Academic Regulations and Procedures

Major Academic Support Services

Center for Academic Advisement and Student Success (CAASS), 3207 Boylan Hall, 718.951.5471

The Center for Academic Advisement and Student Success provides academic advisement to entering undergraduate students. It offers continuing guidance to all students to help them meet college-wide requirements and assess their academic strengths and weaknesses.

Office of Academic Standing, 3219 Boylan Hall

The Office of Academic Standing receives student requests for modifications of college procedures and regulations. Department undergraduate advisers provide major advisement. A student may appeal a decision of a professional adviser of CAASS to the director of the Office of Academic Standing and to the Faculty Council Committee on Course and Standing. All appeals are made through the Office of Academic Standing. On each level of appeal, a student may have a personal hearing.

Office of the Registrar, 306 West Quad Center, 718.951.5000 ext. 8150

The Office of the Registrar prepares the Schedule of Classes, facilitates registration for continuing students through Schedule Builder, determines eligibility for graduation, maintains records, processes applications for readmission, and issues transcripts and diplomas. Information on these and related matters are available at the Enrollment Services Center (ESC). Students should consult the ESC regarding any questions about transcripts and applications as outlined in this chapter and in the Undergraduate Admissions chapter. Many of the services provided by the Office of the Registrar are also available through the BC Knowledge Students portal. New eServices functions and information are added to the portal on an ongoing basis.

Transfer Evaluations Office, 306 West Quad Center, 718.951.5263

The Transfer Evaluations Office is responsible for processing all transfer credits for courses taken prior to attending Brooklyn College for new undergraduate students, both freshmen and transfers. This includes college courses taken while still in high school, prior learning assessment by external standardized exams such as Advance Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and Higher Level courses in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Organization Diploma Program, yeshiva/seminary credits, and international credentials. The Transfer Evaluations Office serves as an agent and liaison to students and academic departments to assist faculty with the process of evaluating transfer credits. More information can be found on the Transfer Evaluations Office’s website.

Identification Policies and Procedures

ID card

A student is issued a photo identification card for the entire period of enrollment. The card must be validated each term. It is used as an entry permit to college facilities and a library card. It is required identification for receiving checks distributed by the college. A student must report a lost card to the Security Office, and the card must be replaced; a fee of $10 is charged.

Social Security Number

In accordance with New York State Education Law Section 2-b, Social Security numbers are used internally as the permanent identification of a student’s college record. A student who does not have an identification number should obtain one from the Admissions Office before registration.

CUNYfirst ID Number (EMPLID)

Each student is issued a student ID number called an EMPLID. The EMPLID is assigned by the CUNYfirst system once the student’s record is created in that system. This ID number will be associated with the student’s record throughout their career at CUNY. Most transactions, documents, and forms will require the student to submit this number for identification purposes.

Change of name/address

Students may change their address on CUNYfirst via Student Self Service for many different types of addresses such as mailing, billing, or home. Change requests for permanent addresses, however, must be filed at the Enrollment Services Center. Students may access the Personal Data Change Form on the BC Knowledge Portal. A change of name must be submitted in person, with supporting documentation, to the Enrollment Services Center. The Personal Data Change Form must be substantiated with a photo ID with the new name as well as a marriage certificate, U.S. passport, or court order.

Degree Requirements

Students should become familiar with degree requirements as they are described in this Bulletin and plan programs in consultation with appropriate college, department, or program advisers. It is the student’s responsibility to be certain that they follow a program of study that satisfies all requirements. Degrees are awarded to students in the semester they have completed all degree requirements, provided that they have fulfilled all financial obligations to Brooklyn College.

To earn a bachelor’s degree, a student must complete a set of general education requirements established by the college and fulfill major requirements in an academic department or program. Concentration requirements and minor requirements in an academic department or program may also constitute a portion of a student’s undergraduate degree.

Additionally, students who declare or change their major or minor are given the requirement term currently in effect at the time of their declaration. Students may choose to follow an older requirement term providing they were in continuous attendance from the term they are asking for.

Students who are readmitted to the college after an absence of two or more terms must meet the requirements for degrees in effect at the time of readmission.

Students in good standing who plan to interrupt their studies for one or more full terms, up to a cumulative maximum of two years, may apply for a leave of absence through the BC Knowledge Students portal. A Leave of Absence application should be submitted via the BC Knowledge Students portal prior to the beginning of the term for which the student wishes to take leave. Upon their return, such students may choose to fulfill the requirements that were in effect prior to their leave of absence.

The Faculty Council Committee on Course and Standing may permit exceptions to college, department, or program requirements. Exceptions to department or program requirements may be considered only on the recommendation of the department chair or program director. Petitions for exceptions must be filed online.

Modes of instruction

The following chart is the CUNY definition of modes of instruction and their corresponding symbols. Each course in the Schedule of Classes is designated by a single symbol, indicating its mode of instruction.

Equated credit for noncredit instruction

All hours associated with regular courses are college level, and all credits are applicable toward the degree. The degree credits and the equated credits are equal and used to determine tuition and financial aid enrollment status. Below is CUNY’s definition and configuration for equated credit for noncredit instruction.

Developmental courses

Developmental courses are designed for students who have not demonstrated skill proficiency, and are not open to students who have achieved proficiency as defined by the university. Developmental courses carry some degree credit. Academic credit shall be given only for the college-level instruction in the course. Developmental courses carry excess contact hours of a remedial nature, which may be counted as equated credits in addition to the degree credits. Equated credits are used to determine tuition and financial aid enrollment status. For example, a developmental course that meets for six hours per week for a 15-week semester, of which three hours per week are below college level, generates three degree credits, six contact hours, and six equated credits

Compensatory courses

Like regular courses, compensatory courses are designed for students who have met the university’s skill proficiency standards, and consist of college-level material. However, compensatory courses offer additional mandatory excess hours designed to provide skills needed to succeed in the course. The additional instruction may be offered in workshops, seminars, tutorials, study labs, or other instructional formats. Degree credit shall be awarded only for the contact hours associated with college-level work. Excess hours in compensatory courses are not counted as equated credits and are not calculated in tuition and financial aid or academic load. For example, a compensatory course that meets four hours per week over a 15-week semester, of which one hour per week is compensatory, generates three degree credits, four contact hours, and three equated credits.

Compensatory ESL courses

ESL courses may be regular, developmental, or compensatory. All follow the above definitions with the exception of compensatory ESL course offerings. Like regular courses, compensatory ESL courses are designed for ESL students who have met the university’s skill proficiency standards, and consist of college-level material. Compensatory ESL courses offer additional mandatory excess hours designed to provide skills specific to the ESL population that are needed by students to succeed in the course. The additional instruction may be offered in workshops, seminars, tutorials, study labs, or other instructional formats. Degree credit shall be awarded only for the contact hours associated with college-level work. However, excess hours in compensatory ESL courses carry excess contact hours of a developmental nature, which may be counted as equated credits in addition to the degree credits. Equated credits are used to determine tuition and financial aid enrollment status. For example, a compensatory ESL course that meets four hours per week over a 15-week semester, of which one hour per week is ESL compensatory, generates three degree credits, four contact hours, and four equated credits. Such courses or class sections are identified with an ESL indicator.

Credits required for a baccalaureate degree

The college requires 120 credits and a GPA of 2.00 or higher for a baccalaureate degree.

A student who has earned at least 150 credits but does not have a GPA of 2.00 or higher on the entire Brooklyn College record may present 120 credits in courses in which the minimum grade of C has been earned. These 120 credits must include all college requirements. A student who is pursuing this option and has earned a grade lower than C in a required course must repeat the course. Students who wish to pursue this option are strongly advised to consult the Center for Academic Advisement and Student Success.

For information on the requirements for the CUNY Baccalaureate program, see the section “CUNY Baccalaureate Program” in this Bulletin.

College-wide requirements

All students must satisfy the following general education requirements:

• Academic Foundations requirements in mathematics, reading, English composition, and library research (fulfilled by satisfying course and course), and the writing-intensive requirement

• Pathways requirements as stated in the “Pathways” section of the chapter “Programs of Courses and Instruction” in this Bulletin.

Requirements for a major

All degree-seeking students must declare a major by the time they have earned 60 credits in a baccalaureate degree program. Registered course work must be applicable to the student’s degree requirements, which include the general education curriculum, major requirements, minor requirements (if applicable), and electives if they are needed to reach the number of credits required for degree completion. Whereas a declaration must be made by the time 60 credits are earned, students are, of course, free to change their choice of major. A student who has earned 60 credits toward a baccalaureate degree and has not declared a major shall have a hold put on their registration, and as such will not be able to register for courses until the student has declared a major. Some degree programs may have additional requirements for declaring a major.

Students declare a major by submitting their request through the BC Knowledge Students portal. Submission deadlines are published in the Academic Calendar, and they are enforced. Faculty advisers in each academic department advise prospective majors about the undergraduate programs and related career possibilities. The Center for Academic Advisement and Student Success and the Magner Career Center also offer assistance in choosing a major. The college expects that students select their major with careful consideration and with good knowledge of the range of options. Students who have not declared a major by the 60-credit point are ineligible for TAP financial aid.

A major consists of the following requirements, which are specified for each major on the Program Finder website.

• Specified introductory courses in the major department or program and in other departments or programs.

• No fewer than 15 credits in advanced courses in the major department or interdisciplinary program, which must be completed with a grade of C- or higher in each course.

• Additional requirements for a bachelor of science degree in specified major fields are noted below.

• Specified additional advanced courses in the major department and/or courses in other departments; minimum GPAs may be required for these courses.

Students should be aware of the meaning of any symbol preceding a course number, such as the asterisk (*), dagger (†), and section (§), which refers to independent work. These and other symbols, which are defined at the start of each department’s listings, may restrict the use of certain courses in fulfilling major or degree requirements. Students who declare a major in education should be aware that, due to state certification, the education major must always be the primary/first major recorded on CUNYfirst. For further information on state certification, students should contact their adviser in the School of Education.

Requirements for the dual major

in a special program Interdisciplinary programs within the college that offer a dual major are Caribbean studies and studies in religion. Dual majors are not independent majors. The student must also complete a major in an approved department or program of Brooklyn College.

Additional requirements for a bachelor of science degree

Candidates for a B.S. degree with a major in program, program, program, program, program, program, or program must complete at least 60 credits in science and mathematics, 24 of which must be completed in advanced courses in the major department or departments. These 24 credits must be completed at Brooklyn College with a grade of C- or higher in each course (departments of Biology, Chemistry, Earth & Environmental Science, Mathematics, and Psychology) or with a grade of C or higher in each course (departments of Computer and Information Science, and Physics).

Several departments have specific course requirements for a B.S. degree; these requirements are described under each department listing. The following courses may be applied toward the 60 credits in science and mathematics: all courses in the departments of Biology, Chemistry, Computer & Information Science, Earth & Environmental Science, Mathematics, and Psychology; courses marked with a # symbol in the Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences; course, course, course, course, course, and course; course; course; course; course; CORC 3301 through 3399; course, course, course, and course; course, course, course; course, course, and course; and, course.

Residence requirement

Residence, which in this context refers to the number of credits that must be taken at Brooklyn College, is one of the requirements for a degree. Candidates for a bachelor’s degree are required to complete at least 30 credits at Brooklyn College, including:

• No fewer than 15 credits in advanced courses in the major department or interdisciplinary program, which must be completed with a grade of C- or higher in each course.

• Satisfaction of the student’s College Option requirement (see the “Pathways” section in this Bulletin). For the corresponding requirements for students following the general education residence requirements in effect prior to fall 2013, see appropriate Bulletin.

• The specific in-residence course requirements described under each department listing and additional requirements for the bachelor of science degree as noted in the “Degree requirements” section, above.

Requirements for the minor

A minor consists of at least 12 credits in advanced electives as determined by a department or program, each completed with a grade of C- or higher. At least six of these credits must be completed at Brooklyn College. Specific requirements are described under department and program listings on the college website.

Transfer students

Transfer students who are candidates for a bachelor’s degree must meet Brooklyn College residence requirements, including the requirement for the major as described in the second bullet in the “Residence requirement” section, above.

The Transfer Evaluations Office processes transfer credit evaluations for college courses completed prior to attendance at Brooklyn College. For transfer credit evaluation policies and procedures, see the “Admission” section of this Bulletin and online at the Transfer Evaluations Office’s website.

Transfer students satisfy Brooklyn College’s writing-intensive requirement, as described in the “Academic Foundations Requirements” section, below.

Pathways requirements for transfer students are stated in the “Pathways” section of this Bulletin.

Second undergraduate degree

Students with an undergraduate degree from Brooklyn College may earn a second undergraduate degree from Brooklyn College in a different academic department or program if they meet all the requirements for the second degree and if they complete 30 credits in residence beyond the requirements for the first degree, including at least 15 advanced elective credits in the major department or program for the second degree.

Students with an undergraduate degree from Brooklyn College who wish to earn a second undergraduate degree from the same department as the first degree must complete the requirements for the second degree and obtain approval from the chair of the department.

Students with an undergraduate degree from a school other than Brooklyn College are held to the same requirements. All second-degree applicants are required to file an application online via the CUNY website.

Second-degree students may apply for ePermits.

There are no restrictions on the number of courses that students can take on e-permit beyond residency requirements, or on the number of campuses to which students can apply for a course or courses on ePermit.

Students should visit the college website for rules and regulations pertaining to students seeking a second undergraduate degree at Brooklyn College.

Academic Foundations Requirements

Academic Foundations are those requirements that must be satisfied by all undergraduate students who enroll at Brooklyn College. These requirements include tests and courses or exemption from those tests or courses. The tests include those that must be taken prior to enrollment (CUNY Assessment Tests) as well as those taken for a student to be exempted from taking a course. (These tests do not include examinations taken in courses.) The Academic Foundations requirements include any ESL or SEEK courses required to prepare students for courses at Brooklyn College, English composition, library research, and the writing-intensive requirement.

Pre-matriculation testing requirements and outcomes

The following students are required to take the CUNY ESL Accuplacer ESL prior to registering for classes:

• Students who meet the university’s definition of ESL and do not meet the benchmark scores for English proficiency for reading and writing skills are required to take the Accuplacer ESL to determine proficiency in reading and writing and appropriate course placement.

• Students who are considered ESL by the university’s standards and have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited program are required to take the Accuplacer ESL to determine appropriate course placement before taking the required course and course.

Requirements for SEEK and ESL students

Prior to their initial registration, incoming SEEK and ESL students must attend all assigned summer and any required intersession immersion programs at Brooklyn College. They shall not be permitted to complete fall or spring registration unless they have enrolled in and attended such programs.

SEEK and ESL students who have scored 480 or higher on the verbal section of the SAT, 20 or higher on the English section of the ACT, or 75 or higher on the New York State Regents Examination in English Language Arts are considered proficient in English (reading and writing) and math. Students who do not meet benchmark scores will no longer be administered an assessment test; rather, CUNY will use a proficiency index or the Accuplacer ESL to determine appropriate course placement.

SEEK and ESL students shall not be permitted at any time to delete, drop, or withdraw from an assigned course without permission of the Center for Academic Advisement and Student Success, and in the case of SEEK, their SEEK counselor, and the relevant department chair.

Requirements for ESL students

Students admitted to the ESL program must continue to enroll in ESL courses or workshops each semester until they meet the criteria for their ESL course.

Students selected for the ESL program on the basis of the Accuplacer ESL will be placed in either course or the ESL section of course.

Other Academic Foundations Requirements

English composition requirement

All students who graduate from Brooklyn College must receive credit for course and course, which, as of fall 2013, comprise six credits of the Pathways 12-credit Required Common Core requirement (see the “Pathways” section in this Bulletin), or their equivalents.

Transfer students who have received a grade of C- or higher from their former college for Composition 1 will receive credit for the course and may register for course. Transfer students who have received a C- or higher for both course and course, are exempt from the composition sequence at Brooklyn College. Such placement or exemption shall be noted on students’ transcripts.

Students in course conclude the class by submitting a portfolio comprising substantially revised essays and a new essay recounting both what the student learned in the class and an account of their revisions. Grades for course are: A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, NC, and F. Note that the minimum passing grade is C-.

Students who have completed all the course work but are not yet writing at the college level will receive a grade of NC; students who have not completed the course work will receive a grade of F.

Students who do not pass course must repeat it the following semester. Repeating a course may affect the financial aid eligibility, and the student must schedule an appointment with a financial aid adviser. Students who receive two grades of F, W, WU, and/or NC must schedule an appointment with the director of composition.

Students must register for course within two semesters of having passed course.

Grades for course are: A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, NC, and F. Note that the minimum passing grade is C-. Students who do not pass course must repeat the course the following semester. Repeating a course may affect the financial aid eligibility and the student must schedule an appointment with a financial aid adviser. Students who receive two grades of F, W, WU, and/or NC must schedule an appointment with the director of composition.

Library research requirement

The foundations of research are the ability to recognize when information is needed and the ability to locate, evaluate, and use the needed information effectively and ethically. Students need multiple opportunities to learn and practice these skills so they can understand the principles that underlie the organization and retrieval of information and thus gain the confidence to tackle new information problems as they encounter them.

All students in course. will complete the required Brooklyn College library orientation, which will introduce them to the services and resources of the library, including access to and ethical use of its print and electronic resources.

All sections of course. shall visit the Brooklyn College Library for at least one class session of hands-on instruction on the nature, access, and efficient and ethical use of print and electronic resources of the library targeted to the research theme of the course.

All courses with a research component shall encourage students to use the resources of the Brooklyn College Library, including working with library faculty, for completing research assignments. All courses with a research component are encouraged to work with library subject specialists to establish the availability of research materials, design rewarding research assignments and arrange for advanced instruction sessions as appropriate.

Writing-intensive requirement

All students must satisfy the college writing-intensive requirement by either

1. completing one or more writing-intensive courses in their major or an allied field, or

2. completing a writing-intensive major.

Currently, art, classics, education, English, music, philosophy, and political science are writing-intensive (WI) majors. Writing-intensive courses are designated with a W after the course number.

Students should be aware that most programs require one or more W courses within their major or a related discipline. Students may register for a writing-intensive course only after passing or being exempted from ENGL. 1012.

In writing-intensive courses, students employ writing as a way of exploring and using course content, and they practice the kinds of writing they will need for jobs or graduate studies in the discipline. Students are expected to produce at least 10 pages of prose, and they should have the opportunity to revise at least one assignment.

Most faculty members assign more writing than these minimal requirements. In a writing-intensive major, effective writing is both a program goal and a means to promote and assess student learning. In a writing-intensive major, a preponderance of required courses has writing as a learning objective, writing is integral to the mastery of course content, and some courses allow students an opportunity to revise papers or to develop papers in stages.

Students who matriculated before September 2001 are exempt from the writing-intensive requirement. This does not include students readmitted after one or more terms of absence.

Withdrawal from Academic

Foundations courses Students are not permitted at any time to delete, drop, or withdraw from an assigned Academic Foundations course without obtaining permission of the academic department involved and consulting the Center for Academic Advisement and Student Success.

Exemption Examinations

The Brooklyn College course exemption examination is designed to permit students of unusual ability to accelerate and enrich their college education. Such students may qualify, after suitable independent preparation, for exemption from designated courses on the basis of examination procedures prescribed by the faculty of the department or program responsible for the regular course.

The examination reflects the full scope of the course. In addition to an examination, there are, where appropriate, papers, reports, laboratory experiments, or any other assignments that the faculty of a department considers proper for the course.

The following rules govern exemption examinations:

• The student must be registered for the term during which the exemption examination is to be taken.

• The student must have a minimum overall Brooklyn College GPA of 3.00 at the time of application for the examination. This requirement is waived for a student who is in the first semester of college attendance.

• The student may offer for credit toward the baccalaureate degree a maximum of six courses taken by Brooklyn College exemption examinations.

• The student may take no more than two exemption examinations in any one term.

• The student may not take exemption examinations in courses in which he or she was previously registered, whether or not the course was completed.

• The student may not take an exemption examination in a course after auditing that course.

• The student may not repeat an exemption examination in a course.

• Departments will designate those courses in which credit may be earned through an exemption examination.

• Students apply for an exemption examination at the Enrollment Services Center. The Office of the Registrar keeps a record of courses attempted by the student through exemption examinations.

• Grades and credits: With a grade of B- or higher on an exemption examination, the student earns credit for the course and the grade is counted in the GPA. A grade of C+ or lower is not considered satisfactory on an exemption examination. The student is not exempt from the course, no credit is earned, the grade is not counted in the GPA, and the course is not listed in the transcript. Grades lower than passing are not recorded on the transcript or counted in the GPA. No honors credit may be earned for courses completed by exemption examination. A course for which a student earns credit through an exemption examination incurs tuition once that course is created on the academic record.

Credits for Military Service

Brooklyn College offers two different ways that students can earn military credits:

Option 1

Brooklyn College provides veteran and military students the option of having their military transcripts reviewed for undergraduate academic credit.

Veteran and military students who have served in the United States Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, or Coast Guard can request that their American Council of Education (ACE) recommendation transcript be reviewed by the Transfer Evaluation Office and the academic department evaluators for college equivalencies and credits.

The college will also accept DSST (DANTES) exams with a minimum score of 400 on Criterion Referenced test or 45 on Norm Referenced test.

The Military Transfer Credit policy is designed to reflect the academic content obtained through military instruction, including, but not limited to, basic training, noncommissioned and staff noncommissioned officers’ courses, leadership training classes, international deployments, military language institutes, and the military equal opportunity programs (EOP). Academic credits are awarded based upon the American Council on Education recommendations and the approval of the academic departmental evaluators at Brooklyn College.

Some points to consider:

• Applicability of transfer credit toward graduation requirements will vary depending on equivalency granted by the academic departmental evaluator and the student’s major/minor requirements.

• Most credits are general elective credits, which may reduce the amount of credits needed toward the 120-credit requirement for graduation but are not direct equivalents to courses within the major/minor/Pathway requirements.

• If elective requirements are complete, this may limit the options for course selections during the duration of the student’s program. This can be an issue for students who need to keep a full-time course load for GI Bill® usage.

Option 2

A veteran may receive up to six credits toward a baccalaureate degree for four months or more of documented active service and up to 12 credits for at least one year of documented active service. Veterans must have an honorable discharge from U.S. services. When granted, these credits are given as elective credits only.

During their next-to-last term at the college or upon completion of 90 credits, veterans can request these credits by contacting the Transfer Evaluations Office. Veterans must carry a full program each term even though they apply for credits for military service. A GPA of 2.00 or higher is required to qualify for credits for military service

Registration

Registration takes place four times per academic year: fall, January intersession (winter session), spring, and summer. Registration for January intersession courses takes place during the fall semester.

New undergraduate first-time degree-seeking first-semester freshmen and transfer students are required to register with an adviser, by appointment. Registration instructions are included in the admissions acceptance packet.

All continuing degree- and nondegree-seeking undergraduates register via Schedule Builder in CUNYfirst at an assigned appointment time. Enrollment (registration) appointments are assigned via the CUNYfirst system. Registration information is communicated via email.

Some academic departments and/or programs may require students to obtain permission for certain classes or departmental advisement before being allowed to register. A Schedule of Classes, Final Examination Schedule, and Academic Calendar are published each semester and are available on the Brooklyn College website.

Course Restrictions

An exclusion clause closes a course to a student who is enrolled in or has completed a course similar in content. A prerequisite indicates the academic preparation and special permission that may be required for a course; a co-requisite indicates required work to be completed in conjunction with a specific course. It is each student’s responsibility to be aware of and be guided by exclusion clauses, prerequisites, and co-requisites that apply to any courses for which he or she plans to register.

Students will not be permitted to register for a course unless they have fulfilled the prerequisites as listed in this Bulletin.

Program Changes

After a student has completed initial registration, program changes may be made by adding, dropping (including dropping all courses), or exchanging (swapping) one class or course section for another.

Deadlines, fees, and other information regarding program changes are posted online each semester. Students whose initial registration requires the approval of an adviser must obtain approval from the adviser for any subsequent program changes.

Adding a course

Generally, the last day to add a course without special permission is the seventh day of the term, unless otherwise indicated on the academic calendar.

Dropping a course

During the first seven days of the fall and spring semesters, a student may drop courses without special permission. These courses will not appear on the permanent record. The deadline date is posted on the academic calendar. Beginning on the eighth day, until the end of the third week, a dropped course will be assigned the administrative grade of WD. This grade is used for financial aid calculations and does not appear on the official transcript.

Withdrawing from a course with or without penalty

After the end of the three-week drop period described above, a student may drop a course via CUNYfirst and receive a grade that is dependent on the date of the drop. The course, however, will remain on the student’s permanent record. The procedure to be followed and the grade to be assigned will vary according to the time periods listed below:

• Fourth week through the last day of classes: Students may drop a course via CUNYfirst. The non-penalty grade of W will be assigned after the end of the “program-change” period but prior to the last day of classes. However, prior approval of the Center for Academic Advisement and Student Success is required for a) students whose programs require an adviser’s approval prior to registration, and b) students who wish to withdraw from Academic Foundations courses (e.g., course).

• Unofficial withdrawals Students who unofficially withdraw from a course—i.e., attended at least one class session and stop attending during the semester—will be assigned a WU (unofficial withdrawal) by the instructor. A WN grade will be assigned to students who are listed on the official registration roster but did not attend even a single class.

Withdrawals in relation to financial aid

Students receiving financial aid assistance who apply for withdrawal from a course should discuss with a financial aid counselor the effect of such a withdrawal on financial aid eligibility for that semester and for future semesters prior to taking any action on their withdrawal. Students should give themselves sufficient time to meet with a financial aid adviser to take such action so as not to obtain any additional financial liability with the college due to improper planning. It is the students’ responsibility to inform themselves of their options and to act within established college, state, and federal guidelines.

Veterans’ Registration

Each term, before or during registration, veterans claiming benefits must complete application forms in the Veteran and Military Programs Office, 1407 James Hall.

Taking a Course at Another College

Brooklyn College students who want to take one or more courses at a non-CUNY college must apply for permission in advance in the Office of the Registrar on the third floor of the West Quad Center. Students who want to take one or more courses at another CUNY college must submit via CUNYfirst.

ePermit Policies

Undergraduate first-year students in the Macaulay, CUNY BA, and ROTC programs can take e-permit courses in their first semester and throughout their college careers. Other undergraduate students can start taking e-permit courses in their second semester and can continue thereafter. There are no restrictions on the number of courses that students can take on e-permit beyond residency requirements or on the number of colleges to which they can apply for courses on e-permit. Undergraduate students must have at least a 2.00 GPA to qualify for an outgoing ePermit.

Admission of Seniors to Graduate Courses

Matriculated undergraduate seniors (achievement of 90 or more undergraduate units) who have earned a GPA of 3.00 or higher may apply for permission to take graduate classes. Permission to do so is obtained from the academic department in which the course of interest is being offered. Graduate courses may be applied as undergraduate or graduate credit. How the credit will be applied must be specified when departmental permission is obtained. Tuition will be different for the two options (see the chapter Tuition and Fees).

Auditing a Course

Anyone may audit a course provided there is room in the class. Auditing allows interested students to increase their knowledge and proficiency by attending courses without receiving either a grade or credit toward a degree. The amount of student participation in an audited course may vary, at the discretion of the instructor, from complete fulfillment of all course requirements to classroom attendance alone.

Auditing requires permission of the instructor, permission of the department chair, and official registration. The Auditing Form is available online through the Office of the Registrar or in person at the Enrollment Services Center. Unofficial auditing (attending a course without enrolling) is not permitted. Audit registration takes place during the first week of classes of any given semester from the first day of classes until the last day to add a course, as listed in the academic calendar. Senior citizens who wish to audit undergraduate classes require all the above permissions. They must also present proof of their senior citizen status. Acceptable forms of proof are listed on the form. See the chapter Tuition and Fees in this Bulletin for information regarding auditing costs and fees.

Pass-Fail Option

Often students hesitate to take courses in new areas because they have no way to gauge their capabilities in such areas. The pass-fail option is designed to encourage students to explore areas of inherent interest and thus achieve greater breadth of view.

To be eligible to take courses for a pass or fail grade, students must be sophomores, juniors, or seniors who have declared their major, have a grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 or higher, and be in degree status for the baccalaureate. A pass grade is not counted in a student’s GPA; a fail grade is counted in the GPA. A GPA of 2.00 or higher is not required for the pass-fail option in the physical education activities referred to below.

A total of 10 courses may be taken under the option. Students may take a maximum of six courses that are not kinesiology activities courses, with the exceptions noted below. All students, except majors in exercise science, may also take four kinesiology courses from course to course.

The following courses may not be taken for a pass or fail grade:

• College-wide requirements, including Pathways courses taken to fulfill Pathways general education requirements. Students not opting into Pathways should consult the 2012–13 Bulletin regarding pass/fail policy.

• All courses in the student’s major.

• Courses outside the major department that are required to complete the major.

• Honors courses.

In the fall and spring semesters, students may take for a grade of pass or fail no more than two courses each term as follows: one physical education activity course and one course chosen within the other limitations noted above.

During summer sessions, students may apply to take kinesiology courses from course to course for a pass or fail grade.

The registration procedure for taking a course for a grade of pass or fail is the same as for any other course; application to elect the pass-fail option is made through the BC Knowledge Students portal after a student registers. The specific deadlines for each semester are posted on the academic calendar on the college website.

A student who takes a course under the pass-fail option must complete the course under that option. A pass grade may not be changed to another grade. All requirements of a course taken for a pass or fail grade, including term papers and examinations, must be completed satisfactorily. Honors projects may be submitted. However, courses completed with a pass grade are not counted in computing a student’s eligibility for the Dean’s Honor List. A student who receives a pass grade in a department that subsequently becomes the student’s major department may apply to the Center for Academic Advisement and Student Success for permission to apply the course toward requirements for a degree.

Course Load

Full-time enrollment is 12 to 18 units. For courses designated as ESL, contact hours may be counted instead of credits in the determination of course load and tuition.

Limitations are as follows:

• Entering first-year students may take a maximum of 16 credits.

• Upper first-year students who have at least a B average (3.00 GPA) may take a maximum of 17 credits; eligible upper first-year students may petition a CAASS adviser to take 18 credits.

• All students who have at least 27 credits and who have at least a 2.00 GPA for the preceding term may take a maximum of 18 credits. Students with a GPA of at least 3.00 may petition a CAASS adviser to take 19 credits; no student may take 19 credits without permission from a CAASS adviser.

• Students whose cumulative GPA is below 2.00 are subject to the probation policy. (See below for further information on this and related policies.)

Students should bear in mind that typically at least three hours of work per week (classwork plus homework) are assumed for every credit. Thus, a student carrying 15 credits should plan on 45 hours per week for class, homework, and study time.

Students who are employed or have other obligations or responsibilities that substantially restrict their study time are advised to reduce their workloads as follows:

• Employed 10 to 15 hours: reduce workload by three credits.

• Employed 16 to 25 hours: reduce workload by four to six credits.

• Employed 26 to 35 hours: reduce workload by seven to nine credits.

Permission to carry more than the permitted number of credits may be given to superior students on application to the Center for Academic Advisement and Student Success. Students should apply at least one week before registration.

Students who receive Social Security benefits and recipients of certain scholarships and financial aid are responsible for finding out the size of program they must carry each term and the academic standards they must meet to be eligible for these programs.

Credits Required for Classification

A student’s academic level is determined by the number of credits earned, as follows:

• Lower freshman: 0—14.9 credits

• Upper freshman: 15.0—29.9 credits

• Lower sophomore: 30.0—44.9 credits

• Upper sophomore: 45.0—59.9 credits

• Lower junior: 60.0—74.9 credits

• Upper junior: 75.0—89.9 credits

• Lower senior: 90.0—104.9 credits

• Upper senior: 105.0 or more credits

Attendance

Class attendance may be recorded each session. Students are expected to attend all scheduled sessions of every class for which they register. Students late for class may be excluded from the room.

Current CUNY regulations require that registered students who do not attend a single class from the beginning of classes until the end of the add period are assigned an administrative non-penalty withdrawal grade of WN.

An instructor may consider attendance and class participation in determining the term grade. First-year students absent from a course for a number of times equivalent to two full weeks of class meetings may be denied credit for the course.

Instructors may email students in advance to inform them of class cancellations or lateness. Ensure that your email address is accurate in CUNYfirst and the BC Knowledge Students portal.

When an instructor is late, students should remain in class for 10 minutes before consulting the department office for instructions. When an instructor is absent and no substitute is provided, the department informs the class.

Students are responsible for taking examinations as scheduled and for submitting assignments on time.

Final Examinations

Unless the Faculty Council specifically exempts a course, a final examination is required in the 15th week of every fall and spring course, on the final day of every winter session, and on one of the last two days of every summer session. A student who has done A-level work in an advanced course may be excused from the final examination at the discretion of the instructor. The Final Examination Schedule is posted online each semester via the Office of the Registrar.

Second Final Examination for Graduating Seniors

A student who is a candidate for graduation may receive authorization from CAASS, with the concurrent approval of the instructor and/or the department chair, to take a re-examination in a course to raise the final grade. The course must be one taken in the last term and must be essential to graduation requirements.

Grades

By the end of the first week of classes, instructors are expected to provide students with a syllabus that makes grading procedures clear to students. Instructors should return all papers and tests, except for final examinations, after grading. Students should be informed of where and when the instructor is available to discuss course work and grades. Students should raise questions promptly about test marks or grades on papers.

Final grades

Students receive a final letter grade in every course. The grade submitted by the instructor and entered on the student’s transcript stands unless there is good reason to change it. A change is made if an error was made in entering the grade or if the instructor agreed in advance to late completion of work. When a grade has been assigned and recorded, the instructor may not raise the grade by accepting additional work except when the grade INC has been assigned. If a student elects to appeal a grade, the appeal should be submitted as soon as possible after the grade is assigned. See “Protest of final grade,” below. Grades cannot be changed once a student has graduated and their academic record is closed.

At the end of each term, grades are available through CUNYfirst. Students should report immediately a discrepancy between a grade received from an instructor and a grade on the transcript to the Office of the Registrar.

Grade glossary

The following glossary of uniform grading symbols shall be employed according to the interpretation provided below. Grades are assigned based on the definitions contained herein. Individual units of the university need not employ all symbols but must adhere to the following interpretation for those employed and may not use any symbol that is not included in the glossary. Quality points are to be used to calculate the grade point average (GPA) or index. A dash (—) indicates that the grade does not carry a numerical value and is not to be included in the GPA. Plus (+) and minus (-) grades shall be interpreted as equivalent to +0.3 and -0.3, except as noted.

F, WU, and INC Grades

For grades A through D, a plus sign indicates a stronger performance and a minus sign indicates a weaker performance within the range of the letter.

Replacement Policy for Grades of D+ or Lower

Undergraduate students who receive a grade of D+ or lower in a Brooklyn College course and who retake that course at Brooklyn College and earn a grade of C- or higher may have the original grade deleted from the calculation of the GPA and replaced by the new grade. The original grade will remain on the transcript, but a special note will indicate that it is not used in the computation of the GPA. This policy does not pertain to a grade of D+ or lower resulting from an academic integrity violation.

The number of credits for grades of D+ or lower that can be replaced in calculating the GPA shall be limited to a total of 16 for the duration of the student’s undergraduate career in any of the institutions of the City University of New York.

A grade of D+ or lower may not be partially deleted from the calculation of the GPA. For example, a student who has used 14 credits of the 16-credit total may only replace a two-credit course in which he or she obtained a grade of D+ or lower.

In order for the grade of C- or higher to replace a grade of D+ or lower in the calculation of the GPA, students must repeat the course at the same college where they originally received the grade of D+ or lower.

INC grade: Unresolved grades and absence from final examination

A grade of Incomplete (INC) may be given at the discretion of the instructor when a student 1) has satisfactorily completed most, but not all, course requirements, and 2) provides to the instructor evidence documenting the extenuating circumstances that prevent the completion of course requirements by the end of the semester. The instructor may change the grade of INC to another grade when the work has been completed.

An INC grade may also be given at the discretion of the instructor when a student 1) has been fulfilling course requirements but is absent from the final examination, and 2) provides to the instructor evidence documenting the extenuating circumstances that prevent the taking of the scheduled final examination. The instructor may change the grade of INC to another grade after the final exam has been taken.

Deadlines for resolution of unresolved grades appear in the academic calendar posted each term. Students who do not meet the deadlines are assigned a grade of FIN.

Appeal of final grade

In the academic community, grades are a measure of student achievement toward fulfillment of course objectives. The responsibility for assessing student achievement and assigning grades rests with the faculty, and, except for unusual circumstances, the course grade given is final.

The grade appeals system affords recourse to a student who has evidence or believes that evidence exists to show that an inappropriate grade has been assigned as a result of prejudice, caprice, or other improper conditions such as mechanical error or assignment of a grade inconsistent with those assigned other students. The appeals process consists of the following steps:

Option One: Informal appeal

Students who believe that they have received an inequitable or inappropriate grade are required to meet with the instructor of record to attempt to resolve the matter informally. The student must explain the grounds for the grade appeal to the instructor and the instructor must explain the reasons for assigning the grade. The purpose of the meeting is to reach a mutual understanding of the instructor’s rationale for the grade and to resolve differences in an informal and cooperative manner.

If the matter is not resolved, the student has the right to appeal the grade to the department chair or designee.

Option Two: Formal appeal

Formal Appeal to the Departmental Grade Appeals Committee:

When the department chair or designee receives a formal grade appeal following the student’s informal appeal to the instructor, the chair or designee may attempt mediation. Upon failure of mediation, the chair or designee shall convene a Grade Appeals Committee to investigate the appeal and to render a decision.

To ensure that all departmental committees conform to the principles of due process, the following procedures apply:

1. The student must submit a completed form to show that they have met with the instructor and that informal resolution failed.

2. The student must submit all relevant documentation to show that he or she has met the course requirements, including, but not limited to,

   1. a personal statement explaining how the facts justify a grade change,

   2. course syllabus,

   3. all documented grades (graded tests, papers, projects, etc.), and

   4. a list of all other grades that the student knows he or she received in the course and any other factors that may have influenced the grade.

3. The Grade Appeals Committee has the authority to screen out appeals that do not set forth the aforementioned ground for appeal. The convener will explain any such finding in writing to the student, the faculty member and the department chair.

4. The department chair or the Grade Appeals Committee will notify the instructor that a formal grade appeal has been initiated, and the instructor shall provide the grade distribution breakdown for the student and any other relevant information such as numerical cut-offs for letter grades.

5. During the regular semester, the Grade Appeals Committee will review the material presented and will advise the student and instructor of its decision, in writing, within 30 calendar days from the date the student submitted a complete formal grade appeal with all necessary documentation to the Grade Appeals Committee.

Time limits for appeal

Spring and summer session courses must be appealed by October 1; fall and winter intersession courses must be appealed by March 1. Appeals that are not initiated by these deadlines will not be considered.

Appeal of Departmental Grade Appeals Committee’s decision

A student who wishes to appeal the decision of the departmental Grade Appeals Committee shall submit the appeal to the Faculty Council Committee on Course and Standing through CAASS. The decision of the Committee on Course and Standing will be final.

Record-keeping and retention

The chair of the department should maintain the student grade appeal files in a designated location. Each member of the committee may keep their own files while the matter is pending. After a decision has been issued, the files should be merged into one official file, with duplicate documents shredded.

The change of grade records shall be retained by the department for a minimum of six years after the decision is rendered by the department, or if appealed, after the decision is rendered by the Committee on Course and Standing. The grade appeal procedure and petition may be accessed in the BC Knowledge Students portal. If the materials are submitted digitally, all the records should be printed out and maintained in hard copy.

Grade point average (GPA)

To demonstrate satisfactory academic progress, Brooklyn College students must maintain at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average (GPA). Students may calculate their GPA at any time by using the GPA calculator in the BC Knowledge Students portal.

How the GPA is calculated

Step 1: Based on the following values, the number of credits in each course is multiplied by the numerical value of the grade in each course. The sum of those equals the total number earned.

Step 2: The total number of credits is determined as follows: It includes credits for courses passed, as well as failed, but does not include the final grade of W or the unresolved grade of INC. Once resolved, final letter grades that replace the INC are included in the GPA calculation. To calculate the effect of repeating a course, see the “Repeating a course” section in this chapter.

Step 3: To calculate the GPA, the total number earned (sum from step 1) is divided by the total number of credits taken(sum from step 2). For example, the cumulative GPA of a student who has completed 55 credits with the letter grades indicated below calculates as follows:

Academic Integrity

The faculty and administration support an environment free from cheating and plagiarism. Each student is responsible for being aware of what constitutes cheating and plagiarism and for avoiding both. The CUNY website provides detailed information. If a faculty member suspects a violation of academic integrity and, upon investigation, confirms that violation, or if the student admits the violation, the faculty member must report the violation.

Retention Standards

Satisfactory academic progress and the grade point average

To demonstrate satisfactory academic progress, students must maintain at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average (GPA) based only upon credits attempted at Brooklyn College. Students experiencing difficulty with their course work should see an adviser in their major department and a counselor in the Center for Academic Advisement and Student Success for assistance and counseling. Students whose cumulative GPA falls below 2.00 are subject to probation and dismissal from Brooklyn College.

Repeating a course

When a student repeats a course or its equivalent and received a grade of C- or higher the first time he or she completed the course, the student does not receive credit for the repetition. The same is true for the repetition of a course completed for the first time with a grade of D- or higher if the student has already used up the 16 credits in the D+ replacement policy. Brooklyn College does not compute the grade received for the repeated course, whether a passing grade, F, FIN, or WF, into the student’s cumulative GPA unless the repetition is applicable to the Replacement Policy for Grades of D+ or Lower. There are instances in which a student must successfully complete a sequence of two courses in order to receive credit for the first course. When Brooklyn College withholds credit for graduation because the student has completed only the first course, the grade for that course is not counted in the cumulative GPA.

Some departments limit the number of courses or credits in a particular discipline that a student may apply toward the baccalaureate degree—for example, in writing courses in the Department of English and physical education courses for students not majoring in exercise science. If a student completes courses in excess of the limitations, Brooklyn College records the credits and grades earned on the transcript with a symbol. The symbol indicates their inapplicability to the fulfillment of the baccalaureate degree requirements, and they are not included in the computation of the GPA.

Academic standing, probation, dismissal, and reinstatement

A student’s academic standing is reviewed at the end of each semester. Students whose cumulative GPA falls below 2.00 are subject to dismissal from the college, based upon the following guidelines:

Academic probation

Students are placed on academic probation if their cumulative GPA falls below 2.00 with a minimum of 18 index credits.

Students placed on academic probation will receive a letter from the Center for Academic Advisement and Student Success (CAASS) informing them of their academic standing and notifying them of the necessary steps they must take in order to remove themselves from academic probation. They will be invited and strongly encouraged to meet individually with a CAASS adviser.

Students placed on academic probation may remain on probation for three successive semesters (including the semester in which they are originally placed on probation). During probation, students must maintain satisfactory academic progress to restore their cumulative GPA to 2.00, which includes earning a GPA of at least 2.00 each semester while on probation. Failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress during the probationary period will result in dismissal.

Students who have been placed on academic probation and who make satisfactory progress will continue to maintain their academic standing with the college and their concurrent eligibility for financial aid.

Dismissal

Students who do not maintain satisfactory progress toward restoring their cumulative GPA to 2.00 during the academic probation period (described above) will receive a letter from the registrar advising them of their dismissal from Brooklyn College. Students dismissed from the college for unsatisfactory academic progress can petition for reinstatement. Brooklyn College encourages students to meet with a CAASS adviser to review their options once dismissed and the evidence they will need to provide to petition for reinstatement.

Students in the SEEK program who do not meet the program’s academic standards will be placed on academic probation. SEEK students on probation must meet regularly with their SEEK counselors, SEEK academic mentors, and SEEK tutors. Students who do not improve their academic standing and who do not meet the program’s requirements while on probation will be dismissed from the SEEK program and/or Brooklyn College.

Reinstatement on academic probation

A student dismissed for unsatisfactory academic performance may petition for readmission on academic probation. Although there is no guarantee of readmission, the student may be admitted on probation based upon the following reinstatement guidelines. Students who have been academically dismissed may apply for reinstatement by presenting evidence that they are capable of performing at the level required to achieve good academic standing. Following reinstatement, students formerly dismissed from Brooklyn College will remain on academic probation until they earn a cumulative GPA of 2.00 and will be subject to final academic dismissal if they fail to meet the requirements for removal from academic probation as listed above.

Brooklyn College Fresh Start

The following reinstated students may be eligible for the Brooklyn College Fresh Start program, which results in having none of their previous Brooklyn College course work counted toward graduation and the computation of their grade-point standing:

• those who have completed an associate’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.50 at a community college;

• those who have acquired 60 credits of course work at another accredited institution of higher education with a minimum GPA of 2.50; and

• those who have not attended a college or university for two or more years; and

• those who are recommended by the Office of Academic Standing for special consideration based on extenuating circumstances.

All students seeking admission to the Fresh Start program must first complete at least 12 Brooklyn College credits on academic probation with a GPA of 2.00 or higher after readmission. The calculation of the GPA after readmission begins with the semester of readmission. Students in the Fresh Start program will remain on academic probation until they complete 24 credits with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 and will be subject to final academic dismissal if they fail to meet the requirements for removal from academic probation as listed above. Students who wish to apply for the Brooklyn College Fresh Start program must meet with an adviser in the Center for Academic Advisement and Student Success.

Part- or full-time students may take advantage of the Brooklyn College Fresh Start rule. If a student has completed a degree and re-enrolls, the Fresh Start does not apply to Brooklyn College courses credited toward the degree already completed. Moreover, students may use the Fresh Start option only once.

Status Change Requirements

Students with nondegree-bearing status may apply for degree-bearing status through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions on the basis of having achieved one of the following:

• a GPA of 2.50 for the first 14 credits earned at Brooklyn College in a well-balanced academic program of liberal arts and Pathways courses, or

• a GPA of 2.00 for 14.5 or more credits earned at Brooklyn College in a well-balanced academic program of liberal arts and Pathways courses.

Students transferring as nondegree students from other colleges will not have their credits from that institution evaluated until they have been accepted by Brooklyn College as matriculated students. Applicants must provide official records of high school and previous college attendance as well as syllabi and course descriptions for courses taken at other colleges. Contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for more information.

All students must meet the CUNY Proficiency requirements in English and mathematics before registering for classes. Additional information regarding these examinations may be found in the “Academic Foundations requirements” section of this chapter.

Leave of Absence

A student who plans to miss two or more consecutive semesters, but less than two years, of school may apply for a Leave of Absence through the BC Knowledge Students portal. The application should be submitted prior to the beginning of the term for which the student wishes to take leave.

A processed Leave of Absence will require the student to be out of school for at least two semesters. To return from a Leave of Absence, simply submit a quest via the BC Knowledge Students portal.

Students who submit a Leave of Absence application and return before the two-year deadline will be able to, upon their return, continue to fulfill the requirements that were in effect while they were in residence and do not need to readmit to the school.

Readmission

After two or more terms of absence, students who want to be readmitted to the college must apply prior to the deadlines. Students can be readmitted only into the same category in which they were initially enrolled. If a student earned an undergraduate degree and wishes to return to the college in a new category, such as second degree or nondegree, he or she must submit a new application through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Students must have copies of their records sent directly to the Transfer Evaluations Office by any institution attended since they last attended Brooklyn College.

For transfer credit evaluation policies and procedures, see the Undergraduate Admissions section of this Bulletin. Students must meet the requirements for degrees in effect at the time of readmission. For exceptions to this policy, see “Degree requirements” in this chapter.

Scholastic Honors

Students may earn honors recognition for scholastic achievement. Honors credit may be earned in several ways at Brooklyn College: through membership in the Honors Academy and taking honors-designated courses (see the section “Honors Academy” in this Bulletin), by completing honors work in a departmental major, and by doing independent study projects in regular courses.

Honors credit for regular courses

Honors credit is earned by doing substantial supplementary work in an introductory or advanced course in the regular undergraduate curriculum. Students interested in honors credit must arrange with the instructor at the beginning of the semester to do an honors project in that course.

To apply to do an honors project, students should discuss thoroughly the nature of work to be done with their instructor.

At the end of the semester, the instructor submits the honors grade through an application on the BC Knowledge Employee portal. Honors credit will be allowed when the final grade in the course is A+, A, B+, B, or P. Honors credit is indicated on transcripts in the form of an official transcript note.

Dean’s Honor Lists

Students are nominated each year for selection to the Dean’s Honor’s List.

There are two Dean’s Honor Lists: one for full-time students and one for part-time students. Eligibility criteria for both are as follows: A student must achieve a 3.50 GPA excluding courses assigned a grade of P, credits granted for life experience and summer session courses; cannot have grades of F, FIN, NC, or WF, or grades with # or * in front of them; cannot have a grade of INC unless these grades are resolved in the semester immediately following and the student becomes eligible, in which case the student will be named to the list retroactively; and must be a matriculated student seeking a Brooklyn College degree (nondegree students are not eligible). Students cease to be eligible after the semester in which 135 credits have been completed.

Additional criteria for each list are as follows: Full-time students who are eligible for the Dean’s Honor List must have achieved at least 12 completed credits (excluding courses taken for a grade of pass or fail) in the semester for which they are being considered. Students who are eligible for the Dean’s Honor List, Part-time, will have been part-time students for a full academic year beginning with the fall semester—i.e., registered for less than 12 total credits (excluding courses taken for a grade of pass or fail) in each of the two consecutive semesters. Students must have achieved a total of at least 15 credits (excluding courses taken for a grade of pass or fail) over the two consecutive semesters.

Student Honor Societies

National honor societies with chapters on the Brooklyn College campus are Alpha Epsilon Rho (radio and television), Upsilon Pi Epsilon (computer science), Kappa Delta Pi (education), Pi Delta Phi (French), Pi Mu Epsilon (mathematics), Psi Chi (psychology), Alpha Kappa Delta (sociology), Sigma Delta Pi (Spanish), Sigma Alpha Eta (speech) and Golden Key International Honour Society (all disciplines).

Alpha Sigma Lambda

The Brooklyn College Chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda, Zeta of New York, is a member of the national honor society for evening colleges. Candidates for undergraduate degrees are elected to membership on the basis of scholarship, leadership, and integrity.

Phi Beta Kappa

The Brooklyn College Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, Rho of New York, is a constituent member of the Phi Beta Kappa society, whose purpose is to recognize and encourage scholarship and cultural interests. Members are elected primarily on the basis of broad cultural interest, scholarly achievement, and good character. Only those students whose work has been definitely liberal in character and purpose are considered for election as members. Grades earned in applied or professional courses are not considered in determining eligibility for election to membership.

Weight is given to the breadth of the course program as well as to grades earned. Weight is also given to college-level foreign language study. Candidates are expected to show evidence of elective study beyond the general education requirements and outside their major in at least two of the three broad areas of the humanities, the social sciences, and the sciences. The Committee on Admissions considers all eligible students; candidates do not apply to Phi Beta Kappa.

Honors awarded at graduation

At graduation there are two honors designations: honors for general excellence and honors for excellence in advanced study centered in a department. Honors for general excellence A degree summa cum laude is granted for a GPA of at least 3.90. A degree magna cum laude is granted for a GPA of 3.75 or higher, but less than 3.90. A degree cum laude is granted for a GPA of 3.50 or higher, but less than 3.75. Students who have completed 60 credits or more of traditional letter grades at Brooklyn College are eligible for Latin honors at Brooklyn College. For such students, the GPA for honors is computed on the basis of grades earned in courses taken at Brooklyn College only.

Honors for excellence in the major

A degree with honors for excellence in the major is granted for a GPA of at least 3.50 in all advanced work in the major and for satisfactory completion of at least three credits in honors work at an advanced-course level or its equivalent as determined by the individual department or program. Brooklyn College encourages students to begin making plans to graduate with departmental honors late in their sophomore year or early in their junior year. Students should begin making these plans by talking with a faculty member in their major department, the department chair, or the department’s honors committee chair. Some departments publish an honors brochure explaining requirements for graduating with honors. Departmental honors courses, usually numbered 5000 through 5999, are open primarily to juniors and seniors. Qualified upper sophomores may be admitted with the written permission of the department chair. The chair submits the departmental honors through an application of the BC Knowledge Employee portal.

Application for Graduation

Students should file for graduation after completing 90 credits via Student Self Service on CUNYfirst. Students who expect to complete all degree requirements in the summer session should file for graduation by the preceding March 15. Students who expect to complete all degree requirements in the fall semester or winter intersession should file for graduation by the preceding September 15. Students who expect to complete all degree requirements in the spring semester should file for graduation by the preceding February 15. Applications on file by the proper date will be processed in time for graduation. Failure to meet this deadline may delay graduation and may impact the student’s ability to participate in Commencement. Students who apply for graduation in one semester and do not graduate must reapply for graduation for the semester in which they expect to graduate via CUNYfirst. All work must be completed by the end of the term in which a student expects to graduate. Degrees are awarded to students in the semester in which they have completed all degree requirements provided that they have fulfilled all financial obligations to Brooklyn College.