Academic Information

Classes

Academic Studies Department classes normally meet with instructors for 45 hours per term (including contact hours during field trips, if foreseen).

In all classes, students have assignments beyond regular class hours. Attendance is mandatory for all classes. All classes are taught in English, with the exception of Italian language classes.

Class Field Trips

Field trips form an integral part of our study abroad program. Students are required to attend all field trips that are scheduled for classes in which they are enrolled.

Attendance policy

Attendance is particularly important during the study abroad experience. Students are expected to attend all classes . Class attendance is compulsory. Only absences owing to a documented illness or emergency are excused by the Dean. Only absences owing to a documented illness or emergency are excused. If a student is absent one lesson (unexcused), 12,5% will be subtracted from the participation grade of the course and it represents 5% less from the total grade. Students who miss more than 20% of a course owing to unexcused absences will not receive a passing grade for the course.

The attendance policy of each course will be noted on the syllabus however a regular, attentive, active participation, and attendance are strictly required for successful completion of course

Regular class attendance is required for successful completion of the course. If you are absent one lesson during the week, 4 points will be subtracted from your participation grade of that week; 7 points will be deducted if you are absent twice. If an absence penalty results in a negative score, a rating of zero will be recorded. Likewise, if you are absent all lessons during the week, your participation will also receive a grading of zero. Work is accepted only on or before the due dates specified in the syllabus. If you are absent from class, you are responsible for making arrangements to have your work handed in on the due date, and for informing yourself of the information covered in class during the period of your absence. No other make up work will be assigned or accepted. No extra credit work is permitted. If a regularly scheduled exam is missed due to an authorized university activity, you will be given an opportunity to make up the exam, provided that an official written excuse from a coach or other university official is presented to the instructor within 10 days of absence.

In case of chronic illness or personal emergencies requiring prolonged or frequent absences, the student should withdraw from this course and repeat it when the circumstances allow fulfillment of course requirements.

Special needs

If you are a person with a disability and anticipate needing any type of accommodation in order to participate in this class, please advise the instructor and make appropriate arrangements with il Sillabo.

Examinations

Students must take exams at established examination times. No early exams will be given unless special arrangements are made with the instructor. Students will not be excused from exams or allowed to take early or make-up exams owing to travel arrangements.

Grades

Il Sillabo students are graded on the A-F letter scale. If course work (paper, essay, etc.) is not completed by the last day of term, students will receive an Incomplete for the course. The Incomplete will automatically become an “F” if all course work is not completed by March 1 for the Fall term, August 1 for the Spring term, or November 1 for the Late Spring and Summer terms.

Credits & Transcripts

Courses are for 3 credits/45 contact hours. Therefore, e ach semester credit is equivalent to 15 credit hours (i.e. 3 credits = 45 credit hours). Audits, or enrollment in courses for no credit, will not be reported on the transcript. The transcript will indicate courses taken, grades earned and credits awarded.

During orientation, students will receive a handbook which includes information concerning academic policies and procedures, and the rights and responsibilities of each participant.

Textbooks

All students will be required to purchase the assigned textbooks and reading materials when they arrive at the Institute. Used copies are usually available, and buy-backs will take place whenever possible. We advise students not to purchase texts in the U.S. since reading lists are subject to change.