Academic Policies

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Core Curriculum

Providence College is a Catholic and Dominican institution of higher education. This identity and the intellectual tradition that derives from it shape and inform the Core Curriculum and suggest the following mission-related goals:

1. In the tradition of St. Thomas Aquinas, our students should understand the essential compatibility of faith and reason, and the integrated and cohesive nature of reality and truth. Our students should pursue the highest ideals of Dominican education: the contemplation of truth, and the sharing of the fruits of contemplation with others.

2. In the Dominican tradition, study is undertaken not only for itself but for the benefit of others, and thus students should demonstrate a commitment to civic engagement and service to others informed by Catholic Social Teaching.

3. Our students should demonstrate an understanding of how philosophical and theological questions inform and guide the pursuit of the truth, therefore philosophy and theology should have an essential place in the Core.

4. Students should demonstrate a capacity for moral and ethical reasoning, including an understanding of the virtue-based ethics tradition, and how these ethical traditions can be applied to specific disciplines or fields of endeavor.

5. In the Dominican pedagogical tradition of the disputed question, students and faculty should be trained in the art of anticipating difficult questions from alternative perspectives and the use of reasoned argumentation in search of a broader understanding of important truths.

6. Since the pursuit of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom does not take place in isolation but in the context of community and the larger world, our students should:

1. demonstrate an integrated understanding of the important events, ideas, and cultural traditions that have shaped the world;
2. demonstrate awareness and understanding of other cultures, societies, and creeds;
3. demonstrate an understanding of the natural world and the importance of the intersections of scientific and humanistic modes of reasoning for understanding our place within it.

7. In the spirit of the Dominicans as the Order of Preachers, students should develop fundamental skills in critical, logical, and quantitative reasoning and should demonstrate the ability to speak and write in a clear, coherent, and well-informed manner.

8. Since the Judaeo-Christian tradition finds in creation an image of its Creator, and recognizing the importance of creativity and artistic expression in the Dominican tradition, students should develop the aesthetic dimensions of their minds and spirits.

9. Finally, students should demonstrate an understanding of the Core Curriculum as the heart and soul of a Providence College education. The Core should help illuminate the key questions of human existence relating to life’s purpose and meaning.

Core Curriculum Requirements

The undergraduate degree requirements, including the Core Curriculum, is available at http://www.providence.edu/academic-affairs/core-curriculum.

The undergraduate degree requirements for all students include a Core Curriculum and the opportunity to concentrate in one or more major fields of study, as well as one or more minor or certificate programs. The distinctive liberal arts Core Curriculum prepares students for life and emphasizes characteristic features of a Catholic and Dominican education: the compatibility of faith and reason, the importance of virtue, and the pedagogy of disputed questions.

Major and minor programs afford students the opportunity to pursue areas of particular interest in greater depth. Requirements for each of the College’s major, minor, and certificate programs are detailed in this catalog.

Core Curriculum Requirements

Development of Western Civilization (DWC)
The first three semesters consist of a team-taught seminar-style encounter with significant texts from western and other world civilizations. The fourth-semester consists of a team-taught colloquium. Building on the first three semesters, the advanced colloquium focuses on a specific, contemporary issue in the context of the western tradition.

Foundational Component

1. Theology
Two 3‐credit courses: one from Core-designated 200‐level courses and one from Core‐designated 300‐level courses.

2. Philosophy
Two 3-credit courses: one must be a Core-designated ethics course and the other must be a Core-designated course in a field of philosophy other than ethics.

3. Natural Science
One 3- or 4-credit course, Core-designated as inclusive of a “hands-on” component. Students who have not taken a high-school physics course are required to take a physics-based natural science Core course.

4. Social Science
One 3‐credit course chosen from Core‐designated courses, ordinarily in a social science discipline.

5. Quantitative Reasoning
One 3‐ or 4‐credit course chosen from Core‐designated courses that meet one of the course options listed below.

• Option 1: Focus on the basic elements of statistics.
• Option 2: Focus on the basic theory of differential or integral calculus.
• Option 3: Introductory focus on the language and notations of set theory, propositional logic, and methods of proof.
• Option 4: Introductory focus on the mathematics underlying some commonly encountered objects including, for example: present and future value, elementary probability, expected value, optimization, elementary graph theory, etc.

6. Fine Arts
One 3‐credit course chosen from Core‐designated courses, ordinarily in the fine arts.

Core Focus (only required for the class of 2020)
To encourage depth of knowledge as well as an interdisciplinary perspective, students must take two courses as part of a Core Focus.

• Option 1: Core Focus in a discipline. Consists of two approved courses in a language (modern or classical), science (physical or biological), social sci­ence (e.g., psychology, sociology, economics), fine arts (e.g., art, music, theatre, creative writing), or quantitative reasoning (e.g., math, computer science, statistics). Both courses must be from the same academic discipline and outside of one’s major requirements.
  
  A core focus in discipline may be fulfilled by courses in a minor, certificate program, or a second major taken in a discipline on the Core Focus in Discipline list.
   
• Option 2: Core Focus in a theme. Consists of two linked courses that come from two different departments or programs, outside of one’s major requirements, but addressing a similar topic/theme. Students will choose these thematically linked courses from an approved list.

The following programs fulfill the Core Focus requirement by virtue of completing all requirements for the degree(s)/program(s):

• The Combined Plan Engineering Program (EPS 3-2 Program)
• The Combined Degree Program with New England College of Optometry (Bio 3-4 NECO)
• Secondary Education Programs (i.e., biology, chemistry, English, foreign language studies, history, mathematics, and physics)
• Liberal Arts Honors Program
• Music Education

Declaring a Core Focus (only required for the class of 2020) 

All students are required to complete the Core Focus requirement of the Core Curriculum. Students are required to officially declare their Core Focus by submitting the Declaration of Core Focus in Theme or Discipline online form by logging into CyberFriar, clicking on Student Services, Student Records, and then Declaration of Core Focus in Theme or Discipline. Students should plan to declare their Core Focus by the end of the sophomore year.

Learning Proficiencies

Intensive Writing Proficiency
Two Core-designated intensive writing courses with at least one at Level II. Level I and Level II courses each require a variety of writing assignments, totaling at least 5,000 words of out-of-class formal writing. Level II courses further promote students’ insight, organization, and stylistic techniques with respect to their writing, beyond Level I.

Students with a high school grade point average lower than 2.50, as recalculated by Providence College, must complete Writing for College Success (WRT 100) successfully, prior to enrolling in an Intensive Writing I course.

Oral Communication Proficiency
One Core-designated oral communication course. Oral Communication Proficiency courses require students to present at least one formal oral presentation, along with a variety of other oral presentations. These courses instruct students in delivering oral presentations that are designed to be engaging; appropriate to the occasion, audience, and discipline; effectively communicate a clearly focused topic, a unified thesis and supporting evidence using language that is precise and concise. 

Diversity Proficiency
One Core-designated diversity course. Students will demonstrate proficiency in diversity, understood as either cross-cultural or involving diversity within the American context.

Civic Engagement Proficiency
One Core-designated civic engagement course. Among other objectives, these courses offer students the opportunity to examine, in depth, a public problem or civic issue that concerns them.

Please see www.providence.edu/academic-affairs/core-curriculum for more information about the Core Curriculum, including a listing of courses that have been approved for specific requirements.

Selection or Change of Major/Minor

1. Exploration of Majors
   Providence College encourages students to explore various majors before making a commitment to a particular major. Trained advisors are assigned to such undeclared students to help them in selecting an appropriate major. Freshmen may enter Providence College as undeclared, and any freshmen or sophomores may become undeclared if they have doubts about the major that they have selected. The declaration of some majors may need to be made earlier or may necessitate makeup work in the summer or winter sessions. It is recommended that students declare their majors by early February of the sophomore year in order to facilitate academic advisement and course registration procedures for the following fall semester, and no student is permitted to remain “undeclared” beyond the sophomore year.
    
2. Selection of Major
   Students are responsible for the preparation of a satisfactory program of study developed in conformity with the requirements contained in this Catalog. The program should be planned in consultation with the department concerned. Faculty advisors act only in an advisory capacity, helping students to conform to the academic requirements set forth in the Catalog. Moreover, students are responsible for understanding and meeting the graduation requirements of their academic programs. Any modification of the application of any major department or program rule or regulation can be made only by securing written approval of the academic department chairperson or program director, along with final authorization from the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies. All students must officially declare a major prior to the beginning of the junior year.
    
3. Selection of Minor/Certificate Program
   Students whose academic interests extend beyond their major discipline may enroll in a minor or certificate program with approval of the appropriate department chair or program director. Such a program, which normally consists of six (6) or seven (7) courses of at least three (3) credits per course outside of a student’s major, includes specific requirements as determined by individual academic departments or programs. Students desiring to explore minor or certificate program options should confer with the appropriate department or program offering the specific minor or certificate program. Students must obtain the “Academic Program Adjustment Form” from the Office of the Registrar. This form must be completed and returned to the Office of the Registrar for processing. Formal declaration of the minor or certificate program should be in place no later than the end of the fall semester of the senior year, unless otherwise stipulated.
    
4. Change of Major
   Students desiring to change from one major to another may request an academic program adjustment online by logging into CyberFriar, clicking on Student Services, Student Records, and then Change of Major. Students are expected to consult with their new academic department chairperson or program director to review all previously completed course work and to determine their plan for completing all remaining degree requirements. Please note that some departments have special procedures to follow to request entry into their majors.

Special Curricular Programs

Students whose academic, intellectual, or vocational needs cannot be met within the normal departmental structure are encouraged to formulate curricular programs that meet their unique needs. Possible options available are:

1. Double Major/Dual Degree
   Students who complete all the requirements of two academic programs will have their transcripts noted to show that they have completed a double major, e.g., history/sociology. The “Academic Program Adjustment Form” may be obtained at the Office of the Registrar and, when completed and signed by the appropriate department chairpersons, returned to the Office of the Registrar. In cases in which one major would confer the bachelor of science degree and the other would confer the bachelor of arts degree, either one or the other degree will be conferred at the student’s discretion by notifying the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate & Graduate Studies. Students wishing to pursue and earn double majors should expect to perform extra work and to complete credits beyond the minimum needed to complete a single degree program. Students who have completed the requirements of two (or more) majors, with at least one with the B.A. designation and the other with the B.S. designation, and who have earned, by the conclusion of the final semester of study, the equivalent of a full year of study beyond the minimum of 120 credits required by the College’s degree requirements (normally, an additional 24 credits for a total of 144 credits), will be awarded both the B.A. and the B.S. degrees, have both degrees listed on their Providence College transcript, and have both degrees indicated on a single diploma.
    
2. Individualized Studies Major
   Students in good academic standing who wish to pursue a course of study not defined in any of the established majors in the College have the option to develop an individualized studies major which is usually interdisciplinary in nature. In order to develop an individualized studies major to be considered for approval by the College faculty, students must proceed as follows:
   1. Student will meet with the dean of his/her class year to discuss the proposed individualized studies major and review the required forms to be submitted for the review of the proposal for the major.
       
   2. Student will identify at least two full-time members of the Ordinary Faculty who will constitute a committee to sponsor the proposed course of study, approve the selection of courses that meet the breadth and depth expectations of all individualized studies majors, and monitor the completion of the course of study.
       
   3. Student and faculty sponsors will meet together as a committee to complete the proposal. Supporting documentation must include the student’s typed proposal outlining overview and rationale for the program, proposed course of study, fulfillment of College requirements, and estimated completion calendar. In addition, recommendations by all faculty sponsors involved in the program must be submitted, along with forms acknowledging the proposal’s review by appropriate academic department chairs.
       
   4. Student will meet with the academic department chairs of those departments in which the program’s faculty sponsors hold appointment. Department chairs will have the opportunity to review and comment on the proposed program and will be asked to identify any issues (e.g. course availability) that may prevent the student from completing the program in a timely manner.
       
   5. Student will arrange an appointment to meet again with the dean of his/her class year. Student will submit his/her completed individualized studies major proposal to the dean for review.
       
   6. If the dean agrees that the proposal satisfies the minimum requirements for all individualized studies majors (e.g., fulfillment of all Core Curriculum and general education requirements, minimum of 10 courses from two or more disciplines, identification of courses to be used in determining major GPA, at least two-thirds upper-division courses for major, a course of study not possible within existent programs, faculty sponsorship), s/he will forward the proposal to the Committee on Studies for review.

Normally, the student will submit a proposal for an individualized studies major no later than the beginning of the spring semester of the sophomore year. For more information, please consult with the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies.

Specialized Assistance

Students who declare double majors or individualized programs should seek advice from all involved departments or programs.

General Degree Requirements

All students must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the bachelor’s degree:

1. Minimum 2.00 (4.00 scale) cumulative and major grade point averages.*

*Some majors/programs may have higher credit-hour and/or GPA requirements.

2. Normally, unless otherwise stipulated, or with permission of the department chair or program director, students may not begin their senior year in any major in which they have not achieved a 2.0 cumulative average in their major subject(s).
    
3. Students are responsible for meeting the graduation requirements of their major curriculum. Modification of any departmental rule can be made only with written approval of the chair of the department or program director in consultation with the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies.
    
4. At least half of the courses/credits required for the major, minor, or certificate program must be successfully completed at Providence College or through an officially affiliated program. Some academic programs may require more than half of their requirements to be completed at Providence College.
    
5. Undergraduate students must spend at least eight semesters in full-time attendance, unless the period is reduced by advanced standing credit from another institution as reviewed and approved by the dean of undergraduate and graduate studies. The College reserves the right, for extraordinary reasons, to allow graduation at the completion of seven semesters for extraordinary reasons, or to accelerate their degree program, following the successful petition by students to the Committee on Academic Status. Students may also petition the Committee on Academic Status to be allowed to accelerate their degree program, through summer and/or winter session work (usually through the Providence College School of Continuing Education); such petitions must be received by the Dean of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies by the end of their sophomore year. Appeals of the decisions of the Committee on Academic Status should be presented to the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, whose decisions will be final.

In order to be considered students in full-time attendance, students must attempt a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester. All students must spend their junior and senior years in full-time attendance at the College in order to graduate. Under the title of “Special Student,” individuals may be permitted to register in a non-matriculated status.

Credit-Hour Requirements

A minimum of 120 credit hours is required for the degree. Students have the ability to take five courses beginning with the second semester of their first-year. Students have the ability to take an extra course (i.e., a sixth course), free of charge and for credit, on a space available basis. Students seeking to undertake course credit in excess of the normal number must have the approval of the dean of undergraduate and graduate studies. In order to complete a minimum of 120 credits to earn a bachelor’s degree in eight semesters, students generally will need to take five courses during seven of their eight semesters. The value of each course is stated in terms of credit hours. A credit hour requires the equivalent of one classroom period of 50 minutes or a laboratory period of one to four hours per week throughout the term, as well as at least two hours of out-of-class student work.

Credit-Hour Deficiencies

Enrolling in one or more of the following may make up a deficiency in credit hours that the student has incurred:

1. An extra course in the undergraduate day school.
    
2. An approved extra course in the Providence College School of Continuing Education (SCE) or in an approved program.
    
3. An approved course in a summer school program.
    
4. An approved course in a winter intersession program.

Authorization for Requirements Substitutions

Courses taken outside of Providence College may be used to satisfy major or minor program requirements, or Core requirements, or other graduation requirements only with written permission of the Dean of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies.

It should be further noted that only grades of “C” or better are acceptable from summer school or intersession programs not taught at Providence College. Grades from these approved courses will be entered onto the Providence College transcript with a “T” and will not affect the Providence College GPA. Students are financially responsible for all charges incurred through enrollment in summer school or intersession courses.

Changes in Curricular Requirements

The College reserves the right to change the course and credit-hour requirements of any or all academic programs when such modifications are deemed necessary. All students must comply with the new requirements insofar as such modifications pertain to courses and/or credit hours yet to be completed. Such changes, however, will be made only for the purpose of more fully achieving the objectives of the curriculum.

Course Attendance/Rosters

The Office of the Dean of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies asks all instructors to verify the accuracy of their course rosters after the first week of classes. Students reported by instructors as “never attended” will be dropped from such courses. Each student’s schedule is accessible through CyberFriar; students are responsible for making all schedule changes through appropriate and official procedures.

Class Attendance Regulations

Since the College recognizes the importance of class attendance, it reserves to the instructor the right to refer to the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies for appropriate action any student who, because of excessive absence or other classroom issues, causes his or her own or the work of the class to suffer. Class attendance is normally mandatory for all students. At the beginning of classes each semester, each instructor will normally announce his/her parameters for excused absences. Individual class attendance policies are often included on the instructor’s course syllabus.

Class Absence Notification Policy

The Office of the Dean of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies will provide instructors with notification of anticipated class absences upon student request if one of the following conditions exists:

1. Documented medical condition or illness where an extended absence is anticipated;
    
2. Illness or death of immediate family member (parent, grandparent, sibling, child);
    
3. Student representing Providence College in an official capacity as recognized by the dean of undergraduate and graduate studies. Documentation from the appropriate department (athletics, academic department, etc.) may be requested.

If an instructor’s stated attendance policy requires confirmation of a medical excuse for an extended absence, the instructor will ask the student to obtain such confirmation from the attending health provider (the Student Health Center or other). Privacy regulations require that such confirmation be requested by the student himself/herself.

Please Note: Instructors and students should be aware that class absence notifications are strictly informational and advisory. Students should plan to meet with their individual instructors to discuss the effect of their class absences on their academic course responsibilities.

Grading

The combined results of examinations, assignments, classroom participation, and general evidence of regular and consistent application determine a student’s standing in each subject. In grading, it is the responsibility of each member of the teaching faculty to give due weight not only to the degree of mastery of the subject matter manifested by the student in examination, but likewise to the degree of originality, correctness in expression, and conformity with approved forms for written assignments. The quality of work is indicated by the grading system.

Quality Grade Points

Quality grade points determine the student’s grade point average (GPA). They are a measure of the quality of course work completed, while credit hours are a measure of each course’s weighted value. For example, a student earns the following grades: 3-credit “A”, 3-credit “B”, 3-credit “C”, and 5-credit “B”. The quality points are computed as 3-credit “A” (12 quality points), 3-credit “B” (9), 3-credit “C” (6), and 5-credit “B” (15). The quality point average is 42 (total quality points) divided by 14 (total averaged credit hours), which equals 3.00.

Please Note: the “cumulative” quality point average or “cumulative” grade point average includes all courses in the student’s academic record. See Grade/Quality Points Chart for specific details regarding the number of quality points assigned for specific grades.

Grade/Quality Points Chart

Please Note: The College does not round grade point average; the official GPA is truncated to the hundredths digit. Attempted credits include all credits that you are enrolled in at the conclusion of the course adjustment period. With the exception of a course taken as an audit, all grades, including those completed as a repeated course, count in attempted credits.

Dean’s List

Full-time students (12 credits minimum) who at the end of the semester have attained an average of 3.55 or better and no grade lower than “C,” and with no incomplete grades (“I” or “NM”), are placed on the Dean’s List for that semester.

Major/Minor GPA:

All students are expected to earn a minimum 2.00 GPA in their major and minor. Major and minor program GPA’s are calculated in the following manner:

1. includes all courses required specifically for the major or minor, including those offered outside the “home” department or program;
2. includes all courses taken in one’s major or minor discipline regardless of grade earned (excluding those subject to course “repeat” policies).

Policy on Incomplete Grades

Students will have until the mid-semester date of the following semester* to complete requirements for any course in which a grade of “I” is given, unless a written agreement, an Incomplete Grade Contract, signed by the student, the instructor, and the dean of undergraduate and graduate studies and filed in the dean’s office by the end of the current exam period abbreviates this timeframe. Until that time, the GPA will be calculated on the basis of the completed courses (although Dean’s List placement and scholarship considerations may depend upon completion of all courses before that date). After the deadline, any remaining “I” grade will be recorded as an “NF” (i.e. “Not Finished”) which will earn 0.00 quality points per credit hour in the GPA. After this time, an “NF” can be changed to another (standard) grade only after a successful appeal to the Committee on Academic Status and with the approval of the instructor.

*The deadline for summer school incompletes will be mid-semester of the following fall semester. The deadline for the winter intersession will be mid-semester of the following spring semester. Exceptions to this deadline may be given in cases of deployment of students who are active duty personnel in the United States Armed Forces, National Guard, or Reserve.

Transfer Credit

Please refer to the Admission section for specific information and policies related to transfer credits.

Final Exams/Assessments

Students have a right and an obligation to make up a missed examination if the examination was announced at least one week before its administration. (The term “examination” here means an examination scheduled for the full class period.) For students to avail themselves of the right indicated above, they must present, prior to the examination or within three days after its administration, a serious and verifiable reason why the examination was not taken at the scheduled time.

In the case of announced quizzes of less than a full-class period, students have a right and an obligation to consult with the instructor concerning a possible make-up quiz either prior to the quiz or within three days after its administration. Whether or not a make-up quiz is to be given will be determined by the instructor, with students retaining the right to appeal the instructor’s decision to the departmental chairperson of the particular discipline involved.

Scheduled final examinations in all subjects are held at the close of each semester. Make-ups of missed final examinations must be completed by the mid-semester date of the following semester, unless this deadline is earlier in accordance with an “Incomplete Grade Contract” filed in the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies.

The College’s policy on the scheduling of final examinations is highlighted in the Faculty Handbook: “It is understood that all faculty members have certain standard and continuing obligations: … to conduct semester examinations at the time and in the place designated. No change may be made with respect to the hour or locations of these examinations without clearance from the associate registrar and the permission of the dean of undergraduate and graduate studies, except in the case of individual students who may be given permission by the course instructor to take the semester examination at another time because of illness or other sufficiently serious reason.”

No official College events involving students should be scheduled during the official Reading or Final Exam periods, including regular-season athletic contests, music, or theatrical events, without the explicit permission from the dean of undergraduate and graduate studies. Intercollegiate athletics conference tournament competitions are excluded from this policy, as the College does not have direct control over the scheduling of such tournaments. The dean of undergraduate and graduate studies may consider other legitimate exceptions to this policy. Instructors should not request, and the dean of undergraduate and graduate studies will not allow, examinations or classes to be rescheduled during the semester’s designated reading period.

Final Exam/Assessment Conflict Policy

Students who have three or more final examinations scheduled on the same day are considered to have an exam schedule conflict and may opt to have one of the exams rescheduled to another day during the exam period. Changes should be considered in the following order of increasing priority:

• courses fulfilling free electives;
• courses fulfilling core/minor requirements; and
• courses fulfilling major requirements.

After discussion with their professors, students must submit a written request to the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies no later than two weeks before the last day of classes for the semester. A make-up of a final exam must be taken during the “Conflict Exam Period” on the last day of the semester unless both student and instructor agree on an alternate date and time.

Academic Grievance Policy

The purpose of this policy is to provide students with a fair and timely resolution process at the most proximate level-as close to the source of concern-as possible. The following procedures should be used by a student who wishes to appeal a final course grade or to file an academic grievance. In some cases, a student’s grievance may be more appropriately addressed by another College grievance procedure; for example, a student who believes that he or she has experienced discriminatory harassment may be advised to follow the grievance procedures provided in the College’s anti-harassment policy.

Other than the appeal of a final course grade, circumstances in which a student may have cause to file an academic grievance include the following: the student claims that an instructor has failed to follow applicable College policies to the detriment of the student; or, the student claims that an instructor has habitually treated the student in an arbitrary or capricious manner to the student’s detriment. These procedural steps do not preclude the student and instructor from attempting to resolve the matter at any time during the grievance process. The time frames provided for resolving the grievance may be adjusted for compelling reasons with an explanation and notice to the student and instructor. Once a student contacts an instructor, all academic records that may be relevant to the grievance should be retained until the matter is resolved.

Clarification Regarding Academic Grievances A student bears the responsibility for proving that a final course grade is incorrect. Instructors exercise professional judgment regarding academic matters, consistent with applicable College policies, and the College will not normally intervene or overrule the instructor at the request of a student who, for example, claims that an instructor’s standards are too high, that assignments are unreasonable, or that other course-related practices or expectations applied to the class as a whole (e.g., an instructor’s policy regarding attendance or missed deadlines) are unfair.

Informal Attempts to Resolve the Grievance 1. The College encourages reciprocal and respectful dialogue between the student and an instructor when there is a disagreement about a final grade or other academic decision. Accordingly, prior to filing a formal grievance and as soon as possible after the final grade is posted or the decision is made, a student must make a reasonable attempt to resolve the issue by communicating his/her concerns directly to the instructor (preferably in a meeting) and seeking clarification for the final grade or decision. Whenever possible, the instructor should respond to the student within ten (10) business days of receipt of the student’s inquiry. 2. If the student is not satisfied with the instructor’s response, if the student does not receive a timely response, or if the student is unable to contact the instructor owing to retirement, sabbatical, or other compelling reason, the student may attempt to resolve the grievance by discussing it (preferably in a meeting) with the chairperson of the department in which the course was taught in a timely manner, normally within the first two weeks of the semester subsequent to the semester in which the aggrieved decision occurred. The chairperson should respond to the student within ten (10) business days of receipt of the student’s inquiry. 3. If the student is not satisfied with the chairperson’s response, or if the student does not receive a timely response, the student may attempt to resolve the grievance by discussing it with the dean (or dean’s designee) of the school administering the course within the next ten (10) business days. Whenever possible, the dean (or dean’s designee) should respond to the student within ten (10) business days of receipt of the student’s inquiry.

Formal Attempt to Resolve the Grievance: Academic Appeals Committee The College has established an Academic Appeals Committee to resolve formal academic grievances. The Committee consists of two faculty members, plus an alternate, selected by the president of the Faculty Senate; two student members, plus an alternate, appointed by the Student Congress; and two faculty members, plus an alternate, appointed by the president of the College. The chairperson is elected by the committee from among its appointed faculty members. A faculty or student member of the Committee shall recuse himself or herself from service in situations where there is a conflict of interest in fact or the appearance of a conflict of interest; this member will be replaced by the Committee’s alternate faculty or student alternates, respectively. The committee, when appropriate, shall seek the aid of qualified personnel, either from within or outside the Providence College academic community. 1. If a satisfactory resolution is not reached after the informal attempts are made, the student may file a formal, written complaint with the chairperson of the College’s Academic Appeals Committee prior to the mid-semester date of the semester subsequent to the semester in which the aggrieved decision occurred. The written complaint should be as complete and factual as possible, with details regarding the specific nature of the grievance and the specific steps taken by the student to attempt resolution; a copy of all correspondence and other related material should be submitted with the complaint. Every reasonable effort will be made to preserve confidentiality. 2. Immediately upon receipt of the formal complaint, the chairperson of the Academic Appeals Committee will notify the instructor and provide him/her with an opportunity to submit a written account of the disputed matter. 3. Whenever possible, the Committee will convene, investigate, and deliberate within fifteen (15) business days of receipt of the formal complaint. After it reviews written submissions, the Committee will provide the student with an opportunity to present his/her complaint. The Committee will also interview the instructor against whom the complaint is made, and other members of the College community as deemed necessary. Members of the College community asked to provide information are mandated to cooperate with the Committee. The Committee’s deliberations and the hearing will be closed to persons other than those who are directly involved. 4. Within five (5) business days of the final hearing, the Committee will communicate in writing its findings and recommendation(s) to the student and the instructor, with a copy to the school dean (or dean’s designee). If the Committee determines that the student’s grievance should be denied, the decision is final and the matter will be considered closed. If the Committee determines that the student’s grievance has merit and the instructor adopts and implements the Committee’s findings and recommendation(s), the matter will be considered closed. 5. If the Committee determines that the student’s grievance has merit and the instructor declines to adopt and implement the Committee’s findings and recommendation(s), the Committee will submit the grievance file, with its findings and recommendation(s), to the provost and senior vice president for academic affairs for consideration. The provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, who may consider the matter on written submission alone, will communicate his/her decision in writing to the student and the instructor, with a copy to the school dean (or dean’s designee) within ten (10) business days of receipt of the grievance file. The decision of the provost and senior vice president for academic affairs will either uphold the recommendation(s) of the Committee in total or in part, or reverse the recommendation of the Committee, or return the case to the Committee for reconsideration. The decision of the provost and senior vice president for academic affairs shall be final.

Academic Standards

Academic standards are determined at the end of each semester within the academic year. All enrolled students are subject to the following regulations:

1. Minimum GPA for Good Standing;
2. Probation; and
3. Dismissal.

The semester-by-semester progress toward degree completion varies by academic program, as does the number of credits to graduate (the minimum being 120). Students should consult the Academic Guidebook to plan each semester’s coursework. Depending on the student’s major, credits completed each semester can vary from 12-17 or more. By the end of their freshman year, students should have completed between 26 and 30 credits; between 57 and 60 credits by the end of their sophomore year; and between 88 and 90 credits by the end of their junior year. Students who fall below the minimum earned hours for normal progress toward degree com­pletion for their program will be notified of credit deficiencies by the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies.

Good Standing

Students in good academic standing have achieved the minimum cumulative grade point average required for class standing.

Academic Probation

Academic probation is a warning of severe academic danger. Students placed on probation are prohibited from enrolling in extra courses and from participating in extracurricular activities without the explicit permission of the dean of undergraduate and graduate studies. Probation remains in effect until the appropriate cumulative grade point average has been attained by successful completion of courses taken through Providence College (either in day, evening, summer, or winter session courses). Placement on academic probation becomes part of the student’s official record and is reflected on the student’s official transcript.

A student is placed on Academic Probation according to the following standards:

1. A student’s CGPA falls below a minimum standard as indicated in the Academic Standards Chart below;
2. A student earns three “F” and/or “NF” grades in a single semester, or four “F” and/or “NF” grades cumulatively in two consecutive semesters.

Academic Dismissal

Students are dismissed from the College for academic deficiency under one or more of the following circumstances:

1. The student’s cumulative grade point average is below the relevant standard on the Academic Standards Chart below.
2. The student remains on academic probation for two consecutive semesters.
3. First-semester freshman and first-semester transfers are exempted from academic dismissal.

Students who receive financial aid must comply with federal standards. The above may not reflect those standards. The College does not round grade point average; the official GPA is truncated to the hundredths digit.

Procedures Following Academic Dismissal

Appeals of Dismissals

A student dismissed from the College by reason of academic deficiency has the right to a hearing before the Committee on Academic Status to appeal his or her dismissal if the student believes the dismissal is improper. A request for an appeal, which should include the specific reasons why the dismissal is unwarranted, must be made in writing to the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies within the time frame noted in the letter of dismissal. Failure to appeal within the time frame stated will, under all but the most extraordinary circumstances, disallow such appeal. If a student appeals the dismissal decision, and the committee grants the appeal, the student will be permitted to return immediately to the College as a full-time, enrolled student; however, certain conditions may be imposed. If a student appeals the dismissal decision and the committee does not grant the appeal, the dismissal decision is final. In this case, the Committee will consider the student’s petition for reinstatement.

Petition for Reinstatement

A student dismissed from the College by reason of academic deficiency has the right to file a petition for reinstatement. A petition for reinstatement, which should include the specific reasons why the petition has merit, must be filed in writing to the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies within the time frame noted in the letter of dismissal; otherwise, the petition will not be heard absent extraordinary circumstances. On a petition for reinstatement, the Committee on Academic Status may, at its discretion, allow a student who has been dismissed to be reinstated in the day school immediately, either in good standing or on probation, as appropriate. Alternatively, the Committee may choose to reconsider the petition for reinstatement if and when the student provides evidence of specified academic achievement through course work either in the School of Continuing Education (SCE) or at another institution. It may allow a student to be reinstated on academic probation as long as the student is making reasonable progress toward his/her degree. “Reasonable progress” is defined as maintaining a 2.25 GPA/12 credits each semester as monitored by the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies until the student has achieved good academic standing.

If the Committee on Academic Status requires course work at another institution, or at Providence College’s SCE, these courses may be considered for replacement of failed or withdrawn courses, but they may not count toward one of the semesters required for graduation.

The right to petition for reinstatement is limited to two academic dismissals. In most instances, students incurring a second dismissal must attend another institution, or Providence College’s SCE, for at least one semester before petitioning for reinstatement. A petition for reinstatement may not follow a third dismissal except in rare instances.

Academic Integrity Policy

Our Judaeo-Christian heritage and our commitment to the intellectual and moral growth of our students are central to the Mission of Providence College. We are committed to developing the habits of living a productive life that includes the conscious and public practice of integrity. Our Mission inspires us to pursue Truth, and to identify God as Truth, and thus we are committed to cultivating the virtue of honesty in all aspects of campus life, especially in our pursuit of Truth in the classroom. We recognize that violations of integrity are harmful not only to our own pursuit of Truth, but are detrimental to the entire learning community of our College in that they dishonor our efforts and compromise our dedication to a spirited pursuit of learning. To such an end, we expect our faculty, students, and administrators to support this culture of honesty, integrity, and respect for the Truth. We believe that the best way to assure that our community embraces a life-long commitment to integrity is through the full participation of students in the process of development and implementation of a policy that allows for practice of integrity among our entire College community.

I. Definitions and Responsibilities

A. Definitions

The principal violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, forgery, lying, and collusion. Types of academic activities governed by this policy include but are not limited to exams, quizzes, papers, graded homework, group assignments, online assignments, lab projects, lab reports, or any other assignments given by an instructor.

1. Plagiarism: copying or stealing the thoughts, ideas, descriptions, or arguments of another person and presenting them as one’s own or attributing them to oneself.

2. Cheating: practicing deception or fraud by obtaining information in ways contrary to rules or instructions.

3. Forgery: creating a false document or altering a real one to be used as if genuine. This practice includes signing another’s name without permission.

4. Lying: knowingly telling an untruth verbally or in writing, including knowingly telling instructors, deans, or other officials untruths.

5. Collusion: assisting or attempting to assist another student in an act of academic misconduct; working together on an assignment meant to be completed independently.

6. Fabrication: submitting contrived or altered information in any academic exercise, such as making up data, citing nonexistent articles, contriving events and sources of information.

7. Duplicate Submissions of the same work: submitting any work for the purpose of fulfilling a subsequent assignment without appropriate revision to meet the instructional goals of the current course. In cases of uncertainty or ambiguity, a student should consult with the instructor.

B. Responsibilities

1. Students: Students are expected to understand this policy and to exercise diligence in following it. They are to take credit only for work that they have completed through their own efforts within the guidelines established by the instructor. When aware of an instance of academic misconduct, students are expected to notify the instructor, department chair, or dean of undergraduate and graduate studies, with or without revealing the name of the person committing the violation.

2. Faculty: In each course, the instructor is expected to address students on academic integrity and how it applies to the assignments for that course; the academic integrity policy should be included among the other policies of the course that are articulated or referenced in the syllabus. Faculty members are expected to take appropriate measures to prevent the occasion for collusion, such as using different exams for separate testing periods. Instructors are expected to treat students in a fair and uniform fashion and to report each act of academic misconduct in accord with this policy.

II. Adjudication of Acts of Academic Misconduct

A. Initial Determination of Infraction

The instructor who observes or suspects an act of academic misconduct first must discuss the incident with the student(s). The instructor may request that his or her department chair be present at that discussion. The instructor is expected to treat the student(s) respectfully and fairly, and the student(s) are expected to respond honestly to the questions posed. If the instructor is convinced that an act of academic misconduct has occurred, he or she shall impose an appropriate sanction in the form of compensatory course work, a grade reduction, or a failing grade, consistent with the academic integrity policy of the course. The sanction should reflect the gravity of the infraction and the instructor’s assessment of the student’s intent.

In all cases where the instructor has determined that there has been a violation of academic integrity, he or she is required to report, in writing, the infraction to the student(s), to the chair or program director(s) related to that course, and to the dean of undergraduate and graduate studies, within 7 days of the determination that an act of academic misconduct has occurred; this timeframe may be modified for compelling reasons at the discretion of the dean of undergraduate and graduate studies. A form for this purpose is available online: http://www.providence.edu/dean-office/undergraduate-students/Pages/forms.aspx. Once the report is filed, the dean of undergraduate and graduate studies shall notify the student(s) in writing.

B. Review Process

1. Determination of Review

If the dean of undergraduate and graduate studies, in consultation with the involved parties (the student and the instructor), determines that the infraction is very grave, or if the student’s file includes documentation of a prior finding of “responsible for violating the academic integrity policy,” then she or he shall require that the case be reviewed by the Academic Integrity Review Board. In all other circumstances, the student is not obligated to proceed with a hearing before the Academic Integrity Review Board if he or she accepts the sanctions imposed by the instructor.

If a student feels that he or she has been wrongly accused of an infraction of the Academic Integrity Policy, or believes that he or she has been unjustly penalized for the same, he or she has the right to appeal to the Academic Integrity Review Board. If two or more students are jointly accused of the same infraction, their cases will normally be considered individually, except in extraordinary cases as determined by the dean of undergraduate and graduate studies.

A student who wishes to appeal the instructor’s conclusion that the policy has been violated and/or the specific sanction imposed by the instructor must appeal in writing to the dean of undergraduate and graduate studies. The student must submit his/her appeal within one month of receiving the instructor’s sanction, unless the dean determines that extraordinary circumstances warrant an appeal filed later than one month after the student is notified. An appeal of an instructor’s sanction can be initiated by the accused student only.

2. Academic Integrity Review Board

The Academic Integrity Review Board shall consist of 7 regular members:

a) Two faculty members appointed by the president of the College, (one of whom will be designated by the president as the chair of the Board), and one faculty member appointed by the Faculty Senate;

b) Three students selected by the dean of undergraduate and graduate studies, from a list of five nominees chosen by Student Congress. To be eligible for nomination by Student Congress, a student must not have been previously cited for an infraction of this Code and must not be currently under any individual disciplinary sanction from Student Affairs; and

c) The dean of undergraduate and graduate studies, ex officio.

The president of the College will also appoint two faculty members as alternates, the Faculty Senate will appoint one faculty member as an alternate, and the Student Congress will nominate three student alternates. The dean shall exercise the right to vote only in the case of a tie. The term of each (non-ex officio) member shall be two years, commencing July 1 and ending June 30. The terms of office shall be staggered to allow for continuity on the Board. The members of the Board shall be appointed or elected in the spring semester for the following academic year.

If a student member of the Board is accused of a violation of the academic integrity policy, he or she shall not participate in the adjudication of the case. If the Academic Integrity Review Board issues sanctions against a student member, then that student member shall be removed from the Board. Student members of the Board have the responsibility to excuse themselves from deliberations if they have a familiarity with the accused student that creates a conflict of interest in fact or appearance. Faculty members of the Board have the responsibility to excuse themselves if they have been involved with the case prior to its coming to the Board. In such cases, the chair of the Academic Integrity Board shall select replacements on a case-by-case basis from the designated lists alternate members.

The Board shall conduct its business following the current version of Robert’s Rules of Order. A quorum that includes both faculty and student representation is necessary for the Board to conduct business.

The chair of the Board shall keep a summary record of the number, type, and outcome of hearings, excluding any details that may identify the parties involved, and shall file an annual summary report with the dean of undergraduate and graduate studies and to the provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.

3. Processing of Cases by Review Board

Within 10 business days of a written appeal by a student or a referral by the dean of undergraduate and graduate studies (whichever date is the sooner of the two), the chair of the Academic Integrity Review Board must convene the Board to review a referred case. Time frames may be adjusted for compelling reasons, with notification and an explanation provided to the student and the instructor. The Review Board shall consist of the members of the Academic Integrity Board plus one additional faculty member from the department or program of the instructor who reported the incident. That faculty member will be appointed by the chair of the Academic Integrity Board.

The chair of the Academic Integrity Review Board (or his/her faculty member of the Board designee) shall chair the hearing. During the review, 1) the instructor will have the opportunity to explain why he or she has judged that there has been an infraction of the academic integrity policy and, where the student has appealed the sanction, to explain the rationale, and 2) the student will have the opportunity to defend himself or herself against the charge of academic misconduct and/or to explain why he or she believes the instructor’s sanction is not appropriate.

Both the instructor and the student have the right to have advisors who are members of the College community. The advisor’s role is limited to providing support and consultation; the advisor may not actively participate in the hearing. Instructors and students may call witnesses or submit evidence, and each must submit his or her evidence of written documentation in writing and may appear before the Review Board. To help prepare for the hearing, accused students have the right to review all evidence in advance of the hearing. The Review Board may, at its discretion, meet separately with the instructor and the student involved. The hearing will be closed to persons other than those who are directly involved.

When the Review Board is satisfied that all relevant information has been presented, the chair will excuse the involved persons if they are in attendance. The Review Board will then deliberate on the evidence and make a decision on the case. A simple majority vote is required in all decisions. Within forty-eight hours, the chair will notify, in writing, both the student and the instructor of the outcome of the hearing. A copy of all outcomes will be filed with the dean of undergraduate and graduate studies. The dean will implement all decisions.

4. Sanctions Assigned by the Review Board

If a student is found, by simple majority vote of the Review Board, in violation of the College’s policy on academic integrity and that the sanctions imposed by the instructor are not inconsistent with stated course policy, then sanctions previously assigned by the instructor will be upheld and the instructor’s initial report will be placed in the student’s file until three years after the conferral of the degree for graduation, at which point it shall be destroyed. The Review Board, after consultation with the instructor, may impose additional sanctions which may include, but are not limited to, suspension and dismissal.

If by majority vote the Review Board determines that the charge of academic misconduct is not supported, then the instructor’s initial report will be destroyed, and the instructor will be informed that he or she should grade the assignment(s) in question on their merits. If a student wishes to appeal a final course grade, he or she should follow the College’s policy on academic grievances.

C. Subsequent Offenses

If a report of academic misconduct submitted to the dean of undergraduate and graduate studies turns out to be a second offense for that student, the report will be submitted to the Review Board for a hearing. During the hearing, the student may challenge the academic misconduct charge, or the student may admit sufficient facts to constitute a second offense. If the Review Board upholds the instructor’s finding of misconduct, the Review Board will determine an appropriate sanction, taking into consideration all relevant factors, including the arguments presented by the student and instructor.

If a student is found responsible for a second offense of misconduct, the student shall be suspended from the College for one semester; however, the Review Board has authority to evaluate relevant factors such as intent, severity, and other circumstances, and to impose a sanction that does not include suspension. If the Review Board decides to impose a sanction other than suspension, it shall articulate in writing its reasons for doing so.

If a student is found responsible for a third offense of misconduct, the student shall be dismissed from the College; however, the Review Board has authority to evaluate relevant factors such as intent, severity, and other circumstances, and to impose a sanction that does not include dismissal. If the Review Board decides to impose a sanction other than dismissal, it shall articulate in writing its reasons for doing so. According to the determination of the dean of undergraduate and graduate studies, suspension and dismissal shall be effective either immediately or at the conclusion of the semester in which the determination of the violation of policy occurred.

D. Final Appeals

1. Appeals of sanctions of suspensions or dismissals: A student may appeal a suspension or dismissal from the College for reasons of academic misconduct to the provost and senior vice president for academic affairs of Providence College. Such an appeal must be submitted in writing within 5 business days of the chair of the Review Board’s notification to the student. Possible appellate grounds are: i) alleged procedural errors that could have affected the determination of the Review Board; ii) newly discovered facts not previously available or known that could have had a significant impact on the determination of the Review Board; and/or iii) a request for review of the sanction and the rationale for such a review, including any mitigating circumstances. The provost and senior vice president for academic affairs will decide the appeal based on a meeting with the student and/or written submissions. The provost and senior vice president for academic affairs will issue an appellate decision within 10 business days of the appeal. The provost and senior vice president for academic affairs may affirm the Review Board’s decision, remand the matter to the Review Board with instructions for further review, or dismiss the charges.

2. Appeals of sanctions of dismissal: A sanction of dismissal for academic misconduct that is affirmed by the provost and senior vice president for academic affairs may be appealed by the student to the executive vice president. The appeal must be filed in writing by the student within 5 business days of the Review Board’s notification to the student. The executive vice president will decide the appeal based on a meeting with the student and/or written submissions. The executive vice president will issue an appellate decision within 10 business days of the date of the appeal. The executive vice president may affirm or amend the decision of the provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Decisions made by the executive vice president are final.

E. Maintenance of Records

Records of offenses and sanctions will be maintained in the student’s file in the office of the dean of undergraduate and graduate studies for a period of 3 years after the conferral of the degree for graduation.

Leave of Absence

Students may determine that extraordinary personal, medical, or financial circumstances necessitate a postponement of their normal academic program, and they may submit a request for a leave of absence to the dean of students (or designee). The dean of students, after consulting with other College officials, may grant the request for a leave of absence to last for no longer than four semesters (2 full academic years). When students believe that they are ready to return from a leave of absence, they must contact the dean of students by December 1 for reactivation for the spring semester and August 1 for reactivation for the fall semester. Depending on the circumstances that led to the leave of absence, students may be required to submit to the dean of students supporting documentation from treatment providers and/or others. For additional information about leaves of absences, their conditions and consequences, and procedures for returning to full-time academic status at the College, please contact the Office of the Dean of Students. Normally, students on a leave of absence are not expected to be involved in course work that advances their academic status upon return to Providence College. Permission may be granted in individual cases by the dean of undergraduate and graduate studies for enrollment in specific courses for the purpose of accepting course credits toward students’ credit total at the College. Students considering or taking any type of leave of absence are strongly advised to contact the offices of the bursar and financial aid (as applicable) to determine financial implications of their decision, and the dean of undergraduate and graduate studies to review how the leave will affect the anticipated graduation date. Additionally, students considering or taking any type of leave of absence should provide notice to the appropriate academic dean and academic advisor.

Voluntary Withdrawal from College

Students who wish to voluntarily withdraw from the College are required to make proper notification in person or in writing to the dean of undergraduate and graduate studies. Students who voluntarily withdraw can do so only under the following conditions:

1. A previous discussion of withdrawal must occur with the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies, and
    
2. The academic record must indicate the student is not eligible for academic, disciplinary, or financial dismissal.

Procedures for readmission may be obtained from the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies.

Interrupted Program of Study

If a student engaged in undergraduate study leaves the College for a significant period before completing the degree, courses will be counted toward the program of study only if the time period of interrupted study is less than 10 years. That is, the period between the last and present (or new) enrollment does not exceed 10 years.

In special circumstances, courses completed more than 10 years previously may, at the discretion of the appropriate dean, be counted toward a degree, if, in the judgment of the dean, the College’s curricular requirements and the content of those courses have not undergone significant change during the period of interrupted study.

Courses completed 10 or more years previous to any current enrollment will not be counted in the student’s grade point average, unless the appropriate dean has made specific course exemptions from this policy. The transcript will indicate separate sets of courses, those completed 10 or more years previous to a new or continued enrollment and those rostered after the student’s return to the College.

Academic Amnesty

A student applying for readmission to Providence College after a leave of five or more years may present to the dean of undergraduate and graduate studies a petition for academic amnesty for academic work completed five or more years previous to the term of readmission.

Academic amnesty, if allowed, will remove from any calculation of the student’s grade point average and from any calculation of courses or credits needed, all work that was completed during the period for which academic amnesty has been granted. At the time of the application for readmission, the student must file an application for academic amnesty and must acknowledge in writing that, once academic amnesty has been granted, it will not be rescinded.

Academic amnesty will not be on a course-by-course basis and will apply to all terms and therefore all courses and credits completed at Providence College during the period for which amnesty is granted. Amnesty may not be granted on a selective term-by-term basis. The student must identify the term at which academic amnesty begins; the award of academic amnesty will then cover all course work undertaken from the beginning of the amnesty period to the time of application for readmission.

Academic Internships

Academic-Year Internships

Juniors and seniors in good academic standing are eligible to participate in academic internships, which typically take place over the course of one semester and offer three credit hours. Students may earn no more than six internship credits toward their degrees. An internship is a structured, supervised work situation that enables a student to gain practical experience and exposure to a particular career/professional field. Internships take place in a variety of business, government, and nonprofit settings.

Interested students are encouraged to consult with the academic department related to their internship interest and the Associate Director for Internships in the Center for Career Education & Professional Development.

All students participating in academic internships have both a faculty supervisor and a site supervisor. The academic department/program will assign or assist students in the selection of a faculty supervisor. The faculty supervisor oversees the academic components of the internship while the site supervisor oversees student performance at the internship site.

The specific guidelines for academic internships vary by academic department/program. These guidelines offer details about course registration, prerequisites, faculty supervision, grading, time commitment, requirements, and deadlines. Academic internships typically require a time commitment of 8-12 hours per week at the internship site and may or may not include a weekly seminar. Academic requirements are at the discretion of the academic department/program and/or faculty supervisor.

All students participating in academic internships are required to complete and submit the Learning Agreement for Internships and Field Experiences. The completed form specifies the internship description and learning objectives, and also outlines the responsibilities and requirements of all participating parties.

The Learning Agreement is to be completed by the student in direct consultation with the faculty and site supervisors and submitted to the Associate Director for Internships in the Center for Career Education & Professional Development no later than the third Friday of the semester of enrollment.

Non-credit internship opportunities are also available. Students can consult a Career Coach in the Center for Career Education & Professional Development for more information.

Summer Internships

Providence College full-time day students may enroll in a summer internship for academic credit. Rising juniors or seniors are typically eligible and should note the following when considering a summer academic internship:

1. Students must initiate the process for summer academic internships by meeting with the Associate Director for Internships in the Center for Career Education & Professional Development to review procedures for course approval and course enrollment, and to obtain the College Learning Agreement for Summer Internships and Field Experiences.
    
2. Students are responsible for securing a College faculty member from a department related to the internship to serve as their internship faculty supervisor throughout the term of the internship. Students who are having difficulty securing an internship faculty supervisor should consult with the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies.
    
3. Registration and payment for summer academic internships are processed via the School of Continuing Education (SCE).
    
4. Students are required to complete and submit the Summer Learning Agreement for Internships and Field Experiences via the Handshake website after consulting the Associate Director for Internships in the Center for Career Education & Professional Development. The Learning Agreement should be completed with the assistance of the internship faculty supervisor and the internship site supervisor.
    
5. Summer academic internships are three-credit courses. Registration is processed via the School of Continuing Education with the approval of the relevant department chair/program director. Students will be charged the SCE internship rate sufficient to cover the internship supervisor’s stipend. If all the academic work required in the course cannot be completed in the summer, then the student should be given an incomplete (I) rather than registered for a fall semester internship. The Learning Agreement for Summer Internships and Field Experiences form MUST be submitted on Handshake and approved by all parties within two weeks of the start of the summer internship or by the 3rd week of June. All arrangements, including registration for summer academic internship credit, must be made no later than the start of the second SCE Summer Session.

Graduation Honors

According to the level of excellence of one’s work, a student may graduate with the distinction of cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude as indicated below:

The cumulative grade point average is arrived at by dividing the total number of quality grade points earned by the total number of credit hours graded. The College does not round grade point average; the official GPA is truncated to the hundredths digit. Graduation honors are computed on the student’s complete academic record, and will be reflected on the student’s final academic transcript. However, all honors read at the Academic Awards Ceremony and published in the graduation programs will be based solely on computations through the fall semester prior to the ceremony.

Transfer students will constitute a special category with regard to honors at graduation. Their designation for honors will be based upon work completed at Providence College.

Graduation honors for students in 3-2 programs and others will be based on the six (6) semesters of work completed at Providence College.

Honor Societies

Providence College has established a local chapter of the following national honor societies. Students accepted into national honor societies will have their membership noted on an official transcript.

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