IN THIS ISSUE
- Academic Related News
- Additional Opportunities and Programs
Important Upcoming Dates
- Upcoming Campus Events
Academic Related News
Changing an Incomplete Grade
If you received grades of I (incomplete) for any courses from the spring semester, you are expected to make the work up as quickly as possible. The amount of time allowed by a professor for making up an incomplete should be consistent with the length of the your absence(s) in the spring semester. The latest deadline by which work must be completed and grades reported is Friday, November 9. Petitions for extensions may be considered by the Deans Committee in the Office of Undergraduate Studies only in cases where there are valid extenuating circumstances and a petition with appropriate supporting documentation has been submitted prior to November 9 . Incompletes not completed by the deadline and for which no extension has been approved, will be converted to F grades.
Should I drop a class or not?
Things that you should consider if you are thinking about withdrawing from a class:
- Can you still receive a satisfactory grade in the class? Talk with the your professor about the realistic possibility of getting a satisfactory grade in the class. They will be able to help you determine if you should remain in the class or if it would be better to withdraw.
- Think about the percentage of your grade that you have already completed. If 75% of all the work is already in and graded, it may not be possible to bring your grade up to a satisfactory level with the remaining 25%. However, if 60% of your grade has yet to be determined, you may still have an opportunity to salvage your grade.
- Refer to the Undergraduate Student Handbook and review the polices of academic good standing and scholarship retention (p. A-83). Remember you must have at least 9 hours each semester, 24 hours over the course of two consecutive semesters and at least a 2.00 semester gpa and 2.00 cumulative gpa to remain in good standing.
Last Day to Withdraw from a Class
If you decide to withdraw from a class, you must do so by 5pm on Friday, November 9. If you decide to withdraw from a course, you need to take the following steps in order to process the course withdrawal:
- 1. Pick up a Drop/Add Form at the Registrar’s Office in Yost 110, the Office of Undergraduate Studies in Sears 357, in the in Resource spaces in Wade, and Fribley.
- 2. See your Advisor to discuss your interest in the course withdrawal and have them sign your add/drop form.
- 3. Visit a Dean in the Office of Undergraduate Studies on a walk-in basis in order to get a signature on the add/drop form. Walk-in times occur in Sears 357 and in the RUSS offices in Wade and Fribley. Walk-in times are posted on the UGS website.
- 4. Take the signed form to the Registrar’s Office by 5pm November 9 for processing. The course withdrawal is not complete until processed by the Registrar’s Office.
Pass/No Pass
Students can use the P/NP option for 1 class each semester. It cannot be used for a course that is required for your major, minor, GER, or SAGES. It is generally used for open electives. It can also be a good tool to use if you are changing majors. For example, if you are taking MATH 22 4 because you are a declared BME, but you are going to switch to POSC, you would be able to use the P/NP option for MATH 224, because in your new major, it is not a required course.
If you use the P/NP option, you need to earn at least a "D" in the class. The grade will then be turned into a "P". You will earn the credits for the class. It will not be calculated into your gpa at all. If you earn a "F" in the class, it will turn in to a "NP" on your transcript and will not be calculated into your gpa.
In order to use this option, you must be a full-time student in academic good standing. For a complete list or regulations on this policy, please refer to p. A-79 of the Undergraduate Student Handbook.
If you decide to use the P/NP option, you must submit a P/NP ballot on line by 5:00pm on December 7, 2007, the last day of classes.
Course Repeat Option
Last day to exercise the Course Repeat Option. The current rules about repeating courses can be found on p. A-79 of the 2006-2007 Handbook. To exercise this option for a course you are repeating this semester, you must complete the Course Repeat form and submit it to the Office of Undergraduate Studies (Sears 357) by 5pm on December 7.
Final Exams
If you have not already done so, I would encourage you to verify your final exam schedule now and mark your calendar accordingly. Do not make travel plans that conflict with your exams; requests for rescheduling of a final examination to accommodate travel plans will not be approved.
Under University policy, no student may be required to take more than two final examinations in a single day. If you have three final examinations scheduled for the same day, please see Dean Wolcowitz in the Office of Undergraduate Studies no later than November 13 for assistance.
Spring Registration
Registration for spring 2008 courses begins on Monday, November 12 and November 21 for second year students. Please check the SOLAR registration schedule to see when you will be able to begin accessing SOLAR to choose your spring semester classes. Remember that registration is based on both credit hours AND expected date of graduation.
Please make sure to schedule an appointment with your advisor to discuss your class selection for the spring. If you have not already declared a major but you "know" what it is going to be, this would be the time to declare and get an advisor in your department.
Overloads
Remember students can take up to 19 hours without needing and overload. While the normal course load for students is still 14-18 hours, you are able to enroll in up to 19 hours. However, before you start enrolling in that many hours, I would urge you to ask yourself do I really need that extra course? Could I be spending time doing community service, volunteer work, research, etc., that I will not have time to do if I am taking 19 hours.
Continuing students may carry 20-21 hours, if they have a cumulative gpa of 3.20 or better. To register for 22 or 23 hours, a minimum of average of 3.50 is required. Any schedule of more than 19 hours require's dean's approval. Graduating seniors may be approved for overloads if they need such a schedule to graduate at the end of the semester in question.
If you meet the requirements to overload and you want to add a class now or over winter break, you can email me your request. Please include how many hours you are requesting, the class that you want to add and why. I may be able to approve your request online.
Academic Standing
Academic standing comprises two factors: credit hours earned and grade point average. To maintain good academic standing, a student must
- 1. Have at least a 2.00 semester gpa.
- 2. Have at least a 2.00 cumulative gpa
- 3. Earn at least 9 hours in a semester and average at least 24 hours over the course of two consecutive semesters. For example, if you earned 9 hours in the spring semester, you need to earn at least 15 hours this semester to be in academic good standing.
A student who does not meet these minimum requirements will be placed on academic probation. If you are placed on probation, you are not allowed to to represent the University in intercollegiate activities and may not hold an elective or appointed office or committee chairmanship in any campus organization.
If are already on academic probation and you do not return yourself to academic good standing this semester, you will be eligible for academic separation. If you are separated from the University, you will receive an email during the first week of January, informing you of your status. The email will also detail the appeal process and the time line for that process. Since it is a very short turn around time, if you believe you will fall into this category, please remember to check your Case email regularly or contact the Undergraduate Studies Office.
Retaining Your Scholarship
The retention standards for merit based (Full tuition, Trustee's, President's and Provost's) scholarships are different from the first year.
At the end of each academic year (June), the records of all scholarship recipients are reviewed. To have a scholarship renewed for the following academic year, a recipient is expected to satisfy two requirements:
- A minimum number of hours earned after enrolling at Case. For second year students the requirement is 54 hours by the end of the second year. This does not include AP/IB/transfer or Pre-College Scholar credit earned prior to enrollment at Case.
- A minimum cumulative scholarship gpa of 3.00. Remember if the Repeat Option was used in any class, both grades are calculated into the scholarship gpa.
For complete scholarship retention information, see the 2006 Student Handbook page A-83
If you have a Provost's Special Scholarship, you must be in academic good standing at the end of the spring semester in order to retain your scholarship.
ESS SuccESS sESSions in Sears
The ESS Office is offering weekly programs on a number of topics to help students be successful at Case. All of the sessions are on Thursday from 11:30-12:30 in Sears 470.
| November 8 |
Test-taking strategies |
| November 15 |
Reducing stress and test anxiety |
| November 22 |
Thanksgiving |
| November 29 |
Preparing for finals |
Resources and Academic Support for Second Year Students
Tutoring Services for Second Year Classes
If you find yourself either wanting to reinforce material presented in class or seeking guidance in understanding material, there are two excellent services available to you. You may want to consider attending Supplemental Instruction (SI) sessions facilitated by your peers or signing up for a Peer Tutoring appointment.
-SI sessions are available for many courses, but these may be most relevant to you as a second year student: BIOL 121, BIOL 215, CHEM 223, PHYS 115, PHYS 122 and 221. View the SI schedule.
If you would like to schedule an individual Peer Tutoring appointment, schedule your appointment on-line.
Learn more about these and other ESS services by visiting the ESS web site or stopping by ESS located in Sears 470
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNIES AND PROGRAMS
How the Career Center Can Work for You!
Your second year is a great time to focus on exploring career options through self-assessment, internships and practica, and career-related research. Call 216.368.4446 today to make an appointment with a career counselor!
How to Research and Find Practicum and Internship Opportunities
Thursday, November 15 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Nord 400
Did you know ...participating in an experiential learning opportunity (such as internship or practicum) is one of the best ways to learn about yourself and a career field of interest. Attend this workshop to find out about how to begin searching for that perfect position!
To register, visit the Career Center website.
Study Abroad
Study abroad opportunities at Case span five continents. Study abroad offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in another culture and university, as well as participate in internships and community service in a variety of fields, including business, engineering, policy development, and health education. If you are interested in studying abroad for the fall 2008 semester, the deadline for applications is Friday, February 1st.
If you are interested in studying abroad, visit the Study Abroad web site or feel free to stop by 357 Sears and explore the Study Abroad Office; no appointment is needed. You can also email the JYA Office and make an appointment to talk with our student staff. All of the students have studied abroad and can give you some really good first hand information about their experiences.
Important Upcoming Dates
| Deadline for Removal of Spring 2007 "I" grades |
November 9 |
| Deadline for Class Withdrawal |
November 9 |
| Academic Advising for Spring 2008 Begins |
End of October |
| Registration begins for Spring Begins |
November 12 |
| Last Day to Submit Pass/No Pass ballot |
December 7 |
| Last Day of Classes |
December 7 |
| Reading Days |
December 10, 14 |
| Final Exams Begin |
December 11 |
| Final Exams End |
December 19 |
| Final Grades Due |
December 21 |
Click here fore a complete 5 year academic calendar.
UPCOMING CAMPUS EVENTS
Should Case Ban Cell Phones and Laptops in Class?
Join the Open Forum discussion on Friday, November 9 from 12:30-1:45pm in the 1914 Lounge. Share your thoughts and opinions at this open forum sponsored by the Share the Vision Committee and USG. Professor Deal from the Religious Studies Office, Deborale Richardson-Bouie from the Office of Multi-cultural Affairs, and Demetrius Colvin, undergraduate student, will facilitate the discussion.
Support Your Fellow Student Athletes
From football to soccer to volleyball, many of your friends are competing on varsity athletic teams. Show your Spartan spirit and come out and cheer for them! Check out the Athletics web site for a complete listing of schedules.
Public Affairs Discussion Groups
The Center for Policy Studies at Case hosts a public affairs discussion group Friday's at 12:30 pm in the Inamori Center in Crawford Room 9 (basement). Discussions run the gamut of topics from medical issues to the environment to the courts. The discussion this week is on Finding a Cure: The Case for Regulation and Oversight of Electronic Health Record Systems.
This is a great way to learn about issues that are of interest to you as you move forward in your college and professional career as well as to meet other people interested in similar topics.
For more information about these and other Center for Policy Studies programs, please visit the Center for Policy Studies website.
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