Academic Resource Center

BALS students with disabilities are strongly encouraged to contact the Academic Resource Center before the start of classes to allow that office time to review their documentation and to make recommendations for appropriate accommodations, including note takers, books on tape, extended time on tests, interpreting services and enlarged texts, among others. There is a procedure for requesting an accommodation as well as a list of possible accommodations available.

Academic Support

The School of Continuing Studies has developed a comprehensive program of writing instruction and support, an especially important asset to those students pursuing a degree in the writing-intensive Liberal Studies Program. Students are invited to develop their writing by taking the "Writing in an Interdisciplinary Environment" course, participating in one-day Writing Boot Camps, visiting the Writing Center for tutoring, and working with graduate student teaching assistants assigned to their classes.

The Writing Center is located on the second floor of Lauinger Library in Room 217A and is open Sunday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. To schedule an appointment, view hours of operation and a listing of graduate student tutors, please visit the center website at: http://writingcenter.georgetown.edu/resources_writers.html, While you are welcome to seek tutoring from any tutor in the writing center, we also provide graduate student tutors from the Georgetown English Department.  These individuals were specifically recruited to work with the Liberal Studies and Continuing Studies programs, and they have received special training in working with adult non-traditional students. Tutors can help you to generate paper ideas, understand an assignment, work with a draft, or interpret faculty feedback concerning your work.

Please contact professor Kathryn Temple, Continuing Studies Writing Services Coordinator, at templek@georgetown.edu for further information or to offer feedback on our services.

Georgetown University Writing Resource Center
Lauinger Library 217-A
Summer 2007 Hours: Sunday - Thursday, 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.
http://writingcenter.georgetown.edu

In order to excel in our program, you will need excellent writing skills. Even experienced writers can use help now and again! As a member of the Georgetown community, you will have full access to the University Writing Center.

The Writing Center provides tutors who specialize in working with adult, non-traditional students and who offer tutoring tailored to the needs of Liberal Studies students. These graduate tutors receive the English Department's most competitive fellowships and have classroom experience as well as extensive training in working with a diverse student body.

To make an appointment or to take advantage of the center's online resources, visit their website: http://writingcenter.georgetown.edu or for more information, please contact Dr. Kathryn Temple at 202-687-6765.

Bookstore
The University Bookstore is located on the main floor of the Leavey Center. The main line is (202) 687-7482. Always call and confirm the hours when planning to go to the Bookstore.

Center for Minority Education Affairs
The Center for Minority Education Affairs provides academic support and helps students liaison with all university resources (including financial aid). Our partnership with the Academic Resource Center provides further academic support: tutoring in all subjects. and time management and study skill workshops (at no charge to students).

Contact CMEA at 687-4054
Also find us on the web through Georgetown's homepage.

Computer Usage Services
The University's Academic Computer Services operates computer laboratories for student use. Labs that are most convenient for Liberal Studies students to use are located in the Reiss Science Building in room 238 and in the Intercultural Center, room 100 for BALS students and room 218 for MALS students. In case of "over-flow" usage in these locations, students may be directed to labs that are set up in the LXR, Harbin, and Village C residence halls.

GO Cards - Student Identification Cards
It is necessary for all students to have photo student IDs (GO Card) for library use and access to the campus buildings and labs. GO Cards are issued by the GO Card Office located at the entrance of Darnall Hall. GO Card office hours are M-F, 9 AM-5 PM. Call ahead to confirm the hours, (202) 687-2700.

Georgetown University Transportation Shuttle
G.U.T.S. is a bus transportation service offered by Georgetown University. For routes, schedules, and fares, call (202) 687-4364 or check the website at http://otm.georgetown.edu/.

Lauinger Library
The main campus library is located on the corner of 37th and Prospect Street. Call (202) 687-7500 to verify the daily schedule. You must have your GO Card bar-coded at the Library BEFORE you check out books or use its research services. Carry your GO Card with you when you go to the Library as you must show it to enter the Library as well.

Office of International Programs
Applicants who are non-U.S. citizens must request, complete and submit for approval an Immigration Questionnaire along with their Liberal Studies application. Students holding or applying for F-1 or J-1 student status may not apply for this part-time program. International students whose immigration status is approved by the Office of International Programs and who are admitted to the Liberal Studies Degree Program must follow carefully the guidelines and policies as set forth by immigration regulations. They must keep their OIP advisors informed of their progress as students. OIP offices are located on the 2nd Fl. South, Poulton Hall. For further information, call 202-687-5867.

Parking
For students, guests, prospective students coming to campus during the daytime (before 5:00 PM) please note: A limited number of daily "visitor" parking spaces are available in the Southwest Garage for a flat rate of $12/day and this garage may be reached by entering the campus from Canal Rd. Parking in the Southwest Quadrangle is available for Liberal Studies students after 5:00 PM weekdays. Show your student GO Card and pay $2.00. There is no parking charge in the lot on Saturday and Sunday.Check the website for the Office of Transportation Management for any changes at http://otm.georgetown.edu/.

Registrar
All official student transcripts are stored at the Office of the Registrar. A student may request a copy of his/her transcript in person or by writing the Registrar, G-01, White-Gravenor, (202) 687-4020. A one-time transcript fee of $12 is charged to each new student's account upon acceptance to the Liberal Studies Degree Program. Degree candidates receive a letter in their Orientation packet that informs them about Student Access, a computer program that allows students to register online, view their student address, degree audit, class schedule, grades, billing statement, and other personal data via the World Wide Web. Each student is assigned and must activate as directed a Net ID. Students are periodically emailed information by the Registrar on the use of Student Access and its services.

Student Accounts
Student billing and student accounts management are handled by Student Accounts, located on the ground floor of White-Gravenor, (202) 687-7100 or 7111. Tuition adjustments are made by the Registrar, and Student Accounts processes the refunds. When a credit balance is due, it can be refunded only after it appears on the Student Account ledger. Application for a refund check must be made in writing to the Office of Student Accounts or the student may leave the refund as a credit balance in his/her student account.

Student Financial Aid
Liberal Studies students may secure information on loans and other financial assistance by contacting Sandra Baden (202-687-3478) in the Office of Financial Aid (http://finaid.georgetown.edu/scs.htm) located in Room G-l9, Healy Building,.  Ms. Baden also has access to information about scholarship opportunities provided by outside interest groups.  Students are responsible for the implication dropping or failing a course may have on their loan status

Student Center
The Leavey Center provides students several places for dining: Center Grill (cafeteria), Fast Break (fast-food), The Faculty Club (restaurant), Vital Vittles (mini-market), and several coffee bars. The Leavey Center also has open lobbies for study as well as a full service attached Marriott Hotel.

Veterans and Active Duty Military Personnel Services
Students who are eligible to receive veterans educational benefits through the Veterans Administration may contact the Veterans' Affairs Coordinator in the Registrar's Office, (202) 687-4020 for Veterans education benefits, and enrollment certification/information.

Yates Field House
A fully equipped recreational facility is located near the Observatory. Call (202) 687-2400 for information on fees and services.

Student Health Insurance
Liberal Studies students enrolled in nine or more credit hours are automatically charged the required health insurance fee on their tuition bill. Eligible students must accept or waive this insurance. Students enrolled in less than nine hours are not eligible for Health Insurance. For information, call (202) 687-4883.

School-wide Academic Policies

In addition to the BALS-specific policies described below, please review the University and School-wide Policies that apply to all students.

Transfer credit

Many B.A.L.S. students have already completed some college study, and Georgetown is pleased to offer transfer credit for as many as 64 credits. Your college transcripts were evaluated during the admissions process, and you should already have received notification of your transfer credit. If you have not, please contact the Associate Dean.

Transfer credit ordinarily is not awarded for study at other institutions after you have started study at Georgetown. In unusual circumstances - such as taking a course not available at Georgetown - an exception to this policy may be granted, but you must consult with the Associate Dean in advance. In addition, students sometimes seek to take summer classes at institutions outside the Washington DC area. Consult with the Associate Dean before registering for such classes, so you can be sure that they will apply to your academic program.

Advanced Placement/CLEP credit

The B.A.L.S. program offers Georgetown credit for students who have completed certain Advanced Placement examinations and College Level-Examination Program examinations with qualifying scores. In awarding credit, the B.A.L.S. program follows the standards outlined in the university's Undergraduate Bulletin. Please note that it is the student's responsibility to arrange for the College Board to send the AP or CLEP scores directly to the B.A.L.S. program; AP or CLEP scores listed on another college's transcript will not be evaluated.

Military training

The B.A.L.S. program follows recommendations from the American Council on Education to grant transfer credit, on a case-by-case basis, for certain military training. Have your AARTS or SMART transcript sent directly to the B.A.L.S. program office for evaluation. These credits count against the 64-credit maximum for transfer credits

Admissions

A student is officially admitted when a letter of acceptance has been received and registration has been completed. All new students must attend New Student Orientation and register online prior to the beginning of their first semester on the designated date for that term.

Part-time student status

Inasmuch as this program is designed for adult students with existing occupational and/or family responsibilities, the normal course of studies each semester, including the summer semester, is three to six credits, or one to two courses.  With special permission of the Associate Dean, a student may more than 11 credits. In some cases, capacity limits may restrict the school's ability to permit students to take more than 11 credits in a semester.

Prospective students on J-1 or F-1 student visa status may not apply for admission to the part-time Liberal Studies Degree Program.

Academic counseling

Students are encouraged to request academic guidance and counseling as needed from the Associate Dean or other faculty members.

GRADES AND GRADING

Grading system

A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required of Bachelor's candidates for graduation. Students must maintain a 2.0 ("C") average with "F's" counted as 0.0 grade points and 0 credit when calculating the cum GPA. Students who choose the thesis option must have the required 2.0 GPA prior to registration for the Thesis Proposal Workshop. Students will not be allowed to register for additional credits beyond the 120 course credits required for graduation for the purpose of raising the GPA.

Official undergraduate grading system

The current University grading system for undergraduate students is listed below.

Grade Reports are mailed to students by the Office of the Registrar at the conclusion of each term the student is enrolled. Grades are also posted on Student Access as the professors submit them. Graded papers returned by professors for student "pick-up" are kept by the Associate Dean for two semesters. Some professors return papers in class or by mail.

(NR) is posted on a grade report when the grades for that course have not been submitted by the professor.

The Quality Grade Point Average, or GPA, is calculated by dividing the total number of quality points earned at Georgetown University in the Liberal Studies Degree Program by the total number of academic credits attempted at Georgetown University in the Liberal Studies Degree Program. The current GPA is included on the student's degree audit which the student may view through Student Access.  (Transfer credit counts toward the total number of academic credits but grades from those courses are not transferred or included in the cumulative GPA.)

Pass/Fail Option

Liberal Studies courses may not be taken Pass/Fail with the exception of the Thesis Proposal Workshop which is designed and designated as a no credit, non-degree course. A student may request to take a course outside the B.A.L.S. program on a pass/fail basis of grading under the following circumstances. Courses that have been designated by departments and programs to be taken ONLY on a pass/fail basis may be applied toward the B.A.L.S. degree upon approval by the Associate Dean.

The grades of Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory are awarded for pass/fail courses only. Grades of "S" and "U" are not included in the calculation of a student's GPA. However, for the purpose of reviewing academic performance leading to academic dismissal, a "U" is treated the same as an "F."

Honors (cum laude, etc.) are posted on the final transcript and diploma. The following standards are used:
summa cum laude: 3.9 and above cum GPA
magna cum laude: 3.7 and above cum GPA
cum laude: 3.5 and above cum GPA

Incomplete grades

In some instances it may be necessary for a B.A.L.S. student to request an Incomplete, "N," grade and an extension of time by the professor to complete the required coursework. Some professors do not allow Incompletes. If they do, they may establish a date prior to the dates given here and they may also assign a grade penalty or other penalty for late work. If the professor grants the student additional time to complete the coursework and the work is completed by the date established by the professor on or before the Incomplete deadline, the "N" is changed to the appropriate grade. This policy is applicable to all Liberal Studies courses as well as courses students may take outside the Program here at Georgetown or another university.

Deadlines for the submission of Incomplete work from each semester will be as follows:
January 15: for a course taken in the Fall term
June 15: for a course taken in the Spring term
September 15: for a course taken in the Summer term

If these dates fall on a weekend, the following Monday will be the deadline. All assignments to be completed by those dates must be delivered (hard copies, only) to the Associate Dean no later than 4 p.m. on or before the date listed above. Submissions will be date stamped and sent to the appropriate professor. Submissions will be date stamped and sent to the appropriate professor. Submissions after the published deadline date and time will not be accepted and the grade of "N" will automatically change to the grade of "F."

Following the deadline the professor will review the work submitted and send a grade change report to the Associate Dean. The grade change is then forwarded to the Registrar for posting to the student's record.

Course grade change

When a professor believes a grade change for a course is justified, e.g., because of an error in recording, or following a student's inquiry, the professor will send a grade-change authorization form with a signed statement of the reason for such a change to the Associate Dean for approval. It should be clearly understood that no additional work from an individual student can effect a grade change.

Course grade appeal

When a student appeals a grade received for a course, the following steps are to be taken:

a. The student should first seek an acceptable resolution through a discussion with the professor. This process must begin no later than 30 days after the beginning of the semester following that semester in which the contested grade was received.

b. If a satisfactory resolution is not reached, the student will then discuss the matter with the Associate Dean. This process must begin no later than 60 days after the beginning of the semester following that semester in which the contested grade was received.

c. If a satisfactory resolution is still not reached, the student may take the case (in writing) to the Dean of the School of Continuing Studies. The Dean may then refer the issue to the Standards Committee which is composed of three faculty members. The Standards Committee reserves the right to make its judgment based on the written materials alone. If the materials so warrant, a formal hearing may also be held. This process must begin no later than 90 days after the beginning of the semester following that semester in which the contested grade was received. That committee's decision (to raise, lower, or sustain the grade) shall be forwarded to the Dean who will inform the student of the decision which shall be final.

GRADUATION

B.A.L.S. degrees are granted in May, August, and December. B.A.L.S. students contact the Associate Dean in their final semester to request and submit a Degree Application by Oct. 1 for December degree completion, Feb. 1 for May degree completion, and May 1 for August completion.

Financial clearance

B.A.L.S. students must settle all financial obligations to the University -- e.g. overdue tuition, library fines, and late fees -- so that their account balance is $0 before submitting their thesis or completing their last course to be eligible to graduate and receive a diploma and final transcript. The financial clearance deadlines are Dec. 1 if completing the degree in December, May 1 if completing the degree in May, or August 1 if completing the degree in August.

Graduation ceremonies

All graduates are awarded their degrees and diplomas at Commencement Exercises scheduled in May. Students whose degrees were posted earlier are encouraged to participate in the formal graduation ceremony in May of each year.

ACADEMIC REGULATIONS

Leave of absence

A student who must interrupt studies temporarily should discuss the situation with the Associate Dean. If two consecutive semesters pass in which a student does not register or notify the Associate Dean that he/she needs to take a semester off, the student may be withdrawn from the program. At any time, the student can request reinstatement

Withdrawal from the program

A student who wishes to withdraw from the B.A.L.S. program should do so in writing to the Associate Dean so that it may be recorded on their permanent records.

Class attendance/absence

Because of the intense nature of the B.A.L.S. program, attendance in class is expected except in extraordinary circumstances. In all instances, the student should contact the professor regarding any absence. Absence from the first class meeting and/or several unexplained absences or an accumulation of absences usually result in withdrawing the student from the course. Individual professors may request that a student be withdrawn from the course due to absence or may reflect a student's absence in the final course grade or by requiring additional course assignments before assigning the final grade.

Academic actions: Probation

If a student fails one course during a semester, the student is automatically placed on probation and remains in that status until the terms of the probation are satisfied. In addition, a student will be placed on probation if his/her cumulative quality index is below 2.0 at the end of any academic semester. A student remains on academic probation until a minimal cumulative 2.0 GPA is achieved.

Academic actions: Academic dismissal

(degree candidacy terminated)

Academic dismissal is determined on one of two grounds: academic integrity or academic ineligibility.

Academic ineligibility

For students in the B.A.L.S. Program, earning one "F" in a semester while on probation, two "F's" in any one semester regardless of previous record, or at any time an accumulation of three "F's" results in academic dismissal.

Dismissal appeal

When degree candidacy has been terminated, the student shall have the right of appeal to the Dean of the School of Continuing Studies, who will then refer the appeal to the Standards Committee of three faculty members. The appeal procedure is not to be used for the circumvention of standard requirements or Program policies (e.g. grade point average and thesis requirements), but is designed to deal with exceptional cases.

The student must present his or her grounds for appeal to the Dean, in writing, within 60 days of the date of the termination of degree candidacy letter. The Dean will forward the materials to the Standards Committee. The Standards Committee reserves the right to make its judgment based on the written materials alone. If the materials so warrant, a formal hearing may also be held. The decision of the committee will be forwarded to the Dean who will inform the student of the decision which is final.

Readmission

A student who has been dismissed should not expect to be readmitted. In very rare cases, when in the judgment of the Dean of the School there is clear evidence of probable future academic success, a written application for readmission may be considered. This request for readmission must be submitted to the Dean six weeks before the date of intended registration. The Dean will forward the written application for readmission to the Standards Committee of three faculty members. The Standards Committee reserves the right to make its judgment based on the written materials alone. If the materials so warrant, a formal hearing may also be held. That committee's decision to grant or deny the student's request for readmission will be forwarded to the Dean who will inform the student of the decision which shall be final.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Honor Code

As a Jesuit, Catholic university, committed to the education of the whole person, Georgetown expects all members of the academic community, students and faculty, to strive for excellence in scholarship and in character.

To uphold this tradition, the University community has established an honor system for its undergraduate schools, including Georgetown College, the School of Foreign Service, the School of Business, the School of Nursing and Health Studies, and the School of Continuing Studies. Students are required to sign a pledge certifying that they understand the provisions of the Honor System and will abide by it.

The Honor Council is the principal administrative body of this system. The Honor Council has two primary responsibilities: to administer the procedures of the Honor System and to educate the faculty and undergraduate student body about the standards of conduct and procedures of the System.

Upon application to any of the academic divisions of Georgetown University subject to the jurisdiction of the Honor System, all students will agree to sign the Honor Pledge. Upon matriculation, the student will state or write the pledge as follows:

Faculty may at their discretion require students to include a signed version of the pledge with their assignments.

Without regard to motive, student conduct that is academically dishonest, evidences lack of academic integrity or trustworthiness, or unfairly impinges upon the intellectual rights and privileges of others is prohibited. A non-exhaustive list of prohibited conduct includes: cheating on exams and other assignments, committing plagiarism, using false citations, submitting work for multiple purposes, submitting false data, falsifying academic documentation, abuse of library privileges, and abuse of shared electronic media.

The Honor System includes detailed provisions for investigating and adjudicating allegations of academic misconduct. Further information is available at http://gervaseprograms.georgetown.edu/honor/system/.

Students found to have committed any such offense will be subject to academic penalties. These include but are not limited to failure of the course, suspension or dismissal from the University, and revocation of degrees already conferred.

PROGRAM POLICIES

Change of address

Address change/correction is a two-step procedure that must be made both online and by email by the student.
1. Enter the change online for the Student Record System/Registrar using My Access to continue to receive University mail, grade reports, etc.
2. At the same time, notify the Associate Dean in order to continue to receive program mailings, registration information, and phone calls.

Educational records policy

Georgetown University accords to its students all rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. Contact the Associate Dean of the B.A.L.S. Program at (202) 687-5145.

Directory information disclosure policy

The Office of the Registrar publishes a directory which contains the names of all Georgetown students.

The University may provide directory information at its discretion. This information includes the student's name, address, and telephone numbers, date and place of birth, field of study, dates of attendance, and expected date of graduation. Students may instruct the Registrar to withhold the release of directory information by completing an Information Disclosure Form and giving this written notice to the Office of the University Registrar by the second week of classes of the Fall semester.

If you choose not to have your name, address, phone number or email address published in the B.A.L.S. Directory which is mailed to B.A.L.S. students and faculty, please submit your request in writing to the Associate Dean.

Immunization policy

All students under age 26 attending school are required by DC Law 3-20 to present evidence of immunization against the following diseases: Poliomyelitis, Measles, Rubella (German Measles), Diphtheria, Mumps and Tetanus.

Also the District of Columbia requires all new students, regardless of age, to complete a Tuberculosis Screening Certificate available at http://www3.georgetown.edu/student-affairs/health/forms.html. If you fail to submit the certificate, the Student Health Center will prevent you from registering for future semesters and may levy a fine. For further information, call the Student Health Center (202) 687-4500.

Immigration policy

Liberal Studies students who are non-U.S. citizens must complete and submit to the Office of International Programs an Immigration Questionnaire prior to admission. Prospective students on J-1 or F-1 student visa status may not apply for admission to the part-time Liberal Studies Degree Program.

Electronic mail

Please use your official georgetown.edu e-mail address in all e-mail communications with faculty and staff members. If you wish, you can configure your Georgetown account so that incoming Georgetown e-mail is redirected to another account that you prefer to use. Information on this is available at http://netid.georgetown.edu.

Emergency closures

During inclement weather or other emergencies, check http://preparedness.georgetown.edu or call (202) 687-7669 for information on whether the university is open.

The university recently has acquired the capability to send text messages and recorded messages about emergencies to cell phones and other mobile devices. Sign up at Student Access +.

Religious Observances

Georgetown University promotes respect for all religions.  Any student who is unable to attend classes or to participate in any examination, presentation, or assignment on a given day because of the observance of a major religious holiday or related travel shall be excused and provided with the opportunity to make up, without unreasonable burden, any work that has been missed for this reason and shall not in any other way be penalized for the absence or rescheduled work. Students will remain responsible for all assigned work. Students should notify professors in writing at the beginning of the semester of religious observances that conflict with their classes. The Office of the Provost, in consultation with Campus Ministry and the Registrar, will publish, before classes begin for a given term, a list of major religious holidays likely to affect Georgetown students.  The Provost and the Main Campus Executive Faculty encourage faculty to accommodate students whose bona fide religious observances in other ways impede normal participation in a course.  Students who cannot be accommodated should discuss the matter with the Associate Dean for the B.A.L.S. program.

Responding to bias incidents

As a Jesuit, Catholic institution, Georgetown University cherishes each of its students, faculty and staff members. We believe that each individual enjoys God-given human dignity, and consequently we believe that you are entitled to a learning/teaching environment that is free of bias due to your race, religion, sexual orientation or other characteristics. Rarely, you may encounter an incident -- someone else's speech or other behavior -- of bias. In the unlikely event that this happens to you, you are encouraged to report the incident to http://biasreporting.georgetown.edu. On that Web site, you can submit a confidential report. A university staff member will investigate the incident, make sure that you receive the appropriate support, and help you decide whether additional reporting (such as a police report) is appropriate.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Students with disabilities should contact the Academic Resource Center (Leavey Center, Suite 335; 202-687-8354; arc@georgetown.edu; http://guarc.georgetown.edu/) before the start of classes to allow their office time to review required documentation and make recommendations for appropriate accommodations. If accommodations are recommended, you will be given a letter from ARC to share with your professors. You are personally responsible for completing this process officially and in a timely manner. Neither accommodations nor exceptions to policies can be permitted to students who have not completed this process in advance.

All of the policies and forms offered on this site are subject to change. All of the BALS academic and student policies are reviewed regularly so check here frequently for changes.

• Degree Application
• Incomplete Course Request Form (PDF version) (Word version)
• Independent Study Proposal form (PDF version) (Word version)
• Non-BALS Coursework Approval
• Permission for Overload
• Petition for non-Western studies credit
• Student Handbook
• Student Conduct Policy
• Electronic Thesis Release Form