Academic Program

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To earn the degree of Bachelor of Arts or the degree of Bachelor of Science a student must:

1. Complete a minimum of 128 credit hours (equivalent to 32 full-courses).
2. Complete the degree requirements of one of the established majors or a self-designed major approved by the Curriculum and Education Policy Committee.
3. Complete the Liberal Studies Curriculum requirements.
4. Achieve a minimum cumulative quality point average of 2.0 and a minimum of a 2.0 average in courses taken in the major.
5. Complete a minimum of twenty-four of the last thirty-two credits at Saint Michael’s.
6. Transfer students must earn a minimum of sixty four credits at Saint Michael’s College.
7. Apply for graduation by filing an “Intent to Graduate” form at the beginning of the academic year in which the degree is expected.

It is the responsibility of the student to enroll in the appropriate courses needed to meet degree requirements.

The Liberal Studies Curriculum has been designed by the faculty around specific student learning outcomes deemed necessary for the well-educated productive member of society. It challenges students intellectually in subjects they might not otherwise have considered, it fosters an appreciation of the liberal arts and sciences, and it equips students to become lifelong learners.  Such breadth of intellectual experience is essential not only for good citizenship, but also for every career that requires a college degree.  For details, follow this link: Liberal Studies Curriculum .

The Self-Designed major is a student-designed, integrated course of study that allows students to examine in depth a field of study not covered by an established major.  While the Self-Designed major provides students with some flexibility regarding their plan of study, this plan must be developed in the context of some nationally or internationally recognized area of inquiry. Students interested in a Self-Designed major must write a proposal that documents a carefully thought out academic plan, taking into account not only an array of courses but also the sequence and integration of those courses in an overall course of study.  The proposal must articulate how the Self-Designed major will enhance a student’s academic experience and further their educational goals, and explain why their educational objectives cannot be fulfilled in the conventional manner with an established major. The Self-Designed major may not be used to avoid the requirements of an established major or to abbreviate the requirements of a double major.  

The Self-Designed major is the first and primary major and should be unrelated to any second major. The Curriculum and Educational Policy Committee (CEPC) recommends that in those cases where students create a Self-Designed major that stems from an established major or program of study, students should not retain the latter as a second major. Students may choose to add established minors to their program. Established majors and programs of study are those that appear in the college catalogue.  

Procedure
Prior to writing the proposal for a Self-Designed major a student will identify and consult with a primary faculty advisor.   This advisor will guide the student through the process of writing the proposal, help the student incorporate any changes recommended by the Curriculum and Educational Policy Committee (CEPC), and serve as the student’s Academic Advisor if the proposal is accepted.   The student will submit the proposal and supporting materials to the Dean of the College for review by the CEPC no later than March 1st of the sophomore year.   Proposals that are not successful may be re-submitted up until October 1 of the student’s junior year.   A minimum 3.0 GPA is required for a student who wants to propose a Self-Designed major.   The number of courses in the major is limited to 9—11, as is the case for established majors.  Consideration for additional courses will be given for self –designed majors in interdisciplinary fields.   The CEPC will take prior course work into account.  

Students with a cumulative quality point average of 3.0 or better may be allowed to pursue a double major. The signatures of the academic advisor, department chair, and the Associate Dean of the College are required. No more than two courses may be counted toward both majors, with the exception of required cognates.

In the case of double majors, one in a department that awards the bachelor of science degree and the other in a department that awards the bachelor of arts degree, the student will, at the time permission is sought from the Associate Dean to double major, indicate which degree will appear on the diploma. Both majors will be indicated on the transcript. Request for a double major should generally be made by the end of the junior year.

The following double majors are not permitted:
International Relations and Political Science
Biochemistry and Chemistry
Environmental Studies and Environmental Science
Information Systems and Business Administration
Information Systems and Computer Science

A minor in a particular field of study normally consists of five full courses.  No more than two courses in a student’s minor may also count for that student’s major, with the exception of required cognates for a major. Formal declaration of a minor must be made in the Office of the Registrar. A minimum quality grade point average of 2.0 must be attained in a minor.

Electives are the courses that are neither required within the major field nor a Liberal Studies Curriculum requirement. Depending upon the requirements of the major, a student may have many or few electives. Since the range of Liberal Studies courses is also diverse, the student has considerable flexibility in course selection. Some students select electives to complement their major, while others use them to explore alternative disciplines or optional career paths.

The Honors Program at Saint Michael’s College provides additional challenges and opportunities to outstanding students, with the aim of enhancing the liberal education offered by the College through engagement in small group discussion, research, and extraordinary curricular and extracurricular opportunities.  The Honors Program is guided by the mission of the College: “to contribute through higher education to the enhancement of the human person and to the advancement of human culture in the light of the Catholic faith.” It is the mission of the Honors Program to enhance the college experience of each Honors Program student; to promote intellectual growth of every student at St. Michael’s College; to encourage active involvement in service to the community.  The components of the Honors Program, all serving these ends, are the Honors Core Courses, the Honors Colloquium and the Senior Honors Project in the Major. Details are listed on the Honors Program  page.

Commitment

Study Abroad

Students are strongly encouraged to spend a semester, year, or summer in an international setting sometime during their undergraduate studies at Saint Michael’s College. Our aim is to encourage students to engage in meaningful academic programs located in communities culturally, socially and economically different from their own. It is by active and intentional involvement with diverse and unfamiliar regions of the world that students can better understanding their current and future roles and responsibilities as global citizens.

The Study Abroad Office works with academic departments to develop program options that meet the academic and mission-driven needs of our students. Course credits earned abroad are pre-approved for transfer credit and are directly applied toward graduation. Students study in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, the Pacific Rim, and Latin America through a variety of programs pre-approved by Saint Michael’s College. Students are encouraged to work with their academic advisors and the Study Abroad Office to develop study plans that maximize study abroad opportunities. Students generally study off campus during their junior year, and the minimum cumulative grade point average required for semester study is 3.0. Most study abroad experiences fulfill the Experiential Learning component of the Liberal Studies Curriculum.

In addition to programs offered by off-campus program providers, study abroad options include a number of Academic Study Trips developed each year by SMC faculty. Faculty-led programs, generally 2-4 weeks in length, introduce students to unique academic topics and cultures. Previous programs have included: medieval culture and society of France, tropical ecology in Costa Rica, health and development approaches in East Africa, community service and engagement in Guyana, politics and globalization in Guatemala, Shakespeare in London, and coral reef ecology in Cuba. Program offerings change from year to year as new courses are developed based on student and faculty interest.

For more information on program options, eligibility requirements, financial aid policies, and the application process, refer to the Study Abroad website: http://www.smcvt.edu/Experience/Study-Abroad.aspx

International Programs

1. Language programs in non-English speaking countries. These programs enhance language and cultural skills in the target languages offered at the College (i.e. Spanish, French, Chinese) or provide students with access to languages not taught on campus (i.e. Swahili, Arabic, Russian). Students can complete the College’s Second Language Proficiency Requirement through study abroad.
2. University programs in English-speaking countries. Study options in English speaking universities often allow for full access to a university’s course offerings. This is a valuable option for students who need to fulfill specific SMC course requirement while abroad.
3. Field based study programs. These programs give students extensive exposure to different cultures and provide opportunities for field research or independent study projects related to a specific theme or topic. These programs are often based in developing countries or non-traditional settings. 
4. International internship programs. Internships allow students to gain hands-on work experience by requiring a full semester of course work, plus an academic internship within a specific field of study. Internship placements are numerous and varied with popular placements in organizations that focus on international business, film and television, heath services, art, journalism, theatre, and international relations.
5. International service-learning programs. Service-learning programs offer students a chance to take courses and earn academic credit for work with community based projects or services. Foreign language skills are a plus, but programs in English speaking countries are also available.
6. Students in elementary and secondary education are encouraged to consider a semester with the Advanced Studies in England (ASE) program in Bath, England. The program’s educational theory course linked with a supervised practicum in a local British school offers academic and practical exposure to a non-American educational system. ASE’s strong academic focus, coupled with its attentive support services, combine to make this is an excellent match for SMC students seeking to study in a small, academically challenging program.
7. Exchange programs at various international universities provide the independent student with direct enrollment and immersion into a new culture. Current SMC exchanges are in Japan and South Korea. Exchange students from SMC partner institutions have an opportunity to study at Saint Michael’s College.
8. Academic Study Trips are developed each year by Saint Michael’s College faculty to introduce students to unique cultures and academic topics. Program offerings change from year to year as new courses are developed based on student and faculty interest.

Domestic Programs - examples

1. American University’s Washington Semester Program. The nation’s capital and its unique resources offer SMC students limitless learning opportunities. Students in the program enroll in two 4-credit seminars, a 4-credit internship, and a 4-credit research project in subject areas such as American Politics, International Environment and Development, Journalism, Public Policy, and International Law. National experts are regular guest speakers and classes are held throughout the city.  Many of the Washington-based programs also offer an overseas study component to complement classroom learning, and to provide an international perspective on global issues under study.
2. SEA Education, Woods Hole, Massachusetts. SEA Semester offers field based programs in marine and environmental studies.  This program is widely recognized for its challenging interdisciplinary curriculum and its on-shore and at-sea learning environments.
3. Domestic Saint Michael’s Academic Study Trips.  These programs of less than two weeks are often developed in connection with an on-campus course. A recent example involved a trip to Selma, Alabama to further research the US Civil Rights Movement and the role the Society of Saint Edmund’s played in the movement.  Other examples include courses focusing on Canadian history, politics, or environment that involve class trips to our neighbor to the North.

Application Procedures

Students should plan early for study abroad and are encouraged to work with their advisors and the Office of Study Abroad to develop study plans that maximize study options.  Applications are due the semester prior to the study abroad semester and most students study overseas during their junior year. Semester programs require a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and approval from the student’s academic advisor. Students submit applications to the Office of Study Abroad and to their study abroad program.

Students who study abroad without Saint Michael’s pre-approval or in non-approved programs must withdraw from the College during their time abroad and apply for readmission. Housing is on a space-available basis and eligibility for financial aid is subject to regulations at the time of readmission.

Independent research is encouraged by the College as a complement to regular coursework for qualified students. Independent Study courses are available in certain circumstances and require a 3.0 minimum quality point average during the academic year.  Independent study must be approved by the Associate Dean of the College no later than the last day of the course change period. In addition, Independent Research opportunities are available during the summer through an application process that can provide a grant of at least $3700 for full-time research for an 8-10 week period. Most Independent Research activities fulfill the Experiential Learning component of the Liberal Studies Curriculum.

The Academic Internship Program at Saint Michael’s provides the opportunity for students to integrate their academic studies with a supervised work experience. Internships are available to all majors, and involve work in such areas as business administration, communications, the environment, fine arts, human resource development, legal advocacy, applied science, market research, social services and finance, sales/marketing, public relations, and human resources. All requirements are listed on our web site.

Applicants normally have junior or senior standing, although exceptionally qualified second-semester sophomores may be considered. Transfer students must have completed a minimum of one semester of college work at Saint Michael’s. Internships may not be done as an overload during a regular academic semester.

Applicants are required to have a 2.7 minimum cumulative grade point average for internships in the academic year, and 2.0 for a summer internship. Certain departments may have other requirements to earn credit for internships in their programs. The majority of internships count as a full course. The Director of the Internship Program will assist students in identifying internship placements and in preparing the application.

Opportunities for overseas internships are available through the Office of Study Abroad. Non-Academic internship opportunities are available during the academic year or the summer through the Office for Career Development. All credit-bearing Academic Internships fulfill the Experiential Learning component of the Liberal Studies Curriculum. In addition, some non-credit-bearing internships may also fulfill the same requirement. Contact Margaret Sealey for more information.

Community-Engaged Learning (CEL) courses at Saint Michael’s integrate course learning-objectives with relevant social, economic, and environmental concerns. Students and faculty work in partnership with schools, non-profit organizations, and social or environmental service agencies to address needs articulated by the community. Students apply course concepts and discipline-specific skills to complete projects in collaboration with the community, CEL projects might involve direct outreach, community-based research, or civic engagement. The experiential components are complemented by critical reflection guided by the professor as informed action becomes an integral part of the learning process. CEL courses are offered through a variety of disciplines and programs and may occur in a local, national, or international context.  Many CEL courses, fulfill the Experiential Learning component of the Liberal Studies Curriculum.

Cross-Registration with Champlain and Burlington Colleges
This agreement allows full-time undergraduate degree-seeking students in good standing to enhance their educational experience by taking courses at the partner institutions as part of their regular course load and tuition.  For application process and conditions contact the Registrar’s Office.

University of Vermont 3+2 Engineering Program
An agreement with the University of Vermont allows students completing three years at Saint Michael’s and two years at UVM to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Michael’s College and a Bachelor of Science degree from UVM in one of a variety of engineering fields. The dual degree ensures that students will graduate with both a strong liberal arts background and the requisite knowledge for a career in an engineering field.  Details of the curricular and GPA requirements, as well as the application process, can be obtained from the program advisors, Dr. Zsuzsanna Kadas and Dr. Lloyd Simons.

Albany College of Pharmacy
An agreement with the Vermont campus of Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences assures admission each year to ten qualified Saint Michael’s students who have met certain requirements.  Students may complete our Pre-Pharmacy major by taking the required courses at SMC for three years and applying to enter the ACPHS program in their fourth year, or may apply to ACPHS after they complete four years at SMC.  Interested students should contact the program advisor, Dr. Shane Lamos. 

Vermont College of Law
Saint Michael’s College has a formal agreement with Vermont College of Law that guarantees admission into Vermont Law School’s JD, MELP, or Joint JD/MELP degree programs to Saint Michael’s College students who successfully complete Saint Michael’s requirements for the bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) and who also meet specific entrance criteria.  Interested students should contact the Pre-Law Advisor, Dr. Traci Griffith, or Chris Clary, Office of Career Development.

Post-baccalaureate Programs in Business and Accounting 
To provide post-graduate opportunities for students in both Business Administration and Accounting, the Department has developed a number of agreements with colleges and universities (e.g., Clarkson, Syracuse, Northeastern, Boston College) that will allow facilitated admission for our alumni into MBA and MSA programs.  Contact the department chair, Dr. Karen Popovich, for details.

The Air Force ROTC program is offered to Saint Michael’s students at Norwich University. AFRTOC, which offers superior pre-professional opportunities to future career Air Force Officers, has both two- and four-year programs. Interested students should contact the  AFROTC Office at Norwich University 1-802-485-2460. Visit Air Force ROTC for a program description.

Army ROTC is available to Saint Michael’s students at the University of Vermont. AROTC gives students hands-on experience in leadership roles in and outside the classroom that will lead to success in college, as an Army officer, or in any profession. Interested students can contact the AROTC office at UVM 1-802-656-5757.  Visit Army ROTC for a program description.

Academic advising at Saint Michael’s College is integral to the work of a learning community. Over the four years of an academic career, students assume increased responsibility for shaping their learning and coursework. The relationship of advisor to advisee in this process is not divorced from the teaching context; rather, it is an extension of the focus upon students and the development of autonomous learning. Throughout, students remain responsible for their own course selections in planning successfully to meet all graduation requirements. In support of this work, academic advising has four principles: it is learning centered, student focused, information rich, and multi-layered.

During summer orientation students are assigned a temporary academic advisor, and they receive a permanent advisor at the beginning of their first semester. Students are encouraged to reflect on their choice of a major and overall course selection; a formal declaration of a major must be made by the end of the fourth semester. Students who change their major will be assigned a new advisor in that chosen major. Academic advisors formally meet with students prior to registration each semester as well as informally throughout the year to develop their plan, review progress toward requirements, and select courses which best meet the students’ educational goals.

Many Saint Michael’s students are interested in pursuing a law career. While some enroll directly in law school after graduation, the majority wait for a few years. There is no specific pre-law major at Saint Michael’s, nor do law schools recommend any one major as a prerequisite for the study of law. To develop the background and skills necessary for success as a lawyer, students are encouraged to choose a major that will be intellectually challenging for them. Pre-law students are urged to choose their major according to interest and ability and thereby develop critical thinking and writing skills. Pre-law advising is offered through Professor Traci Griffith, a 1999 graduate of Notre Dame Law School (Media Studies, Journalism & Digital Arts) and Chris Clary (Office of Career Development). The Pre-Law handbook on the Career Development Web site provides information on the law school application process and links to law schools and professional organizations.

Students interested in pursuing careers in health care are advised by the Pre-Health Advisory Committee, whose chair is Professor Adam Weaver (Biology).

A student may follow a program which provides the courses necessary to gain admission to medical, dental or other allied health programs including optometry, physical therapy, nursing, physician assistant, podiatry, public health, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. While many students choose to major in one of the sciences, students in other majors may elect the courses required in preparation for the various allied health graduate programs.

Each professional school has specific requirements. Our biology major satisfies most of these requirements. A student may, however, elect to major in any subject and complete the pre-professional courses as electives. Any student doing this should meet with the chairperson of the committee, Biology Professor Adam Weaver, during the early part of the first year.

Members of the Pre-Allied Health Advisory Committee work closely with students who plan to seek admission to medical, dental, and other graduate programs. They seek to assist students in their course selection, preparation for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), Dental Admission Test (DAT), Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and the application process itself.

While at Saint Michael’s and after graduation, students will find guidance concerning graduate study from their academic advisors and members of the Career Development staff.

The Writing Center offers free help with writing of all kinds, at all stages of the process. Our coaches are extensively trained students who can ask the questions and give the answers you need to improve your writing. You can either drop in or make an appointment online.

Writers of all sorts use the Center: first-year students revising their first papers; international students wrangling with English idioms and articles; LD students with proofreading to do; journalism and business students wanting to “cut the lard”; even seniors and graduate students working on their theses. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, but most of all helpful—a place to learn the ropes from peers who have been exactly where you are.

For students who love writing, the Center can also be a place to get teaching experience, help out your fellow students, and add a valuable line to your resume. To learn how to become a coach, contact the director, Timothy Mackin, at 802 654-2452, or visit our web site.

Students may receive individualized peer tutoring in a number of content areas by requesting support from our Office of Peer Tutoring.  In addition, we offer individual and group sessions on study habits, time management, and other topics that can enhance academic success.

There is a specialized tutoring and self-paced program of study for students who need support with those courses in all disciplines that meet our Quantitative Reasoning requirement. Krisan Geary, Instructor of Mathematics, is the coordinator of this program.

 At least one section of this seminar will be offered each semester.  It is designed to provide selected students with an opportunity to explore their personal learning styles and challenges, and to acquire the skills and behaviors that will facilitate their academic success. Contact, Antonia Messuri, Director of Academic Support, for more information.

Services for students with disabilities are coordinated through the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. The College engineer deals with facility accessibility issues and supports the services coordinated by Student Affairs. Academic services for students with disabilities are coordinated by the Office of Accessibility Services. Any questions or concerns about such services should be directed to:

Learning Disabilities Policy

Saint Michael’s College is devoted to ensuring equal educational opportunities and a responsive campus environment for students with disabilities. Students wishing to disclose a learning disability or a disability that affects learning and who are in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Sec. 504, may receive additional support. A clear understanding of strengths and weaknesses in learning and of the influence of the disability on current and past educational processes will afford a broader assessment of capabilities, challenges, and consonant needs. To ensure the provision of reasonable and appropriate accommodations for students with learning disabilities, students needing such accommodations must provide current and comprehensive documentation, including the diagnosis of the learning problem(s), a copy of the psycho-educational evaluation completed within the past four to six years that includes a measure of cognitive functioning, and current measures of reading, math, and written language achievement. Informational processing must also be assessed. The testing must be conducted by a certified professional, address the nature of the disability, and include the professional’s assessment of how the learning difference will influence academic success. The report must also include recommendations for reasonable accommodations. The earlier the information is received, the better prepared we will be to address specific needs.

Mail material to:
Antonia Messuri, Director, Accessibility Services
Saint Michael’s College
One Winooski Park, Box 389
Colchester, Vermont 05439
Or fax material to: 802-654-2974

The Durick Library provides facilities for research, collaboration, quiet study, and access to information resources in print and digital formats. The library includes an online research area, reference and circulation staff available to assist students, ample seating, two computer labs and spaces conducive to individual and group study. Seating capacity totals over 500, with 50 private study carrels. The college’s wireless network is available throughout the building. Research services include individual research consultations with a reference librarian, research instruction classes and workshops, and credit-bearing courses on research methods.

The library’s collections include 450,000 books (including over 200,000 ebooks), access to 120,000 online journal titles, 5,000 DVDs and many other materials including course reserves and maps. A wide variety of online resources include research databases, multimedia databases and software applications. Most electronic resources are accessible through the library home page on the College website at www.smcvt.edu/library.

The Durick Library is open 102 hours per week while classes are in session, with extended hours during final exams. Online resources are available 24 hours per day via the campus network and off campus as well. 

Interlibrary loan services are available for books, articles, and other information resources not found in the library’s collections. Interlibrary loan requests may be made from most library databases and an online form is available on the library website.

The College’s Archives Department is located in the Durick Library. It houses Saint Michael’s Rare Book Collection and is the designated repository for official records of Saint Michael’s College and the archives of the Society of Saint Edmund. The Archives include official records and manuscripts; student records; college publications; administrative papers; video and audio recordings; microfilm; and photographs relating to the history of the College. The Society of Saint Edmund Archives includes official records for the Society and manuscript materials from individual members.

Contact information: Main number 802-654-2400. Reference Assistance 802-654-2405 or e-mail referencelibrarian@smcvt.edu. Library website: www.smcvt.edu/library

The Department of Information Technology is committed to creating a robust technology environment for the students, faculty, and staff of Saint Michael’s College. We support the mission and goals of the College by providing tools and services for our campus constituents: a reliable, secure, and fast campus network; support for the appropriate integration of technology into teaching and research; and the technology support for administrative operations of the College.

Our Teams:

Business Intelligence - Design and development of enterprise-wide data analysis and reporting solutions using business intelligence tools and data warehouse systems.

Data Center - Management and support of College network servers, services and infrastructure, telecommunications, and TV services on campus.

 Enterprise Applications - Support for major applications that support the College’s business areas.

Operations - Management of IT compliance efforts and policies, institutional technology procurement and departmental benchmarking efforts.

Technology Learning Center - Support for instructional technology and course design, classroom technology, mobile computing, learning management system, specialized labs, Helpdesk, and Makerspace.

Mikenet, the campus network, provides internet access, access to academic and administrative software, printing services, and cable TV from Comcast. The complete list of software in use on campus and the services the department provides is on the web at www.smcvt.edu\itweb.  Microsoft Office 365 provides student email. Virtually all residences, academic buildings, and administrative buildings have wireless network access. Mobile devices can access a large and growing number of academic and administrative systems. The Department of Public Safety provides the LiveSafe and Rave applications for emergency notification and campus security.

The College website provides the information new students need to begin using their devices on the campus network. This link goes directly to that information: http://it.smcvt.edu 

The College, in partnership with Competitive Computing and Small Dog Electronics, offers a student laptop purchase program that includes Dell and Apple laptops that come with a four year warranty, accidental damage protection and on campus service. Please visit www.smcvt.edu/laptopprogram for more details.

Contact information: Helpdesk phone: 802-654-2020, e-mail us at http://it.smcvt.edu

Professional career counselors provide assistance in career planning and job-search strategies. It is important that students take advantage of the resources available for exploring career possibilities early in their college careers. It is important that students take advantage of Saint Michael’s career LAUNCH, our 4-year program to aid students in exploring career possibilities, gaining experience, and developing professional skills, starting in their first year of college.

Career Planning: The aim of career planning is to aid students in making educated decisions regarding course and major selection, and in analyzing their individual skills and interests. They are also taught how to research career fields and to identify occupational and educational opportunities. Each activity is designed to enhance satisfaction with career choice. In addition, self-assessment instruments and a computerized career guidance system help students identify interests, abilities, and values. Internships are an integral part of career  planning and students are guided towards resources for experiential learning opportunities, both academic and non-academic.

Graduate School and Job-Search Assistance: Guidance is offered in formulating career objectives, researching graduate schools and employers, and identifying job openings. Workshops on resumé writing, interview techniques, and job-search strategies are offered regularly. Additional opportunities for students include annual career fairs, an on-campus Career Symposium featuring alumni in a wide range of fields, and an annual career networking event with alumni in Boston, NYC, and Burlington. An active on-campus recruiting program is maintained as well as a comprehensive jobs database, SMC JobLink.

Part-time Job Service: Career Development also offers a part-time job service to assist students in obtaining part-time and summer employment in the greater Burlington area and throughout the country.

Saint Michael’s has a number of centers and institutes that provide support for both students, faculty and the entire Saint Michael’s community in terms of curricular, co-curricular, service and independent initiatives.

The Edmundite Center for Peace & Justice receives generous support from two endowed funds: The Esther Sorrell Lecture Series, and The Class of 2000 Peace and Justice Endowment.

The mission of the Edmundite Center for Peace and Justice is: To integrate peace and justice concerns into everyday life of our college community.

A prominent aspect of the Edmundite tradition is a commitment to service rooted in love of God, and love of neighbor that respects the freedom and dignity of all people. The center shares in the mission of Saint Michael’s College to create an environment of teaching and learning that cultivates a commitment to service. Aiming to create educational opportunities where all are welcome with a spirit of openness and hospitality, the center will strive to image a world rooted in justice and peace. Since engagement with the concerns of the world are central to the learning process, the center will foster scholarship and service informed by the biblical call “to act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with our God” (Micah 6:8).

To achieve this mission, the center offers a variety of learning opportunities in collaboration with academic departments, student services, other college departments, and other institutions of higher education. In providing experiential learning in a variety of local, national, and international contexts, the center draws upon the good will of church, community, agency, and government leaders willing to share their resources and experiences.

A minor in Peace and Justice was established in 2004. The Class of 2000 created an endowment to support the center. For further information on the program contact Laurie Gagne.

This center was developed in order to advance the place of the Catholic tradition in relationship to human culture and to promote greater understanding of and appreciation for the Catholic tradition among members of the College.  The faculty director brings relevant programming to campus and provides support to faculty in the curricular implications of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition. For further information on the program contact Dr. Edward Mahoney.

The Center for Women and Gender promotes awareness of women’s and gender equity issues by educating students, faculty and staff and supports individuals by providing them with resources and referrals. For further information on the program contact Micalee Sullivan.

The SSRC supports the academic mission of the College by sponsoring public lectures, faculty panels and book discussions about public policy issues and research in the social sciences and pre-professional fields.  The SSRC also conducts research studies every year for government agencies, non-profit institutions and for-profit firms.  In addition, each summer the SSRC awards research grants that allow students to carry out their own research on a full time basis.  For further information on the Center contact Dr. Herb Kessel.

Statement on Credit Policy

Students typically take four four-credit courses each semester (a 4-4 curriculum). We also offer a number of half-courses (two credits each).  Full-time tuition allows students to take four or four and a half courses each semester, or a maximum of 18 credits. Students who take at least three full courses (12 credits) are considered full-time students. Students need 128 credits to graduate.  The 4-4 curriculum presents a focused and in-depth experience that emphasizes critical and careful reading, writing, research, and various kinds of experiential learning.

Students are expected to devote a minimum of 10 hours per week on average to each 4-credit course during the 15-week semester.  In traditional classroom-based courses, just over three of these hours (190-195 minutes) are spent in class.  Consequently, for this type of course, students should expect to spend at least an additional 7 hours of effort per week (on average) outside of class on readings, homework, writing papers, research, take-home exams, studying for in-class quizzes and exams, and meetings with fellow students and the instructor.  In courses that are not primarily based in a classroom, students are expected to complete at least an equivalent amount of work (10 hours/week/4 credit course), which may include laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work and other forms of academic work.  Half courses (2 credits) should have an expectation of at least 5 hours of work per week, including in-class time.

Students seeking to transfer to Saint Michael’s College must be in good standing, academically and otherwise, at the institution they have previously attended.  Students transferring from other accredited degree-granting institutions have their previous coursework evaluated for transfer credit after they are accepted for admission.  Transfer students are responsible for having official copies of transcripts sent from each institution attended. Final determination of transferability of courses is made by the Registrar’s Office at Saint Michael’s in consultation with the appropriate academic department when necessary.

As degree candidates, transfer students must satisfy all of the degree requirements listed in the catalog in effect at the time of their initial enrollment at Saint Michael’s College.

Of the total credits required for a Saint Michael’s College degree, a minimum of 64 credits must be earned at SMC. 

A maximum of four courses may transfer to count toward a student’s major, and a maximum of two courses may transfer to count towards a student’s minor.  The academic department offering the major or minor makes final determination on the transferability of courses in the major or minor.

Transfer credits will be reflected in semester hours earned.  Grades in courses for which transfer credit has been granted do not enter into the computation of a student’s grade point average.

Transfer course work is evaluated on an individual basis and assigned an equivalent Saint Michael’s College course number whenever possible. Transfer credits may be used to fulfill Liberal Studies Curriculum requirements, electives, and, at times, major requirements.  If no equivalent course can be designated, and the work is deemed to be comparable to college-level work, then general elective credits in the discipline may be awarded.  In some cases a proficiency exam must be passed in order for credits to transfer.

Transfer credit for students who transfer to SMC will be evaluated following these guidelines…

1. Courses presented with two or three semester hours of credit will be given the appropriate and corresponding number of credits of transfer credit.  In no case will the number of credits for a course exceed the number awarded at the original institution.
2. A three-credit course may be used to satisfy an LSC requirement if the corresponding course in the Saint Michael’s curriculum meets that same requirement.
3. A three-credit course may be used to satisfy a major or minor requirement if the corresponding course in the department meets that same requirement and if approved by the department chair.
4. Coursework taken 10 years or more prior to admission is subject to review before a decision on transferring credits.

In general, credits can be transferred for courses that are:

• taken at regionally accredited, degree-granting colleges and universities
• comparable in content, nature, and rigor to course offerings in the corresponding discipline at SMC
• graded at a level of C minus or higher (on an A-F scale). Grades of ‘P’ (Pass) or ‘S’ (Satisfactory) will be accepted only with official documentation verifying that they represent successful completion of a specific course at the level of C minus or higher.

In general, credits will not be transferred for courses that

• were taken at colleges and universities that are not regionally accredited or candidates for accreditation
• are in disciplines that are not taught at SMC; e.g. nursing, physical education
• are pre-collegiate or remedial courses; e.g. reading improvement, English/math skills courses, developmental courses
• appear on a transcript with no credit or grade assigned
• were awarded for life/work experience
• were earned in co-op or internship experiences
• are Continuing Education Units (CEU)

Students in degree programs at Saint Michael’s College may be given permission to take classes at other institutions for transfer to SMC degree requirements.  Courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar’s Office and, for major or minor courses, by the department chair.   A transfer course approval form must be filed with the Registrar’s Office, along with a catalog description of the courses proposed for transfer.  In some cases a course syllabus will also be required and, at times, a proficiency test.  Courses not approved in advance may not be accepted for transfer credits    

Full-time students in degree programs must have permission from the Associate Dean of the College in order to enroll concurrently in any courses at another institution.

No more than twelve credits will be given for coursework taken in any one summer session.

As a student approaches graduation, 24 of the final 32 credits must be taken at Saint Michael’s College. 

An official transcript will be required to transfer credits from other institutions, and grades earned in courses taken at other institutions will not be part of the student’s grade point average.  Transfer grades are not recorded on the Saint Michael’s transcript.

College level coursework completed in high school may be eligible for transfer credit. Coursework must be offered through a regionally accredited, degree-granting college or university and may be taught within a high school setting.  An official transcript issued by the college or university granting credits will be required.

Saint Michael’s College participates in the Advanced Placement Program of the College Entrance Examination Board.  Students who have taken AP courses in high school and who score 4 or 5 on an AP examination may receive credits for no more than one SMC course for each exam.  A score of 3 on an AP exam may, in certain subjects, lead to placement in courses beyond the introductory level, but not to course credit except in Calculus.

To receive credit through AP, students must request that an official score report be sent to the Registrar’s Office at Saint Michael’s College. The Saint Michael’s College four-digit AP code is 3757.

It is common for students who score at a qualifying level to decline AP credits so that they may take an introductory course in a subject in which they may want to major (this happens especially in the natural sciences).  Consultation with the chair of the appropriate department or the faculty advisor is encouraged when a student is considering this.

Advanced Placement Credit Information

Saint Michael’s College recognizes the International Baccalaureate program and may award credits for up to two courses for each Higher Lever examination passed with a score of 5, 6 or 7.  Credits are not granted for Standard Level examinations. To receive credit through the International Baccalaureate Program, students must request that an official score report be sent to the Registrar’s Office at Saint Michael’s College.

Students taking College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams may receive transfer credit, provided the exam is in one of the subjects offered at Saint Michael’s.  In order to be considered for credit, the exams must have been taken prior to beginning a degree program at Saint Michael’s. The minimum score for earning credit is 50 (comparable to a grade of C) for most exams.

To receive CLEP credits an official score report must be sent directly by the College Board to the Saint Michael’s College Registrar’s Office.

Credit for Service in the Military

Saint Michael’s College may consider the transfer of coursework completed through advanced military training.  The coursework must be comparable in nature to courses offered at Saint Michael’s College.  Credits earned in Basic Training or at the Vocational level will not be considered for transfer.  Students with military experience should submit a final, official copy of their Joint Services Transcript from the American Council on Education to the Registrar’s Office for review.  A maximum of 16 credits may be awarded.

The College exists primarily to sustain the pursuit of knowledge. Scholarship, teaching and learning are possible only in an environment of academic integrity characterized by honesty and mutual trust. Simply expressed, academic integrity requires that one’s work be one’s own. It is the responsibility of every member of the college community—faculty members, students, and administrators—to ensure that the highest standards of academic integrity are maintained.

Because violations of academic integrity threaten the intellectual climate central to the pursuit of knowledge, they cannot be tolerated and sanctions will be imposed for any violation of this important trust. Violations of academic integrity include the following: plagiarism, unauthorized assistance, interference, and multiple submission. A more detailed explanation of academic integrity violations and the procedures for dealing with violations of academic integrity are presented in the Student Handbook and Code of Conduct.

Students arrange their class schedules in a pre-registration period (normally in November and again in April) after consultation with their advisors. No student will be allowed to pre-register for classes or partake in room draw without certification by Student Financial Services that the student’s account has no outstanding balance.

Students may, without charge or penalty, request a change of course or section up to and including the seventh class day in any given semester.

Students may withdraw from a course through the tenth week in a semester and a final grade of “WD” will appear on the record. Leaving a course after the tenth week or failure to file the required forms will result in a final grade of “F”. A student wishing to make a course change should make this request through the Registrar’s Office. The student is responsible for notifying the instructors involved when a course or section change is made and for filing an official signed form with the Registrar.

Students may enroll in a course on an “Audit” basis, for no academic credit during the first two weeks of the semester, with the approval of the course instructor.   The fee for auditing a course is one-half the tuition fee, unless it is being taken as part of a full-time course load, in which case there is no fee.  Students may audit only one course per semester (a maximum of four full courses and one audit).  The audit is recorded on the student’s academic record as “AU”, but no grade or credits are assigned.   The expectations of the audit are established by the instructor, who will verify successful completion of the audit to the Registrar at the end of the semester.  An auditor is expected to attend classes, but is not required to complete assignments or to take examinations, unless the instructor requires this level of work.

A student who takes 12 to 18 credits is considered to be a full-time student. The successful completion of an average of 16 credits per semester for eight semesters will fulfill the credit requirements for graduation. A student who enrolls in fewer than 12 credits is considered to be part-time.

Students who have not been admitted into a degree program at Saint Michael’s may, with the written permission of the Registrar, be permitted to enroll in courses with space available after degree students have registered. Enrollment as a non-degree student is generally limited to a cumulative total of twelve undergraduate credits. To continue beyond 12 credits, the student must be formally admitted to the College through the usual application procedures of the Admission Office.

Except in their first year, any student with a cumulative grade point average of 3.6 or higher may be permitted to enroll in a fifth course, resulting in a total of 20 credits for the semester.  The student must submit a petition to the Associate Dean of the College, and will be charged a $600 overload tuition fee.  The fifth course may only be added during the Add-Drop period.  The overload fee will be waived for overload credits in music ensemble courses.  

Tests may be held at any time during a course at the discretion of the instructor. If a final exam (whether cumulative or not) is given, it should be given during exam week, not during the last week of classes.

Make-up examinations may be given to students who are legitimately absent from a final examination. Requests for make-up examinations are made directly to the professor of the course. Students who are suspended for disciplinary reasons are not eligible to take examinations or to make them up, unless such permission is given at the time of suspension.

Instructors report final course grades at the end of each semester; they report grades of D or F at mid-semester. Grades are reported and recorded as letter grades. Student averages and rank in class are computed on the following quality point basis.

When a course is taken on a pass or fail basis, a passing grade is indicated by the letter P and a failing grade by the letter F. The F grade is assigned zero quality points and is computed in the student’s average. A pass grade cannot be assigned quality points and, therefore, is not computed in the average.

To determine the quality points earned for a particular course, multiply the number equivalent to the letter grade by the credit hours assigned to the course. For credit notations see the descriptions of particular courses in the Courses  section of this catalog. Thus an A in Biology 151 (4 semester hours) earns 16 quality points (4 quality points x 4 semester hours).

To arrive at the quality point average (QPA), add the quality points for all courses. Then divide this sum by the number of credit hours attempted.

Instructors may also use the following letters in reporting grades:

Grades of I, X, and WD are not computed in the student’s average. Grades of I and X must be made up within six weeks of the beginning of the semester following the assignment of the notation. A record containing such a notation is not eligible for honors in the semester in which it was incurred. After the make-up of an I or X, a new average will be computed and the student’s record changed accordingly. If an I or X is not made up, the final grade in the course becomes an F.

With the permission of the instructor a course may be taken on a pass/fail basis. This option is open to those students who completed at least 16 credits in the previous semester with a quality point average of at least 3.0 in those courses. The following may not be taken on a pass/fail basis:

1. Courses in the department of the student’s major;
2. Courses outside the department of the student’s major which are major requirements;
3. Courses a student is taking to satisfy Liberal Studies Curriculum requirements.
    

Students will make their selection of the course they wish to take on a pass/fail basis during the drop/add period (first week of semester). A special pass/fail form must be filed in the Registrar’s Office.

Students should understand that the main reason for attending college is to be guided in their learning activities by their professors. This guidance takes place primarily in the classroom and laboratory.

The following policies have been established:

1. Members of the teaching faculty and students are expected to meet all scheduled classes unless prevented from doing so by illness or other emergencies.
2. The instructor of a course will set the attendance policy for that course.
3. The instructor may report excessive absences to the Associate Dean of the College, who may warn the student.

A student who believes that course work has been unfairly evaluated, or who has another conflict regarding academic matters less than Academic Probation/Dismissal or the Academic Integrity Policy, should use the following procedure:

1. As soon as possible, no later than the end of the sixth week of the following semester, the student must approach the faculty member to discuss the issue (when possible). In the event of a grade dispute, the student should seek an explanation of the method of evaluation and seek a determination that no error has been made.
2. If the student is not satisfied with the results of this conference, or if a meeting with the faculty member was impossible or inadvisable, the case must be presented in writing with supporting documentation to the department chair or program coordinator.
3. If, after consultation with the faculty member (when possible) and after a review of the written evidence, the department chair finds legitimate cause for complaint, he or she will try to work toward an equitable solution with the student and faculty member. If this fails, he or she will bring the matter to the Associate Dean of the College. If the department chair concludes there is no cause for the complaint, the student may approach the Associate Dean of the College, who will confer with the faculty member and the student.
4. If a student is still not satisfied with the outcome of the conference with the Associate Dean, the student may formally appeal the grade. The grade will be reviewed by a panel consisting of the Dean of the College, the faculty member who gave the original grade, and a member the Curriculum and Educational Policy Committee, selected by that committee’s chair. If for some reason the original faculty member is unavailable, the department chair may appoint a substitute. The majority decision of this three-person panel will be final. If the decision is made to change the grade, the department chair from that field of study will be consulted by the Dean to help determine the final grade.

A student who has completed a minimum of fourteen credits of classes with grades, not including classes with a grade “P”, and achieves a grade point average of at least 3.5 in a particular semester is cited on the Dean’s List for that semester. A student whose record includes the grade of I or X in a particular semester is not eligible for inclusion on the Dean’s List, either at the end of the semester or when the I or X is changed to a permanent letter grade.

Students who maintain the cumulative quality point averages specified below receive their degrees with honors listed. In calculating graduation honors, grade point averages are not rounded off.

Cum laude: 3.5
Magna cum laude: 3.7
Summa cum laude: 3.9

A course in which a student earns an F or D grade may be repeated. In non-major courses, both grades appear on the transcript and both are computed in the student’s cumulative quality point average. When a course in a student’s major is repeated, both grades remain on the transcript and are computed in the cumulative quality point average, but only the higher grade is computed in the major average. When a course that was passed is repeated for a better grade, the credits will count only once. When courses are repeated at other colleges or universities, only credits, and not grades, transfer.

When a student’s cumulative quality point average is below the qualifying average, he/she is placed on probation and so notified. This qualifying cumulative quality point average escalates from a 1.6 in the first semester for a first-year student to a 1.8 at the end of the second term, a 1.9 at the end of the third term, and a 2.0 at the end of the fourth term and in each of the following semesters. A student with a cumulative quality point average under 1.0 at the end of the first term will be subject to automatic dismissal, unless a waiver is granted at the discretion of the Dean of the College, in consultation with the Academic Review Board. The minimum quality point average required for graduation is a 2.0 (“C”) in both the major and in all courses attempted.

While on probation a student’s participation in extracurricular activities may be restricted. Students on probation are also expected to participate in a program designed to assist them in making successful progress toward graduation. Furthermore, a student who is placed on probation at the end of a semester will have his/her record formally reviewed at the end of the following semester by the Academic Board of Review. If satisfactory progress is not being made, the board will recommend appropriate action, including possible dismissal, to the Dean of the College.

Dismissed students may be considered for readmission after at least a full fall or spring semester away, during which time the student must complete two approved courses simultaneously at another institution of higher learning with a grade of B or better. Other stipulations also apply; full details will be included in a letter sent to students dismissed for academic reasons.

Although the procedure listed above generally applies, Saint Michael’s College reserves the right to dismiss at any time, without giving additional reason, students whose conduct or academic standing it judges to be unacceptable. Neither the College, nor the officers, nor the trustees of the College will be under any liability for such dismissal.

Students may withdraw from the College for a limited period of time (leave of absence) or permanently. Under usual circumstances, a withdrawal form should be obtained from the Associate Dean of the College, completed, and filed with the Office of the Registrar. If the withdrawal occurs early in the semester, there may be a partial refund of tuition and fees.

1. Leave of Absence. Students who intend to return may request a leave of absence from the College for up to two academic semesters. Students with leave of absence status will be assessed a one-time fee. Please contact the Registrar’s Office for that amount. Registration materials should be requested in writing from the Registrar’s Office, and will be sent to the student’s home address at the appropriate time in the semester. These must be returned by November 1 for the spring semester and by May 1 for the fall semester to initiate the readmission process. Students on medical leave must provide evidence to the Dean of Students that the medical issue has been resolved. In the event that students either fail to pay the continuance fee or extend their leave beyond the two semesters, they will be reclassified as voluntary withdrawals (see below).
2. Voluntary Withdrawals. A voluntary withdrawal is provided to students who do not intend to return to the College. Students who have withdrawn in good standing may apply to return to the College with a letter of reapplication by November 1 for the spring semester or by May 1 for the fall semester. Letters should be sent to the registrar. Readmission of students who voluntarily withdraw will be on a space-available basis.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Coordinator

David Barrowclough, Registrar, Founders 114, 802-654-2571

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 pertains to student educational records maintained by Saint Michael’s College. The act states that students can have access to their educational records, and at the same time the Act protects the rights to privacy of students by limiting the transferability of records without their consent. The following guidelines are presented to assist all members of the Saint Michael’s community in understanding the provisions of the act as they apply to Saint Michael’s College.

All current and former students will have access to their educational records upon written request to the applicable office. Each office will comply with all requests within a reasonable length of time, but not later than forty-five days from the date of receipt of the written request. Educational records include academic records, confidential letters and statements.

Records not covered by the act include any record received prior to January 1, 1975, financial records of parents, private notes of faculty and administrative officers, law enforcement records, and medical or psychiatric records. A physician or psychiatrist may review medical or psychiatric records if requested by a student.

Students may waive, in writing, access to recommendations and evaluations. A waiver must be filed with each individual office. The act does not provide for blanket waivers of access to all educational records.

A student who requests access to an educational record is expected to present valid identification.

Students may request unofficial copies of any educational record and may also request that official copies be sent directly to other institutions. A fee is incurred; please contact the Registrar’s Office for that amount.

The College will not release any educational record concerning any student or former student unless a written statement authorizing such a release is received from the student or former student. Exceptions to this policy are:

1. Faculty, staff, administrator, other professional or service provider employed by or contracted with the College having legitimate educational interests in the record.
2. Authorized federal and state officials in the process of administering educational programs.
3. Requirements of administration of the Financial Aid Program.
4. Accrediting organizations in carrying out their accrediting function.
5. Parents providing documentation that the student is a dependent.
6. Directory information (see below).
7. Organizations conducting studies on educational programs, provided that the identity of the student is not revealed.
8. In an emergency situation involving the health or safety of the student or other persons.
    

The College will advise all recipients of student records that only authorized persons may see the records. Each College office will keep a record of all individuals requesting or receiving student records except as noted in item number one above.

Students who wish to give a blanket authorization for the College to share information from the educational record with parents, legal guardians or other designated persons may file a form with the Registrar’s Office.

The College will, in the course of the school year, release to the public certain information regarded as directory data. If a student does not want this information publicized, he/she must request in writing on an annual basis that such information not be published. Saint Michael’s College considers the following to be “Directory Information”:

A student may challenge any educational record that he/she feels to be inaccurate, misleading, or a violation of privacy. This policy does not apply to academic grades received for course work except when there is reason to believe that an error was made in recording grades to the transcript.

When a student desires to challenge a record, every effort should be made to resolve the question with the office involved. If this is not possible, the student must submit in writing to the coordinator of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 a statement outlining the alleged inaccurate, misleading or inappropriate data or statement contained in the record. The coordinator will appoint an impartial college official who will conduct a hearing within forty-five days of receipt of the written request. The results of the hearing will be transmitted in writing to the student and all other parties involved. The student may appeal the decision to the President of Saint Michael’s College. The President’s decision will be final.

The above policy statement is subject to amendment from time to time, subject to approval by the Board of Trustees.

The mission statement of Saint Michael’s College demands that we respect the dignity of each person. The College’s non-discrimination clause furthermore mandates fair treatment regardless of gender. In light of these objectives, faculty, staff, administrators, students, trustees, and friends of Saint Michael’s are encouraged to communicate in a gender-neutral manner.