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Academic Planning, Policies, and Procedures
Academic Planning
Graduation Checklist
Click here to view online version of the graduation checklist.
The Graduation Checklist is designed to help students keep a record of their progress toward fulfilling graduation requirements. It is Juniata's intention to encourage all students to graduate within four years with 120 completed credits and at least a 2.0 GPA. The following is a series of notes explaining the various requirements.
I. College Writing Seminar (CWS) This foundation course is required of all Juniata freshmen along with IT 100 for all new Juniatian students
II. Interdisciplinary Colloquia and Cultural Analysis Students fulfill one Interdisciplinary Colloquia (IC) and one Cultural Analysis (CA) course type requirement by completing a two-course sequence.
Writing Requirement for IC and CA: Cultural Analysis courses will build on the skills of insightful reading, analysis, and writing acquired in the first year of study. Courses will provide a basic familiarity with some concepts and methods of cultural analysis. They may be offered as either 3 or 4 credit courses. In CA courses, students will make use of both primary (textual or other artifacts) and secondary sources. (Secondary works are those which interpret primary sources, or develop a method for the study of primary sources.) These primary and secondary works will provide the raw materials for a synthetic project. Such projects will normally include either a synthetic paper of ten or more pages, or student-generated presentations or productions (for example, original art, music or drama) accompanied by a shorter written commentary. Any project must be designed to demonstrate the student’s capacity for independent research and critical thinking. Students will be expected to show an awareness of their own presuppositions and of the possibilities and limitations of their methods. Faculty members proposing courses must include in their course proposal an explanation of how course assignments will demonstrate the student’s capacity for analysis and synthesis with an appropriate degree of rigor.
III. Communication Skills In addition to the College Writing Seminar, students will take at least four "C" courses (minimum 12 credits), two of which must be writing-based and two of which may be speech-based. Two courses must be in the P.O.E. and at least one of those courses must be at the 300-level or above.
A writing-based (CW) course requires at least 25% of the grade be determined by one or more writing assignments that receive structured feedback on the writing by the instructor.
This structured feedback may take two forms: (1) one or more writing assignments that require rough drafts to be reviewed and commented upon by the instructor; or (2) based on multiple assignments where earlier graded, commented upon assignments are returned to students before later assignments are due. Either option may pertain to an individual or a group of students.
A speech-based (CS) course requires at least 25% of the grade be determined by two or more oral individual or group presentations, and it fulfills two requirements: (1) The course aims to develop rhetorical skills necessary for effective and creative speech in individual, group or public presentation. This may include one or more of the following: speech design and delivery, listening, negotiation, leadership, persuasion, collaboration, or decision making; (2) The course offers students at least two opportunities to demonstrate these skills. Evaluation of the first opportunity guides improvement of the second.
IV. Quantitative Skills To demonstrate quantitative literacy, students have three options: (1) complete a "Q" course; (2) complete a mathematical course (QM) and a statistics course (QS); (3) pass a proficiency exam. Students may use these courses in their POEs.
Q fulfills FISHN distribution except for MA 103 and MA 210.
V. Distribution Students must complete six credits in each of five categories: Fine Arts, International, Social Sciences, Humanities, Natural Sciences. In three of these five areas, at least three credits must have a prerequisite or be numbered at the 300-level or above. Distribution courses may count in a student's POE.
VI. Program of Emphasis The Program of Emphasis (POE) must include 45-63 credits. At least 18 credits must be at the 300-level or above. No more than two courses and a maximum of 15 credits in the POE can be research, internship, or independent study. Degree seeking, one-year international students must have 14-16 Juniata credits in their POEs.
Distinction in the POE To receive distinction in the POE, students must complete a senior experience that integrates several areas of their POE. This requirement can be fulfilled in many ways. Some possibilities might include an original independent creative project that involves significant academic work, such as laboratory research resulting in a significant report; a major paper on a well-defined project; a body of artistic work equivalent to a major exhibition or performance; or field experience (e.g. student teaching and certain internships) culminating in a significant report. The project and number of credits must be approved and evaluated by two faculty members. To achieve distinction in the POE, the project must be judged worthy by the evaluating faculty members, and it must be presented in a forum open to all interested parties, either at Juniata or to an outside audience such as the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR).
The Curriculum Committee shall establish minimum qualifying standards for students wishing to engage in the senior experience. Departments and programs will be free to establish further requirements.
VII. Service Learning (optional) Students who serve in the community may earn one credit per semester, for a maximum total of 4 credits. Students choosing this option must attend bi-weekly reflections sessions exploring connections among their service, coursework and citzenship. Credit is awarded on a pass/fail basis.
STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THAT ALL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS ARE COMPLETED.
Advising
Faculty advisors are an invaluable source of support for students. At the time of enrollment, first-year students are assigned a Freshman Advisor who assists in orienting new students to College academic policies and procedures. By the early part of February of their first year, students choose two faculty advisors: a program advisor to assist specifically with POE and career issues, and a liberal arts or general advisor to assist with general academic issues such as fulfilling graduation requirements. The liberal arts or general advisor teaches in a discipline outside of his or her student advisee's Program of Emphasis. Those students who do not choose a general advisor by the appointed deadline will have one assigned to them. For exploratory students, advisors can help identify potential areas of interest. At any time, students may change advisors, subject to approval of the Registrar, as long as one advisor is from the department most prominently represented in the Program of Emphasis (POE). Students pursuing dual fields of study should select one advisor from each area.
Advising is a crucial form of guidance for all students, especially for those individuals pursuing highly structured academic programs. During summer orientation, incoming freshmen work individually with faculty advisors in their area of academic interest to select and register for fall semester courses. On the first day of classes, first-year students meet with their Freshman Advisors to review course registration and make adjustments as needed.
Initial Program of Emphasis (IN-POE) and Program of Emphasis (POE)
During the spring semester, freshmen meet individually with both their advisors to plan the IN-POE. In the absence of traditional majors, the IN-POE and later the POE serve to guide students in planning their academic programs of emphasis. The process of drafting the IN-POE provides the student with the opportunity to consider his or her academic and career goals, and to identify carefully those courses that will provide the background, skills, and perspective needed to achieve those goals. Students complete the IN-POE prior to selecting courses for the following year, an opportune time to consider these issues and plan coursework. When both advisors are satisfied with the content and course selection of the IN-POE, students submit the document to the Registrar for approval. Failure to submit the IN-POE can result in academic probation.
The IN-POE is valid only until the spring semester of the sophomore year. Prior to selecting courses for the following year, students are asked to complete a more detailed academic plan, the regular POE, using the IN-POE as a guide. In addition to enumerating academic and career objectives, at this point students are asked to sketch out a complete set of courses totaling 45-63 credits, and to explain how each course or set of courses contributes to the overall goals listed. Again, advisor-approved POEs are submitted to the Registrar. Failure to submit a POE in a timely manner will result in a hold for future registration and a late fee of $50.
Between the spring of a student's sophomore year and the fall of his or her senior year, a student may very well change his or her career plans and embark on a new Program of Emphasis. In cases where the newly chosen POE differs significantly from the approved POE, a student must again complete the POE paperwork for the new program. If the new program differs by only a few classes, a minor POE change form may sufficiently update the paperwork.
In the fall of the senior year, students are asked once again to review the POE they have on file. Again, changes can be made either by drafting an entirely new POE or by completing a minor POE change form. In some instances, the POE completed sophomore year will remain accurate and no changes are needed. The final document, due in the Registrar's Office on or prior to preregistration for the spring semester, is considered a contract between the student and the College; students who do not complete the courses they have listed or who do not have a POE on file, are considered to have failed to meet degree requirements and will not graduate. A $50 late fee may be applied.
Academic Support
Juniata students may receive assistance with academic coursework in a number of ways. Through the Office of Academic Support Services, students may receive general academic counseling and study skills guidance on topics such as note taking and exam preparation. The campus-wide peer tutoring system offers individualized or group tutoring assistance with material in a particular course. Similarly, by visiting the Writing Center students may receive individual help on written assignments for any class. Students may take advantage of the Baldridge Reading Program, at additional cost, during the fall or spring semester to improve their reading comprehension and rate.
Peer Tutoring Program
Juniata offers a popular, campus-wide program of peer tutoring. Peer tutoring is available in any offered course to each student who desires additional help with subject material. Before requesting tutoring assistance for a course, students must discuss their academic performance with the course instructor and ask for his or her verbal permission; some faculty would prefer to work with a student during office hours before tutoring begins. In select courses, tutoring is offered in the form of group review sessions, and there are also small group tutoring opportunities in which two or more students work with a peer tutor.
A reasonable amount of tutoring is available at no charge to the student, but the number of hours of tutoring per week may not exceed the amount of time spent in lecture each week (three to fours hours/week would be the maximum).
Request for tutoring is seen as a commitment from the student asking for assistance and is an obligation that requires consideration and motivation. Tutees are expected to arrive at prearranged meetings appropriately prepared and to notify tutors when they are unable to make an appointment. A tutee who fails to show up for prearranged meetings more than two times will have his or her tutoring privileges revoked for the remainder of the semester.
Students/tutees understand that tutoring is a supplement to class preparation, class attendance, and faculty office hours assistance–it is not intended to replace any of these critical academic responsibilities. Students who are motivated to get the most out of tutoring find that the program is very successful for them.
All tutors have faculty recommendation, must make application for the position, and have an interview with the Director of Academic Support Services. In addition, each tutor must attend one hour of training per semester to maintain the program's integrity and to help tutors maximize their tutoring skills.
Student Research and Scholarship
In preparation for graduate work, students are encouraged to engage in independent research projects as part of an independent study or internship or as a member of an upper level research-oriented course. All students conducting research are encouraged to present their work in a public forum such as the annual National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR). Funding for instruments, supplies, and travel is available through application to the Scholarship Committee or the Von Liebig Summer Biomedical Research Scholarship Program. Interested students should contact any of the following Scholarship Committee members: Professors Barlow, Buonaccorsi, Cockett, Reingold, Richardson, and J. Tuten. For more information go to the website address: http://www.juniata.edu/services/srfc/
Students with strong records of academic achievement are encouraged to consider competing for national fellowship awards such as the Rhodes, Fulbright, Goldwater, and Marshall Scholarships, and the Mellon Fellowship. Students with meritorious records are contacted by members of the Scholarship Committee and mentored through the application process. Most applications are due early in the senior year. Interested students should contact a member of the Scholarship Committee.
Academic Policies
Registration and Drop/Add
Normally students preregister for classes on-line midway through the previous semester, but registration changes can be made during the first seven class days of each semester, known as the drop/add period. During this period students may adjust their schedule by adding and/or dropping classes, and latecomers can register for the semester. Students make changes to their schedules with advisors’ approval. Failure to register during the scheduled preregistration may result in a late registration fee of $50.
Normal Course Load
The normal course load for freshmen and upper-class students is 30 semester hours of credit per academic year. Normally students who complete an average of 15 credits per semester graduate in four years. Freshmen often opt to take lighter loads during the first few semesters and heavier loads later. Any course load above 18 credits per semester is considered an overload and will have the overload fee applied to the student's account.
Overload Policy
In special cases, an upper-class student may register for an overload. An overload charge is made for all credit hours attempted above 18 per academic semester. The upper-class student who wishes to take more than 19 hours of credit must have an outstanding academic record, including satisfactory completion of all courses attempted and must obtain by petition the consent of the Student Academic Development Committee. No student may take more than 21 credit hours per semester.
Excluding advanced placement credit, freshmen normally are not permitted to receive credit for more than 34 credit hours that academic year. A freshman may take more than 18 semester hours of credit only during the second semester and must fulfill two special requirements: (a) satisfactory completion of all first semester courses attempted, and (b) approval by advisors and/or other appropriate faculty as determined by the Registrar.
If a student registers for an overload and then withdraws from the College, a refund will be made according to the refund policy explained under Student Finances. No refunds are given for course withdrawal from an overload after the drop/add period. Some courses extend over more than one term. All courses must be completed, however, within one academic year, not including the summer. All special arrangements for programs must be made in the Registrar's Office.
Auditing Courses
Persons who wish to audit classes may make arrangements with the Registrar to attend one or more courses without receiving grades or credit. The decision to audit a course must be made by the end of the drop/add period. The transcript does carry notations of audited courses. Permission of the course instructor is necessary and an auditing fee must be paid in the Business Office. This fee is waived for students enrolled in a regular full-time College program, but occasional academic course fees remain in effect (lab and field trip fees, etc.).
Repeating Courses
Students who wish to repeat courses for which they have already received credit must obtain the permission of the Registrar. Although credit may not be granted twice for a particular course, in cases where a course is repeated both grades will be used to calculate final grade point average.
Independent Study and Credit by Examination
A student may wish to pursue studies not listed as course offerings. In such a case, independent study may be appropriate. Requests for independent study are handled by the Curriculum Committee through the Registrar's Office.
Students applying for an Independent Study must make arrangements with a faculty member and register for the course (using forms available in the Registrar's Office and on the Registrar's website) two weeks prior to the semester in which the credit will be earned. The instructor will designate a syllabus, text, or other materials required and will submit to the Registrar an explanation of course requirements (i.e., examinations, papers, and faculty-student conferences). A student may enroll for no more than two Independent Studies in a semester. An Independent Study is considered an upper level course; no more than two Independent Studies are permitted in a POE.
Independent Studies will not carry any FISHN or SKILLS distribution unless petitioned to the Registrar's Office and/or the Curriculum Committee.
Students may be given credit for some courses without participation in class meetings but by meeting all other requirements of the courses. To determine if a course is available for Credit by Examination (CBE), the student should consult the faculty member who is currently teaching the course. If the course is not currently offered a faculty member who has taught the course at least once in the last three years may conduct the course on a CBE basis. A course may be offered CBE only to full-time Juniata students. CBE is intended to be used as an option when scheduling conflicts prevent a student from scheduling a course required for graduation, which will not be available in any other semester prior to their graduation and cannot be fulfilled by any other course. The decision to offer a course CBE rests solely with the faculty member responsible for the course, since not all courses lend themselves to Credit by Examination (e.g., courses dependent on discussions and field trips and laboratory courses). The faculty member currently responsible for a course is NOT obligated to offer the course CBE in a given semester, as each faculty member must consider their own previously scheduled work load. The deadline for CBE registration is the end of the drop/add period during the semester in which the course is to be taken. Independent Study and CBE courses are considered part of the normal load of a student and, if taken as an overload, are subject to the usual overload fee.
During the Summer Session, a student may register for one Independent Study, Credit by Examination, or Tutorial if enrolling concurrently in one regularly offered course.
All forms can be found here: http://www.juniata.edu/services/registrar/forms/
Summer Sessions
Juniata conducts a Summer Session program designed for a wide variety of students. The course offerings are a subset of those offered during the regular year and are similarly rigorous. During Summer Session, the normal class load is three to six semester hours per four-week term.
Student Classification
A student's class is determined by the number of semester hours completed in accordance with the following:
- Freshman up to 23.99 credit hours
- Sophomore 24 up to 53.99 credit hours
- Junior 54 up to 86.99 credit hours
- Senior 87 and above credit hours
Full-time Status
A student is regarded as full-time if he or she registers for 12 or more hours of credit in each academic semester. A student who in the course of the semester considers dropping his or her credit load below 12 credit hours should confer with advisors and/or Student Financial Planning to discuss the consequences of this action.
Transfer Credit
Transfer credit is granted only for academically-valid courses in which the student earns a grade of C- or higher. Transfer credit is granted in the form of a comparable course, distribution credit, or elective credit. Credit is only awarded for courses taken at a similarly accredited institution. Students who take courses at schools without a similar regional accreditation must provide syllabi for all courses for individual evaluation by the Registrar's office and departmental review. If the course is too focused or outside our curriculum delivery, no credit will be granted.
Current students wishing to transfer credit back to Juniata must obtain pre-approval by completing a “Request for Clearance of Transfer Credit” form available in the Registrar's Office. On this form, the appropriate department chair will note the comparable Juniata course(s) (consulting as needed with the most recent instructor of the comparable course), and the student's advisors will indicate approval. For courses not deemed comparable with a Juniata offering, decisions will be made by the Registrar with advice from the appropriate department and the Student Academic Development Committee as appropriate. It is the student's responsibility to obtain information about the course and present this information to advisors and the department chair(s).
Students who enter Juniata with fewer than 24 credit hours may apply no more than 15 transfer credits toward a Juniata degree after their initial entry. No more than eight of these 15 credits can be included in the POE. Students who enter Juniata with 24 or more credit hours may transfer credit according to the following chart.
# of credits awarded upon entry |
total # transfer credits allowed after entry |
# transfer credits allowed in POE after entry |
|---|---|---|
0 - 23.99 |
15 |
8 |
24 - 53.99 |
9 |
4 |
54 - 86.99 |
6 |
0 |
87 or more |
0 |
0 |
Exceptions may be made for students participating in cooperative programs, study abroad programs, and other Juniata-approved programs. Students who have earned an associate degree elsewhere are awarded credit as indicated in the Admission section of this catalog.
Residency Policy
Students are allowed to transfer credits during their last semester within the provisions of the transfer policy. However, 30 of the last 36 credits must be taken in residence. There are degree requirements that are unique to Juniata and may not be completed elsewhere. Students participating in cooperative programs, study abroad programs, and other Juniata-approved programs are considered to be in residence.
Advanced Placement Credit
Juniata encourages students to pursue additional credits through the Advanced Placement process. Incoming freshmen with scores of 4 or 5 on an Advanced Placement test may be offered Juniata credits. Selected Advanced Placement tests have been designated by the appropriate academic programs as equivalent to one or more Juniata courses. If the student accepts Advanced Placement credit for such a test, the student is then exempt from taking the equivalent course(s) and in fact may not take the course(s) for additional credit. If an Advanced Placement test is not designated equivalent to a Juniata course or courses, general credits in the appropriate division (Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities) may still be offered.
Test scores arrive at the end of July and are reviewed by the Registrar's Office. During the first week of school, students will receive a letter in their campus mailboxes with a form that directs them to department chairpersons for discussions about whether they will accept their AP test scores for college credit and/or direct course equivalency. Such meetings should preferably happen during the drop/add period (the first 7 class days of the semester).
A student who receives a sufficient number of Advanced Placement credits will be granted sophomore status.
To have scores sent to Juniata: Go to www.collegeboard.org or call 1-877-274-6477
Foreign Language Placement
In foreign languages, students are placed at the appropriate college level based on their years of high school language or a placement exam. If a student decides to decline the evaluated level assigned and prefer to take the introductory course, students will be advised that they can not count the course type of H or I for their FISHN requirements. It will be counted as basic general elective credit.
When students enroll in world language courses and plan to study for a semester in the target language and culture, students can have both requirements of IC/CA waived if they take one course beyond WL 210 in the target language.
International Baccalaureate
International Baccalaureate Diploma recipients are granted credit for one full year (30 credits) toward a degree at Juniata. Students who have an IB Diploma normally enter the College with sophomore standing. IB certificate recipients receive course credit for each examination passed with a score of 5 or higher. To receive this credit the student will meet with the appropriate department chair or designee to consider the advantage or disadvantage of accepting credit. IB credits may be counted toward degree requirements.
Academic Integrity
All members of the Juniata community share responsibility for establishing and maintaining appropriate standards of academic honesty and integrity. Students oblige themselves to follow these standards and to encourage others to do so. Faculty members also have an obligation to comply with the principles and procedures of academic honesty and integrity. Academically dishonest acts include cheating, fabrication and falsification, multiple submission, plagiarism, unacceptable use of College computing systems or of electronic technology, abuse of materials, and complicity in academic dishonesty.
All offenses are reported to the Assistant Provost and all confirmed violations of the policy are kept on file for a minimum of five years or until the student is separated from the College, whichever is longer. If a student is accused a second time, the case is automatically referred to the Judicial Board. Penalties may include, but are not limited to, the following: a formal warning; a reduced grade for the assignment; a reduced grade for the course; suspension from the College; dismissal from the College.
A more complete description of the College's policy on academic integrity and the procedures followed during a hearing of the Judicial Board can be found in the Pathfinder on the Juniata College webpage under Student Life.
Leave of Absence
Students who want to pursue a program of study at another institution, engage in other off-campus educational experiences, and/or address personal issues without severing their connection with Juniata may request a leave of absence. A leave of absence is granted only with written approval from the Dean of Students Office in consultation with the Registrar. A student requesting a leave of absence must be in good academic standing. Absent extraordinary circumstances, a leave of absence will not exceed one-year.
Any student who plans to take a leave of absence should consult the Registrar, Student Financial Planning, and The Dean of Students Office.
Voluntary Medical Leave of Absence:
When a student's health impedes normal academic progress and/or a situation requires a student to leave the College for one or more weeks, the student may seek a voluntary medical leave of absence. A medical leave of absence is granted through the Dean of Students Office in consultation with the Registrar. The student will be required to submit supporting documentation from his or her medical/health care provider to substantiate the need for the leave. A student on a medical leave of absence will be required to submit documentation from his or her medical/health care provider attesting to the student's ability to return from the leave of absence (and outlining any reasonable accommodations, if applicable) prior to expiration of the leave of absence.
Upon receiving notification of an approved medical leave of absence, the Registrar will enter a "W" grade for all registered but not completed courses in the current semester. "W" grades are not calculated into the student's cumulative GPA, but may impact progress towards the degree standards. A student who is granted a medical leave of absence may still have financial obligations to the college. The student should consult with Accounting Services and Student Financial Planning to clarify any outstanding financial obligations.
Involuntary Medical Leave of Absence:
A student may be required to take an involuntary medical leave of absence in situations where the student is a threat to his own health and safety or the health and safety of others, or where the student's illness or behavior interferes with the academic pursuits of the student or others or interferes with the regular activities of the College community. The student will be notified by the Dean of Students of the reasons for the involuntary leave and any conditions for the student's return. The student will be required to submit documentation from the student's medical/health care provider attesting to the student's ability to return from such a leave (and outlining any reasonable accommodations, if applicable). Supporting documentation, along with the student's written request to return to the College, must be received by the Dean of Students at least 30 days prior to the first day of the semester in which the student wishes to return. This is designed to provide the College with sufficient time to evaluate the documentation and the student's request to return as well as to ensure that the student no longer presents any potential threat.
A student on an Involuntary Medical Leave of Absence will receive a "W" grade for all registered but not completed courses in the current semester. "W" grades are not calculated into the student's cumulative GPA and will not be reviewed for academic progress. Financial obligations to the College will be pro-rated based upon the date of involuntary medical leave.
Military Leave of Absence:
A student who receives orders to report for active military duty should contact the Dean of Students Office. The student should be prepared to present a copy of military orders (if timing does not permit an initial presentation of military orders, the student may begin the leave process by submitting, in writing, a personally signed request indicating times and dates of intended call-up). However, when available, a copy of the military orders must be provided in order for the leave process to be completed and any financial reimbursements made.
The Dean of Student Office will notify the Registrar's Office, Accounting Services, Student Financial Planning Office and if appropriate the Office of Residential Life to expedite the military leave of absence process. The Registrar will enter a grade of "W" for all registered but not completed courses in the current semester. If the leave occurs late in the semester, the student may arrange for a final graded evaluation of his/her course work or take Incompletes for all remaining coursework. The Registrar will add the notation of "Military Leave of Absence" to the student's transcript.
The Student Financial Planning Office will provide information on the status of the student's financial aid, including information on deferring any loan payments.
The College will refund complete tuition payments to a student who processes a military leave of absence for the current semester. Room and board charges will be prorated based upon the date of the military leave of absence (No refunds can be made until the College has received a copy of the military orders calling the student to active duty).
Upon completion of active military duty, the student will be automatically readmitted to the College by notifying the Registrar's Office in writing of his/her intent to resume academic study at Juniata . All rights, privileges, academic status and rank are resumed at the same level as prior to the Military Leave of Absence.
Medical Withdrawal:
A student may make a request for a medical withdrawal from a course, or withdrawal for other extraordinary circumstances, through the Dean of Students Office or the Student Academic Development Committee. A request for a medical withdrawal must be accompanied by supporting documentation from the student's medical/health care provider.
Upon receiving notification of an approved medical withdrawal, the Registrar will enter a grade of "W" which will not be calculated in the student's cumulative GPA. Medical withdrawals may impact College progress- towards-the-degree standards. Students are encouraged to discuss these implications with family, faculty advisors and counselors from Financial Planning or the Dean of Students Office.
Withdrawal from College:
If a student is considering withdrawing from the College, an appointment should be arranged through the Dean of Students Office. A decision to withdraw from the College may have broad implications including as to the student's financial aid. A student should meet with the Dean of Students Office to discuss withdrawal procedures and to complete the appropriate clearance forms.
If a student withdraws from the College during a semester, the Registrar will enter a grade of "W" for all registered but not completed courses. "W" grades are not calculated in the student's cumulative GPA, but may have other ramifications. Students who withdraw during a semester may still have financial obligations to the College. Students are encouraged to discuss these matters with family, faculty advisors and counselors from Financial Planning and the Dean of Students Office.
Principles of a Liberal Arts Lifestyle:
As a community, Juniata is dedicated to providing an academically rigorous and personally enriching liberal arts education. Students have a responsibility to expand and fulfill their lifestyles to embrace the opportunities that lead to well-rounded citizenship.
The Student Government of Juniata College, as servant of the students, approves the following principles of a liberal arts lifestyle, and believes that these principles serve as the vehicle to successful life experiences.
A Juniata student who fully engages in a liberal arts lifestyle:
• Recognizes the value of being a citizen of the world in an increasingly global and diverse community.
• Seeks opportunities to serve in activities that enrich communities and give back to humanity.
• Builds meaningful and lasting relationships with academic peers, faculty, staff, and future colleagues.
• Regards healthy lifestyle choices as the keystone to success.
• Embodies a spirit of sustainability through awareness of finite resources.
• Realizes that learning is a lifelong process encompassing many disciplines.
• Questions the assumptions and truths presented in life, as embodied in Juniata’s maxim “Veritas Liberat.”
• Understands that integrity and honesty in all of life’s pursuits are virtues unto themselves.
• Assumes responsibility for choices made
Approved by Juniata College Student Government, April 14, 2006
Academic Records
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974
FERPA (otherwise known as The Buckley Amendment)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), commonly referred to as the Buckley Amendment, provides college students with certain rights relative to access and release of records that are personally identifiable. Juniata College’s policy and procedures relating to the amendment are outlined below:
Student Records
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Records that can be reviewed by students are maintained by the Registrar, the Director of Career Services, the Dean of Students, the Director of Student Financial Planning, and the Controller.
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Students have the right to inspect records listed above by asking for an appointment with the appropriate administrator. Records will be produced within a 45 day period and students have the right to seek the correction of information they consider inaccurate.
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Students have the right to copies of their records.
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Personally identifiable information from these records will not be disclosed to a third party without written consent of the student with the exceptions listed below:
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To other Juniata College administrators and faculty with a legitimate educational need (including faculty advisors and coaches of intercollegiate athletes).
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To accrediting agencies, certain governmental agencies involved in educational research, legal officers presenting a subpoena, and in emergencies to protect the health and safety of the student or others.
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“Directory Information” which includes name, home and local address, home and local phone number, email address, students photo, POE, class level, co-curricular activities, dates of attendance, enrollment status, cumulative credit hours, degrees, honors and awards received. Students may refuse to have the directory information listed above, or some of the categories, released to third parties by submitting a written request to the Dean of Students by the fourth week of any given semester.
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Records of request and disclosure of student records will be maintained by the appropriate administrators. These records will indicate the name of the party making the request, any additional party to whom information may be re-disclosed, and the legitimate interest the party had in obtaining the information. These records are available to students.
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According to the Buckley amendment, students do not have the right to review the following documents which may be in their files:
Confidential letters and statements of recommendation which were placed in a file before January 1, 1975.
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Letters of recommendation that students have waived their right to review.
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Personal notes of faculty members, counselors, and administrators which are written only for the use of the writer.
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Financial records and statements of parents.
Parental Notification
In the interest of promoting better communication regarding students’ academic and personal development, parents of dependent students may opt to receive copies of all correspondences involving violations, charges, actions, awards and citations that are sent from the Dean of Students Office to respective students unless we are asked not to send copies (hard waiver). Revealing such information is permissible under section 4.1 Disclosure of Educational Record Information – 3i, which permits colleges to share educational records or components thereof without the written consent of the student to “parents of a student who have established that student’s status as a dependent” (chapter 5.3).
The Registrar’s Office for academic actions will release grades and send copies of academic actions including academic probation, suspension and dismissal, to parents of dependent students provided there is an acknowledge consent on file from the respective student. If students would like parents to recieve grade reports for the semester, the student must submit a request form each time the grades are to be sent. The form is located in the Registrar's office.
The Student Accounting Services Office will communicate with parents of dependent students about billing for course registration, room and board, and any incidental fees which are the responsibility of a registered Juniata College student.
NOTE: By registering, students are obligated to pay tuition, fees and other charges associated with the registration. Failure to meet these obligations by scheduled due dates, may result in additional costs associated with collection efforts including late fees, collection agency commissions, court costs, and other collection costs that might be incurred.
Transcripts
The Registrar's Office maintains a complete record of a student's academic work. This record is available for inspection by the student and/or the parents of dependent students. For purposes of employment, transfer or further study, the student may request in writing that an official transcript of the record be sent to an individual or institution. Official transcripts are for the use of a third party and bear the College seal. Unofficial transcripts are for personal use by the student and bear no seal.
No transcript of a student's permanent record will be issued without written authorization from the student. No telephone or third-party requests will be honored. Members of the faculty or administration may have access to the records if they have a legitimate interest in and demonstrate a need for the information.
Grade Reports
Grade reports are available to the student through the ARCH at the conclusion of each semester. Students wanting to have a grade report sent to his/her permanent address or another third party must submit the request to the Registrar. The form is located in Founders Hall in the Registrar's Office.
Academic Progress and Grade Reports
The implementation of probationary requirements and the determination of the fulfillment of graduation requirements are duties of the Registrar. Notifciation of any action comes from the Registrar's Office and is sent to the student's parents unless the student sends a letter preventing such notification. Development and interpretation of policies are the function of the Student Academic Development Committee (SAD).
Advisors are notified of all advisees placed on academic probation, suspension or dismissal.
Grades
Grades are awarded according to the following scale.
A - indicates work of the highest excellence, showing a superior grasp of content as well as independent and creative thinking in the subject.
B - signifies unusual achievement wherein the student reveals exceptional insight and ability.
C - is given for satisfactory achievement on the college level where the work in the course has been conscientious and shows no considerable deficiency in either quality or quantity.
D - indicates that the work in the course is below the quality normally expected for college work, but is only marginally so.
F - signifies work which is distinctly unsatisfactory at the college level.
The above grades may be qualified by the use of a plus(+) or a minus(-). For the permanent record, a grade point average (GPA) is compiled and the GPA appears on the transcript. The following equivalents should be used for calculating the GPA:
- A = 4.00
- A- = 3.67
- B+ = 3.33
- B = 3.00
- B- = 2.67
- C+ = 2.33
- C = 2.00
- C- = 1.67
- D+ = 1.33
- D = 1.00
- D- = 0.67
- F = 0.00
- S = Satisfactory
- U = Unsatisfactory
S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory). Performance in a few courses is graded as S or U , but in the majority of courses, the grades listed above are given. Only grades of A(-), B(+,-), C(+,-), D(+,-), and S are given credit toward a degree.
AU (Audits). Performace in audit classes are given a grade of AU. This is given regardless of the students' participation. Audits can not be changed after the drop/add period and it is up to the faculty to determine at what level a student should participate in their class. There is no withdrawal from audit coursework, if a student stops attending, they will still receive an auditing with no grade or credit.
In addition to the regular grade designations, the following irregular grades are used as occasion may demand:
I (incomplete). At the discretion of the faculty member involved, a grade of incomplete may be submitted. This option is to be used sparingly, however, and only when the student has given a satisfactory explanation (such as extended illness or accident) for failure to complete a required piece of work. Otherwise, a student receives an F for a course which is not completed. Simple preference on the part of the student for an extension of time is not regarded as sufficient cause for granting an incomplete. Upon the granting of an incomplete, the student must complete the work within three weeks of the beginning of the next semester of the academic year or an F automatically will be recorded. Any exceptions to this policy must be approved in writing by both the instructor and the Registrar.
WF or WP (withdrawal). A student may withdraw from a course after the Drop/Add period only with the written approval from the course instructor and the student's faculty advisor. A grade of WP or WF will be recorded for any courses that a student withdraws from following the Drop/Add period. A grade of WP will be recorded if the student was passing the course at the time of the withdrawal, while a WF will be recorded if the student was failing the course. WP and WF grades are not calculated into the student's cumulative GPA. Course withdrawals will only be approved, absent extraordinary circumstances, until the scheduled mid-point of the term. For withdrawal after the mid-term date, please consult the course syllabus of the class instructor. The official Mid-Term Date is posted on the Academic Calendar.
Unofficial withdrawals from courses will be recorded as F and will be calculated into the student's cumulative GPA. Withdrawals from class are considered unofficial if the student fails to obtain the required written approvals as outlined above.
Withdrawal from courses may impact financial aid and/or inter-collegiate athletic eligibility. Students are encouraged to discuss these implications with family, faculty advisors, coaches, and counselors from Financial Planning or the Dean of Students Office.
Absent extraordinary circumstances, a student will be permitted a maximum of four course withdrawals at Juniata College during the undergraduate career.
W (withdrawal). If a student withdraws from the College during a semester with the Dean of Students approval , the Registrar will enter a grade of "W" for all registered but not completed courses. "W" grades are not calculated in the student's cumulative GPA, but may have other ramifications. Students who withdraw during a semester may still have financial obligations to the College. Students are encouraged to discuss these matters with family, faculty advisors and counselors from Financial Planning and the Dean of Students Office.
If students withdraw from all classes (withdrawal from the College), they must apply to the Student Academic Development Committee through the Registrar to be readmitted.
Grade Appeals
The assignment of grades for academic work is an important matter which falls within the professional responsibility of each individual faculty member. Grades are determined in such a way as to reflect as accurately as possible student performance according to criteria available to the student and to protect the academic freedom both of the faculty member and the student. There is an inherently subjective element to grading, but it does not follow from this that grading is done in an arbitrary fashion.
A student may dispute a grade given in or for a course. When this occurs, the student should follow the appeal procedure outlined below. The faculty member issuing the grade has final authority and responsibility for determining that grade.
- Within two weeks of the time the questioned grade is received, the student should talk to the faculty member who assigned the grade and attempt to resolve the issue.
- If the course is team taught and no resolution is achieved, the student may request, where course policy permits, a second faculty opinion from another section leader in the course selected by the director of the course. If this is permissible and the opinion of the second leader differs from the opinion of the first in the disputed grade, the course syllabus or past practice in the course should specify how these different opinions are resolved. Where there are recognized past practices, these should be included in the course syllabus.
- If no resolution of the grade dispute is achieved after steps 1 or 2, the student should discuss the matter with the department chairperson or course director. In this case, the function of the chairperson or director is to attempt to determine the relevant facts and mediate the disagreement.
- If no resolution is achieved at step 3, the matter may be referred by the student or the faculty member to the Provost, whose function it is to mediate the disagreement. The Provost will confer privately with the faculty member and the student and may call additional witnesses. Following this process, the faculty member communicates to the student the final decision. This step is the final step in the appeal process.
- It is expected that a final decision will be made within four weeks of the time the questioned grade is received. All parties are requested to adhere to the deadlines.
Academic Standards of Progress
The maintenance of good academic standing requires students to meet several standards.
Any student whose semester or cumulative grade point average at any time falls below 1.00 may be academically dismissed. Any student whose semester grade point average falls below 1.66 at any time will be placed automatically on academic probation. In addition, any student whose cumulative average falls below those in the following table will be placed on academic probation. In addition to meeting the grade point average requirements, students must show appropriate progress toward degree completion. Full-time students must successfully complete 24 academic credits prior to the beginning of the third semester; 48 academic credits prior to the beginning of the fifth semester; and 72 academic credits prior to the beginning of the seventh semester. Any student failing to meet these standards is placed on Academic Probation and is required to complete 12 credits in the subsequent semester. Failure to complete 12 credits (in the subsequent semester) results in suspension or dismissal. A second failure to meet these standards of progress will result in suspension or dismissal. Students have the right to appeal suspension and dismissal.
Credit Hours Attempted Grade Point Average
- 0 - 35.99 1.66
- 36 - 61.99 1.80
- 62 - 89.99 1.95
- 90 or more 2.00
Students on Academic Probation will be evaluated at mid-term to determine adherence to Academic Probation contracts. Students failing to meet requirements of Academic Probation contracts may be suspended or dismissed at mid-semester. Students have the right to appeal suspension and dismissal. Students on probation must achieve good standing in the next semester or face suspension or dismissal. In addition, any student who accumulates three semesters of probation will be suspended or dismissed. Also, any student on academic probation will be counseled regarding possible limitation or curtailment of his or her participation in co-curricular and/or employment activities. Students who have not satisfactorily completed the College Writing Seminar course by the end of the sophomore year are automatically dismissed. Academic Standards of Progress are established by the faculty and monitored by the Student Academic Development Committee in conjunction with the Registrar.
The implementation of probationary requirements and the determination of the fulfillment of graduation requirements are duties of the Registrar. Notification of any actions comes from that office and are sent to a student's parents unless the student signs a form preventing such notification. Development and interpretation of policies are the function of the Student Academic Development Committee.
Dean's List
At the end of each semester, the Provost announces the Dean's List. Matriculated students are named to the Dean's List when:
1) they have taken at least 12 graded credits,
2) they achieve an average of 3.60 or better, and
3) they have no unsatisfactory grades.
A notation of Dean's List achievement appears on the transcript.
Juniata students studying abroad will not be eligible for the Dean's List. Students who are partner degree visiting students and visiting non degree students are also not eligible for this notation.
Graduation Honors
Honors are conferred at commencement ceremonies according to the following grade point average scale:
- summa cum laude 3.90-4.0
- magna cum laude 3.75-3.89
- cum laude 3.60-3.74
Students who are partner degree visiting students are not eligible for graduation honors.
Honor Societies
The Juniata College Honor Society is a group of junior and senior students elected on the basis of outstanding academic achievement and leadership ability. Other honor and honorary societies on campus also recognize students for their accomplishments: Alpha Phi Sigma (criminal justice), Beta Beta Beta (biology), Lambda Pi Eta (speech communication), The Masque (theatre), Omicron Delta Kappa (leadership), Phi Alpha (social work), Phi Alpha Theta (history), Pi Lambda Theta (education), Pi Sigma Alpha (politics), Psi Chi (psychology), Rho Epsilon Chapter of Gamma Sigma Epsilon (chemistry), Sigma Gamma Epsilon (geology), Sigma Iota Rho (international studies), Sigma Pi Sigma (physics), Sigma Tau Delta (english) and Tau Pi Phi (accounting, business and economics).
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