2009 - 2010
Undergraduate Catalogue

Curriculum and Policies

CURRICULUM

The curriculum at Loyola University requires a minimum of 40, three- or four-credit courses and at least 120 credits for an undergraduate degree. Some majors may require additional courses/credits. The residency requirement is the satisfactory completion of at least 20 of these courses at Loyola University (see Residency Requirement under Policies). Ordinarily a student takes five, three- or four-credit courses in the fall and spring terms for four years. One- and two-credit courses do not count as courses/credits completed toward the minimum 40-course degree requirement.

The curriculum is comprised of three areas: the core, the major, and the electives.

The Core

A liberal arts education requires that students take courses in the humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and mathematical sciences. These core courses, required of all students regardless of major, introduce students to these areas of study. The core requirements are as follows: (see each department's chapter for specific core requirements.)

Composition: Effective Writing (WR100).

Ethics: One course from PL300-319 or one course from TH300-319.

Fine Arts: One fine arts course is chosen from designated possibilities in art history (AH111), music (MU201, MU203), photography (PT270, PT275), studio arts (SA224), or theatre (DR250, DR251).

History: History of Modern Western Civilization (HS101) and one other HS300-level course.

Language: One course at the 104- or 200-level in a modern foreign language (Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, or Spanish) or one course in Greek or Latin at the 124 or 300-level, normally to be completed at Loyola College. All students must fulfill the foreign language core requirement.

Literature: Understanding Literature (EN101) and one other English course at the 200-level.

Mathematical Sciences: One MA/ST course (excluding MA103, MA104, MA109).

Natural Sciences: One course in a natural science. One additional course in computer science, engineering science (EG101, EG103), mathematics (excluding MA103, MA104, MA109), or a natural science.

Philosophy: Foundations of Philosophy (PL201) and one 200-level Philosophical Perspectives course. The two, 200-level courses are regarded as a single, year-long course.

Social Sciences: Any combination of two survey courses from economics, political science, psychology, or sociology. These are typically at the 100-level (200-level for psychology).

Theology: Introduction to Theology (TH201) and one course from TH202-299.

Diversity Requirement

The Core Values Statement of Loyola University calls upon the curriculum to prepare students to dedicate themselves to diversity that values the richness of human society as a divine gift and to pursue justice by making an action-oriented response to the needs of the world. Therefore, students are required to successfully complete one designated diversity course which includes substantial focus on issues in one of the following areas: global, justice, or domestic diversity awareness. This course may be fulfilled though a core, major, or elective course. Transfer courses, including those taken through study abroad, do not fulfill this requirement.

A designated diversity course includes substantial focus on one of the following:

Global awareness concentrates on cultures that fall outside of the boundaries of a liberal arts education in the Western intellectual tradition, including, but not limited to, those in Asia, Pacific Islands, Africa, Central/Latin America, and Australia/New Zealand. Global awareness courses may also address the interaction between these cultures and Western cultures.

Justice awareness fosters the ability to think in a sophisticated manner about the distinctive life and thought of those subject to injustice, and/or addresses issues of injustice through the examination of oppression, discrimination, prejudice, stigmatization, and privilege.

Domestic diversity awareness considers the political, cultural, economic, and social significance of class, gender, sexuality, religion, disability, age, or race, or ethnicity, and explores the process by which distinctive American cultures have been created and either are or are not sustained.

Course sections that meet the diversity requirement are designated with a D in the schedule of classes published each semester.

The Major

The "major" part of the curriculum offers a program of courses that enables students to pursue their specialized areas of study in depth. The major normally consists of two introductory courses, eight to 10 upper-division courses, and two to four other courses in allied disciplines.

The accounting and business administration majors within the Sellinger School of Business and Management include six introductory courses and seven upper-division business core courses. In addition, the accounting major requires seven upper-division courses in accounting and one course in oral communication. Within the business administration major, a student must select a concentration area and complete six upper-division courses in that discipline.

Experiential Learning Requirement

Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) candidates in the Class of 2010 and beyond must complete an experiential learning requirement by participating in two of the following three options: an international experience, an internship experience, and/or service-learning.

The Electives

Elective courses are those courses remaining in Loyola's minimum 40-course curriculum after core and major courses have been fulfilled.

Electives are of two types--nondepartmental or free. Nondepartmental electives are courses which are not required by the core or the major but which must be taken as part of the graduation requirement outside the department of the major. Students have three nondepartmental electives in their programs. However, Honors students only have two nondepartmental electives in their programs, because HN400 is taken in place of the third elective.

Free electives are courses required for graduation that are not covered by the core, major, or nondepartmental electives. Free electives may be taken in any department. The number of free electives each student must take is determined by the major.

SERVICE-LEARNING

At Loyola University, service-learning refers to experiential learning within academic courses that is gained through structured reflection on community-based service. In most courses, service-learning is combined with more traditional modes of teaching and learning. Essential components of service-learning include: learning and service which enhance one another, reciprocal partnership with the community, and meaningful, structured reflection. Service-learning courses intentionally contribute to those undergraduate educational aims which promote justice, diversity, leadership, and social responsibility. These values are central to the Jesuit educational mission of Loyola University and of all Jesuit colleges and universities.

Service-learning may be optional or required of all students in a course, depending on the preferences and needs of the instructor, department, and community partners involved. Service-learning combines academic study and community service in ways that enhance students’ learning. It offers students the exciting opportunity to learn about almost any subject in the arts, business, the humanities, and the social and natural sciences by engaging in service as part of their normal coursework. Service-learning challenges students to learn firsthand about community, democracy, diversity, justice, civil society, social responsibility, leadership, and critical thinking. It also offers students opportunities for personal growth, faith development, improved social and communication skills, job training, and exposure to an array of diverse perspectives that exist beyond the confines of campus life. Through service-learning, students learn about themselves and the world around them at the same time.

Engaging in service as part of a course contributes to learning about course content just as reading texts, watching films, conducting experiments in the lab, or going on field trips do. In a service-learning course, service is part of the homework students undertake to learn about their subject matter. In other words, the service becomes a "text" that students "read," reflect upon, and learn. Learning occurs through an array of reflection activities and assignments that help students connect their service experiences in the course with the central ideas, hypotheses, theories, and methods they are studying. For example, students learning a second language improve their oral comprehension and speaking skills by serving as tutors or teachers in schools or tutoring programs in the community. They also gain valuable insight into the relationship between language and culture. Other examples of service include students in chemistry courses who help communities identify lead contamination in housing and soils; accounting students who assist low-income families with their income taxes; or students in education and communication who gain personal knowledge of illiteracy among adults by serving in one of the many literacy programs in the community.

Service-learning courses are not traditional courses with a service component attached to them. Effective service-learning occurs when the service is directly linked to specific learning objectives of a course, and both the service and learning are fully integrated into the course and syllabus. In addition, since reciprocity is an essential component of service-learning, the service must meet authentic community needs identified by community partners and constituencies. In service-learning, community partners become coeducators with faculty: they play a significant role in the learning Loyola students do through the community service integrated into these courses.

Service-learning courses are offered each semester in a variety of disciplines. Courses are identified in the registration materials, on WebAdvisor, and online at www.loyola.edu/service-learning. Students interested in service-learning courses in their majors are also encouraged to contact their professors, department chairs, or the assistant director of service-learning (410-617-2092). The Office of Service-Learning is part of the Center for Community Service and Justice, located in Cohn Hall.

FIRST-YEAR PROGRAMS

Alpha Program

The Alpha Program offers interested first-year students an opportunity to weave together the heritage of the liberal arts and the Jesuit tradition in seminars that cultivate four critical habits: careful reading, academic writing, scholastic conversation, and living the examined life. Small in size, these seminars are taught by members of the Alpha faculty in a format designed to expand the intellectual horizons of students through lively discussion, academic reading and writing, extra class meetings, off-campus and interdisciplinary activities, and participation in a campus program of Alpha lectures. The faculty teaching Alpha seminars serve as core advisors for their students.

Alpha sections, taught in the fall semester, are offered in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, computer science, engineering, mathematics, and business. Students will be invited to join the program upon their acceptance to the University and registered in Alpha sections prior to summer orientation in the order in which their course selections are received by the Dean of First-Year Students and Academic Services. Alpha students may apply to live in Alpha House, a living/learning community specially designed for first-year students, on a space-available basis.

Collegium

Collegium is a living/learning community in Campion Tower designed especially for first-year students. Collegium members are enrolled in two of their five regular first-year courses together, as well as the First-Year Experience (FE100). Collegium course clusters are designed to serve every major offered by the University. In this program, students become well-acquainted with a group of like-minded people and still have the opportunity to meet others outside of the program. An important goal of Collegium is to create an environment that enhances learning, encourages academic discussions, helps students feel a sense of "belonging" at Loyola, and facilitates an enjoyable social and cocurricular life.

First-Year Experience (FE100)

The First-Year Experience seminar is designed to help students get the most out of their college experience and make a smooth and successful transition to college. Informal and lively class discussions, group interactions, field trips, and presentations by instructors and guests help to introduce first-year students to the expectations of college instructors and the values inherent in the mission and core of the University; inform the students of the services available to support their academic and cocurricular experiences; and provide opportunities for critical thinking, community service, and community building in an enjoyable setting. Many of the class meetings take place outside of the classroom and include excursions into Baltimore.

Each course section is team-taught by a faculty member (usually the student's core advisor), a member of the administration whose work focuses on students, and a student leader--all of whom are committed to helping first-year students get the most out of their Loyola experience. Registration materials for this one-credit seminar are mailed to incoming students in May. Students receive grades of S (Satisfactory) or U (Unsatisfactory). Credits for this course do not count toward the completion of degree requirements. More information on the First-Year Experience course can be found online, www.loyola.edu/fye.

SPECIAL COURSE OPTIONS

Independent Study

Independent study courses are special courses that permit a student to study a subject or topic in considerable depth beyond the scope of a regular course. The student works closely and directly with the instructor as a scholarly team. The format of the course may vary: laboratory research, prose or poetry writings, specialized study of a particular topic, etc. A student must expect to devote considerably more time to these courses than to a regular course. The student must use initiative, be highly motivated, and have a strong interest in the subject. Since the work is largely original on the part of the student, the faculty director is only able to give a general direction and guidance to the work.

Core courses may not be taken through independent study. The number of independent study courses a student may apply toward degree requirements is determined by the department chair and the appropriate Dean. Normally, that number should not exceed two; however, exceptions can be made by the department chairs with the approval of the respective Dean.

Registration for independent study courses requires submission of the Specialized Study Form no later than the end of the scheduled add/drop period. To gain approval for an independent study course, a student must:

  1. Work out a course plan with the professor who will direct the independent study and obtain the professor's signature on the completed Specialized Study Form.
  2. Obtain the signature of the Academic Advising and Support Center to verify the number of independent study courses on the student's record for the department chair's review.
  3. Obtain the signature of the department chair for approval of the course.

Internships

Internship courses provide opportunities for practical experience in a particular discipline. All internships are arranged through an academic department and involve a student working (usually on an unpaid basis) in a regular business or professional environment under the guidance of an on-site supervisor and a faculty member. In many departments, internship courses include class time each week with other interns as well as the time on-site.

Internships are credit-bearing courses, and the grades are determined by the faculty as in regular courses. One hundred fifty hours of on-site work distributed evenly across the semester (10 hours/week) are required in order to earn three academic credits. Internships require the approval of the faculty sponsor, the department chair, and the Academic Advising and Support Center. Student interns must have either junior or senior status. Internships may not be used to satisfy core requirements, and only one internship (3 credits) may count toward graduation requirements.

Registration for an internship requires submission of the Specialized Study Form no later than the end of the scheduled add/drop period. Policies and procedures governing internships are available from the Academic Advising and Support Center.

Private Study

Private study courses are regular courses that are not available in the course schedule and that the student has not been able to schedule in the regular sequence. The scope, assignments, and requirements for a private study course are the same as for the regular course, and the student is required to meet with the instructor on a regular basis. (Note: Core courses may not be taken through private study.)

Private study courses must be taken for a regular grade. Registration for these courses requires submission of the Specialized Study Form no later than the end of the scheduled add/drop period.

Study Abroad

Information on opportunities available to Loyola students for a junior semester or year abroad can be found in the chapter on International Programs. A number of programs are offered through the University and through other institutions. For details, visit the International Programs office or www.loyola.edu/academics/internationalprograms.

DEGREES, MAJORS, AND MINORS

Degrees/Majors

Loyola University offers programs of instruction in the following disciplines:

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Art History
Classics
Classical Civilization
Communication
Comparative Culture and Literary Studies
Computer Science
Economics
Elementary Education
English
Fine Arts
French
German
Global Studies
History
Philosophy
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology
Spanish
Speech Pathology
Theology
Visual Arts
Writing

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Mathematical Sciences
Physics

Bachelor of Science in Engineering Science (B.S.E.S.)

Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.)
Accounting
Business Administration

The business administration major requires a concentration in one of the following areas: business economics, finance, general business, information systems, international business, management, or marketing.

Double Majors

Students may earn majors in more than one department, but they must complete all of the requirements for each major. Students majoring in related disciplines (e.g., mathematical sciences and computer science) must receive permission from each department chair for specific courses to be applied toward requirements in both majors. The student's official record indicates the major as, for example, Mathematical Sciences and Computer Science.

A double major/concentration in two business disciplines must be approved by the assistant dean of the Sellinger School. A maximum of 69 credits may be completed within the Sellinger School of Business and Management.

Interdisciplinary Majors

Interdisciplinary majors may be arranged between some of the majors listed above. Introductory level courses in each major and one-half of the upper-division program in each major (as specified by the departments) must be completed. The student's official record indicates the major as, for example, biology/chemistry. This option is not available to accounting or business majors.

Minors

While minors are not a required part of the curriculum at Loyola University, they are available in most academic departments. The number of courses needed varies across departments. See the listings for each department to determine the requirements. The student's official record indicates the minor field of study.

American Studies (Interdisciplinary)
Art History
Asian Studies (Interdisciplinary)
Biology
Business
Business Economics
Catholic Studies (Interdisciplinary)
Chemistry
Classical Civilization
Communication
Comparative Culture and Literary Studies
Computer Science
Economics
Engineering Science
English
Entrepreneurship
Film Studies (Interdisciplinary)
Fine Arts
French
Gender Studies (Interdisciplinary)
German
History
Information Systems
International Business
Italian Studies (Interdisciplinary)
Latin American and Latino Studies (Interdisciplinary)
Marketing
Mathematical Sciences
Medieval Studies (Interdisciplinary)
Natural Sciences
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science
Secondary Education
Sociology
Spanish
Special Education
Statistics
Theology
Visual Arts
Writing

DEPARTMENTAL MAJOR/MINOR

Declaration of Major

Upon admission to the University, most students express an interest in a specific major. During the entire first year and the first semester of the sophomore year, the student is considered officially undeclared and works with a core advisor to select or confirm a major in an area of interest and demonstrated ability. The student has the option to formally declare a major as early as the end of the second semester but may remain undeclared until the end of the third semester. Upon the declaration of a major, the Academic Advising and Support Center will assign the student to a faculty member from the department of the major who will serve as the student's academic advisor.

Change of Major

The advisor and relevant department chair may permit a student to transfer from one major to another provided that:

  • the student meets the requirements of the school and department where admission is being sought;
  • the proposed change will better suit the student's aptitudes, interests, and abilities;
  • the student understands that all course requirements for the new major must be completed;
  • the faculty advisor, the chair of the department to which the student wishes to change, and the chair of the department the student intends to leave have been consulted by the student;
  • the student has properly completed and returned the Request for Change of Major/Minor Form to the Academic Advising and Support Center.

Loyola University gives no assurance that students who change majors will be able to fulfill degree requirements within four years. Students are responsible for making certain that all degree requirements have been completed.

Declaration/Change of Minor

In order to declare or change a minor, students must complete and submit a Change of Major/Minor Form, signed by their advisor, to the Records Office.

GRADES

In undergraduate courses, letter grades measure how well a student has mastered course content, developed critical thinking skills, learned discipline-specific concepts and methodology, and improved creative and critical expression, both oral and written. Evidence for grades varies by discipline, and by instructor, and might include few or many measures--formal examinations, portfolios of writing, term papers, book reports, lab reports, case studies, field experiences, quizzes, participating in or leading class discussion, library research, and oral interviews. The instructor cultivates work ethic and enthusiasm, but bases the course grade primarily on academic achievement.

All faculty and departments are accountable for clear grading practices. A written explanation of the instructor's grading protocol in relation to the course objectives is distributed as part of the syllabus in the first week of the semester; the instructor lists the items to be included in the determination of the final grade and the relative importance of each item. Shortly after the middle of the semester, instructors electronically submit midterm grades to the Records Office. At the end of the semester, each instructor electronically submits letter grades that indicate each student's achievement in the course.

Grading Scale

The grade of C rewards a successful academic performance. Grades of C+, B-, B, B+, A- and A measure additional gradations of accomplishment.

A

Denotes outstanding achievement that is truly distinctive. The grade of A is earned by that student whose performance is highly accomplished--that is, who, grounded in the discipline, consistently shows superior mastery of course concepts and skills, offers leadership in class discussion and activities, and reliably takes the initiative in seeking knowledge beyond the formal confines of the course.
B

Denotes achievement well above acceptable standards and is a mark of distinction. The grade of B is earned by a student who surpasses the standard performance with work that, in its rigor, originality, and creativity, is evidence of a firm command of course material within the framework of the discipline and of active engagement in learning in and out of class.
C

Denotes an acceptable level of achievement in the course and is the standard for graduation from the College. The grade of C is earned by a student who successfully completes the requirements for the course laid out in the syllabus. The C student learns the course material, understands the nature of the discipline, develops requisite abilities and skills, and improves facility of expression through productive engagement in class and sufficient study outside of class.

The following grades describe substandard performance:

C-

Unsatisfactory. Denotes academic performance below the standards for the course. The grade of C- earns academic credit but with a QPA value of 1.67.
D

Inadequate. Denotes work of inferior quality that barely meets the objectives for the course. The grade of D is the lowest passing grade and a mark of inadequate performance.
F

Failure. Denotes work below minimal standards of competence required to pass the course. A failing grade earns no academic credit; the course does not satisfy prerequisite or degree requirements.

The following grades may also be employed:

I

Incomplete. See Incomplete Grade.
P

Pass/Fail. The P grade denotes work equivalent to a C (2.000) or better for a course taken on a pass/fail basis. Course credits for the P grade are added to the student's credit total, but the grade is not included in calculating the QPA. The F grade is counted as a zero in calculating the student's quality point average. Ordinarily, a course taken on a pass/fail basis cannot count toward the requirements for a degree.
S

Satisfactory. Denotes satisfactory work, equivalent to a C (2.000) or better for a course taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. This grade means that course credits will be added to the student's credit total, but this grade has no effect on the student's QPA. A course taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis cannot count toward the requirements for a degree.
U

Unsatisfactory. Denotes unsatisfactory work, equivalent to a C- (1.670) or below, in a course taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. This grade means that course credits have no effect on the student's credit total or QPA.
W

Withdrawal. Denotes withdrawal from the course on or before the deadline for this change of status. This grade means that the course has no effect on the student's credit total or QPA.
NG

No Grade. Denotes a zero credit course.
NR

Not Received. Denotes that the grade has not been submitted by the instructor.
GL

Grade Later. Denotes the first semester grade for a two semester course when the final grade is given at the end of the second term or a course that extends beyond one semester, as scheduled by the department.
L

Audit. Denotes that the student is auditing the course. To receive this grade on the transcript, the student must satisfy the attendance and other course requirements set by the instructor for an official audit (see Audit Policy). Courses taken on an audit basis cannot count toward the requirements for a degree.
AW

Audit Withdrawal. Denotes lack of attendance and completion of other course requirements for a student registered as an auditor (see Audit Policy).

In calculating a student's quality point average (QPA) on a per credit basis, the following values are used: A = 4.000; A- = 3.670; B+ = 3.330; B = 3.000; B- = 2.670; C+ = 2.330; C = 2.000; C- = 1.670; D+ = 1.330; D = 1.000; and F = 0.000. Note that a C- (1.670) is an unsatisfactory grade since a 2.000 average is required for graduation. A course with a grade below C will not be accepted in transfer from another institution. Grades brought in from the packaged, exchange, or cooperative programs are calculated using Loyola's quality point system.

Midterm Grades

Shortly after the middle of the semester instructors electronically submit midterm grades to the Records Office. All first-year students receive a grade for each course; other students receive grades only for courses in which unsatisfactory work is being performed at midterm; i.e., C-, D+, D, or F. A copy of the midterm report goes to the student and to the student's faculty advisor to encourage consultation about any problems with the work of the term.

Final Grades

At the end of the semester, each instructor electronically submits a letter grade to the Records Office indicating each student's achievement in the course. This grade is based on the written explanation of the grading system for the course distributed as part of the syllabus in the first week of the semester.

Appeal of a Grade

Any student who has reason to question the accuracy of a grade should request a consultation with the instructor. If a satisfactory solution is not reached, the student should request, in writing, a formal review of the grade with the instructor. This request must be received by the University no later than four months after the grade was issued. The instructor then reports to the student, in writing, the result of the grade review, normally within 30 working days of the receipt of the student's request. If the student is still not satisfied, the student should make a request, in writing, within 30 days of receipt of the instructor's resolution, for a conference with the department chair. (In the case when the department chair is also the instructor, a senior member of the department chosen by the appropriate Dean will chair the grade appeal conference.) Other parties, including parents and attorneys, are not permitted to attend the grade appeal conference. After conferring with the student and the instructor, the chair (or senior member of the department) then sends a written recommendation to the instructor and the student.

If the department chair (or senior member of the department) recommends a change of grade and the instructor does not accept this recommendation, then the chair (or senior member of the department) will appoint a two-member panel to resolve the issue. The panel will consult all parties concerned with the case and then vote either for or against the recommendation of the department chair. The decision of the panel is final. If the vote of the panel is split, the original grade stands. If the chair (or senior member of the department) does not recommend a change of grade, the original grade stands and the student may not appeal further. If a grade appeal involves an alleged honor code violation, it is recommended that the grade appeal be heard after the Honor Council has reached a decision about the alleged infraction.

If a dismissal involves a grade appeal, then both the dismissal and the grade appeal must be filed within 30 days of the close of the semester.

Students who have been academically dismissed and who are in the process of an appeal may not register for future semesters until the appeal is resolved.

Audit Policy

Listener status denotes that the student is auditing the course. To receive a grade of L on the transcript, the student must satisfy the attendance and other course requirements set by the instructor for an official audit. Students who do not meet these requirements will receive a final grade of AW.

Students may audit a course with the prior written approval of the instructor. Permission must be granted prior to the beginning of the semester in question and enrollment for audit will always be on a space-available basis; the normal tuition policy applies. After the end of add/drop period, students registered for audit may not change their registration and take the course for credit; nor may students who registered for credit change their registration to audit. Courses taken on an audit basis cannot count toward the requirements for a degree.

Incomplete Grade

At the discretion of the course instructor, a temporary grade of I may be given to a student who is passing a course but for reasons beyond the student's control (illness, injury, or other nonacademic circumstance), is unable to complete the required coursework during the semester. A grade of I should not be issued to allow the student additional time to complete academic requirements of the course (except as noted above), repeat the course, complete extra work, or because of excessive absenteeism or the student's unexcused absence from the final exam. A grade of I may be assigned to graduating seniors only with the written approval of the academic dean of the student's college, and only if the Incomplete Form is submitted no later than the final day grades are due in the Records Office. In all other cases, the Records Office will assign a grade of NR.

Arrangements for the grade of I must be made prior to the final examination, or if the course has no final examination, prior to the last class meeting. The responsibility for completing all coursework within the agreed upon time rests with the student. The completion dates for courses for which a grade of I is issued are:

Fall Semester
February 1
Spring Semester
July 1
Summer Sessions
October 1

If an extension to the above deadlines is necessary, the signature of the Dean of the appropriate school is required. The grade of I may remain on the record no longer than the time period agreed to by the instructor and the student and may not exceed one semester. If the I is not resolved satisfactorily within the agreed upon time period, a grade of F (0.00) will be recorded by the Records Office as the final grade. Students may not graduate with a grade of I in any course on their record.

Students who have been granted an I for a course and are placed on probation or suspended from the University for any reason after the close of the semester in which the I was given must complete the coursework under the terms set forth on the Incomplete Report. If those terms are not met, the grade will change to F (0.00).

ACADEMIC STANDING

Quality Point Average (QPA)

The QPA is an average of the student's grades that gives proportionate weight to individual courses on the basis of the credit value assigned to them. While most courses have a three-credit value, a few courses have a four-, two-, or one-credit value. The QPA is computed in the following manner: A = 4.000 grade points; A- = 3.670; B+ = 3.330; B = 3.000; B- = 2.670; C+ = 2.330; C = 2.000; C- = 1.670; D+ = 1.330; D = 1.000; and F = 0.000.

The grade points are multiplied by the credit value for the course to give the number of quality points. The sum of quality points for the courses taken is divided by the sum of the credit values of the courses taken to arrive at the QPA. Grades brought in from the Baltimore Student Exchange Program (BSEP) or the packaged or exchange programs are calculated using Loyola's quality point system.

Dean's List Honors

At the end of each semester, recognition on the Dean's List of students for distinguished academic achievement is awarded to students who achieve a minimum QPA of at least 3.500 for the term, provided that, in the term they have successfully completed courses totaling a minimum of 15 credits (five, three-credit courses) applicable to a degree (excluding pass/fail courses and courses assigned a grade of W). If the recommended course load for a particular term falls below the required 15 credits, an elective should be added for students to meet the credit requirement for consideration for Dean's List. These same requirements apply to students participating in the Loyola study abroad programs, affiliations, and exchange programs in which the grades are transferred to Loyola University.

Loyola students at yearlong programs, exchanges, or affiliations abroad must achieve a minimum cumulative QPA of 3.500 for the year and they must have successfully completed courses totaling a minimum of 30 credits applicable to a degree (excluding pass/fail courses and courses assigned a grade of W). Students at semester-long programs, exchanges, or affiliations abroad must earn at least a 3.500 cumulative QPA and complete 15 or more credits applicable to a degree.

Good Academic Standing

In order to be in good academic standing at Loyola University, first-year students are required to have a cumulative QPA of at least 1.800 at the end of their first and second semesters of study. By the end of the first semester of sophomore year and each semester thereafter, students must maintain a cumulative QPA of at least 2.000.

Academic Probation

Students whose QPA is at least 1.400 but below 1.800 at the end of the first semester of first year will be placed on academic probation. These students will be required to review their performance with a probation board composed of faculty members from the Academic Standards Committee, meet throughout the semester with a staff member in the Academic Advising and Support Center, and meet other requirements of probation during their second semester.

Ordinarily, students with a QPA of at least 1.800 but below 2.000 after the first semester of the sophomore year will be placed on academic probation. Students already on probation whose QPA does not reach the level required for good academic standing but whose semester average is such that continued work at this level would assure graduation will receive an automatic extension of their probation.

Academic Dismissal

Students will be dismissed at the end of their first semester if their cumulative QPA is below 1.400. Students whose QPA is below 1.800 at the end of the first year will be dismissed from the University. Students with a cumulative QPA of less than 2.000 after the fourth semester or any semester thereafter will be dismissed from the University.

Academic Appeal Process

Students dismissed from Loyola University due to academic deficiency may appeal their dismissal by submitting formal written appeal to the Academic Standards Committee using the form provided with their letter of dismissal. This document is the student's opportunity to explain any mitigating circumstances or reasons why the student's dismissal should be reconsidered. A list of procedures under which appeals are conducted will be provided with this form.

Students who file the written appeal normally will be required to attend an interview with a hearing board of the Academic Standards Committee. Interviews take place early in January for dismissals at the end of the fall semester and in early June for dismissals at the end of the spring semester. After considering the letter of appeal and any additional information presented by the student during the interview, the Academic Standards Committee will make a recommendation to the Dean of First-Year Students and Academic Services. Each student is sent a letter regarding the final decision of the Dean. This decision is not subject to further appeal except in cases where students believe their right to a fair hearing (sometimes referred to as due process) has been violated.

If the dismissal is overturned following an appeal, the student is placed on probation. The requirements and expectations that form the terms of the probation will be specified in writing. In some cases, the probation may require a mandatory leave of absence (suspension) from the University. The student is responsible for abiding by all requirements of the probation and for taking any other steps necessary to achieve the QPA required for good standing by the end of the next semester on campus. Failure to meet the terms of probation and to achieve satisfactory academic standing will result in dismissal from the University at the end of the probationary semester. An appeal by a student on probation generally will be unsuccessful if the student's semester QPA remains below the standard for good standing.

Students who have been granted an I (Incomplete) for a course and are placed on probation or suspended from the University for any reason after the close of the semester in which the I was given must complete the coursework under the terms set forth on the Incomplete Report. If those terms are not met, the grade will change to F.

GRADUATION

Students are responsible for selection of courses, completion of degree requirements, and acquainting themselves with the regulations pertinent to their status. Formal commencement ceremonies are held each year in May. Only students who have completed all degree requirements--a minimum of 40, three- or four-credit courses and at least 120 credits, including the diversity requirement and the experiential learning requirement in the School of Business and Management--and have earned a minimum cumulative average of 2.000 in all Loyola courses are permitted to participate. Students who complete degree requirements in September and January may obtain their diplomas at that time from the Records Office. These students may also participate in the formal commencement ceremony the following May.

Application

All students are required to file an Application for Graduation with the Records Office. Full-time students must submit the application along with any necessary fees to the Records Office by the end of September of their senior year. Part-time students must submit the application along with any necessary fees to the Records Office by the first day of classes for each term in which the student intends to graduate.

Students who do not file their graduation applications by the due date will not receive information for ordering caps/gowns, graduation announcements, etc. Students should check the academic calendar in this book, course schedules, and on the Records Office website for due dates. Students who file an application for a specific semester and do not complete the graduation requirements must submit a new graduation application, however, no additional fee is required.

Honors

To receive honors at graduation, students must have a cumulative grade point average as follows: summa cum laude, 3.800; magna cum laude, 3.700; cum laude, 3.500.

The cumulative QPA is used for determining honors at graduation or any other academic honors. Although the grades for all courses taken at all colleges attended are included, no higher honors are awarded than those earned with grades that appear on the Loyola transcript for courses completed at Loyola or through Loyola sponsored programs (see Courses at Other Colleges). Full- and part-time students are eligible to receive honors at graduation.

POLICIES

Students and faculty are accountable to all formal University policies and procedures.

Attendance

The Loyola educational experience comprises more than just private reading and the passing of examinations and tests. Mature and motivated students recognize that active and informed participation in class discussions is essential to the development of their intellectual abilities and their scholarly growth. Accordingly, the University expects its students to accept their responsibility to attend class regularly. The attendance requirements and the grading system for each course are explained by the instructor of the course at the start of each term.

If, for reasons of health or other emergency, a student knows that he/she will be absent from class for several days, the student should inform the Academic Advising and Support Center by telephone 410-617-5050. The Center will, in turn, notify the student's instructors. Only instructors can excuse student absences from their classes.

Students are expected to be on time for all classes and must take semester examinations at the regularly scheduled time. Students who are absent from a semester examination for a serious reason may be permitted to take a deferred examination if they validate their absence to the satisfaction of the instructor. Students who are absent from a deferred examination automatically receive a grade of zero for the examination.

Baltimore Student Exchange Program

Loyola University participates in the Baltimore Student Exchange Program (BSEP) with the Baltimore Hebrew University, College of Notre Dame of Maryland, Coppin State University, Goucher College, Johns Hopkins University, The Maryland Institute College of Art, Morgan State University, Peabody Conservatory of Music, Stevenson University, Towson University, University of Baltimore, University of Maryland (Baltimore County). The program allows full-time sophomore, junior, and senior students to take one course in the fall and spring terms at one of the other colleges, at no additional charge, if the course is not available at the home college. Catalogues and class schedules are available from each participating institution's website.

For courses taken through the BSEP, students must have at least a 2.000 average, receive the permission of their advisor and the Academic Advising and Support Center, and the course requested must still be open. Only undergraduate courses applicable toward a degree and offered during the fall and spring are considered for acceptance. Independent study, private study, special tutorials, etc., are excluded from the program. Courses taken as private lessons require payment of a fee directly to the instructor at the first lesson. Courses taken at BSEP participating colleges as part of the BSEP count toward residency at Loyola. Grades for these courses appear on the Loyola transcript and are included in calculating the student's quality point average using the Loyola University quality point system.

BSEP participants are 10 to 45 minutes driving time from Loyola; students must provide their own transportation. All students taking a course at a BSEP college agree to abide by the rules and regulations, academic and otherwise, of that college. Loyola students are subject to the disciplinary procedures established by the cooperative institutions for any violations of these policies. Registration for BSEP courses requires submission of the BSEP Form no later than the end of the scheduled add/drop period at Loyola University.

Students participating in the program must complete the Baltimore Student Exchange Program Form that may be obtained at the Records Office. This form must be signed by the student's academic advisor and the Academic Advising and Support Center and returned with the other course registration materials at the usual registration periods. It is the student's responsibility to make arrangements with the instructor of the course at the host institution to complete the course requirements, including the final examination, prior to Loyola University's commencement date. The final grade must be received by Loyola University's BSEP coordinator in the Records Office at least two days prior to graduation. If these arrangements are not made, the student's graduation may be delayed and the student may be prevented from participating in the commencement ceremony.

Courses at Other Colleges

All transfer courses require the prior written permission of both the chair of the department awarding the credit and the Academic Advising and Support Center. Only courses at accredited institutions will be accepted (see Residency Requirement).

Except for courses taken as part of the BSEP or approved international programs, a letter grade of C (2.000) or higher must be obtained for any course transferred to Loyola University, and then only the credits are transferred. Courses with a grade of C- or below are not transferrable (see Grades). The grade does not transfer and does not count in the regular Loyola QPA, except that in the determination of honors at graduation, the cumulative average is computed on the basis of all courses taken at all colleges. No higher honors will be awarded than those earned with grades that appear on the Loyola transcript for courses completed at Loyola or through Loyola sponsored programs.

Students who have been placed on disciplinary suspension by the University will not be granted transfer credit for courses taken at other institutions during the suspension period. Students who have been placed on academic suspension by the University may be granted transfer credit only with the permission of the Academic Standards Committee and the Dean of First-Year Students and Academic Services.

Transfer Credit from High School

College-level work done prior to high school graduation will be reviewed for transfer credit eligibility upon receipt of the following:

  • an official letter from the high school principal or guidance counselor stating that the courses were taught on the college campus by a member of the college faculty, open to enrollment by and graded in competition with regularly matriculated undergraduates at the college, and a regular part of the normal curriculum published in the college catalogue;
  • an official, seal-bearing transcript from the college/university. Each supporting document is to be sent to the Dean of First-Year Students and Academic Services; and
  • a course description and syllabus, if requested.

Exceptions

Exceptions to university-wide academic policies must have the approval of the Academic Advising and Support Center. A student may appeal the decision of the Center, in writing, to the Dean of First-Year Students and Academic Services. The appeal letter should be accompanied by a description of the facts of the case, as well as a statement of support (or non-support) from the instructor and/or the department chair, as appropriate. The Dean will provide a written decision after reviewing the case in consultation with other appropriate Deans. Students must submit appeals on their own behalf; appeals from a third party will not be accepted.

Final Grades and Transcripts

Final grades and transcripts are not released to a student who has not settled all financial obligations with the University, who has not returned equipment and supplies borrowed from the University, such as library books, ROTC equipment, and athletic equipment, etc., and has not filed the immunization record with Health Services. No grades are given in person or over the telephone; however, students can access their midterm and final grades via the Internet at www.loyola.edu/webadvisor. Online access requires a valid User ID and Password (obtained from Technology Services). Final grade reports are mailed to the home address.

Under no circumstances will official transcripts be given directly to students or former students. Official transcripts are mailed directly to third parties only at the written request of the student (must include student signature). Telephone and fax requests for transcripts are not accepted. Only students and alumni who have a Loyola University e-mail account may request transcripts via this account. Due to authentication restrictions, electronic requests sent through any other e-mail service (comcast.net, aol.com, etc.) will not be accepted. Transcripts should be requested well in advance of the date desired to allow for processing time and possible mail delay. Loyola University will not assume responsibility for transcripts that cannot be processed in a timely manner due to a student's indebtedness to the University.

Transcripts given to the student do not receive the seal of the University or the signature of the director of records. Transcripts officially transmitted directly to another college or university or other official institution or agency receive the seal of the University and are signed by the director of records.

Transcripts of work at other institutions or test scores submitted for admission or evaluation of credit cannot be copied or reissued by Loyola University. If that information is needed the student must go directly to the issuing institution or agency. Transcripts cannot be faxed.

Leave of Absence

Students may take a leave of absence for not more than two semesters. Students who take a leave of absence while on academic or disciplinary probation must complete the probation and satisfy its terms upon returning to Loyola. Students subject to dismissal for academic or disciplinary reasons are not eligible for a leave of absence.

A medical leave of absence will be granted by the Dean of First-Year Students and Academic Services when the attending physician provides the University with documentation recommending the leave. The documentation must be received within 30 days of the notification of the need for a medical leave of absence. A review of the student's financial obligations to the University will take place once the medical leave is approved and the medical documentation is received. If the medical documentation is not received by the University within the 30-day period, the right to a refund or credit, whichever is applicable, is forfeited.

Students applying for leave must complete the Leave of Absence Form and consult the Financial Aid Office to determine what effect this leave may have on financial aid available upon their return. Ordinarily, students on a leave of absence from the University will not receive transfer credit for courses taken at another institution during the period of the leave. Prior written permission must be obtained from the Dean of First-Year Students and Academic Services for any exceptions to this policy.

Upon completion of the approved leave of absence, students may return to Loyola University under the academic requirements in effect at the time of departure without completing the regular admissions process. Students on an approved leave of absence who do not return at the conclusion of that leave and who do not request an extension of the leave in writing from the Dean of First-Year Students and Academic Services will be withdrawn from the University at the conclusion of the first formal add/drop period, the first week of classes following the end of the leave.

Federal Leave of Absence Policy

A student who takes an approved leave of absence is not considered to have withdrawn from the school. A leave of absence is approved if:

  • the student has made a written request for the leave of absence;
  • the leave of absence does not exceed 180 days;
  • the school has granted only one leave of absence to the student in any 12-month period; and
  • the school does not charge the student for the leave of absence.

If a student's leave of absence is not approved, the student is considered to have withdrawn from the school, and the federal refund requirements apply.

These leave of absence requirements also affect a student's in-school status for the purposes of deferring federal student loans. A student on an approved leave of absence is considered to be enrolled at the school and would be eligible for an in-school deferment for his/her federal student loan. A student who takes an unapproved leave of absence or fails to return to school at the end of an approved leave of absence is no longer enrolled at the school and is not eligible for an in-school deferment of his/her loans.

Repeating or Replacing a Course

A student may choose to repeat any course. All grades for a repeated course will be included with the original grade in the computation of the cumulative QPA. Students repeating courses specifically required in the core must repeat the same course. If a course is failed in a core area, it may be repeated by another course in that area (any social science course may be taken as a repeat for any other social science course). Students repeating courses specifically required in the major must repeat the same course. Any free or nondepartmental elective is a valid repeat for any other free or nondepartmental elective. A major elective must be repeated by a course within the major elective group. In all circumstances, both the original and repeated grades count in the cumulative QPA. Students may repeat failed Loyola courses at another institution under the terms specified here. However, the original grade remains on the transcript, and the transfer grade is not computed in the Loyola cumulative QPA.

Students changing majors will find that major course requirements are significantly different from department to department. These students may be permitted to replace grades in major courses from the original major with grades in major courses from the new major. The grade for such a replacement course will replace the original grade in the computation of the cumulative QPA, however, both the old and the new grade will appear on the transcript. The replacement grade is computed in the cumulative QPA regardless of whether it is higher or lower than the original grade. The semester QPA is not affected if a grade for that semester is replaced by a later grade.

Students taking a course as a repeat or replacement must mark it on their Undergraduate Registration Form (repeat is not an option via WebAdvisor) and complete a Repeat/Replacement Form (available on the Web or from the Records Office).

Residency Requirement

Students must satisfactorily complete at least 20, three- or four-credit courses at Loyola University. Of the last 20 courses, 15 must be taken at Loyola University. Additionally, five of the last seven and at least one-half of the courses in the major and minor field of study also must be taken at Loyola University. Credit awarded on the basis of any placement tests does not count toward fulfillment of the residency requirement. Approved courses taken in the University's own study abroad programs, exchange programs, or affiliations apply toward the residency requirement. Study abroad courses sponsored by non-Loyola programs do not count toward residency. (See Courses at Other Colleges for guidelines governing transfer credit.)

Sixth Course

Students may register for only five courses (excluding Military Science and one-/two-credit courses), via WebAdvisor or paper submission, during the official registration period. To take a sixth course, students must either receive electronic permission from their academic advisor to register via WebAdvisor or submit a Sixth Course Form, signed by the academic advisor, to the Records Office during the registration period for the coming semester. First-year students are permitted to request a sixth course for their second semester if they earn a QPA of 3.000 or above for five, three- or four-credit courses during their first semester. Upperclassmen must be in good academic standing (having a QPA of 2.000 or above) to request a sixth course. Approval of the request is subject to successful completion of all prerequisites and course availability.

Test Materials

All examinations, tests, and quizzes assigned as a part of the course are the property of the University. Students may review their graded examinations, tests, or quizzes, but may not retain possession of them unless permitted to do so by the instructor.

Withdrawal from a Course

During the first four days of the semester, a full-time student may withdraw from a course without receiving a grade of W. A student may withdraw from a course upon the advice and approval of the instructor of the course, the faculty advisor, and an administrator in the Academic Advising and Support Center and receive a grade of W no later than four full weeks (20 class days) before the end of the semester. Intercollegiate athletes must also obtain the signature of the academic coordinator for varsity athletics. Failure to comply with the official withdrawal procedure will result in a permanent grade of F or AW.

Withdrawal from the University

A student who withdraws voluntarily from the University is entitled to honorable departure under the following conditions:

  • The student must not be liable to dismissal on account of academic deficiency or breach of discipline.
  • All financial indebtedness to the University must be settled.
  • The student must complete the Student Withdrawal Form.
  • Depending on the time and reasons for withdrawing, the student will receive a grade of either W, F, or AW for any incomplete courses (see Withdrawal from a Course).

COURSE KEYS

The following abbreviations are used to identify the disciplines in which a course is offered:

ACAccounting
AHArt History
BABusiness Administration
BHSellinger Scholars Program
BLBiology
CHChemistry
CIChinese
CLClassics
CMCommunication
CSComputer Science
DRTheatre
ECEconomics
EDEducation
EGEngineering Science
ENEnglish
FEFirst-Year Experience
FIFinance
FRFrench
GKGreek
GLGeology
GRGerman
GTGlobal Studies
GYGeography
HNHonors Program
HSHistory
IBInternational Business
ISInformation Systems
ITItalian
JPJapanese
LTLatin
LWLaw
MAMathematical Sciences
MGManagement
MKMarketing
MLModern Languages (Interdisciplinary)
MSMilitary Science
MUMusic
OMProduction and Operations Management
PHPhysics
PLPhilosophy
PSPolitical Science
PTPhotography
PYPsychology
REReading
SAStudio Arts
SCSociology
SESpecial Education
SNSpanish
SPSpeech Pathology
STStatistics
THTheology
WRWriting

Course Numbers

001-099

independent study projects
100-199

introductory courses
200-299

lower-division courses
300-499

upper-division courses
500-599

courses that may be taken for undergraduate or graduate credit

Students are not permitted to take a course if they have not successfully completed its prerequisites. Many of the courses listed are offered every year; others are offered on a two-year cycle.

INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES CODES

The following codes are used at end of a course description to identify the interdisciplinary program(s) toward which the course counts:

GTGlobal Studies
IAAsian Studies
ICCatholic Studies
IFFilm Studies
IGGender Studies
IIItalian Studies
ILLatin American and Latino Studies
IMMedieval Studies
IUAmerican Studies

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