Academic Information
Meredith’s curriculum begins with an innovative general education program that gives every student a firm foundation in interdisciplinary study, world citizenship and scholarly research. To build upon that base, Meredith students may choose from more than 60 majors and concentration. This section offers an overview of academic life at Meredith. For more details, contact the Office of the Vice President for Academic Programs, or consult your undergraduate or graduate catalog.
Academic Probation/Suspension
To continue enrollment at Meredith, students are expected to maintain satisfactory progress toward graduation. Satisfactory progress means maintaining at least the minimal expected quality point ratio or grade point average (QPR or GPA). A student is considered to be making minimal progress if she has earned at the end of any semester the appropriate quality point ratio indicated below:
| Total Hours Attempted | Minimum Expected Meredith QPR |
| 1–16 | 1.500 |
| 17–25 | 1.700 |
| 26–59 | 1.800 |
| 60–89 | 1.900 |
| 90 and above | 2.000 |
If a student fails to achieve minimum progress, she will be placed on academic probation for the following semester. A student on academic probation who does not meet the minimum QPR (GPA) at the conclusion of the spring semester will be suspended for the following fall semester (See College Catalogue for further information).
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Each incoming degree-seeking student is assigned a faculty advisor to aid her with academic concerns, scheduling, and registration. Throughout her college career, any student may consult Academic and Career Planning for advice and counsel in addition to that given by her faculty advisors. Academic and Career Planning is located in Park Center.
Academic advisors meet with students individually and in groups to assist students in their consideration or clarification of educational goals. Each student is ultimately responsible, however, for her own choices and academic pursuits.
Advisors, Student
Freshman student advisors are upper–class women who have been selected and trained to assist freshmen in working through transitional issues that they may encounter as a new student, particularly during the first few weeks of school. Transfer student ambassadors assist new transfer students. Student advisors must have a 2.4 GPA and must receive permission from the co-director for FYE to concurrently hold a major office. Students with concerns about their student advisors and students who are interested in becoming student advisors are encouraged to contact the co-directors of first year experience, whose office is on the second floor of Park Center. The two chief student advisors (one for freshmen and one for transfer students) are selected through an application process to lead the student advisor team. Application deadlines for student advising positions are listed in the Student Activities Calendar. During the 2009–10 year, Sara Taylor is the chief freshman student advisor, and Kasey Ginsberg is the chief transfer student ambassador.
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Appeals, Academic Policies
Student Appeals in Connection with Academic Policies:
For (1) through (3), a typed statement signed by the student which outlines the academic policy being appealed and the reasons for making the appeal must be provided. Any required forms must also be completed (see items marked ‘form’). In addition, if the reasons for making the appeal involve medical issues, documentation from the appropriate officials(s) must accompany the appeal.
The decision to grant or not to grant the request made through an appeals process is final and the appeal may not be requested again by the student or others acting on her/his behalf.
1. Committee on Academic Status and Progress (Registrar, Dean of Students, Director of Admissions, Associate Vice President for Academic Programs, Faculty Member); coordinated by Registrar.
- Appeal of Probation Guidelines (Form available from Registrar)
- Appeal of Suspension (Form)
- Appeal of Dismissal from 23+ Program (Form available from Registrar)
- Appeal of Dismissal from non-degree program (Form available from Registrar)
2. Academic Deans of Schools
- Appeal of deadline for withdrawing from an individual course
- Appeal of deadline for adding or dropping of an individual course
- Appeal of deadline for changing grade status of a course
- Appeal of denial of substitution/off-campus credit for major requirement
- Appeal of scheduled time for an individual student’s final exam
3. Associate Vice President for Academic Programs
- Appeal of restriction to registering for no more than 19 semester hours (Form)
- Appeal of deadline for withdrawing from multiple courses
- Appeal of tuition refund policies
- Appeal of overall graduation requirements such as completing at least 24 of the last 30 semester hours at Meredith.
4. Grade appeals and other academic grievances must follow the process outlined in the student handbook – contact instructor first, department head next, dean of school next, then the associate vice president for academic programs.
Class Attendance
Each student is expected to be regular and prompt in her attendance at all classes, conferences, and other academic appointments. Regular attendance is vital for the student, the professor, and her classmates to benefit from sharing and thinking in the classroom. Each student must accept full responsibility for class preparation, announcements, and assignments missed because of absence.
The student is responsible for contacting her professors regarding any absence. The faculty will be notified by the Office of the Dean of Students in the event of a death in the student’s immediate family (parents, spouse, siblings, children) or the hospitalization of a student.
The effect of class attendance on the grade will be clearly specified in writing by each instructor at the beginning of the course.
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Classification
Students are classified according to the following number of credit hours:
| Freshman | 1–25 hours credit |
| Sophomore | 26–59 hours credit |
| Junior | 60–89 hours credit |
| Senior | 90–above hours credit |
Committees with Student Representation
Many academic departments at Meredith have advisory committees that include students in their membership. Also, a majority of College standing committees have student members.
Cooperating Raleigh Colleges
Jenny Spiker, Director, 760-8538
crc@meredith.edu
Meredith College, North Carolina State University, Peace College, Shaw University and Saint Augustine’s College form a consortium through which they provide their collective educational resources to students at each of the five institutions. Full-time students who wish to register for a course at one of the Cooperating Raleigh Colleges should consult the Office of the Registrar for procedures.
Exams
If a student’s semester exam schedule includes more than two exams within a 24-hour period, she may request to reschedule the third exam. For more information, click here.
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Experiential Learning
Through the Cooperative Education and internship programs at Meredith, a student can try one or more work environments before graduating. This experience allows her to learn more about herself and work, to assess a career-related application of her major and predict if she will enjoy it, and to determine for herself additional courses or skills that she may need to achieve her career goals. Cooperative Education is coordinated through the Meredith Career Center. Internships are administered through academic departments. For further information, contact your academic advisor or the Career Center (760-8341).
Grade Point Average
Each student has her grade averaged in two ways: a Meredith average and an overall average. Each semester hour with a grade of A carries four quality points; B, three; C, two; D, one; F, none. The grade point average or quality point average is calculated by dividing the number of quality points earned by the number of semester hours attempted, whether passed or not. A course that is repeated does not count toward additional hours attempted in calculating the quality point ratio. (Also, see Academic Probation/ Suspension)
Grading System
Each course receives one official semester grade, an evaluation of the entire work of the student during the semester. Grades are made available to the student through WebAdvisor. For further information on the grading system see “Grading System” in the College Catalogue.
Graduate and Professional Studies
Marisa Campbell, Director, Paralegal Program,
760-8354
Sylvia Horton, Graduate Admissions, 760-8738
The Paralegal Program is an American Bar Association approved and North Carolina State Bar qualified professional certificate program for women and men who have previously earned a bachelor’s degree in any discipline. The program can be completed in two semesters in the evening. Call 760-2855, e-mail paralegal@meredith.edu, or visit www.meredith.edu/legal
Graduate programs for men and women are coordinated through the John E. Weems Graduate School. A Master of Business Administration is offered by the School of Business. The School of Education, Health, and Human Sciences offers a Master of Education with concentrations in elementary education, reading, and English as a second language as well as licensure options in English as a Second Language (ESL) and reading. The Master of Science in Nutrition and post-baccalaureate Dietetic Internship are also offered through the School of Education, Health, and Human Sciences.
To receive information on these programs, call (919) 760-8423 or e-mail graduate@meredith.edu, specifying which program brochure you would like to receive.
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Honors Program
The Honors Program offers to the intellectually gifted and ambitious student a number of special opportunities to develop academically to her full potential. Each year, approximately 25 entering students are invited to participate in the Honors Program. Additional students with outstanding academic performance in their first semester at Meredith are invited to join the program at the beginning of their second semester. The honors curriculum spans the four-year undergraduate experience and is well integrated into the entire academic program.
Benefits of Honors include a learning community of students who share goals and interests, use of the Honors Lounge, access to special Honors classes and speakers, opportunities to attend state and national conferences, as well as local cultural events and an annual Honors Weekend trip, and recognition on the transcript and at graduation.
A student is expected to take honors work each year. She would typically take at least two honors classes during the freshman year, including the honors writing course, an honors lab science, and perhaps an honors colloquium. Honors students must maintain a minimum overall grade point average of 3.25.
Interested students (including transfer and 23+ students) are invited to express their interest to the Honors director, Dr. Beth Mulvaney, by writing honors@meredith.edu. For more information, visit www.meredith.edu/honors.
Learning Center
The Learning Center provides free, one-on-one tutoring to currently enrolled Meredith students. The tutors are Meredith students who have excelled in their coursework and have been trained to assist their peers. Tutors specialize in mathematics, foreign language, grammar, science and writing. Help in other subjects varies by semester. Check the Learning Center Web site for offerings and hours. To make an appointment, visit www.meredith.edu/learn and click on “Appointments.” The Learning Center is located in 122 Jones Hall.
Leave of Absence
A currently enrolled student may request from the Office of the Registrar a leave of absence for up to one year without having to apply for readmission as long as she is in good academic, social, and financial standing at Meredith. See the College Catalogue.
Except in an emergency situation, the leave of absence must be requested in writing prior to departure from the College and no later than the last day of classes if a student does not plan to complete the semester. If a student should decide to take college work elsewhere while on leave, she must apply for visitation credit through the Office of the Registrar at Meredith. A student on leave of absence who does not re-enroll within the allotted leave time will be officially withdrawn from the College. After any withdrawal or noncompliance with the leave policy, a student must follow the readmission procedure described in this section of the Handbook.
A student is in good academic standing if she will not be on academic probation at the end of the term in which she applies for the leave of absence. She is in good social standing if she is not on social probation and if there is no Honor Council case pending that would involve probation, suspension, or expulsion. To be in good financial standing, a student must have paid all tuition, fees, and other charges in the accounting office, and returns her laptop.
Opportunities for Academic Enrichment
In building the total program of study, many students take advantage of one or more of the special opportunities listed below to pursue specific academic interests. These opportunities afford a variety of learning experiences. Contact information can be found in the College Catalogue.
Capital City Semester, program of intensive seminars in North Carolina government and politics.
Cooperating Raleigh Colleges, Meredith belongs to the CRC consortium with the other Raleigh colleges: North Carolina State University, Peace College, Saint Augustine’s College, and Shaw University. While enrolled at Meredith, a student may take classes at any of these other institutions.
Marymount Manhattan College, opportunity for study in New York City.
Meredith Study Abroad, a summer session abroad offering up to a full semester of credit for approximately the same price as attending Meredith for a semester including transportation costs.
Overseas Travel/Study Abroad Programs, arranged within departments and in consultation with the director of study abroad.
Special Studies, may be proposed by students or faculty in all departments.
Independent Study, involves a minimum of guidance and truly autonomous study, e.g., biology or chemistry lab research.
Directed Individual Study, study planned with guidance of instructor, e.g., historical research.
Group Studies, special topic course not already in the curriculum, e.g., Women’s Studies.
Community Internship, field experience with supervision, e.g., interior decorating, graphic design, hospital work.
Service Learning, service experience with an academic component and reflection.
United Nations Semester at Drew University, classes in Madison, NJ, and observation seminar sessions at the United Nations.
Undergraduate Research Program, one-on-one study and research with a Meredith faculty member.
Washington Semester at American University, study and research on the federal government level in Washington, D.C.
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Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the dishonest use as one’s own of another’s words, thoughts, ideas or organization. Honest work in no way precludes using another’s work; it simply requires that in all instances such use be properly acknowledged.
Plagiarism results when a student copies from another student’s paper or from books and other print or online sources and fails to acknowledge such borrowing.
Whether source materials are quoted directly or are paraphrased, all such borrowing must be acknowledged clearly in the final paper or oral report through the use of footnotes or source tags.
If a student discovers that she has made a mistake in acknowledging sources in a paper already submitted, she should make this error known to her instructor.
A plea of ignorance will not be accepted as an excuse by the Honor Council.
As the educational purpose of papers differs from classroom to classroom, it is the joint responsibility of the instructor and the student to clarify what constitutes plagiarism in keeping with the purposes outlined for a particular paper. Each instructor should state specifically the extent and limits of available sources a student may employ in writing her paper. A student who is uncertain about an assignment and sources to be used should consult with her instructor for clarification before completion of the paper.
(Please note that the use of one’s own old high school or collegiate papers is discouraged, but if used, must be acknowledged as a source.)
Pre-Registration
Pre-registration is the process of requesting space in classes for the next term. It is open only to students who are in a prescribed program of study at Meredith such as a degree or teacher licensure program. Pre-registration is held during the last half of the semester. No payment is required for class reservation, but payment must be made before registration can be completed. Information on the pre-registration process is available from the Registrar’s office immediately after midterm recess.
Progress Report
Midway into each semester, instructors provide the Office of the Registrar with progress reports for those students whose performance in class indicates work below a “C” average. Not a permanent grade, this report is an indication of the student’s progress thus far in the current semester. The student and her faculty advisor are notified of the grade in October for the fall semester and in March for the spring semester. Midterm grades are available on WebAdvisor.
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Readmission
A student who was previously enrolled at Meredith but who did not complete the semester immediately preceding the term she wishes to enter must apply for readmission. The exception to this policy is the student who was granted a leave of absence, who has complied with the terms of the leave, and who enrolls within the allotted leave time.
Records, Access to
FERPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, is a federal law requiring Meredith College to protect the confidentiality of student educational records. Meredith College has adopted the policies outlined below to comply with the law, inform students of their privacy rights, and to maintain the protection of student educational records.
Although student educational records are protected, Meredith College is not required to protect information that is classified as “directory” information. Meredith College has the right to release the following directory information without a student’s prior consent:
- Name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address
- Date and place of birth and country of citizenship
- Dates of attendance, academic major, degrees and awards received
- Institutions attended
- Weights and heights of athletic team members
- Participation in sports and activities
- Student photographs
All students who would like their directory information to be protected under the same FERPA guidelines as those used for educational records should submit a written request to the following offices: registrar’s office for undergraduate students, graduate office for graduate students, and School of Education for licensure only students. This written request must be submitted to the appropriate office by the 20th classroom day of the fall or spring semester. It is not retroactive.
Meredith College is permitted by law to release and share your student educational records without your prior consent to the following parties:
- Meredith College employees with a legitimate educational purpose
- Officials of other schools in which the student seeks admission
- Appropriate persons in connection with a student’s application for, or receipt of, financial aid
- Federal or state officials as defined in paragraph 99.37 of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974
- State and local officials authorized by state statute
- Organizations conducting studies for, or on the behalf of, Meredith College for the purpose of assisting in accomplishing the College’s stated goals
- Organizations conducting studies for schools the student has attended
- Accrediting organizations, to carry out their functions
- Parents of a dependent student as defined in section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (Written consent may be allowed from either of these separated or divorced parents subject to any agreement between the parents or court order. In the case of a student whose legal guardian is an institution, a party independent of the institution, appointed under state and local law to give parental consent, may be allowed to do so).
- In compliance with judicial order or subpoena
- Appropriate persons in connection with an emergency if such knowledge is necessary to protect the health or safety of a student or other person
NOTE: With the exception of Meredith College employees who have been determined by the College to have a legitimate educational purpose, all individuals and agencies who have requested or obtained access to a student’s record (other than directory information) will be noted in a record which is kept with each student’s educational records. A request must be in writing stating the purpose of the request. This record will also indicate specifically the legitimate interest that the person or agency had in obtaining the information. If the legitimate educational purpose of a request is in question, the matter will be referred to the president of the College for adjudication.
Meredith College will comply with FERPA to protect student educational records from unauthorized access.
Definitions
Education Records are those records, files, documents and other materials which (1) contain information directly related to a student; and (2) are maintained by Meredith College or by a person acting for the College.
Records are information recorded in any medium, including, but not limited to, the following: handwriting, print, electronic media, tapes, film, microfilm, and microfiche. Educational records do not include: (1) personal notes, (2) records available only to law enforcement personnel, (3) employment records, or (4) medical and psychiatric records (these are accessible by the student’s physician), (5) directory information previously defined.
School officials or employees are persons employed by the College, elected to the Board of Trustees or employed by or under contract to the College to perform a special task, such as an attorney or auditor or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. Legitimate educational purpose is the performance of a job-related task related to a student’s education, performance of a task related to the discipline of a student, or providing a service or benefit related to the student, or student’s family, such as health care, counseling, job placement, or financial aid.
Students are persons who are or have been enrolled at Meredith College. Applicants who do not enroll or who are declared ineligible to enroll have no inherent right to inspect their files. Whenever “student” is used in reference to personal rights, an eligible parent of a dependent student has similar rights.
Eligible parents are those who have satisfied Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 and who present such proof to the custodian of an educational record. Normally the proof will be a certified copy of the parent’s most recent Federal Income Tax Form.
Procedures for Accessing Education Records
Meredith College, in compliance with FERPA, permits students to have access to their educational records. Students wanting access to their educational records should file a written request to the appropriate office (i.e., registrar’s office for undergraduate students, graduate office for graduate students, 23+ office for 23+ students). The student may ask for an explanation and/or copy of any record. If there seem to be corrections needed to the educational record requested by the student, the student may submit an appeal in writing for a formal hearing. The president of the College will appoint an Appeals Committee which must meet within 45 days of the receipt of the written appeal. The committee will allow the student to present evidence to substantiate the appeal and shall render a written decision to the student within 45 days of the hearing.
NOTE: This policy does not provide for a hearing to contest an academic grade.
Exclusions
FERPA does not give students access to the following records or information:
- Financial records of parents or any information therein;
- Confidential letters and statements of recommendation which were placed in the educational record prior to January 1, 1974;
- Records to which access has been waived by the student. (This exclusion applies only if a student, upon request, is notified of the names of all persons making confidential recommendations and if such recommendations are used solely for the purpose for which they were intended.)
Destruction of Education Records
Meredith College will retain student educational records as long as information is valid and useful. Student educational records will be destroyed when the records are no longer of use to the institution. Any such records will be destroyed by means of confidential disposal.
Informing Students
Meredith College informs its students of the policy governing privacy rights of students’ educational records by publishing its policy.
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Registrar
See Administrative Offices Page
Summer School
Meredith offers summer courses on a variety of schedules. Registration begins in early March each year. More information can be seen at www.meredith.edu/summer and a brochure is available in the Office of the Registrar.
Students may also take courses at other institutions during the summer. All such courses must be approved prior to enrollment by Meredith before they can be added to the academic record. Approval forms for visitation courses are available in the Office of the Registrar and on the Meredith website at www.meredith.edu/registration.
On-campus housing is available to Meredith students during the summer only to those students who are eligible for housing in the fall and spring terms and:
- Attending summer school at Meredith,
- Attending summer school at CRC institutions, with permission from the registrar to visit away,
- Working full-time on campus (40 hours per week),
or - Working as an intern or co-op student receiving credit from Meredith.
Students must vacate their rooms immediately after the completion of their summer school term, internship, job or co-op. Housing fees (including meals) are assessed each week.
Transcripts
Students may receive official copies of their college transcripts from the Office of the Registrar. The student’s signature is required before a transcript can be released. Requests cannot be accepted by phone. All services in the Office of the Registrar are contingent upon satisfactory College accounts and other College obligations.
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Undergraduate Degree Program
for Women 23+
Academic and Career Planning, 760-8341
Undergraduate Degree Program for Women 23+, for women over 23 who wish to begin or resume academic course work leading to an undergraduate degree, a second degree, or a second major. Course scheduling is flexible.
For The Undergraduate Degree Program for Women Age 23+ admission procedures, see 23+ Program Admission information in the Meredith College Catalogue.
Withdrawals
If a student wishes to withdraw from the College and terminate her enrollment, it is her responsibility to have a conference with a staff member in the Office of the Dean of Students. If receiving financial assistance, she must also meet with the director of financial assistance. If she is enrolled in the laptop program, she must return her laptop to Technology Services in the Noel House. Any student withdrawing must complete the withdrawal form and leave her official college records and obligations in good standing. Students over the age of 23 withdrawing will meet with an advisor in the 23+ Program instead of meeting with the dean of students. Students enrolled in the teacher licensure program withdraw through the School of Education. See the College catalogue.
A student withdrawing from the College after the last day of classes in a semester will receive grades for that semester. A student withdrawing from the College who has a pending Honor Council case is expected to complete the necessary procedures with the Honor Council before leaving the College.
Upon completion of withdrawal, a resident student will be expected to complete proper check out, vacate her room, and return her room key to her residence director within forty-eight hours.
NOTE: If there is any room deposit refund due the student, it will be mailed later from the business office.
When a student decides to return to Meredith after withdrawing, she applies for readmission through the admissions office.
NOTE: See Leave of Absence for temporary withdrawal.
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