisfactory progress at the close of a given semester or do not meet the requirement for percentage of credits successfully completed for a third semester in a row will be dismissed from the University. They will receive a notice of dismissal by registered mail, with a letter outlining the academic policies and procedures for possible reinstatement. Note: in addition to the standards of academic progress listed above, first-semester students who earn a semester grade point average (GPA) below 1.0 are subject to immediate suspension or dismissal.

Appealing an Academic Action: If a student placed on Academic Alert, Probation, or Dismissal has had extenuating external circumstances such as illness or serious family emergency that adversely affected her/his ability to successfully perform academically, s/he may submit a petition to the College of Art and Design Academic Policies Committee in order to request a change in status of that action. The Policies Committee meets at the beginning of each semester, so in order for a successful appeal to take effect in an upcoming semester it must be submitted by August 15 for the fall semester, or by January 2 for the spring semester. The appeal letter should be a formal communication addressed to the Academic Policies Committee, should contain a complete explanation of the extenuating circumstances, and be accompanied by any helpful evidence (such as a doctor note or other independent verification of circumstances).

Appeals for Reinstatement after Dismissal: A student placed on Academic Dismissal may apply for reinstatement after a minimum of one semester away from the College of Art and Design (and more usually after a full year). Procedure and deadlines are similar to those outlined in the appeal process described above, with an emphasis on what circumstances have changed that will allow the student to make satisfactory academic progress. Procedures are detailed in the letter sent to the student when they are placed on Dismissal.

Academic Support While on Alert or Probation: Students on Academic Alert and Academic Probation should consider adjusting their course loads and limiting their involvement in extra-curricular activities until they have maintained satisfactory standards. Appropriate use of the College of Art and Design's academic and personal support services should be made, including its Academic Advising Office and the University’s Center for Academic Achievement

Students may raise their GPA and qualify for removal from Alert or Probation in several ways:

  • By satisfactorily repeating failed courses at the College of Art and Design which automatically raises a GPA.
  • By satisfactorily completing other courses taken at the College of Art and Design during regular or summer semesters.
  • By completing work and receiving satisfactory grades in courses that have been graded incomplete.

Graduate School of Arts and Social Sciences and Graduate School of Education

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 via LOIS are considered to be final grades. No grade changes are accepted after graduation.

Pass (P): This grade applies only to courses which are offered on a Pass/Fail basis. To earn the grade of “Pass” on the Pass/Fail option, a student must earn the equivalent letter grade of “B-“ or better. A grade of “C+” or less will be awarded a grade of “Fail.”

Incomplete Grades  (I): Students who have successfully completed a majority of course requirements (as determined by instructor) but are unable to complete all requirements due to extenuating circumstances may request a temporary grade of “I” (incomplete). The course instructor will determine whether a student is eligible for an Incomplete. Incomplete grades are not guaranteed. (See the complete incomplete grade policy located within this handbook.)

Grade Requirements for Graduating Students

For graduate degree students at the Master’s, C.A.G.S., or Ph.D. levels: a grade of “B-” or better must be earned in all core or required courses for the course to count toward 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 to apply the courses toward 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 may be repeated or another elective course may be added as a substitute. All grades will be recorded and appear on a transcript.

If a required course is failed, the course must be repeated or an equivalent course taken. No credit is accrued with a grade of "F". If a student repeats the same course, both grades will be recorded on the official transcript, but only the second grade will be used to compute the cumulative GPA.

If a student repeats a course in which a grade other than an "F" was received, both grades remain on the official transcript, but only the second grade will be counted toward the number of credits completed and will be used in computing the cumulative GPA.

Graduate Student Degree Eligibility

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 acceptable for graduate degree programs.

Students enrolled in graduate programs must complete their degree requirements within seven (7) years from the year of the first course that was taken as either a degree or non-degree student at Lesley University or another regionally-accredited institution. Courses completed more than seven (7) years before the anticipated date of graduation will not be accepted. The Ph.D. programs have specific requirements pertaining to courses taken at other regionally-accredited institutions. These are detailed in the Transfer of Credits section of the Graduate Catalogue/Handbook.

Graduate Academic Progress and Review

The faculty of Lesley University is dedicated to providing graduate students a high-quality educational experience designed to meet students’ academic, personal, and professional goals. In turn, the University expects students to maintain the academic and professional standards established for its programs of study. These standards apply to all aspects of graduate programs of study—whether on-campus, off-campus, or online—and including courses, internships, practica, and research-related activities.

Failure to meet these standards may result from, but not be limited to, such deficiencies as: more than three (3) credits of “C+” or below or “F” in pass/fail courses; six (6) credits of incompletes (I); poor performance in theses, integrative projects, practica, or internships; or specific deficiencies in areas deemed essential to the student’s preparation.

Each school reserves the right to suspend or dismiss at any time any student who, in the opinion of school officials, does not achieve and maintain required academic or professional standards. In case of dismissal, students remain responsible for any outstanding financial obligation to the University for tuition or other indebtedness.

Academic Notification: If a student is not meeting program academic or professional standards, then the division in which the student is matriculated may initiate an academic review process. The following describes the academic review process:

Level I: Academic Review Committee: An Academic Review Committee meets with the student (in person or via teleconference) and may include a faculty member, the student’s academic advisor, and the division or program director. The committee will review the student’s progress in the program and the areas of concern. After careful review, the committee will make recommendations to address these concerns. The recommendations will be forwarded to the dean of the school or his/her designee, who will inform the student in writing within ten (10) working days. The committee may recommend probation with specific conditions or dismissal. (The Dean or designee will contact the Senior Associate Registrar to request a “hold” on the student’s registration, should it be recommended by the review committee.)

Level II: Appeal to the Dean: If the student disagrees with the recommendations and believes that there is additional information that was not available to the committee and therefore not considered by the committee, s/he may submit this information in writing to the Dean within ten (10) working days of receipt of the recommendations. The Dean of the school will review the recommendations of the committee and all documentation considered by the committee. The Dean will notify the student and the committee of her/his decision within ten (10) working days, excluding holidays and Lesley University vacation days.

Level III: Appeal to the Provost: A student may appeal the decision of the Dean if s/he disagrees with the decision and if s/he can demonstrate the availability of new information or evidence that is potentially significant and was not available during the investigation. Student appeals must be submitted in writing to the Provost within ten (10) working days of receipt of the decision of the Dean. In consideration of the appeal, the Provost will review all documentation and, as deemed necessary by the Provost, consult with the student, appropriate faculty, and administrators. The Provost will render a decision within ten (10) working days, excluding holidays and Lesley University vacation days. The decision of the Provost is final within Lesley University and there is no further appeal available.

Meeting the Conditions of Probation: When the student has met the specified conditions outlined in the Dean’s letter, the division will notify the Dean to lift probation status. If the student does not meet the conditions within the specified time frame, the division may recommend another review or dismissal.

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.