Binghamton University

Index | 

Academic Policies and Procedures

ContentsUndergraduate InformationUNDERGRADUATE GENERAL EDUCATION PROGRAMRestrictions and ExceptionsSummary of General Education RequirementsDetermination of Graduation RequirementsResidence RequirementsClassification of StudentsProgram LoadTransfer of CreditsProgress Toward Degree (DARS)Double Degree ProgramCourse OfferingsCourse Numbering and PrerequisitesHarpur College numbering systemProfessional schools’ numbering systemBinghamton University Student Information (BUSI) SystemRegistration and Changes In ProgramGrading SystemsNotation of IncompleteCredit by ExaminationACCESS TO UNIVERSITY RECORDSAcademic Progress and StandingGeneral Readmission PoliciesOCC HousingOfficial TranscriptsCertification of Degrees

---

Undergraduate Information

The following pages contain academic regulations and other information of interest to all students pursuing an undergraduate degree at Binghamton University. In addition to the all-University regulations discussed here, regulations specifically pertaining to the various schools at the University appear in the school sections later in both the Catalog and Bulletin. All students are expected to be familiar with the regulations in this section and in the section for the school in which they are enrolled, and are responsible for their observance. For interpretations of these regulations or for answers to questions about specific points of academic policy, students should consult the academic advising office of the college or school in which they are enrolled.

Students whose circumstances or aspirations are not covered by standard academic policies, or who wish to request exceptions to standard policies, may seek a waiver by filing a petition in the academic advising office of the college or school in which they are enrolled. If the initial petition is not resolved to their satisfaction, they may appeal according to guidelines available in each dean’s office. To aid students with their appeals, the Student Association provides an ombudsperson.

Binghamton University has had a General Education program for all undergraduate students since 1996. The State University of New York Board of Trustees, in December 1998, adopted Resolution 98-241 establishing a General Education Requirement for all baccalaureate degree candidates at SUNY’s state-operated campuses. As a condition of graduation, baccalaureate students entering the State University of New York in 2000 or later are required to complete a General Education program of no fewer than 30 credit hours specifically designed to achieve learning outcomes in 10 knowledge and skill areas: Mathematics; Natural Sciences; Social Sciences; American History; Western Civilization; Other World Civilizations; Humanities; The Arts; Foreign Language; and Basic Communication, and two competencies: Critical Thinking (Reasoning) and Information Management.

UNDERGRADUATE GENERAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

Convinced that there are several areas of knowledge and experience that ought to be central to the academic experience of every undergraduate student, Binghamton University has adopted a comprehensive General Education curriculum. This curriculum has broad goals. It is intended to help students develop:

• an appreciation of and capacity for effective personal expression;

• knowledge about various intellectual traditions;

• an understanding of and respect for different peoples and civilizations;        

• knowledge of and appreciation for the natural world, achieved through active engagement with the methods and philosophy of natural science;

• logical thinking, balanced skepticism, and tolerance for ambiguity and uncertainty;

• a knowledge of and appreciation for the arts and creative expression.

To achieve these objectives, the faculty of Binghamton University requires students to take courses in the following broad areas of learning:

Category 1:
Language and Communication

Composition (C) courses are courses in any of the departments or divisions of the University. They require a process of revision and a minimum of 20 pages of expository prose. Students will perform the basic operations of personal computer use; understand and use basic research techniques; and locate, evaluate and synthesize information from a variety of sources. At least 50 percent of the course grade is based on student writing.

Oral Communication (O) courses involve at least two oral presentations and evaluation of speaking that count for at least 15 percent of the final course grade.

The language of communication for fulfilling both the C and O requirement shall be English.

Note: Composition and Oral Communication components may be combined to create Joint (J) courses.

Foreign Language skills are ensured by requiring that students pass either a third-semester college-level course in one foreign language or a second-semester course in two foreign languages, or satisfactorily complete some other significant activity that requires second-level foreign language proficiency as a prerequisite, such as study abroad in a non-English environment or an internship serving people who can communicate only in a language other than English. Students may fulfill the foreign language requirement prior to enrolling in college either by completing four or more units of one high school foreign language with a course grade in the fourth year of 85 or better, or three units each of two high school languages with course grades in each third unit of 85 or better, by passing the AP examination (or its equivalent) with a score of 3 or better, or by demonstrating equivalent proficiency in some other fashion.

Category 2:
Creating a Global Vision

The complexity of the modern world demands that students attain a heightened awareness both of the plurality of cultures that have contributed to the making of the United States and of the interdependence of the cultures of the world.

Pluralism in the United States (P) courses consider three or more cultural groups in the United States in terms of their specific experiences and how they have affected and been affected by the basic institutions of American society. Each course takes substantial account of at least three of the following: African Americans, Asian Americans, European Americans, Latino Americans and Native Americans.

Most P courses assume a basic knowledge of United States history, as measured by demonstrating a level of proficiency equivalent to a score of 85 or above on the Regents examination on United States History and Government. Students who have not demonstrated this knowledge must meet the P requirement by choosing from among a designated group of P courses that pay significant attention to a broad span of United States history.

Global Interdependencies (G) courses consider how one or more of the regions of the world have influenced and interacted with the West and with one another, and how the West has affected and been affected by these regions and their distinctive cultures or civilizations. Additionally, major portions of the course content focus both on broad, foundational aspects of the long-term development of distinctive features of Western civilization in Europe and North America and on the distinctive features of one or more non-Western civilizations, such as those of Asia, Africa or the indigenous peoples of the Americas.

Category 3:
Natural Sciences,
Social Sciences and Mathematics

Students must have an understanding of the methods of investigation typical of the natural and social sciences and must be able to make individual observations and quantitative measurements in a hands-on environment in the natural sciences. In order to have the experience of discovery through the use of logic and reasoning, students also need to study mathematical methods and reasoning.

Laboratory Science (L) courses emphasize the formulation and testing of hypotheses and the collection, analysis and interpretation of data. Each course includes a minimum of 10 laboratory meetings, exercises, field studies or practica.

Social Science (N) courses emphasize the major concepts, models and issues of at least one of the social sciences.

On 12/6/05, Binghamton University's Faculty Senate approved the following change to the General Education "Mathematics/Reasoning" (M) requirement.  This change was made retroactive to so that it applies to all students subject to the General Education requirements in the 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005 Catalogs who have not yet satisfied the "M" requirement.

"Mathematics/Reasoning (M) courses include any course in the Mathematics Department numbered 130 or above, any of several designated statistics courses, or any of several designated logic courses. An Advanced Placement score of 3 or better in Calculus or Statistics may be used to satisfy this requirement."

Mathematics/Reasoning (M) courses include any course in the Mathematics Department numbered 130 or above, any of several designated statistics courses, PHIL 121, 122 or 200, or any course in the Computer Science Department numbered 120 or above (except CS 205). Advanced Placement credit may be used to satisfy this requirement.

M courses assume a basic knowledge of high school mathematics as measured by demonstrating a level of proficiency equivalent to passing Mathematics Course B (algebra, geometry, trigonometry) with a score of 85 or above on the corresponding Regents examination. Students who have not demonstrated such proficiency either by test scores or by passing calculus must pass MATH 107 or 108 in addition to one of the above-listed courses.

Category 4:
Aesthetics and Humanities

By taking courses in this area, students gain an expanded sense and understanding of culture and a greater appreciation of human experience and its expressions.

Aesthetics (A) courses enhance students’ understanding of the creative process and the role of imagination in it. Students study or practice artistic expression and production in such fields as art, art history, cinema, creative writing, dance, graphic design, music and theater.

Humanities (H) courses enhance students’ understanding of human experience through the study of literature or philosophy.

Category 5:
Physical Activity/Wellness

Exercise, body awareness and wellness are essential components of a healthy and productive lifestyle. The dictum we follow is “a sound mind in a sound body.”

Physical Activity (Y) courses devote at least 50 percent of their time to the performance of physical exercise designed to develop one or more of the following attributes: neuromuscular skill, muscular strength and endurance, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility.

Wellness (S) courses deal with such topics as diet and nutrition, physical development, substance abuse, human sexuality, relaxation or physical, mental and emotional fitness. Their focus is on developing a healthy lifestyle rather than on simply providing information about the human body.

The Physical Activity/Wellness requirement may be fulfilled in any of the following ways:

• Completion of a one-credit (or more) Physical Activity course and a one-credit (or more) Wellness course.

• Completion of a one-credit Physical Activity/Wellness course and one of the following:

• one-credit Physical Activity course;

• one-credit Wellness course;

• one-credit Physical Activity/Wellness course.

• Completion of a two-credit (or more) course that combines a physical activity and wellness.

Note: Physical Activity and Wellness components may be combined to create Physical Activity/Wellness (B) courses.

Restrictions and Exceptions

• Students may use appropriate transfer credits to satisfy particular course requirements. The determination of which transfer credits satisfy General Education requirements will be the responsibility of the evaluator of transfer credit in each of the undergraduate schools.

• General Education courses may also be counted as satisfying college and major requirements.

• Certain courses are designated as meeting the criteria for more than one of the General Education categories. When a course is so designated, students may use it to satisfy only one of the General Education course requirements. There is an exception to this rule: Composition (C), Oral Communication (O) and Joint (J) courses may satisfy either one or both of these requirements and also satisfy one other General Education requirement.

• General Education courses may not be taken Pass/Fail unless that is the mandatory grade option in the course.

• Appropriate Advanced Placement credits, in some instances, may be used to satisfy the following General Education requirements: Aesthetics, Foreign Language, Humanities, Laboratory Science, Mathematics/Reasoning or Social Science.

• For all General Education requirements, a “course” is understood to be four credits. There are exceptions to this rule:

• transfer courses that earned three credits at the student’s original school;

• Physical Activity/Wellness courses (the specific credit-hour criteria for these courses are defined above);

• Laboratory Science courses of one and two credits that have a four-credit pre- or corequisite;

• Oral Communication courses of varying credits;

• schools or programs in which three-credit courses are the norm.

REVISION TO EXEMPTIONS OF THE FOREIGN LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT, POSTED 7/23/04:

• The Foreign Language requirement is waived for students in the Watson School engineering programs.

• The Foreign Language requirement for students in the Decker School of Nursing and the Watson School computer science program and for transfer students in any school is fulfilled by one college course in foreign language at any level. This requirement may also be fulfilled in high school by demonstrating a level of proficiency equivalent to passing the corresponding Regents foreign language examination with a score of 85 or higher.

Summary of General Education Requirements

Courses that satisfy General Education requirements are so designated in the Schedule of Classes each semester. The code letter attached to a course in the Schedule of Classes means that the course fulfills the particular General Education requirement that follows. (See preceding “Restrictions and Exceptions” for explanation of variability in credits.)

		credits
1a.	Composition (C)*	4
1b.	Oral Communication (O)*	1-4
1c.	Foreign Language	0-16
2a.	Pluralism in the U.S. (P)	4
2b.	Global Interdependencies (G)	4
3a.	Laboratory Science (L)	4-6
3b.	Social Science (N)	4
3c.	Mathematics/Reasoning (M)	4-8
4a.	Aesthetics (A)	4
4b.	Humanities (H)	4
5.	Physical Activity (Y), Wellness (S), Physical Activity/Wellness (B)	2
	TOTAL	35-60

* Joint Oral Communication/Composition (J) courses satisfy both the C and O requirements simultaneously.

Determination of Graduation Requirements

Graduation requirements for the undergraduate schools on the Binghamton campus are listed in the individual school sections of both the Catalog and Bulletin. In general, matriculated students follow the requirements for graduation listed in the Catalog/Bulletin current at the time they are admitted. However, students who interrupt enrollment for three or more consecutive semesters (not counting summer sessions) are governed by the Catalog/Bulletin in effect when they are readmitted. Exceptions are made for students eligible to continue at Binghamton who are forced to leave because of involuntary recall to military service.

With the departmental adviser’s consent and approval from their college or school’s academic advising office, students may elect a later Catalog/Bulletin under which to fulfill the degree requirements; they may not elect an earlier Catalog/Bulletin, nor use a combination of requirements from different Catalogs/Bulletins.

No Catalog/Bulletin more than 10 years old may be used under any circumstances. Should a student maintain continuous enrollment under a Catalog/Bulletin older than 10 years, the Catalog/Bulletin under which degree requirements are to be completed is determined by the advising office of the college or school in which he or she is enrolled, in consultation with the student’s departmental adviser.

Previously non-matriculated students who then matriculate are governed by the requirements of the Catalog/Bulletin in effect at the time of their matriculation.

When courses required in older Catalogs/Bulletins are no longer offered, or in other special cases, course substitutions may be made with the approval of appropriate department chairs, departmental advisers or deans.

Changes in regulations concerning grading systems, withdrawals, academic actions, attendance at other institutions, etc., may be made by appropriate University governing bodies; they become effective on the date specified in the legislation. The University reserves the right at any time to make changes deemed necessary in the regulations, fees, courses or programs described in the Catalog/Bulletin, and to cancel any course if registration does not justify its continuance or if qualified faculty members become unavailable.

Residence Requirements

To receive a degree, students in Decker School of Nursing or School of Management must take at least seven and one-half courses (30 credits) while in residence at their school. These seven and one-half courses must be the last seven and one-half courses toward the degree, unless students petition the appropriate academic advising office and obtain in advance an exception to this rule. Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science students must also take at least 30 credits in residence, all of which must be within Watson School. Students in School of Education and Human Development must take at least 36 credits while in residence at the school. These credits do not have to be the last 36 credits toward the degree. Students in Harpur College of Arts and Sciences must meet residence requirements outlined in the Harpur College “Undergraduate Information” section of this document.

Classification of Students

A student must pass a minimum of 24 credits to be classified a sophomore; 57 credits to be classified a junior; and 88 credits to be classified a senior. For this purpose, Incompletes are counted as credits passed.

Program Load

The term “full-time student” is applied to a person carrying 12 or more credits, excluding audited courses. Full-time students attending Harpur College of Arts and Sciences, Decker School of Nursing, School of Education and Human Development or School of Management normally enroll in four courses each semester. Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science students are considered full time if they register for 12 or more credits each semester. All courses, except where indicated in the Catalog and Bulletin, carry four credits. Outside reading and study are required to complete classroom assignments. Students are also expected to meet several times each semester with the instructor to obtain supervision and periodic evaluation of work done outside of regularly scheduled classes.

There is no rigid pattern of class meetings. In such courses as beginning languages and sciences, a course may have classes and laboratory sessions five or six hours a week. Other courses may meet three or four hours a week. Four-credit courses that meet less than four hours per week require one or two hours per week of independent or tutorial work under the guidance of the faculty, or other additional course-related activities. As noted above, however, time spent in the classroom is only a part of the student’s workload. In general a “course” represents the pursuit of a skill or a body of knowledge that engages approximately 25 percent of the formal academic effort of a full-time student during the semester.

Undergraduate students are allowed to register for no more than 18 credit hours (not including physical education courses), unless they have filed an academic petition form for an overload. Petitions to register for an overload are considered on an individual basis when submitted to the appropriate academic advising office.

Transfer of Credits

Once students are matriculated at Binghamton University, they may obtain credit toward graduation for courses taken at other institutions. Harpur College students wishing to have these courses count toward their major and all students in Decker School of Nursing, School of Education and Human Development, School of Management or Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science should submit a Petition to Take Courses at Another Institution. This petition form should be submitted for approval by the department or school in which they are enrolled before the courses are taken. 

 Transferred credits are adjusted when the credit system at the other institution is different; e.g. credits taken under a quarter system, rather than a semester system, are transferred to Binghamton at two-thirds of their quarter-credit value. In general, credits may be transferred only if they were earned for courses that are essentially theoretical rather than practical in nature (e.g. not practice teaching or typing courses), and if the student received a grade of C– or better, or the equivalent (C or better for students in School of Management).

These guidelines apply to courses taken at other institutions during the summer, correspondence courses, online courses, study-abroad courses sponsored by other units of the State University of New York, and courses taken through the National Student Exchange Program (which involves a semester or a year of study at one of many participating schools).

Students participating in study-abroad programs sponsored by American universities not a part of the State University of New York system, as well as students studying for a time at a foreign university, should first obtain approval from their academic advising office._ Upon completion of the program, a transcript or official grade statement should be sent to the appropriate academic advising office.

Progress Toward Degree (DARS)

All undergraduate students at the University are encouraged to request a Progress Toward Degree report through the online Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS). This report is available on the BUSI (Binghamton University Student Information) Web Center (busi.binghamton.edu). The report shows students what program requirements have been completed and what requirements are remaining for their degrees. If students have questions regarding the Progress Toward Degree report, they should consult with a professional adviser in their college or school or with their major departmental adviser.

Double Degree Program

A student may earn two degrees in very different fields by completing a significant amount of work (typically 30 credits) beyond that required for one degree and satisfying requirements for both programs. Harpur College offers combined programs of study with the Decker School of Nursing, School of Education and Human Development, School of Management and certain programs in the Watson School. To learn more about requirements and application procedures, contact the academic advising office of the college or school in which you are enrolled.

Course Offerings

The Schedule of Classes, available online at busi.binghamton.edu, is the final list of courses for each semester. This schedule includes course meeting days and times, instructors, number of credits, General Education indicators and special notes. The Course Guide, available each semester online at courseguide.binghamton.edu, contains course descriptions and prerequisite/corequisite listings.

Course Numbering and Prerequisites

All Binghamton University undergraduate schools use a course numbering system from 100 through 499. While each school may define the tiers more specifically, all schools define 100-299 as lower division and 300-499 as upper division.

Harpur College numbering system

 

100-199	Introductory courses, normally with no prerequisites, open to all students.
200-299	Intermediate courses, with or without prerequisites.
300-399	Intermediate courses, normally with prerequisites.
400-499	Advanced courses with specific course prerequisites.

 

Professional schools’ numbering system

 

100-199	Lower-division introductory courses, no prerequisites, open to all students.
200-299	Lower-division intermediate courses, with or without prerequisites.
300-399	Upper-division intermediate courses, intended primarily for juniors and seniors, with prerequisites (courses, class standing or special permission).
400-499	Upper-division advanced courses, intended for seniors, with specific course prerequisites.

Within these levels, certain numbers are set aside to indicate particular learning experiences: 91 indicates a teaching practicum course; 95, an internship; 97, an independent study; 98 and 99, honors or thesis work.

Program planning must include the early identification of and registration for prerequisites to courses that the student intends to take at a later time. When there are special reasons, students may register for a course without having completed the prerequisites, provided they first obtain the consent of the course instructor.

Binghamton University Student Information (BUSI) System

All students at Binghamton University have access to an online information service through the Binghamton University Student Information (BUSI) system. Students may access BUSI on the Web at busi.binghamton.edu from their residence halls or home computers or in the on-campus public computing areas. Through BUSI, students may register for classes, change grading options, check their course schedules to verify registration, view their final examination schedules, check their grades, check for any financial obligations to the University and make payment, review their financial aid status and manage their computer accounts.

Registration and Changes In Program

Currently enrolled students may access the BUSI system to register for courses during the mid-portion of the semester prior to classes starting. Students are assigned registration start times based on the number of credits they have earned. The registration start times are available online at registrar.binghamton.edu (click on “Registration”). New students may register for classes during Orientation.

There is also a brief registration period just prior to the start of classes. Only eligible students may register for classes, and all student registration activity is done by students using the BUSI system.

Students cannot be registered if they have delinquent debts with the University. Students are not officially registered until all tuition and fees are paid or arrangements for such payments have been approved by the Student Accounts Office. Students who have not made financial arrangements with the Student Accounts Office by the first day of classes are subject to a late registration fee.

Binghamton University also conducts an add/drop period during each semester. Students may add a course to their schedule until the add deadline, which is midnight on Sunday immediately preceding the third week of classes.  Students may drop a course without having a grade recorded until the drop deadline, which is midnight on Friday of the second week of classes. A course-withdrawal period extends from the drop deadline until the announced course withdraw deadline (around the ninth week of classes). Students who drop courses during this period receive a grade of W. The course-withdraw deadline is also the deadline for changing grading options for individual courses. These policies apply to courses offered on a full-term basis. Deadlines for courses offered for a half-semester or less are adjusted accordingly.

All course adds or drops after the deadline dates require academic approval of the student’s academic advising office and an associated late fee. Such late requests should be made on the Late Add/Drop Petition Form obtained from the academic advising office. (For Harpur College, petition forms are available on the Web at harpur-advising.binghamton.edu.) Students must cite extraordinary circumstances to justify a late drop, that is, circumstances beyond their control and beyond their ability to foresee. Poor judgment or academic incompetence do not qualify as extraordinary circumstances.

Grading Systems

At the end of each semester, students may access their grades by telephone (607-777-5000) or through the BUSI system (busi.binghamton.edu). For a discussion of the grading system used in each undergraduate college and school, see the college and school sections in this publication. Under appropriate circumstances, students may take undergraduate courses in any of the schools at Binghamton University. Courses are usually graded according to the offering college or school’s grading system; e.g. a course offered by the School of Management is graded using that school’s system, and a Harpur College course is graded according to the Harpur system. However, if students petition the instructor for an exception, they may be graded according to the system in use at their home college or school. (Thus, a student majoring in Harpur College who takes a School of Management course must petition the instructor and the Harpur Academic Advising Office in order to be graded according to the Harpur College system.) Petitions should be submitted by the deadline for change-of-grading option. Students should realize that not only do grading systems differ from school to school, but the various schools also have their own policies on taking courses in the other Binghamton University schools and on petitioning for grading options. These grading systems are described in this publication in the introductory section of each school. Students wishing to register a complaint about alleged unfair grading procedures should speak with the instructor or the appropriate department chair.

Notation of Incomplete

A notation of Incomplete, rather than a grade, may be reported by the instructor when a student has not been able to complete a course for what, in the instructor’s judgment, is a compelling reason. The submission of an Incomplete means that a student has made a substantial commitment to the course, but some remainder of the work must still be accomplished before an evaluation may be made.

Students must determine with the instructor what work is necessary for completion of the course and when the work must be submitted.

Ordinarily all Incomplete notations must be replaced with grades by the end of the next semester, whether or not the student is in college. Incomplete notations change to an F grade at the end of the next semester unless an official extension has been filed with the Registrar’s Office. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate a request for an extension, having reached agreement with the instructor for an alternate completion date. The appropriate form, Request for Extension of Incomplete Grade in an Undergraduate Course, may be obtained from the academic advising office of the college or school in which the student is enrolled, or from the Registrar’s Office.

Credit by Examination

Credit for knowledge gained outside the classroom may be obtained through New York State Education Department (Regents College Examination Program, or RCEP) tests and through subject-based College Entrance Examination Board (College-Level Examination Program, or CLEP) examinations. Credit earned through Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, U.S. Armed Forces Institute/Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Services (USAF/DANTES), examination credit from other institutions and through correspondence may also apply to degree credit. Up to 32 external examination credits may be accepted; however, each undergraduate school within the University determines the number and kind of credit that counts toward its degree.

Acceptance of these examinations for major credit is governed by school and/or departmental policy. (See the section titled “Academic Credit” for a discussion of these exams and of International Baccalaureate credit.)

ACCESS TO UNIVERSITY RECORDS

The Freedom of Information Law (Public Officers Law, Article 6), provides rights of access to University records, except those that fall within one of the nine categories of deniable records [section 87(2)].

Written application for examination and copying of accessible records must be made during regular business hours on the approved forms or in a letter addressed to the Records Access Officer, Office of University Counsel, 614 Couper Administration Building. Appeals of a denial of requested information may be taken within 30 days to Stacey Hengsterman, Office of the Vice Chancellor and Secretary of the University, State University of New York, State University Plaza, Albany, NY 12246.

Student Records

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), commonly known as the Buckley Amendment, provides students with access to their files and assures them of the confidentiality of their records. Undergraduates’ main academic files are kept in the University Registrar’s Office. Graduate records are kept in the Graduate School. The University is not required by legislation to make available to students files kept in the office of the New York State University Police, Binghamton; Binghamton University Counseling Center or the Student Health Center. Students with files in these offices should contact the appropriate office with any questions.

There is to be no oral or written release of personally identifiable information from any student’s educational record without the signed and dated consent of the student, except to:

• authorized University personnel defined by the person responsible for the file as having a reasonable need to know;

• state and federal education authorities to whom information must be made available by statute and/or for the audit of federal programs;

• organizations and educational agencies involved in testing, administering financial aid or improving instruction, provided the information is presented anonymously;

• accrediting agencies;

• appropriate persons to comply with a court-ordered subpoena, in which case an attempt is made to notify the student in advance unless prohibited by court order;

• appropriate persons in the case of emergency;

• University counsel.

 

Information printed in the University Directory and information routinely released to the public, such as Commencement listings, election results and rosters of athletic teams, is regarded as public or “directory information” and, as such, may be released without student consent.

The following information is defined as directory information and may be routinely released unless specified differently by the student:

• name;

• local address and telephone number;

• home address and telephone number;

• e-mail address;

• class level;

• degree information (including any associated majors, certificates or minors);

• dates of attendance.

Students should be aware that even though they may request and receive directory exclusion status, it is a federal requirement that the University promptly provide lenders and guarantee agencies with any information it has regarding the last known address, surname, employer and employer address of a borrower who attends or has attended the University.

Information that is not classified as directory information and may not be released to third parties without written consent of the student includes (but is not limited to) the following:

• grades;

• grade-point average;

• student course schedules (including class name, meeting times and meeting places);

• financial aid information;

• student identification number (usually Social Security number).

Third-party sources requesting to know a student’s course schedule for “emergency purposes” should be referred to the New York State University Police, Binghamton. University Police will attempt to ascertain the nature of the emergency and contact the student with the message.

Other Information Regarded as Public

Other information occasionally released in a routine manner to appropriate representatives of various media for publicity purposes includes:

• awards and academic degrees awarded at Binghamton University;

• participation in recognized University activities (election outcomes, membership in athletic teams, participation in plays, etc.);

• personal information on members of University athletic teams (height, weight, high school, etc.).

Students with questions about their records or wishing to withhold their names from the University Directory should contact the Registrar’s Office at 607-777-6087.

Academic Progress and Standing

Academic Standing

To remain in good academic standing, students must demonstrate that they are passing courses at a satisfactory rate to earn a bachelor’s degree in a reasonable period of time; that is, they are required to show a reasonable rate of progress toward their degree. Students in all schools must maintain a satisfactory grade-point average. Academic progress is reviewed at the end of the fall and spring semesters. If students fail to maintain satisfactory academic standing, they are subject to dismissal. For detailed discussion of how academic standing is computed in the various undergraduate schools, see the individual school sections in this publication.

Grade-Point Averages

Grade-point averages are computed for students in all the University’s undergraduate schools.

For the purpose of computing semester or cumulative averages, each letter grade is assigned a quality point value as follows:

 

A   =  4.0	C+ = 2.3
A– =  3.7	C   = 2.0
B+ =  3.3	C– = 1.7
B   =  3.0	D   = 1.0
B– =  2.7	F   = 0.0

These grade values are combined with course credit hours to produce a grade-point average.

Repeating Courses

Students may not gain additional credit by repeating an undergraduate course in which they received a passing grade, except where this option is specified in the course description in this publication. Harpur College students should see the school section.

Academic Probation and Dismissal

The academic standards committee of each school determines policies by which students are placed on academic probation when academic performance, as reflected in the grade-point average, raises doubts about the students’ capability to complete requirements for the bachelor’s degree. Academic probation does not imply either suspension or dismissal, and does not preclude the students’ registering or receiving financial aid. Academic probation ordinarily entails a contract with the student to complete a specified amount of coursework in a specified period of time at a specified level of performance. Students are subject to academic dismissal from the University at any time their record warrants. Students dismissed for academic reasons may apply for readmission by following the procedures outlined in “General Readmission Policies” below. The students must also explain in writing any extenuating circumstances that contributed to the poor record. If readmitted, their continued enrollment is subject to the academic standing requirements of the school. Students dropped from a Binghamton University school may not be readmitted to another Binghamton school without the approval of the deans of both schools. Confidentiality of student records is maintained in accordance with the Family Education Right and Privacy Act of 1974. (See Rules of Student Conduct.)

Dropping a Course or Withdrawing from a Semester

Students who wish their records to indicate good standing when dropping a course or withdrawing  from a semester must follow formal drop and withdrawal procedures. Mere absence from class does not constitute due notice of drop or withdrawal. Students are advised to check the school sections in this publication for additional discussion of the regulations.

In general, undergraduates may drop a course, with the instructor’s consent, up to the published drop deadline. Such a course will not appear on the academic record. After the drop deadline and until the course withdraw deadline, students may drop a course and receive a grade of W. After the published course-withdraw deadline, students must have the consent of the instructor and the appropriate academic advising office on an approved Late Drop Petition Form to drop the course. Students must cite extraordinary circumstances to justify a late drop, that is, circumstances beyond their control and beyond their ability to foresee. Poor judgment or academic incompetence do not qualify as extraordinary circumstances. The Late Drop Petition Form may be obtained from the academic advising office of the college or school in which  the student is enrolled. (For Harpur College students, petition forms are available on the Web at harpur-advising.binghamton.edu.) If the petition is approved, the student must pay a late drop fee to have the late drop processed. 

Students wishing to drop all of their courses in a given semester must complete a Semester Withdrawal Form, available in the Registrar’s Office, and return it to the Office of Student Accounts. Students may officially withdraw from a semester up to the last day of classes for the semester. Such an action is noted on their records as an Official Withdrawal and, in place of a regular grade, the courses have the appropriate school mark for withdrawal. Students who drop all courses without having completed an official withdrawal form are considered unofficially withdrawn and have such a notation posted on the academic record.

Involuntary Medical or Psychological Withdrawal of Students

Students may be involuntarily withdrawn from the University based on the recommendation of the medical director of the University Health Service or the director of the University Counseling Center without academic penalty; that is, they may continue as students in good academic standing and are eligible to return upon clearance by the associate vice president and dean of students. Efforts are made to preserve a student’s academic progress with Incompletes and/or withdrawals through consultation with faculty. If there are irreconcilable disagreements in these discussions, the provost will make the final decision(s) about the disposition of the student’s academic records.

Recommendations for involuntary withdrawals are submitted to the associate vice president and dean of students for appropriate action. Students are sent written notification of the intended action. Appeals may be made in writing to the vice president for student affairs within 10 business days. See the Financial Aid section for refund policies.

Students who are involuntarily withdrawn from the University for medical or psychological reasons are not readmitted without a recommendation from either the medical director of the University Health Service or the director of the University Counseling Center.

Students on voluntary or involuntary medical or psychological leave who are otherwise eligible to continue with their studies may request a letter to this effect from the associate vice president and dean of students. Health insurance companies may require this type of letter for continuing health insurance benefits for a student covered by the policy of a parent or guardian.

General Readmission Policies

Candidates matriculated for undergraduate degrees who interrupt their education at Binghamton University and later wish to return must be formally readmitted. One exception is for students who withdraw from all classes during a major (spring or fall, not summer) semester: These students are eligible to return and pre-register for the following semester. If they do not pre-register, they will need to be readmitted in order to complete registration. Students who leave after the end of a semester in which any courses were completed must file for readmission, using the readmission forms available from the Admissions Office. Students must complete and file the readmission form no later than two weeks before the start of classes for the term in which they plan to return.

Non-degree/non-matriculated students may interrupt their studies for as long as two major (fall or spring) semesters without having to file for formal readmission. After two semesters have elapsed without enrollment a readmission form must be completed no later than two weeks prior to the start of classes for the desired semester.

Note: All students enrolled in the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) at the time studies were interrupted must receive clearance from the director of EOP in order to resume their studies.

Students dismissed for academic or other reasons should contact their college or school’s academic advising office or the Admissions Office for any conditions to be satisfied before readmission is approved.

All Decker School of Nursing students must file for readmission and have an interview at the school before re-enrolling. Further details may be found in the Decker School of Nursing readmission section in the Bulletin/Catalog.

Depending on the demand for on-campus housing, a space in one of the residence halls may not be available for readmitted students. First priority is given to readmitted students who have left the University due to health reasons or to participate in a study-abroad program. Students may contact the Office of Residential Life to obtain more information.

Those who require financial aid should notify the Student Financial Aid and Employment Office by April 15 for the fall semester and by Nov. 15 for the spring semester. After the indicated dates, there can be no guarantee of financial aid unless specifically authorized by the appropriate office.

For off-campus housing information, readmitted students may view the Off Campus College (OCC) website at occ.binghamton.edu. The site includes the OCC Housing List and an Apartment Complex Listing, which advertise available rental units in the community surrounding the University. Also included is a Housemate/Subletter Listing, which includes information from current off-campus students seeking to fill a vacancy in their rental units. For additional information about off-campus housing, contact OCC at 607-777-2768 or via e-mail at occ@binghamton.edu.

OCC Housing

For off-campus housing information, readmitted students may view the Off Campus College (OCC) website at occ.binghamton.edu. The site includes the OCC Housing List and an Apartment Complex Listing, which advertise available rental units in the community surrounding the University. Also included is a Housemate/Subletter Listing, which includes information from current off-campus students seeking to fill a vacancy in their rental units. For additional information about off-campus housing, contact OCC at 607-777-2768 or via e-mail at occ@binghamton.edu.

Official Transcripts

Complete academic records of students are maintained by the Registrar’s Office. An official transcript is a student’s complete listing of all coursework taken at the University. Students may obtain copies of their transcripts, or request that the University send them directly to other institutions, provided the students are in good financial standing (free of delinquencies) with the University. For a transcript to be considered official, it must be sent to a third party; those transcripts sent directly to students will be in a sealed envelope that carries the notation “issued to student; unofficial if opened.”

 Requests for official transcripts may be sent by mail to the Registrar’s Office, Binghamton University, PO Box 6000, Binghamton, New York 13902-6000 or by fax to 607-777-6515. In addition, students may visit the Registrar’s Office to make a request in person. Telephone and e-mail requests cannot be accepted. All requests for transcripts must include the student’s name, ID number, daytime telephone number, dates of attendance, number of transcripts being requested, destination address(es), and the signature of the student. A transcript request form is available for printing at the following Web address: registrar.binghamton.edu/transcript.html.

There is no charge to have an official transcript sent unless special handling is requested. There is a $15 charge to have a transcript faxed with a follow-up mailing of an official version.

Certification of Degrees

Undergraduates should file an Application for Degree form with the Registrar’s Office by the add deadline of the semester prior to graduation. Forms are available in the Registrar’s Office or at the following Web address: registrar.binghamton.edu/graduation.html. 

Any undergraduate student who files an Application For Degree form should also request a Progress Toward Degree report online through the Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS). This is available at the BUSI (Binghamton University Student Information) Web Center (busi.binghamton.edu). The report shows which program requirements have been completed and which, if any, requirements are remaining for their degrees. If students have questions regarding the Progress Toward Degree report, they should consult with a professional adviser in their college or school or with their major departmental adviser.

  Graduate students should file a Declaration of Candidacy Form with the Graduate School. The form is available on the Web at gradschool.binghamton.edu/candidacy.htm. Students should complete the form in the semester in which they expect to receive a graduate degree.

[Top]