Academic Policies and Grading

Class attendance is a necessary part of the learning process. Instructors typically explain their individual or departmental attendance policy during the first class meeting and/or in their course outlines. Never attending or stopping attendance may adversely affect the student’s grade and financial aid eligibility. Students who do not attend class should officially drop or withdraw from the class. If students choose to withdraw from class, they should consult with an advisor and the financial aid office to determine the impact of the course withdrawal on degree planning and financial aid requirements. Students must maintain at least 12 credits to be considered a full-time student. The recommendation is 16 credits per semester to stay on track for a 4-year graduation.

If You Miss a Class

For minor illness when absence may be one or several days (such as cold, flu, sore throat):

• Inform the professor of the illness and arrange to make up missed work.
• Contact student health services provided by the Carroll Health Group Primary Care Practice (more information available Wellness Center) to schedule an off-site medical appointment. Shuttle transportation is available by calling Campus Safety at (410) 857-2202.
• You are still responsible for meeting academic and attendance requirements for each course.

If a serious medical condition or accident occurs and it requires missing five consecutive days of class or more, please contact the Office of Academic Life directly and provide documentation verifying the situation. The Office of Academic Life will then notify your professors about the anticipated length of your absence. After recovery, it is your responsibility to meet with each professor to arrange to make up missed assignments and tests.

If you are called home for a family emergency, such as a death or a personal issue:

• Notify the Office of Academic Life at ext. 2251 or 410-857-2251, or by email academiclife@mcdaniel.edu.
• Your professors will be notified about your absence, but it is your responsibility to satisfy any missed work and to provide documentation for the length of time you are out.

The College assigns students’ class levels according to the following earned credit criteria:

Students, in consultation with an academic (faculty) advisor, decide the number of credit hours (the academic load) that they will carry. The normal student load is 16 credit hours per semester. There is an extra fee for students carrying more than 20 credit hours per semester. Within the limits described below, the student should develop a schedule based on demonstrated academic ability.

1. Full-time status at McDaniel College requires registration for 12 credits. Students who wish to graduate in 4 years should take 16 credits per semester (128 credits are required to graduate). If students opt for a 12-credit semester, the College offers opportunities to earn additional credit to stay on track for a 4-year graduation plan. Students may participate in summer session courses at McDaniel, take preapproved summer session coursework at another college, take additional credits during the Fall or Spring semester, take additional Jan term courses, or register for other options including but not limited to internships, independent studies, physical activity and wellness classes, etc. Additional tuition/fees may apply. Courses taken at another college are required to be pre-approved by the Registrar’s Office. Alternatively, students may opt to adjust their anticipated completion date to allow more time to earn credits.

2. The minimum number of semester hours that may be carried by a full-time student is 12. Students may carry fewer hours only with permission from the Office of Academic Life or Student Accessibility and Support Services (SASS). Among the consequences of dropping below a full-time load are:

a. loss of athletic eligibility for the semester;

b. loss of financial aid from some sources;

c. possible loss of room privileges.

3. Students may reside in college housing during the January Term only if they are registered for a standard January Term course, participate in a winter intercollegiate sport, or are given permission to do so by the Director of Residence Life.

4. All residential students (those living in College-owned housing) will pay full-time tuition rates.

First-year students are assigned to their first-year seminar (FYS) professor or a student success coach. New transfer students are assigned to a professor teaching a course in their declared major or if they are undecided about a major, to an academic dean or counselor in Academic Life. As students declare a major, they are assigned a faculty advisor by the department chair who assists in planning for the completion of a program of study, selecting courses to satisfy a major, discussing career opportunities, and referring students to appropriate campus resources. If a major is declared during the student’s first year, the FYS instructor and/or student success coach may continue to serve as their advisor or an additional advisor through the completion of the first year. The online Declaration of Major form is found on the portal under the Registrar’s Office.

Each semester, students must meet with their student success coach or assigned advisor to discuss their course selections for the following semester and be cleared to register.

To be reflected accurately on the students’ official records, course registrations and subsequent changes must be recorded in the Registrar’s Office on or before specified dates as listed on the Academic Calendar. Add/Drop forms are available in the Portal under the Registrar’s Office.

1. Registration takes place in September for Jan Term, November for the spring semester, March for the summer term, and in April for the fall semester. Students are required to meet with their advisors to assist with course selection prior to registration. Advisors must clear students for registration. Students with restrictions on their student accounts may be prevented from registering.
2. Students may add courses during the first week of standard semesters. Students may drop courses online during the first two weeks of a standard semester (see academic calendar for the exact dates). Courses dropped on or before the drop deadline will not be included on the permanent record. After the add deadline, a student will not be permitted to add additional classes. An exception may be allowed only after the student consults with his/her advisor and receives permission from the instructor(s) involved.
3. After the deadline date for dropping a class with no grade, a student may withdraw from a course on or before the established withdraw deadline (see academic calendar for the exact dates). Students must submit a Course Withdrawal form available under the Registrar’s Office in the Portal. The withdrawn course will appear on the student’s permanent record with a grade of “W”. If the change will result in the student dropping below full-time status (12 credits), signatures of a financial aid officer and the Director of Housing are required.
4. A student may drop/withdraw from courses only in accordance with the published Academic Calendar. A student who never attends or stops attending a course during the official drop/withdrawal period and does not officially drop/withdrawal from that course will receive a grade of “XF.” A student who stops attending after the official withdrawal deadline will receive the grade earned.

In addition to classes taken at the College, students can accumulate credits in other ways.

Credit by Examination

Advanced Placement (AP) scores are normally accepted by the College for placement and credit on the following basis:

• Scores of 4 or 5: Student normally receive four credit hours. In some cases, up to 8 credit hours may be awarded.
• Score of 3 or lower: No advanced placement or credit is given. AP Calculus scores of 3 – get placement into MAT-1118 Calculus II and satisfy both basic Arithmetic and basic Algebra.

AP credit may be applied to fulfill both major requirements and the general education requirements as appropriate. Students may not earn credit from an AP test and the equivalent college course. The number of AP credits awarded is subject to change depending on changes in the tests and at the discretion of the department chair.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) scores in liberal arts subject area examinations will be accepted by the College. Placement and credit will be granted to students whose scores are equal to or above the American Council of Education’s recommended minimum scores. Students may not earn credit from a CLEP exam and the equivalent college course. Matriculated students at McDaniel who wish to use CLEP exams to fulfill degree requirements should contact the Registrar’s Office for prior approval.

International Baccalaureate (IB). The College recognizes the IB diploma and grants a maximum of one year of credits (32 hours) for examinations in higher-level courses only. Credits are awarded as follows:

• Score of 5 or higher: Student normally receives four credit hours but, in some cases, up to 8 credit hours may be awarded.
• 4: Student will receive credit at the discretion of the appropriate department.
• 3 or lower: Student will not receive credit.

IB credits may be counted toward general education requirements, major or minor requirements, or electives. Students may not earn credit from an IB exam and the equivalent college course.

DSST exams are college subject tests that students may take to earn college credit for knowledge obtained outside of a traditional classroom. Students may earn college credit for acceptable scores if recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE). A score of 400 or higher for the majority of DSST exams is considered passing and comparable to earning a “C” grade. Students may not earn credit from a DSST test and the equivalent college course. Matriculated students at McDaniel who wish to use DSST exams to fulfill degree requirements should contact the Registrar’s Office for prior approval.

Transfer Credit

The College may grant transfer credit for courses that are standard liberal arts courses or that compare to the offerings of the College, from accredited institutions where the accrediting agencies are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Students seeking transfer credit from coursework earned at an institution outside the U.S. must submit an official transcript that has been evaluated by a professional international credential evaluation service. McDaniel College recommends World Education Services (wes.org) but will accept an evaluation from any National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (naces.org) member.

Credit will be awarded when the grade from the sending institution is a “C-” or better, with the exception of ENG 1101, where the grade must be a “C” or better. (The grade of “CR”, “P” or the equivalent is transferable for elective courses provided there is proof the letter grade would have been a C- or better.)

Transfer credit that is more than 10 years old may be accepted as elective credit but will be reviewed on a case-by-base to meet general education, major and/or minor requirements.

Grades from transfer courses are not used in the calculation of the student’s McDaniel College grade point average. Students may not replace a grade earned at McDaniel College with an equivalent transfer course grade.

The following limitations will be placed on the total number of hours allowable towards graduation by transfer:

1.      A maximum of 96 hours will be allowed from a four-year institution.

2.      A maximum of 64 hours will be allowed from a two-year institution.

3.      A total combined maximum of 96 hours from both two and four-year institutions will be allowed.

Transfer students must meet the graduation and residence requirements current at the time they matriculate. Please note only grades earned at McDaniel College and affiliated programs are calculated in the grade point average. In addition, a student must complete 64 credit hours at McDaniel College in order to qualify for general honors at graduation. Credits earned in affiliated study abroad programs, AP, IB and CLEP will be counted toward the 64-semester hour total.

Matriculated Students Attending Another College

Occupational/Life Experience Credit

Students who have done occupational or volunteer work, or have had life experience (including travel, military service, or extensive research/creative endeavors) which they feel might be worth college credit, may submit a portfolio to a dean in the Office of Academic Life.

The portfolio should include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Detailed description of occupational, volunteer, and/or life experience;
• A request to have the life experience credits apply in one of the following ways:
  • A specific course within a major - The portfolio should include a description of the course-specific knowledge gained from the experience.
  • A McDaniel Plan requirement - The portfolio should include a description of how the experience fulfilled the student learning outcomes for that McDaniel Plan requirement.
  • General elective credit - The portfolio should include a description of the college-level learning gained from the experience.
• An endorsement signed by the former employer or by the head of the volunteer organization or documentation of military service (e.g., evaluation reports, award recommendations, certificate of discharge from active duty);
• Endorsement by a faculty sponsor and an academic dean

If credits requested are linked to a specific major, the appropriate department chair will review the student portfolio for course analysis and approval and credit hour determination. Portfolios from students who seek general elective credits or McDaniel Plan requirements are approved by a dean in the Office of Academic Life and reviewed by the Registrar.

A maximum of 16 life experience credit hours may be awarded. Life experience credit hours are billed at the College’s current summer rate. Students approved to receive life experience credit will be billed and are responsible for payment before the life experience credit posts to the academic record.

Study Abroad Credits

Students who attend one of the affiliated institutions/programs will have their grades, as well as credits, transferred to McDaniel College. McDaniel Budapest grades are considered McDaniel College grades in the calculation of all GPAs. Courses taken at an affiliate are considered McDaniel College courses. Students who attend study abroad programs not affiliated with the College must request a leave of absence from the Provost. Only credits (no grades) transfer from non-affiliated programs. 

According to faculty policy, there is to be a significant examination or other culminating experience during the regularly scheduled final examination time for each student in each course (with the possible exception of senior capstone experiences). Because students need time to prepare for other final examinations, undergraduates cannot be required to submit a take-home final assessment during the last regular week of classes. Such final assessments may be due no earlier than the scheduled final exam time. No test or quiz longer than 15 minutes is to be scheduled during the last week of classes. Times of final examinations for courses are not to be changed without the approval of the Provost and Dean of the Faculty, but faculty may allow individual students to take examinations at other times, consonant with the following policy (from the Student Handbook).

The times of examinations may be changed only for medical reasons or to relieve students who have exams scheduled in three or more consecutive half-day periods.

Examinations will not be rescheduled to facilitate social, travel, or employment arrangements. The Provost and Dean of the Faculty must authorize alterations in the examination schedule.

Students who have medical reasons or conflicts, as above, should discuss with the professor the possibility of taking the examination at another time with another section, or at a mutually agreeable time. This does not require the Dean’s approval. If arrangements cannot be made this way, the student may petition the Provost and Dean of the Faculty for a change of examination.

For each course, the instructor determines the progress of the individual and the class by means of class work, tests, special assignments, papers, projects, conferences, and other procedures that might prove valuable.

Faculty are expected to enter midterm grades for undergraduate classes. Midterm grades are entered prior to the withdrawal deadline so students may have the opportunity to withdraw from a class with a grade of “W” on the transcript. A student should consult with their student success coach or advisor and the Financial Aid Office to determine the impact of withdrawing from a course.

The scholastic standing of students is indicated by a system of grades designated by the letters A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, DX, F, XF, CR, P, NR, W, and I. A, B, C, and D (+/-) are passing final grades, A+ indicating work of the highest rank, D- of the lowest. Students receiving the final grade of F or XF must repeat the course if they wish to receive credit for it.

At times, emergent and extenuating circumstances (e.g., a family emergency, documented illness, unavailability of needed materials to complete an assignment) may prevent a student from completing the requirements of a course before the end of the semester. In these cases, the instructor may allow the student to complete the remaining assignments at a later date. The procedure will vary depending upon whether the student would pass or fail the course without completing the outstanding assignments. 

• If the student will fail the course without completing the remaining assignments, the professor may submit a temporary grade of Incomplete (I) for the course.
• If the student could pass the course with a grade of D- or higher when the calculation of the final grade includes zeros for the outstanding assignments, the instructor should submit that final grade.
• If the student completes the outstanding work by the deadline and it changes the student’s final grade, the professor should submit an online Change of Grade form. 

Please note that an Incomplete grade may place a student’s financial aid at risk. In addition, incomplete grades may affect and delay the determination of a student’s academic status and ability to graduate.

A Not Reported (NR) grade is given for pending Honor and Conduct action.

Students who receive a grade of Incomplete (I) or Not Reported (NR) in any of their courses are not eligible for the Dean’s List for that semester or the President’s List for the academic year.

For more information on Incomplete (I) grades, please visit the Registrar’s Office portal page.

Grade Point Average

Grade point average (GPA) is calculated on a 4.00 scale, with the point values per grade as follows:

A student’s grade point average is calculated by dividing the number of quality points by the number of semester hours attempted (exclusive of courses graded “incomplete”, “CR”, “P”, “DX” or “W”). A grade of “XF” is calculated into the GPA as a grade of “F”.

Grades from transfer courses are not calculated into the McDaniel College grade point average. The courses accepted from other institutions will be recorded on the McDaniel College transcript. Only grades earned at McDaniel College, or its affiliated programs will be calculated in the student’s grade point average.

The general quality of students’ work is determined numerically and is called the grade point average (GPA). The GPA is calculated in two steps. First, letter grades are converted to numerical values on the following scale: A+=4.00; A=4.00; A-=3.70; B+=3.30; B=3.00; B-=2.70; C+=2.30; C=2.00; C-=1.70; D+=1.30; D=1.00; D-=0.70; F=0.00; XF=0.00. A student earns quality points for each course completed equal to the number of credit hours for the course multiplied by the point value for the grade. Then, the semester grade point average is calculated by dividing the total quality points achieved by the number of credit hours attempted in letter-graded courses. Thus, a student taking four, four-hour courses (totaling 16 hours) who received one A, one B, and two Cs would have earned a GPA of 2.75 for the semester. (4 X 4.00) + (4 X 3.00) + (8 X 2.00) = 44.0 ÷ 16 = 2.75.

Similarly, an overall GPA for all work attempted at the College is calculated by dividing the total number of quality points earned by the total number of credit hours attempted. Affiliated Study Abroad Programs and certain Special Off-Campus Programs will be used in the calculation of a student’s grade point average. However, transfer credit, AP credit, CLEP credit, “credit” grades are not calculated in the College’s GPA.

To maintain class standing, students must successfully complete the normal program of credit hours with at least a 2.00, or C, average.

The standard course load is 32 credit hours a year, but students should undertake programs they can handle successfully, no matter what the credit hour totals. The number of credit hours that each course carries is stated in the Search for Classes and McDaniel College catalog.

The recommended first semester schedule normally consists of four regular (four semester hour) courses, totaling sixteen semester hours, with the possible addition of one or more courses with lesser credit (0.5-2 semester hours).

Twelve credit hours are the minimum students must be enrolled to be considered full time. Failure to maintain full-time status may affect athletic participation, housing, health and automobile insurance, and financial aid.

Once a course grade has been reported to the Registrar’s Office, it may be changed only with the permission of the instructor and approval by a dean in the Office of Academic Life, and generally only where there has been a data entry or arithmetical error. If, however, a student believes that a semester grade has resulted from prejudicial or capricious evaluation, the student should consult first with the professor of the course, if necessary, with the head of the department, and ultimately with the Dean of the Faculty, whose approval is required for all grade changes of this nature.

If the Dean of the Faculty finds insufficient reason to support the student’s complaint, the appeals process is ended. Should the Dean of the Faculty find clear evidence of prejudicial or capricious evaluation, the Dean of the Faculty will recommend to the professor that the grade be changed. If the professor refuses to change the grade, the Dean of the Faculty will ask the Curriculum Committee to appoint an ad hoc faculty committee to consider the case. This committee will be composed of three faculty members, two of whom must come from the professor’s department or a related discipline. The Committee’s decision, which will be rendered within 30 days of the appeal’s submission, will be final.

The deadline to appeal a grade is the last day of classes of the semester following the term in which the course was taken.

Most internships, some January Term courses, and some program requirements are graded on a Pass/Dx/Fail (P/Dx/F) basis. In addition, students may elect one course per semester (no more than 4 courses total) under the Pass/Dx/Fail (P/Dx/F) option. To receive a grade of Pass (“P”) for a course under this option, a student must attain a grade of C- or better; in this case, students are awarded credits, but the grade point average (GPA) is not affected. A grade of “Dx” is awarded for grades of D+, D, or D- and students are awarded credits, but the GPA is not affected. Any grades of “F” under the P/Dx/F option will not be awarded credits and will be used in the calculation of the student’s GPA. Students may designate the grading system for a course as P/Dx/F by the deadline to withdraw from a course. A student may not change from P/Dx/F to a graded basis after designating a course as P/Dx/F. The instructor normally receives no formal notification of a student’s enrollment in a course under the P/Dx/F option.

Students may not choose to take a course P/Dx/F if it fulfills requirements for a major, a minor, College Writing (i.e., ENG 1101) or the Honors Program. If a student designates a class a P/Dx/F that later is needed for a major/minor the student may be required to retake the class unless an exception is granted by the department chair. Students who are majoring/minoring in Education should be aware that they must take all classes for that program on a graded basis. Taking courses as P/Dx/F may not be advisable for students who will be seeking admission to graduate programs or who plan to transfer credits to another institution. Students who elect to take a course P/Dx/F will not be eligible for the Dean’s List that semester or President’s List for the academic year.

To audit a course (no credit hours or quality points awarded), a student is required to meet with the instructor of the course who stipulates the requirements of the audit. A completed and signed Add/Drop form must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office prior to the end of the second week of class. A grade of “AU” will be reflected on the transcript. If the requirements of the audit are not met, the instructor may request that the audited course be removed from the student’s academic history.

There is no additional charge for a full-time student. A part-time student is charged one-half of the regular tuition. Audit courses are excluded from the calculation used to determine enrollment status (full-time, part-time).

A student may request a change from audit to credit (letter grade) prior to the end of the semester. Instructor approval is required and a completed and signed Add/Drop form must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office before the last day of the semester. All course requirements must be completed, and any price differential must be paid.

A student has the option to repeat and pass a course previously failed in order to gain credit hours toward graduation. The student will receive the quality points for the new grade, and the original failing grade will no longer be used in the calculation of the grade point average. If a student repeats a course previously passed, they will not gain any new hours toward graduation. The higher of the two grades will be used in the calculation of the grade point average. All grades will remain on the student’s transcript. Transcripts will be marked indicating the repeated courses. There is no limit to the number of times a course may be repeated. With the exception of Study Abroad credits earned from an affiliated program, students may not replace a grade earned at McDaniel College with an equivalent transfer course grade.

This policy does not apply to private music lessons (MUS 1001-1023) or music ensemble courses (MUE 1101-1106). Students will receive a grade and hours towards graduation each time they take one of these courses. In these courses, both grades and credit toward graduation will accumulate each time a course is taken.

Likewise, First-Year Seminars cannot be repeated unless approved by the Associate Vice President for Student Success or dean in the Office of Academic Life.

Good Academic Standing
Earning a bachelor’s degree from McDaniel College requires students to earn a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on all undergraduate level work attempted at McDaniel. At the end of each semester, student grades are reviewed. Students whose semester grade point average and cumulative grade point average are 2.0 or higher are in good academic standing. Certain majors with outside accrediting bodies may require a higher minimum grade point average for progression and continuance in the major, and these policies are specified in the academic catalog. Students must achieve a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 by spring of the senior year to be in “good academic standing” at the College. In addition, students must earn 128 credits and complete all requirements to earn a degree.

Students make adequate progress toward earning a degree when they remain in good academic standing and maintain a 2.0 or higher grade point average on all undergraduate level work attempted at McDaniel College. Students receiving federal financial aid are held to Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards, which fall under a separate monitoring and notification process managed by the Financial Aid Office.

As a college focused on student success, McDaniel informs students when their academic performance is below the college’s minimum required for graduation and offers guidance and support to students for improving their academic performance. 

Academic Standing Notice
Students whose semester grade point average falls below a 2.0, but cumulative grade point average is 2.0 or higher will receive an academic standing notification letter after the grade review process has been completed. The notice encourages students to take appropriate action to improve their academic performance and provides guidance on how to do so. An academic standing notice is not included on the transcript.

Academic Warning
Students whose cumulative grade point average falls below 2.0 are in academic warning status. Students receive an academic warning notification letter after the grade review process has been completed. The academic warning encourages students to take appropriate action to improve their performance and provides guidance for how to do so. Students are in academic warning status for the semester following the issuance of the warning. Students in academic warning status are restored to good academic standing when their cumulative grade point average returns to a 2.0 or higher on all undergraduate level work attempted at McDaniel College. Academic warning is not included on the transcript.

Academic Probation
Students in academic warning status whose cumulative grade point average remains below 2.0 after one full semester on Academic Warning are placed on academic probation the following semester. Academic probation status is reflected on the transcript. Students receive an academic probation notification after the grade review process has been completed. The academic probation notice encourages students to take appropriate action to improve their performance and provides guidance and requirements for how to do so. Students on academic probation are required to earn a semester grade point average of 2.0 or higher. Students earning a semester grade point average of 2.0 or higher in their first semester of probation whose cumulative grade point average remains below 2.0 are permitted a second semester of probation to bring their cumulative grade point average to a 2.0 or higher. Students in academic probation status are restored to good academic standing when their cumulative grade point average returns to a 2.0 or higher on all undergraduate level work attempted at McDaniel College.

Academic Suspension
Students on academic probation whose cumulative grade point average remains under 2.0 after two semesters on academic probation are placed on academic suspension for one full semester, and they are not permitted to enroll in courses at McDaniel College. Academic suspension status is reflected on the transcript. Students receive an academic suspension notification after the grade review process has been completed. If a student believes extenuating circumstances exist, they may appeal their suspension through the Academic Review Board process. The Academic Review Board (ARB) is comprised of 2 Academic Deans and the Associate Vice President of Student Success. Specific instructions and deadlines for appeals to the Academic Review Board are outlined in the notification letter. After completing a semester on academic suspension, students are eligible to apply for reinstatement.

Academic Dismissal
McDaniel College affords students many opportunities to attain good academic standing. Repeated failure to maintain good academic standing (cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher) will result in dismissal from the College. Students dismissed from the College may apply for reinstatement after a period of one year.

Academic Reinstatement
Students seeking reinstatement to McDaniel College following suspension or dismissal must complete the Application for Academic Reinstatement form found on the McDaniel College Admissions webpage. An application is considered complete when the form is filled out in its entirety and is accompanied by the set of required documents. Instructions on applying for reinstatement are provided in the notification letter the student receives upon suspension or dismissal. The deadline for student submission of the complete application for reinstatement is June 1 for fall semester and January 3 for the spring semester.

Applications for academic reinstatement are reviewed by the College’s Academic Review Board. If the merits of the application so warrant, then students are invited to meet with the Academic Review Board to discuss their academic status. If the application does not warrant an invitation to meet with the Academic Review Board, then the students are notified that the suspension or dismissal stands.

Following a meeting with the Academic Review Board, one of the following decisions is made:

• The student is reinstated on continued academic probation status and must follow specific requirements outlined in the reinstatement letter provided by the Academic Review Board after the meeting.
• The suspension or dismissal stands.

Upon reinstatement, students must earn a minimum 2.0 semester grade point average on all undergraduate level work attempted during the following semesters at McDaniel College. Additionally, the student must restore their cumulative GPA to a 2.0 within two consecutive semesters of reinstatement. If either requirement is not met, the student will be suspended. Earning a bachelor’s degree from McDaniel College requires students to earn a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average on all undergraduate level work attempted at McDaniel College.

Graduation and Commencement

Graduation occurs at the end of each semester for students who have completed all requirements for their degree as outlined under Degree and McDaniel Plan Requirements   . Students who anticipate graduation must complete and submit the Application for Graduation within the student Portal by the posted deadline: November 15th for May graduation and April 15th for August or December graduation.

McDaniel College holds one commencement ceremony in the spring of each year. Students who graduated the previous summer or fall semester have the option to attend the ceremony the following spring. The official degree conferral date for summer graduates is August 15th, December 31st for fall semester, and on the day of Commencement for the spring semester.

Degrees will post to the official student record after the semester officially ends, all final grades have been received, and the successful completion of all degree requirements are verified by the Registrar’s Office. Diplomas will be mailed to all graduates two-three weeks after the official graduation date. Diplomas and transcripts will not be released for students with active holds (remaining balances, etc.).

Petition to Walk at Commencement

Students who have completed their Capstone work and who have one required course remaining to be eligible for graduation, or, are within four credits of the 128 overall credits required, may petition to walk in the Commencement ceremony. To be eligible to petition to walk, a student must have met the minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 as well as the minimum GPA of 2.0 for at least one of their respective major(s).

The online Petition to Walk form is available in the Portal under the Registrar’s Office and is due no later than May 1st for consideration. It requires students to submit a plan for completing the missing requirement over the summer term, through an existing McDaniel College summer registration or transfer credit preapproval, or student teaching in the fall. Students completing their student teaching in the fall semester may also petition to walk at the May ceremony preceding their final fall semester. The petition must be approved by an Associate Dean of Student Academic Life and reviewed by the Registrar’s Office.

Students who are approved to walk in an early commencement ceremony are not eligible for recognition of graduation honors nor special distinctions at the ceremony or in the printed program; however, graduation honors and special distinctions will be awarded at the time of graduation and appropriately listed on students’ permanent records. Approved students must complete their degree requirements with a passing grade in a McDaniel College course during the summer term or provide an official transcript showing a passing grade of “C-” or better for a course from an outside institution. The degree will be awarded on the appropriate date for the semester in which the final requirement is completed. Students are not eligible to participate in a second ceremony the following spring.

Students who do not complete their missing requirement in the summer following the commencement ceremony will be placed on “Hold for Continuance” (HC). If the missing requirement is not completed the subsequent term, the student will be administratively withdrawn from the institution unless a leave of absence is approved.

Program requirements for students returning four or more years after the anticipated completion date noted on their Petition to Walk will be evaluated by an academic dean and/or department chair for the declared major to determine if additional credits are required or appropriate course substitutions may be made.

McDaniel College conducts an active program of student internships through cooperative programs with government, business, industry, institutions, and individuals. Internships are generally arranged directly through the academic departments or programs of the College, and each internship must be sponsored by a member of the faculty. In general, 45 hours of work during the course of the semester/term equals one credit. An internship that exceeds four credits must have department chair approval. To enroll in an internship, students complete the online Internship Registration form available in the Portal under the Registrar’s Office. Completed forms should be submitted by the end of drop/add period but must be received no later than the official last day of classes of the semester/term in which the internship takes place. Credit will not be awarded for internships completed in prior semesters. Internship registration is counted towards the student’s full-time tuition during the fall and spring semesters. Internships that enroll the student in over 20 credits are billed for each credit over 20. No more than twelve credit hours of internships may be counted toward the 128 credit hours required for graduation, and no more than two credits of classroom internship within a single department may count toward graduation. Internships are graded Pass/Dx/Fail only. Many study abroad programs also provide internship opportunities in a range of areas and settings.

If a student wishes to leave the College temporarily or permanently, a student can choose two different options.

Students who wish to leave the College temporarily for personal or medical reasons may request an official Leave of Absence (LOA). An LOA is temporary and can be requested for up to two semesters. In exceptional circumstances, a third semester of an LOA may be approved.

To request an LOA, prior to the final two weeks of classes and finals week, students must meet with an academic dean or student success coach. Students will complete an LOA request form, which is reviewed by the Associate Vice President of Student Success. For a medical LOA request, students must submit documentation from a medical provider to the college’s Wellness Center within fourteen (14) calendar days. If a student fails to submit the medical documentation on time, the LOA request shifts from medical to personal. The medical documentation required for a Medical Leave of Absence must be completed by the student’s treating physician, licensed mental health provider, or other licensed healthcare professional. The provider must be an impartial professional who does not have an immediate familial relationship with the student. The documentation must include 1) diagnosis or condition; 2) how this condition is resulting in functional impairments that prevent the individual from meeting the expectations of a student; and 3) clear recommendation for medical leave of absence from college.

Students will receive final decisions about LOA requests via email and a letter to their home address on record.

Students who wish to permanently withdraw from the College must meet with an academic dean or student success coach and complete the withdrawal request form prior to the final two weeks of classes and finals week.

If the request for an LOA or permanent withdrawal from the College is submitted prior to the last two weeks for classes and finals week, the student will receive grades of ‘W.’

During the last two weeks of the semester and finals week, students may request an LOA for the following semester(s) or to permanently withdraw from the College at the conclusion of the semester; however, they are encouraged to work with professors to complete currently enrolled coursework to the best of their ability. During this period, requests for an LOA or permanent withdrawal from the college will not be reviewed until after the submission of final grades from the current semester.

When requesting an LOA or permanent withdrawal, students must contact Financial Aid, Residence Life, and the Bursar’s Office to review and discuss procedures in those areas.

Administrative Withdrawals

The College will administratively withdraw 1) students in active status who have not registered for classes before the first day of classes and who have not contacted the College about extenuating circumstances and/or intention to register by the end of the first week of classes, and 2) students whose Leave of Absence has expired and who have not contacted the College to confirm their return before August 15 (if anticipated to return for the Fall semester) or January 15 (if anticipated to return for the Spring semester).

Students who have formerly attended McDaniel College, officially withdrawn (not a leave of absence), and subsequently wish to return have a separate application process from new students and a separate application form, which may be obtained from the Office of Admissions. Transcripts must be submitted from any colleges attended since leaving McDaniel. Housing policies and residential requirements apply as they do for current students. Once a student is re-admitted to the College and commits to returning, it is then possible to talk to an advisor and discuss the course registration timetable for the next semester.

Regarding Online and Hybrid Classes

A. Definitions of Class Formats

1. Face-to-Face. Between 80%-100% of class sessions meet in-person in a physical classroom. Some course material, assignments, activities, and tests may be hosted online. 

2. Hybrid. Between 50% and 80% of class sessions meet in-person in a classroom, with the remaining class sessions meeting online. Online sessions are usually asynchronous but may be synchronous in some cases using Teams or Zoom. Dates and times of required synchronous sessions will be published before registration. 

3. Online Asynchronous. 100% of course content, activities, and assessments, as well as class discussions and interactions (student-student and student-faculty) are completed online. No synchronous meetings are required. Students will not be required to come to campus at any time to participate in the course. 

4. Online Webinar. While 100% of course content, activities, and assessments, as well as class discussions and interactions (student-student and student-faculty) are completed online, some synchronous online meetings may be scheduled using Teams or Zoom. In such cases, these dates and times will be published before registration. Attendance at synchronous sessions may or may not be a requirement of the course. 

B. Online Learning Platform

All online and hybrid classes use Blackboard, McDaniel’s Learning Management System (LMS). Blackboard allows the instructor to deliver course content and assignments, enable communication, receive assignments, facilitate interactions (student-student, student-faculty, student-content), offer feedback, and perform assessment.  

The most common features and tools used in Blackboard include: 

• Announcements, for regular communication. 
• Syllabus and Read Me First, for conveying core course information, including learning objectives, grading requirements, time expectations, course tools, matters of accessibility and other housekeeping matters.  
• A Course Guide, for providing a storyboard of the class on one page that includes a class schedule along with objectives, resources, activities, assessments, and due dates.  
• Modules, links to areas that present course content aligned with learning outcomes, resources, activities, and assessments. 
• Assignments, for posting and submitting student work. 
• Discussion Board, for asynchronous conversation, group work, and collaborative activities.  
• Journal, that allows and encourages students to reflect on their learning. 
• Wiki, that provides a platform for students to collaborate asynchronously on group projects.  
• VoiceThread, a tool embedded in Blackboard that allows faculty the ability to create media rich, interactive, asynchronous lessons, as well as providing opportunities for students to interact with the course content, instructor, and one another using audio and/or video. 
• Tests and Quizzes, for administering exams, tests, quizzes, and surveys.  
• Gradebook, for managing and posting student grades. 

C. Student Guidelines for Online Classes

Taking an online course has many advantages. Benefits include flexibility with schedule to assure timely degree progress, the ability to communicate with classmates and the instructor from the convenience of your own home or workplace, and enhanced access to course content and class conversation.  

However, an online course is not for everyone. For instance, if you need the discipline of meeting regularly in-person and you enjoy the in-person interaction with other students and your instructor, you are more likely to prefer a regular classroom or hybrid course format.  

Students should keep the following points in mind before enrolling in an online course:

• Online courses are not easier than traditional face-to-face courses. Just because students are not going to class regularly does not mean that they will be doing less work. Students can expect online courses to have the same rigor and expectations as face-to-face courses. 
• Online courses require the same time investment as face-to-face courses. Online courses may be more convenient, but they have been designed to take the same amount of time as a student would spend if they were taking a traditional class. 
• Online courses require strong time management skills. While students will not have set class times, they will still need to meet course deadlines for reading course materials, participating in discussions, and handing in assignments. 
• Online courses demand engagement. Most online courses employ active learning strategies (where students actively participate in the learning process, as opposed to passively taking in course content). Online courses are no place to hide. In online courses, students will be expected to discuss course concepts, interact with the professors and other students, and, to a considerable extent, take charge of their own learning. A high level of participation is usually a significant part of the final grade.  
• Online courses require students to be tech savvy. To excel in online courses, students need to be comfortable using a computer and navigating the Internet. Students will need to be able to use a web browser, email, Microsoft Office Suite and understand how to save, send, share, and open files in several types of software.

D. Student Guidelines for Hybrid Classes

For students who have mastered basic time management and active learning skills, hybrid courses offer numerous rewards, including having a more flexible schedule and the opportunity to re-read (or re-watch) course material whenever and as often as they want.  

Hybrid courses can be an excellent option for students juggling family responsibilities, jobs with odd hours, or students who have scheduling conflicts with other classes and/or sports commitments.  

However, hybrid courses are not right for everyone. For instance, if active learning is still difficult, and/or students need the discipline of meeting regularly in-person to stay focused in class, students are more likely to prefer an entirely in-person classroom.  

Students should keep the following points in mind before enrolling in a hybrid course: 

• Hybrid courses require students to be prepared. Since hybrid classes typically present most course content online instead of via in-class lectures, class meeting times are usually devoted to collaborative activities, conversations, or even doing “homework” in class with the instructor providing feedback. Students should not expect to just show up for an in-person class session. Students must come to class prepared.  
• Hybrid courses are not easier than traditional face-to-face courses. Just because students attend fewer in-person classes does not mean that students will be doing less work. Students can expect hybrid courses to have the same rigor and expectations as face-to-face and online courses. 
• Hybrid courses require the same time investment as campus-based courses. Hybrid courses may be more convenient, but they have been designed to take the same amount of time students would spend if taking a traditional class. 
• Hybrid courses require strong time management skills. While required in-person class meetings will occur fewer times than in traditional classes, students will still need to meet deadlines for reading course materials, participating in discussions, and handing in assignments.  
• Hybrid courses require students to be tech savvy. To excel in hybrid courses, students need to be comfortable using a computer and navigating the Internet. Students will need to be able to use a web browser, email, Microsoft Office Suite and understand how to save, send, share, and open files in several types of software.

E. Student Integrity and Privacy

• Students are issued a unique username and password for access to Blackboard, McDaniel’s LMS. 
• Faculty may use other means or technologies to authenticate the work of online students (e.g., special software, locked-down browsers, and web cameras). 
• McDaniel policies and practices with student data are compliant with the European Union General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).  
• Students in all courses and programs, regardless of delivery format, must adhere to McDaniel’s Honor Code.

F. Technical Support at McDaniel

• The McDaniel Help Desk provides students with technical support (phone, email, virtual) for educational technology hardware and software required in online and hybrid classes.  
• Replies to students should occur within a reasonable timeframe, preferably within 24 hours if not sooner.

G. Accessibility and 508 Compliance

• We make every effort to ensure that all online and hybrid classes at McDaniel are fully accessible and 508 compliant.  
• All Blackboard classes have Ally embedded in them. Ally is a program that (a) automatically checks course materials against WCAG 2.1 accessibility standards and (b) provides students with accessible alternative formats such as audio and electronic braille. 

H. McDaniel Core Policies for Online/Hybrid Classes

1. Online and Hybrid courses are a part of the student’s regular course load and are counted the same as on-campus courses. 
2. Students are at the center of each decision in teaching, design, and course management. 
3. Faculty who teach online/hybrid at McDaniel are required to take a four-week online class, BPO 100: Best Practices in Online and Hybrid Instruction.  
4. All online/hybrid classes are written by McDaniel faculty and designed in consultation with the Instructional Design & Technology Department.  
5. The McDaniel course development process includes: Working collaboratively as a team to develop each online/hybrid class; Designing courses according to the principles of Backward Design, aligning learning objectives with readings, activities, and authentic assessments; Encouraging student-centered instructional design and teaching practices that foster active learning and draw on recent discoveries in cognitive psychology and other disciplines for effective teaching and learning; Privileging the Community of Inquiry framework, ensuring social presence, cognitive presence, and teaching presence in each online/hybrid class.  
6. Courses are accessible (508 compliant), engaging, interactive, and meet known best practices in instructional design and teaching methods. 
7. All Interregional Guidelines for the Evaluation of Distance Education established by the Council of Regional Accrediting Commissions (C-RAC) are followed. 
8. Integrity, honesty, and respect are paramount in all aspects of McDaniel’s online/hybrid operations. 

Registration at Other Colleges

Students who have matriculated at McDaniel College and are interested in enrolling in courses meeting general education, major, or minor requirements at another institution during the summer or regular semester are required to obtain prior approval by completing the online Transfer Credit Pre-Approval form in the Portal under the Registrar’s Office. Once the course is graded, each student is responsible for having an official transcript sent from the other institution to the Registrar’s Office for posting to their permanent record. Transfer credits do not affect the student’s grade point average at McDaniel. Up to 96 credit hours in transfer from four-year institutions and up to 64 credit hours from two-year institutions will be accepted.

Courses comparable to those offered by the College may not be taken elsewhere for transferable credit during either semester of the regular academic year except with permission of a dean in the Office of Academic Life; while such permission is not usually granted, it may be granted in the event of an irresolvable schedule conflict.

Educational records are those records, files, documents, and other material directly related to a student and maintained by McDaniel College or any of its agents. The College assumes implicit and justifiable trust as custodian of these records. Access to and release of student records are determined by college policy, which complies with Public Law 93-380 (the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), often referred to as the Buckley Amendment). The College Policy on Release of Information About Students and of the U.S. Department of Education regulations implementing Public Law 93-380 are available here. Students receive notification of the rights accorded to them under the above documents at the beginning of each academic year. A more complete description of these policies appears in the Student Handbook.

Transcript records are permanently held by the Registrar’s Office. Documentation pertaining to the registration for each semester is held only for a period of one year. If any questions should arise regarding documentation of enrollment more than one year beyond registration for a course, it will be the student’s responsibility to produce proper documentation to support any claim for a change to their record.

Student Concerns About a Class or Instructor

A student who has issues or concerns about a class in which they are enrolled is encouraged (1) to discuss them directly with the faculty instructor, whether after class or during office hours. If this is impossible because the issue is the instructor or if the student finds the response of the instructor unsatisfactory, the student should (2) meet with the department chair. If after this meeting the concerns are not resolved, the student should (3) go to the Office of Academic Life to schedule a meeting with the appropriate dean. Students are also encouraged to seek the advice of their faculty advisor.

Education candidates, including majors and minors, have options regarding when to complete the one-semester student teaching experience. For all options, students are responsible for the additional student teaching fee ($750.00).

OPTION #1 (applies to both majors and minors):

Students may complete their student teaching in the 8th semester of their undergraduate studies. In this case, credits will be billed at the undergraduate rate during the student teaching semester and students will remain eligible for Institutional, Federal, State, and Private aid. Students will graduate in May with a major or minor in Education listed on the transcript; the Approved Program Stamp for Teaching Certification will be placed on their transcript once all certification requirements are verified by the Education department.

OPTION #2 (applies to both majors and minors):

Students may complete student teaching in the 9th semester as undergraduate, degree seeking students. Credits will be billed at a rate equivalent to the graduate rate during the 9th semester; Institutional financial aid is not available for credits billed at the graduate rate; however, students may apply for Federal, State, and Private aid. Students will graduate in December, following the 9th semester, with the major or minor in Education listed on the transcript. At this point, the Maryland Approved Program stamp for Teaching Certification will be placed on the transcript once all certification requirements are verified by the Education department and reported to the Registrar’s Office. Students may petition to walk in the May commencement ceremony following the 8th semester but will not be awarded their degree until the 9th semester has been successfully completed. The date of the degree will reflect the College’s official fall graduation date. The Maryland Approved Program stamp for Teaching Certification will be placed on the transcript following the successful completion of student teaching and once all certification requirements are verified by the Education department and reported to the Registrar’s Office.

OPTION #3 (applies to minors only):

Students may complete student teaching in the 9th semester as post-baccalaureate, non-degree seeking students. In this case, students will graduate in May without a minor in education listed on their transcripts (note that the minor will not be added to the transcript at a later date). Credits will be billed at the graduate rate during the 9th semester. Institutional, Federal, and State aid (as well as the majority of Private scholarships) is not available for non-degree seeking students; students may wish to seek private loans. The Maryland Approved Program stamp for Teaching Certification will be placed on the transcript following the successful completion of student teaching and once all certification requirements are verified by the Education department and reported to the Registrar’s Office.

McDaniel College offers an array of undergraduate courses, with the majority of the courses offered online. If a student wants to take a course at another school during the summer, they must complete the online Transfer Credit Pre-Approval form and submit it to the Registrar’s Office for approval before registering at the off-campus location. Approval from the appropriate department chair/academic dean also may be required. The Transfer Credit Pre-Approval form is available in the Portal under the Registrar’s Office.