Academic Information

The College reserves the right to offer additional internships, independent studies, research assistantships, and selected topics courses beyond the course descriptions included in the Catalog.

The academic program is designed to provide a well-rounded education in the liberal arts tradition. To avoid narrow specialization, subjects from a range of fields of human interest are made available. To avoid superficial knowledge of various fields with depth in none, students select a major area of concentration to which they devote special study according to programs approved by the respective academic areas.

The College offers majors and minors in the following departments:

The College offers four degrees: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Master of Arts.

The College reserves the right to change or withdraw courses and to revise requirements for graduation whenever the responsible officials decide that such action is advisable. Insofar as possible, students will be permitted to graduate under the provisions in effect at the time of admission. A student may, with the approval of the Office of Academic Affairs, petition the appropriate faculty committee to permit exceptions to certain prescribed requirements.

Faculty advisors will assist students in course selections and registration. Additional assistance may be obtained from the Office of the Registrar and the Office of Academic Affairs. It is understood, however, that students are responsible for selecting courses and meeting degree requirements according to College regulations.

Degree Requirements

The Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is awarded to students who meet the following conditions (see Fine Arts, BFA  for further information about the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree):

1. Completion of 120 semester hours with at least a 2.0 grade point average for all work attempted. Credit for graduation is not awarded for any course whose number begins with a 0 (e.g., ENG 010 , ENG 090 , REA 010 , REA 020 , REA 090 , MAT 010 , etc.).
2. Completion of at least one major in accordance with the requirements set forth by the academic department. At least half of the credit hours required for the student major(s) must be earned at Flagler. There can be no more than two grades of D+ or below in the courses of a major, including ancillary courses (course selected from among several course options that can be taken to fulfill the requirements for a major, but are not offered within the department in which the major or minor falls), and no more than one grade of D+ or below in the courses of a minor.  However, Education majors may not earn a grade or D+ or below in any course required for their major, including ancillary courses.
3. Completion of 42 hours in General Education: six hours in composition (ENG 152WI  or ENG 172WI  and ENG 202WI ); six hours in mathematics; three hours in speech communication (COM 101 ); three hours in First Year Seminar or Freshman Honors Colloquium (FYS 142WI , FYS 152WI , or HON 100 ); nine hours taken from courses designated in “Foundations of Knowledge”; six hours taken from courses designated in “Creative Expression”; and nine hours taken from courses designated in “Ways of Knowing” (see General Education Program and Courses for the full listing of courses). In addition, students must demonstrate a sufficient level of skills and knowledge in the basic use of computers. Every major of the college requires at least one three-hour technology rich course emphasizing computer and technology literacy recognized by that discipline.
4. Students are required to complete a minimum of five courses designated as Writing Intensive (WI) within the General Education curriculum.
5. Students must earn a grade of “C-” or better in ENG 152WI  (or ENG 172WI ). Students who earn a grade of “D+,” “D,” “F,” or “WF” in these two courses will be required to repeat the courses until a grade of “C-” or higher is earned at Flagler College.
6. Completion of three semesters as a full-time student, with a minimum of 45 semester hours earned at Flagler. The final 30 hours of credit required for the degree must be earned at Flagler. Exceptions to this requirement may be granted to students who are approved to study abroad.
7. Completion of various forms of institutional or departmental assessment, including examinations, surveys, and focus groups. Specific requirements include:

• Completion of IDEA faculty/course evaluations prior to end of each semester in which course was taken
• Completion of the Co-curricular Program
• Completion of the Beginning College Survey of Student Engagement (BCSSE) or ETS Success Navigator during first-year orientation
• Completion of the Learning Community Survey at the conclusion of the Learning Community courses
• Completion of the ETS Proficiency Profile General Education Assessment at the conclusion of the second year
• Completion of student engagement surveys to include the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) and Student Satisfaction Index (SSI) throughout academic career
• Completion of Collegiate Learning Assessment (CLA+) prior to graduation
• Completion of Program-Level Exit Exam or Assessment prior to graduation
• Completion of Program-Level Exit Survey prior to graduation
• Completion of Alumni Entrance Survey prior to graduation*
• Completion of required assessments will be tracked by the Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness.

*Completion of Alumni Entrance Survey tracked by the Office of Alumni Relations.

The First Year Experience Program

The purpose of Flagler College’s first year experience program is to aid the transition of new students into a campus community that is uniquely situated in the nation’s oldest city and dedicated to the academic success and personal development of every student. The first year program integrates new students into the intellectual, cultural, and social life of the College, introduces students to a challenging academic community in which they engage in active learning, and fosters a collaborative campus environment in which students receive personalized support from faculty, staff and administrators. Every College department promotes these goals and is dedicated to working in concert to ensure that during their first year Flagler students become active, vital members of the College community.

To achieve these objectives the First Year Experience Program brings together four separate elements that are deliberately designed to facilitate the successful transition of new students to the Flagler College community.

1. First Year Advisors: All first year students at Flagler are individually advised by a well-trained First Year Advisor. A group of faculty and staff deeply committed to the success of our first year students, First Year Advisors work extensively with their small group of advisees. Individual students are contacted well before they enroll at Flagler, and advisors develop a close relationship with them as they prepare to begin their college experience. First Year Advisors advise students during their entire first year at Flagler College.
2. Academic Orientation: Flagler College is fundamentally committed to our first year students beginning their education in a position most likely to insure academic success. A key element of this preparation is an intense four-day academic orientation designed to get students ready for classes before the traditional first-day of class. In addition to the essential elements of traditional college first year orientation, this program also focuses on establishing the academic expectations of all students at Flagler College and at fostering the habits and attitudes Flagler students need to excel academically and as citizens of the Flagler College community.
3. The First Year Seminar is a class about college, the world, and the relationship between them.  It provides students with the skills and practical knowledge needed for success in college. But more than that, this class is students’ first opportunity to engage in real college-level critical thought about self and world; about the value and responsibilities of citizenship in diverse democracy. First Year Seminar is taught by faculty from various disciplines across the Flagler Campus. They each bring their own passions and interests into the classroom. Though all sections have some texts in common, no two First Year Seminars are exactly alike.  You’ll read about political philosophy and the history of science. You’ll learn about the cultural meanings of business and entertainment. You will stand beside Socrates as he considers leaving this world for the good of his city, and beside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as he tries to make the world better. With Galileo, you will peer through a telescope to see mountains on the moon. With St. Augustine, you will consider the nature of God.
   The class is broken into four parts:
   • Part I is an introduction to college and of the meaning of “liberal education.” In this segment, students see that the skills needed for the next four years are not the same as the skills learned in high school.
   • Part II is about self-examination. What kind of life is the best to live, and why? Students start with one of the most famous life-examiners in history, Socrates.  They read ancient and current-day writers as they take journeys of self-exploration and criticize and praise the worlds they grew up in.
   • Part III is about society and citizenship. Students read about the origin and meaning of politics. They read current day media to learn about what is happening in the world and what their responsibilities might be. They learn to consume the news critically and thoughtfully.
   • Part IV Is a return to the first-year common read. Students see how books we encountered once become more meaningful in the light of deeper understanding.Through all of these parts of First Year Seminar students learn to write and communicate at the college level. They learn evidence-based argument and techniques for forming and justifying our own ideas, along with ways of communicating these ideas clearly.
     
     Transfer students are not required to take the First Year Seminar.
4. Learning Communities: A core element of the Flagler College First Year Experience, Learning Communities are clusters of courses designed around a particular theme, cultural issue, or topic. Typically satisfying General Education requirements for first year students, these interdisciplinary classes are deliberately designed to connect first year students with our finest faculty and to provide students with a learning environment that is both challenging and supportive.

Co-Curricular Program

The Co-curricular Program requirement is designed to expose students to events that faculty and administration believe best represent the literary, philosophical, visual arts, and performing arts traditions that students are exposed to as a part of a liberal education. Typical credited events include concerts, plays, lectures, panel discussions, debates, art exhibits, research presentations and readings.

The Co-curricular Program at Flagler requires that students attend:

• Three events per semester during Freshman and Sophomore years (under 60-credit hours);
• Two events per semester during Junior and Senior years (over 60-credit hours).
• Each academic year, one of these events must be diversity related.

Students may, and are encouraged, to complete event credits early, particularly if they know they will be required to complete off-campus internships as a requirement for their degree.

If due to extenuating circumstances approved by the Dean of Academic Life, a student finds that they are unable to attend approved on-campus events for co-curricular credit, they may contact the Director of Co-curricular Programs to find an approved event near their current location for credit. The student will incur any cost for attendance to this event and must provide proof of attendance (receipt, ticket stub, etc.) and submit a one page reflection paper providing a short overview of the event and its literary, philosophical, visual arts, and/or performing arts contributions to the Director of Co-curricular Programs.

General Education Program and Courses

Total Credit Hours Required: 42 minimum

Students at Flagler College are required to complete specific groups of courses from a variety of fields to ensure exposure to different ideas and ways of thinking. The General Education courses should occur at the freshman and sophomore levels and include courses designated in the categories of Flagler Core Experience, Foundations of Knowledge, Creative Expression, and Ways of Knowing. Because many of these lower numbered courses must be completed before other courses can be taken, students are advised to complete the General Education courses as early as possible. The General Education requirements should be completed by the end of the sophomore year.

All students are required to complete two courses in English Composition (ENG 152WI  or ENG 172WI  and ENG 202WI ) and one course in Speech Communication (COM 101 ). In addition, students must demonstrate a sufficient level of skill and knowledge in the basic use of computers. This requirement may be satisfied by earning a passing grade in a computer literacy course within departmental requirements of the student’s major. Students are required to complete a minimum of five courses designated Writing Intensive (WI) within the General Education curriculum: ENG 152WI  (or ENG 172WI ), First Year Seminar, ENG 202WI , and two additional courses designated as Writing Intensive. Writing Intensive courses will be indicated by a “WI” after the course number, e.g. “HIS 101WI .”

Also, students are required to be enrolled in English composition courses (ENG 142 , 152WI  or ENG 172WI , and ENG 202WI ). from the time of their initial enrollment at Flagler College until such time as this General Education requirement is satisfied.  In addition to the requirements in English, communication, and computer literacy, students must complete the General Education Program.

Students are required to be enrolled in an appropriate mathematics course from the time of their initial enrollment at Flagler College until such time as their mathematics general education requirement is satisfied.

The purpose of the Flagler College General Education Curriculum is to cultivate literate, creative, socially responsible, and self-reflective individuals.

Fitness/Wellness (FTW)

Activity Classes: The purpose of these courses is to expose students to the nature of each sport or activity and to afford students opportunities for improvement of skill or fitness level. No more than two 100-level Fitness/Wellness (FTW) courses will be allowed to count toward graduation requirements. Students who successfully complete an activity class may not repeat that class for credit.

Flagler College Honors Program

I. Mission Statement:

The mission of the honors program at Flagler College is to challenge and support exceptionally creative, talented, and intellectually-engaged students. This program enables such students to maximize their educational experience by interacting closely with faculty members and peers in a stimulating interdisciplinary environment while contributing in profound ways to the intellectual culture of the college. The honors program seeks to accomplish the following objectives:

• To provide honors students the highest academic challenge that Flagler has to offer, in order to help them realize their greatest potential.
• To provide dedicated resources for honors students to engage in both formal and informal learning, lively discussions, and shared projects.
• To enable honors students to share their accomplishments with the broader campus community and thus to cultivate appreciation for academic values at Flagler College.
• To help students present their research and creative work at academic gatherings outside of Flagler College, and to assist them in applying for academic grants, graduate fellowships, and other prestigious awards.
• To help prepare students for postgraduate study and employment possibilities by offering them the opportunity to do research and creative work beyond normal classroom assignments.

II. Honors Program Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the honors program, students will have developed:

• a set of skills that enable an independent pursuit of study.
• critical-thinking skills through learning experiences that require sophisticated modes of inquiry.
• collaborative and leadership skills.
• their ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate ideas across academic disciplines.
• their ability to think creatively.

III. Honors Admission:

A. Admission of incoming first-year students to the honors program

A small percentage of incoming freshmen will be invited to join the honors program on the basis of a GPA/SAT (ACT) threshold to be determined each year by the Director of the Honors Program, the Vice President for Enrollment Management, and the Director of the First Year Experience. The Admissions Committee of the Faculty Senate will be charged with selecting students from those meeting the threshold to achieve balance across intended majors, etc.

B. Recommending second semester first-year students for admission to the honors program

A limited number of second semester first-year students may be invited to join the honors program. Faculty can nominate students by submitting a letter of recommendation to the Director of the Honors Program. Second semester students deemed appropriate by the Director will be added, pending available seats.

C. Admission of transfer students to the honors program

Incoming transfer students will be evaluated on the basis of prior college GPA. Again, academic rating (AR) thresholds will be determined each year by the Director of the Honors Program and the Vice President for Enrollment Management. Transfer students with 60 or fewer credit hours will enter the honors program in HON 200 and those with more than 60 credit hours will enroll in both HON 200/201 and HON 300 during their first year at Flagler.  Transfer students must be able to complete 4 semesters as full-time students at Flagler College in order to participate in the honors program.

D. Staying in the honors program

Students participating in the honors program must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 and make satisfactory progress toward the honors award by passing level-appropriate HON courses. In addition, regular attendance at special honors events is expected.

IV. Curricular Requirements:

First Year

HON 100  (3) – Fall Semester

ENG 172WI  (3) – Fall Semester

Honors-designated Learning Community – Spring Semester (6)
The Honors Learning Community will provide 2 three-credit hour courses in General Education designed around the unique theme of the incoming class to inspire students in a challenging and supportive academic environment.

Co-Curricular Requirement: Honors students will have to fulfill six co-curricular activities within the Honors Program in the first year.  Three of these activities will count toward their first-year co-curricular requirement.

Second Year

HON 200  (1) – Fall Semester

HON 201  (1)  – Spring Semester

Third Year

HON 300  (1) – Fall or Spring Semester

Discipline-specific upper-level honors course – Fall or Spring Semester
Honors students will designate a specific upper-division course within their major or minor discipline as an honors course (in consultation with and with the approval of the Director of the Honors Program and the faculty members teaching the courses in question) and will complete assignments beyond those listed on the course syllabus, as worked out with the course instructors and Director of the Honors Program. (Note: this requirement may be fulfilled during the honors student’s senior year, but must be completed prior to the student’s final semester.)

Fourth Year

HON 400  (1) – Fall or Spring Semester

Other Curricular Requirements

High Impact Requirement
Honors students must participate in an extracurricular high impact experience. This experience can be one of the following: study abroad/away, internship, semester-long service learning project, grant writing, or other activity pre-approved by the Honors Program Director.

V. Special Recognition

Students successfully completing all elements of the honors program will be recognized during the graduation ceremony and have an honors designation placed on their official academic transcripts.

Independent Study

Students who have achieved junior or senior standing are permitted to take an independent study with the following provisions: (a) the student must have at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average and a 3.0 grade point average for the previous semester, (b) a faculty member must agree to offer the independent study, and (c) the respective school dean must approve the independent study. Students must register for an independent study prior to the beginning of a term or during the official add period. Students registering for an independent study course will be charged an additional fee of $50. Independent study forms are available in the Office of the Registrar.

Before an independent study course will be approved, students must complete at least two full semesters at Flagler College. No student may take more than one independent study per semester, unless the courses are part of an approved study abroad program. Independent study will not be approved for any course that is offered during the academic year or the summer session. As a general policy, independent study courses will not be allowed during the summer term. The Vice-President of Academic Affairs may grant exceptions to this policy only upon the recommendation of the school dean.

Consent to Academic Policies, Regulations, and Procedures

Students are responsible to know and abide by all academic policies, regulations, and procedures, as set forth in the Catalog and the Student Handbook. Students are also expected to be aware of specific course requirements, as set forth in the course syllabus, distributed at the beginning of each semester or term. Inasmuch as important information is periodically distributed by campus e-mail, including communications from faculty and administrators, students are required to obtain and to check regularly their Flagler College e-mail and to respond to requests in a timely manner.

Academic Advisement

A distinctive characteristic of the educational program at Flagler is the emphasis placed on teaching and advising. These two aspects of the educational program are the primary responsibilities of faculty.

Advisement plays an important role in guiding the student through his or her educational experience at Flagler. Full-time faculty serve as advisors to students who are usually majoring in the advisor’s field of study. The major responsibilities of the advisor are to assist students in planning their educational program, selecting specific courses to satisfy degree requirements, clarifying procedures, and responding to questions and concerns.

Advising at Flagler is carried on as a continuous process rather than a periodic service. To this end, students are encouraged to meet regularly with their advisors to monitor their progress in achieving their educational and personal goals.

Students who wish to change advisors must contact the Office of Student Success and Advising. If the student is reassigned, both the previous advisor and the new advisor are notified. The previous advisor should turn over to the new advisor the files of the student involved.

It is the student’s responsibility to plan and carry out a program of study in accordance with departmental requirements. The academic advisor assists by helping students to identify and assess alternatives, as well as the consequences, of decisions. The primary goals of the academic advisement program are:
• To provide learning opportunities which will enable students to acquire the knowledge and skills to become increasingly self-sufficient with regard to planning and carrying out a program of study leading to graduation in the desired major;
• To promote advisement as a continuous process informed by regular contact, as appropriate, between advisor and student;
• The development of suitable education plans;
• The selection of appropriate courses and other educational experiences;
• The understanding of the educational resources available;
• An evaluation of the student’s progress toward his/her educational and career goals;
• Referral to and use of other institutional and community support services where appropriate.

Students who have questions or concerns related to these goals and activities are strongly encouraged to meet with their advisors.

The Proctor Library

The Proctor Library is a vital educational resource on the Flagler College campus. The library is staffed and equipped to provide all the services common to a research library: research support and instruction, computer labs, interlibrary loan, and audiovisual materials and equipment. Professional librarians are available during library hours to assist students, staff and faculty. The Library’s collection consists of 101,295 printed volumes, 262,605 electronic books, 3,813 DVDs, and 655 music CDs. The library also subscribes to 60 electronic databases used by students and faculty for research and to access over 42,000 full-text periodicals.

The Proctor Library is located at the corner of Valencia and Sevilla Streets. Completed in 1996, the building is named for Dr. William Proctor, president of the College for 30 years, from 1971 until 2001. The three-story building with its muted grey walls and brick banding complement and reflect the architectural style of the Flagler Era buildings. The first and second floors include the Library’s reference, audiovisual, and circulating collections, together with three quiet research spaces, two general Internet access spaces, nine group study rooms (four of which are technology equipped), a technology supported presentation room, and a variety of other seating options supporting academic work. The third floor offers the graphic design lab/studio, five technology-equipped lab/classrooms, and several faculty and administrative offices. Computer capabilities include some 200 networked computer workstations, and WiFi capability is available on all three floors and throughout campus. Access by students to the Library’s electronic databases is also available from the residence halls and any other Internet access point.

Library hours, when classes are in session fall and spring semesters:
Monday - Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 12:00 midnight
Friday 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 midnight

Extended study hours are offered during the final two weeks of the fall and spring semesters.

During the summer term, the library hours are:
Monday - Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday Closed
Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

The Learning Resource Center

The Learning Resource Center (LRC) is a space where Flagler students can obtain, free of charge, assistance from their peers and College faculty members in math, accounting, finance, economics, quantitative business methods, writing, the natural sciences, Spanish, French, reading, and study skills. It is located at the east end of the south breezeway (nearest Ponce de Leon Hall). Students may also utilize the Center as a quiet work and study space between classes. It is open Monday through Thursday during the fall and spring semesters from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and on Fridays from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Summer hours vary. Some labs also offer evening hours in Proctor Library. Students can check each lab’s individual hours–as well as summer hours–at http://www.flagler.edu/lrc.

The Academic Success Lab
The Academic Success Lab helps students develop effective test-taking, content reading, time management, speaking, and listening strategies. Assistance with critical thinking skills and memorization techniques is also available. E-mail studyskillscenter@flagler.edu for more information.

The Math and Business Lab
The Math and Business Lab offers peer and faculty tutoring for Flagler math and business courses including algebra, geometry, statistics, pre-calculus, calculus, accounting, economics, finance and quantitative business methods. Other resources available include MyLab, StatCrunch, and calculator assistance as well as GRE and LSAT preparation.

The Science Learning Lab
The Science Learning Lab provides specialized peer tutoring in the natural sciences to help students understand scientific principles, solve problems, and write lab reports. E-mail sciencelab@flagler.edu for more information.

World Language Lab
The World Language Tutors program allows students to work individually with experienced Spanish and French tutors to sharpen their writing and speaking skills. Tutors can also provide tips for learning new vocabulary, remembering verb conjugations, and studying new grammar topics. E-mail worldlangtutors@flagler.edu for more information.

The Writing Center
The Writing Center provides an opportunity for students to work one-on-one with either a peer tutor or a member of the English Department faculty. Students are encouraged to bring any type of writing assignment for help with all parts of the writing process from brainstorming to final editing. Tutors are trained in a variety of citation methods and styles (APA, MLA, Chicago, CBE, etc.), and the Writing Center houses a wide variety of text resources including dictionaries, thesauri, style guides, and grammar and rhetoric handbooks. The Writing Center also offers evening hours in the Proctor Library. E-mail writingcenter@flagler.edu for more information.

Language Placement Exams

French Placement Test
A placement test is offered in French that can be taken at the start of the term. If a student places into a higher level French course, he/she can earn up to 8 credit hours if they pass the class with a B or better. For example, if students place into FRE 201 , they can earn 8 credit hours for FRE 101  and 102  if they complete FRE 201  with a B or better.

German Placement Test
A placement test is offered in German that can be taken at the start of the term. If a student places into GER 102 , he/she can earn 4 credit hours for GER 101  if they pass GER 102  with a B or better. Since Flagler College currently only offers 100 level classes in German, students need to keep in mind that if they score higher than 102  in German, there is no guarantee that they can later enroll in higher level German courses.

Italian Placement Test
A placement test is offered in Italian that can be taken at the start of the term. If a student places into a higher level Italian course, he/she can earn up to 8 credit hours if they pass the class with a B or better. For example, if students place into ITA 201 , they can earn 8 credit hours for ITA 101  and 102  if they complete ITA 201  with a B or better.

Spanish Placement Test
A placement test is offered in Spanish that can be taken at the start of the term. If a student places into a higher level Spanish course, he/she can earn up to 8 credit hours if they pass the class with a B or better. For example, if students place into SPA 201 , they can earn 8 credit hours for SPA 101  and 102  if they complete SPA 201  with a B or better.

Spanish native speakers may complete the placement test (and will be required to take it prior to enrollment in a Spanish minor or major). This test will verify that they are sufficiently advanced in the Spanish language to successfully complete Spanish 300 and 400 level course work. Those native language speakers who do not  successfully complete the test, due to shortcomings in Spanish grammar, writing, or for other reasons, will be placed into SPA 201 or SPA 202 Intermediate Spanish. Once these native language speakers successfully complete the SPA 201 and/or SPA 202 classes, they will be permitted to take SPA 301 and SPA 302 and then move on into higher level Spanish 300 and 400 level literature and culture courses. For those who successfully pass the placement test and successfully complete a higher level Spanish 300 or 400 class with a “B” or higher, they will be eligible to receive credit for SPA 201 and SPA 202 for a total of eight hours and no more. No student will receive credit for SPA 301 and 302 without taking the courses.

International Center

The mission of the International Center is to provide and enhance a range of opportunities which can expand the global understanding of the Flagler College community.

The International Center is responsible for providing programs, activities, and services that address the specific needs of international students on campus and developing and promoting study abroad activities for students who seek international learning experiences. In addition, the International Center serves as the college’s compliance unit for federal regulations relating to international students and scholars. The College’s center deals with Study Abroad, International Students, and International Programs in general.

Study Abroad Programs

At Flagler College, we believe in the power of travel. We’re committed to providing opportunities for our students to experience the world first-hand. The International Center, located in Wiley Hall, is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all credit-bearing study abroad and (currently) domestic off-campus programs. This includes approved semester and year-long programs, direct reciprocal exchanges with our partner universities and faculty-led summer programs.  Students wishing to participate in study abroad programs should visit the International Center to discuss their options. Further information can be found on the Flagler College website.

Types of Study Abroad Programs: Five general types of study abroad programs are available. All of these must be approved by the International Center:

1. Faculty-led programs: Our faculty-led programs are short-term courses, that integrate experiential learning with more traditional classroom experiences;
2. Direct exchange programs: Students may apply to spend a semester or a year abroad with one of our partner universities. Students pay Flagler tuition during their time abroad;
3. Third party programs: Students may enroll in a study abroad or study away program that is sponsored by an approved third-party program, such as CIEE;
4. Direct enrollment: Students may enroll directly in a foreign university as a visiting student.

To qualify for any study abroad program, students must have completed at least 24 credit hours and have a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or higher (waivers are available on a case by case basis to meet the GPA requirement). In addition, a student must:

1. Be a degree-seeking student;
2. Satisfy any departmental requirements;
3. Be approved by the International Center;
4. Receive positive letters of recommendation, if required; and
5. Have a satisfactory discipline record, as certified by the Dean of Student Services.   

Academic Credit for Study Abroad: Academic credit is based on the same criteria as credit for an on-campus course at Flagler College. Although some flexibility exists, academic credit is based on the number of hours of class attendance; learning objectives formulated form course content; and mastery level demonstrated through examinations, papers, a thesis, or the completion of an approved project.

Upon completion of the program, a transcript is forwarded to Flagler College. In most cases, the hours will be accepted toward the total hours necessary for graduation; however, not all courses will necessarily be accepted for general education or as a requirement for a major. For the purposes of the computation of a student’s grade point average, grades and quality points will not be accepted from a study abroad program. Current information on approved programs is available on the College website.

Conduct While Studying Abroad: Generally, the standards of conduct for students studying abroad are the same as those which are expected of the students on the Flagler College campus. The policy concerning the use of illegal substances is always enforced. Abuse of alcohol will not be tolerated. At any time during the approved dates of travel/study abroad, if a student brings discredit upon Flagler College, the faculty sponsor may either make arrangements for the student’s return to the U.S. or inform the student that his/her conduct will be referred to the Dean of Student Services at the beginning of the next semester.

While Flagler College has made every effort to ensure the study abroad experience will be rewarding and beneficial to participating students, it should be remembered that the students are outside of the United States, are subject to the laws and customs of the country in which they are travelling and are expected to respect the laws and customs of that country.

Flagler College carries GeoBlue International health insurance provided by Blue Cross. GeoBlue is mandatory for most faculty-led study abroad programs; however, students may purchase the insurance coverage regardless of their study abroad program. For more information, please consult with the International Center at Flagler College. Students are required to present evidence of insurance coverage prior to departure.

Financial Aid: According to the federal regulations and Florida Statues, students eligible for state and federal financial aid programs may apply for financial assistance to pay for expenses required to participate in programs of study in another state or in a foreign country. Students who are eligible for federal and state financial aid programs must confer with the Associate Director of Financial Aid about using funds from these programs for the purpose of participating in the study abroad programs. Institutional scholarships and grants are not applicable to study abroad programs with the following exceptions: the James W. Babcock and B. Teri Ludwick-Babcock Endowed Scholarship for Study Abroad, the Diane Sheeran Cassidy Memorial Scholarship for Study Abroad, the Janie Dickinson Memorial Scholarship, the Lewis-Wiley Scholarship, and the Unger Family Scholarship for Study Abroad. In general, financial aid should be seen as a possible reimbursement for study abroad and not a pre-pay for the trip itself and plans should be discussed with the Financial Aid Office.

Non Faculty-Led Study Abroad/Away Fee: Flagler College charges a $160.00 fee to defray the administrative costs associated with a study abroad program. These costs can occur prior to the student’s departure, during the time a student is away, and upon the student’s return to Flagler College. There is no administrative fee for study abroad programs that are led by Flagler College faculty.

Financial Payments: Tuition and fees for any Flagler College faculty-led program must be paid in full prior to the student’s departure date. For approved, non-Flagler College sponsored programs, students must submit payments for tuition and fees directly to the institution or organization sponsoring the study abroad program. Students are directed to adhere to the terms and conditions of the applicable study abroad program. Additionally, students who drop a faculty-led study abroad course are subject to forfeiture of all deposits and may incur additional financial penalties affiliated with the study abroad.

Registration

New freshmen, transfer students, and readmitted students register for classes prior to matriculating in the fall or spring semesters, and complete final registration after arriving on campus and consulting with their faculty advisors. Continuing students register for an upcoming semester during the immediately preceding semester. All students may revise their class schedule during the add/drop period. Student athletes may have classes on MTWRF until 3:15 pm. Registration for any semester is not complete until a student has complied with all procedures and has made satisfactory arrangements for the payment of tuition and other financial obligations.

Time Conflicts: Students are not permitted to register for courses whose scheduled meeting times overlap.

Continuing Student: A continuing student, sometimes referred to as a returning student, is a student who was enrolled full-time during the previous semester.

Cross Registration: Students are not permitted to be enrolled at another institution while attending Flagler College.

Part-time Students: The programs and activities of Flagler College are planned to meet the needs and interest of full-time students. A limited number of students, however, may be allowed to matriculate on a part-time basis (less than 12 semester hours), provided that space in the desired course(s) is available. All part-time students must apply for admission and be formally accepted prior to registering for classes. Part-time students are not eligible for medical and health services and are not allowed to participate in college-sponsored student activities. Part-time students, however, are assigned to an academic advisor and should seek academic counseling on a regular basis. While part-time students may be eligible for certain types of federal financial aid programs, they are not eligible for State of Florida or institutional financial aid programs. Full-time students who wish to change to part-time enrollment must complete a “Withdrawal to Part-Time Status” form and must provide a copy of this form to the Office of Business Services. Part-time students who wish to return to full-time status for the next semester must submit a formal, written request to the Office of the Registrar.

Registration Holds: Students will not be permitted to register if there is a “hold” on their accounts. To clear a hold, the student must contact the office that has issued the hold to find out what must be done to fulfill the obligation(s).

Readmission

Former students whose enrollment has been voluntarily or involuntarily interrupted, including academic suspension or dismissal, must petition the Registrar in writing for readmission to the College. The request for readmission should include reasons for leaving Flagler and for wanting to return. All requests must include current contact information and the semester for which readmission is being requested.

Former students who have attended another college or university for at least one semester must be eligible to re-enroll at that institution. Students who have attended another institution for more than one semester must have earned a cumulative GPA of 2.0 to be eligible for readmission. Official transcripts from the institution(s) attended must be submitted to the Registrar. The deadlines for readmission are as follows: Fall Semester - April 1st of the same year; Spring Semester – October 1st of the preceding year; Summer Term - open enrollment (students must submit request for readmission for Fall Semester). In some instances, an on-campus interview may be required.

Any student who withdraws from the College for medical or psychological reasons must have approval from the treating physician or licensed mental health professional prior to readmission.

Any student who applies for readmission must be cleared by the Office of Business Services and the Office of Student Services. Once a student is advised by the Registrar that the student’s readmission is approved, the student must submit an advance deposit to the Office of Business Services. All requests for readmission as well as official transcripts must be sent to the Flagler College Registrar, 74 King Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084.

Transfer Credits from Another Institution

Applicants transferring from another institution must be in good standing and must be eligible to return to the college or university previously attended. Transfer applicants from four-year institutions may receive a maximum of 75 semester hours of credit awarded. Recipients of the Associate of Arts (A.A.) Degree are generally admitted at the junior level; however, applicants who transfer from community/junior colleges will be allowed no more than 64 semester hours of credit toward the completion of degree requirements at Flagler.

Transfer credits will generally be granted for courses in which a grade of “C” or better was earned from regionally accredited institutions. Grades are not transferable; hence, quality points earned for transfer credits are not used in computing a student’s grade point average at Flagler.

Students who have successfully completed the requirements for an A.A. Degree may transfer up to three courses in which a “D” grade was earned, provided the total number of transfer credits does not exceed 64 semester hours. In accordance with the ICUF (Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida) Articulation Agreement, Flagler College, as a member of ICUF, provides some basic guarantees to transfer students who have earned an A.A. Degree from any member institution of the State of Florida public university system. This guarantee includes the transfer of 60 credits to be applied toward the awarding of the baccalaureate degree and completion of the general education requirements at Flagler College.

The amount of transfer credit and advanced standing allowed by the College will be determined by the Office of the Registrar. In some instances, the Office of Academic Affairs and/or school deans are consulted prior to awarding transfer credit. Transfer students are responsible for submitting all official transcripts, CLEP, International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE), Advanced Placement (AP), or CAPE (Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination) test scores, and for confirming their level of advanced standing prior to registering for classes at Flagler.

Transient Transfer Credits from Another Institution

Flagler students who wish to take courses at another institution during the summer must complete the Application for Transient Study. Additionally, students must receive approval from their faculty advisor, the department chair of the course, and the Office of the Registrar, before enrolling as a transient student at another college or university. Application forms are available in the Office of the Registrar and on the Registrar page of my.flagler.edu. Students who fail to receive prior approval before enrolling at another institution will be denied transfer credit.

Flagler College limits the number of hours a student may earn during the summer at another college or university after that student has enrolled at Flagler. Students may earn up to nine semester hours of credit from another institution. Seniors must complete their final 30 semester hours of credit at Flagler College, except for those students participating in a Study Abroad or Study Away Program. Students may not earn credit for courses taken at a two-year college after they have earned 60 or more semester hours.  Transient study is not permitted during the fall or spring semester.

Registering for Courses at Another Flagler College Location

This policy prescribes procedures that students are to follow if they wish to take courses offered by Flagler College at another location. From time to time, students enrolled in Flagler College (St. Augustine) may request permission to register for a course (or courses) offered at Flagler College-Tallahassee. In like manner, Flagler College-Tallahassee students may request permission to register for a course (or courses) being offered at Flagler College (St. Augustine). It is anticipated that most of these requests will be for enrollment in the summer terms on the respective campuses.

Procedures:

1. Student submits request in writing to the Registrar (St. Augustine) or the Assistant Registrar (Tallahassee).
2. Registrar (St. Augustine) or the Assistant Registrar (Tallahassee) provides student with a Flagler College Alternate Campus Transfer Form.
3. Student obtains required signatures from School Dean (St. Augustine) or Department Chair (Tallahassee) to ensure that course will meet the requirements of the major.
4. Student obtains required signatures from the Dean of Academic Life (St. Augustine) and the Dean (Tallahassee).
5. The student returns the Flagler College Alternate Campus Transfer Form to the Office of the Registrar (St. Augustine) or the Assistant Registrar (Tallahassee). The home campus forwards the request to the receiving campus, who reviews the request to determine if there is space available in the requested course.
6. If space is available, the receiving campus sends a letter of approval to the student, with a copy to the home campus, noting the dates, meeting times, and location of the class meetings. The student is also notified of the applicable tuition charge, the registration deadline, and the date on which tuition payment and/or deposit are due.
7. The student will be required to confirm his/her intent to enroll in the course and to pay applicable charges as specified by the Registrar (St. Augustine) or Assistant Registrar (Tallahassee) and the Business Services Office personnel at the receiving campus.
8. It will be the responsibility of the student to discuss arrangements for financial aid with Financial Aid personnel at his/her home campus.

Declaration of Major

All students, including transfer students, must declare a major upon the completion of 60 credit hours. Students may change their major and/or advisor in the Office of Student Success and Advising, located in the Ringhaver Student Center.

Course Load

The quantity unit of credit at Flagler College is the semester hour, defined as one hour of class work plus two hours of preparation per week for one semester. Average fulltime course load for a semester is 15 semester hours, plus related laboratory periods; a minimum of 12 semester hours is required for full-time status. Students registering for less than 12 semester hours are classified as part-time students.

Students may not take more than 18 semester hours in any semester without the recommendation of their faculty advisor and the approval of the Registrar. Normally, students must have a 3.0 grade point average for two semesters preceding the semester in which they wish to take more than 18 semester hours. Students enrolled in 19 or more semester hours are charged additional tuition per credit hour (see “Tuition and Fees ” section).

Schedule Changes

Courses may be added and/or dropped during the first week of each semester without penalty. After this time, a student may drop a course and receive a grade of “W.” However, this policy does not apply to students enrolled in ENG 142 , ENG 152WI , or ENG 172WI  (see General Education Program). A student who is withdrawn from a course during the last four weeks of the semester will receive a grade of “WF,” regardless of whether the withdrawal is student or faculty initiated.

Admission to Class

Instructors are required to admit to class only those students with appropriate documentation of enrollment as verified by the Office of the Registrar.

Class Attendance

Flagler College holds all members of our community to the highest academic standards in its pursuit of academic excellence. Regular attendance at classes, laboratories and examinations is fundamental to this commitment. Students are, therefore, expected to attend class as part of their personal responsibility as members of this community.

Individual professors will establish specific attendance policies for each class and publish them in the syllabus at the beginning of every academic semester. Professors must also discuss with students on the first day of class the relationship between attendance, interaction in the classroom, and evaluation in specific courses. Students have the responsibility to take appropriate action to make up missed work where permitted by the professor’s policy. Absences for official college events, for example athletic or club academic travel, must be appropriately documented. All absences should be discussed with the professor in advance when possible.

Academic Honesty

Flagler College affirms the value of academic honesty and requires all students to adhere to the highest standards of integrity in their academic work. Students are entrusted to be honest in every phase of their academic life and to present as their own work only that which is genuinely theirs. Cheating, plagiarism, violation of test conditions, complicity in dishonest behavior, or other falsification of academic work is a serious breach of College expectations and is subject to immediate disciplinary action.

Plagiarism is defined as any attempt to represent the work of another as one’s own original work. More specifically, plagiarism is the direct appropriation of the language, thoughts, or ideas of another – either literally or in paraphrase – without appropriate notation of the source and in such fashion as to imply that the work is one’s own original work. To this end, Flagler College subscribes to Turnitin.com, a web-based plagiarism detection service which enables professors to determine if a paper has been documented properly.

Fabrication is defined as the use of created or invented information or research for the purpose of deceiving an instructor or other College personnel. Bribery is defined as the promising, offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting of any materials, items, or services of value to influence the judgment or conduct of College personnel.

Misrepresentation is defined as giving false information to any College representative with the intent to deceive or gain an unfair advantage. This may include using computer files generated by another person and submitting the information to an instructor as your own work (unless expressly allowed by the instructor).

Instructors are responsible to explain to students what constitutes academic dishonesty in relation to particular course requirements. Instructors are also responsible to ensure that examinations and quizzes are administered in a fashion that discourages dishonesty. Depending upon the nature of the case, a student guilty of academic dishonesty may receive a penalty ranging from a grade of “WF” or “F” for the work in question to expulsion from the College. The official actions of the College may be either academic in nature or both academic and disciplinary.

In all cases wherein an instructor accuses a student of academic dishonesty, the instructor will confer in private with the student and will inform the student of the charge of academic dishonesty as well as the penalty. The instructor will make a written record of the conference, will confirm in writing the accusation and penalty, and will immediately notify the Office of Academic Affairs.

The student will be advised that he/she may accept the penalty or may request a hearing. In the event the student denies the allegation or objects to the severity of the penalty, the student may request a hearing before the Academic Disciplinary Committee from the Dean of Academic Life.

If a hearing is requested, the case will be referred to the Academic Disciplinary Committee. The faculty or staff member reporting the incident of academic dishonesty will prepare all material dealing with the case such as evidence, witnesses, etc. The Dean of Academic Life will prepare and issue the charges and will inform the student of the time and date of the hearing. Should the student desire to appeal the findings of the Academic Disciplinary Committee, the student must appeal to the Vice President of Academic Affairs within three days.

Incivility in the Classroom

Flagler College students are expected to demonstrate civility in their classroom speech and behavior. Civility is defined as courteous behavior and politeness. Students should note that this policy extends to electronic communications and person-to-person communications, in both campus offices and traditional classrooms. In the case of a suspected case of incivility in the classroom, faculty members may use their discretion in managing their classroom and sanctioning the student, or they may immediately contact the Dean of Academic Life or the Vice President of Student Services. If an executive administrator is made aware of the situation, a meeting will be scheduled with the faculty member and the Dean of Academic Life or the Vice President of Student Services. After hearing the faculty member, a meeting will be held with the student or students involved. Periodically, additional individuals who witnessed the incident may be called to meet with the Dean of Academic Life or the Vice President of Student Services. At this point, a determination will be made as to whether there was a case of incivility. In the case where incivility has occurred, an appropriate disciplinary action will be reached and offered to the student as the result of an Administrative Disposition (for additional details on this process, please refer to Volume VI, Section 6.5.2.3 of the Flagler College Policy Manual). The student has the right to accept the results of the disposition or to have a hearing before the College Disciplinary Committee.

Student Evaluations

The evaluative process at Flagler College places emphasis on all aspects of the student’s academic performance. Class attendance, participation, reports, projects, and test grades are considered in determining final grades. Continuous evaluative efforts, facilitated by a favorable faculty-student ratio, serve to identify learning deficiencies before the end of the course, thus enabling instructors to provide individual assistance when needed. Comprehensive examinations may be given in major fields of concentration during the final semester of the senior year.

Final Examinations

A period for final examinations is scheduled from Monday through Thursday during the last week of the fall and spring semesters. The Registrar prepares the final examination schedule, which is then made available to faculty and students at the beginning of each semester. Faculty are required to adhere to the published schedule, and students must take the exams at the published times.

Assessment

Because of the commitment to provide quality educational experiences, Flagler College uses information from and about students to improve programs, services, and overall institutional effectiveness. The College obtains much of this information through the assessment of students’ skills, abilities, competencies, and satisfaction. From time-to-time, College faculty or staff may administer formal examinations, surveys, or other forms of assessment designed to assess institutional effectiveness. For example, each year the College asks special student groups to complete surveys related to particular topics. To ensure that adequate data are collected, students are asked to cooperate with these assessment procedures. For additional information, contact the Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness.

Exit Assessment

The College requires that all graduating seniors, during their final semester, participate in assessment procedures as defined for their major. This assessment may be in the form of departmental, state, or national exams; surveys; senior papers; portfolios; final projects; or other types of assessment. Each academic department determines the particular form and time of these assessments. In cooperation with each department, the Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness may administer some additional assessments. Satisfaction of exit assessment requirements is necessary for graduation.

Grading of Academic Work

Final grades are available to students, via MyFlagler, at the conclusion of each semester and at the end of summer term, and are recorded on the student’s permanent record.

The grading system is as follows:

For the purpose of computing a student’s grade point average, 4 quality points are given for each semester hour of A, 3.7 for each hour of A-, 3.3 for each hour of B+, 3 for each hour of B, 2.7 for each hour of B-, 2.3 for each hour of C+, 2 for each hour of C, 1.7 for each hour of C-, 1.3 for each hour of D+, and 1 for each hour of D. The grade of F, WF, or I is counted as zero. The grade point average is calculated by dividing the total hours attempted into the total quality points.

Incomplete Grade

A grade of “I” (Incomplete) is assigned by the instructor when a student is unable to complete a course due to extenuating circumstances, and when all requirements can be completed in a short time following the end of a semester. In the absence of justifiable cause, an incomplete grade will not be assigned.

In order to receive an incomplete grade, a student must initiate the process by completing a “Request for Incomplete Grade” contract. The contract form is available in the Office of the Registrar, and it must be signed by the student, the instructor, and the Dean of Academic Life.

The student is responsible for making arrangements with the instructor to complete the requirements for the course and to remove the incomplete grade within eight weeks following the semester in which the incomplete grade was received. The eight-week period is the maximum time allowed, and the instructor should establish an earlier date, if possible. Students who fail to complete the course requirements within the prescribed period will automatically receive a grade of “F” for the course.

Upon completion of the course requirements, the incomplete grade will be removed, and the final course grade will be used to compute the student’s grade point average.

Grade Correction

Any errors in grades, including omissions, must be reported by the student to the Office of the Registrar. A “Grade Correction” form may be obtained from the Registrar’s Office by the faculty member only, and must be completed and signed by the appropriate faculty member, the department chair, the Dean of Academic Life, and the Registrar. No corrections, additions, or changes will be made unless grade errors are reported to the Registrar with the first two weeks of the semester following the semester in which the course was taken. Failure to report a grade error within the time specified above will result in the original grade being filed on a permanent basis.

Appeal of Grade

As a general rule, faculty decisions regarding academic matters within their purview are not subject to appeal, unless the student can present evidence indicating mitigating circumstances of a substantial nature. In an effort to minimize such occasions, it is anticipated that members of the faculty will provide students with an adequate explanation of course requirements and grading standards. It is expected that attendance requirements and other standards pertaining to classroom deportment will be explicit. Additionally, grading procedures should be designed to keep students informed of their relative standing.

A student has the right to appeal a course grade, provided there is evidence that the grade is an inaccurate assessment of the student’s work or that it is inconsistent with stated grading criteria. The student should first consult with the instructor to clarify the grading method used and the rationale for the grade issued. If the matter cannot be resolved between the student and the instructor, then the student should consult with the appropriate department chair. The department chair, in turn, will consult with the instructor and then inform the student of his or her decision.

If a student wishes to appeal the department chair’s decision, then he or she must submit a formal written appeal to the Dean of the school in which the course was taken. Such an appeal must be submitted within two weeks following the start of classes for the next semester and should contain information pertinent to the appeal. That Dean may dismiss a grade appeal for lack of merit or may appoint a faculty committee to review the appeal and to consider all related evidence. If a committee is appointed, the committee’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Dean of the school in which the course was taken, who will act on the committee’s recommendation and will notify the student of her decision. The Dean’s decision may differ from the committee’s recommendation. A student wishing to appeal such a decision, may appeal to the Dean of Academic Life.  The Dean of Academic Life, at his or her discretion, may conduct a hearing without appointing a faculty committee. The decision of the Dean of Academic Life is final.

If an instructor is no longer employed by the College, the student grade documentation will be used in the event of a grade appeal. The grade documentation will be maintained in the Office of the Registrar for one year, then destroyed.

Appeal of Disciplinary Action

When a student wishes to appeal a disciplinary action (e.g., expulsion from class) taken by a faculty member, the student must first contact the faculty member and obtain a thorough explanation of the reason(s) for the faculty member’s action. If, in the student’s opinion, the reasons provided are inadequate or the action taken is too severe, the student should then contact the dean in the school in which the course is offered. In the event that the dean is also the faculty member involved, the student should then contact the Dean of Academic Life. The dean (or the Dean of Academic Life) may counsel with the faculty member and the student in an effort to resolve the matter. The dean, however, is not authorized to require that a student be reinstated in a class; rather, the dean should submit a written recommendation to the Dean of Academic Life.

If the issue is not resolved at the school level, the student may request a hearing with the Dean of Academic Life. A hearing will involve both the faculty member and the student. The Dean may conduct the hearing in an informal manner; however, the student should be advised of the date of the hearing and should have an adequate opportunity to present evidence or testimony in his or her behalf. The decision of the Dean of Academic Life may be appealed to the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Grades of “D” or “F” in the Major or Minor

A student may earn no more than two grades of “D+” or below in the courses of a major, including ancillary courses, and only one grade of “D+” or below in the courses of a minor. An ancillary course is any course selected from among several course options that can be taken to fulfill the requirements for a major, but are not an offering within the department in which the major or minor falls. However, no grade of “D+” or below in any Education major required course is accepted; this includes ancillary courses that are required for the major, but not an Education Department offering.

Repeat Courses

Students may only repeat a course in which a grade of “D+,” “D,” “F,” or “WF” was earned in order to improve their grade point average. While a record of both courses will remain on the transcript, only the most recent grade assigned for the repeated course will be computed into the student’s cumulative grade point average. The most recent repeat grade recorded will be used in calculating the grade point average. Students who repeat a course in which a grade of “F” was originally earned will receive credit hours for the repeat course, provided that a passing grade is earned. However, students who repeat a course in which a grade of “D+” or “D” was originally earned will not receive credit hours for the repeat course since credit hours have already been awarded. Students who earn a grade of “D+,” “D,” “F,” or “WF” in a course at Flagler College may not repeat that course at another institution for purposes of transferring the grade or the credit back to Flagler College. No Flagler College course may be attempted more than three times; withdrawals (“W,” “WF”) are counted as attempts.

A student receiving financial aid, student athlete, or international student who considers repeating a course should contact the Office of Financial Aid to determine if he/she will earn sufficient hours for continued eligibility of that financial aid.

Dean’s List and President’s List

The Dean’s List and the President’s List are compiled in recognition of students achieving a certain standard of academic excellence. To qualify for the Dean’s List a student must complete at least 12 semester hours of letter-grade courses with a 3.4 grade point average and with no grade less than C- for the semester. Students who earn a 4.0 grade point average with at least 12 semester hours of graded credit are also named to the President’s List.

Departmental Awards of Academic Achievement

Departmental Awards of Academic Achievement are presented to graduating seniors who have distinguished themselves through scholarly activity and academic achievement in their selected disciplines of study. Recipients of these departmental awards are selected by the faculty within the department. To receive consideration for one of these departmental awards, a student must meet the following criteria: (1) must be a graduating senior; (2) must have earned at Flagler College a minimum of 56 credit hours carrying letter grades, not Pass/ Fail; (3) must have maintained a grade point average of 3.4 or better in courses taken in the department; and (4) must have maintained a cumulative grade point of 3.2 or above.

Graduating With Honors

Three degrees of distinction are awarded to graduating seniors based on their cumulative grade point averages for all academic work attempted, including the semester’s work in which the baccalaureate degree requirements are completed. According to the level of academic achievement, the degree may be awarded cum laude (3.5-3.69), magna cum laude (3.7-3.89) or summa cum laude (3.9-4.0). To qualify for graduation with honors, a student must complete at least 56 credit hours of academic work at Flagler College that carry letter grades. Pass/fail options are not applicable. All courses for which no quality points are assigned are included in this pass/fail category, for example, internships, field experiences, and practicums. Only courses taken at Flagler are computed in determining honors. The grade point average will be rounded to the hundredth decimal place.

Academic Requirements for Continuation

Attendance at Flagler College is a privilege granted solely by the College. Enrollment for one semester or semesters in no way obligates or requires the College to extend or continue a student’s enrollment beyond the semester or semesters. At the conclusion of any semester or semesters, the College is at liberty to disallow a student to continue his or her enrollment. Moreover, the College reserves the right to withdraw, suspend, or dismiss at any time, a student whose conduct is adjudged as inconsistent with the traditions, rules, standards, and regulations of the College.

Students are required to maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better to remain in good academic standing. The following procedures are designed to ensure thorough consideration of a student’s progress and qualifications for continuation.

At the conclusion of each semester, the Dean of Academic Life reviews the academic records of students whose semester average or cumulative average falls below a 2.0, or who fail to complete at least 67% of their coursework. The Dean considers the student’s cumulative grade point average, semester grade point average, number of semesters enrolled at Flagler, current academic status, intended major, performance related to academic aptitude, and performance related to the guidelines for continuation. After careful review and in light of the Dean’s own professional judgment, the Dean determines whether a student receives an academic warning, is placed on probation, or is dismissed. Listed below are explanations of, and conditions for, the four types of action that can be taken by the Dean.

Academic Warning: An academic warning is issued to students whose semester grade point average is below 2.0 and/or whose good academic standing is in jeopardy. Academic warning is a precautionary admonition that is meant to draw attention to a student’s academic performance and to encourage renewed diligence in the pursuit of educational goals.

Academic Probation: A student whose cumulative grade point average is below 2.0, or whose academic performance is judged to be of poor quality, will be placed on academic probation. Probation covers a stated trial period during which it is determined whether the student is returned to good standing, remains on probation, or is dismissed at the end of the probationary period for failure to meet the academic standards. Students placed on academic probation are expected to demonstrate an improvement in their GPA toward satisfactory academic progress in the subsequent semester. Based upon a review of the student’s academic record, other conditions for continuation may also be stipulated. A student on probation is notified in writing of any continuation requirements that must be satisfied in the subsequent semester, and a copy of the notification is kept on file in the student’s permanent record. Failure to satisfy any of these conditions may result in a continuation review and academic dismissal.

The Office of Academic Affairs at its discretion and irrespective of grades, may declare probationary status for any student whose time or talents are not being used properly.

Academic Dismissal: Academic dismissal is the involuntary separation of the student from the College. Dismissal may or may not be a permanent separation, and it does not entail a definite time of eligibility to return. A student’s record is reviewed carefully before a decision for dismissal is made. A student is subject to academic dismissal if, in the professional judgment of the Dean of Academic Life, the student’s academic performance is consistently below the College’s standards or otherwise indicates the inability to maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Criteria used in a decision for suspension or dismissal include any of the following:

1. failure to maintain a minimal level of academic progress from semester to semester, as suggested in the following guidelines:

2. failure to meet the stipulated conditions for continuation as specified in the notification of being placed on academic probation;
3. failure to remove the probationary status after two consecutive semesters on probation; and
4. failure to make satisfactory academic progress by completing less than 67% of the total number of course hours attempted.

The guidelines for continuation listed in (1) above are regarded as minimal levels of progress. Students who fall below these levels are subject to automatic dismissal; however, students who are above these minimal requirements, but below the required 2.0 cumulative grade point average, are also subject to academic dismissal.

A decision for dismissal ultimately is made on the basis of a student’s total academic record and in light of appropriate expectations of academic progress. Students who are experiencing academic difficulties are strongly encouraged to seek assistance from their academic advisors, their course instructors, and the Office of Academic Affairs.

In the case of dismissal, a student may appeal the decision and request to be reinstated as a full-time student. All such appeals must be directed to the Vice President of Academic Affairs within a period of time specified in the letter of dismissal. This appeal may be granted if, in the judgment of the Vice President, such a decision will benefit both the student and the College.

Academic Dismissal During the Semester: Students who are dismissed during the semester for academic reasons will receive a grade of “W” or “WF” for the courses in which they were enrolled. The grades assigned by the instructors will be based upon the student’s performance in achieving the objectives of the courses at the time of separation from the College. Students who are suspended or dismissed during the semester, for disciplinary reasons, will be assigned a grade of “W” or “WF,” depending upon their status at the time of their suspension or dismissal.

Classification of Students

A student’s classification is determined by the number of credit hours earned as follows:

Summer Term

Summer term consists of session A, a seven week term, and session B, a six week online term. Courses offered for the summer term are contingent upon the number of students who register by the established deadline. Courses with an insufficient number of registered students may be canceled.

Students enrolling in the summer term may attempt up to ten (10) semester hours of credit per session. Registration for eleven (11) or more credits per session requires the approval of the Office of Academic Affairs.

Summer term registration is available through the Office of the Registrar.

Students who have paid for classes that are canceled will be notified by the Office of the Registrar. These students will be given an opportunity to select another course, or they may request a refund for the canceled class.

Payments for classes listed on the Final Class Schedule are non-refundable. Payments for classes which are canceled because of insufficient enrollments may be refunded or transferred to a scheduled class.

On-campus housing is available to students enrolled in summer term session A. Students who wish to reside on-campus must inform the Office of Student Services prior to the end of the spring semester. Students residing on campus during the summer term session A are provided a meal plan.

Visiting students, sometimes referred to as transient students, who wish to earn academic credit toward a degree from another institution must obtain approval from that institution before registering for courses at Flagler. In addition, visiting students must complete the Application for Admission, which is available at the Admissions Office in Hanke Hall.

Student activities are not available during the summer term. Because these services are not offered, tuition for the summer term is approximately 80% of the normal annual tuition when compared on a per-semester-hour basis.

Privacy of Student Records

The College makes every attempt to enforce the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974. This regulation, as it applies to institutions of higher learning, ensures that students have access to certain records that pertain to them. It prohibits others, except faculty members or administrators who have “a need to know” and parents who claim their student as a dependent for tax purposes, from access to the student’s records, unless the student signs a waiver. This waiver, the “Release of Student Information Request” form, may be obtained from the Office of the Registrar or found online at http://www.flagler.edu/media/documents/academics/registrar/registration-forms/2014-FERPA-Release.pdf. The “Release of Student Information” must be signed and submitted by the student and remains in effect until the student rescinds it in writing.

In accordance with the FERPA, Flagler College affords students certain rights with respect to their student records. They are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s educational records within 45 days from the College receiving the request for access. A “Request to Review Student Education Record” form is available in and must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s educational records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Students may ask the College to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the College official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the College decides not to amend the record as requested, the College will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personal identification information contained in the student’s educational records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including campus safety and security personnel and health services staff); a person with whom the College has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest, if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the College to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of that official is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-4605.

Directory information may be released by the College without the student’s written consent. Directory information may include student name, address, telephone number, date of birth, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, the most recent previous educational institution attended, photographs, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, and the height and weight of athletes.

A student has the right to refuse permission to release any or all directory information without the student’s prior written consent. The student must request in writing that the directory information not be released. A “Request for Non-Disclosure of Information” form is available in the Office of the Registrar. The “Request for Non-Disclosure” must be signed and submitted by the student and remains in effect until the student rescinds it in writing.

Withdrawal from the College

A student who finds it necessary to withdraw (mid-semester or mid-term) from the College must complete an Official Withdrawal form which can be obtained from the Office of the Registrar. The withdrawal form requires the student to obtain signatures from the Office of Financial Aid, Office of Advising and Student Success, Office of Student Accounts, and the Office of the Registrar.  New freshmen will also be required to obtain a signature from the Director of the First Year Experience.  International students will also be required to obtain a signature from the Director of International Students.

A student who initiates a withdrawal during the semester will be assigned a grade of “W” for the courses in which they were enrolled. When a student leaves the College without following the proper procedures, his/her permanent record is marked as an “unofficial withdrawal.” Students who do not adhere to the prescribed procedures for withdrawing are subject to administrative withdrawal and the assignment of failing grades in all courses.

Commencement

Flagler College commencement ceremonies and all officially-related activities are considered to be an integral part of the academic program. Accordingly, faculty, students, and selected staff are expected to participate unless excused by the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty or the Dean of Academic Life. Members of the graduating class may not be graduated from Flagler College if they fail to participate in the commencement ceremony or other officially-related activities, to include rehearsals, unless they are excused by the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty or the Dean of Academic Life. Such excuses may be granted retroactively in the event of emergencies. Requests for graduating in absentia must be submitted on or before the date prescribed for submission of applications for graduation.

Application for Graduation

Once a student has earned at least 6o credit hours, he or she is eligible to submit an Application for Graduation to the Office of the Registrar. The application includes information on requirements to graduate with honors, how to change an anticipated graduation date, and how to request to participate in a spring commencement ceremony as an early walker. After students submit their applications, their degree requirements are reviewed. Students must submit their applications no later than the semester prior to their intended graduation semester.

Administrative Requirements for Graduation

Prospective graduates must submit an Application for Graduation to the Office of the Registrar. Information on this form is used to establish the student’s anticipated degree date.

Additionally, prospective graduates will indicate how they want their names to appear on the diploma and in the commencement program. Students must complete this application no later than the semester prior to their intended graduation semester.

All graduating seniors are required to participate in the commencement ceremony. Exceptions to this requirement must be approved in advance by the Office of Academic Affairs.

Early Participation in Spring Commencement Ceremony

The purpose of this policy is to set forth the conditions that must be satisfied by students who have not met all the requirements for graduation but who wish to march during the spring commencement ceremony.

Each year, several students complete their graduation requirements during the summer term and do not receive their diplomas until the end of the fall semester. In many cases, these students have completed all the requirements for their majors and need only elective credits to satisfy the requirement for graduation that students earn 120 semester hours.

Students who have not completed all the necessary requirements for graduation, but who wish to march in the spring commencement ceremony, must satisfy the following conditions:

1. The student must have completed at least 110 semester hours and must need no more than 10 semester hours to satisfy the graduation requirement.
2. The student must have completed all other degree requirements as specified in the Catalog, including the requirements for his or her primary major, as specified in the Catalog.
3. The student must have a minimum 2.3 cumulative grade point average.
4. The student must attempt to complete all degree requirements by the end of the summer term immediately following the spring commencement ceremony. The word attempt means the student has registered for the summer term.
5. Students majoring in Sport Management who will be completing their internship during the summer term will be allowed to participate in the spring commencement ceremony, provided they have completed all other degree requirements.

A student who meets these conditions and who wishes to march during the spring commencement ceremony must submit his or her request in writing to the Dean of Academic Life no later than February 1st. The Dean of Academic Life will confer with the Registrar to confirm that the student meets each of the conditions, as stated above, and that the student has registered for the requisite number of hours in the summer term. The Dean of Academic Life will decide whether to approve the student’s request and will notify the student of the decision.

Additional Major After Graduation

Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree from Flagler College may qualify for an additional major after graduation under the following circumstances:

1. Formal notification must be filed with the Office of the Registrar;
2. All requirements for readmission and departmental requirements for the major must be fulfilled.
3. Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or higher.
4. Students must contact the Office of Business Services regarding tuition rates for Flagler College graduates (see “Tuition and Fees ” section).

Transcript Request

1. Transcripts may be requested through the mail or in-person, using Flagler College’s transcript request form. The required transcript fee is $5.00 per official transcript. Payments will be accepted in cash, check, or money order, made payable to Flagler College. Credit card payments are not accepted.
2. Requests for unofficial transcripts will be accepted by fax at 904-829-6838.
3. If sending transcripts to different recipients, a separate form must be completed for each transcript request.
4. The completed form and payment must be sent to the campus you attended.
5. Transcripts may also be requested online through the National Student Clearinghouse at www.getmytranscript.com. Payments for online transcript requests will be accepted by credit card. Fees for transcripts requested online vary by delivery method.
6. Official Transcripts will not be issued until all holds are cleared with Office of Student Accounts and the Office of Financial Aid.
7. Transcript requests may take up to 10 business days to process.
8. Flagler College will forward the record of awarded academic course work completed at Flagler College. The College is not permitted by law to issue copies of documents from other institutions. Transcripts from other institutions must be ordered from original sources.