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As a Jesuit, Catholic university, integrity and honesty are integral components of Loyola’s core values. This commitment to integrity and honesty is manifested in an atmosphere of open, civil discourse and careful, respectful listening where freedom of thought and expression are valued and protected. The College also supports honesty and integrity by striving in various ways to foster respect for oneself and one’s own work, as well as respect for others, their work, and their basic human rights.
Loyola College is dedicated not only to learning and the advancement of knowledge, but also to the development of ethically sensitive, socially responsible persons. The College seeks to accomplish these goals through a sound educational program and encourages maturity, independence, and appropriate conduct among students and faculty within the College community. It is the responsibility of faculty and students alike to maintain the academic integrity of Loyola College in all respects.
Faculty members are responsible for presenting syllabi with information about all coursework, including projects, examinations, and other assignments. At the first class meeting, faculty members should remind students of the standards of behavior and conduct to which students are expected to adhere.
Students at Loyola are citizens of an academic community that conducts itself according to an academic code of honor, following the Jesuit ideals of cura personalis and keeping within the school motto, “Strong Truths Well Lived.”
All students of the Loyola College community have been equally entrusted by their peers to conduct themselves honestly on all academic assignments. The College’s goal is to foster a trusting atmosphere that is ideal for learning. In order to achieve this goal, every student must be actively committed to this pursuit and its responsibilities. Thus, all students have the right, as well as the duty, to expect honest work from their colleagues. From this, students will benefit and learn from the caring relationships that the Loyola community trustfully embodies.
All registered students of Loyola College in Maryland are bound to uphold the principles of academic integrity, and students are expected to understand the meaning and standards of academic integrity. Violations of academic integrity at Loyola include, but are not limited to, the following offenses as defined below: cheating, stealing, lying, forgery, and plagiarism. Ignorance of any of these offenses is not a valid reason for committing an act of academic dishonesty.
Cheating: The use of unauthorized assistance or material, or the giving or sharing of unauthorized assistance or material in carrying out an academic assignment or examination. An academic assignment includes all homework, projects, quizzes, and tests assigned by the instructor. Students also will be expected to follow the rules and regulations identified by a course instructor as presented on the course syllabus. The use of papers produced by another individual or furnished by a service (whether a fee is paid or not and whether the student uses some or all of the paper) is a violation of academic integrity at Loyola.
Stealing: The taking or appropriation of another’s property, ideas, etc., (related to an academic matter) without permission.
Lying: A false statement (in an academic matter) made with the conscious intent to mislead others.
Forgery: The intent to mislead others by falsifying a signature (electronic or written) or other writing in an academic matter (e.g., course registration, medical excuse, etc.).
Plagiarism: “The act of appropriating the literary composition of another, or parts, or passages of his or her writing of ideas, or the language of the same, and passing them off as the product of one’s own mind” (Black’s Law Dictionary, 5th Edition). Students are expected to cite properly any material from a published or unpublished source, including material available on the Internet, making proper use of quotation marks. Although academic disciplines may differ in the manner in which sources are cited, some principles apply across disciplines. In general, any ideas, words, or phrases that appear in another source must be acknowledged at the point at which they are used in a student’s work. The Loyola/ Notre Dame Library website (www.loyola.edu/library) contains citation information, including APA and MLA citation guides. More detailed citation information may be found in departmental or program handbooks. Students should consult with their instructors about specific citation questions.
If the instructor believes that a student has committed a violation of academic integrity, the instructor shall meet with the student to review the evidence and the facts of the case. Whenever possible, this meeting should occur within 10 working days after the instructor becomes aware of a possible violation. The instructor considers any information provided by the student and determines whether a violation has occurred. If the instructor determines that a violation has occurred, the instructor determines the sanction and informs the student in writing of the decision and penalty, as appropriate. Normally, this notification occurs no later than 10 working days after the instructor meets with the student. The range of sanctions available for academic dishonesty includes resubmission of the assignment, a lower grade on the assignment, failure on the assignment, failure in the course, suspension, or dismissal from the program. If the course grade is F, then the student is automatically dismissed from the program.
If the student does not accept the decision of the instructor, the student asks the instructor, in writing, to prepare a written charge with the essential facts (the "Charge") for the department chair. For students enrolled in Liberal Studies or MBA programs, the instructor prepares the Charge for the appropriate academic program director. For students in all other programs, the instructor prepares the Charge for the appropriate department chair. The student must make this request no later than 10 working days after being informed of the instructor's decision. The instructor must submit the Charge to the chair or director, with a copy to the student, no later than 10 working days of receiving the request. The Charge should contain all relevant information pertaining to the case. Within 10 working days of receiving a copy of the Charge, the student may submit relevant information, in writing, to the chair or director.
Within 10 working days of receiving the Charge, the chair or director contacts the Chair of the Graduate Academic Standards Committee, who appoints a three-person Review Panel selected from members of the Committee. The Panel reviews files related to the case and meets with the student, chair or academic program director, and others whom the Panel deems to have relevant information. Third parties (such as lawyers, advisors, and family members) are not permitted to attend Panel meetings, which are audio recorded. The Panel makes a written recommendation to the chair or director within 10 working days from the date of the Panel’s last meeting.
If the Panel’s recommendation involves the course grade, the chair or director forwards the recommendation to the instructor for consideration. The instructor has the final decision about the course grade, subject to the grade appeal process. However, if the Panel finds that the student did not commit a violation of academic dishonesty, the instructor may not penalize the student for academic dishonesty in assigning the grade. If the Panel recommends dismissal, the chair or director makes a decision and informs the student in writing; this notification should occur no later than 10 working days after the chair or director receives the Panel’s recommendation. If the student is dismissed from the program, the student may appeal to the appropriate academic Dean on procedural grounds only.
If a student brings evidence or expresses concern about the academic integrity of a fellow student to the instructor, the instructor meets with the reporting student to determine if there is sufficient evidence to explore the matter further. If the instructor, after examining the evidence and speaking with the appropriate parties, determines that a violation has likely occurred, then the instructor follows the steps above.
If a student brings evidence or expresses concern to the chair or director about the academic integrity of a fellow student in a particular course, the chair or director meets with the reporting student to determine if there is sufficient evidence to explore the matter further. If there seems to be such evidence, the chair or director meets with the appropriate instructor. If the instructor determines there is sufficient information for further investigation, then the instructor follows the steps above.
If a student brings evidence or expresses concern to the chair or director about the academic integrity of a fellow student beyond a particular course, such as comprehensive examinations, the chair or director meets with the reporting student to determine if there is sufficient evidence to explore the matter further. If there seems to be such evidence and the chair or director is not the director of the student’s particular program, the chair or director meets with that academic program director. If the director determines there is sufficient information for further investigation, then the director follows the steps above, taking the place of the instructor.
At the discretion of the chair or the director, the above timeline may be extended.
As a Catholic university in the Jesuit tradition, Loyola strives to nurture the formation of “men and women for others” and to provide an atmosphere of cura personalis, care for the whole person, so that each individual can realize his or her full potential. All members of the Loyola community have the right to be treated with courtesy and respect. In this spirit, Loyola espouses the highest ethical standards and expects students, faculty, administrators, and staff to conduct themselves in a manner that upholds these principles. There are several general areas in which these Standards of Conduct apply: official College-wide policies, legal regulations, specialized professional codes of ethics, and generally acceptable standards of personal conduct.
Loyola College places in highest regard the establishment and maintenance of a campus environment of interpersonal care and personal responsibility. Only when such a community exists can the College fulfill its goal to ensure the intellectual, ethical, social, and spiritual development and growth of its students. Honesty, integrity, and taking responsibility for the welfare of self and others are characteristics of such a community. Loyola, therefore, sets high expectations of its students, as well as members of its faculty, administration, and staff, for conduct that supports the maintenance of a caring community. Students are expected to conduct themselves in such a manner as to ensure the health and welfare of all members of the College community.
To these ends, students are expected to conform to all policies and regulations of the College. These include officially adopted policies such as the Harassment and Discrimination Policy and Procedures, Employee Grievance Policy and Hearings Procedures, Policy on Consensual Relationships, Loyola College Alcohol Policies and Procedures, and Ethical Use of Technology Policy as well as policies on academic integrity and regulations concerning parking and the use of the Loyola-Notre Dame Library. Copies of these documents are accessible on-line, www.loyola.edu/academics/academicaffairs/gradprgms. Many of these policies specify procedures for handling alleged violations.
Some graduate programs require students to participate in an international field study or other study abroad experience. When involved in international programs, students should remember that each country has distinct laws, regulations, and acceptable standards of conduct. Loyola’s graduate students, as representatives of the College, are expected to abide by local standards for conduct, dress, speech, and social behavior. Graduate students should not violate local standards or laws, and should not engage in behaviors that damage the reputation of international study programs or Loyola College.
Students must abide by federal, state, and local laws. A student who is accused of a crime may be required by the appropriate Dean to take a leave of absence until the matter is resolved. Upon resolution of the matter by federal, state, or local authorities, the appropriate Dean will forward the case to the appropriate body for determination of the student’s status, which may include dismissal from the College.
Graduate programs that have as their mission training students for a service profession include professional comportment as a requirement for students, in addition to academic performance and integrity. These departments have a process that allows for assessment of professional behavior and recommendation of remedial interventions. Such remedial recommendations or requirements may include personal counseling, additional supervision, additional coursework, or other assignments deemed useful for professional development. On occasion, students are unable to meet standards following remedial efforts or refuse to accept recommendations for remediation. In these cases, the departmental committee may recommend dismissal from the program. In addition, if the departmental committee finds substantial evidence of personal or professional difficulties, the Committee may recommend suspension (during which time the student may not take academic courses, clinical placement, or research work, or be in any other way connected with the College) with a required program of remediation or dismissal from the program. The student may appeal to the Graduate Academic Standards Committee. The student must file the appeal within five working days of receiving the decision of the department. The only grounds for appeal are procedural. The Graduate Academic Standard's Committee's decision is final.
Any member of the College community who observes a violation of the standards of conduct for graduate students should bring it to the attention of the appropriate Dean, or his or her designee. Upon receiving information about a possible violation, the Dean, or his or her designee, investigates whether there is sufficient evidence to explore the matter further. If there seems to be such evidence, the Dean, or his or her designee, notifies the student in writing of the alleged misconduct. The student may submit written information related to the allegation to the Dean, or his or her designee, and may also request a meeting with the Dean, or his or her designee. If the Dean, or his or her designee, determines that a violation of the standards of conduct for graduate students has likely occurred, the Dean, or his or her designee, forwards the file to the appropriate body for further consideration. For alleged violations of College-wide policies, such as harassment, the Dean, or his or her designee, follows the procedures as specified in the particular policy document. If the allegation concerns misconduct related to clinical work, the Dean, or his or her designee, refers the matter to the appropriate department chair who follows the procedures set forth in the appropriate program handbook. In all other cases, the Dean, or his or her designee, refers the matter to the College Judicial Process.
If the matter is referred to the College Judicial Process, then Vice-President for Student Development, or his or her designee, appoints an Administrative Panel, drawn from faculty and administrators. The Panel hears the case, according to established procedures, and makes a decision about responsibility. If the student is found responsible, the Panel also determines the sanction. The Panel sends a written copy of the decision and sanction, if any, to the student. If the student is found responsible, the student may appeal to the College Board on Discipline. The student must file the appeal within five working days of receiving the Administrative Panel’s decision. The only grounds for appeal are procedural. The appeal is heard by a Review Panel, drawn from members of the College Board on Discipline. The Review Panel hears the case and informs the student in writing of its decision. The Review Panel’s decision is final.
Warnings, suspensions, and dismissals are possible penalties for violations of College regulations and standards of personal conduct. Suspension and dismissal are normally the only actions that are recorded on the student's permanent record.
A student may be separated from the College if it is determined that the student is suffering from a psychological or medical disorder, and as a result of the disorder engages in or threatens to engage in, or is likely to engage in, behavior that poses a danger to self or others; behavior that directly and substantially interferes with the lawful activities of others; behavior that results in the student’s inability to pursue academic work; or if the student is in need of treatment beyond what is available at the College.
Loyola College has a commitment to protect the confidentiality of student records. The College makes every effort to release information only to those individuals who have established a legitimate educational need for the information. Documents submitted to the College by the student or other authorized person or agency for the purpose of admission to the College become the property of Loyola College and cannot be released (originals or copies) to another party by request.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights include:
The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the College receives a request for access. Students should submit to the registrar, dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official, written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The College official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the College official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the student believes is inaccurate. Students may ask the College to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate. They should write the College official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate. If the College decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the College will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the College has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.
A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by State College to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605
FERPA requires that Loyola College, with certain exceptions, obtain the student's written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from the student's education records. However, Loyola College may disclose appropriately designated "directory information" without written consent, unless the student has advised the College to the contrary in accordance with College procedures. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the College to include this type of information from the student's education records in certain institutional publications. Examples include the annual yearbook, Dean's List or other recognition lists, graduation programs; and directory information. Directory information is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a student’s prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks.
Loyola College considers the following information to be directory information which can be released without the written consent of the student: name; photo; home, dorm, local, and e-mail address; home, dorm, local phone number; voice mailbox; class year; enrollment status; participation in officially recognized activities and sports; and weight and height of members of athletic teams. Every student has the right to file a written request with the College (Records Office) to restrict the listing of directory information in the printed and electronic address directory. If a student does not want Loyola College to disclose directory information from the student's education records without the student's prior written consent, the student must notify the College annually, in writing, within the first week of classes: Records Office, 4501 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21210-2699.
The College may disclose educational records to the parents of a dependent student, as defined in Title 26 USCSS 152 of the Internal Revenue Code. Proof of dependency must be on record with the College or provided to the office responsible for maintaining records prior to disclosure of the records.
Background checks may be required for participation in some programs. Where applicable, further information can be found in the program description within the department chapter of this catalogue.
Applicants who meet the entrance standards of the program for which they are applying are usually admitted as degree candidates; however, students with provisional or probationary status have certain administrative conditions attached to their acceptances. All specified requirements must be met before final acceptance as a degree candidate is granted. Students with provisional or probationary status who do not comply with the conditions of their acceptance will not be permitted to register for subsequent terms.
Graduate students who take courses at the College which count toward a graduate degree at another institution are visiting students. These students must submit an authorization letter from the dean of the degree-granting institution indicating that the student is in good academic standing and outlining the specific courses to be taken at Loyola College. Visiting students in the Sellinger School of Business and Management must meet the same admission and prerequisite requirements as degree-seeking students. Visiting students are ineligible for a degree from Loyola College.
Visiting students must submit an application along with the authorization letter. The usual tuition, special course fees, and a $25 registration fee are charged each semester. Visiting students are ineligible for financial aid from Loyola College.
Special students are those who have a graduate degree and wish to enroll in graduate courses without pursuing a graduate degree or certificate at Loyola College. To become a special student, an individual must submit an application, application fee, the college transcript which verifies receipt of the college degree, and if applicable, meet departmental graduate admission standards.
Post-baccalaureate students are those who have a bachelor's degree and wish to enroll in graduate or undergraduate foundation courses without pursuing a graduate degree at Loyola College. To become a post-baccalaureate student, an individual must submit an application, application fee, the college transcript which verifies receipt of the college degree, and if applicable, meet departmental graduate admission standards.
Individuals with a master's degree may be admitted to the College of Arts and Sciences for the Certificate of Advanced Study (C.A.S.), a 30-credit minimum program beyond a master's degree in the area or related areas in which the master's degree was received. C.A.S. programs are offered in pastoral counseling and psychology.
Individuals with a master's degree may be admitted to the Division of Education for the Certificate of Advanced Study in Education (C.A.S.E.), a 30-credit minimum program beyond a master's degree in the area or related areas in which the master's degree was received. C.A.S.E. programs are offered in educational leadership, curriculum and instruction, literacy, Montessori education, school counseling, and special education.
Individuals with a qualifying master's degree from Loyola College or another accredited institution may take specific courses in pastoral counseling, psychology, or school counseling in order to fulfill pre-licensure requirements or to prepare for examination leading to the Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) credential offered by the Maryland Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors.
Individuals with a master's degree qualify for admission to liberal studies and computer science as non-matriculating students. Individuals with a master's degree in business from Loyola or an AACSB-accredited school may take individual courses under the Master's Plus Program, which do not lead to a degree.
Individuals who do not intend to pursue a graduate degree may take individual courses in education. An undergraduate degree from an accredited institution is required along with program specific application materials.
A full-time student registers for at least nine credits during the fall semester, nine credits during the spring semester, and six credits during the summer sessions. Since instructors' assignments presume an average of 18 hours of study per course week in fall and spring and 24 in the summer, full-time students normally should not be employed for more than 16 hours a week.
Half-time students register for six credits during the fall semester, six credits during the spring semester, and three credits during the summer sessions.
In addition to the specific program application forms for all graduate programs (see Admission chapter under Application Materials), international students are required to submit the following additional documentation:
All applicants who are not native English speakers or who have not completed a degree program taught in English, must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. International applicants are required to submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Loyola College accepts the paper, computer adaptive, and internet-based testing versions. Official TOEFL score reports cannot be more than two years old; Loyola’s institution code is 5370. For additional information, please contact the Educational Testing Service, Box 6155, Princeton, NJ 08541-6155 or visit their website, www.ets.org/toefl.
Official transcripts are required for all graduate programs. Applicants who hold degrees or have earned credits from non-U.S. institutions must have a course-by-course evaluation of their academic records done by a recognized evaluation services agency before they can be considered for admission to a degree program. Loyola recommends World Education Services, Inc. (www.wes.org).
An International Student Supplemental Application must be submitted with the application materials. Applicants can obtain this form on-line by visiting, graduate.loyola.edu (select International Students under Graduate Admission).
Loyola College is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant students who are citizens of countries other than the United States. International applicants to Loyola’s graduate programs who need an F-1 student visa are required to submit documentation in addition to the academic credentials necessary for admission committee review. The following documents are required and all must be received before a Form I-20 can be issued:
Personal statement or statement from benefactor affirming that all expenses will be met during the student’s period of enrollment at Loyola. Expenses include tuition, fees, books, housing, medical, and all other living expenses (in U.S. dollars).
Declaration of Finances Form must be accompanied by a current, original bank statement (in U.S. dollars) verifying that the funds are available to support the student's stay at Loyola. Please obtain this form on-line by visiting, graduate.loyola.edu (select International Students under Graduate Admission).
Copy of official passport.
Proof of health insurance for coverage during the student's program at Loyola College. Health insurance must include emergency evacuation and repatriation insurance.
Tuition payment for the first nine credits. United States currency bank check payable to Loyola College in Maryland.
The $25 registration fee.
Applicants must apply as full-time, degree-seeking students. In order to maintain F-1 non-immigrant student status, accepted applicants must take and successfully maintain nine or more semester hours of graduate work during the fall semester and nine or more semester hours of graduate work in the spring semester. Students must complete the courses with a grade of B (3.000) or better in order to remain in good standing at Loyola College, which is necessary to maintain the F-1 non-immigrant student status.
Once all required documents are received, the information is reviewed and, if approved, Loyola will issue a Form I-20 to the student.
Students must pay a $100 SEVIS processing fee directly to the Department of Homeland Security at least three business days prior to the visa interview at the U.S. Consulate Office in their home country. Students must present a receipt of payment at the time they make application for the student visa at the U.S. Consulate Office and at the port of entry. Canadian students must pay the fee and have evidence of payment prior to arrival at the port of entry.
Students must make an appointment for an interview with the embassy or consulate office in their home country. Visa procedures may differ from one consulate or embassy to another. Before interviewing, check with the office where you plan to apply to determine exactly what additional supporting documentation is required. To obtain detailed information on the embassy or consulate in your area, visit the Department of State website, travel.state.gov. The consulate officer interviews the student and decides to issue or not issue the visa based on the interview, validity of the passport, and other required documents presented during the interview.
A United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Officer examines the student I-20 and visa stamp in the passport at the port of entry and issues the I-94 document. Entry into the country is recorded by the USCIS. Students may not enter the United States more than 30 days prior to the report date on their Form I-20.
Once they arrive in the country, students must physically report to the international student advisor in the Office of International Programs, Maryland Hall 148 (410-617-2910). For new students, International Programs will make copies of the student’s passport and I-94 document. For continuing students, International Programs verifies information in the SEVIS database and makes changes. Student SEVIS registration must be validated every semester the student is enrolled at Loyola College.
A student's performance in a course will be reported by the instructor in accordance with the following grading system:
| A | Excellent. Denotes high achievement and indicates intellectual initiative beyond the objectives of the course. |
| B | Good. Denotes work which meets course objectives and the intellectual command expected of a graduate student. |
| C | Unsatisfactory. Denotes work of inferior quality compared to the objectives of the course. It is the lowest passing grade (see Academic Dismissal). |
| F | Failure. (see Academic Dismissal) |
| I | Incomplete. (see Incomplete Grade) |
| P | Pass. Denotes satisfactory work, a B (3.000) or better, in an ungraded course. |
| S | Satisfactory. Denotes satisfactory work, equivalent to a C (2.000) or better for a course taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. This grade means that course credits will be added to the student's credit total, but this grade has no effect on the student's QPA. |
| U | Unsatisfactory. Denotes unsatisfactory work, equivalent to a C- (1.670) or below, in a course taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. This grade means that course credits have no effect on the student's credit total or QPA. |
| W | Withdrawal. Denotes authorized departure from course without completion. It does not enter into grade point average calculation. |
| NG | No Grade. Denotes grade to be submitted later or a course for which no credit or grade is given. |
| NR | Not Received. Denotes that the grade has not been submitted by the instructor. |
| GL | Grade Later. Denotes the first semester is completed in a two semester course for which a full-year grade is issued. |
| L | Listener. (see Audit Policy) |
| AW | Denotes lack of attendance or completion of course requirements for students registered as a listener (audit). |
Additional suffixes of (+) and (-) may be attached to passing grades to more sharply define the academic achievement of a student. In calculating a student's quality point average (QPA) on a per credit basis, A = 4.000; A- = 3.670; B+ = 3.330; B = 3.000; B- = 2.670; C+ = 2.330; C = 2.000; and F = 0.000. The QPA is computed by multiplying the grade points for each course times the number of credits for that course, summing these points and dividing by total credits taken. Under no circumstances will a student be permitted to graduate unless the QPA is 3.000 or higher. Honors are not awarded in graduate programs.
Courses considered in calculating the QPA are those taken at Loyola College after admission into the program. Courses for which advanced standing or waivers were given are not included. Students may not retake courses for credit. Some departments have additional grade restrictions listed under the Degree Requirements section of each department.
The Records Office mails official grades to the students. Students can access their grades via the Web through the College's administrative intranet system, WebAdvisor. Students must have a User ID and Password (same as Groupwise and Blackboard). No grades are given in person or over the telephone.
Grade information is not available via the Web, nor will grade reports be released for students with outstanding financial obligations to the College or those who have borrowed and not returned equipment and supplies such as library books or athletic equipment.
At the discretion of the course instructor, a temporary grade of I (Incomplete) may be given to a student who is passing a course but for reasons beyond the student's control (illness, injury, or other nonacademic circumstance), is unable to complete the required coursework during the semester. A grade of I should not be issued to allow the student additional time to complete academic requirements of the course (except as noted above), repeat the course, complete extra work, or because of excessive absenteeism or the student's unexcused absence from the final exam.
Arrangements for the grade of I must be made prior to the final examination, or if the course has no final examination, prior to the last class meeting. The responsibility for completing all coursework within the agreed upon time rests with the student.
If the completion date is more than two weeks after the end of the semester, the appropriate Dean's signature will be required. The grade of I may remain on the record no longer than the time period agreed to by the instructor and the student and may not exceed one semester. If the I is not resolved satisfactorily within the agreed upon time period, a grade of F (0.000) will be recorded by the Records Office as the final grade. Students may not graduate with a grade of I in any course on their record.
Any student who has reason to question the accuracy of a grade should request a consultation with the instructor. If a satisfactory solution is not reached, the student should request, in writing, a formal review of the grade with the instructor. This request must be received by the College no later than four months after the grade was issued. The instructor then reports to the student, in writing, the result of the grade review, normally within 30 working days of receipt of the student's request. If the student is still not satisfied, the student should make a request, in writing, within 30 working days of receipt of the instructor's resolution for a conference with the department chair. Students enrolled in liberal studies should make this request to the academic program director instead of the department chair. (In the case when the department chair or program director is also the instructor, a senior member of the department or program chosen by the appropriate Dean will chair the grade appeal conference.) Other parties (such as lawyers, advisors, and family members) are not permitted to attend these meetings. After conferring with the student and the instructor, the chair or director then sends a written recommendation to the instructor and the student.
If the chair or director recommends a change of grade and the instructor does not accept this recommendation, then the chair or director will appoint a two-member faculty panel to resolve the issue. The panel will consult all parties concerned with the case and then vote either for or against the recommendation of the department chair or academic program director. The decision of the panel is final. If the vote of the panel is split, the original grade stands. If the chair or director does not recommend a change of grade, the original grade stands and the student may not appeal further.
If a dismissal involves a grade appeal, then both the dismissal and the grade appeal must be filed within 30 working days of the close of the semester. Normally, grade appeals must be resolved prior to appeals of dismissal. Students who have been academically dismissed and who are in the process of an appeal may not register for future semesters until the appeal is resolved.
Audit status indicates that a student has registered as a listener for the course. An auditing student must meet the same prerequisites and pay the same tuition and fees as a credit student, but attendance and completion of the course assignments are at the option of the student unless otherwise specified by the instructor. Students not completing the requirements stipulated by the instructor will be issued a grade of AW. Enrollment for audit in those courses in which auditing is permitted is on a space-available basis.
A student may change from audit to credit and from credit to audit until the third class of the semester, with permission of the instructor. After that date, change from audit to credit is not permitted. Once a student has audited a course, that course cannot be retaken for credit.
A student may withdraw from a course no later than the date reflected in the academic calendar and receive a grade of W. Failure to comply with the official withdrawal procedure will result in a permanent grade of F (0.000).
To withdraw, a student must submit a Change of Registration Form to the Records Office or to the appropriate department office. A withdrawal from a graduate course is not official until the form has been properly approved and has the appropriate signatures. The student's permanent record will show a grade of W for a withdrawal. The record of any student who has received two or more W grades will be reviewed prior to the student's continuance in the program.
It is the student's responsibility to make certain that the minimum QPA requirement of 3.000, which is a B average, is maintained. Students who fall below this level of achievement will be placed on academic probation for one semester. Failure to raise the cumulative QPA to 3.000 in the following semester will result in dismissal from the program. The receipt of one F (0.000) will result in dismissal from the program. In the College of Arts and Sciences and the Division of Education, the accumulation of two grades of C+ (2.330) or lower will result in dismissal from the program. In the Sellinger School of Business and Management, the accumulation of three grades of C+ (2.330) or lower will result in dismissal from the program. Some departments and programs have additional and/or more stringent academic standards; these are listed in the relevant department or program section of this catalogue. As noted below, dismissal may also result from excessive withdrawals, academic dishonesty, or other unethical or unprofessional conduct reflecting upon a student's ability to enter into the academic or professional field in which the degree is being offered.
A student has the right to appeal an academic dismissal. A written request for appeal must be made within 30 working days after the notice of dismissal. Students enrolled in liberal studies or an MBA program appeal to the appropriate academic program director. Students in all other programs appeal to the appropriate department chair. Within 10 working days of receiving the student’s appeal, the chair or director contacts the chair of the appropriate appeal body. In the College of Arts and Sciences and the Division of Education, the review is conducted by a three-person Review Panel selected from members of the Graduate Academic Standards Committee. In the Sellinger School of Business and Management, the review is conducted by the Admissions and Retention Committee. The appeal body reviews information submitted by the student and meets with student as well as others whom the Panel deems to have relevant information. Third parties (such as lawyers, advisors, and family members) are not permitted to attend these meetings, which are audio recorded. The appeal body informs the student of its decision in writing, with a copy to the chair or director, within 10 working days from the date of the appeal body’s last meeting. The decision of the appeal body is final. At the discretion of the appropriate Dean, the above timeline may be extended.
Every degree program has a time limit to completion. While continuous enrollment is not a requirement of all graduate programs, most part-time programs allow students the flexibility to pursue their degrees on a self-paced calendar based on the availability of courses. This is most true for part-time programs designed for working professionals. Those programs that operate in a cohort format, with a sequenced curriculum (mainly full-time and fast-tracked programs), do require continuous enrollment in order for students to complete the program in the designed timeframe.
If a student in a part-time program fails to register for a course for three consecutive terms (including summer), the student will be withdrawn from the program and must reapply for admission and pay a readmission fee. Readmission is not automatic; readmitted students are subject to any changes made in admission and degree requirements since the date of their first admission.
In the College of Arts and Sciences and the Division of Education, a time limit of five years from the semester in which graduate courses are begun is normally allowed for the completion of coursework. Normally prerequisite courses do not count against the five-year limit. One additional year is permitted for completion of the thesis in areas where a thesis is a requirement. It is expected that a student will complete the thesis within two regular semesters after the one in which presentation is made in Thesis Seminar. Refer to the department for information regarding registration for Thesis Seminar, Thesis Guidance, or Thesis Guidance Continuation.
The Pastoral Counseling Department permits students to complete the Master of Science (M.S.) with a total of 55 credits within seven years. Students pursuing the Master of Arts (M.A.) must complete a total of 39 credits within seven years. Doctoral students are allowed seven years to complete all academic, clinical, and research requirements, including successful completion of the dissertation.
The Psychology Department allows students in the master of science thesis track programs (45 credits) and the master of science practitioner track programs (48 credits) six years to complete all degree requirements. The department allows students seven years to complete all of the requirements for the Psy.D. program, including the dissertation.
The speech-language pathology program has an integrated, two-year schedule.
The Executive MBA has a fixed, two-year schedule, and the MBA Fellows Program has a fixed, 2.5-year schedule. The MBA evening programs require students to complete their degrees within seven years for the full 53-credit MBA; within six years for 38 credits; and within five years for 33 credits (core and electives only). The MSF program must be completed within five years of first enrollment in upper-level (700) courses. MBA and MSF students are expected to have completed 60 percent of their programs within the first four years.
A student requiring a leave of absence must make a request in writing to the department chair or program director and receive written permission for the leave of absence for a specified period of time. The terms under which the student returns are stated in the letter from the department chair or appropriate administrator.
In the Psychology Department, master's students should make this request in writing to the director of the master's program, and doctoral students should write to the director of clinical training. Students are allowed only one leave of absence during the course of their studies. If a student wants an additional leave of absence, that student must go through an appeals committee.
A student who takes an approved leave of absence is not considered to have withdrawn from the school. A leave of absence is approved if:
the student has made a written request for the leave of absence;
the leave of absence does not exceed 180 days;
the school has granted only one leave of absence to the student in any 12-month period; and
the school does not charge the student for the leave of absence.
If a student's leave of absence is not approved, the student is considered to have withdrawn from the school, and the federal refund requirements apply.
These leave of absence requirements also affect a student's in-school status for the purposes of deferring federal student loans. A student on an approved leave of absence is considered to be enrolled at the school and would be eligible for an in-school deferment for his/her federal student loan. A student who takes an unapproved leave of absence or fails to return to school at the end of an approved leave of absence is no longer enrolled at the school and is not eligible for an in-school deferment of his/her loans.
All examinations, tests, and quizzes assigned as a part of a course are the property of Loyola College. Students may review their graded examination, test, or quiz but may not retain possession unless permitted to do so by the instructor.
Advanced standing toward a degree or certificate program may be granted for graduate courses which have been taken in other accredited graduate schools within five years of the date of admission to graduate study at Loyola. The maximum number of credits normally allowed for advanced standing is six (6), and the student must have a grade of at least a B (3.000) in each course under consideration. A written request for advanced standing and an official transcript must be submitted to the department chair or appropriate administrator as delegated. Advanced standing in the Sellinger School applies to upper-level courses (GB700-800) only. These courses are normally from AACSB-accredited institutions.
Loyola graduate students wishing to take courses at another accredited graduate school must obtain prior written approval from the chair of the department or the appropriate administrator. Within the Sellinger School of Business and Management, only courses from AACSB-accredited schools will be considered for transfer credit. No more than six (6) credits from advanced standing and/or transfer will be accepted toward the degree. A grade of at least a B (3.000) must be received for each course transferred to Loyola. Under exceptional circumstances, and only with prior written approval from the program director, may courses be transferred in after beginning degree work at Loyola College.
Students' academic records are maintained in the Records Office. Grades are available via the Web, and grade reports are issued at the end of each semester as long as the student has no outstanding financial or other obligations with the College. Academic records are available for student inspection, by appointment during office hours.
The transcript is a facsimile of the student's permanent academic record at Loyola. Only unofficial transcripts are given to the student; these transcripts do not receive the College seal or the signature of the director of records. Transcripts officially transmitted directly to another college or university or other official institution or agency receive the seal of the College and are signed by the director of records. Transcripts will be issued only upon the written request of the student concerned or the submission of an electronic request using the Loyola College Groupwise secure e-mail system. Due to authentication restrictions, no other e-mail requests will be accepted. Telephone and fax requests to issue transcripts are not accepted. There is no charge for transcripts.
Transcripts should be requested well in advance of the date desired to allow for processing time and possible mail delay. The College will not assume responsibility for transcripts that are delayed because they have not been requested in time or the student has an outstanding debt with the College. Transcripts will not be faxed, nor will they be issued during the last week of registration or the first week of classes.
Transcripts of work at other institutions or test scores submitted for admission or evaluation of credit cannot be copied or reissued by Loyola College. If that information is needed, the student must go directly to the issuing institution or agency.
All academic requirements (including clinical), comprehensive exams, thesis (if required), and any additional requirements unique to the department must be satisfactorily completed. Under no circumstances will a student be permitted to graduate if the cumulative QPA is not exactly 3.000 or higher. Students whose QPA falls below 3.000 in the last semester will be placed on probation. These students will be given one semester to raise the QPA to the required 3.000 by taking an additional course(s) above the listed requirements.
All students are required to file an application for graduation accompanied by the $125 fee with the Records Office. Students must submit applications by the first day of class of the fall semester for January graduation, the first day of class of the spring semester for May graduation, and the first day of class of the first summer session for September graduation. Failure to comply with the graduation application deadline will delay graduation until the next semester. Refer to the course schedules or the Records Office website for specific dates. Students who file an application for a specific semester and do not complete the graduation requirements must submit a new application, however, no additional fee is required.
Formal commencement exercises are held each year in May. Only students who have completed all degree requirements are permitted to participate. All graduates are required to pay the graduation fee. Students who complete degree requirements in September and January may obtain their diplomas at that time from the Records Office. They may also participate in the formal Commencement ceremonies the following May.
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