Academic Affairs
Academic Advising Center
Academic Policies and Procedures
Disability/Special Needs Services
Class Attendance
Classification of Students
General Degree Requirements
Grade Appeal Procedure
Retention Standards
Absence from Tests and Examinations
Career Center
Carol Grotnes Belk Library
El Centro de Espanol
Elon Experiential Learning Requirement
Study Abroad Programs
Writing Center
ACADEMIC ADVISING CENTER
Located in Duke 108, the Academic Advising Center provides an academic support service designed to assist students in course selection and determining their majors. First year students are assigned faculty advisors before they enter Elon University.
An important part of the Center's service is coordinating Elon 101, a freshman advising course. Transfer students are assigned academic advisors in the department of their intended majors.
Choosing a Major: Several majors, including Elementary Education, Exercise Sport Science, all science majors, Pre-Engineering and Music Theatre/Music need to be declared in the students' first semester of the first year at Elon. Other majors, including Business Administration, need to be declared by the second or third semester. In order to graduate in four years, students need to select and officially declare a major in the Academic Advising Center, Duke 108, by the fourth semester or the end of the sophomore year. Advisors in the Center are prepared to help students explore their possibilities and provide information to enable students to make decisions. A one-hour course in exploring majors/careers (COE 110) is offered each semester. When students finalize their major choices, they are assigned major advisors in the appropriate academic department. Students are encouraged to meet with their advisors frequently during each semester.
ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
Elon University complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. This act is designed to protect the privacy of educational records, to establish the right of students to inspect and review their educational records and to provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data through informal and formal hearings. Students also have the right to file complaints with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Office (FERPA) concerning alleged failures by the institution to comply with the act.
Under the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, students have the right to withhold the disclosure of Directory Information. Students should consider very carefully the consequences of any decision to withhold Directory Information. Should a student decide to inform the institution not to release Directory Information, any future requests for such information from non-institutional persons or organizations will be refused.
The institution will honor requests to withhold the information listed below but cannot assume responsibility to contact students for subsequent permission to release them. The institution assumes no liability for honoring instructions that such information be withheld.
The items listed below are designated as Directory Information and may be released for any purpose at the discretion of the institution:
1. Name, address, telephone number, dates of attendance, class.
2. Previous institution(s) attended, major field of study, awards, honors (includes Dean's list), degree(s) conferred (including dates).
3. Past and present participation in officially recognized sports and activities, physical factors (height, weight of athletes), date and place of birth.
Questions concerning the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act may be referred to the Office of the Registrar.
DISABILITY/SPECIAL NEEDS SERVICES
Students with documented disabilities (learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, vision impairment, hearing impairment, mobility problems, health related problems) may request special services. Students who need to discuss such needs should contact the coordinator of disability services who reviews documentation and consults with the student to arrange for appropriate classroom/campus accommodations. Call 278-6500 for more information or come by the Advising Center, Duke 108.
CLASS ATTENDANCE
At Elon, policies related to class attendance are established by each department. Students are responsible for finding out the first day of class what each professor requires in terms of class attendance. Absence from class does not relieve a student of responsibility for submitting assignments or from being responsible for materials covered. There is a strong relationship between class attendance and success or failure in the classroom. It is the responsibility of the student to communicate with professors about absences due to illness or family emergency. Preferably this notification should be given prior to the class that is to be missed. Class absences are deemed excused at the discretion of the professor and may require documentation such as a note from a doctor. Excessive class absences may result in the lowering of a course grade and/or notification to the early warning system in Academic Advising.
PEER TUTORIAL SERVICES
Students recommended by faculty provide their peers academic support in a wide variety of courses. The Tutoring Center is located in Belk Library. Questions may be directed to the Associate Director ofTutorial Services, Belk 122. Futher information is available at: www.elon.edu/tutoring.
CLASSIFICATION OF STUDENTS
Hour requirements for the classification of students are as follows:
* Freshman: 1-29 semester hours completed.
* Sophomore: 30-61 semester hours completed.
* Junior: 62-95 semester hours completed.
* Senior: 96 semester hours completed.
How to compute your GPA
One's grade point average (GPA) is calculated by dividing the total number of attempted semester hours of credit into the total number of quality points earned.
A = 4 A- = 3.7 B+ = 3.3 B = 3.0 B- = 2.7 C+ = 2.3
C = 2.0 C- = 1.7 D+ = 1.3 D = 1.0 D- = 0.7 F = 0.0
If one takes a four semester hour course and receives an "A," one will have 16 quality points (4x4=16). If one takes a three semester hour course and receives a "C-," one has 5.1 quality points (3x1.7=5.1).
As each semester or term is completed, one's semester hours attempted and total quality points earned are added to any already acquired, and a new grade point average is calculated.
GENERAL DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Students should consult their undergraduate catalog for a full listing of degree requirements and requirements in their major(s)/minor(s). The degree-audit feature of On-Track should provide a helpful guide to students, tracking which of their degree requirements have been completed. Students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor and/or a member of academic advising if they have questions about their progress toward degree conpletion.
Regardless of what students decide will be their major program(s), they will have to complete the following general requirements involving a minimum of 132 semester hours of credit:
* Satisfactory work in one major subject, including a minimum GPA OF 2.0
* Completion of General Studies, including proficiency in a foreign language.
* Electives.
*Satisfactory completion of a comprehensive evaluation in the major field of study.
* Sixty or more semester hours at Elon including the last term before graduation.
*Twice as many quality points as credit hours attempted must be earned.
* Participation in commencement exercises. )
GRADE APPEAL PROCEDURE
The grade appeal system affords recourse to a student who has evidence or believes that evidence exists to show that an inappropriate grade has been assigned as a result of clerical error, personal bias or arbitrary grading. Grades (for an entire course, assignment or unit) given by an instructor after the student is found responsible for an academic honor code violation through the University Honor System may not be appealed.
Keeping in mind that the appeal of a course grade should be attended to as soon as possible, the student must contact the professor involved within the first two weeks of the start of fall semester for the appeal of a spring semester or a summer term grade and within the first two weeks of the spring semester for the appeal of a fall semester grade. In the case of a winter term grade, the appeal must be made no later than April 1 of the year in which the course was completed. If the faculty member who taught the course is not available, the appeal should be made to the chairperson of the faculty member’s department.
In the case of a grade that would affect a graduating senior or that would result in probation or suspension, the student must contact the professor immediately after the grade is posted, and the procedure will be expedited.
Procedure for appealing a course grade:
To begin an appeal, the student must first complete a grade appeal request and set up a meeting with the professor to discuss the situation withthe timeframe outlined above.
Elon University
Student Grade Appeal Statement
Student Information
Student’s Name_________________________________________________________
Local Address____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Phone ________________________
Course Information
Course Number & Title____________________________________________________
Semester___________________ Professor’s Name___________________________
Grade Received in Course ____________ Grade Expected in Course_______________
Number of Class Absences _______________
Date of meeting with instructor about grade received_____________________________
Was a change of grade requested? ____________ Yes ____________ No
Basis of Grade Appeal Request _____ Personal Bias _____ Arbitrary Grading
_____ Clerical Error
Please attach a separate sheet explaining the reason for requesting a grade change, any discussions with the instructor about your class performance prior receiving the disputed grade and during the meeting to discuss the grade, and the outcome of the meeting with the professor.
Provide documentation of class performance, including laboratory portions of the course if applicable. Include copies (not originals) of:
Student Signature________________________________________ Date_____________
This form is to be filed with the department chairperson no later than the end of the fourth week of the semester.
Please retain copies of all information filed with this statement.
1. Review any work that the student brings to discuss.
2. Show the student any of the student’s work that remains in the professor’s possession (e.g., papers, final examinations and projects).
3. Explain how the student’s grade was determined based on the standards set forth at the beginning of the class and listed in the course syllabus.
4. Re-figure the numerical computation of the grade, if any, to determine if there has been a clerical error.
If the student wishes to continue the appeal following this meeting, he or she must file a written appeal with the professor’s department chairperson by the end of the fourth week of the semester, or by April 15 in the case of the appeal of a winter term grade. If the department chairperson is the professor involved, the written appeal will go to the dean of the college or school. The student will submit to the department chairperson the Student Grade Appeal Statement Form together with copies of the course syllabus, tests, assignments and papers in the student’s possession. The department chairperson will notify the professor involved, and the professor will file the Professor Grade Appeal Statement Form with the department chairperson by the end of the fifth week of the semester, or by April 22 for a winter term grade, together with copies of the syllabus, assignments and any of the student’s work that remains in the professor’s possession. The department chairperson, following consultation with the related dean or deans, will render a decision in writing regarding the grade appeal by the end of the sixth week of the semester, or by April 29 in the appeal of a winter term grade.
If the student wishes to appeal the Chair’s decision to the final hearing body, he or she must put that request in writing to the dean within one week. The dean, or his/her designee, will notify the chairperson of Academic Council to form a grade appeal hearing committee and forward all documentation to the chairperson of the Academic Council. The committee should meet no later than the end of the eighth week of the semester, or by May 13 for a winter term grade appeal. The grade appeal committee will consist of:
a) 3 members of Academic Council appointed by the chairperson of council.
b) 1 faculty member appointed by the dean of the department/division involved.
c) 1 Student Government Association representative appointed by the student government executive president. In the case that the involved student is the student government president, the vice-president shall appoint the student representative.
The chairperson of the grade appeal hearing committee will be chosen from the three council members serving on the committee by the chairperson of Academic Council.
Grade Appeal Hearing Procedure:
Hearings are restricted to those Elon faculty or staff directly involved in the appeal. The student and the professor may each bring an advisor from the Elon University community (currently enrolled student, faculty or staff member) to the hearing. The advisor may only counsel the student or the professor and may not actively participate in or make any statement during the hearing. Recognizing that the grade appeal hearing is an in-house procedure, attorneys, other legal counsel and any other persons outside the university community are not permitted in the hearing.
The hearing committee will review all of the documentation received from the dean and then ask the student, professor and their advisors, if present, to come into the room. The student and the professor will each be allowed to make a statement, and the committee members may ask questions of the student and the professor. The student, professor and their advisors will then be asked to leave the room, and the final discussion and vote by the committee shall be in closed session. The decision of the committee is final, and the Chair of Academic Council will send written verification of the committee’s decision to the professor and the student. In the case of a grade change, the dean of the school or college, or his/her designee, will make the change.
RETENTION STANDARDS
Classification of Terms
* Probation - Students are notified that their GPA is below 2.00, that they are limited to a maximum load of 12 semester hours and that they should consult with their academic advisor.
* Suspension - Students are separated from Elon University and one academic semester must elapse before they are eligible to apply for readmission.
Standards for End of Fall Semester:
* Suspension - any student having a semester GPA below 1.00.
* Probation - any student with a cumulative GPA below a 2.00.
Standards for End of Spring Semester:
* Suspension - less than 1.00 GPA for the SEMESTER.
* FRESHMEN - 0-29 semester hours earned:
Suspension - cumulative GPA less than 1.70
Probation - cumulative GPA 1.70 to 1.99
* SOPHOMORES - 30-61 semester hours earned:
Suspension - cumulative GPA less than 1.80
Probation - cumulative GPA 1.80 to 1.99
* JUNIORS - 62-95 semester hours earned:
Suspension - cumulative GPA less than 1.90
Probation - cumulative GPA 1.90-1.99
* SENIORS - 96 and above semester hours earned:
Suspension -- cumulative GPA less than 2.00 A student who is suspended and is readmitted in a subsequent term must have a minimum GPA, each term or semester, of 2.3 (C+) until the student's cumulative GPA is 2.0 or higher. Failure to do so will result in a second and final suspension.
Dean’s List, President’s List and Graduation with Honors
The Dean’s List encourages and recognizes excellence in academic work. A student who has no grade below a “B-” and a GPA of at least 3.4 in a minimum of 12 semester hours in any semester is placed on the Dean’s List for the following semester. Those students who have no grade below an “A-” in a minimum of 12 semester hours in any semester are placed on the President’s List. Classes passed on a Pass/Fail basis or classes with grades of “S,” “WD,” or “W” are not included in Dean’s List or President’s List eligibility.
Students completing at least 66 credit hours at Elon University may graduate with honors. Candidates for graduation with an average of 3.9 or above are graduated summa cum laude; those with 3.7 or above, magna cum laude; and those with 3.5 or above cum laude. In computing eligibility for honors, only work attempted at Elon University will be used.
ABSENCE FROM TESTS AND EXAMINATIONS
The university expects students to attend examinations as scheduled. Dates and times for final exams may not be changed for a class without prior approval from the appropriate Department Chairperson. The Chair will notify the assistant vice president for academic affairs of course exam modifications when they are granted.
Under certain circumstances, adjustments to the individual student's completion of final examination may be made.
Multiple Exams on One Day: If a student has three (3) exams scheduled for the same day, he/she may secure a "Change Request Form" from the REGISTRAR'S OFFICE. This change request form must be completed and returned to the Registrar's Office by 5:00 p.m. on the last day of classes before exams.
The university policy is that faculty will work with a student who has a legitimate need to reschedule.
ABSENCE FROM TESTS
Students missing a test in a course for excusable reasons should seek permission for a make-up test from the instructor of the course.
ABSENCE FROM FINAL EXAMINATIONS
--The university expects students to attend examinations as scheduled. Dates and times for final exams may not be changed for a class without prior approval from the appropriate Department Chairperson. The chair will notify the assistant vice president for academic affairs of course exam modifications when they are granted.
Under certain circumstances, adjustments to the individual student's completion of final examination may be made.
Multiple Exams on One Day: If a student has three (3) exams scheduled for the same day, he/she may secure a "Change Request Form" from the REGISTRAR'S OFFICE. This change request form must be completed and returned to the Registrar's Office by 5:00 p.m. on the last day of classes before exams.
Medical Reasons
a. Medical Emergency Students who have completed sufficient work to complete a course but who become ill or injured just prior to or during the final exam period should contact the assistant vice president for academic affairs in the provost's office (Alamance 120) to present verification. The AVPAA will notify instructors of the student's situation. As soon as they are able, students should contact individual instructors to discuss arrangements for completing work. In cases where the instructor is no longer employed at Elon after the end of the semester, the student should contact the department chairperson.
b. Medical Leave of Absence (WD). If a student has a documented medical condition that has impacted his/her ability to complete course work and will keep him/her from taking exams, the student should consult with the assistant vice president for student life (Moseley 206) for a medical leave of absence which will remove the student permanently (with grades of WD) from all classes. Students seeking a medical withdrawal must withdraw from all courses; they may not obtain a medical withdrawal from only selected courses. Students with medical withdrawals will not be permitted to complete courses.
Other Documented Excuses for Rescheduling or Missing Exams Occasionally, a student will find him/herself in a situation that may be best resolved by not taking one or more final examinations as scheduled. Justifiable reasons for such absences may include school-sponsored representation at events, but will generally not include travel arrangements, starting a job or an internship, or participation in family events such as weddings and graduations.
Students who misrepresent their requests to adjust exams will be charged with violating Elon's Honor Code.
Single Exam -- When a student will miss an individual final examination, permission for a make-up examination must be secured from the Chairperson of the department in which the course is offered.
Multiple (or all) Exams -- When a student will miss multiple (or all) final examinations in a semester, the student must contact the Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs in the Provost?s Office, Alamance 120. The student must provide verification for the absence. The AVPAA will notify the appropriate parties of the student?s status. As soon as they are able, students should contact individual instructors to discuss arrangements for completing work. In cases where the instructor is no longer employed at Elon after the end of the semester, the student should contact the department chairperson.
Students who will miss all examinations due to medical reasons and who must withdraw from all Elon classes in a particular semester should consult the following Web site for appropriate procedures on withdrawals: www.elon.edu/students/handbook/genpol.asp.
CAREER CENTER
Throughout college and after graduation, students are invited to use the many services available through the Career Center. These services are designed to support students and alumni in the lifelong process of defining career goals, learning the skills to attain them and developing employment opportunities.
The following career services and programs are available to students for help in planning their futures and in becoming adept at finding employment during and after their college years:
* Elon Career Connections (Mentor Network)
* Resume preparation
* Career Workshops
* Transition Tactics for Seniors
* On-Campus Recruiting
* Internships and Co-op experiences
* "Securing a Job" courses (COE 310)
* Individual career advising
* Elon Job Network (full and part-time jobs)
* Career shadowing
* Summer job opportunities
* Career Interest Assessment
* Graduate school information
* Videotaped mock interviews
* Home page and Web resources.
For more information, contact ext. 6538.
CAROL GROTNES BELK LIBRARY
The Carol Grotnes Belk Library provides a variety of learning resources and services in support of the university curriculum, helping students develop effective research, study and presentation skills.
The library offers over 240,000 books and bound periodicals, 4,000 current serial subscriptions, 70,000 government documents and 15,000 audiovisual materials for use by the entire university community. Provided are library instruction for individuals and classes, professional reference services, a wide variety of online databases, Internet access and a variety of interlibrary loan services. Additionally, students can find novels, videos, DVDs, and audio books for recreational reading, viewing and listening.
Within the library, the Office of Media Services serves as an instructional laboratory for all students and offers audiovisual production services, audiovisual equipment and materials, and computer facilities.
EL CENTRO DE ESPANOL
El Centro de Espanol is a program/place that provides a new approach to language learning. The focus is on "using Spanish" not just reading or writing the language. El Centro structures learning, but not in the traditional methods of homework and grades. Students, faculty and staff learn by total immersion in the Spanish language through such experiences as personal verbal interaction with native speakers of Spanish, one-on-one and small group discussions, use of resource materials for solo study, CD-ROMs, tapes and movies. Participants are encouraged to volunteer in the local Hispanic community. The program at El Centro allows participants to advance at their own pace in a fun and relaxed environment. El Centro de Espanol provides a learning experience, reinforcing Elon's view of co-curricular activity, which occurs outside the boundaries of the classroom as part of the whole learning experience. El Centro is located in Carlton 114.
ELON EXPERIENCES
Elon Experiences is a program that provides opportunities and promotes participation in "applied" curricular and co-curricular activities at Elon -- leadership development, volunteer service, internship/co-op experiences, undergraduate research and study abroad/intercultural experiences. The "Elon Experiences Transcript" is a student's official written record of involvement in Elon Experiences activities.
Program directors, coordinators, advisors and other university staff validate and report students' participation in Elon Experiences activities. Elon students may receive a copy of their Elon Experiences Transcript, which include activities up through the previous semester, by contacting the Center for Leadership and Organization Development, Moseley 224. Students may view their transcripts on the Web from the Elon Experiences site.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING REQUIREMENT
A distinctive feature of the General Studies Program is the Experiential Learning Requirement, the "ELR." Students may select from a range of options to satisfy this graduation requirement. Some courses fulfill the ELR: internships, study abroad courses, practicums, co-ops, student teaching and designated courses which include extensive experiential learning. The ELR may also be completed through 40 hours of volunteer service with one agency or activity, through a leadership role in a campus organization or through a pre-approved individual activity. Finally, students may satisfy their ELR by completing an approved undergraduate research project. For all non-course based experience, the ELR must be approved in advance and students must engage in an experience and reflect on that experience, under the tutelage of an advisor. Though students are required to complete only one ELR, they may satisfy the requirement as many times as they wish. Their academic transcript will indicate each time they fulfill the requirement.
STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS
Elon University strongly encourages each student to spend at least one semester or term studying abroad. Elon has one of the top study abroad programs in the country for master's-level institutions, and more than 70% of Elon's 2009 graduating class studied abroad at some point during their college career. Elon offers more than 70 programs during the semester, winter term and summer terms. GPA requirements depend on the particular program, but are generally 2.0 for winter term programs and summer programs and 2.5-3.2 for semester programs.
Study abroad is available for everyone at Elon. Don’t be fooled by the following myths:
MYTH #1 - I must know a foreign language. WRONG! Many of Elon’s programs have courses taught in English. Most of the 70 programs do not require prior foreign language experience, although language immersion programs are available.
MYTH #2 - Study abroad will delay my graduation. NOT SO! If you plan ahead with your academic advisor you should be able to fit one or more study abroad programs into your four-year plan.
MYTH #3 - I don't have enough money to study abroad. DON’T BE SO SURE! Many of the semester study abroad programs are actually the same cost as attending Elon for the semester and some programs are in countries where the cost of living is lower than in the US. If cost is still a concern, you may qualify for a need-based scholarship. Elon’s Financial Planning officers would also be glad to meet with you about planning for the costs of study abroad.
MYTH #4 - Study abroad is only for certain majors. WRONG AGAIN! There are programs that can fit any major at Elon. Furthermore, students can take courses for general studies and their minor, in addition to courses for their major, while studying abroad.
For a full list of available programs, details about each of the programs, application periods and other helpful study abroad information, please visit the Isabella Cannon Centre for International Studies website at www.elon.edu/studyabroad. To arrange an appointment with an international programs advisor, call 336-278-6700 or stop by the Isabella Cannon Centre for International Studies in Carlton 113.
SEMESTER PROGRAMS
Elon students have many options for semester study abroad programs, which in most cases allow students to continue to pay Elon tuition and fees -- some allow room and board to be paid to Elon, and most students pay their own travel expenses. Students who are not studying a foreign language can attend programs in countries such as England; Scotland; Ghana or Kenya, Africa; Australia; Denmark; Sweden; Italy; Mexico; and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Each of these programs offers a unique program featuring different course options, living arrangements and travel opportunities.
Students who are in the process of learning a foreign language have many options as well. Elon students can study French at the Sorbonne in Paris, France; Spanish at the Fundacion Jose Ortega y Gasset in Toledo, Spain; the University of San Fransicso de Quito in Quito, Ecuador; Council Study Centers in Santiago, Chile and Buenos Aires, Argentina; or the Centre for Sustainable Human Development in San Jose, Costa Rica. Students may also study Japanese at Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka, Japan. Each program requires a different level of language education in courses at Elon, a 2.5-3.0 minimum GPA (depending upon the program), foreign language faculty recommendations and an essay.
Applications are accepted for all semester programs one semester in advance, with the exception of the London program. For this, applications are accepted one year in advance. More details about applying and the applications themselves can be found on the study abroad Web site.
SEMESTER IN LONDON
A student may earn 12-16 semester hours participating in Elon's London Semester Program. Students can take advantage of Elon courses taught by Elon and British professors, internships, a ten day semester break and day trips in Great Britain. Housing is in an apartment in central London. Airfare and other travel expenses are additional. The semester program is available in the fall or spring to students with a GPA of 2.5 or better and positive faculty and advisor recommendations. Applications must be submitted one year in advance.
WINTER TERM
The month-long January term offers a variety of study abroad opportunities. Over 600 students studied across the globe during January of 2004, the 32nd year of the Winter Term study abroad program. All students with a GPA of 2.0 or better are encouraged to apply, including freshmen. The Winter Term Web page describes each course and has downloadable course brochures. Each course is worth four semester hours of credit.
Programs range in location and topic across dozens of disciplines and countries. Students can study topics such as field biology in Belize, World War II in Europe, African history in Ghana, Language and Culture in Costa Rica, art in Italy, astronomy in Mexico, communications in Germany, literature in Ireland, service learning in Guatemala and many others.
OTHER PROGRAMS
Information on study abroad programs all over the world is available online at www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/cannon and in Carlton 113 in the Isabella Cannon Centre for International Studies. To talk with a study abroad advisor, email the contact on the Web site or call 336-278-6700.
WRITING CENTER
The Writing Center is a peer tutoring program in which students may work one-on-one with a tutor during any stage of the writing process. This includes brainstorming ideas, developing a thesis, organizing, revising, editing and properly documenting sources. The goal of this program is to create better writers who utilize feedback as part of their writing process. For more information, please visit the Writing Center Web site.
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