Academic Policies

Student's Right to Petition

Each currently enrolled graduate student has the right to petition to

1. waive any of the all-College academic regulations;
2. review any other academic problem that has not been resolved first by the instructor or subsequently by the chair, then by the dean of the school, and finally by the graduate dean.

To petition for either purpose, the student submits a written petition to the graduate dean with copies to the graduate chair, dean of the school, and the faculty member involved. The graduate dean sends the petition to the provost, along with his or her recommendation. Each petition is considered by the provost on an individual basis and is decided based on the facts that pertain to the particular student's situation. Where appropriate and feasible, the provost will consult with the individuals involved before making a final decision. While a decision on appeal is pending, the student may continue to take courses in the program, except for clinical or fieldwork courses.

Time Limitations

Candidates for an advanced degree are required to meet general and major-field requirements within six calendar years of their matriculation date. Some programs have more restrictive timelines that supersede this general policy. Any exception must be approved in writing by the dean of graduate studies after review and recommendation by the All-College Graduate Council.

Matriculation is an enrollment status applicable to the student who has met all admission requirements and standards established by a particular school/department and the Division of Graduate Studies, who has been accepted into a degree program by the same school and the Division of Graduate Studies, and who has registered for graduate courses at Ithaca College. Note that matriculation begins with the first registration following acceptance as a degree candidate.

Students are required to fulfill the requirements of the catalog in effect at the time of their matriculation; however, under special circumstances (e.g., initiation of new programs), they may elect to fulfill the revised requirements.

Grading System

The acceptable grades and corresponding points for grade point average (GPA) calculations are as follows. All grades except P (pass), I (incomplete), and W (withdrawn) are used in calculating a student's GPA.

Grade	Points	Grade	Points
A	4.0	C+	2.3
A-	3.7	C	2.0
B+	3.3	C-	1.7
B	3.0
B-	2.7	F	0

A student may repeat a graduate course once. Grades received in repeated courses will be averaged for purposes of computing the GPA. Both grades will be placed on the transcript.

Good Academic Standing

Graduate students are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 at the end of each semester in order to remain in good academic standing. Failure to do so will result in either academic dismissal or being placed on academic warning.

Grade Point Average (GPA) for Graduation

Graduate students must achieve a minimum GPA of 3.00 in order to graduate. A student may appeal this, following the guidelines under "Student's Right to Petition."

Semester Work Load

One semester of coursework is defined as nine credits or more in a single semester if full time, or six credits or more accumulated across two semesters if part time.

Academic Warning

Upon completion of a semester's work at less than 3.00 GPA, the student will be issued an academic warning by the Division of Graduate Studies. Warning will be removed upon completion of a full semester's coursework at 3.00 GPA or better, or upon completion of the degree program with a minimum 3.00 GPA. (Note: see the physical therapy program description for program-specific requirements.)

Academic Dismissal

Two consecutive semesters on academic warning will be grounds for dismissal from the degree program. For the purposes of this policy, "two consecutive semesters" equals two full semesters with nine credits or more in each semester if the student is full time, or 12 credits accumulated across three or more semesters if the student is part time. (See the physical therapy program description for program-specific requirements.)

Any student receiving more than six credits of C (C+, C, C-) or more than three credits of F will be terminated immediately from the degree program and may never reenter the same program.

Comprehensive Examination

With the exception of the M.B.A. program and those programs that require a thesis, all advanced degrees require a comprehensive examination.

To be eligible for the final comprehensives, the student must complete all required courses and attain a 3.00 GPA. The final comprehensive examination will be related to the student's field of specialization and may take various forms depending on individual interests. It is the responsibility of the student to apply in writing to the major adviser for an examination appointment. The last date for application is two months before degree date. The last date for the comprehensive examination is one month before degree date.

Thesis and Project Requirements

Students required to complete a thesis or project as partial fulfillment of the degree requirements should request an adviser through the department or school and register through the Division of Graduate Studies for the appropriate course and credits. If not required by the department or school, the thesis or project is optional. If a student elects to do either a thesis or a project, the credits earned may be applied toward a degree or may be in addition to degree requirements, at the discretion of the department or school concerned.

See also the research proposal description under "Graduation Requirements" in the physical therapy program section.

The last date for submission of the thesis is one month before degree date. At the time of submission of the thesis, it is the student's responsibility to schedule an examination in defense of the thesis.

Students enrolled in the thesis option who have completed all coursework except the thesis will be required to enroll in at least one credit of thesis each semester until they finish their degree. Students should work with their program advisers to plan an appropriate course and credit schedule. For international students this schedule will be reflected in the immigration paperwork.

Use of Human Subjects in Research

All research projects at Ithaca College that use humans as subjects must be reviewed and approved by the All-College Review Board on Human Subjects Research. The use of human subjects refers to data collection via survey, supervised activity, and interview, as well as other methods. The Ithaca College guidelines for human subject research are included in the Faculty Resource Guide and also may be obtained from the faculty adviser or the provost's office.

Teacher Certification Requirements

Candidates enrolled in a degree program leading to teacher certification must acquire the competencies stipulated for that certification in addition to the requirements necessary to earn the master's degree.

Program Changes

Changes in a semester program schedule must be made within the two-week add/drop period.

Students who withdraw and are subsequently readmitted will be bound by program and degree requirements in force during the academic year in which they are readmitted.

The College reserves the right to make changes in degree requirements, course offering regulations, and procedures contained in this catalog as educational and financial considerations require.

For information, contact Division of Graduate Studies, gradstudies@ithaca.edu
Andrejs Ozolins, Office of Publications, 30. November, 2003