Academic Policies

COURSE CHANGES & THE PETITION PROCESS

It is imperative that students and faculty adhere to the deadlines set by the college. Students may do the following without petitioning by the deadlines:

• Add

• Drop

• Withdraw

• Audit

• Change to Pass/No Pass

• Elect an Independent Study

• Request an Incomplete Grade

• Time Overlap

Students wishing to take one of the above actions should fill out the Registrar’s Course Change Form, or, for incomplete grade requests, an Incomplete Form before the deadline.

These deadlines apply to everyone equally, but sometimes situations happen beyond a student’s control and a student needs to petition after the deadline.

A student should first read the complete Academic Petition Policy (PDF) before petitioning one of the above actions after the deadline. The petition process is initiated by the students. Students should submit their petition request here.  Petitions will be reviewed and may be granted. If approved, they will be submitted to the Registrar’s office for processing.

Because all petitions are not granted, students should be sure to do their best to comply with posted deadlines, as petitions are to be used only as a last resort for situations beyond the students’ control.

ACADEMIC FORGIVENESS POLICY

WHAT IS ACADEMIC FORGIVENESS

The Academic Forgiveness Policy was developed to provide students with the opportunity to improve their GPA by changing to NP up to three Fs earned in their first year at Goucher.

HOW TO REQUEST ACADEMIC FORGIVENESS

Step 1: At the beginning of students’ third semester at Goucher, students will meet with their success advisor to discuss the policy and process. At the meeting, the student will:

• Complete an Academic Forgiveness Contract (PDF). Contracts will include a commitment for a semester GPA of at least 2.0 in at least 12 credits (that is, passing a minimum of 12 credits with a C- or above).

• Submit an Academic Forgiveness Request form.

Step 2: After step 1, students will make an appointment with the associate provost for undergraduate studies to review their request for Academic Forgiveness. Students should bring the Academic Forgiveness Contract (PDF) that they have completed with their success advisor to the meeting with the associate provost

Step 3: By the end of their third semester, students will get a notification from the associate provost for undergraduate studies letting them know if their request for academic forgiveness has been granted. Please note:

• Only students who meet the terms of their contract and achieve the minimum GPA standards (2.0 GPA in at least 12 credits) will be granted academic forgiveness.

• The student’s failing grades (F) for which they request forgiveness will then appear as No Pass (NP) on their transcripts.

ACADEMIC HONOR CODE

INTRODUCTION 

At Goucher, we honor freedom of expression, inquiry, and action. In return, we expect consideration of others, academic integrity, and a commitment to the value of truth. The tradition of freedom with responsibility at Goucher is fundamental to the ideals to which the life and work of the College are dedicated. The courage to challenge, the praise for honesty and effort, and the appreciation for commitment or involvement make our community open to truth and knowledge rather than to ignorance and misunderstanding. These same principles are relevant when we interact with the nonacademic world. It is important for each of us to be thoroughly familiar with the principles and procedures of the Academic Honor Code which applies to each member of the Goucher community. 

CRITERIA OF ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

 Academic dishonesty is a failure to meet the criteria outlined in this policy. Principles of honor and integrity in academic work cannot be codified in every aspect, therefore, the following criteria shall be considered as a guide, not an inclusive manual of usage. The student’s intent in cases of alleged academic dishonesty shall be determined solely by the graduate or undergraduate Academic Honor Board. 

Examinations 

1. Students shall neither give nor receive assistance from other individuals during examinations. They shall not communicate with any other students in any way during the test unless authorized by the instructor. 2. Students shall avoid leaving the examination room unaccompanied for an excessive length of time during an examination. 3. Students shall not use aids (digital or otherwise) unless authorized by the instructor. 4. All take-home, internet-based, or prepared examinations shall be taken according to a procedure clearly specified by the instructor. In all cases of doubt, students should request clarification from the instructor. On internet-based tests, electronic signatures will be acceptable. 5. Unauthorized use of cell phones, computers and other electronic devices during examinations is strictly prohibited, even for checking time, unless authorized by the instructor. 

Plagiarism, Cheating and Academic Misconduct

 1. Students may not collaborate with another student or any other individual(s) unless authorized by the instructor. 2. Unauthorized use of ChatGPT or other Generative Pre-Trained artificial intelligence tools to write papers, essays, reflections or other assignments or exams/tests is strictly prohibited. Always ask your instructor and check the course policies and the assignment guidelines to see if these aids are permitted at any stage of writing. 3. It is expected that students will discriminate carefully between parts of their writing for which they are solely responsible and other parts for which credit is owed to someone else. Failure to acknowledge the work of others incorporated into a student’s written work is a serious offense. When a borrowed idea is stated in a student’s own phraseology, there shall be an acknowledgment of the source of information. When it is expressed in the phraseology of the source itself, it shall be placed in quotation marks and acknowledged. Quotations that exceed several connected words shall be put in quotation marks unless the passages are proverbial or well-known. There shall be accurate placing of quotation and punctuation marks, and adequate indication by brackets of any changes or interpretations. Acknowledgments shall be in the citation form specified by the instructor. 4. Laboratory/research work shall be unacceptable unless all measurements of data, drawings, etc., are recorded independently and employed in the work by each student and/or authorized group. 5. No data, information, or citation may be falsely reported or falsely attributed in an academic exercise. This includes, but is not limited to, deliberate falsification of laboratory experiment results, data or judgments attributed to scholarly sources, results of calculations and the output of computer programs.

Library Regulations 

No student shall infringe upon the rights of others to enjoy equal access to the library, its materials, and its equipment. Students are responsible for knowledge of library regulations, and violation of these rules is considered a breach of the Academic Honor Code. Of paramount importance is the rule that library materials must be checked out at the circulation desk before removal from the building. 

Resubmitting Course Work (paper, homework, laboratory work) 

No student shall turn in work that has received a grade in one course for a grade in a second course, unless the instructor in the second course has given written permission to do so. No student shall turn in segments of their own work in two or more assignments or courses without written permission of instructors.

PROCEDURES 

Academic Honor Boards 

Undergraduate Academic Honor Board: 

The Undergraduate Academic Honor Board shall be composed of the chair, the recording secretary, board members and faculty. At least one faculty member and two-to-four students shall serve at each hearing, including the Honor Board chair. 

1. General. 

Violations of the Academic Honor Code alleged against undergraduates, including Goucher II, students shall be reviewed and decided by the Undergraduate Academic Honor Board (“Undergraduate Board”). Hearings before the Undergraduate Board shall be conducted according to these procedures. The coordinator for the Undergraduate Board (“coordinator”) is the associate provost for undergraduate studies (or designee) who shall advise the Undergraduate Board, perform the duties described in this procedure, and be present at all hearings, but is not a member of the Undergraduate Board and does not have the authority to vote on hearing proceedings. 

2. Composition and Selection 

The Undergraduate Board shall be composed of a maximum of four-to-six regular undergraduate student members and two alternates, selected annually by the coordinator. When reasonably possible, it should include up to two members of the undergraduate board from the previous academic year or a member of the Academic Policies Committee. At least one faculty member and two-to-four students shall serve at each Undergraduate Board hearing. Each student application for a position on the Undergraduate Board must be supported by two faculty letters of recommendation. The students serving on the Undergraduate Board shall elect a chair and recording secretary from among their members. The recording secretary and the chair shall be voting members of the Board. When reasonably possible, the coordinator shall also serve on the College’s Academic Policies Committee, which is responsible for oversight of the academic honor system at the College. A maximum of two undergraduate faculty members shall be selected on a rotating basis for each Undergraduate Board hearing by the associate provost for undergraduate studies, who shall be present at each hearing. 

Graduate Academic Honor Board 

1. General

 Violations of the Academic Honor Code alleged against graduate students shall be reviewed and decided by the Graduate Academic Honor Board (“Graduate Board”). Hearings before the Graduate Board shall be conducted according to these procedures. The coordinator for the Graduate Board (“coordinator”) is the associate provost for curriculum, who shall advise the Graduate Board, perform the duties described in this procedure, and be present at all hearings, but is not a member of the Graduate Board and does not have authority to vote on hearing decisions. 

2. Composition and Selection

The Graduate Board shall be composed of three regular graduate student members, and two alternates. A chair and recording secretary shall be selected, and both officers shall be voting members of the Graduate Board. Two graduate program directors will attend each meeting as voting members. The associate provost for curriculum will attend each meeting.

Reports of Violations of the Academic Honor Code 

Who may report? 

An alleged violation of the Academic Honor Code may be brought to the attention of either Academic Honor Board for hearing and decision in one of three ways: 1. A student who has violated the Academic Honor Code is honor bound to report the violation. Students should be aware that self-reporting is an admission of responsibility. 2. A student who has witnessed or otherwise has personal knowledge of a violation of the Academic Honor Code is honor bound to report the violation directly. 3. A faculty or staff member who has reason to believe that a violation has occurred is honor bound to report the violation directly. 

Making and distribution of report of violation 

All alleged violations shall be reported promptly in writing to the coordinator of the appropriate Academic Honor Board. The written report, whether made by a student self-reporting a violation or by another person (the ‘reporting person’), shall be signed by the reporting person or sent from the reporting person’s Goucher email account to associateprovost@goucher.edu in the case of undergraduate students and to the associate provost for curriculum in the case of graduate students. 

Prehearing Procedures

Meeting with Honor Board Coordinator 

Upon receipt of a report of an alleged violation, the coordinator shall contact and schedule a meeting with the reported student (including a student who self- reports). At the meeting, the coordinator shall inform the reported student about the report of violation, unless it is a self-report. The coordinator shall explain the hearing procedure and respond to any questions raised by the reported student. The coordinator shall inform the reported student of the right to have an advisor, as described below. The coordinator will encourage the reported student to write an opening statement which will not take more than 10 minutes to read and could take as few as a couple of minutes. In the case of distance learners, upon receipt of a report of an alleged violation, the coordinator shall contact the reported student via email. Either by in-person or remote meeting, the coordinator shall explain the hearing procedure and respond to any questions raised by the reported student and shall inform the student of the right to have an advisor, as described below. 

Materials 

The coordinator may obtain additional materials of direct relevance to the case from the instructor and/or the student. Materials should be submitted to the coordinator at least 24 hours prior to the hearing, The coordinator will determine if the materials are relevant. Such materials may include, but are not limited to, the course syllabus, the assignment in question, text from other sources in cases where the reported violation is plagiarism, rubrics and the grading system employed. Materials should not include letters from individuals outside the Goucher community (i.e., attorneys, life coaches, therapists…). The coordinator shall show all materials gathered for the hearing to the reported student in the pre-hearing meeting. On the day of the hearing, materials will be made available to the members of the board electronically. Materials will be kept at the office of the associate provost for 10 days after the hearing and then may be destroyed. Only the hearing minutes, including outcome and sanctions, will be kept in the records of the office of the associate provost. Materials will not be distributed to the members of the board nor to the reported student, shall be maintained by the coordinator and shall remain the property of the College. 

Advisors

A reported student may have an advisor to assist the student during the process and be present at the hearing. The advisor shall be a member of the Goucher community and may not be another student nor a practicing attorney. Advisors are not expected to speak and usually function as emotional support for students. The coordinator may recommend an advisor at the reported student’s request. The reported student shall identify the advisor to the coordinator at least 24 hours before the hearing. Individuals outside the Goucher community (i.e., legal counsel, life coaches, therapists, parents/guardians…) shall not be permitted to participate in any hearings conducted under these procedures. See Policy for Student/Parent/Guardian Involvement in Academic Affairs. 

Hearing Date 

Upon receiving the report of violation, the office of the coordinator shall promptly set a date for a hearing before the appropriate Academic Honor Board. The date of the hearing shall usually be not more than 10 school days after receipt of the report of violation, unless the following exceptions apply: 1. The hearing would occur when classes are not in session, in which case the coordinator will determine to either have the hearing scheduled at the earliest possible date when classes are in session again, or to proceed with the hearing before a reduced Board, including one member of the faculty and as many student board members as are reasonably available; or 2. The coordinator determines that circumstances require a later date. 

Notice of Hearing 

At the time a hearing is scheduled the chair shall notify the reported student and all participants, including the reporting person(s), of the time, date, and place of the hearing. Such notice shall be provided by Goucher e-mail. The office of the coordinator will notify the reporting faculty who is invited but not required to attend the hearing. 

Evidence and Witnesses

Evidence Permitted at Hearings 

Strict rules of evidence do not apply to hearings conducted under these procedures, but information provided at the hearing must be relevant, not privileged, and legally acquired. Information about the character of the reported student is considered of very limited relevance to the proceedings and will only be permitted at the discretion of the chair. The reported student’s standing in the course in which the violation is alleged to have occurred, and any record of prior Academic Honor Code violations, may be considered by the Board only when determining sanctions. The relevance of all witnesses and information shall be determined by the coordinator, in consultation with the chair. 

Witnesses 

The Board chair or coordinator may accept verbal or written requests for the calling of witnesses by both the reported student and the reporting person. In cases of self-reported violations, the course instructor may be called as a witness. The chair or coordinator may limit the number of witnesses called for such reasons as redundancy and relevancy. The coordinator shall notify each party of the names of all witnesses, and shall notify all witnesses of the time, date, and place of the hearing. If a witness is unable to attend the hearing, the chair, in consultation with the coordinator, may accept written testimony. No Academic Honor Board member shall serve on the Board for any hearing at which the Board member is a witness. 

Disabilities Consultant and Language Interpreters 

In cases where a reported or self-reporting student has a documented disability that may impact the Board’s finding or affect the ability of the student to participate in the hearing, the Office of Accessibility Services or the director of the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) will, upon request of either party or the Board itself, be present at the hearing to serve as a consultant to the Board. The consultant may provide testimony and answer questions from either party or the Board but will not be present at or participate in the Board’s deliberation of the case. When reasonably possible and available at the College, an international student may request an interpreter to aid at the hearing.

Hearing and Decision 

Scheduling 

All hearings are held on campus, at a time and place determined by the coordinator. Hearings involving distance-learning students, or students who, for good cause as determined by the coordinator, are unable to attend in person, may be conducted by video or conference call. All hearing participants shall be notified as provided in III.D above. 

Presence of Participants 

1. On-campus hearings 

The reported student shall be present at all times during the hearing, unless excused at the discretion of the coordinator for special circumstances. Witnesses excluded or excused by the coordinator shall remain in the immediate vicinity of the hearing, so that they will be quickly available if called. The reporting person may or may not be present at their discretion. 

2. Hearings by video or conference call 

The reported student shall participate in the entire hearing by telephone or via conference call, unless excused at the discretion of the coordinator for special circumstances. Witnesses may be disconnected after they present their information but are to remain available by telephone or conference call for the time period designated by the chair. 

3. Presence of Reported Student 

If a reported student, having been given notice of a hearing as provided in this policy, fails to appear or otherwise participate in the hearing procedures, the information in support of the alleged violation(s) shall be presented and considered in the reported student’s absence, and the Board will make a decision based on that information. 

4. Presence of Reporting Faculty 

The reporting faculty member will be notified of the hearing date, time and location and is invited to attend the hearing but is not required. If the reporting faculty member attends a hearing, they may stay during deliberations to answer any questions that the board members have and will be excused when the board members are ready to vote.

Hearing Record 

The recording secretary shall keep a written record of the hearing, including the specific violation, names of all participants, and a summary of all testimony. The hearing record and a copy of the written decision of the Board shall be maintained by the coordinator and shall remain the property of the College. 

Confidentiality

Proceedings under the Academic Honor Code are confidential. Hearings shall be closed to all persons except the members of the Board, the coordinator, the instructor/faculty (if applicable) and the reported student. An advisor, the reporting person, and any witnesses may also be present when appropriate. The coordinator may either permit witnesses to remain during the entire proceedings or exclude them except when providing information. All records of the Academic Honor Boards are confidential and may be disclosed only to college officials as necessary to perform their official duties, or as otherwise required by law. 

Officers at Hearing 

The chair of the appropriate Academic Honor Board shall preside at all hearings. In the event that the chair is a participant or is unable to preside, the secretary shall preside as acting chair. If the secretary is a participant or acting chair, another member of the appropriate board shall be designated to act as secretary by the chair or acting chair. 

Hearing Procedure 

Formal rules of process and/or procedure such as are applied in criminal or civil courts do not apply to hearings under this policy. All hearings shall be conducted in accordance with the following applicable procedures: 1. The chair shall assemble in the hearing room or connect by video or conference call all persons who are to participate in the hearing and shall call the hearing to order. 2. The chair shall inform all persons present that the proceedings are to be held in strictest confidence. 3. The chair shall administer the following pledge to all persons who are to testify: “For the integrity and honor of the Goucher academic community, I pledge that my statements shall be the truth and only the truth to the best of my knowledge, observation, memory, and conscience.” 4. The chair shall then exercise discretion to exclude or excuse witnesses. 5. The chair shall read the report of violation, and the reported student shall state if they accept responsibility for the violation. The reported student may also make a brief opening statement. 6. If the reported student admits responsibility for the violation, the Board may ask questions of any participants as it deems necessary, before recessing to determine the appropriate sanction as provided below. 7. If the reported student does not admit responsibility for the violation, the reporting person and the witnesses called at the request of the reporting person shall present information. The Board may ask questions of any participants as it deems necessary, before recessing to determine the appropriate sanction as provided below. 8. Issues concerning the appropriateness of any questions shall be determined by the coordinator and chair. 

Board Deliberations 

At its conclusion, the hearing shall be recessed, and the Board shall confer in privacy in order to reach a decision. Upon recessing the hearing, the chair shall request that the reported student, the student’s advisor, and the reporting person remain available so that they can be informed immediately of the Board’s decision. 

Decision and Sanctions 

Decision 

The Board shall make its decision solely on the verbal and written testimony and materials presented at the hearing. The decision shall be made on the basis of whether it is more likely than not that the reported student violated the Academic Honor Code. The decision and any sanctions to be imposed must be agreed upon by a majority of the Board members present and voting. 

Recording of Grade 

If a violation has been found and the sanction affects the reported student’s final grade in the course, the student will not be allowed to change the course to Pass/No-Pass nor to Withdraw from the course. The coordinator will inform the Registrar to enter a final grade if determined by the Board or an “M” (for missing), until the semester is over, and the instructor/professor can determine the final grade of the course with the sanctioned assignment/examination. 

Sanctions Imposed by the Board 

The Board may impose one or more of the following sanctions upon any student found to have violated the Academic Honor Code: 1. Written Reprimand Notice in writing that the student has violated the Academic Honor Code and that any further violations will result in the imposition of more severe disciplinary sanctions. 2. Loss of Privileges Denial of specified privileges for a designated period of time, including but not limited to the ability to hold elective office in a student organization. 3. Discretionary sanctions Work assignments, essays, required coursework, final grade adjustment (for the reported assignment/examination or for the course), attend coaching or advising session, attend tutoring sessions in writing or QR centers, attending citation workshops in the writing center, or any other discretionary sanctions as deemed appropriate by the Board. 4. Academic Suspension Separation of the student from the academic program of the College for a period of time designated by the Appeals Board, after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for readmission may be specified. Suspensions imposed under this policy may not exceed two academic years. 5. Academic Dismissal Permanent separation of the student from the College. 

Communication of Decision 

Within 5 to 10 school days, the Board chair shall prepare a brief statement of the Board’s decision, the reasons supporting that decision, and the sanctions imposed or recommended, if any. The chair shall then send via email the Board’s decision and the determination of sanctions, if any, to the reported student, and the instructor of the course. If a violation has been found, the chair shall inform the reported student of their right to request an appeal of the Board’s decision. 

Preservation of Written Materials 

When a violation of the Academic Honor Code is found, the coordinator shall keep copies of any materials presented at the hearing until the time for appeal is exhausted. Original material may be returned to the individual who presented it, after the Board’s decision has been confirmed in writing, as provided above. In the absence of any appeal, copies maintained by the coordinator may be destroyed, unless the coordinator determines that such materials should be retained for a longer period of time. If the case is appealed, or if the Board’s decision is sent automatically to the Academic Appeals Board as provided below, copies of the materials shall be sent to that board for its review. 

Subsequent Review 

Academic Forgiveness

If a reported student found responsible at a hearing would like to request Academic Forgiveness for an F received as the result of an academic honor code violation, the reported student will write an appeal to the Academic Policy Committee (APC). The appeal should be directed to APC in care of the associate provost’s office (the reported student will send the appeal to associateprovost@goucher.edu). 

Academic Appeals Boards 

1. Undergraduate

 The Undergraduate Academic Appeals Board shall consist of the provost, the SGA president, a faculty member selected by the provost on a case-by-case basis, and an honor board student representative. The honor board representative will be chosen along with the other honor board members. The provost will preside over the appeals hearing. 

2. Graduate 

The Graduate Academic Appeals Board shall consist of the provost, one faculty member selected by the provost on a case-by-case basis, and one graduate or professional certificate student selected jointly by the directors of the graduate and professional programs. The provost shall preside at the appeals hearing. 

Cases Appropriate for Subsequent Review 

The following cases are appropriate for review by an Academic Appeals Board: 1. Cases in which the Academic Honor Board has recommended suspension or academic dismissal as the sanction for a violation. Subsequent review in such cases is automatic. 2. Decisions that are appealed by the reported or self-reported student or a faculty member who served as the reporting person. A decision reached or a sanction imposed by the Academic Honor Board may be appealed by the student or a faculty member who served as the reporting person within 10 school days of announcement of the decision at the hearing. Such appeals shall be in writing, shall state the grounds for appeal, and will cite one of the three reasons outlined in the following section as the basis for the appeal followed by a subsequent detailed explanation defending the position. Appeals should be sent to the provost. 

Appeal by Reported Student or a Faculty Member Who Served as the Reporting Person 

Upon its receipt, the provost will determine whether the appeal is made on appropriate grounds. Should appropriate grounds be determined, the provost will convene the appeals board. Appropriate grounds for subsequent review are limited to the following: 1. To determine whether the Honor Board hearing was conducted fairly in light of the charges and information presented, and in conformity with these procedures. Deviations from such procedures will not be a basis for sustaining an appeal unless significant prejudice results. If procedural error is noted as the reason for appeal, the appeal board will review the procedures followed in the initial hearing. If the appeals board finds there is indeed a procedural error resulting in significant prejudice to the reported student, the case will be remanded to the original academic honor board for consideration. 2. To determine whether the sanction(s) imposed or recommended were appropriate for the violation of the Academic Honor Code which the student was found to have committed. Should this be the reason for the appeal, the Appeals Board may exercise the right to maintain, lessen, or increase the sanctions imposed based upon their discretion and in consideration of the severity of the violation and the appropriateness of the original sanctions. 3. To consider new information or other relevant facts sufficient to alter a decision that were not brought out in the original hearing because such information and/or facts were not known to the person appealing at the time of the original hearing. Should this be the reason for the appeal, the student will have the opportunity to submit additional evidentiary materials to the provost, so long as those materials are ethically and legally acquired. The provost has the responsibility to determine whether the new information warrants a remand to the Academic Honor Board for consideration. If the provost determines that appropriate grounds are provided, the provost shall inform the appealing party, and shall provide a copy of the written appeal to the other party if applicable for response. The other party shall provide a written response to the provost within five (5) days of receiving the written appeal. If the provost determines that appropriate grounds are not provided, the provost shall inform the appealing party in writing, and no further review is available. 

Scope of Subsequent Review 

Except as required to explain the basis of new information, any subsequent review by an Academic Appeals Board shall be limited to a review of the record of the Honor Board hearing and documents or other information presented at that hearing, in addition to the formal written notification of the hearing results as routinely completed by the Honor Board chair. In the case of an appeal by a reported student or a faculty member who served as the reporting person, the Academic Appeals Board shall also review the written appeal provided by the appealing party and the written response provided by the other party. Neither party may be present during the review process. 

Decision 

The Academic Appeals Board may affirm, reverse, or modify the decision and/or the penalties imposed, or recommend or remand the decision to the Honor Board for further consideration. The decision of the Academic Appeals Board represents the final decision of the college. 

Academic Record 

Other than those resulting in suspension or expulsion, violations of the Academic Honor Code shall not be made part of the student’s permanent academic record but may become part of the student’s disciplinary record. Upon graduation, the student’s disciplinary record may be expunged of such violations other than those resulting in academic suspension or academic expulsion, upon written application to the Honor Board coordinator.

Distribution of Academic Honor Code 

This policy shall be published on the website and will be available to all students and faculty. 

Honor System Orientation

Each fall, the associate provost for undergraduate studies shall inform new faculty and incoming students about the Academic Honor Code to increase awareness of the system among all members of the Goucher academic community. It shall also be discussed as appropriate during orientation, first year programming for undergraduate students, and course syllabi. For the graduate education, the post baccalaureate and the Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts Students and faculty, the associate provost for curriculum shall ordinarily have an orientation meeting during the summer. 

RESPONSIBLE OFFICE 

For more information or if you have questions about this policy, please contact the Office of the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Studies at associateprovost@goucher.edu. 

HISTORY 

Updates: May 11, 2009; November 6, 2020; June 28, 2021; September 2023; December 2023. 

ACADEMIC STANDING

At the end of every semester, students’ grades are reviewed to determine their academic standing at the College. Students need to have a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) to remain in good academic standing.

The grade point average table below states the minimum standards for cumulative GPA based on Goucher work only.

ACADEMIC STATUS CATEGORIES

Depending on the cum GPA achieved, students could find themselves in one of the following academic standing categories:

• Good Academic Standing: When a student earns a 2.0 cumulative GPA or above. Students in Good Academic Standing may receive an Academic Warning when a student with a satisfactory cumulative GPA receives two or more failing grades or earns a semester GPA below 2.00. For first semester first-year students only, the GPA for academic warning falls between 1.80 and 1.99.

• Academic Probation: When a student earns a cumulative GPA below that required to remain in good standing. For first semester first-year students only, the GPA for academic probation falls between 1.60 and 1.79.

• Academic Suspension: When a student earns a cumulative GPA below that required to remain in good standing for two or more consecutive semesters.

• Academic Dismissal: If a student is suspended for the second time, the student may be dismissed.

WARNING

An academic warning does not affect a student’s status at the College, but it should serve to alert students that we are concerned for their academic standing and progress and that they should take steps to address the issues that caused their difficulty in a specific semester. Students that are on warning may enroll in LL 110.

PROBATION

All students placed on probation are required to enroll in a 2-credit Learn-to-Learn course the following semester (LL110). In this course, students will learn essential skills for success in college and apply what they learn in this class to their other classes. Students will not incur additional cost for this course. This course will also allow students to attain good academic standing sooner, as it is credit-bearing. If for any reason a student wishes to opt-out of this course, the student should write to Kimberly Meisel, director of academic advising and support, with their availability to make an appointment.

Students’ academic record will be automatically reviewed at the end of the following semester. If students achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.0 with no grade of F, they will return to Good Academic Standing. On the other hand, if their performance does not improve, they may risk academic suspension.

Students on academic probation may have up to two semesters within which to achieve good academic standing. A student on academic probation may not hold an elected office in any college organization, compete in any varsity sport, or register for more than 16 credit hours in a semester.

SUSPENSION

Students who are suspended must leave the College but may return to Goucher after completing 12 credits hours of course work (excluding summer and winter school) at another college or university with no grade below a C. Or students may be reinstated after one year of full-time employment and submission of a letter from the employer stating the dates of employment and quality of work. To request to return to the College, students need to complete a Reinstatement form (PDF).

YOU CAN APPEAL AN ACADEMIC STATUS DECISION

If you currently hold an office in Student Government or are a varsity athlete, or you believe that you should not be placed on probation or suspended, you may wish to appeal this decision.

The appeal must be submitted in writing to the Office of the Associate Provost by the deadline specified in the academic standing letter. It should reflect upon and identify what led to your lack of academic success and present actions, behavioral changes, and supports/resources that you can take advantage of to achieve sustainable academic success. Strong letters will focus on the aspects of the situation that were within the student’s control and identify concrete and specific steps that they will take to ensure satisfactory academic performance in future semesters. In the case of suspended students, the letter should also indicate what the student has done during their time away from school to prepare for a successful re-enrollment. The decision of the committee will be final. If it is agreed that the plan is feasible, the student will be required to adhere to the plan for all remaining semesters. Your appeal will be reviewed by the Appeals Committee, which consists of faculty serving on the Academic Policies Committee (APC) and by the director of academic advising and support. APC meets in a closed session after every semester to review written appeals.

Policy for Awarding Posthumous Degree 

PURPOSE 

Goucher College recognizes the need to extend sympathy and compassion to families of deceased students near completion of their degrees and to recognize the academic achievement of these students who have made significant progress toward the requirements of their degree. It is critical, however, that these actions are balanced appropriately with attention to academic and institutional integrity.

POLICY 

Goucher College is not required to award posthumous degrees and will make decisions regarding such awards on a case-by-case basis using the following criteria. 

For the Posthumous Baccalaureate Degree

 A student who passes away while enrolled and pursing an undergraduate degree may be considered for a posthumous degree based on the following criteria: • Holds good academic and disciplinary standing (2.0 GPA or above) • Completed at least 85 percent of the required credit hours for the degree • Completed most requirements for the major as established by the program chair 

For a Graduate Degree 

A student who passes away while enrolled and pursing a graduate degree may be considered for a “posthumous degree” based on the following criteria: • Holds good academic and disciplinary standing (2.0 GPA or above) • Completed at least 85 percent of the required credit hours toward the degree • Completed most requirements for the program as established by the associate provost for curriculum 

For In-Memoriam certificate

In cases where it is determined that the student did not meet the above requirements for a degree, an InMemoriam certificate may be awarded acknowledging their valued membership and achievements as part of the Goucher community. The criteria for the award of a certificate under these circumstances are: • The student completed at least one full-time semester or 12 credits in an academic year as a part-time student • The student is in good academic standing (2.0 GPA or above)

PROCEDURES 

A formal request for a posthumous degree may be initiated by a family member or any member of the Goucher community. 

In consultation with the chair/director of the program and the academic advisor, the associate provost for undergraduate studies in the case of undergraduate students or the associate provost for curriculum in the case of graduate students reviews the student’s record to determine if the student is eligible. 

If the student is eligible, the associate provost makes a recommendation to the provost via email at provost@goucher.edu 

The provost approves or denies the recommendation. 

If approved: • The provost contacts the family to find out if they are receptive of the possible award. • The associate provost requests to the registrar a posthumous degree for the permanent record. 

The registrar: • Posts the notation on the student´s transcript. • Ensures that the student´s records have been updated. • Prints the Posthumous diploma or the In-Memoriam certificate and notifies the president´s office that it is ready. • No fees will be assessed for a posthumous degree. • The words “Awarded Posthumously” will appear on the student´s diploma. It is also noted in the transcript that it is a posthumous degree. The student´s name is listed parenthetically in the commencement program and noted as “Posthumous.” 

The president or the provost communicates the decision to the student’s family. The diploma may be presented to a family member during a Commencement ceremony or Baccalaureate service or mailed at the family´s request. IV. 

RESOURCES 

https://www.registrar.txstate.edu/our-services/diplomascertificates/Posthumous.html#:~:text=Undergraduate%20students%20who%20have%20completed,and% 20may%20include%20transfer%20courses. https://www.usmd.edu/regents/bylaws/SectionIII/iii730.pdf https://www.purdue.edu/bot/degrees/posthumous-degree-policy.php https://www.radford.edu/content/registrar/home/graduation/posthumous-degrees.html Updated https://registrar.msj.edu/graduate-catalog/academic-information/posthumous-degree-policy.html 

RESPONSIBLE OFFICE 

The Office of the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Studies: associateprovost@goucher.edu 

HISTORY

 Adopted: June 2022

COPYRIGHT POLICY

It is the policy of Goucher College to comply with the United States Copyright Law of 1976, as amended (Title 17, United States Code). Thus, all faculty, staff, and students of Goucher College are required to respect the proprietary rights of owners of copyrights and refrain from actions that infringe the rights of copyright owners.

The Goucher College Copyright Guidelines and Copyright Compliance Checklist were developed to assist members of the Goucher community in complying with federal copyright law and to enable them to distinguish between permitted and prohibited uses of copyrighted materials. Members of the Goucher College community are expected to familiarize themselves with these documents and to comply conscientiously with their requirements. The guidelines contain extensive information about copyright law as well as directions to resources on campus that will assist members of the community in complying with this policy and the law.

All departments are responsible for posting notices reflecting this policy at all photocopying stations that may be used for reproducing copyrighted materials (e.g., those in the library and in departmental copy rooms) and at or near all computer stations. Click on the link to the left for suggested language.

The penalties for violation of United States copyright law can be severe. Employees and students who willfully disregard copyright law place themselves at risk of civil and criminal legal action. Individuals who engage in infringing activities also place the college at risk of legal action. The college will defend any faculty or staff member against a civil action alleging copyright infringement:

• where the use is in accordance with the provisions of a valid software or database license agreement;

• where the use is within the Safe Harbor rules as detailed in these guidelines;

• where the permission of the copyright owner has been obtained; or

• where the Fair Use Committee has assisted in determining that the use was permissible.

Otherwise, the faculty or staff member will be personally responsible for the defense of a civil action for copyright infringement. Students who are sued for copyright infringement are generally not entitled to a defense provided by the college. In addition, members of the college community who willfully violate this Policy are subject to disciplinary action by the college up to and including termination, consistent with established college procedures.

This policy was approved by the President and updated in September 2020.

Policy for Credit Overload Fee Waived 

PURPOSE 

Students taking more than 18 credits during a semester are charged the part-time tuition rate for each additional credit. Tuition charges are finalized after the end of the add/drop period (usually by the second week of the semester). The purpose of this policy is to establish a consistent procedure by which students may petition the associate provost for undergraduate studies for the credit overload fee to be waived.

GROUNDS FOR PETITION 

A student may petition the associate provost for undergraduate studies for a credit overload fee waiver only on the grounds that: 

1. A mistake or clerical error was made on the part of the College. Please provide written proof, such as an email from an academic advisor or another staff member, providing incorrect information regarding academic requirements. 2. The overload is needed because a program of study was phased-out, canceled or discontinued. 3. The student is receiving Title IX and/or disability accommodations. 4. The student received unforeseen military orders. 5. The student has been placed on academic warning and would like to take LL110 over the credit limit. 

The burden of demonstrating any of the above rests with the student. 

The deadline to petition for a credit overload fee waiver is no later than the last day of the add period for the semester in which the overload happens. 

Note: Petitions will not be granted on the following grounds: 1. Financial need. If in financial need, students should contact the Office of Financial Aid at SAS@goucher.edu. 2. Desire to finish college in less than four years.

PROCEDURE FOR PETITION 

A student who wishes to petition for a credit overload fee waiver should write an email to the associate provost for undergraduate studies (associateprovost@goucher.edu) clearly describing the grounds for the petition. If the petition is granted, the student, the Registrar and the Student Financial Services Office will receive a confirmation email. 

In all requests to waive the credit overload fee, the decision of the associate provost for undergraduate studies is final. Requests beyond the associate provost will be considered by the provost only if the student can provide a reasonable basis to show that the procedure described above was not followed. 

RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL 

The official responsible for administering this policy is the Office of the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Studies. Van Meter G25 410.337.6210 associateprovost@goucher.edu V. 

HISTORY

 Adopted: July 2020. Updated: September 2023.

DIGITAL MILLENNIUM COPYRIGHT ACT COMPLIANCE

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), enacted in 1998, updated copyright law to encompass the growing use of computers and the Internet.

GOUCHER COLLEGE DMCA AGENT FOR NOTIFICATION

Pursuant to the Act, Goucher College has designated the following agent for notification of copyright infringement claims:

Hugh Dennis
Director of Risk Management & Contracts
Dorsey Center, Room 107C
Goucher College
1021 Dulaney Valley Road
Baltimore, MD 21204
Email: hugh.dennis@goucher.edu
Phone: 410-337-6325

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act requires the complainant to include certain information in the complaint. It specifies that all infringement claims must be in writing (either electronic mail or paper letter) and must include the following elements:

• A physical or electronic signature

• Identification of the infringed work

• Identification of the infringed material

• Contact information for the complainant (e.g., address, telephone number, electronic mail address)

• A statement that the complaining party has a good faith belief that use of the material in the manner complained of is not authorized by the copyright owner or the law

• A statement that the information contained in the notification is accurate, and under penalty of perjury, that the complaining party is authorized to act on behalf of the copyright owner.

GOUCHER COLLEGE COPYRIGHT POLICY

The college has developed a Copyright Policy for the campus.

VIOLATIONS AND ENFORCEMENT

Goucher College may terminate the computer rights and services of users who violate laws concerning computer usage or the College’s computer policies.

DMCA INFORMATION

A summary of the DMCA is available at the following web sites:

United States Copyright Office: Library of Congress

University of Texas System, Office of General Counsel: Complying with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act

Classroom Behavior Policy 

PURPOSE 

At Goucher College, we honor freedom of expression, inquiry, and action. In return, we expect consideration and respect of others, accountability, and a commitment to collaborative and constructive behavior. This policy aims primarily to establish guidelines for expected classroom behavior and a process for instructors to address behavior that is disruptive to the learning environment. This policy cannot be used to inhibit classroom dissent or discussion with the instructor or other students. 

SCOPE 

This policy pertains to graduate and undergraduate students. 

DEFINITION 

Being Present in Class: Being attentive; Contributing to class discussions and participating in class activities as defined in the course syllabus. 

Disruptive Classroom Behavior: Behavior that, in the judgment of the instructor, consistently interferes with other students’ opportunities to learn and significantly impacts the achievement of class objectives. In addition, a single instance of disruptive behavior can be sufficiently severe that it interferes with other students’ opportunities to learn and significantly impacts the achievement of class objectives.

STUDENTS´ RESPONSIBILITIES 

Students are expected to be respectful of others in class. They are responsible for following classroom policies and procedures as outlined in the class syllabus, and the principles of honor and integrity in academic work outlined in the Academic Honor Code. Students should be present in class, focus on relevant issues and refrain from (1) using cell phones or other electronic devices without instructor’s permission; and (2) doing work or activities unrelated to the course content. 

Students should attend every class session, arrive on-time and stay for the entirety of the class session. An absence, excused or unexcused, is an absence. Faculty will record all absences and will follow the attendance policy in their syllabus. If a student is absent from class in a 14-week term for three or more weeks, or in a 7-week term for more than ten (10) days, the student should consider taking a Leave of Absence or a mid-semester withdrawal (for more information, click here). 

INSTRUCTOR´S RESPONSIBILITIES

Instructors are responsible for setting clear classroom expectations. They are responsible for facilitating classroom discussion and work, establishing and maintaining appropriate time limits, helping students to focus on relevant issues, and ensuring student participation is fair and equitable. 

Classroom behavior is normally addressed by the instructor either by modeling appropriate behavior prescribed by the syllabus and/or Student Code of Conduct or offering general words of support. Instructors can be firm but respectful and may indicate that further discussion will occur after class. Instructors are encouraged to avoid public confrontations and harsh language. In private, instructors may provide specific examples of the behavior that needs to be eliminated or adjusted as students might be unaware that their behavior is being disruptive. 

Instructors who experience an incident of disruptive behavior in their classroom are encouraged to meet with students one-on-one to address the behavior but should also document the event for their own records, including specific dates. The instructor might also wish to consult with the student’s academic advisor through the institutional online platform. If the behavior is repeated or a pattern is observed, the instructor should initiate the following process, and should also inform the associate provost for undergraduate studies (or the associate provost for curriculum in the case of graduate students) of the situation while continuing to maintain documentation.

Protocol 

When a pattern of disruptive behavior is observed: 

a. The instructor warns the student. The warning consists of orally notifying the student that their behavior is disruptive and that it must cease immediately. If the disruptive behavior ceases, no further action is needed.

i. If the student fails to comply with the instructor’s warning, the instructor may require the student to immediately leave the classroom for the remainder of the class period.

ii. If the instructor believes the disruptive behavior poses an immediate threat to the safety or health of anyone in the classroom, the instructor summons the Office of Campus Safety to remove the student, regardless of whether a warning is issued. The instructor immediately reports this action to the dean of students to review whether the student´s behavior poses an imminent threat to self or others

iii. Once the process is resolved, the instructor may choose to allow the student to return to the class and continue the course. 

iv. If the disruptive behavior continues and/or if the instructor believes that the student should not be permitted to return to class, the instructor gives formal notice to the associate provost for undergraduate studies (or the associate provost for curriculum in the case of graduate students) via email. The instructor includes all relevant materials (i.e.: description of disruptive behavior, dates and times, email exchanges, meetings, topics discussed…). 

v. The instructor and the associate provost for undergraduate studies (or their designee) or the associate provost for curriculum (in the case of graduate students) meet with the student to create and implement a classroom behavior contract and to discuss the policy and the appeal process. 

a) If the student does not agree to enter into the behavior contract, the student is permanently removed from the course with a W and/or with other sanctions if appropriate. 

b) If the student agrees to the contract, the student is allowed to return to the class. 

c) If the student allegedly violates the contract, the instructor determines whether to proceed under the Disciplinary Process of the Student Code of Conduct. The instructor may elect to file a complaint in writing addressed to the dean of students. An Interim Class Exclusion is put in place if the dean of student (or their designee) determines in consultation with the associate provost for undergraduate studies or the associate provost for curriculum that there is a need to deny attendance and/or participation in a college course until the conduct and appeal process concludes. 

d) If the dean of students finds the student is in violation of the contract - the student and the relevant associate provost are informed by the dean of students and permanently removed from the course with a W and/or with other sanctions if appropriate. 

e) If the student is not in violation, the dean of students directs the student to return to the classroom. The instructor works with the student to address any missed content.

 f) If the student does not feel like they can return to the course with the instructor, the student may petition to withdraw from the course with a W if the deadline has passed. 

Appeal Process

A student who wishes to appeal a withdrawal from a course for class disruption may do so by petitioning the provost via email within two days of the action taken. The provost consults with all concerned parties, including potentially the dean of students, the associate provost for undergraduate studies or for curriculum, the instructor, and/or other students in the class to assess the case. The student appealing a withdrawal is not allowed to return to the classroom until the provost makes a determination and informs the student. 

Confidentiality 

All parties and actions taken under this policy shall maintain the confidentiality of the proceedings and all written reports to the extent reasonably possible. The Office of the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Studies maintains all original documentation. 

Non-Retaliation 

No person shall intimidate, threaten, coerce, or discriminate against any individual participating in these proceedings. Complaints of such retaliation or interference may be filed and processed under the grievance policy.

RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL 

The official responsible for administering this policy is the Office of the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Studies. Van Meter G25, 410.337.6210. 

HISTORY 

Adopted: August 2021; Updated: January 2023.  

Policy For GPEP Continued Education Aid 

SCOPE 

This policy is for former Goucher Prison Education Partnership (GPEP) students released from prison who are applying to and enrolling in a college, university, or certificate program, including but not limited to Goucher College’s main campus. 

POLICY STATEMENT 

Goucher College is an institution that focuses on social justice and, as such, recognizes that when Goucher students are released from prison, they face challenges that are unique to system-impacted individuals (i.e., barriers related to paying for and receiving proper identification such as drivers and nondriver’s license, seeking and obtaining gainful and sustainable employment, return to poverty-stricken environments often without choice, lack of medical care, child care, transportation, etc.). Therefore, this policy is intended to level the playing field of Goucher former students who are system-impacted (GPEP students) and those who have not been system-impacted. 

PURPOSE 

This policy aims to provide guidelines for GPEP students to request funds for purchases that will facilitate their re-entry and continued education, such as paying for a transcript, preloading a meal card, or buying a computer. 

DEFINITIONS 

Re-entry: The transition from life in jail or prison to life in the community. 

System-impacted: A person who is legally, economically, mentally/emotionally, and/or socially affected negatively by having been incarcerated. 

ELIGIBILITY 

Eligible former GPEP student have: 

1. earned at least 4 credits and taken at least 1 year of courses with GPEP within eight years of their release and 

2. been released from prison within the past five years, and 

3. not exceeded the lifetime limit of $8,000 funding. 

Eligible expenses: 

1) While applying to colleges, universities, and/or certificate programs, former GPEP students can request funds from GPEP to cover the following, either as a direct payment or as a reimbursement: a) Copies of official Goucher transcript b) Application, registration, and other fees related to applying and enrolling in a school that cannot be waived by the school to which the student is applying c) Other expenses required for applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis 

2) Upon enrolling in a college, university, or certificate program, former GPEP students can request funds from GPEP to cover the following, either as a direct payment or as a reimbursement: a) A laptop and other required technology if the school in which the student enrolls does not provide a laptop, such as one that can be checked out free of charge for the semester from the school library b) A bus pass to commute to and from school c) Textbooks d) Lab fees e) Required art materials f) For students on Goucher’s main campus for whom the college’s meal plan is not within their financial means: a preloaded meal card for students to use on days that they can’t afford to pay for meals out of pocket g) Other materials or expenses required to complete coursework are reviewed on a case-by-case basis (e.g., notebooks, backpacks, pens) 

PROCEDURES 

The former GPEP student first requests in writing to GPEP’s Coordinator of Office Operations (COO), in advance of incurring the expense. 

The COO confirms the individual is an eligible former GPEP student (by reviewing internal GPEP records) and that they are either actively applying to continue their education -GPEP’s Executive Director (ED) can provide this confirmation- or that they are enrolled in a college, university, or certificate program (by reviewing documentation provided by the student indicating enrollment). 

The COO confirms the expense the student is requesting funding for is an eligible expense, confirms that there are adequate funds remaining in the supplies budget line for the fiscal year, works with the student on identifying the most cost-effective version of the item, and sends the request to the ED for final approval. 

The ED confirms it is an eligible expense that does not exceed the student’s lifetime limit, approves, or denies the request accordingly, and sends final confirmation to the COO. 

Upon receiving final approval from the ED, the COO either purchases the item for the student using GPEP funds or requests a receipt from the student for the item they already purchased so a reimbursement can be issued. 

RESPONSIBLE OFFICE 

The Office of the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Studies is responsible for this policy: associateprovost@goucher.edu 

HISTORY

 Adopted September 2022

Grade Appeal Policy

PURPOSE

The purpose of the Grade Appeal Policy is to establish a consistent procedure by which students may seek review of final grades assigned in courses at Goucher College. Grades other than final course grades may not be appealed. The policy recognizes the right and responsibility of faculty members to exercise their professional judgment in evaluating academic performance, and the right of students to have their academic performance judged in a fair and impartial manner.

DEFINITIONS

In some courses a final grade may be jointly assigned by more than one faculty member. In such cases, the term “instructor” as used in this policy refers to all faculty members who assigned the grade. Any instructor decision or action described in this policy must be by agreement among such faculty and communicated as a single response. 

GROUNDS FOR APPEAL 

A student may appeal a final course grade only on the grounds that: 

1. the grade was assigned based on a miscalculation or clerical error; 

2. the grading standards for the course were not clearly articulated by the instructor, or the grade was assigned in a manner inconsistent with articulated standards; 

3. the grade was assigned on some basis other than performance in the course; or 

4. the grade was assigned in a manner other than that used for other students in the course. 

Students should follow the non-discrimination policy if they believe that it applies to them. At all levels of review, the burden of demonstrating that a grade should be changed rests with the student. 

For undergraduate courses, the deadline for any grade change request is twelve (12) months after the last day of the semester in which the grade was originally assigned. 

For graduate courses, the deadline is three (3) months. It is the student’s responsibility to move the process forward in order that the deadline is met. 

PROCEDURE FOR APPEAL 

A student who wishes to have a final course grade changed must first submit a written appeal to the course instructor. The appeal must include the reason(s) why the student believes the grade should be changed and the grade that is sought; it may also include any relevant supporting evidence (i.e., syllabus and assignments). The instructor shall consult with the student and may consult with the department chair in attempting to resolve the dispute. If the instructor and the student reach agreement about the grade, the instructor shall provide the new grade to (1) the Registrar and (2) the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Studies (AP for UG) or program director for undergraduate and graduate courses, respectively. If the instructor and the student are unable to reach agreement about the grade, the instructor shall deny the appeal in writing to the student, including the reason(s) for the denial. The student may then appeal in writing to the AP for UG for undergraduate courses or the program director for graduate courses. If the graduate program director denies the appeal, the student may appeal in writing to the Associate Provost for Curriculum (AP for Curriculum). 

The AP for UG or Curriculum may consult with the student as well as the instructor and department chair or program director as needed. If the AP for UG or Curriculum approves the grade change, they shall submit it to the Registrar, who will change the grade as directed. If the AP for UG or Curriculum does not approve the grade change, they shall respond to the instructor and the student in writing, explaining the decision. The AP for UG or Curriculum may use their discretion to alert the department chair or program director about the appeal and the outcome of the appeal. Appeals beyond the AP for UG or Curriculum will ONLY be considered by the Provost if the student can provide a reasonable basis to show that the procedure described in this policy was not followed. 

RESPONSIBLE OFFICE 

For more information or if you have questions about this policy, please contact the Office of the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Studies at associateprovost@goucher.edu. 

HISTORY 

Updated: 03/2021; 03/2022; 01/2023

Internship Policy

SCOPE 

This policy is intended for undergraduate students. 

STATEMENT 

An internship is any opportunity to gain exposure to a career field of interest, which is crucial in preparing for students´ post-Goucher plans. Internships can be paid or unpaid, full-time or part-time, for academic credit or not, and they are for a specific time period. 

PURPOSE 

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for students who wish to register for academic credit for their internship. 

PROCEDURES 

1. Students must work 45 hours at the internship for each academic credit. (1 credit = 45 hours, 2 credits = 90 hours, 3 credits = 135 hours and 4 credits = 180 hours). 

2. Students may earn a total of eight (8) internship credits toward graduation. Students participating in more than eight internship credits will not be able to apply those additional credits towards graduation. 

3. Credit can be awarded only when the internship coincides with the semester that the student registers for such credit. 

4. Students may complete only one (1) internship (up to four credits) per semester, including summer. 

5. Students can complete more than one internship at a site, but the responsibilities and academic work involved in the internship must be different for additional credit to be earned. 

6. Students may take an academic internship course for zero-credits. 

7. Students must complete a reflection document about their internship experience and return it to the Career Education Office (CEO) by the deadline. 

8. A student’s internship site supervisor and faculty internship sponsor must be different people. 

9. The faculty internship sponsor must be from the department in which the internship credit will be awarded. 

10. For credit internships, the faculty internship sponsor is responsible for submitting a final grade to the Registrar’s Office. 

RESOURCES/FAQ

For more information on Internships, please go to: https://www.goucher.edu/career-educationoffice/professional-experience/internships/ 

For more information on the process to register for academic credit, please go: https://www.goucher.edu/career-education-office/professional-experience/internships/registering-for-aninternship-course

RESPONSIBLE OFFICE

 For more information or if you have questions about this policy, please contact the Career Education Office at career@goucher.edu 

HISTORY 

Updated: March 2023

Non-Degree Seeking Policy 

PURPOSE 

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for non-degree seeking students. 

SCOPE 

This policy applies to students who are interested in taking classes but who are not seeking to complete a college degree.

STATEMENTS 

Non-degree seeking students do not earn a degree from Goucher College, do not have a major or a class year, and do not walk on stage nor participate in any Commencement ceremonies. 

Non-degree seeking students pay the same tuition rates as degree seeking students (see Tuition & Fees | Goucher College). Non-degree seeking students are not eligible for financial aid. When full-time students, non-degree seeking undergraduate students pay insurance and activity fees, and they may participate in co-curriculars, leadership opportunities and student clubs. They may also benefit from the services at the Academic Center for Excellence, the Office of Accessibility Services, the Student Health Center, the Counseling Center, and the Library. Graduate non-degree seeking students are not required to have health insurance. 

DEFINITIONS 

Non-Degree Seeking Student: Non-candidate. Students who are interested in taking classes for their personal enrichment or who are not seeking to complete a degree at Goucher College. 

Audit: Students who audit a class are enrolled in the class, but the class does not count for credit, nor does it affect students’ GPA. Successful completion of an audit results in an AU notation on the transcript. For more information, see the Goucher catalog or the course change and petition process website.

PROCEDURES 

Non-degree seeking students may audit a class or take it for credit. When auditing a class, non-degree seeking students do not earn credits, and do not have a GPA. A student auditing a course cannot change the audit course to a credit-bearing course after the add/drop period. When taking a class for credit, nondegree seeking students may transfer the credits to another institution. Non-degree seeking students may become degree-seeking students and transfer the credits earned at the beginning of a new semester. Changing from non-degree to degree seeking student cannot happen mid-semester. 

Non-degree seeking undergraduate students should submit a non-candidate student application. If a noneligible student submits this application, their application will be denied, and their $55 non-refundable application fee will not be refunded. Students interested in taking graduate level courses as non-degree seeking students should complete the Graduate Application, which allows them to register as non-degree seeking students. 

The Director of International Student and Scholar Services will direct exchange students to complete an Exchange Student Application that will classify them as non-degree-seeking students. Other nonimmigrants (those in the U.S. on a visa) may study part-time as a non-degree seeking student if their visa allows, for example, those who are on dependent visas (i.e., J-2, F-2, or H-4) or J-1 au pairs with an education requirement. Contact the Director of International Student and Scholar Services (karen.sykes@goucher.edu) with any questions about eligibility. 

Goucher College J-term courses in the winter and the summer sessions are offered at a reduced rate. Nondegree-seeking students pay the same reduced rate as degree-seeking students. 

RESPONSIBLE OFFICE 

For more information or if you have questions about this policy, please contact the Office of the Registrar at registrar@goucher.edu 

HISTORY 

Adopted: December 2023.

Transition from GPEP to Main Campus

SCOPE 

This policy applies to former Goucher Prison Education Partnership (GPEP) students who have been accepted to Goucher College, have been released from prison and want to continue their enrollment on the main campus. 

STATEMENT 

Students enrolled through GPEP are Goucher College students; when they apply and are accepted to GPEP, they are applying and being accepted to Goucher College. When they are released from prison, they can choose to transfer to any college in the country, or they can choose to finish their studies with Goucher College on the main campus. 

PURPOSE 

This policy aims to provide guidelines for GPEP students to continue their studies on Goucher’s main campus post-release. 

PROCEDURES

If the former GPEP student is in good academic standing and is not taking time off from school, they can simply transition directly to enrolling on the main campus. If they are on academic probation and/or are taking time off from school, they will follow the same guidelines as main campus students to request to re-enroll in Goucher. Further details are outlined below. 

Students who have a) been enrolled with Goucher through GPEP in the past year, and b) are in good academic standing with the College should: 

1. Inform via email the GPEP Executive Director and the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Studies of their desire to continue their Goucher education on the main campus. This is not to request permission, but rather to provide the information so that GPEP staff and the Associate Provost are aware and can support the student as needed. 2. Copy the Registrar’s Office in the email to initiate the process for the student to be integrated onto the main campus (getting a financial aid package, an advisor, registered for classes, an ID, an email account, etc.) The Associate Provost will assign an advisor and assist students in connecting them with their advisor so they can get registered for classes. GPEP staff will serve as unofficial mentors for the student as they navigate the transition, and will provide support as appropriate, according to the Policy for GPEP Continued Educational Aid.

Students who have a) been enrolled with Goucher through GPEP in the past year, and b) are not in good academic standing with the College should: 

1. Send a letter via email to the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Studies explaining the circumstances around their poor academic performance and identifying a concrete and actionable plan for attainable improvement and sustained academic success. Copy the Registrar and GPEP Executive Director. 2. Attach two letters of recommendation: One from a faculty member and one from a GPEP staff. 3. The Associate Provost will review the request and notify the Registrar and GPEP Executive Director of the decision. Decision to approve will be based on the letter provided by the student and the letters of recommendation. 4. The Registrar’s Office will send a letter to the student informing them of the decision and, where approval was granted, the Registrar’s Office will initiate the process for the student to be integrated onto the main campus (getting a financial aid package, an advisor, registered for classes, an ID, an email account, etc.) The Associate Provost will assign an advisor and assist students in connecting them with their advisor so they can get registered for classes. GPEP staff will serve as unofficial mentors for the student as they navigate the transition, and will provide support as appropriate, according to the Policy for GPEP Continued Educational Aid. 

Students who have a) not been enrolled with the College in the most recent two semesters and/or b) are not in good academic standing with the College in their last two consecutive semesters enrolled with GPEP should: 

1. Submit a reinstatement form. If the student was on academic probation in the most recent two semesters enrolled with GPEP, along with the reinstatement form they must submit one of the following: a. A transcript with 12 credits with a C- or above from another institution earned since their last semester with GPEP, or b. A letter from an employer where a student has been employed for at least a year since their last enrollment with GPEP attesting to the performance of the employee. 2. The Registrar’s Office will send a letter to the student informing them of the decision and, where approval was granted, the Registrar’s Office will initiate the process for the student to be integrated onto the main campus (getting a financial aid package, an advisor, registered for classes, an ID, an email account, etc.) The Associate Provost will assign an advisor and assist students in connecting them with their advisor so they can get registered for classes. GPEP staff will serve as unofficial mentors for the student as they navigate the transition, and will provide support as appropriate, according to the Policy for GPEP Continued Educational Aid.

RESPONSIBLE OFFICE

For more information or if you have questions about this policy, please contact the Office of the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Studies at associateprovost@goucher.edu. 

HISTORY 

Adopted: April 2023

Reduced Course Load Policy for Undergraduate Students with Documented Disabilities 

APPLICABILITY 

This policy applies to undergraduate students who wish to take a reduced course load as an accommodation for a disability. Approval of such a course load pursuant to this policy entitles the student to maintain Goucher institutional aid on a prorated basis and to remain in the residence halls while carrying a less than full-time course load. Students who are not requesting to maintain institutional aid or scholarships that require full-time attendance, or to remain in campus housing while carrying less than a full-time course load do not need to submit a request for an accommodation, but may simply register for a reduced course load pursuant to regular registration processes. However, registration for a reduced course load may have an impact on progress towards degree completion and so should be discussed with the student’s academic advisor. Students should also consult with Student Financial Services prior to registering for a reduced course load. 

POLICY 

Students with disabilities that significantly limit their ability to manage a full-time course load (12 or more credits) may be accommodated by receiving approval to take a reduced course load. While it is typically preferable for a student with a disability to be accommodated through methods such as academic advising, priority enrollment, and academic accommodations, it may be necessary for a student to request a reduced course load because of a more severe academic impact of a significant disability. Factors such as employment, extracurricular activities, family/personal obligations, failure to make use of appropriate academic accommodations, or poor class attendance are not acceptable reasons for a reduced course load under this policy. 

Requests for this accommodation will be considered on a semester-by-semester basis and students must submit a request to the Office of Accessibility Services as soon as possible, but no later than two weeks prior to the start of each semester. 

Billing and Financial Aid 

1. Students who drop below a full-time load will be billed for tuition on a per-credit basis. 2. The reduced credit load will potentially result in an adjusted financial aid package: i. Federal Direct Loan Eligibility: Federal Direct Loans are prorated based on enrollment status. A student approved for a reduced course load can take as few as 6 credits and still be eligible for a Federal Direct Loan. ii. Federal Pell Grant Eligibility: Federal Pell Grants are prorated based on enrollment status. iii. Goucher institutional aid (Goucher grants and merit scholarships): All Goucher institutional aid will be prorated based on enrollment status. iv. Federal Work Study Program: The Federal Work Study Program is limited and only offered to students with federal need who are enrolled in 12 credit hours. Exceptions to the credit hour requirement will be considered as an accommodation for a disability. v. Other Financial Aid: Students who receive any other type of aid should check with Student Financial Services to determine the effect on such aid of a less than full-time enrollment status. 

Health Insurance 

Students who are registered for Goucher’s student health insurance program must be registered for at least seven credits, which is the credit requirement of the college’s insurance provider. 

On Campus Employment 

Students who have been granted permission to carry less than a full-time course load due to a documented disability will be regarded as an eligible student worker if they choose to work in an on-campus job. 

Honors and Awards 

Certain honors and awards may require full-time status as a condition of eligibility; such restrictions may be established by the donor or organization supporting such awards, and the college is unable to modify such requirements. Students carrying a reduced course load pursuant to this policy are, however, eligible to receive any honor or award that does not carry such a restriction. 

Full-time status: 

1. In order to maintain full-time status (except for purposes of eligibility for federal and state aid), a student must register for a minimum of 8 credits during a regular semester. 

2. In the event that a student approved for a reduced course load is required to verify full-time status to a third party, such as a health insurance company or a landlord, a request for a verification letter should be made to the Registrar. Generally, the Registrar will, with the student’s consent, confirm with the third party that the student maintains full-time status if the student has registered for at least 8 credits, and has been granted a reduced course load accommodation. It is important for students to note that the decision to maintain third party benefits for a student with full-time status on a reduced course load rests solely with the third party. Goucher’s role is simply to verify that it is providing the student with full-time status. In most cases the college’s determination of full-time status results in the preservation of third party benefits, but Goucher is not responsible to guarantee this outcome. 

3. Full-time Enrollment Requirement for International Students (F-1 visas) International students are required by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal visa regulations to enroll full-time and maintain full-time status. There are very limited circumstances in which the Designated School Official may approve a reduced load to accommodate documented disabilities. In order to maintain immigration status in the United States, an international student must be approved for a reduced course load by the Designated School Official prior to reducing course load and pursuing institutional exceptions. An international student who is granted reduced load for reasons related to a documented disability may be granted such reduction for not more than 12 months, which may or may not be consecutive. 

4. Athletics Participation The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Division III: Regulations, Section 14.1.8.1.7.2. Student-Athlete with Education-Impacting Disabilities - 12-hour requirement only, provides: The Management Council, or a committee designated by the Management Council to act for it, may waive the 12-hour requirement for a student-athlete when objective evidence demonstrates that an institution defines full-time enrollment for that student-athlete to be fewer than 12 hours to accommodate for the student’s education-impacting disability. Pursuant to this policy, students must be enrolled in at least 8 credit hours in order to maintain eligibility to participate in intercollegiate sports. 

5. Housing Students approved to take a reduced course load as an accommodation will be entitled to remain in college housing, but must maintain a course load of at least 8 credits.

REQUEST PROCESS 

Requests for reduced course loads under this policy should be made to the Office of Accessibility Services with supporting documentation as soon as possible and no later than two weeks prior to the first day of classes for the semester in which this status is sought. Requests should be submitted online. Requests for reduced course load status will not be considered after the drop/add deadlines. 

Reduced course load status is not automatically renewed. Students are required to request this status every semester. 

OAS will evaluate the documentation to determine the impact of the disability on the student’s ability to carry a full course load. The student will be asked to sign the Reduced Course Load Approval Form, which includes a statement acknowledging that the student has reviewed the consequences that accompany reduced course load status and accepts them. 

The reduced course load accommodation approved by the Office of Accessibility Services will be reviewed by the student’s academic advisor who will explain to the student the consequences for making progress toward meeting graduation requirements. The student is responsible for contacting Student Financial Services regarding billing and financial aid questions. 

If the student wishes to drop below the approved reduced course load at any time during the semester after the add/drop deadline, the student will need to follow regular withdrawal policies. Billing and financial aid will not be retroactively adjusted for such course withdrawals. 

If a student’s application for reduced course load status is denied, the student may appeal the decision through the standard appeal procedures outlined on the OAS website.

SATISFACTORY PROGRESS (UNDERGRADUATES) 

Federal regulations state that in order to maintain eligibility, students receiving federal financial aid must be making satisfactory progress toward the degree. The three criteria for continued eligibility for federal funds are as follows:

Grade Point Average (GPA) 

After the completion of each semester (regardless of the number of credits accrued), an undergraduate student must maintain the required cumulative GPA of 2.0 to receive federal financial aid. Note that the GPA requirements to remain at the college are different. Please consult the academic catalogue.

Maximum Time Frame 

The student must complete his or her educational program within a timeframe no longer than 150% of the published length of the educational program. A bachelor’s degree program at Goucher is 120 credits. Therefore a student must complete his or her program after attempting a maximum of 180 credits (including accepted transfer credits) for a 120 credit program. Students who change academic programs or pursue additional degrees/certificates will have their allowable maximum timeframe adjusted on an exception basis. Note that institutional aid is offered for a maximum of eight semesters. Maryland state aid is typically offered for a maximum of eight semesters but this may vary by program and is subject to the availability of funds.

Completion Rate 

Students must complete 67 percent of credits attempted. The percentage of completion is determined by dividing the total number of credits successfully completed by the total number of credits the student has attempted. See below for the treatment of certain grades and classes. 

Treatment of Grades and Classes 

Audits (AU) 

Audits are not treated as attempted or completed credits nor are they included in the GPA calculation.

Incompletes (I)

Incompletes will initially count as attempted, but not completed, courses until the incomplete grade is replaced with a permanent grade and academic progress can be re-evaluated. Incompletes are not included in the GPA calculation. 

Pass (P)/No Pass (NP) 

Pass grades will count as both attempted and completed credits. No pass grades are treated as attempted, but not completed, credits. Pass/no pass credits are not included in the GPA calculation. 

Repeated Courses

 If a student repeats a course in which a failing grade was received, the initial failing grade and the new grade will both be averaged into the student’s GPA. If a student repeats a course for which a grade of D+, D, or D- was received the first time, the student will receive a grade of RD+, RD, RD-, the second time the course is taken. This allows the grade to be averaged into the GPA but does not count the credits. If a student repeats a course for which a grade of C- or above was received the first time, the student will receive a grade of XA, XB, XC, etc., the second time the course is taken. In this case, the credit will not be counted and the grade will not be averaged into the GPA. Students should consult the academic procedures section of the academic catalogue for additional information about repeated courses. 

Transfer Credits 

Credit hours from another institution that are accepted toward the student’s educational program will count as both attempted and completed hours. Transfer credits are not included in the GPA calculation. 

Withdrawals (W) 

Withdrawals after the drop period are treated as attempted, but not completed, credits. Withdrawals are not included in the GPA calculation. 

Monitoring satisfactory academic progress 

The Office of Student Financial Aid will evaluate the student’s cumulative records for satisfactory academic progress at the end of each semester. 

Financial Aid Warning 

Students who fail to maintain satisfactory academic progress at the end of any semester will, on the first occasion, be automatically placed on financial aid warning. Federal/state funds may be disbursed while a student is on financial aid warning. Students who fail to meet the minimum requirements in a subsequent semester will be then placed on financial aid restriction. 

Financial Aid Restriction 

Students not making satisfactory academic progress will be placed on financial aid restriction and will lose eligibility for federal financial aid. Some state aid also requires satisfactory academic progress. Goucher is not obligated to replace federal/state funds with institutional funds. 

Financial Aid Probation 

At the end of the term during which the student is on financial aid warning status, the student may be placed on financial aid probation if: 

(i) it is determined that the student did not make satisfactory academic progress during the period the student was on financial aid warning;

 (ii) the student appeals the determination (see below); and

 (iii) (A) The Financial Aid Appeals Committee approves the appeal; and (B) the student and academic advisor develop an academic plan for the student that, if followed, will ensure that the student is able to meet Goucher’s satisfactory academic progress standards by a specific point in time. 

In accordance with federal regulations, students may appeal the finding that they failed to maintain satisfactory academic progress under subparagraph (ii) above in the event of the death of a relative, an injury or illness of the student or other special circumstance. In the event of illness or injury, the student must submit documentation from a doctor or other health care provider stating that the condition prevented the student from attending classes. An appeal under subparagraph (ii) must be submitted in writing within two weeks of the time of notification to the student of financial aid probation status and must include, at a minimum, the reason why a student failed to meet satisfactory academic progress and what has changed that will allow the student to make satisfactory academic progress at the end of the next semester. 

Re-establishing Student Aid Eligibility 

In order to re-establish student aid eligibility, a student must achieve the above standards. If the student fails to meet the standards again, he or she will again be placed in financial aid warning status and the procedures outlined above will be followed.

Student Grievance Policy 

The purpose of this policy is to establish a process for students to express and resolve grievances that they have with any college employee in a prompt, fair, and equitable manner. The college encourages informal resolution. This policy is only to be used to resolve serious matters that meet the definition of a “grievable action” and is only after reasonable efforts have been made to settle the dispute informally. The Student Grievance Policy relies on the good faith of all involved to achieve a reasonable resolution of grievable actions. 

GRIEVABLE ACTIONS 

A grievable action is: A violation of written college policies or procedures or a misapplication of those policies or procedures. An unfair action or failure to act, that has directly impacted the student’s experience at the college.

NONGRIEVABLE MATTERS 

A student may not use this procedure for grievances related to the following matters: Actions of other students, which are handled under the Student Code of Conduct. Grade appeals, which are handled under the Grade Appeal Policy. Allegations of discrimination or other conduct that falls within the jurisdiction of the Sexual Misconduct or Non-Discrimination Policies. The outcomes of students´ disciplinary proceedings. Matters covered under other college policies that contain grievance, hearing and/or appeal procedures, such as Goucher’s FERPA policy, financial aid appeal procedures, the policy on Student Concerns about Athletic Programs and Activities and the Academic Honor Code. Matters concerning students in their capacity as employees of the College, which are resolved in accordance with applicable personnel policies through the Department of Human Resources. Billing disputes. 

PROCEDURE 

Any student alleging a grievable matter shall pursue the grievance as follows:

 Step 1. Informal Discussion with College Employee In many cases, informal actions can be taken to resolve a dispute between a student and a college employee. The student may choose to meet with the employee and make a good faith effort to resolve the dispute promptly and fairly. This discussion should be initiated within fourteen (14) working days of the grievable event or as soon thereafter as reasonably possible. Flexibility should be given or considered during times when school is not in session, during summer breaks, and if extenuating circumstances exist (e.g. medical emergencies, sabbaticals). 

Step 2. Discussion with Supervisor or Department Chair If a satisfactory resolution is not reached after direct discussion with the employee, or if the student chooses not to discuss the matter informally with the employee, the student shall, within fourteen (14) working days of the informal discussion or grievable event, or as soon thereafter as reasonably possible, meet with the employee’s supervisor or the individual to whom such employee reports, who will attempt to reach a resolution. If a faculty member is the subject of a grievance, the student should ordinarily discuss the matter with the department chair. At their discretion, department chairs may consult with or refer the matter to the associate provost for faculty affairs. The supervisor, department chair, or associate provost for faculty affairs shall notify the faculty or staff member that a grievance has been raised by the student, provide information about the nature of the grievance, and assess any documentation from all involved parties that might help to reach a resolution. The supervisor, department chair, or associate provost for faculty affairs shall attempt to reach a resolution, then summarize the results of the assessment and provide a copy of this summary in writing to the student and the employee who is the subject of the grievance. Assessment will occur and a written summary shall be provided within thirty (30) working days of the date the student initially contacts the supervisor, department chair, or associate provost for faculty affairs or as soon thereafter as reasonably possible. 

Step 3. Formal Grievance If the matter is not resolved through steps 1 and 2 of the process, the student may submit a written statement of the grievance to the provost in the case of a faculty and to the Director of Human Resources in the case of a staff employee within ten (10) working days after the informal process has ended. The statement shall contain: 1. a complete narrative of the circumstances giving rise to the grievance; 2. identification of the parties involved, including names, addresses, and contact information; 3. a statement of the remedy requested. Remedies under this procedure are generally limited to restoring losses suffered by the student or making changes in college policy, practice, or procedure. Monetary damages, fines or penalties, or disciplinary action against the individual who is the subject of the grievance are not remedies available to the student under this policy. The provost or the Director of Human Resources shall notify the appropriate vice president, dean, or other administrator that a formal grievance is pending in his or her area of responsibility. The employee shall also be notified of the grievance. Written copies of the grievance statement will be provided to the appropriate vice president, dean, or other administrator, and to the employee. 

Step 4. Investigation of Grievance The provost or the Director of Human Resources will gather any material deemed necessary for review and will meet with all parties directly related to the grievance, in order to gather facts and information needed to make a fair and equitable decision. The student and the individual against whom a grievance is filed may be advised or accompanied by another member of the college community at any stage of the grievance procedure, except that practicing attorneys may not participate in any meetings as a representative of any party. This stage of the grievance procedure shall be completed within twenty-one (21) working days after the provost or the Director of Human Resources receives the grievance, or as soon thereafter as reasonably possible. 

Step 5. Grievance Decision Within seven (7) working days after completion of the investigation, the provost or the Director of Human Resources shall issue a written finding as to whether the employee has violated a college policy or has otherwise acted (or failed to act) in a manner that resulted in unfair treatment of the student, and, if so, what remedies should be made available to the student as described in Step 3(c). A copy of the decision will be sent to the vice president or dean in the appropriate administrative area, as well as to the student and the employee. The decision of the provost or the Director of Human Resources shall be final. No appeals will be considered. 

GRIEVANCES AGAINST CERTAIN ADMINISTRATORS

If any member of the president’s senior staff (including a vice president, associate vice president, or general counsel) is the subject of a grievance under this policy, either the grievant or the recipient of the grievance shall inform the President, who will oversee the grievance process, which shall be carried out, to the extent practicable, in accordance with the procedures referenced in this policy. 

If the subject of a grievance is the president, either the grievant or the recipient of the grievance shall inform the Chair of the Audit and Risk Management Committee of the Board of Trustees, who will oversee the grievance process, which shall be carried out, to the extent practicable, in accordance with the procedures referenced in this policy. 

A confidential report will be made to the Chair of the Board of Trustees at the conclusion of every grievance against the President or senior staff member conducted under this policy. Such report may be shared with the Board of Trustees, or any members thereof, at the Chair’s discretion. 

DISCIPLINARY ACTION 

Although disciplinary action against the employee is not a remedy available to a student who files a grievance under this policy, the college reserves the right to impose discipline on its employees as a result of determinations made through the grievance process. Any such discipline will be imposed only after a final decision has been issued. 

If the employee is a staff member, the employee’s supervisor, in consultation with the Director of Human Resources, shall determine whether disciplinary sanctions should be imposed. If the employee is a faculty member, the provost shall determine whether disciplinary sanctions should be imposed. 

The imposition of disciplinary sanctions may not be appealed by the employee under this policy. Faculty members may grieve the imposition of disciplinary sanctions under the faculty grievance procedure in the Faculty Legislation. 

CONFIDENTIALITY 

All parties to the proceedings held or actions taken under this policy shall maintain the confidentiality of the proceedings and all written reports to the extent reasonably possible. Original records, documents, and reports shall be maintained in the office of the provost or the Department of Human Resources, and a duplicate copy shall be maintained in the office of the general counsel. 

NON-RETALIATION 

No person against whom a grievance is filed, or any other person shall intimidate, threaten, coerce, or discriminate against any individual for filing a grievance under this policy. Complaints of such retaliation or interference may be filed and processed under this procedure. 

TIME GUIDELINES 

If the college is not in session during part of these proceedings, or in instances where additional time may be required because of the complexity of the case, unavailability of the parties or witnesses, or other extenuating circumstances, any of the time periods specified herein may be extended by the provost or the Director of Human Resources, at the request of any party or individual involved in the grievance procedure. If a period is extended, the student and the person against whom the grievance has been filed will be so informed.

MISUSE OF POLICY 

The purpose of this policy is to provide a mechanism to address legitimate student complaints and grievances. Any student member of the college community is encouraged to use the procedures provided in this policy, not only for the benefit and protection of that individual but ultimately of the entire college community. However, fabricated grievances undermine the purpose and effectiveness of this policy. Accordingly, persons who knowingly fabricate grievances may be subject to disciplinary action. Allegations of fabricated grievances must be reported within ninety (90) days of the date the grievance was brought. Such allegations may be reported to the administrator handling the grievance, who shall investigate the allegations and take any appropriate action. The fact that a grievance may not result in a finding that an employee has violated a college policy or has otherwise acted in a manner resulting in unfair treatment of a student is not alone evidence that the grievance was fabricated. 

RESPONSIBLE OFFICE 

For staff related grievances, please contact hr@goucher.edu. For faculty related grievances, please contact officeoftheprovost@goucher.edu. 

HISTORY 

Updated 9/1/2022; 10/13/2022

Policy for Student/Parent/Guardian Engagement in Academic Affairs 

SCOPE 

This policy pertains to undergraduate students, their families, and support systems.

STATEMENT 

At Goucher College, we deeply respect our students’ agency as young adults and seek to equip them to positively resolve any difficulties they encounter both here and once they graduate. We understand that traditional-aged students are going through a developmental process in which they are increasingly able to act independently from their parents/caregivers. The Goucher experience is scaffolded over four years of a student´s journey and is more structured in the first year and promotes self-efficacy by the sophomore, junior and senior years. For matters related to students’ educational progress, it is the expectation that Goucher students, not their parent/guardian/support system, contact faculty staff, and administrators. 

DEFINITIONS 

FERPA: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (commonly referred to as the “Buckley Amendment” or “FERPA”) is designed to protect the confidentiality of education records and to give students access to their records to assure the accuracy of their contents. The Act affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. See FERPA policy. 

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

It is the responsibility of Goucher students to:

1. read and be familiar with the academic policies and procedures. These may relate to academic honor code, accommodations, grievances, grade appeal, etc. Please visit the webpage of the Office of the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Studies and the policies website for additional protocols, procedures and policies. 

2. read all communications sent by staff, their faculty or administration. This includes emails and Academic Progress Reports (APRs) among others. 

3. check their email daily and respond to all emails needing their attention or follow-up within two business days of the email being sent (see Electronic Communication Policy). 

STUDENT COMMUNICATION WITH ACADEMIC AFFAIRS OFFICES 

Students should expect to receive responses within two business days; however, matters might take longer to be resolved. Students should be aware of the Academic Calendar and Important Dates to inquire about procedures with ample time to receive a response and to get their issue resolved before deadlines.

If a student contacts a faculty member or faculty advisor or an academic affairs office such as the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS), the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE), the Community Based Learning Office, the Career Education Office (CEO), the Office of Global Education (OGE), the Goucher Prison Education Partnership (GPEP), or the Library and does not receive a response within two business days, they may send a second email copying the department chair (see academic program contacts) or the director of the Office (visit the website of the relevant office). This does not include weekends or holidays, when a staff/faculty member is off due to personal matters or illness or when faculty members are off contract during the summer. In these cases, the student will receive an automated message informing them when to expect a response or who to contact. 

FACULTY AND STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES 

Faculty and staff are responsible for communicating with their students and advisees throughout the academic year on issues related to a student’s academic experience. These communications may include information related to academic progress, course work, advising, reminders regarding important dates, support services on campus, etc. 

Faculty and staff are responsible for responding to students within two business days (see section V). 

Faculty and staff in Academic Affairs do not as a matter of policy discuss academic matters with parents, guardians, family members, therapists, attorneys, and other outside parties. As such, it is not appropriate for parents/guardians/external support to attend or listen in on in-person or virtual advising sessions. 

ASSOCIATE PROVOST OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES AND CARE TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES 

The Office of the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Studies contacts parents/guardians who are on their student’s FERPA on several occasions during their Goucher academic journey: 

1. Around week 5 and week 10 of students’ first and second semester, when students receive APRs showing that they are at risk in two or more classes. 

2. At the end of every regular semester (fall and spring), when students are placed on probation or suspended because their cumulative GPA is under 2.0 (see academic standing procedures). 

It is the responsibility of students who receive an email from the Office of the Associate Provost of Undergraduate Studies with a copy to their parents/guardian (if they are on FERPA) to act and respond either to the associate provost and/or to get in touch with their faculty/success advisor to discuss a plan of action. 

The purpose of the above actions is to make students and parents/guardians on FERPA aware of the academic progress/standing of their student so that they might have a conversation with their student and create a plan of action. Parents/guardians may engage with their students by reviewing with them their APRs in Navigate and encouraging their students to write to their faculty (#1 above) or to their faculty/success advisor (#2 above) to draft a plan to attain sustainable academic success. 

The associate provost, the associate VP of Student Success, or some other member of the CARE team will proactively reach out to a parent/guardian of an upper-level student when there is a persistent pattern of academic concerns, and the student is not responsive to the outreach of their academic advisor or another administrative staff member of the College. 

As academic hardship might be symptomatic of larger social or health issues, the Coordinator for Student Affairs and Parent/Family Engagement within the Office of the Dean of Students is available to parents and students for any matter related to students´ wellbeing. 

PARENT/GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITIES 

Throughout the college experience, traditional-aged students go from being teenagers to young adults. It is natural for parents/guardians to show concern for their students and their academic progress. We encourage parents/guardians to agree on guidelines for communication with their students while they are away in college. Students may share with their parents/guardians their grades/assignments/professors’ comments in Canvas and their faculty APRs in Navigate. 

In extenuating circumstances, such as when a student is taking or returning from a compassionate, medical, or mid-semester withdraw, it is appropriate for a student to request a meeting with the associate provost for undergraduate studies to discuss the academic implication of such actions and to invite their parents. Unless a student is impaired and unable to meet (i.e., hospitalized), they are expected to be present and partake in any conversation related to their academic experience at Goucher College (i.e., accommodations, attendance, credit completion). Parents/guardians should always copy their student when contacting a staff member in Academic Affairs. The mental health and general wellbeing of students is the utmost priority of the Goucher community. It is for this reason that we believe that students who are not ready to participate in conversations with their faculty, advisors, and other Goucher administrators are not ready to return to the College. 

Having said this, we welcome parent´s engagement as valued members of the Goucher Community in conversations about the College and its educational mission. 

RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL 

For more information or if you have questions about this policy, please contact the Office of the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Studies at associateprovost@goucher.edu. 

HISTORY 

Adopted: December 2023. 

Policy for Study Abroad Substitution Request 

PURPOSE 

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for students who need to request a Study Abroad substitution for one of the following reasons: 

Reason 1: Student has a documented disability. 

Reason 2: Student has Title IX accommodations. 

Reason 3: Student is a GPEP student or has requested consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) or undocumented status and cannot travel abroad. 

Reason 4: Student who, for extenuating circumstances, might not be able to travel abroad. 

Reason 5: Student makes a request for religious accommodation in a study abroad program. 

Notes: (1) Students who are citizens and primary residents of a country other than the United States and who have completed their high school diploma or certificate outside the U.S. are already fulfilling the study abroad requirement by studying at Goucher College. The Global Education Director informs the Registrar when an international student enrolls in Goucher College so that the Study Abroad requirement is recorded as completed in the student´s record. (2) All transfer students who have completed a study abroad program in an accredited higher education institution or completed an internship related to international content or an international internship prior to enrolling at Goucher have satisfied the study abroad requirement upon enrollment. Students must send a transcript of their study abroad experience to studyabroad@goucher.edu who upon receipt and approval inform the Registrar. 

SCOPE 

This policy applies to all undergraduate students. 

STATEMENT 

All Goucher students are expected to complete the study abroad requirement as part of their graduation requirements at Goucher College. 

PROCEDURES 

Requesting a study abroad substitution does not guarantee that the request will be approved. Hence, students should initiate this process as soon as they can provide the documentation needed for the study abroad substitution and no later than their sophomore year. 

Depending on the reason as outlined in Section I, Purpose, students petitioning for a substitution for the study abroad requirement must email: 

Reason 1: The Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) at access@goucher.edu to request on-site accommodation for a documented disability. • The director of OAS contacts the student within ten (10) business days to schedule an appointment to discuss the necessary documentation that the student must submit. The student is required to provide certification from a licensed medical or mental health professional that addresses the specific reasons for which studying abroad is impossible or unadvisable for the student. • The director of OAS assesses the documentation and grants or denies the request via email within ten (10) business days of receipt. • If approved or denied, the director of OAS copies the student´s advisor and the Office of Global Education (OGE) on their response to the student. 

Reason 2: The Title IX coordinator at titleixcoordinator@goucher.edu for Title IX accommodations. • The deputy Title IX coordinator contacts the student within ten (10) business days to schedule an appointment to discuss the necessary documentation the student must submit. • The deputy Title IX coordinator assesses the documentation and grants or denies the request via email within ten (10) business days of receipt. • If approved or denied, the deputy Title IX coordinator copies the student´s advisor and the Office of Global Education (OGE) on their response to the student. 

Reason 3: The Office of the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Studies (AP for UG) at associateprovost@goucher.edu to request an appointment for accommodations due to deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) or undocumented status or a former GPEP student. • The Office of AP for UG contacts the student within ten (10) business days to schedule an appointment to discuss the necessary documentation that the student must submit. • The Office of AP for UG assesses the documentation and grants or denies the request via email within ten (10) business days of receipt. • If approved or denied, the associate provost for undergraduate studies copies the student´s advisor and the Office of Global Education (OGE) on their response to the student. 

Reason 4: The Office of Global Education at studyabroad@goucher.edu to request accommodations due to extenuating circumstances.  • The Office of Global Education contacts the student within ten (10) business days to schedule an appointment to discuss the necessary documentation that the student must submit. • The Office of Global Education assesses the documentation and grants or denies the request via email within ten (10) business days of receipt. • If approved or denied, the Office of Global Education copies the student´s advisor on their response to the student. 

Reason 5: The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life at chaplain@goucher.edu to request religious accommodation in a study abroad program or a substitution. • The Chaplain contacts the student within ten (10) business days to schedule an appointment to discuss the accommodation or substitution. • The Chaplain contacts the Office of Global Education (OGE) within ten (10) business days of receipt to discuss what reasonable religious accommodations may be possible or if a substitution will be granted. • The Chaplain and OGE copies the Office of AP for UG on their response to the student specifying what reasonable religious accommodations are possible or if a substitution has been granted. 

Once the student and the Office of Global Education have received notification of an approved study abroad substitution under any reason covered by this policy, the Office of Global Education will update its records accordingly and inform the Office of the Registrar. 

SUBSTITUTION OPPORTUNITIES

If the Study Abroad substitution is approved, students may opt for one of the following substitutions: 

• 4-credit internship related to international content. The Office of Global Education reviews proposed experiences as needed to determine whether they meet the requisite levels of international content/focus. • 4-credit culture course (to see offerings, click here). • 4-credit virtual study abroad or international internship. 

GROUNDS FOR APPEAL 

Appeals may be considered by the provost only on the grounds that the procedures described in this policy were not followed or that substantive new information that was not reasonably available at the time of the petition has since become available and may change the outcome of the final decision. The appeal must be submitted within ten (10) days of the decision. The appeal should be emailed to officeoftheprovost@goucher.edu with any supporting evidence. 

The decision of the provost is final. 

RESPONSIBLE OFFICE 

For questions, please contact the following offices as appropriate to reasons outlined in section I, Purpose:

Reason 1: The Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) at access@goucher.edu 

Reason 2: The Title IX coordinator at titleixcoordinator@goucher.edu 

Reason 3: The Office of the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Studies at associateprovost@goucher.edu 

Reason 4: The Office of Global Education at associateprovost@goucher.edu 

Reason 5: The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life at chaplain@goucher.edu 

HISTORY 

Adopted: February 2023. Updated: December 2023.

Transfer of Credit Policy

SCOPE 

This policy applies to all undergraduate students. 

STATEMENTS 

Up to 64 transfer credits may be accepted by Goucher. A minimum of 56 Goucher credits must be earned for the student to be degree eligible. No transfer credit is given for academic courses with pass/no pass or satisfactory/ unsatisfactory grades unless the grade is defined on the transcript or the course catalog as Cor better. 

Credit accepted for transfer to Goucher does not automatically apply toward GCRs or the major but must be evaluated by the Registrar and department chair/chair of curriculum committee for approval. Grades for transfer courses are NOT averaged into the student’s grade-point average (GPA). 

TRANSFER CREDIT FOR COURSES COMPLETED AT OTHER INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION AFTER HAVING STARTED AT GOUCHER 

Any Goucher student planning to study at another institution in the United States or elsewhere should initially check the Transfer Course Approval Process (click here). The Transfer Course Approval Form is available here. For a course to be applied toward the Goucher Commons Requirements (GCRs) click here. For a course to be applied toward a major/minor/concentration, the signature of the department chair is required (students should speak to their faculty advisor to initiate the process). 

Credits for courses completed at regionally accredited two and four-year institutions or courses completed at foreign institutions accredited by the respective Ministry of Education with a grade of C- or higher may be transferred into Goucher, provided that these courses are in subjects generally recognized as appropriate for liberal arts colleges and are either comparable to courses offered at Goucher College or are applicable to a degree program at Goucher College. Such credits must be evaluated and approved for transfer credit by the appropriate department chair and the Registrar. 

REQUESTS FOR TRANSFER CREDIT BEFORE HAVING STARTED AT GOUCHER - INCOMING FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS 

In order to receive credit for college courses completed prior to attending Goucher College, first-year students must submit a course description and/or syllabus and an official college transcript to the Admissions Office. Only courses with a grade of C- or better will be considered for transfer. These courses are often prerequisites for work first-year students plan to undertake in their first term, so it is important that students send the records as soon as possible. Courses in foreign languages will be accepted and count toward the 120 credits required for graduation as long as they are not at or above the level a student places in. All students must take language placement exams and will be placed based on Goucher placement test results (see FLC website here). 

TYPES OF CREDIT 

A. Advanced Standing Credit 

Credit is awarded for some advanced placement (AP) scores of 4 or 5 and some International Baccalaureate (IB) scores of 5, 6, and 7, primarily at the high level. Students must submit official copies of Advanced Placement or IB scores for placement consideration. French Baccalaureate credits are also accepted. Students must present to the Registrar’s Office their original certificate (Diplome de Baccalaureate) and examination results. The Registrar’s Office will make one copy of the original certificates for its official record and the student will keep the original. 

B. Credit for Experiential Learning 

Goucher does not award credit for experiential learning. 

C. Summer School and Winter Intersession Credit (J-terms) 

Students who have completed academic work at Goucher and wish to receive degree credit for summer or winter intersession courses taken subsequently at other regionally accredited institutions must receive approval from the Registrar and department offering the corresponding course work at Goucher. 

For J-term courses, forms should be turned in by the deadline. This is normally in November for January courses, and in April for summer courses. Forms turned in after the deadline may not be approved prior to the time students must enroll in the course. If this occurs, students will not know prior to registering, if the course will be accepted for transfer to Goucher. 

RESPONSIBLE OFFICE 

For more information or if you have questions about this policy, please contact the Registrar´s Office at registrar@goucher.edu. 

HISTORY 

Updated: July 2019; April 2023

Policy on the Use of Human Subjects

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE 

Goucher College maintains an Institutional Review Board on the Use of Human Subjects in Research (hereafter referred to as the IRB) comprised of at least five members. The members of the IRB are selected both from within and from outside Goucher College and from different disciplines, to provide a range of perspectives. All members of the IRB are aware of issues relating to individual civil liberties. Since the members of the IRB represent a range of backgrounds, the board is competent to review a variety of projects and ensure that the rights of research subjects are protected. The board reviews proposed projects in terms of this policy, which is based on the guidelines on human protection put forth by the Office of Human Research Protections of the Department of Health and Human Services (45 CFR 46 “Protection of Human Subjects”) as well as in terms of applicable standards of professional conduct and practice, modern ethical principles, and the consensus of contemporary community standards. 

In their evaluations, the members of the IRB shall attempt in all cases to assure that inherent and potential risks to subjects are reasonable in relation to anticipated benefits, if any, to the subjects and/or humanity. It is the role of the Goucher College Institutional Review Board to minimize inherent and potential risks to subjects as much as is feasible, regardless of projected benefits to individuals or to society. 

SCOPE 

This policy applies to members of the Goucher College community conducting human subjects research.

MEMBERSHIP OF THE INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD 

The IRB of Goucher College shall have no less than five members, with varying backgrounds, to promote complete review of research activities commonly conducted by the College. The IRB must be sufficiently qualified through the expertise and diversity of the members, including consideration of their race, gender and cultural backgrounds and sensitivity to such issues as community attitudes, to promote respect for its decisions in safeguarding the welfare of human subjects. In addition to possessing the professional competence necessary to review specific research activities, the IRB shall be able to ascertain the acceptability of proposed research in terms of institutional commitments and regulations, applicable law, and standards of professional conduct. The IRB shall therefore include persons knowledgeable in these areas. 

The IRB shall include at least one member whose primary concerns are in scientific areas and at least one member whose primary concerns are in nonscientific areas (e.g., lawyers, ethicists, members of the clergy). 

The IRB shall include at least one member who is not otherwise affiliated with Goucher College and who is not part of the immediate family of a person who is affiliated with Goucher College. 

The members of the IRB must all complete the human subjects online training before reviewing proposals, and maintain current certification. They must submit a certificate attesting to their completion of the training to the IRB Coordinator.

DEFINITIONS 

Deception: occurs when subjects will not be fully informed of the nature of the project, its risks, and benefits before giving consent to participate. 

Human subject: a living individual about whom an investigator conducting research obtains data through intervention or interaction with the individual, or obtains identifiable private information. (45 CFR 46.102(e)) 

Minimal Risk: exists when “the probability and magnitude of harm or discomfort in the research are not greater in and of themselves than those ordinarily encountered in daily life or during the performance of routine physical or psychological examinations or tests.” (45 CFR 46.102(j)) 

Research: a systematic investigation, including research development, testing, and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge. (45 CFR 46.102(l)) 

Signature: wet or electronically provided name that indicates endorsement. 

GENERAL REVIEW PROCEDURES 

All college research projects and activities that involve human subjects, and that meet the definition of research in the Code of Federal Regulations (45 CFR 46.102), regardless of the risk foreseen, require review and approval by the IRB, prior to the initiation of the project or activity. IRB review is required for projects or activities involving human subjects that are conducted on the college premises or elsewhere by faculty, students, or employees. Each project and activity involving human subjects will be referred to the IRB, following the procedures outlined below. 

The IRB shall review proposed research requiring full review at convened meetings at which a majority of the members are present, including at least one member whose primary concerns are in non-scientific areas. Decisions of the IRB are rendered by a majority of all members present. Where any questions of significance arise, Board members absent from a meeting are apprised and their views solicited so that participation to the fullest degree is possible. Minutes of each IRB meeting are circulated to the Provost, to all IRB members, and are on file with the IRB Coordinator. 

No members of the IRB will be involved in the review of any project in which the member has a direct conflicting professional or personal responsibility or interest, except to provide information requested by the IRB. 

The IRB may in its discretion consult with outside sources of expertise beyond or in addition to that available on the IRB. Such sources could include additional legal counsel or members of the Institutional Review Boards of other institutions. The outside sources may not vote on matters before the IRB. 

Each IRB member is encouraged to exercise independent judgment, so that reviews may be conducted in the most objective manner possible. 

The IRB has the authority to make decisions involving projects or activities that involve human subjects including: 1. determination of whether the project is exempt from IRB review; 2. determination of whether the project is eligible for expedited review; 3. determination of the level of risk to which human subjects may be exposed; 4. approval of the project or activity and procedures as submitted; 5. specification of modifications in the protocol necessary to obtain IRB approval; 6. disapproval of the project or activity; or 7. suspension or termination of IRB approval of research that is not being conducted in accordance with the IRB’s requirements or that has been associated with unexpected serious harm to subjects.

Application to the various categories of review shall be made on the forms developed by the IRB. The forms are available online on the IRB website. 

The IRB Coordinator shall notify investigators via email, and, normally, within two weeks of receipt of the proposal, of its decision to approve or disapprove the research, or of modifications required to secure its approval. If the IRB decides to disapprove a research project or activity, it shall include in its written notification a statement of the reasons for its decision and give the investigator an opportunity to respond in person or in writing. 

All research projects and activities approved by the IRB shall be subject to continuing review, typically on an annual basis unless there are changes to personnel or protocol. Research that is conducted, supported or otherwise subject to regulation by any federal department or agency shall be reviewed at least annually. 

Researchers seeking approval for projects approved by other IRBs (that also adhere to the regulations set forth in 45 CFR 46) must submit documentation of that IRB approval, along with whatever materials were originally submitted to that IRB (proposal, instruments, etc.), in electronic copy. The Goucher College IRB Chair or designee may determine if these materials are sufficient for the Goucher IRB to give its approval (secondary concurrence), or if more information (e.g., a proposal on the appropriate Goucher IRB forms) is required, in which case the submission will be reviewed according to the procedures outlined below. If the project is approved based on the materials submitted to another IRB (and that IRB’s approval), the Goucher College IRB must be kept apprised of all continuing reviews and addenda submitted to the primary IRB (at the other institution), and may request further information to continue its approval at any time. 

PROJECTS EXCLUDED FROM REVIEW (FOR WHICH NO SUBMISSION TO THE IRB IS NECESSARY) 

Data collection conducted by an instructor, in a classroom setting, as part of a course curriculum does not need to be presented to the IRB in any form. These activities include those designed for demonstration purposes as part of the educational experience for students. If the instructor plans to disseminate research findings beyond the classroom, the instructor should submit the appropriate proposal (EXEMPT, EXPEDITED, FULL). 

Oral History projects are not required to be presented to the IRB in any form. As guided by statements of the Oral History Association, the Goucher College IRB defines oral history as gathering, preserving, and interpreting the voices and memories of people and communities through recorded interviews with participants in past events and ways of life. It is the IRB’s position that oral history projects do not constitute “research” as defined by the OHRP, as they are not intended to contribute to generalizable knowledge, but rather are intended to enhance understanding of historical periods, contexts, and events. Those using oral history must conform to the principles and practices for oral history developed by the Oral History Association.

PROJECTS EXEMPT FROM REVIEW 

Some research that typically presents little or no risk of harm to subjects may be exempt from formal review by the Board. In these cases, researchers must submit an IRB-EXEMPT form to the IRB, so that the IRB chair (or designee) may review the study and make the determination of whether or not the project is indeed exempt. 

Specifically, the following categories of research are exempt from review (based on 45 CFR 46.104, updated 2018): 

A. Research conducted in established or commonly accepted educational settings, that involves normal educational practices that are not likely to adversely impact students’ opportunity to learn required educational content or the assessment of educators who provide instruction. Includes most research on regular and special education instructional strategies, and research on the effectiveness of or the comparison among instructional techniques, curricula, or classroom management methods. 

B. Research that only includes interactions involving educational tests (cognitive, diagnostic, aptitude, achievement), survey procedures, interview procedures, or observation of public behavior (including visual or auditory recording) if at least one of the following criteria is met: 1. The identity of the subjects cannot readily be ascertained, directly or through identifiers linked to the subjects; or 2. Any disclosure of the subjects’ responses outside the research would not reasonably place the subjects at risk of criminal or civil liability or be damaging to the subjects’ financial standing, employability, educational advancement, or reputation. 

C. Research involving benign behavioral interventions (brief in duration, harmless, painless, not physically invasive, not likely to have a significant adverse lasting impact on the subjects, no reason to think the intervention would be offensive or embarrassing, no deception regarding the nature or purposes of the research) involving adult subjects if the subject prospectively agrees to the intervention and information collection, if least one of the following criteria is met: 1. The identity of the subjects cannot readily be ascertained, directly or through identifiers linked to the subjects; or 2. Any disclosure of the subjects’ responses outside the research would not reasonably place the subjects at risk of criminal or civil liability or be damaging to the subjects’ financial standing, employability, educational advancement, or reputation. 

D. Secondary research uses of identifiable private information or identifiable biospecimens for which consent is not required, if at least one of the following criteria is met: 1. The information or biospecimens are publicly available; 2. The identity of the subjects cannot readily be ascertained directly or through identifiers linked to the subject and the investigator does not contact the subjects; 3. Involves only information collection and analysis involving the investigator’s use of identifiable health information when regulated for the purposes of “health care operations” or “research” or for “public health activities and purposes” (45 CFR 164.512(b)); or 4. The research is conducted by, or on behalf of, a Federal department or agency using government-generated or government-collected information obtained for non-research activities. 

RESEARCH QUALIFYING FOR EXPEDITED REVIEW 

Research activities qualify for expedited review if they involve no more than minimal risk, as defined in IV above, AND are included in the categories suitable for expedited review as determined by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and 45 CFR 46.110, listed below. In addition, minor changes to a previously approved research protocol may be acceptable for expedited review during the period for which approval is authorized. 

The following categories of research are currently determined to be eligible for expedited review, based on OHRP guidelines (last updated 1998): 

1. Clinical studies of drugs and medical devices, only when a) the research is on drugs for which an investigational new drug application is not required, or b) the research is on medical devices for which an investigational device exemption application is not required or the medical device is cleared/approved for marketing and the medical device is being used in accordance with its cleared/approved labeling; 

2. Collections of blood samples by finger stick, heel stick, ear stick or venipuncture, under the conditions described by DHHS; 

3. Prospective collection of biological specimens for research by noninvasive means (e.g., hair and nail clippings, teeth, saliva); 

4. Collection of data through noninvasive procedures routinely employed in clinical practice, excluding procedures involving x-rays or microwaves (e.g., physical sensors, muscular strength testing); 

5. Research involving materials (data, documents, records or specimens) that have been collected or will be collected solely for non-research purposes (such as medical treatment or diagnosis); 

6. Collection of data from voice, video, digital or image recordings made for research purposes; 

7. Research on individual or group characteristics or behavior (such as studies of perception, cognition, motivation, communication, social behavior), or research employing survey, interview, focus group, program evaluation, human factors evaluation, or quality assurance methodologies; 

8. Continuing review of research previously approved by full board review, where the research is permanently closed to the enrollment of new subjects, all subjects have completed all research related interventions and the research remains active only for long-term follow-up of subjects; or where no subjects have been enrolled and no additional risks have been identified; or where the remaining research activities are limited to data analysis; 

9. Continuing review of research, not conducted under an investigational new drug application or investigational device exemption where categories two through eight above do not apply but the IRB has determined and documented at a convened meeting that the research involves no greater than minimal risk and no additional risks have been identified; 

Investigators who believe that their projects qualify for expedited review must submit to the IRB Coordinator an electronic copy of the IRB-EXPEDITED form. The forms will be reviewed by two IRB members. At their discretion, the investigator may be required to discuss the project with the Chair or the designated member(s). A research activity may be disapproved only under the full review procedure (Section IX below). 

The Coordinator will notify the investigator within two weeks whether the proposed research qualifies for expedited review. If the proposal does not qualify, the Coordinator will advise the investigator via email concerning the submission of the appropriate forms for request for full review. If the proposal qualifies and is approved, the Coordinator will notify the investigator and file the signed form. Approved projects will be kept in a database accessible to all IRB members. 

RESEARCH THAT REQUIRES FULL IRB REVIEW 

All projects that are not subject to exemption or expedited review are subject to full IRB review. The investigator must submit an electronic copy of the IRB-FULL form and a copy of their project or activity proposal. In order to approve the project, the IRB must determine that all of the following requirements are satisfied: 

1. Risks to subjects are minimized (a) by using procedures that are consistent with sound research design and which do not unnecessarily expose subjects to risk, and (b) whenever appropriate, by using procedures already being performed on the subjects for diagnostic or treatment purposes; 

2. Risks to subjects are reasonable in relation to anticipated benefits, if any, to subjects, and the importance of the knowledge that may reasonably be expected to result; 

3. Selection of subjects is equitable, taking into account the purpose of the research and the setting in which the research will be conducted; 

4. Informed consent will be obtained from each prospective subject or the subject’s legally authorized representative, according to the Guidelines for Consent in IX below, and will be appropriately documented. The prospective subject or representative must be given sufficient opportunity to consider whether or not to participate. Where appropriate, the research plan makes adequate provision for monitoring the data collected to ensure the safety of subjects. 

5. Where appropriate, there are adequate provisions to protect the privacy of subjects and to maintain the confidentiality of data. 

6. Where some or all of the subjects are likely to be vulnerable to coercion or undue influence, such as persons with acute or severe physical or mental illness, children, incarcerated individuals, pregnant people, persons with mental disabilities, or economically or educationally disadvantaged persons, appropriate additional safeguards have been included in the study to protect the rights and welfare of these subjects.

In each case, the IRB requires that the research activity be performed by scientifically or otherwise qualified persons with adequate supervision by professional personnel and that the general procedures employed are legal and acceptable by both national and local standards of practice. 

Investigators who believe that their projects qualify for Full Board review must submit to the IRB Chair one hard copy and one electronic copy of the IRB- FULL form. The Chair then assesses the completeness and compliance of the application with these regulations and policies. After this initial review, the forms may be returned to the investigator with a request for more details or suggestions for change. Upon acceptance by the Chair, the application is put on the agenda for the next scheduled IRB meeting. In certain cases, the investigator may be requested to attend the meeting to clarify the proposal and to respond to questions by members of the IRB.

If the proposal is approved, the Chair will notify the investigator and the original of form IRB-FULL will be signed by at least three members of the IRB. If the proposal is not approved, reasons for denial will be provided in writing to the researcher. All records of review are public information once the IRB has ascertained that no data pertaining to individual subjects is present in those records. 

HUMAN SUBJECTS DATA COLLECTED BY GOUCHER COLLEGE STUDENTS TO FULFILL CLASSROOM ASSIGNMENTS 

Many class-assigned projects using humans as subjects do not meet the definition of research in 45 CFR 46.102 (l) (i.e., “a systematic investigation, including research development, testing and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge”). In some of these cases, classroom projects may not require an IRB application. 

To minimize administrative burdens on instructors and students, the IRB offers instructors an alternative to requiring each student to submit an IRB application, provided none of the conditions in A below are met, and the instructor agrees to fulfill all responsibilities in B. 

A. An IRB application is required when the classroom research project meets one or more of the following conditions: 1. Use of vulnerable populations or minors. The project involves minors (under 18 years of age), incarcerated individuals, persons lacking the capacity to give informed consent, pregnant people, or other vulnerable populations as defined by 45 CFR 46. 2. Publication or presentation outside of Goucher College. Data obtained from the class project will be used for publication, presentation outside of Goucher College, thesis research, dissemination to media outlets, or any other type of public dissemination. 3. The project involves sensitive topics or confidential information that could place a subject at risk if disclosed. Any interview, survey or questionnaire that proposes to investigate opinions, behaviors, and/or experiences regarding, but not limited to, any of the following sensitive topics or highly personal aspects of the subject’s life experiences or attitudes requires IRB approval: • sexual and reproductive behaviors, attitudes, or experiences; • substance use and/or abuse; • mental health of the subject or of others; • traumatic experiences of a subject; • any activity that could put the subject or others at risk of criminal or civil liability. 4. The project involves more than minimal risk (see section IV). 5. The project involves the use of any kind of deception (see section IV). 6. The project involves video recording or photography of subjects. Use of audio recording does not trigger the requirement for IRB review if the recording will be erased by the end of the semester, provided subjects sign an informed consent form detailing these procedures. 

B. Instructors whose students are conducting human subjects research that does not require IRB approval must accept primary responsibility for ensuring the rights and welfare of the human subjects. Instructors must also: 1. Complete the human subjects training available on the IRB web site. 2. Submit an IRB application if the instructor will use data collected by students in their own research. If the instructor is either collecting data from the students in the class, or will be using data students have collected from other subjects, they must submit an IRB application. 3. Train students in the proper conduct of research and the protection of human subjects. Instructors must incorporate a section on research ethics training into their course (documented in the course syllabus). This instruction can be provided by Goucher-approved online training available through the IRB web site and/or by the instructor but must include, at a minimum, discussions of: informed consent; the risks and benefits of research; data collection, storage, and security; and confidentiality. 4. Review student class project applications and determine if each project requires IRB review. Some projects will not require IRB review. Instructors are responsible for keeping all documentation associated with the course for at least three years, consistent with college guidelines. 5. Ensure that all recruitment materials and consent forms contain the following points: • The student identifies themself as a Goucher College student who is performing the activity to fulfill a course requirement, and the course is specifically identified. • The name and contact information of the student and the supervising faculty member are provided. • The persons who have access to the individual data and/or summarized results are specified. • Respondents are informed that their participation is completely voluntary and confidential. • The term “IRB-approved” is removed. Instead, the college recommends including a statement on the consent form such as, “This project is conducted as a requirement for [class name here]. This project has been reviewed and approved by the instructor, Professor [X], acting as IRB proxy.” 6. Ensure that students obtain informed consent from all human subjects. Informed consent processes must include all information that may be relevant to an individual in deciding whether or not to participate in research, including the nature of the research activities, anticipated risks and compensation, etc. See IX for more information about informed consent. 

C. Goucher College may designate individuals within the institution to evaluate whether or not specific projects qualify for EXEMPT status, in cases where particular programs or courses generate many projects of this sort. For example, projects to be conducted by students in the Graduate Programs in Education may submit summaries of their projects to the Program Director for verification of EXEMPT status. Other programs should contact the IRB to discuss this type of arrangement. It is the responsibility of the designee to keep the IRB apprised of the topics of projects that have been deemed exempt by the designee.

REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSENT 

The requirements for informed consent, or its waiver, alteration, or exception apply regardless of the type of review-expedited or full-utilized by the IRB. 

The investigator must provide the Board with assurance that truly informed and free consent of subjects at risk will be obtained by methods that are adequate and appropriate, and that carry the least possibility of coercion, undue influence, omission, error, or misunderstanding. The informed consent procedure and documents employed for this purpose shall contain no exculpatory language through which the subject or the subject’s legally authorized representative is made to waive or appear to waive any of thier legal rights, or to release or appear to release the researcher, Goucher College or any of its personnel from any liability for negligence. 

In many cases, research may involve children, persons with restricted educational backgrounds, or persons for whom English is not their native tongue. Consent is not “informed” if the person concerned cannot understand the consent form. The language used in the consent form must be appropriate for the age, education and intellectual levels of the persons who are to be subjects. 

In some cases, Goucher students under age 18 may wish to participate in research projects. In order for these students to consent to participate in research, they must get permission of a parent to do so (using the appropriate form on the IRB website), submit the signed parent form to the IRB Coordinator, and be prepared to show a copy of the signed parent form to the researcher at the time of participation. 

To obtain informed consent, the investigator must provide prospective subjects with the following information: 

1. A statement that the study involves research, an explanation of the purposes of the research and the expected duration of the subject’s participation, a description of the procedures to be followed, and identification of any procedures that are experimental. NOTE: This statement may be provided to the subject following the research project in cases where the “deception” is a material part of the project. 2. A description of any reasonably foreseeable risks or discomforts to the subject. 3. A description of any benefits to the subject or to others which may reasonably be expected from the research. 4. A disclosure of appropriate alternative procedures or courses of treatment, if any, that might be advantageous to the subject. 5. A statement describing the extent, if any, to which confidentiality of records identifying the subject will be maintained. 6. For research involving more than minimal risk, an explanation as to whether any compensation and an explanation as to whether any medical treatments are available if injury occurs and, if so, what they consist of, or where further information may be obtained. Such injury may consist of physical, psychological, emotional, financial, or other harm. 7. An explanation of whom to contact for answers to pertinent questions about the research and research subjects’ rights, and whom to contact in the event of a research-related injury to the subject. 8. A statement that participation is voluntary, refusal to participate will involve no penalty or loss of benefits to which the subject is otherwise entitled, and the subject may discontinue participation at any time without penalty or loss of benefits to which the subject is otherwise entitled. 9. A statement informing subjects of their right to withdraw any consent given and, at the point of withdrawal, to require that their own data, including records, be eliminated from use after withdrawal. 

When appropriate, the investigator must also provide prospective subjects with one or more of the following: 

1. A statement that the particular treatment or procedure may involve risks to the subject (or to the embryo or fetus, if the subject is or may become pregnant) that are currently unforeseeable. 2. Anticipated circumstances under which the subject’s participation may be terminated by the investigator without regard to the subject’s consent. 3. Any additional costs to the subject that may result from participation in the research. 4. The potential consequences of a subject’s decision to withdraw from the research and procedures for orderly termination of participation by the subject. 5. A statement that significant new findings developed during the course of the research which may relate to the subject’s willingness to continue participation will be provided to the subject. 6. The approximate number of subjects involved in the study. 7. Plans for protecting the confidentiality of personally identifiable information. 

[NOTE: These requirements for informed consent are not intended to preempt any applicable federal, state, or local laws.] 

In most cases, the investigator should document informed consent by use of an IRB-approved consent form that incorporates appropriate parts of the above requirements. The form may be read to or read by subjects or their legally authorized representatives, and must indicate consent by signature. The researcher must offer the subject a copy of the consent form. Under certain limited circumstances (as defined in 45 CFR 46.117(c)) the IRB may waive the requirement for a signed consent form.

 In some instances, the investigator may prepare a “short form” written consent document which states that all elements required above were read to the subject or to a legally authorized representative. Short form consent requires that: 

1. there must be a witness to the oral presentation; 2. the IRB must approve a summary of the oral statement; 3. the consent form will be signed by the subject or representative; 4. the witness will sign the short form and a copy of the summary; 5. the person obtaining consent will sign a copy of the summary; and 6. a copy of the short form and the summary will be offered to the subject or representative. 

In no case shall an investigator propose, or the IRB approve, an informed consent procedure in which any possible or potential risk is knowingly or purposely minimized, misrepresented, or otherwise distorted. 

All approved consent procedures will be retained by the IRB Coordinator, and all signed consent forms will be retained by the principal researcher. 

CONFIDENTIALITY 

All personnel associated with each project or activity involving the use of human subjects will ensure that confidentiality will be maintained with respect to individuals in the collection, storage, security, use, and ultimate destruction of all primary data. 

Measures taken to assure confidentiality should be described to the IRB in writing by the investigator in each case, regardless of risks to subjects involved or of consent procedures used. 

Exceptions to the confidentiality of data associated with individual human subjects are made only when disclosure is required by statutory or judicial authority or when the subject has given prior written approval for disclosure. 

General information such as descriptions of consent procedures and outcomes of the review process and minutes of IRB meetings are public information. 

IRB RECORDS

The IRB shall prepare and retain documentation of its activities, including the following: 

1. All research proposals reviewed, scientific evaluations, if any, that accompany the proposals, approved sample consent documents, progress reports submitted by investigators, and reports of injuries to subjects. Updated April 2023 Policy on the Use of Human Subjects Page 12 2. Minutes of IRB meetings which shall be in sufficient detail to show attendance at the meetings; actions taken by the IRB; the vote on these actions including the number of members voting for, against, and abstaining; the basis for requiring changes in or disapproving research; and a written summary of the discussion of disputed issues and their resolution. 3. Records of continuing review activities. 4. Copies of all correspondence between the IRB and investigators. 5. A list of IRB members, including name, earned degrees, representative capacity, indications of experience sufficient to describe anticipated contributions to IRB deliberations, and any employment or other relationship with the College. 6. Statements of significant new findings regarding risk factors for subjects that appear during the course of the research. 

All such records and minutes shall be retained for at least three years after completion of the research, and the records shall be accessible for inspection and copying by authorized persons, including representatives of the Department of Health and Human Services, at a reasonable time, place and manner. 

RESEARCH UNDERTAKEN WITHOUT THE INTENTION OF INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS 

In the event research is undertaken without the intention of involving human subjects but it is later proposed to involve human subjects, the research shall first be reviewed and approved by the IRB according to these procedures, before any such involvement occurs. 

PROPOSED CHANGES TO A PROJECT

In the event an investigator proposes to make changes to an IRB-approved research project or activity, including protocol and personnel changes, the changes may not be initiated without IRB review and approval except when necessary to eliminate apparent immediate hazards to the subjects. Investigators proposing changes should electronically submit to the IRB Coordinator the IRB-Protocol Modification or Continuing Review Form, which includes a detailed description of any substantive changes to the project as well as those modifications that change the risk to the subject, referring specifically to appropriate sections of the Research Proposal submitted with the original IRB form. The IRB Coordinator in consultation with the IRB Chair will approve minor changes. More substantive changes will be reviewed by a subset of IRB reviewers, or for a Full Review proposal will be reviewed at the closest scheduled meeting of the IRB. Approvals for proposed changes are typically valid for one year. 

PROCEDURE FOR REPORTING UNANTICIPATED PROBLEMS INVOLVING RISKS 

In the event of any unanticipated problems or serious noncompliance with protocols that involve risks to human subjects or others, the investigator or research subject must promptly report the matter to the IRB Chair and the Office of the Provost. 

CERTAIN CATEGORIES OF RESEARCH 

In research involving incarcerated individuals, pregnant people, fetuses, neonates and children, the IRB will follow the guidelines established in the Code of Federal Regulations at 45 CFR 46, and any future amendments. 

ADDITIONAL ISSUES TO BE TREATED ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS 

A. Longitudinal Research 

The IRB may request the investigator in any project or activity extending over a period of time exceeding one year to obtain consent from subjects on a yearly basis. 

B. Concealment or Deception 

1. The IRB recognizes that it may be impossible to study some psychological processes without withholding information about the true object of the study or deliberately misleading the subjects. However, for any research project or activity that involves the use of deception or concealment, the investigator must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the IRB that: A. the potential benefits of the experiment exceed the risks to the subjects of using deception or concealment; B. alternative procedures avoiding concealment or deception are not available; and C. the investigator has considered the effects on the subjects of the way that the withholding of information or deliberate deception will be received. 

2. Typically, it is expected that those who have been subjects in a project involving concealment or deception be so informed at the completion of the subject’s participation in the study. In studies where the subjects are aware that they have taken part in an investigation in which the data have been collected using concealment or deception, the IRB may require the investigator to: A. provide the subjects with any necessary information to complete their understanding of the nature of the research; and B. discuss with the subjects their experience of the research in order to monitor any unforeseen negative effects or misconceptions. 

C. Observational Research 

1. Studies based upon observation must respect the privacy and psychological well-being of the individuals studied. The IRB may require that those observed give their consent to being observed and be made aware that they may be observed by strangers (unless the research project entails deception or concealment as a material condition of the project, in which case the investigator is required to comply with the guidelines set forth in 45 CFR 46.XVI.1.B and C). 

2. Additionally, the IRB may require assurance that particular account is taken of local cultural values and of the possibility of intruding upon the privacy of individuals who, even while in a normally public space, may believe they are unobserved. 

AUDIO AND VIDEO RECORDING 

Audio and video recording of human subjects is a form of research that does not protect the anonymity of the subject. Therefore, certain precautions must be taken whether or not the project is exempted from review under Section VII: 

1. Subjects should be informed that they will be recorded by audio or video for research purposes only. That is, the investigator and/or department may not use these recordings for purposes other than those specified in the research project. 2. The recording must be stored in a password-protected folder on a password-protected computer. A. In some cases, the IRB may require encryption of the file, as a further protection. B. In some cases, the IRB may prohibit use of recording devices that are connected to the Internet (e.g., cell phones, laptops). Such recordings may not be stored on devices connected to the Internet until after the appropriate password-protection/ encryption has taken place. 3. Only the investigator and, where appropriate, the investigator’s advisor(s) or supervisor(s) may listen to or view the recording. 4. The recording must be destroyed or erased as soon as possible (e.g., upon transcription), but in no case later than the completion of the project. 

RESPONSIBLE OFFICE 

For more information or if you have questions about this policy, please contact the Institutional Review Board at irb@goucher.edu. 

HISTORY 

Updated: August 2019; April 2023.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish a balance between complying with the requirement of attending classes in an in-person institution while addressing absences due to religious observance, athletic responsibilities, mental and physical health issues, and accommodations set in place by the offices of Accessibility Services and Title IX.

Scope

This policy applies to all undergraduate students.

Statement

Class attendance and communication with professors are among the top predictors of student academic and sustained success. Students should plan to attend EVERY class session. An absence is an absence, excused or unexcused. However, there are many reasons why students might be absent from class: for health reasons; documented disability; participating in a varsity athletic contest; religious observance; and Title IX related concern.

Faculty members record ALL absences and follow the attendance policy in their syllabi that might vary from class to class and from program to program. Attendance policies illustrate the number of classes that a faculty member determines that a student can miss without hindering the student´s performance in the class.

If a student misses more than three (3) weeks of all their classes, they should make an appointment with the associate provost for undergraduate studies to discuss the possibility of withdrawing for the semester or taking a medical/compassionate withdrawal (for more information, visit the Registrar´s website). If a student misses three (3) weeks in one class, they should discuss with their faculty or success advisor the possibility of withdrawing from that class before the last day of classes.  

Definitions

A. Absence: When a student does not attend a regularly scheduled class session.

B. Attendance: The act of being physically in a classroom location. Attendance:

• Supports a sense of belonging: It allows students to become part of a classroom community.
• Encourages student success: It helps students learn the course material and create knowledge with their professors and peers.
• Supports group work: Absent students cannot contribute their unique perspectives to class discussion or other group work, negatively affecting other students’ learning opportunities.
• Promotes professional behavior: It promotes responsibility and accountability. It prepares students for the labor market.
• Helps with retention: Students that attend classes and are engaged with faculty and peers are less likely to withdraw from the College.
• Promotes mental health: Attendance gives students a purpose to get out of bed and go outside to walk to class. Routine and natural daylight enhances mental health.

Procedures

1. When testing positive for COVID-19, students should complete and submit the Report an Illness form. Goucher College follows the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) guidance. The Student Health Center (SHC) works with all students who test positive to determine the length of their isolation. The SHC communicates with the associate provost for undergraduate studies, who in turn notifies students´ professors and advisors.   
2. For all other illnesses, students should submit an academic notification request and send any relevant documentation to deanofstudent@goucher.edu.  The Dean of Students (DOS) communicates with the associate provost, who in turn notifies students´ professors and advisors.   
3. In the case of a death in the family, students should submit an academic notification request. The staff at the Student Counseling Center is here to support students during this difficult time. The DOS communicates with the associate provost, who in turn notifies students´ professors and advisors.   
4. In the case of a medical emergency such as hospitalization or surgery, students should contact Student Support & Outreach at care@goucher.edu and submit an academic notification request. SSO communicates with the associate provost, who in turn notifies students´ professors and advisors.  
5. When students have documented disabilities and are in need of accommodations, they should contact access@goucher.edu. This should happen before the semester starts as accommodations are not retroactive. Once accommodations are in place, the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) emails students and their professors when appropriate. After receiving the email from OAS, students should make an appointment with EACH of their professors to discuss what the accommodations will look like in EACH of their classes as college accommodations are very different to high school accommodations. OAS can facilitate these conversations when requested. As Goucher College is a residential institution, virtual attendance is not contemplated as a reasonable accommodation.  
6. In the case of a Title IX accommodation, students should work with the Deputy Title IX coordinator, who informs the associate provost of any Title IX accommodation, who in turn notifies students’ professors and advisors. As Goucher College is a residential institution, virtual attendance is not contemplated as a reasonable accommodation.   
7. In the case of student-athletes, students should complete the Athletic Academic Schedule Conflict form on the first week of class. This form mirrors the Add/Drop process; professors receive the request and can approve/deny it and then add any notes.  Students receive an email with their decision and notes.   
8. When suffering a concussion, students should follow the procedures in the concussion accommodation policy.   
9. When observing a religious holiday that conflicts with class attendance, students should contact the Chaplain,  at the beginning of the semester, who will guide them through the process (students may also access the link here). The Chaplain informs the associate provost who in turn notifies students’ professors.   

RESPONSIBLE Office

For more information or if you have questions about this policy, please contact the Office of the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Studies at associateprovost@goucher.edu.

History

Adopted: January 2024.

Policy For Transition from GPEP to Main Campus

Scope

This policy applies to former Goucher Prison Education Partnership (GPEP) students who have been accepted to Goucher College, have been released from prison and want to continue their enrollment on the main campus.

Statement

Students enrolled through GPEP are Goucher College students; when they apply and are accepted to GPEP, they are applying and being accepted to Goucher College. When they are released from prison, they can choose to transfer to any college in the country, or they can choose to finish their studies with Goucher College on the main campus.

Purpose

This policy aims to provide guidelines for GPEP students to continue their studies on Goucher’s main campus post-release.

Procedures

If the former GPEP student is in good academic standing and is not taking time off from school, they can simply transition directly to enrolling on the main campus. If they are on academic probation and/or are taking time off from school, they will follow the same guidelines as main campus students to request to re-enroll in Goucher. Further details are outlined below.

Students who have a) been enrolled with Goucher through GPEP in the past year, and b) are in good academic standing with the College should:

1. Inform via email the GPEP Executive Director and the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Studies of their desire to continue their Goucher education on the main campus. This is not to request permission, but rather to provide the information so that GPEP staff and the Associate Provost are aware and can support the student as needed.
2. Copy the Registrar’s Office in the email to initiate the process for the student to be integrated onto the main campus (getting a financial aid package, an advisor, registered for classes, an ID, an email account, etc.) The Associate Provost will assign an advisor and assist students in connecting them with their advisor so they can get registered for classes. GPEP staff will serve as unofficial mentors for the student as they navigate the transition, and will provide support as appropriate, according to the Policy for GPEP Continued Educational Aid.

Students who have a) been enrolled with Goucher through GPEP in the past year, and b) are not in good academic standing with the College should:

1. Send a letter via email to the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Studies explaining the circumstances around their poor academic performance and identifying a concrete and actionable plan for attainable improvement and sustained academic success. Copy the Registrar and GPEP Executive Director.
2. Attach two letters of recommendation: One from a faculty member and one from a GPEP staff.
3. The Associate Provost will review the request and notify the Registrar and GPEP Executive Director of the decision. Decision to approve will be based on the letter provided by the student and the letters of recommendation.
4. The Registrar’s Office will send a letter to the student informing them of the decision and, where approval was granted, the Registrar’s Office will initiate the process for the student to be integrated onto the main campus (getting a financial aid package, an advisor, registered for classes, an ID, an email account, etc.) The Associate Provost will assign an advisor and assist students in connecting them with their advisor so they can get registered for classes. GPEP staff will serve as unofficial mentors for the student as they navigate the transition, and will provide support as appropriate, according to the Policy for GPEP Continued Educational Aid.

Students who have a) not been enrolled with the College in the most recent two semesters and/or b) are not in good academic standing with the College in their last two consecutive semesters enrolled with GPEP should:

1. Submit a reinstatement form. If the student was on academic probation in the most recent two semesters enrolled with GPEP, along with the reinstatement form they must submit one of the following:
   1. A transcript with 12 credits with a C- or above from another institution earned since their last semester with GPEP, or
   2. A letter from an employer where a student has been employed for at least a year since their last enrollment with GPEP attesting to the performance of the employee.
2. The Registrar’s Office will send a letter to the student informing them of the decision and, where approval was granted, the Registrar’s Office will initiate the process for the student to be integrated onto the main campus (getting a financial aid package, an advisor, registered for classes, an ID, an email account, etc.) The Associate Provost will assign an advisor and assist students in connecting them with their advisor so they can get registered for classes. GPEP staff will serve as unofficial mentors for the student as they navigate the transition, and will provide support as appropriate, according to the Policy for GPEP Continued Educational Aid.

RESPONSIBLE Office

For more information or if you have questions about this policy, please contact the Office of the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Studies at associateprovost@goucher.edu.

History

Adopted: April 2023

Online Course Policy

Goucher is a residential college; consequently, there is an expectation that most courses are offered in-person.  No online undergraduate courses may be offered during the fall and spring semesters, unless there is an exception made by the provost for an extraordinary circumstance.  Online undergraduate courses may be offered in the winter and summer terms.

Because online courses are inherently technology driven and online pedagogy is evolving, a Center for the Advancement of Scholarship and Teaching (CAST) online course design workshop is required of instructors who offer online courses.  Additionally, individual courses must be certified by CAST which will assess the online course design.  Course certifications will expire after a term of three years, and instructors are expected to refresh their training every three years.

There is no cap on the number of online course credits a student may count towards graduation.

(The online course policy does not apply to internships or independent studies).