Change of Personal Information
Personal information changes (name, address, phone number, etc.) may be submitted through JayWeb, using the Address Change Form.
A student wishing to obtain a legal name change or gender marker change should communicate directly with the Office of Registration and Records. Proper legal documentation will be required before any changes are updated in our systems. Please refer to the Personal Identification Change Form
available on the office forms webpage.
Campus Name Change Request
A student may select a Campus, or preferred, name by which a student will be known to faculty, staff, and peers on-campus ONLY. Any communication for federal reporting, billing, or other non-campus communications will utilize the students legal name ONLY. Any student wishing to institute a campus name should refer to the JayWeb Instructions for Students on how to initiate a campus change request.
Change of Enrollment
A student has not discontinued their enrollment status simply because they are no longer in attendance or by notifying the course instructor. The notification responsibility rests with the student, not the faculty member, nor their advisor.
Definition of a Credit
Elizabethtown College utilizes an outcome-based curriculum and assessment in accordance with our accreditor, Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and other discipline-based accrediting associations. The College complies with the academic practices and provisions defined in Pennsylvania Department of Education 22 Pa. Code § 31.21.
A semester credit hour represents a unit of curriculum material that normally can be taught in a minimum of 15 hours of classroom instruction plus a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work for approximately 15 weeks (or a total of 15 hours of instruction and a minimum of 30 hours of out-of-class student work, per credit, over the length of the term), including final examination or equivalent activity as determined by the faculty. An equivalent amount of work is required in courses and academic instructional activities where direct instruction is not the primary mode of learning, such as online, hybrid, and remote courses; laboratory work; directed study; independent study; internships; practicum; field work; etc. Credits are awarded based on documented learning objectives, learning outcomes, and expectations within a specified period of academically engaged time.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education has developed the following parameters for developing curriculum content equivalent to classroom-based instruction. Each of the following four requirements must be met for any equivalent learning experience activity:
- Be directly related to the objectives of the course/program,
- Be measurable for grading purposes,
- Have the direct oversight or supervision of the faculty member teaching the course, and
- In some form be the equivalent of an activity conducted in the classroom.
The equivalent does not include:
- Homework Assignments
- “Time Spent” – a calculation of the time a student spends accomplishing a task.
Middle Sates: https://www.msche.org/2022/06/29/msche-policy-update-effective-july-1-2022/
Full-time/Part-time Status
A graduate student taking 6or more credits per semester at Elizabethtown College is considered a full-time student and pays full tuition and fees.
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) regulations stipulate that a student must carry a minimum of 12 credits per semester to be eligible for intercollegiate athletic competition.
Official Electronic Correspondence
All students are provided with a college e-mail account (@etown.edu). These accounts are considered the college’s official method of electronic correspondence. Students will be provided with their account information (username and password) after matriculation. This address is used for official correspondence, so students should check their email regularly at http://mail.etown.edu.
Elizabethtown College always strives to provide the highest quality of service and the best student experience possible. If you have a serious complaint against the College, we wish to make you aware of the appropriate processes to follow.
The U.S. Department of Education requires institutions offering distance education to provide enrolled and prospective students with contact information of the state agency or agencies that handle complaints against post-secondary institutions offering distance learning within that state. Many of the outside agencies will require that all institutional procedures be followed before the concern will be considered. Before contacting one of these agencies, Elizabethtown College encourages students to inform the College of their complaint first. We are eager to listen to you and resolve the issues.
Students should first consult the college catalog to resolve student grievances, complaints and concerns in an expeditious, fair, and amicable manner and in accordance to written college policy. Students with concerns relating to grades or academic decisions should follow the Grade Appeal Policy. For concerns or complaints not addressed or unresolved in the catalog, please contact Academic Affairs.
If the complaint cannot be resolved at any level within the College, the student may contact one of the following agencies:
Elizabethtown College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. (267-284-5000) The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Students can review documents of accreditation by contacting the Registration and Records Office at 717-361-1409. Students wishing to file a formal complaint against an institution of higher education in Pennsylvania can visit Middle States Commission on Higher Educations Complaint page for more information.
Withdrawal Policy
Students who withdraw from the College during a semester also withdraw from all of their classes for that semester. Full-time students withdraw from the College through the Center for Student Success; part-time students withdraw through the Office of Registration and Records. Students who withdraw during the semester are expected to leave the campus as of the effective date of their withdrawal.
For purposes of billing, room reservation, academic responsibility, etc., the effective date of withdrawal is the date on which the completed official notice is returned to the Center for Student Success or the Office of Registration and Records. A student who withdraws without notification receives no refunds and may incur the full room penalty. Failure to comply with the withdrawal procedures may result in loss of the privilege of readmission to the College and the right to the release of a transcript of credits earned. See the Institutional Refund Policy for information about pro-rated refunds.
Students who were on academic contract and/or probation who wish to return to Elizabethtown College at a later date must petition Academic Standing Committee for approval.
For more information about the voluntary withdrawal process, contact Stephanie Rankin, Associate Dean of Students.
A medical withdrawal for a physical health or mental health reason is defined as a withdrawal from the College for at least the remainder of the semester in which it is initiated. The withdrawal may extend through subsequent semesters depending on the nature and course of the health concerns. The transcript will indicate “W” for all current courses.
A medical withdrawal for physical or mental health reasons is requested voluntarily by the student or his/her parent or guardian and may be approved if, in the judgment of a licensed medical or mental health provider, it is determined to be in the best interest of the student. A Medical Withdrawal Documentation Form must be signed by the student and completed by the student’s treatment provider. The Form must be submitted to the Associate Dean of Students for Student Counseling and Health Needs, who also speaks with the student before the withdrawal can be authorized.
During a medical withdrawal, the College expects the student to participate in professional healthcare treatment with a licensed medical or mental health provider as the primary method of resolving or managing the health concerns which led to the medical withdrawal. Prior to being considered for readmission by the College, the student must have his/her treatment provider submit the Medical Withdrawal Re-Entry Documentation Form to the Associate Dean. Consulting with the Associate Dean is necessary as part of the readmission process following a medical withdrawal. See the Re-Entry Requirements after a Medical Withdrawal document for details on the re-entry process.
Students are also encouraged to:
1.Contact Residence Life at (717) 361-1197 as soon as possible for information about the procedures for moving out of the Residence Hall, and to inquire about the housing registration process. Housing is guaranteed for residential students upon re-entry within the two semesters following the medical withdrawal.
2.Contact Disability Services at (717) 361-1227 to discuss accommodations during the re-entry process. It may be necessary to provide documentation from your health care provider in order to support requests for accommodations.
3.Petition Academic Standing Committee for return if on academic contract and/or probation at the time of the Medical Withdrawal.
4.Consult with Financial Aid and the Business Office regarding implications for individual financial aid and the Institutional Refund Policy.
For more information about a voluntary medical withdrawal, contact Dr. Bruce Lynch, Associate Dean of Students for Student Counseling and Health Needs.
An Involuntary Withdrawal may be imposed by the Dean of Students when a student exhibits behavior that has not been appropriately resolved through the Student Conduct process or is threatening to the safety and well-being of the college community.
Each situation will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis through an individualized assessment of the student’s ability to safely participate in college programs. The Dean of Students will consult with the Director of Counseling and Health Needs, Director of Campus Security, Associate Dean of Students for Student Success, Associate Dean of Students for Community Living, Director of Student Rights& Responsibilities, the Director of Disability Services, and college legal counsel as necessary to fully consider available medical knowledge and the observed, documented behavior which prompted the review in order to determine if a reasonable accommodation can be made or if a withdrawal is recommended.
If a withdrawal is recommended, the Dean of Students will confer with the student and/or parent/guardian to explain the advantages of a voluntary withdrawal or voluntary medical withdrawal and theconditions for re-entry which may include a medical clearance from a licensed physician or psychologist. If the student declines to take a voluntary withdrawal or voluntary medical withdrawal, theDean may impose an involuntary withdrawal. The Dean will explain the implications for the student including the conditions for re-entry which may include a medical clearance from a licensedphysician or psychologist. During an Involuntary Withdrawal, the student is immediately administratively withdrawn from all classes and from college housing if applicable. The transcript will indicate “W” for all currently enrolled courses. The student may be eligible for a refund according to the Institutional Refund Policy.
In an emergency situation, the College will take immediate steps to protect the health, safety, and welfare of students, employees, and the campus community including the imposition of an InterimSeparation by the Dean of Students. The subsequent individual assessment may result in an Involuntary Withdrawal.
Appeal of an Involuntary Withdrawal
A decision to impose an Involuntary Withdrawal may be appealed by the student to the President within five (5) business days of the decision. Appeals should be in writing and include specific reasonsfor the appeal. The President has five (5) business days to review the information presented and inform the student in writing of a final decision. The President may uphold the decision of the Dean ofStudents, adjust the finding, refer the matter back to the Dean of Students for additional consideration or reverse the decision and reinstate the student. The President’s decision is final.
Students who believe they may have been discriminated against on the basis of a disability can follow the grievance procedure.
Students who leave the College in good academic standing (minimum 3.00 cumulative grade point average) gain readmission by written request to the Office of Registration and Records. Students who leave the College in academic difficulty (below 3.00 cumulative grade point average) must petition the Academic Standing Committee for readmission.
For more information, please visit www.etown.edu/offices/registration-records/readmit.
Academic Load and Progress
Since the completion of at least 125 credits is required for a bachelor’s degree, a student who plans to graduate in four years must satisfactorily complete an average of 16 credits in each of eight semesters. However, some students wisely elect to take a lighter academic load in order to do better work and choose to complete one or more summer courses or attend a partial fifth year. Some programs require a highly sequenced set of courses and any deviations from the sequence may delay program completion. Students should review the requirements for any intended major or minor programs to ensure full understanding of program expectations. Students completing courses through accelerated subterms can expect to complete 6-12 credits each semester, and required to meet the 125 minimum credits for graduation.
Academic Progress Survey System
Mid-term grade reports are not issued. However, during the fifth week of each semester, faculty are asked to complete the Starfish academic progress survey (for all 100- and 200- level courses, with 300- and 400-level courses strongly encouraged).
Students may receive flags for areas of academic concern or kudos for areas of academic strength. Students receiving flags are encouraged to consult with their instructors to discuss options for improving their performance. All students receiving a flag will receive an email from the Center for Student Success inviting the student to take advantage of the Center’s supports and resources.
Student Responsibilities
Students are required to consult with their advisor as to course selection, course sequences, graduation requirements, etc. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all graduation requirements have been met and that other requirements, regulations and deadlines have been observed.
Degree Planners and Degree Audits
Degree Planners for academic programs list the requirements for each program and can be used by students to track their progress.
In addition, electronic degree audits (aka, Grad Reports) are available 24/7 to students and their academic advisors through the College Web system, Jayweb. The degree audit matches the student’s course work against the requirements for a degree and notes which requirements are met and which still are required. The degree audit is not the same as the transcript. The degree audit is an advising tool and as such, is an unofficial document, whereas the transcript is the official record of course history and degree completion. Students are encouraged to review their degree audits and transcripts at the start/end of every semester. While the degree audit is usually accurate, at times the complicated nature of a program or the unique circumstances of a student’s course completions may lead to inaccuracies. If there are inaccuracies, students are responsible for reporting these to the Office of Registration and Records. An error in the degree audit does not change the actual requirements for graduation; in particular, unfulfilled requirements are not waived because of degree audit errors. The responsibility for understanding and meeting degree requirements rests with the student.
Declarations and changes of academic programs are initiated by the student and facilitated by the Registration and Records Office.
Information is provided in the course syllabus explaining how various elements are weighted and how the grading scale is used. In consideration of FERPA (Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act), students agree, by registration in a course, to the electronic exchange of course assignments and/or grades with the faculty.
Grades are due at 10:00am on the Tuesday following the last day of the course. Once grades are recorded, matriculated students may view their grade through JayWeb. Electronic copies of the grades are available to print via JayWeb.
Students who need an official transcript of their coursework may request one through the office of Registration & Records. No transcripts will be issued to students who have an outstanding balance on their account. Information about transcript requests can be found on the Registration & Records website.
Grading Standards
The grading standards established for graduate courses are:
|
Grade
|
A
|
A-
|
B+
|
B
|
B-
|
C+
|
C
|
F
|
|
Percentage
|
94-100
|
90-93
|
87-89
|
84-86
|
80-83
|
77-79
|
73-76
|
<73
|
Quality Points and Grade Point Average Requirements
A 4.0 quality point system and plus/minus grading is used.
Graduate quality points are assigned as follows. Students in graduate degree programs must have a grade point average of 3.0 overall and 3.0 in the major to receive their diploma.
Grading Standards for Graduate Courses
|
Grade
|
A
|
A-
|
B+
|
B
|
B-
|
C+
|
C
|
F
|
|
Percentage
|
4.0
|
3.7
|
3.3
|
3.0
|
2.7
|
2.3
|
2.0
|
0.0
|
A student grade of incomplete may be assigned, in consultation with the course instructor, when the student is unable to complete coursework for extraordinary reasons such as illness, emergency, or other reasonable cause. An Incomplete is not simply to allow additional time to complete course work and is not an alternative to a failing grade. It is a privilege granted by the instructor because of a unique set of circumstances, not a right or expectation of the student. The revised policy provides students the opportunity to address emergencies and establishes a reasonable deadline to discourage procrastination in the completion of course requirements.
Criteria for an Incomplete grade
- Student requests for an Incomplete will only be considered if the student has:
- Completed at least 50% of course work,
- A current passing grade in the course.
- The ability to complete the work without attending additional classes.
- A well-defined plan at the time of the request.
Incomplete contracts must be emailed to the course instructor PRIOR to the last day of class. An incomplete grade must be resolved by the agreed upon contract timelines, but no later than the default incomplete contract timelines.
Contract Default Timelines
- Sub-Term (less than 6 weeks)
Incomplete grades must be replaced by a final grade by no more than the length of the accelerated sub-term in which the incomplete grade was granted.
- Sub-Term (greater than 5 weeks, but less than 14 weeks)
Incomplete grades must be replaced by a final grade by no more than the length of the accelerated sub-term in which the incomplete grade was granted.
- Semester (14 – 16 weeks)
Incomplete grades must be replaced by a final grade by no more than the following:
- Fall Incomplete Deadline: March 1st
- Spring Incomplete Deadline: August 1st
- Summer Incomplete Deadline: November 1st
Student Responsibilities:
- The student presents a valid appeal and request to his/her instructor before the last day of class.
- The student is responsible for circulating the Incomplete Contract for signature. The signed form must be submitted to the Office of Registration and Records.
- The Center for Student Success will circulate an Emergency Incomplete on behalf of the student in collaboration with the Office of Registration and Records when an emergency warrants in support of the student and their family.
- If the student fails to complete the work by the extended and/or default deadline, the instructor will enter a grade based only on work completed during the semester and the Incomplete contractual agreement.
- The student’s grade point average calculation will be updated to include the awarded grade, or failing grade if work is not completed.
Faculty Responsibilities:
- The instructor will establish an appropriate completion date with the student. This date may not exceed the identified default timelines.
- The instructor will initially report a grade of “I” in JayWeb. The incomplete grade will appear on the student’s Grad Report/Academic Record as an “I”.
- The instructor is expected to communicate with the student prior to the submission of the final grade.
- The instructor will submit a final grade for the course, on or before the contracted and/or default completion date, through JayWeb Incomplete to letter-grade change process.
Additional Considerations
An incomplete grade issued to a student on academic probation will not prevent or delay academic action of dismissal.
Receiving an “I” grade in a course means the course will not satisfy prerequisites for subsequent course registrations.
Students will not be permitted to graduate with an incomplete grade on their record because their grade point average is not final. Any candidate for graduation earning an unresolved incomplete will automatically be moved to the subsequent date of graduation. The degree and/or post-graduate certificate is not conferred until all requirements for graduation are satisfied.
Students register for classes on those days designated on the College calendar. No registrations are accepted after the first week of a semester or subterm. Students register for the fall semester in April. Spring semester registration takes place in November. Winter and Summer registration opens in November with Spring. A student may register either as a degree or a non-degree student and as a full-time or part-time student. Degree-seeking candidates must have a major declaration.
Many courses have prerequisites, and students are reminded of their responsibility for meeting all prerequisites and for taking courses in proper sequence.
To register for the next semester, a student must have met all financial obligations. Students who do not register during the registration period cannot be guaranteed space in the residence facilities or classes. Students must meet with their advisor prior to registration, and the advisor must remove the “registration clearance” before students can register online through JayWeb.
Students will be responsible for obtaining their materials of instruction. The required course material(s) of instruction and course assignments can be found in the syllabus.
Students should check with their academic advising coordinator with questions about whether a course is appropriate for the degree program. The student’s account must be paid in full before they may register for the next semester. This includes library fines, parking tickets, etc.
Due to the accelerated nature of SGPS courses, it is recommended that students discuss course planning with their academic advising coordinator.
Registration Holds
A student’s registration may be delayed as a result of unpaid account balances, incomplete academic records, disciplinary sanctions, failure to meet with the advisor, failure to provide current off-campus address information, or incomplete health records. For full-time students, the Student Health Record must include a recent physical and evidence that all required immunizations are complete.
Schedule Changes
Enrolled students may make course schedule changes via JayWeb, on a space-available basis. A student is not dropped or withdrawn from a course by notifying the professor. The completion of any course registration addition or change is the responsibility of the student, not the faculty member. Students can review their registration status in JayWeb 24/7. Students should keep in mind that dropping or withdrawing from a course could delay their anticipated date of graduation.
Course Cancellations
Although the college will make every effort to run all scheduled courses, it reserves the right to cancel courses at its discretion. In such cases, every attempt will be made to contact students enrolled in the cancelled course in time to allow rescheduling.
Students may add a course to their schedule from the first day of open registration for the term and in accordance with the term definitions.
Semester (14-16 weeks)
Students may add courses to their schedule through the fifth day of the semester using Jayweb.
Sub-Term (greater than 5 weeks, but less than 14 weeks)
Students may add a course through the fifth day of the published sub-term/session using JayWeb.
Sub-Term (less than 6 weeks)
Students may add a course through the second day of the published sub-term/session using JayWeb. SGPS students participating in a weekend seminar may add a course (register by advisor) until 8:00am EST on the first day of the course.
Enrolled students may make course schedule changes via Jayweb, on a space-available basis, in accordance with the Course Add Period policy. If a course is full, students may waitlist. If a seat becomes available, a member of the Office of Registration and Records will email the student using their etown.edu email account. Please be sure you are monitoring your email; Registration and Records will hold the seat for up to three days, or the conclusion of the course add policy once the semester begins. The Office of Registration and Records reserves the right to return the student to the waitlist and the seat given to the subsequent student if the stated timeline concludes.
Students may DROP a course without permanent record from the first day of open registration for the term and in accordance with the term definitions.
Semester (14 - 16 weeks)
- Week One. Students may elect to DROP a course through the fifth day of the semester using JayWeb.
- Week Two – Week Four. Course DROP(s) between the second and fourth week of the semester require the completion of an official course DROP from located in the Office of Registration and Records, and in JayWeb. A course DROP requires the signature of the student’s academic advisor.
Sub-terms (greater than 5 weeks, but less than 14 weeks)
- Week One. Students may elect to DROP a course through the fifth day of the sub-term/session using JayWeb.
- Week Two. Course DROP(s) between the sixth day of the sub-term/session and the end of the second week of the sub-term/session require the completion of an official course DROP form located in the Office of Registration and Records, and in JayWeb. A course DROP requires the signature of the student’s academic advisor.
Sub-terms (less than 6 weeks)
- Week One. Students may elect to DROP a course through the third day of the sub-term/session using JayWeb. SGPS students participating in a weekend seminar may DROP a class until 8:00am EST on the first day of the course.
- Day Four - Week Two. Course DROP(s) between the fourth day of the sub-term/session and the end of the second week fo the sub-term/session require the completion of an official course DROP form located in the Office of Registration and Records, and in JayWeb. A course DROP requires the signature of the student’s academic advisor.
At the conclusion of the course DROP period, a student has the option of exercising a course withdrawal. The decision to withdraw from a course is part of a student’s academic record and transcribed based on the date of the form submission to the Office of Registration and Records.
Semester (14-16 Weeks)
From the fifth week to the end of the eleventh week, a course withdrawal will result in a grade of “W”, which will appear on the student’s permanent record, but it will not affect the student’s grade point average.
All course withdrawals after the end of the eleventh week of the semester will result in a grade of “WF”, which is calculated into the student’s grade point average as an earned “F”.
Sub-terms (greater than 5 weeks, but less than 14 weeks)
From the third week to the end of the fifth week, a course withdrawal will result in a grade of “W”, which will appear on the student’s permanent record, but it will not affect the student’s grade point average.
All course withdrawals after the end of the fifth week of the sub-term/session will result in a grade of “WF”, which is calculated into the student’s grade point average as an earned “F”.
Sub-terms (less than 6 weeks)
From the fourth day to the end of the third week, a course withdrawal will result in a grade of “W”, which will appear on the student’s permanent record, but it will not affect the student’s grade point average. SGPS students participating in a weekend seminar who withdraw from a class on the first day will receive a “W,” which will appear on the student’s permanent record, but it will not affect the student’s grade point average.
All course withdrawals after the end of the third week of the sub-term/session will result in a grade of “WF”, which is calculated into the student’s grade point average as an earned “F”. SGPS students participating in a weekend seminar who withdraw from a class after the first day will receive a “WF,” which is calculated into the student’s grade point average as an earned “F.”
A few courses are designated as repeatable for credit in the Catalog because the course content is not duplicated. The repeatable for credit designation appears in the course description in the Catalog. Courses eligible for repeat must be taken at Elizabethtown College and not at another institution.
Repeating a course graded F or NP.
Students may repeat any course in which they earned an F or NP and may attempt failed courses as many times as needed until the course is passed. A student can self-register through JayWeb under this circumstance, without the submission of a Course Repeat Form through the Office of Registration and Records.
Repeating a course letter-graded as a C, C-, or in the D range
Under certain conditions, students may be eligible to repeat a course to improve an earned letter-grade. Only an alternative study registration (e.g., independent studies, internships, directed studies, and tutorials) may be repeated as an alternative study registration. All other course formats (e.g. traditional classroom, hybrid, and fully online) may be repeated interchangeably. The student must file a course repeat form in the Office of Registration and Records.
When repeating a course to earn a different grade, the original grade remains on the transcript but is removed from calculation of the grade point average, course credits are counted only once toward degree and program requirements, and only the last (i.e., most recent, better, or worse) grade earned for the course is counted in the grade point average.
Conditions for an eligible letter-graded course repeat:
- The course is a requirement in their major/minor/certificate.
- The course is a prerequisite to a Core Program requirement.
- The course repeat is approved by their advisor and the major/minor/certificate Program Director.
- The student cannot register for a repeat as a directed study unless it was originally registered as a directed study.
Federal Financial Aid Considerations
Under federal financial aid (Title IV) guidelines, a previously passed course that meets these conditions may be repeated only one time. This includes courses in which a program requires a minimum grade in the course (i.e., students who have previously passed a course have one opportunity to repeat the course for a better grade).
Students may carry up to 18 credits without paying a credit overload fee, unless the program accreditation dictates the maximum of 20 credits in a single semester.
Discontinuance of Courses
The College reserves the right to withdraw or discontinue any course in the Catalog. The School Dean reserves the right to identify and offer a course exception for any program impacted by the discontinuance of a course in their curriculum.
Students may seek approval to cross-register between the School of Graduate and Professional Studies and the Schools of Arts and Humanities, Business, Engineering and Computer Science, Public Service, Sciences and Health.
Cross-Registrations are approved on a space-available basis with the approval of the student’s academic advisor and the student’s School Dean, or designee, governing their primary major declaration. The Request to Register Across Schools form is in JayWeb with a quick link to the form on the Office of Registration and Records Forms and Petitions webpage.
Students are advised to review the Concurrent and Subsequent Credentials Policy to understand how cross-registrations function as a pathway for a student interested in accelerating their entry into their graduate studies here at Elizabethtown College.
Guidelines for Cross-Registration across Academic Schools:
-
A student must be in good academic standing.
-
Undergraduate students currently seeking a bachelor’s degree must have successfully completed a minimum of 30 credits.
-
Undergraduate students currently seeking an associate degree must have successfully completed a minimum of 15 credits.
-
Undergraduate students seeking to take graduate level courses must have a 3.0 career GPA
Guidelines for Cross-Registration across Divisions (Undergraduate and Graduate):
An undergraduate student cannot “register” for a graduate course at the graduate level (and have it transcribed on a graduate transcript) unless (1) they have earned their bachelor’s degree or (2) they can demonstrate through their degree audit or graduate acceptance through GPS, that their bachelor’s degree is obtainable at the time the request is submitted.
All students are encouraged to speak with their financial aid advisor to understand how to maintain federal financial aid and academic progress across two divisions.
Once a course is reserved for graduate credit, the course classification cannot revert to undergraduate degree.
All academic courses are expected to conclude with a final examination administered during the assigned time of the examination period. Within the last three meeting days for classes (not for any individual course) prior to final examinations, no in-class assessment, counting more than 2/3 of a letter grade toward the final course grade may be administered, lab examinations/practica are exempt.
The following may or may not have final examinations, depending upon the judgment of the instructor:
- laboratory sections
- advanced seminar in which an assigned paper or project is the major activity
- a performance class in which a recital or similar artistic performance is required
- an internship
- a practicum
Any faculty member seeking an exception to the final examination rule for an academic course shall secure the approval of the Dean.
Students with three exams in one day may directly request of a professor that one exam be rescheduled during exam week. There is no obligation on the part of the faculty member to reschedule the exam. All requests for rescheduling an exam must be made at least five class days before the start of the final exam week. Students with four exams in one day may request that one or two of the exams be rescheduled following the same procedure. When a scheduling conflict cannot be resolved between professor(s) and student, the student may take her/his case to the Dean of their School.
Course Modifications for Non-native English Speakers
Elizabethtown College is committed to providing equitable access to all courses, programs, and services for non-native (international and domestic) English speakers. Students may request tutoring, learning resources, course modifications, and learning opportunities.
Students interested in seeking a course modification should contact Ms. Maria Petty (pettym@etown.edu), International Student Programs Advisor, at (717) 361-1594.
Time Zone Policy
The School of Graduate and Professional Studies runs courses on Eastern Standard Time (EST). Courses begin at 12:00 am EST of the first day of the session and end at 11:59 pm EST on the last day of the session. To maintain equity among all students, assignment due dates and web conferences will be set according the Eastern Standard Time. Students who do not complete any academically-inclined work by 11:59 pm EST of Sunday the first week of the session will be marked as non-attending for financial aid purposes. Students who are unable to participate in web conferences due to their scheduled time will have the opportunity to complete an equivalent activity, through viewing a recording of the web conference and/or completing an alternate assignment.
Fall and Spring: Prior to the start of the semester every enrolled student must self-certify their enrollment and their intent to attend all registered courses through the Preliminary Check-In process and in compliance with Federal Financial Aid regulation (34 CFR 668.22). Subsequently, any student registering for a course after the Preliminary Check-In deadline has passed will have their attendance certified/recertified through the Academic Progress Survey. Faculty are encouraged to utilize Starfish throughout the semester/sub-term to alert administration of a student of lack of attendance.
Winter and Summer: Students are not required to complete the Preliminary Check-In during Winter and Summer terms. SGPS students and Residential students electing to enroll in the winter and summer sessions will be certified as attending by the course instructor through Starfish.
Academic Calendar and Important Dates
Once registered, students are considered enrolled and attending. Students are responsible for adherence to the Academic Calendar and Important Dates associated with enrollment and course registration. If a circumstance arises where a student needs to discontinue with a course registration, they must submit the appropriate registration form to change their scheduled registration status. Any student with a need to execute a college withdrawal should contact the Center for Student Success. School of Graduate and Professional Studies students must contact their academic advisor about college withdrawal.
Student Attendance Responsibilities
Self-Certification of Enrollment through completion of the Preliminary Check-In
Students self-certify their intent to enroll and participate in all courses listed on their schedules each semester through the completion of the preliminary check-in. Students who fail to complete the preliminary check-in will be prohibited from future registrations until completed.
Class Attendance
Class attendance expectations are determined individually by the course instructor and outlined in the course syllabus. Each instructor announces their attendance policy at the start of each semester.
A course instructor and/or the College may dismiss a student from a course for excessive absences.
Students are responsible for the completion of course related activities regularly and punctually, regardless of modality (face-to-face, hybrid, remote, or online). Attendance is defined as active participation by the enrolled student in accordance with the course syllabus and learning objectives.
Academic programs and courses may be offered in an accelerated format or a modality other than face-to-face. Regardless of modality, students are expected to participate in all course activities. Active participation includes attending all scheduled in person or synchronous sessions, and online activities, discussion boards, and assignments throughout the course.
Online courses typically have weekly activities for students to participate in throughout the course, where attendance is monitored by access the LMS, Canvas, submission of assignments, live session attendance, and/or communication with the course instructor.
Academically Inclined Work for Enrollment and Attendance
Elizabethtown College models federal financial aid’s definition of Academic Attendance and Attendance at an Academically-Related Activity.
Academic Related Activities include, but are not limited to:
- Physically attending a class where there is an opportunity for direct interaction between the instructor and students;
- submitting an academic assignment;
- taking an exam, an interactive tutorial, or computer-assisted instruction;
- attending or participating in a study group that is assigned by the instructor/institution;
- participating in an online discussion about academic matters; and
- initiating contact with a faculty member/instructor to ask a question about the academic subject studied in the course.
Academically Related Activities do not include:
- activities where a student may be present online (logging into view Canvas content) but not academically engaged, such as:
- logging into an online class without active participation
- participating in academic counseling or advisement
Faculty Attendance Responsibilities
Elizabethtown College manages attendance through Starfish and Academic Performance Surveys.
Starfish Documentation
Starfish Documentation is maintained by the Center for Student Success. Any questions relating to Starfish should be directed to the appropriate Starfish Coordinator. Faculty may consult with either coordinator throughstarfish@etown.edu.
The Academic Progress Survey
Faculty are responsible for the completion of the Academic Progress Survey coordinated through the Center for Student Success and GPS Academic Advising. Additionally, faculty may report “lack of attendance” or an “academic flag” of concern for any enrolled student using Starfish throughout the sub-term/semester.
Attendance and Academic Progress Survey Reporting
Course Instructors:
- Starfish Attendance Notifications are circulated on the second Monday in each semester, or sub-term, in compliance with Federal Financial Aid regulation ( 34 CFR 668.22 ). Faculty will receive subsequent email reminders until they comply with the attendance survey. Instructors will receive an email confirmation upon completion.
- Participate in the Academic Progress Survey for all registrants in all their course(s) each semester.
- Submit a Starfish flag(s) or kudos for any student academic performance concern or achievement, this includes lack or discontinuance and/or attendance in their course.
- Enter the students’ last date of attendance for failing or incomplete grade during grade entry.
Illness or Personal Circumstance
Students are responsible for knowing the attendance policy for each course and consulting with the course instructor in the case of absences due to illness or other personal circumstances. A medical withdrawal for physical or mental health reasons is requested voluntarily by the student or his/her parent or guardian. Refer to the Medical Withdrawal Policy for more information on this process.
Dismissal for Class Nonattendance
Any student dismissed by a faculty for nonattendance will receive a withdrawal failing, “WF”. The grade is assigned when a student registers for a course, completes academically related work, and they cease participation without adherence to the published course drop and/or withdrawal deadlines for the semester/sub-term. Administrative actions (enrollment status, tuition, and fees) are based on the student’s official last date of attendance in the course. The “WF” grade results in zero credit and zero quality points. Grades of “WF” are calculated into your grade point average, GPA, as an “F”.
Grades earned for Nonattendance may affect your academic standing and financial assistance (federal financial aid or veteran benefits). Students may register for the course again without completing a course repeat form. All applicable tuition and fees apply when the student elects to retake the course.
Semester (14-16 Weeks)
Students dismissed for nonattendance in the first through fourth weeks of the semester results in removal of the course from the student’s academic record. A student’s last date of attendance, assessed through the completion of academically related activities, will be determined by the course instructor and any resulting grade and/or refund will be based on that date.
Sub-Term (greater than 5 weeks, but less than 14 weeks)
Students dismissed for nonattendance prior to the end of the second week of the sub-term results in removal of the course from the student’s record. A student’s last date of attendance, assessed through the completion of academically related activities, will be determined by the course instructor and any resulting grade and/or refund will be based on that date.
Sub-term (less than 6 weeks)
Such a dismissal prior to the end of the second week of the sub-term results in removal of the course from the student’s record. A student’s last date of attendance, assessed through the completion of academically related activities, will be determined by the course instructor and any resulting grade and/or refund will be based on that date.
Right to Appeal for Reinstatement
A student may appeal to the Academic Standing Committee for reinstatement into the course.
Long-Term Absences
A long-term absence from classes may result in mandatory withdrawal from the College. After 15 consecutive class days of absence from all classes, a student is considered to have withdrawn from the College. Students absent for verified medical reasons will be granted a Medical Withdrawal.
Tuition Refunds
Please contact the Elizabethtown College Business Office at 717-361-1417 or businessoffice@etown.edu regarding questions about tuition refunds. Additional information can be found here.
Long-Term Absences
A long-term absence from classes or from campus may result in mandatory withdrawal from the College. After 15 consecutive class days of absence from all classes, a student is considered to have withdrawn from the College. Students absent for verified medical reasons will be granted a Medical Withdrawal.
Final Examination/Project Policy
All academic courses are expected to conclude with a final examination administered during the assigned time of the examination period. Within the last three meeting days for classes (not for any individual course) prior to final examinations, no in-class assessment, counting more than 2/3 of a letter grade toward the final course grade may be administered, lab examinations/practica are exempt.
The following may or may not have final examinations, depending upon the judgment of the instructor:
- laboratory sections
- advanced seminar in which an assigned paper or project is the major activity
- a performance class in which a recital or similar artistic performance is required
- an internship
- a practicum
Any faculty member seeking an exception to the final examination rule for an academic course shall secure the approval of the Dean.
Students with three exams in one day may directly request of a professor that one exam be rescheduled during exam week. There is no obligation on the part of the faculty member to reschedule the exam. All requests for rescheduling an exam must be made at least five class days before the start of the final exam week. Students with four exams in one day may request that one or two of the exams be rescheduled following the same procedure. When a scheduling conflict cannot be resolved between professor(s) and student, the student may take her/his case to the Dean of their School.
Experimental/Special Topics Courses
Experimental courses are intended to provide a platform for faculty to introduce a relatively new topic, to address a timely issue (e.g., an election), or simply to try out new course ideas before submitting the course for formal approval and publication in the undergraduate catalog with a unique number. The Core Committee welcomes faculty to exercise flexibility and creativity in designing experimental courses as part of the Core Program.
A program may offer Special Topics courses using the following course sequence numbers: 170-173, 270-273, 370-373, or 670-673. Experimental courses are formal courses in the program curricula and may be repeatable for credit. An experimental course may be offered for a maximum of three semesters before the program must seek formal approval through the faculty governance process for inclusion in the College Catalog.
Transcript requests must be sent to the Office of Registration and Records and should be received at least one week prior to the date needed. Federal law requires that all requests be made in writing by the student. Telephone requests and e-mail requests cannot be honored. Transcripts also cannot be requested by parents, friends, spouses or potential employers.
No transcripts of record are furnished to students whose account is not paid in full. There is no charge for transcripts.
Transcript request forms are available in the Office of Registration and Records or by printing a copy from the office’s website. Letters are accepted instead of the form. The following information must be included in all requests: 1) name(s) and address(es) to whom the transcript should be sent, include specific names/ offices when possible; 2) dates of Elizabethtown College attendance; 3) student’s full name, including maiden name if applicable; and 4) student’s signature.
Students may print unofficial transcripts via the College web system. Unofficial transcripts might not be acceptable to other institutions or potential employers. Elizabethtown College does not send or accept facsimile copies of transcripts.
Good Standing
Students in academic good standing maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 overall and 3.0 in their program.
Academic probation means that a student is in danger of being dismissed from the College for academic reasons. Students for all into the following categories are placed on academic probation and may also be required to sign an academic contract.
Graduate students falling into the following categories at the end of each academic semester are placed on academic probation:
Semester Hours with Cumulative Grade
Attempted (Local) Point Average below:
1-8 2.7
9 or more 3.0
Students should work closely with their academic advisor to review their degree requirements, develop a course plan for upcoming semesters, and identify resources that can aid in their success.
At any time, the College – upon recommendation of the Academic Standing Committee – may dismiss a student who is experiencing academic difficulty and/or lack of progress toward degree completion. A student should be aware that all cases are decided individually, and that poor academic performance may result in dismissal at the end of any semester, whether or not a student was previously on an academic contract. Further, violations of the conditions of an academic contract may result in dismissal at any time of the semester.
A student who is in academic difficulty (below 2.00 cumulative grade point average) may be requested by the Academic Standing Committee – in consultation with the student – to enroll in a unique or particular set of courses and to become involved in testing, counseling, or other developmental activities. A student’s satisfactory performance in such assignments may be interpreted by the Academic Standing Committee as satisfactory progress and may make it unnecessary to recommend dismissal.
Individual Program Adjustments
Academic Schools reserve the right to counsel any student out of a major or minor for academically related reasons. A student has the right to appeal such School action to the Chair of Academic Standing Committee, who will direct warranted appeals to the Academic Standing Committee.
Readmission for Academically Dismissed Students
A student who is dismissed from the College due to academic difficulty or probation must petition the admission’s review panel for readmission. Consult with an academic advisor or an admission’s representative for information on the readmission process.
Students are also encouraged to reach out to the Financial Aid Office to ensure understanding of the Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards that must be met to be eligible for financial aid.
A student who is readmitted to the College after an absence of five successive years may, upon completion of 15 consecutive credits at Elizabethtown College and earning a grade of C or better in each class, have previous grades of F removed from the cumulative grade point average.
Academic Judicial System
Responsibility for judicial matters of an academic nature is assumed by the Academic Standing Committee. The Academic Standing Committee handles matters pertaining to academic dishonesty, grade appeals, academic probation, academic dismissal, readmission and deviations from the academic curriculum of the College.
Academic Due Process
At Elizabethtown College, academic due process is understood to include the following student rights:
Regarding Grading:
- To receive a specific explanation of how a course grade was determined.
- To appeal a course grade if the student believes that a grade was influenced by matters other than academic performance, class attendance and punctuality in submitting assignments.
Regarding Academic Dishonesty:
- When penalized for academic dishonesty, to receive a written notification specifying the nature of the infraction and the recommended penalty.
- To request a hearing before the Academic Standing Committee when found by a faculty member to be in violation of the standards of academic integrity and to receive a written statement from that committee summarizing the findings of the committee and its disposition on the matter.
- To request a hearing before the Academic Standing Committee when recommended for academic dismissal due to cheating, plagiarism or other violations of the standards of academic integrity.
- To inspect any information on file in the Office of the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs (or its proxy) dealing with incidents of academic dishonesty attributed to that student.
Elizabethtown College assumes that students will act honorably. Students are expected to adhere to the Pledge of Integrity adopted by both the students and the faculty in 1995 and revised in 2014:
I pledge to respect all members of the Elizabethtown College community, and to act as a responsible member of the College community. I pledge to respect the free exchange of ideas both inside and outside the classroom. I pledge to represent as my work only that which is indeed my own, refraining from all forms of lying, plagiarizing, cheating, and academic dishonesty.
As members of the Elizabethtown College community, we hold each other responsible in the maintaining of these values.
Reflecting commitment to the pledge, new students are expected to sign a pledge stating, “I pledge to be honest and to uphold integrity.”
Academic dishonesty – including cheating and plagiarism – constitutes a serious breach of academic integrity. Academic work is expected unequivocally to be the honest product of the student’s own endeavor.
Cheating is defined as the giving or receiving of unauthorized information as part of an examination or other academic exercise. What constitutes “unauthorized information” may vary depending upon the type of examination or assessment involved, and the student must be careful to understand in advance what a particular instructor considers to be “unauthorized information.” Faculty members are encouraged to make this definition clear to their students through statements on the syllabi.
Plagiarism is defined as taking and using the writings or ideas of another without acknowledging the source and/or without rephrasing the information into their own words. Plagiarism occurs most frequently in the preparation of a paper but is found in other types of course assignments as well. The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) (i.e. ChatGPT) has provided both appropriate and inappropriate uses of such tools in assignments. Faculty members are highly encouraged to provide guidance on how AI may be used (if any) for a given assignment. If guidance is not provided, it is the student’s responsibility to seek approval before using AI to complete any part of an assignment. Inappropriate use of AI to complete assignments is an academic integrity violation.
Other forms of academic dishonesty include (but are not limited to) fabrication, falsification, or invention of information when such information is not appropriate. To knowingly help or attempt to help another student to commit an act of academic dishonesty is an equivalent breach of academic integrity and is treated as such.
Cases of academic dishonesty are reviewed individually and according to the circumstances of the violation; however, students who violate the standards of academic integrity can normally expect a grade of F in the course and/or possible dismissal from the College.
A student may not withdraw “W” from a course in which an integrity violation has occurred unless the course instructor, academic advisor and Chair of Academic Standing Committee agree to the withdrawal. Withdrawal from a course in which an integrity violation has occurred will most often result in a grade of “WF”.
Procedures for Dealing with Cases of Academic Dishonesty
Instances Involving Course Work. The following steps are to be followed when dealing with instances of academic dishonesty involving course work:
- Initial Conference. When an instructor discovers evidence of academic dishonesty, an initial conference is scheduled promptly with the student or students involved. If a face-to-face meeting is not possible, this conference can take place by video conferencing (i.e. Zoom) or via e-mail. If an instructor is unable to schedule a conference before grades are due, a grade of Incomplete for the course should be assigned in the interim. If the student confirms his or her academic dishonesty in the initial conference, then the procedure continues with the Written Notification step below.
- Second Conference. If, in the initial conference, the student denies academic dishonesty, but the instructor is satisfied that there is evidence of academic dishonesty, a second conference is scheduled with the student involved. In cases involving more than one student, either individual or group conferences may be appropriate depending on the circumstances of the case. The second conference should include the School Dean. If the School Dean commenced the integrity violation a second faculty member from the School should be included. The student also has the right to have a faculty member, another student, or a member of the Center for Student Success present as a silent observer. Due to the nature of this second conference, it should be scheduled as a face-to-face meeting. If a face-to-face meeting is not possible, this conference can take place by video conferencing (i.e. Zoom)
- Written Notification. If, following either the initial or second conference, the initiating faculty member is satisfied that there is proof of academic dishonesty, the faculty member will give the accused student(s) written notification specifying the infraction and the recommended penalty. Copies of this notification are sent to the School Dean (or equivalent) and the Chair of the Academic Standing Committee. Should the School Dean (or equivalent) not agree with the faculty member’s recommended penalty, both the faculty member and the School Dean (or equivalent) will give written notification with rationale to the Chair of the Academic Standing Committee. The Chair of the Academic Standing Committee will review the matter and recommend action and will inform the student and instructor in writing of the recommended action.
- Reported Cases. Cases of alleged academic dishonesty reported by a student or students or College staff are managed as described above.
- Academic Standing Committee. Following the second conference, the accused student(s) will have the alternative of (1) accepting the penalty recommended by the faculty member or the Chair of Academic Standing Committee [in the case of a difference between the faculty member and the Chair of Academic Standing Committee], or (2) requesting a hearing before the Academic Standing Committee. The request for a hearing must be presented in writing to the Chair of Academic Standing Committee within five business days of receipt of the notice of recommended action. In no case may the Academic Standing Committee impose a penalty more severe than the one imposed by the faculty member, or the Chair of Academic Standing Committee.
- Dismissal. Beyond the penalty imposed for the individual course, the Chair of Academic Standing Committee will review each case of academic dishonesty and exercise judgment as to whether a student found to be in violation of the standards of academic integrity should be recommended for dismissal from the College. If it is the Chair of the Academic Standing Committee’s judgment that academic dismissal is appropriate, the Chair of the Academic Standing Committee will notify in writing both the student and the Academic Standing Committee of their decision and the factors that influenced that decision.
- Academic Standing Committee. In the event of dismissal, the student will have the option of (1) accepting the Chair of the Academic Standing Committee’s decision, or (2) requesting a hearing before the Academic Standing Committee. The request for a hearing must be presented in writing to the Chair of the Academic Standing Committee within five business days of receipt of the Chair of the Academic Standing Committee’s decision. The Academic Standing Committee’s decision is final.
Note: If the Chair of the Academic Standing Committee initiates an integrity violation, then the Associate Provost for Student Learning or Provost will participate in the processes, as described, in replace of the Chair of the Academic Standing Committee.
Other Instances
All forms of dishonesty in academic matters are violations of the Standards of Academic Integrity and are the concern of the Academic Review Committee. Inappropriate actions – for example, lying to College officials or forgery of an advisor’s signature – are violations equivalent to cheating and plagiarism in course work. Such dishonesty will be dealt with following the general procedures set forth above. Cases are reviewed individually and according to the circumstances of the violation; possible penalties include suspension or dismissal from the College.
Grades are considered official at the time they are submitted by the faculty. Questions concerning grades must be called to the attention of the instructor immediately after the official grade report is received. Formal grade appeals must be submitted within 30 working days of the date on which the grade was issued from the Office of Registration and Records. An exception to the 30-day time limit requires formal petition to and approval of the Academic Standing Committee.
If a student believes that a final grade has been influenced by matters other than academic performance, class attendance and punctuality in submitting assignments, then the following steps are to be followed.
- Initial Conference. The student may request an initial conference with the instructor to discuss the matter. If a face-to-face meeting is not possible, this conference can take place by video conferencing (i.e. Zoom) or via e-mail. If the student and the faculty member reach consensus on a grade change, then the procedure continues with the Written Notification step below.
- Second Conference. If the student is unsatisfied with the outcomes of the initial conference, then the student may submit a request in writing for a second conference on the matter to the School Dean. If the School Dean assigned the final grade, a second faculty member from the School should be included. For the meeting, the student will prepare a written statement outlining the basis for the appeal. The student also has the right to have a faculty member, another student, or a member of the Center for Student Success present as a silent observer. Due to the nature of this second conference, it should be scheduled as a face-to-face meeting. If a face-to-face meeting is not possible, this conference can take place video conferencing (i.e. Zoom). The decision regarding the course grade in question will be made by the faculty member in consultation with the Dean (or equivalent).
- Written Notification. Following either the initial conference or second conference, as appropriate, the faculty member will provide the student written notification of the decision. A copy of this notification is sent to the School Dean (or equivalent) and the Associate Provost for Student Learning. Should the faculty member and the School Dean (or equivalent) not be in agreement following the second conference, both the faculty member and the School Dean (or equivalent) will give written statements to the Chair of Academic Standing Committee explaining the reasons for upholding or altering the grade. The Chair of Academic Standing Committee will then review the matter, recommend action, and will inform the student and Associate Provost for Student Learning in writing of the recommended action.
- Academic Standing Committee. The student will have the alternative of (1) accepting the grade recommended by the faculty member or the School Dean [in the case of a difference between the faculty member and the School Dean (or equivalent)], or (2) requesting a hearing before the Academic Standing Committee. The request for a hearing must be presented in writing to the Chair of Academic Standing Committee within ten business days of receipt of the notice of information. In no case may the Academic Standing Committee impose a grade lower than the one originally determined by the faculty member or the School Dean, as the case may be. The Academic Standing Committee’s decision is final.
Note: If the Chair of the Academic Standing Committee assigned the grade in question, then the Associate Provost for Student Learning or Provost will participate in the processes, as described, in replace of the Chair of the Academic Standing Committee.
Students have the right to appeal to the Academic Standing Committee if they believe they have a unique set of circumstances that warrants an exception of written policy established by Faculty for Elizabethtown College. Petition forms may be found online or for pickup in the Office of Registration and Records. It is the student’s responsibility to provide sufficient information on why their unique situation warrants an exception to College policy.
Academic Honors
Degree Conferrals and Commencement
Elizabethtown College celebrates the achievement of its graduates through an annual commencement ceremony, held in May. The ceremony is typically held on the morning of the second or third Saturday in May, outdoors in The Dell, except in cases of severely inclement weather when the ceremony is held in an alternate location.
Students earning their degrees in the previous summer or fall are invited to participate and be recognized at this ceremony. Prior graduates, August, and December, in the prior calendar year will notify the college of their interest in Commencement Participation via the College’s Commencement website for the May Ceremony of the current academic year.
Candidates for Participation in Commencement
Students earning a degree in the current academic year will be invited to participate in the commencement ceremony held annually each May. Students are approved to participate in Commencement with their class, have their name listed in the official program, and are called to the platform for recognition as members of the graduating class. They are not graduates and do not receive a diploma until they have successfully completed all requirements.
Following participation approval, students have two years from when they participate in commencement to complete remaining graduation requirements and earn their degree. During this grace period, students may not change their major declaration(s). Students not completing their degree within the designated two years from date of participation will need to follow the Catalog requirements in effect during the year they complete their degree (see “Other Requirements”).
At any time, a student may alter their graduation plans by submitting a subsequent graduation application to alert us of their change in plans for graduation.
Graduate and Doctoral students are not recipients of Latin or Honors in the Discipline honors.
To be eligible to participate, students must:
- At the time of the ceremony, graduate students must have a 3.00 grade point average in their major(s), minor(s), and overall, to be eligible to participate.
- Submit a Graduation Application to the Office of Registration and Records on or before April 1 of the academic year they plan to graduate.
- Students notify the college of their interest in Commencement Participation via the College’s Commencement website.
Application for Graduation and Commencement Participation
Students will be required to submit applications to formally apply for graduation and to participate in Commencement in May. August and December graduates who were not previously approved to participate in a prior graduation ceremony in May will be invited to participate in the May ceremony after degree completion.
Students anticipating completion of all degree requirements, including summer study, must submit an Application for Graduation during their final semester by deadlines outlined below.
Application Deadlines:
· Deadline for May Graduation: April 11
· Deadline for August Graduation and Early Participation* in May Commencement: April 11
· Deadline for August Graduation and not participating early in Commencement: June 1
· Deadline for December Graduation: October 1
Application for May Commencement Participation:
The application for participation is managed by the Commencement Committee. In the spring, prior to commencement all students will be invited to submit their interest in participating in the graduation ceremony. For more information, please visit https://www.etown.edu/commencement.
Residency Requirements
Residency means courses/credits completed through Elizabethtown College. The minimum number of Elizabethtown College courses needed to satisfy the requirements varies depending on the program. Graduate degree candidates must complete a minimum of 27 credits at Elizabethtown College.
Program Requirements
Graduation requirements are governed by the College Catalog dated four years prior to graduation or, for major or minor requirements, by the College Catalog in effect at the time of graduation if the student so chooses. For most students, this means they will follow the requirements of the Catalog in effect when they begin their studies at Elizabethtown College. Students who choose to change Catalog years for their program to the one in effect at the time of graduation must inform their academic advisor and the Office of Registration and Records by the end of the fall semester of their final year. Students may not use a combination of College Catalogs to complete a program.
Students may not normally use a College Catalog dated more than four years prior to graduation to determine requirements for a degree. The only exception to this is for students who have been continuously enrolled for more than four years.
Elizabethtown College will graduate only those students who meet the moral and financial obligations incurred in pursuit of their studies. The completion of the required number of credits does not in itself constitute eligibility for graduation. It is the responsibility of the candidate for a degree to make formal written application for the degree to the Office of Registration and Records by the stated deadline. Only students in good academic standing may apply for candidacy for degree conferral.
The Office of the President must be notified by any student who plans to graduate in absentia.
Academic Honors
Doctoral programs, graduate degrees, and graduate certificates are not eligible for undergraduate honors, i.e. Latin honors. Dean’s List and Honors in the Discipline.
Enrolled students complete two graduate credentials at the same level at the same time.
Acceptance into a concurrent credential is at the discretion of the program director, and the school dean governing the program.
All credentials must be declared prior to applying for graduation. A student’s grade point average will be based on all credential declarations, simultaneously or embedded credentialling.
Simultaneous Credentials
A student seeking to enroll in two credentials simultaneously will have each credential transcribed upon the successful completion of all requirements across all credentials. Students are not awarded credentials independent of the other, regardless of the successful completion of a particular course credential sequence.
Embedded Credentials
A student enrolled in degreed programs with embedded credentials will not receive certificate credentials independent of their degreed program. The degreed program is transcribed.
Subsequent Credential
A student may seek to complete an additional, or subsequent, graduate credential after the completion of their first graduate credential. Students must apply for acceptance into the succeeding credential and admissions decisions are independent of all prior admissions decisions.
- Bachelor’s Degree to Graduate Degree Program
- Students may be approved to use up to nine (9) credits from a previous Elizabethtown undergraduate degree program to meet the requirements of a subsequent graduate degree.
- Bachelor’s degree to Graduate Certificate
- Undergraduate students enrolled with Elizabethtown College can accelerate their pathway to a post-graduate certificate credential. The post-graduate certificate must contain a minimum of 6 unique credits not counting toward their undergraduate degree.
- Graduate Degree to Graduate Certificate
- Credits earned in prior degreed program may be applied to a subsequent certificate provided there are three unique credits completed in the subsequent certificate program.
- Graduate Certificate to Graduate Degree Program
- Graduate credit-bearing certificate programs are comprised of related courses that constitute a coherent body of study within a discipline. Elizabethtown College students who have been fully admitted into a graduate degree program, while previously or currently enrolled in an Elizabethtown College certificate program, may apply credits earned in the certificate program to a graduate degree in their entirety.
Requirements:
- The graduate certificate course credit hours must be defined as an area of concentration within the graduate degree program.
- The graduate degree program must have eighteen (18) unique (not shared) credits unless otherwise noted in the Catalog for the specific graduate program.
If the certificate is not an area of concentration in the graduate degree program, the student may apply up to six (6) previously earned credits from the certificate program to the graduate degree program to take the place of elective credits.
- Graduate Certificate to Graduate Certificate
- Credits earned in a previous certificate may be applied to a subsequent certificate if at least six (6) credits are unique (not shared) and is completed after the first certificate is awarded.
- Graduate Degree to Graduate Degree
- Students may be approved to use up to nine (9) credits from a previous Elizabethtown graduate degree program to meet the requirements of a subsequent graduate degree.
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