Medaille College Undergraduate Academic Catalog 2009-2010 The Office of Academic Affairs reserves the right to rescind the Fresh Start policy if a student fails to meet minimum academic progress standards or violates any of the conditions of this policy. Attendance Regular attendance is expected in all classes and academic activities related to a course (e.g., field trips) unless otherwise specified. Individual faculty members establish the specific attendance requirements for their courses. Medaille College subscribes to the “Guidelines on Students and Religious Observance� adopted by the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities. Absence does not excuse a student from course work and responsibility for its completion. Excessive absences are detrimental to student learning and performance, and it may affect certain types of financial aid. Discontinuance of attendance in a course or courses does not constitute an official withdrawal. Students intending to withdraw from classes must file the appropriate paperwork with administrative offices. Withdrawal forms are available in the Registrar’s Office. Course Syllabus Policy At the beginning of every course, the instructor distributes a written course syllabus to all students taking the course. The syllabus describes the objectives and content for the course and the method by which students' work will be evaluated for grades. Make sure you keep all of your syllabi so that you may refer to them throughout the semester. The Evaluation of Students' Work An evaluation system is required for each course. Examinations are ordinarily part of the evaluation system, but alternative methods of overall evaluation may be employed. At the first class period of the semester, the instructor will inform students through the course syllabus of the type of evaluation system that will be used for that course throughout the semester. Academic Decorum Medaille College does not tolerate sexual or racial harassment of students or employees by College faculty, staff, or students. Students are legally protected from such activity by both state and federal legislation and are asked to report any occurrence to the Academic Affairs Office without fear of recrimination. The College does not tolerate immature or abusive behavior in the classroom setting. Upon receipt of a written complaint from the instructor, the Vice President for Academic Affairs may immediately remove the student from the class. The Vice President for Academic Affairs (or appropriate College dean) and the Dean of Students will review the evidence and render a final decision within 30 days.
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