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SECTION III - ACADEMIC POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND SERVICES

Academic Calendar

The Registrar's Office proposes a calendar for review by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. After consultation with appropriate campus groups, the Provost and Vice President recommend a calendar to the President of the College for action.

Principles for Academic Calendars Adopted by the Faculty Senate (Action #537) and approved by the President, fall 2003.

Guidelines for Design of Academic Calendars Adopted by the Faculty Senate (Action #271) and approved by the President, September 1986; modified by Faculty Senate Action #375 approved by the President in January 1994, by Faculty Senate Action #537 approved by the President in October 2003 and by Faculty Senate #549 approved by the President in February 2004.

  1. Fall and spring semesters will start on Tuesdays.
  2. If Labor Day falls on the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd of the month, the fall semester will begin on the Tuesday immediately following Labor Day.
  3. The first semester will end prior to Christmas.
  4. The first semester will include, besides a Thanksgiving break, a break in October of at least four days (two class days).
  5. Spring semester will begin on the Tuesday immediately following Martin Luther King Day.
  6. The starting date for the spring semester will allow for three weeks for winter session. Winter session will begin after January 1st each year.
  7. The second semester will end in May.
  8. The second semester will include one well-spaced break centered on March 17.
  9. When possible, a spring break coinciding with Easter weekend will be scheduled.
  10. There will be one week without scheduled classes between the end of the spring semester and the beginning of the “May semester.”
  11. Summer session will have two, five-week sessions, with provision for faculty and departments to schedule longer courses as they deem necessary.
  12. Grades are due by 4:30 P.M. on the third business day after the end of each semester's exam week.
  13. To the extent practicable, SUNY Plattsburgh's academic calendar will be aligned with those of our sister institutions with which we have articulation agreements.

Academic Policies

Academic policies may be found in the College Catalog (Undergraduate/ Graduate Bulletin) and the Advisors Handbook.  Specific policies will be available on-line.

Academic Progress Standards (See College Catalog)

Auditing Courses (See College Catalog)

Academic Honesty (See College Catalog)

APPENDIX A OF STUDENT'S GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

Excerpt from the Joint Statement on Rights and Freedoms of Students, , AAUP Bulletin, Summer I.68.

The professor in the classroom and in conference should encourage free discussion, inquiry and expression. Student performance should be evaluated solely on an academic basis, not on opinions or conduct in matter unrelated to academic standards.

  1. Protection of Freedom of Expression Students should be free to take reasoned exception to the date or views offered in any course of study and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion, but they are responsible for learning the content of any course of study for which they are enrolled.
  2. Protection Against Improper Academic Evaluation
    Students should have protection through orderly procedures against prejudiced or capricious academic evaluation. At the same time, they are responsible for maintaining standards of academic performance established for each course in which they are enrolled.
  3. Protection Against Improper Disclosure Information about student views, beliefs and political associations which professors acquire in the course of their workas instructors, advisors, or counselors should be considered confidential. Protection against improper disclosure is a serious professional obligation. Judgments of ability and character may be provided under appropriate circumstances, normally with the knowledge or consent of the student.

ASSESSMENT POLICY

Adopted by the Faculty Senate and approved by the President, 2002
All departments and units of the college, academic and non-academic, will undertake annual assessment of their programs. Plans for undertaking assessment and the results of assessment activities will be reviewed periodically by the dean and/or vice president responsible for each unit and reported to the Faculty Senate and Executive Council.

ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION OF THE FACULTY

Recognizing a collegiate identity built upon mutuality of support among all members of our community of scholars as the ideal, the two basic functional elements of the organizational structure of this college are the Faculty (as broadly defined in the college Bylaws) and the Office of the President as represented by him/her and other administrative officers.  Each of these elements has subdivisions created for convenience and functional utility in the interest of the larger collegiality.

Through its representative Senate, the collegiate Faculty considers matters within its purview as defined in the Trustees' policies and the college Faculty Bylaws.  The teaching staff is further organized into four Faculties*, each responsible for matters of specific interest to its academic program within the context of the total college mission.  Each Faculty is under the jurisdiction of an Academic Dean who is responsible to the President through the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs for all aspects of departmental and staffs organization and operation.  Changes in the internal organization of a Faculty must have the approval of the President.  All new programs of instruction, new programs of research, and new programs of public service as well as major changes in established programs, must be consistent with the campus master plan and college policy and have the approval of the President.

*The term Faculty, when introduced with a capital, denotes that portion of the collegiate faculty under the direct jurisdiction of an Academic Dean.  (Arts and Sciences, Education/Health/Human Services, School of Business and Economics, and Library and Information Services)

Consistent with policies of the college, each Faculty is charged to:

  1. Develop, conduct, and improve specialized courses, sequences, and programs within the special competence of that Faculty as required by the various instructional and service programs of the college
  2. Develop, conduct, and improve a program of academic guidance and counseling for all students enrolled as majors within that Faculty
  3. Consider and recommend to the Dean administrative policy governing conduct of instructional, research and service programs within its area of responsibility;
  4. Consider and recommend to the Dean administrative policy governing appointment, continuance, and separation for that Faculty
  5. Consider and recommend to the Dean plans for development of the program offered by that Faculty
  6. Consider and recommend to the Dean plans for development of the teaching staff within its area of responsibility
  7. Consider and recommend to the Dean plans for the development of financial resources other than those provided in the State budget in support of its programs of research, public service, and instruction
  8. Advise the Dean on administrative matters within its area of concern;
  9. Discharge such other responsibilities as the Dean, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, and President may assign.

ACADEMIC MINORS

Adopted by the Faculty Senate (Action #155) and approved by the President, April 1979.

A minor shall consist of a minimum of 18 and a maximum of 24 credit hours, shall be available to students as an option, and will be recorded on their permanent transcript.

A minor program may be proposed by the faculty of an existing major program (e.g., chemistry, sociology, music, etc.). Such programs will be reviewed by the Faculty Senate subject to the same procedures as an approval for a major program. In the case of minors for which there is an existing major, students must have the approval of department chairpersons or program coordinators.

A minor program may also be proposed by faculty in an area not currently available as a major program (e.g., religious studies, occupational health, American studies, etc.). Such proposals will also be reviewed by the Faculty Senate subject to the same procedures as an approval for a major program. In the case of minors for which there is no corresponding major program, the faculty proposing the minor shall designate a person to act as coordinator of the minor, and give approval for those students wishing to enroll in the minor program.

COURSE SYLLABI

Adopted by the Faculty Senate (Action #290) and approved by the President, December 1987 Course instructors must provide to each student in writing within one week after the start of classes the following: 1) the instructor's name, office address, telephone number, and office hours; 2) information on required course materials, projected course content and assignments, including the number and approximate submission dates of papers, projects, and examinations; and 3) an explanation of course policies and requirements including grading and attendance policies.

COURSE AND PROGRAM CHANGE PROCEDURE

  1. A course, minor program, or major program proposal or change, approved at the department level, must be submitted to the Division's Course and Program Review Committee.
  2. New or revised Courses After consulting with the Division's Course and Program Review Committee, the Dean will grant approval for new courses or revisions to an existing course. The Course Proposal/Revision form and attachments will be transmitted to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs for implementation. If the Vice President sees any problems with the implementation of a new or revised course, the Division's Dean and the department chair will be so notified.
  3. Revised Programs After consulting with the Division's Course and Program Review Committee, the Dean will transmit approved revised programs to the Dean of Library and Information Services, who will transmit approved revised programs to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs. If the Vice President sees any problems with the implementation of a revised program, the Dean and the department chair will be notified. Approved revised programs are then forwarded to the Faculty Senate.

New programs

The Program Proposal/Revision form and attachments will be routed as follows:

When the Faculty Senate approves a new program or major program change, it goes to the President for approval. If  the President approves, material is forwarded to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs for implementation.

New degree programs and program revisions requiring approval of SUNY System Administration will be submitted to the SUNY Provost by the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs based on materials prepared by the proposing departments following the SUNY Handbook for the Submission of Undergraduate Academic Program Proposals or the Guidelines for the Submission of Graduate Academic Program Proposals.
  

The Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs will specify the date when new programs or program changes are to be effective, and the Registrar's Office will prepare new or revised CAPP forms for the program.
  

The Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs will maintain an official file of all approved programs, and an official outline for all approved courses.

Commencement Honors (See College Catalog)

Early Admissions

Early admission students are those who enroll full time at the college prior to completing official course requirements for their high school diploma.

Admissions Requirements

1. Successful completion of a college preparation, high school curriculum through the 11th grade level.

2. High achievement in all academic subjects and standardized examination scores that indicate the student has reached an intellectual and emotional level from which he/she can advance to the freshmen college coursework level with no hardship.

3. Recommendations of a high school guidance counselor and/or principal which states the secondary school's support for early entry and which specifies the necessary credits needed to satisfy official requirements to obtain the high school diploma.

Review

If the qualification of an applicant who has been accepted for admission should change significantly between the time of their acceptance and the time they register for classes, their application becomes subject to review and their admission may be revoked.

EXTENDED TIME TESTING FOR ENGLISH-AS-A-SECOND-LANGUAGE STUDENTS

Excerpted from Faculty Senate Action #501 approved by the President, April 2002
Students whose second language is English and who score within the stated criteria on 0re-determined standardized exams such as the Test of English as a Foreign Languge (TOEFL) exam will be entitled to extended time testing accommodations (no more than double the allotted classroom time) and for a limited number of semesters. (This accommodation is administered by Student Support Services.)

Type of Admit Exam Score Extended Time Testing
English Bridge Program  450-550 TOEF 2 semester after successful completion of Bridge Program
Regular Admits 550-600 TOEFL First 2 semesters at SUNY Plattsburgh
Regular Admits   600+ TOEFL Not Eligible

ESL Domestic

Less than 600 TOEF or Less than 450 SAT Verbal 

 First 2 Semesters at SUNY Plattsburgh  

FACULTY EVALAUATION OF THE FACULTY DEANS

The Faculty Bylaws (2.3.2.2) give the Faculty Affairs Committee of appropriate units the responsibility to “evaluate a dean during every third year of the appointment. The means of evaluation shall be developed jointly between the Dean and the appropriate Faculty Affairs Committee.”

Guidelines for the faculty evaluation of deans were adopted by the Faculty Senate (Action #108) and approved by the President in December 1974. These guidelines are currently under review by the Faculty Senate.

FACULTY WORKLOAD MEMO

October 1, 1982

MEMORANDUM TO: Department Chairperson and Center Directors

FROM: Jerome H. Supple

SUBJECT: Faculty Workload

       In light of some recent studies undertaken by the division of Audit and Control, it seems prudent for us to formalize a Faculty Workload Policy. The attached policy does not introduce any new elements but is merely a formalization of our current practices. After discussion with you, the deans and the President over a two-year period, I am pleased to forward the enclosed statement on Faculty Professional Responsibilities. The statement, with any suggested editorial revisions, will be included in the next edition of the Faculty Handbook.

       I have asked the faculty deans to review the teaching assignments for Spring 1983 and in the future according to the principles outlined.

       Thank you for your assistance in developing this document. You may feel free to share it with your faculty.

JHS:pa

Cc: Dr. Burke

Dr. Hasting

Dr. Liu

Dr. Mowry

Dr. Skopp

Dr. Roman

INTERNSHIP POLICY

Excerpted from Faculty Senate Action #216 approved by the President, May 1983

The word "internship" is used to designate any arrangement involving college-sponsored experiential learning including cooperative education arrangements.  An internship is not seen as an interruption of the student's academic obligations, but an opportunity for the integration of classroom learning with the learning experiences possible in a work setting

Requirements

  1. A student receiving credit for an internship must have a faculty sponsor for the internship. 
  2. Interns are required to work in the internship placement for approximately three hours per week (15 weeks) for each academic credit hour in a semester. Internships may be full or part time, paid or unpaid depending upon the nature of the placement.
  3. The specific field duties and responsibilities of the intern will be agreed to by the faculty sponsor, agency supervisor, and the intern, and will be outlined in the learning contract.  Interns must have a faculty sponsor and an agency supervisor.
  4. Specific academic requirements which are appropriate to the placement will be established by the faculty sponsor (and written into the learning contract).  Learning Contracts are available at the Registrar's Office.

Admissions Standards

  1. Students wishing internship for credit must have junior, senior or graduate class standing.
  2. The minimum GPA for participation in an internship shall be established by the sponsoring department.  Departments may establish prerequisite courses and minimum GPA in these courses prior to the commencement of an internship.

Internship Credit

  1. Course credit - Interns will be enrolled under a department course - DEPT. 498 (or 598) Internship - Title.  Students may take internships for major, minor, concentration or elective credit.  Course credit ranges from 1 credit to a maximum of 15.  Departments/programs should establish policies on the number of internship credits to meet major, minor or concentration requirements.  Failure to complete all requirements of an internship will lead to an incomplete (policy pertaining to I grades will apply), or an unsatisfactory/failing grade will be given by the faculty sponsor. 
  2. Credit towards the Baccalaureate Degree - Usually, the total number of credits awarded for internships may not exceed 18 toward the fulfillment of the credits required for graduation.  The suggested limit of 18 credits does not include any credit taken by interns in related studies such as a seminar that may be taken in tandem with the internship (see below for credit).  More than 18 hours may be earned if the hours beyond the limit are considered "add-on" credit beyond the hours required for graduation.
  3. Credit Hours - It is recommended that credits be awarded for internships according to the following formula (assuming an internship of 13-16 weeks):                                    

                           3-4  hours per week ...…....1 credit                                                                        

                           9-10 hours per week .........3 credits                                    

                           18-20 hours per week.........6 credits                                    

                           27-30 hours per week.........9 credits                                  

                           36-40 hours per week.........12-15 credits

A suggested model for a full time internship, assuming to total number of credits to be awarded for the semester is 15, could be as follows:

9 credits - internship                    

3 credits - research project tied to internship

3 credits - additional academic requirements reading, research, etc., or seminar

The advantage of dividing the credits into units is that the person(s) evaluating the internship need not assign a single grade to the student's performance, but can divide the grade according to each component. (Following the suggested model, only the 9 credits designated "internship" would be counted against the suggested 18-credit limit.) 

   4. Evaluation of the Internship for Credit - Students taking an internship for credit are required to prepare a learning contract (see sample contract) spelling out the specific learning objectives for the internship.  Essential to the granting of credit for the internship experience is that the credit is not for the work experience itself, but it is for the documented learning that takes place as a result of the experience.  Students are to provide satisfactory evidence during the course of or at the conclusion of the semester that the academic objectives of the internship were fulfilled.  The evidence may include: written projects, journals, research papers, annotated bibliographies, critical evaluations, etc.

   5. Learning Contract - The learning contract is an essential ingredient in the determination of academic credit and viability of the internship placement.  Just as a student does not receive credit for "taking" a course, a student does not receive credit for merely performing various duties of an internship placement.  What is to be learned, what learning activities and resources are to be applied and how the accomplishment of learning is to be evaluated is set forth in the learning contract.    

  1. The content of the internship - nature of the tasks or assignments, job description of regular duties—day-to-day tasks-- as well as specific projects, reports, etc.     
  2. The student's educational goals and objectives -why is this internship being undertaken, what does the student intend to learn, how can this internship relate to the student's major field or other course work?    
  3. Method of evaluation of educational objectives and student performance - assessment and evaluation of what the student has learned in the internship experience.  The methods of evaluation may include several of the following:

• evaluation by agency supervisor as to the level of task performance

• on-site visits

• periodic meetings with student, contact by phone, mail

• reading lists

• research project related to position description and stated objectives of student

• reports, papers, etc., written for the agency

• oral examination

• journal

• an analysis by the student of the experience

• portfolios

Grading The method of grading will be determined by the faculty sponsor.  Letter grades and/or pass/fail may be assigned.  The determination of the method for grading should be made at the start of the internship.

Agreement between Sponsoring Faculty and Host Agency
The faculty sponsor must develop a written agreement with the agency sponsor.  This agreement must clarify what each expects of the other.  The agency must agree to provide supervision of the students' work as an intern and to evaluate the intern.

NON-CREDIT PROGRAMMING/COURSES/CLASSES Approved by Executive Council April 12, 2005

All non-credit programming, including courses and classes, is defined as all activities organized for the purpose of providing learning opportunities without awarding academic credit for such program/s. Such activities may be one session or multiple sessions and vary in length from one hour to all day (8 hours) or several days. The program/s or course/s are generally limited in size. This policy includes programs for all audiences.

Any and all faculty and/or staff desiring to develop and offer non-credit programs, including courses and classes will follow these procedures:

  1. Contact the Coordinator for Non-credit Programming at College Auxiliary Services and request and complete the Non-credit Course Scheduling and Information Form.
  2. Submit the draft form to department/unit chair supervisor for review and signature and transmittal to College Auxiliary Services (with copy to Dean or VP for those areas without a dean).
  3. Work with the designated CAS Coordinator on all logistical/organizational arrangements necessary to conduct the courses/classes.
  4. Review all costs and projected revenue and disbursements.
  5. Submit the final form with all scheduling, financial and programming details completed to department/unit chair supervisor for approval and transmittal to the Dean/VP for approval.
  6. All non-credit programming activities must be in accord with SUNY Plattsburgh's mission and be approved and administered through CAS

Student Attendance

Students absent themselves from class on their own responsibility.  Each instructor sets the attendance policy for their courses, and is responsible for informing the students in writing at the beginning of each semester of this policy.  No excuse for absence will exempt students from satisfactorily completing all of the work for each course.  Students shall assume responsibility for requesting assistance from instructors for making up work, which has been missed.

Instructors are urged to note absence or tardiness to class carefully and contact the appropriate Dean whenever they question excessive absences or tardiness.  These situations will be investigated as soon as possible and a report made to the faculty member.  Absence and tardiness are symptoms, which, if reported in time to counselors, can enable help to be obtained for students.

AUDIT

Students who wish to audit a course for an audit grade "U", must obtain prior approval of the instructor involved.  They must also follow the regular procedure for course registration to assure receiving a "U" grade at the end of the semester.


AUDIT PROVISION FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

In response to a "Memorandum to Presidents" dated June 24, 1974, individuals aged 60 years or older may enroll in credit courses on an audit/tuition-free basis in accordance with the following guidelines:

1.  Senior citizens may audit any class, which is not filled as of the last day of registration on a tuition-free basis.  This does not include laboratory or studio courses.

2.  Instructor's permission--senior citizens desiring to audit classes should receive permission from the instructor.

3.  Advisement--Counselors from the Center for Lifelong Learning will be available to advise and assist senior citizens.

4.  Registration--no formal registration cards or fees are necessary.

5.  Grading--no academic requirements or grades will be required.

6.  For further information--contact the Director of the Center for Lifelong Learning.


INTERNAL CONTROL

Introduction

In 1987, the New York State Governmental Accountability, Audit and Internal Control Act, Chapter 814, became law and was effective April 1, 1989. 

This law requires that all State Agencies, including Plattsburgh State University of New York, establish and maintain a system of internal controls and internal control review.

Definition

Internal controls encompass the plan of organization and all of the coordinate methods and measures adapted within an organization to meet
its mission; promote performance leading to effective accomplishment of goals; safeguard assets; check the accuracy and reliability of accounting
data; promote operational efficiency; and encourage adherence to prescribed managerial policies and procedures.

Objectives

The Employees' Role
 
 The policies which, by law, each employee is reasonably expected to comply with include:

 Most of the above policies are found in the Public Officers Law, Performance Programs, Job Descriptions, and Policies of the Board of Trustees.  Copies of these policies and standards, if you do not have them, may be viewed in the Office of Personnel; 9th floor, Kehoe Administration Building, 564-5062, or, except for the position descriptions and performance programs, are available in the Feinberg Library.
  
 In addition to the policies and standards listed above, there are many others that are periodically issued by the President and other College Officers, which you are expected to comply with where applicable.  Examples of such policies and standards are in memorandum issued by:

Office Personnel-campus smoking policy; alcohol and drug use policy, time and attendance policy and procedures, etc.

Other informational documents are often issued and distributed by the President, Vice Presidents, Business Officer, Deans, Directors, and Department Heads.  Copies of such pertinent information should be available at your department office.
 
Specific Internal Control questions, or additional printed information, may be requested through the Accounts Payable Office, Kehoe 705, 564-3606.


ACADEMIC MINORS (Academic Program)

A minor shall consist of a minimum of 18 and a maximum of 24 credit hours, shall be available to students as an option, and will be recorded on their permanent transcript.  Nine hours of a minor must be completed in courses offered at or through PLATTSBURGH State University of New York.  (Senate Action 294)

A minor program may be proposed by the faculty of an existing major program (e.g., chemistry, sociology, music, etc.).  Such proposals will be reviewed by the Faculty Senate subject to the same procedures as an approval for a major program (see Faculty Bylaws, Article I, section 1.3.1.6 and Article II, section 2.8.2).  In the case of minors for which there is an existing major, students must have the approval of department chairs or program coordinators.  Students who have declared a minor must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0 averaged over all courses, which are applied in satisfaction of the minor.  Effective with students entering Fall 1992.  (Senate Action 349).

A minor program may also be proposed by faculty in an area not currently available as a major program (e.g., religious studies, occupational health, American Studies, etc.).  Such proposals will also be reviewed by the Faculty Senate subject to the same procedures as an approval for a major program, the faculty proposing the minor shall designate a person to act as coordinator of the minor, and give approval for those students wishing to enroll in the minor program.

See Advisor Handbook for a listing of approved Minors and copy of the form: Declaration of an Academic Minor.  Students may get forms from the Coordinator of Academic Advisement.

WITHDRAWAL POLICY-COURSE

A student who submits a completed Course Withdrawal form shall be allowed to withdraw from any class, after consultation with his/her course instructor and advisor, up until the last day of the course selection/advisement period or in the case of courses that are less than a full semester, up until the midpoint of the course.  (See College Calendar, Master Schedule for dates.)  The instructor will determine the status of the student's performance and will assign a grade of either a W or a W/E.  The academic record will indicate either a W/E (withdrawal-fail) or a W (withdrawal).  A W signifies either an undermined grade or that the student withdrew in passing status.  The notation of a W or a W/E is not computed into the grade point average.

After the published withdrawal date, course withdrawal is not ordinarily allowed, but appeal based on extenuating circumstances may be made to the chairperson and dean under whose jurisdiction the course is offered.  A failing grade in a course is not considered an adequate reason for withdrawal after the published withdrawal date.

Futhermore, from the first day of the fifth week of classes until the end of the semester, faculty may drop students from courses at any time after total absences exceed 25% of the total class meeting time so far elapsed unless these absences are specifically excused by the faculty member.  Students will receive an administrative withdrawal (W/X) as a grade for the course.

All students granted a leave of absence, a college withdrawal or who withdraw from all courses through the course withdrawal process shall relinquish the right to use all college services and privileges.


ACADEMIC PROGRESS, PROBATION/DISMISSAL

See College Catalog/Graduate Bulletin - Advisor's Handbook


COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Copies of outlines for courses, approved, new and revised, must be on file in the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. 

The Faculty Senate passed a policy that the instructor provide to each student in writing within one week after the start of classes the following:  (1) the instructor's name, office address, telephone number and office hours; (2) information on required course materials,
projected course content and assignments, including the number and approximate submission dates of papers, projects and examinations; (3) an explanation of course policies and requirements including grading and attendance policies.


COURSE CHANGES

See College Catalog/Graduate Bulletin


COURSES TAKEN AT OTHER INSTITUTIONS

An undergraduate student may earn credits toward graduation by attending another institution either during the summer session or during the regular academic year.  Students attending such other institutions must receive prior approval of their advisor, department chair, and the Dean of the Faculty in which the student is enrolled before repeating (see College Catalog for course repeat policy) or taking new course work.

Credit for these courses will not be considered transferred until an official transcript is received by the Registrar at Plattsburgh.  Courses taken through the Permission to Attend Another Institution process must earn a grade of "C" or better in order for the credit to transfer.  Those grades earned in special courses or special programs taught at other institutions by Plattsburgh faculty or faculty hired by Plattsburgh will be computed into the student's grade point average at Plattsburgh.  No other transferred grades shall be used in computing the student's grade point average at this college.  Credits of a course repeated at another institution will not replace a failing grade in the student's grade point average.


DOUBLE MAJORS

Students may pursue two academic majors at the same time by double majoring.  Neither major may be merely a collection of courses totaling 30-36 hours, but must be completed major sequences approved by the departments concerned.  Further, the student must complete all specific requirements of both majors, including any required concentrations or foreign language.  This work must be done in consultation with an advisor from each academic program.  It is quite possible that completion of a double major will require the student to take more than 120 credit hours.

The completion of a double major will be indicated on the student's permanent record in the Registrar's Office, and on commencement programs.  It is the student's responsibility to indicate double major status when completing diploma application.

Completing a double major does not give the student two degrees.  Undergraduate academic credit may be applied to only one baccalaureate degree awarded by the college.  If the requirements for both the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science degree are satisfied, the student must decide which degree is preferred.

Students interested in pursuing a double major should meet with the Director of Academic Advisement to complete the necessary forms.

INDEPENDENT STUDY

The college offers opportunities for resident independent study to students who have at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average and desire to pursue areas of special interest by individual investigation.

Students wishing to attempt an independent study must complete an "Independent Study Appointment" form (available in the Registrar's Office), which serves as a contract between the student and the sponsoring faculty member.  All applications are reviewed and must be approved by the Dean of the Faculty in which the study is undertaken.  All studies must be completed in one calendar year from initiation date.  Without special extension granted by the Dean of the appropriate faculty, a grade must be rendered at that point for work completed.  Students are encouraged to register for independent study at pre-registration.  No registration for independent study will be accepted after the second calendar week following the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters.  No registration for independent study during the summer session will be accepted after the first week of classes.  Students may take no more than 18 hours, including independent study, without the permission of the Dean of the Faculty responsible for their curriculum. 

INDIVIDUALIZED STUDIES

See College Catalog.  Contact the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Kehoe 803.

MAXIMUM HOURS OF CREDIT

See College Catalog/Graduate Bulletin.


GRADUATE ADMISSION POLICIES

See Graduate Bulletin.


PLATTSBURGH STATE UNIVERSITY POLICY ON GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS

1. Plattsburgh State University offers its qualified graduate students a limited number of assistantships.

The types of graduate assistantships offered in various departments and offices at Plattsburgh State University include:  Residence Director, Administrative Assistant, and Research/Teaching Assistant.  A Residence Director is responsible for all managerial and programmatic aspects of operating a Residence Hall and supervises a staff of undergraduate Resident Assistants.  Administrative Assistants provide programmatic and administrative support to various administrative and academic offices throughout campus.  Research/Teaching Assistants are associated with academic departments on campus and may involve students in the following kinds of learning experiences:  tutoring, supervising laboratories and clinics, conducting research, and assisting faculty with scholarly and pedagogical endeavors.  Not all Graduate Assistantships are available every year.  Graduate Assistantships offer a stipend and a tuition scholarship.  Residence Directors also receive housing and partial meal plan.

2. Typically, assistantships are awarded on an academic year basis. However, when circumstances warrant, one semester appointments can be made.  All appointments are made using guidelines outlined in the Procedures for Awarding Graduate Assistantships.  Students need to reapply annually, and assistantships may be renewed for up to two years after initial appointment.  Graduate Assistants, in addition to their status as students, are employees of the State University of New York and are represented by the Graduate Student Employees Union (GSEU).  The terms and conditions of their employment are determined through collective bargaining and are enumerated in the Agreement between GSEU and the State of New York.  A Graduate Assistant will receive a stipend and a tuition scholarship.

3. Graduate Assistants must be matriculated at the start of the appointment period.  A graduate student who withdraws or reduces enrollment from full-time to part-time status may jeopardize the stipend and tuition scholarship which affects tuition liability.

4. Graduate Assistants who are full-time students take a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester.  When the graduate assistantship is directly related to the educational program e.g., when the assistantship is within the academic department Graduate Assistants may take a minimum of nine hours.  Other exceptions would require the approval of the appropriate department head/dean.  Graduate Assistants may not be employed outside the College without the approval of the employing department head/dean.  Maintenance of good academic standing shall be a requirement for continuation and/or reappointment. 

5. Graduate Assistants who have been awarded full or partial tuition scholarships must either apply for a Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) grant, or submit a completed TAP ineligibility certificate each academic year.  Details about TAP eligibility and application process are available in the Financial Aid Office.  The tuition scholarship will be reduced by the TAP award amount or any other tuition specific grant.  Students who have not submitted a TAP award certificate or filed an explanation of their ineligibility for TAP by October 15 of each academic year in which a tuition scholarship has been granted, may forfeit the tuition scholarship and will be liable for tuition charges.  All other fees are charged on a full-time basis and are the student's responsibility.

6. Tuition scholarships will be limited to instate equivalency.


HONORS PROGRAM - College-wide

The college-wide Honors Program at the Plattsburgh State University is a two-tiered program; General Honors at the freshmen and sophomore levels and Advanced Honors at the junior and senior levels.  The Program is governed by the following policies:

I. General Honors - Honors study at this level is intended to occur during approximately the first four semesters of college study.


A.  Admission into General Honors

 1.  Entering Freshmen

a.  Students whose combined SAT score is 1100 or above AND whose high school average is 92 or above will be automatically admitted into the General Honors Program.

b.  Students who would like to be in the Honors Program but who do not meet the above criteria may apply to the Honors Program Director for admission.


2.  Current Plattsburgh and Transfer Students

a.  Students whose GPA is 3.5 or above will be automatically admitted into the Honors Program.

b.  Students who would like to be in the Honors Program but who do not meet the above criteria may apply to the Honors Program Director of admission.

B.  Continuation in General Honors

1. Students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.5 or above AND a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above in Honors courses.

2. Students who do not meet the above criteria may apply to the Honors Council for continuation in the Program based on special circumstances.

C.  General Honors Courses

General Honors study will consist in specially designed seminars or specially designated sections of existing courses.  These courses will have an 'HON' prefix.

D.  General Honors and General Education

General Honors courses will parallel aspects of the General Education Program, usually in the distributive component and may be used to satisfy specified portions of the General Education requirement.

E.  General Honors Course Requirements

Students are required to complete four General Honors Seminars to receive designation as having completed the General Honors portion of the Honors Program.

F.  General Honors Transcript Designation

Upon completion of the four seminars with at least a 3.0 cumulative average in the Honors Seminars, the transcript will record the fact that the General Honors portion of the Honors Program has been completed.

II. Advanced Honors - Honors study at this level is intended to occur during, approximately, the last four semesters of college study.

A. Admission into Advanced Honors

1. Students who complete General Honors will be automatically admitted into Advanced Honors if the department, center or program in their area of interest has established an Advanced Honors Program.

2. Departments, centers or programs may establish additional admission requirements for any student who has not completed General Honors provided those requirements meet the following minimum standards.

a. Minimum cumulative GPA - 3.2
b. Minimum GPA in area of study - 3.5

B. Advanced Honors Opportunities

Departments, centers, or programs having primary administrative responsibility for disciplinary and interdisciplinary degree programs shall also have primary responsibility for establishing and administering Advanced Honors study opportunities.  The Honors Council will support their work in this regard.

C. Advanced Honors Projects

The work of each student pursuing Advanced Honors must result in a specific product appropriate to the area in which the work is being conducted (e.g. thesis, performance, etc.).  It is expected that the product will receive public or peer presentation.  The administrative unit overseeing the project shall inform the Honors Council of the date of the presentation.  A copy of the project shall be submitted to the Honors Council.

D. Advanced Honors Credit

Ordinarily Advanced Honors projects should receive a minimum of six credit hours.

E. Advanced Honors Transcript Designation

Upon completion of the Advanced Honors project, and certification of acceptability by the sponsoring administrative unit, the Honors Program Director shall have the fact of the completion of Advanced Honors recorded on the transcript.

III. The Honors Council

The Honors Program Director has overall administrative responsibility for the Honors Program.  The Director's office is located at Honors Center, Hawkins Hall Room 123.

SENIOR HONORS

Commencement honors are based on student averages earned during the four-year courses.  Special recognition of superior scholastic achievement is given with the designation "summa cum laude", "magna cum laude" and "cum laude".


HONORS PROGRAM - Departmental/Faculty

The following are the policies of the Plattsburgh State University for all college guidelines for departmental and/or faculty honors programs:

1. Departmental or faculty honors involves an organized program of scholarship, usually encompassing the two academic semesters of the senior year, and including:

a. demonstratable research and/or creative endeavor;
b.  comprehensive knowledge to be determined and tested by the appropriate academic department(s) faculty(ies).

2. To be eligible for admission to a departmental or faculty honors program, the student shall have achieved a 3.0 minimum grade point average in their major and a 2.5 cumulative grade point average.

3. Opportunity shall be available for capable students to meet individual needs for interdisciplinary study through interdepartmental or interfaculty honors programs.  Guidance of such programs shall be provided by members of the appropriate faculty (ies).

4. Between the student's admission to the department or faculty honors program and their receiving such honors, the department or faculty shall periodically evaluate the student's work.  Evaluation will include examination of the student's honor work, his/her overall academic performance and any other factors considered pertinent to the case.  Such evaluation will be done by a special honors committee appointed by the department(s) concerned with the particular honors program.

5. To be awarded departmental, faculty or interfaculty honors, the student shall have satisfied these requirements:

a.   completed requirements for the Baccalaureate degree as specified by their individual honors committee, and approved by the appropriate faculty(ies).

b.   achieved a minimum grade point average of 3.4 in their major, and a 2.76 grade point average in all other work;

c.   successfully completed the agreed upon honors projects and all examinations pertaining to the honors program.


6. Final evaluation of the student's honor work must be completed in sufficient time before commencement in order that the Registrar may appropriately list the awarding of departmental, faculty or interfaculty honors.



GUIDELINES FOR ESTABLISHING ACADEMIC INSTITUTES

An academic institute is an organization sponsored by Plattsburgh State University devoted to the study of specific topics, issues or areas.  The study should be interdisciplinary, may consist of scholarly or applied research, or creative activities.

The following suggestions for procedures to establish academic institutes at Plattsburgh are intended to insure that institutes constitute more than a collection of people interested in a particular subject.  The procedures should insure that an institute contribute to the long-range mission of the college, that an institute survive the interests of the specific faculty involved in its founding, and that it has the full and continued support of faculty, administrators and others involved with it.

Guidelines

1. An academic institute needs to be based in an existing administrative unit (e.g. the Office of a Dean, or Provost and Vice-President).  The administrative unit will be responsible for supplying support services to members of the institute.  The administration may provide seed money to initiate support and to administer the institute, but the institute must eventually become self-supporting.

2. An academic institute needs to establish a steering committee or appropriate administrative organization to help coordinate, along with the administrative office, the activities of the institute.  The person or persons involved will work with a person or persons from the appropriate administrative office in arranging meetings, symposia, classes, or other activities appropriate to the working of the institute.

3. Proposals for Institutes should demonstrate why the goals and activities to be pursued can be done best through an institute, rather than any other form.

4. Proposals for institutes should show what kind of groundwork has been laid in preparation for developing an institute.  For example, please describe and evaluate:

a. What kinds of activities and projects have already been developed or completed?

b. What kind of faculty, professional or community expertise has been enlisted?

c. What kind of research has been pursued?

d. What kinds of resources (libraries, laboratories, organizations)?

e. What kinds of courses relating to the area of the institutes have been offered?
 
5. There must be evidence of a long-term commitment to the goals and activities of the institute;
 
a) There must be evidence of a long-range commitment of faculty and other involved with an institute.  This commitment should generally take the form of grants or other sources of outside funding, and should reflect (or demonstrate) the fact that the activities of the institute constitute the primary research or teaching interests of some of the involved.

b) There must be evidence of a long-range commitment of departments to the institute; this may take the form of an assurance to maintain a position in the department in an area of relevance to the proposed academic institute.

c) There must be evidence of a commitment on the part of the administration to support the activities of the institute.

d) There ought to be evidence that the institute can be self-supporting.  Evidence of successful fund-raising would demonstrate such commitment.

6. There must be evidence of the potential contributions of the proposed institute to the educational mission of the college.  The potential contributions may be in the area of research, program or course development, or community service.

7. There must be evidence of long-range planning for the activities of the institute.  There should be at least a list of proposed activities to be sponsored by the institute on a fairly regular basis.

8. The initial duration of an Institute shall be three years unless a decision is made to renew it.  Such a decision shall be made after a process of self-study and assessment by the Deans Cabinet constituting itself as an Institute Review Board.  After the initial period institutes will be reviewed for renewal every three years for an additional term.

This process is intended both to provide for long-range planning and to phase institutes in and out as resources and interests change.


DEANS' LIST

To be eligible for the Dean's List, a student must achieve a minimum 3.5 semester grade point average, with at least 12 credit hours of the following letter grades (A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, and E).  (Part time students must complete 12 consecutive hours).


COURSE AND PROGRAM CHANGE PROCEDURE

1. A course, minor program or major program proposal or change, approved at the department level must be submitted to the faculty-wide Courses and Programs Committee.  The Dean should be informed in writing (letter of intent) quite early in the process if a department/center plans to develop or change a major or minor program.  The Dean, upon receiving a letter of intent, shall consult the Academic Council and advise the unit in developing the final proposal.

A formal letter of intent should be prepared for submission by the President to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Programs, Policy and Planning.  Consult with the Memorandum to Presidents, Vol. 84, No.10, or a current issue, for Guidelines for Submission of Academic Programs.

2. The appropriate Dean will signify his approval of a faculty Courses and Programs Committee action as follows:

a. the Dean will grant final approval for new courses, or changes in title, number or content of an existing course, and will specify the date when such action is to become effective.  The attached form will be transmitted to the Provost and Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs with each approved course for implementation.  If the Vice President sees any problems with the implementation of a new or revised course, the Dean and the department chair will be so notified.

3. The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs will grant approval for program changes, unless, according to procedures established by the Faculty Senate, the change requires Senate action.  In this instance, the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs will transmit the matter to the Senate Executive Committee.  When a major program change is approved by the Senate, it goes to the President for approval.  If the President approves, material is forwarded to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs for implementation.

4. The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs will specify the date when program changes are to be effective, and will prepare and issue to all offices on campus the revised official curriculum sheet.  Only curriculum sheets with the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs approval shall be used.

5. The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs will maintain an official file of all approved programs, and an official outline for all approved courses.


PROCEDURES FOR ESTABLISHMENT OR REVISION OF A GRADUATE PROGRAM

Initiation of a Program

An idea for a new program may arise from various sources:  A department may determine that a new program would likely attract students, and so would begin planning; a Dean might see a need and begin or encourage development of a program to meet that need; a Dean and chair might begin work on an interdisciplinary program; or other ways.  However work is begun, the Dean or Deans who would supervise the program should be informed quite early in the process.  The Dean(s) should then:

A. identify, in writing, the origin of the proposal and sketch out the plans being made;

B. review the proposal himself/herself;

C. see that consultation takes place with all interested departments, faculties, and faculty members--this could include the Senate Committee as in the case of an umbrella program like the MA (LS);

D. obtain endorsements of the idea (tentative approval) by the groups and individuals consulted;

E. present the endorsement initial proposal, along with a record of consultations and endorsements, to the appropriate Dean, and;

F. request that a letter of intent be sent to SUNY Central Office.

Step 1--if the response to the letter of intent is favorable, then substantive structural program planning should take place, in a fashion that insures that all interested parties have meaningful input into the process.  The final proposal must be approved by the department(s) which will have primary responsibility for certifying the graduates of the program, and, subsequently, by the faculty (ies) in which the department(s) is (are) located.  Approval procedures are determined by the units concerned.


NOTE:  It is the responsibility of the Dean(s) to see that consideration of the proposal takes place with all deliberate speed.  There should be an appeals route from a department, individuals, or a Dean to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, so that if review and action is being delayed, the Dean may (1) require a response from dilatory personnel, or (2) refer the whole question to the Faculty Senate, along with the proposal and such recommendations as may be available to them.  The Senate would then (1) act on the recommendations directly or, more likely, (2) refer the matter to an appropriate Senate committee for review and a recommendation.

Step 2--Faculty Senate--An approved proposal should be sent, by the appropriate Dean(s), to the Executive Committee of the Faculty Senate, which will refer the proposal to the Standing Committee on Curricula and Program.  This committee will seek a judgment from the Standing Committee on Resources and Planning on the budgetary implications of the proposed program and subsequently make a recommendation to the Faculty Senate.  Action of the Senate on the recommendation will be forwarded to the President.

Step 3--President--Given the action of the Faculty Senate and such other information and consultation as he/she wishes, the President decides whether to seek implementation of the program or not.  If he/she decides in the affirmative, it is his/her responsibility to see that an appropriate external evaluation of the proposed program is carried out.  After this, the proposal as evaluated is sent to SUNY Central Office for consideration.

Revision of an Existing Program

Essentially the same steps should be followed, except that, of course, the letter of intent procedure is not necessary.  Also, the external evaluation of extensively revised programs, while perhaps not necessary is encouraged.


INTERNATIONAL STUDY PROGRAM POLICY

Plattsburgh State University of New York encourages students to seek international awareness and the development of second language skills within the context of general education and advanced work in major areas of study.  International study programs ("Study Abroad Programs") are understood to be a central means to these educational goals.

New international study programs need to conform to statewide SUNY policy and campus academic norms and procedures.  The core guidelines for international study programs are:

1. New programs should not conflict with existing programs nor indirectly harm them.

2. All programs should be self-supporting through tuition and administrative fees.  Additionally, new programs should follow an approval procedure as follows:

a. Pre-proposals are to be endorsed by an academic program, department or center and submitted to the Director of International Education for review as to general conformity with the above guidelines.  The pre-proposal should have clear statements about the academic substance of the program, program administration, supervision and future assessment of academic quality.  An indication of support of any cooperating international institution should be included and a tentative budget must be attached.

b. The DIE will respond with suggestions and a recommendation to the appropriate Dean, who will in turn make a review for authorization to proceed.

c. If the proposal goes forward it should then go through the regular academic approval process (see the Campus Handbook, III 11-12).

d. The process is finalized with a formal exchange of an agreement with the cooperating international institution establishing the program.  This agreement is signed by the President of PLATTSBURGH State University of New York, the head of the cooperating institution, and the Chancellor of SUNY or his/her designee.


ACADEMIC SERVICES

LIBRARY

The Benjamin Feinberg Library directly supports the teaching and research mission of the college through its collections and services.

Collections

The Feinberg Library maintains a dynamic collection of books, periodicals, microforms, documents, and media materials.  The main collection consists of 365,000 monographs, 1,400 periodical subscriptions, a collection of nearly 900,000 pieces of microform including such resources as Envirofiche and ERIC documents, and over 3,000 records, tapes, and CDs and other media items.  Additionally, the library boasts a Government Documents collection of over 415,000 publications from the United States, Canadian federal and New York State governments.  The Special Collections section of the library contains several outstanding collections focusing on New York State in general and the North Country in particular.  Access to these collections is available through Feinberg Library's web site:  www.plattsburgh.edu/library , from home or office via microcomputer or on-site through terminals available throughout the library.

Library Liaison Program

No academic library can respond to the needs of its patrons without the cooperation and support of the faculty.  The Liaison Program provides vital links to the faculty by designating a librarian to serve as liaison to each academic department.  Your library liaison will provide information on current funding levels, collection

policies, materials ordering, and information access issues.  In addition, liaisons will work with their departments to keep abreast of changes in curriculum and research in the department so that the Library's collections can respond accordingly.

Access to Other Collections

Feinberg Library is able to locate and borrow materials not available in our library via our international interlibrary loan system and document delivery services.


SERVICES & PROGRAMS

The librarians and staff of Feinberg Library pride themselves on providing efficient, comprehensive service and information programs to the college community.  A Faculty Member's Guide to Feinberg Library is updated annually and distributed to all faculty.  This guide provides information on a wide range of topics of interest from faculty carrels to document delivery to media support.  Please call 5180 and request a copy if you do not have one.

Research Assistance

The Reference Desk is staffed 72 hours a week to answer any information or access questions you may have.  Reference assistance can be obtained by calling the Reference Desk at 564-5190, by Email (send to:  "reference"), or by contacting your departmental liaison. 

Instruction in Library Research

In addition to the required "Introduction to Library Research (LIB 101) course which students usually complete early in their course of study, the Instruction Unit also offers course related instruction specifically designed to meet the needs of your courses.

Electronic Resources

The library subscribes to dozens of web-based databases that provide access to the literature of virtually any academic area of study.  Because of the www interface, and advanced authentication systems, these databases can be searched from any computer with access to the World Wide Web.  Support for use of these resources is available through the reference desk.

Loans

Your college ID card serves as your library card and must be presented in order to borrow materials.  Books and documents are loaned for four weeks with one renewal.  Videocassettes are loaned for 48 hours.  Periodicals do not circulate.  Student assistants may also borrow materials for faculty provided a proxy card has been secured.  Contact the Circulation Desk for details.

Searches

If an item is not on the shelves or in circulation, the Circulation Department will conduct a search for the item and notify you when it is located.

Reserve

Assigned readings for classes may be placed on reserve at the main Circulation Desk.  Please allow one week for processing, two weeks at the beginning of the semester.  Individual viewing and listening carrels are available for media materials.  Media materials may be placed on reserve at the main Circulation Desk as well.
 
Faculty Carrels

A limited number of lockable study carrels are available for faculty use.  Carrels are assigned on a semester basis according to need.  Applications for carrels are available at the Circulation Desk.


COMPUTING & MEDIA SERVICES

Computing and Media Services (CMS) enables and supports the use of computing and media technology to serve the needs of the Plattsburgh State campus and community.  CMS offers direction, consultation, and assistance in the selection, installation, use, management, and maintenance of desktop computers, satellite and cable communication systems, server systems, audio visual equipment, Internet presence services, media distribution systems and materials, residential networking services and multimedia/media equipped or computer-based labs, classrooms, and facilities.  CMS strives to offer quality services that directly and positively contribute to the success of the campus community.

Computing and Media Facilities (Labs and Classrooms)

A large, open-access computing facility containing 75-100 microcomputers is available in Feinberg 112.  For more information on hours and services, please call the lab desk at 564-2211.

In addition, there are a number of computer-based, media-equipped, or "smart classrooms" available for regular class scheduling and one-time uses.  Computer and media-equipped "Smart-Carts" are also available in some buildings.  Call the Media Services line at 564-2222 to schedule their use or to obtain further information.

Helpdesk

If you have a question about or need assistance with any aspect of the computing or media environments on campus, please contact our helpdesk.  The staff of the desk is trained to serve as a single source of assistance with all aspects of computing and media technology.  The desk is located in Feinberg 106 and can be reached by phone at 564-4433 or via email at helpdesk@plattsburgh.edu . 

Instrumentation and Electronics

CMS technicians are available to collaborate with and offer advice to faculty and staff regarding technical innovations and selection of electronic equipment, and the development of new facilities and equipment systems for campus use.  Initial contact for such services may be made via the CMS Helpdesk or the Media Services phone.

Media Services

CMS provides a wide variety of media-related services including the classroom delivery of equipment and media software from our collection, front and rear screen projection (Yokum Hall), and assistance in obtaining materials from external sources for classroom use.  Please call 564-2222 to place a request or to obtain further information.

Residential Networking (ResNet) Services

Students living in on-campus residence halls that bring their own computers or purchase them through the Connection Advantage Program (CAP) can obtain assistance with their use via ResNet.  The ResNet helpdesk is located in Feinberg 106 along with our main helpdesk and can be reached by phone at 564-4444 or via email at resnet@plattsburgh.edu . 


CANADIAN FILM DISTRIBUTION CENTER

A collection of educational films and videos produced by the National Film Board of Canada, and other independent producers, is housed in Hawkins Hall Room 025.  This material circulates throughout the United States for a small handling fee, but is available for use on this campus for free.  The collection is managed by the Center for the Study of Canada.  For a catalog or to reserve a film or video, call extension 2396 or via email at: canadaweb@plattsburgh.edu Catalog website: HTTP://canada.plattsburgh.edu/video.htm .


CLAUDE J. CLARK LEARNING CENTER

The Claude J. Clark Learning Center is an important academic support resource for all Plattsburgh State faculty, staff and students.  The Center is open year round and staffs a director, a writing specialist, a math specialist, an office coordinator, a graduate assistant and 75 peer tutors.  The peer tutors provide tutoring in over 150 different courses each semester.  Students can schedule appointments (minimum of one day in advance) between 10:00 a.m.-8:45 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. on Friday, and 6:00-9:00 p.m. on Sunday.  Walk-ins are available in Math, Statistics, and Writing.  The Writing Room has 24 computers and is open to all students each afternoon.  An instructional CD-Rom for GRE preparation is available on a first come-first serve basis.  In addition, academic support workshops are offered each semester and classroom presentations can be scheduled by contacting the Learning Center.  Based on professor's approval, extended time testing is provided for English as a Second Language (ESL) students.  The Learning Center is open until 2:00 a.m. for late-night study and is open 24 hours a day during Finals Week.

For more information on any of these services, or our hours of operation, please contact us at 564-6138.

ACADEMIC ADVISEMENT

The program of academic advisement is the responsibility of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.  He/she is assisted by the Director of Academic Advisement whose functions include the maintenance of approved program requirements, course descriptions, and advisee/advisor lists; the coordination of SIR (student course evaluation) national testing program; preparation of the official Undergraduate College Catalog; monitoring the advisement of undeclared majors; in-service training of academic advisors; and on going evaluation of the academic advising program.

The Office of Academic Advising is located in Room 210, Kehoe Administration Building.


RESPONSIBLE USE OF UNIVERSITY TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES AT PLATTSBURGH STATE

Use of technology resources is a privilege granted by the College.  Use of any information technology implicitly affirms that you will abide by all applicable federal, state, and College policies that govern technology and information resources.  The information technology facilities of PSU (computer hardware, software, networks, data, video, and other information facilities) are shared resources that directly support and facilitate teaching, research, public service, and administrative functions of the College.

The College strives to provide the most current and useful information technology, resources, and networks to faculty, students, and staff.  The excellence of our system is dependent on the integrity of our users.  Individuals are accountable for their actions and all activity involving the accounts for which they have responsibility.  Therefore, users are expected to:

Network and system administrators will do their best to maintain a robust and responsive network and ensure privacy to all users. Please note, however, that privacy cannot be guaranteed.  Network troubleshooting sometimes requires the capture and analysis of data packets, so no privacy should be assumed.  Right to privacy is forfeited by engaging in any activity outlined above.  The administrator of the system will employ any means necessary to prevent a breach of system security including disabling an account or collecting evidence by scanning the content of files.  Violations to the responsible use guidelines will be pursued in accordance with established College practices, policies, and procedures.  Such violation may result in loss of technology privileges and campus judicial charges.

Further information:

These guidelines and the College's Computer Use Guidelines are available on the Web: http://www.plattsburgh.edu/policies/

Staff in the Computer Center is responsible for developing and maintaining administrative database systems on large central computing systems.  They provide such related services as test scoring, assistance with hardware and software configurations to access central systems, and documentation of systems. Staff of Computer Support Center is active in the following areas of responsibility.

1. Development and planning.  The staff provides advice and consultation to departments and individuals on hardware configurations, software solutions for computing problems, and data communications strategies.  Communications advice includes how to use the campus PBX to contact other computers, configuration and use of local area networks and resource sharing
devices, and how to use BITNET and the Internet to contact colleagues and resources at other institutions.

2. Management.  The CSC manages several all-campus computing facilities, including the Microcomputer Lab in Feinberg Library, the Academic Computing Center in Hawkins Hall, and the Microcomputer Instruction Lab in Hawkins Hall.  The Microcomputer Lab has Apple Macintosh Plus, IBM-PC, Zenith PC-compatible, and Apple IIe, microcomputers available for assigned and casual use by students.  The Academic Computing Center has terminals to a DEC VAX 6000-420 (the primary timesharing computing system for academic purposes), three DECstation 3100 workstations, and a network of Macintosh SE systems.

3. Documentation.  The OCS is a repository of manuals and reference materials for hardware and software available to the campus community.  It maintains current and back issues of several trade journals and microcomputer magazines, with indexing of hardware and software reviews in those periodicals.  Use guides and procedures handouts on many aspects of computing services on the campus are available in the office or in the various facilities described above.


SPONSORED RESEARCH AND PROGRAMS

The Office of Sponsored Research and Programs was established for the purpose of assisting faculty and staff in seeking, securing and administering external support for research, educational, and public service projects.  Assistance available through this office includes identification and contact with funding sources, proposal and budget preparation, and implementation of funded projects and report preparation.  Information concerning the rules and regulations of the Research Foundation of SUNY (the legal applicant for all grants and contracts by faculty and staff), external sponsors and the specific procedures to be followed in submitting a proposal to a sponsor is available through the office.  Any activity involving the use of humans or invertebrate animals must be approved.  See Section VII for procedural summary.

The Office of Sponsored Research and Programs is located in Room 815-817, Kehoe Administration Building, 564-2155. The Sponsored Research and Programs Business Office is located in Kehoe 702.


CENTER FOR LIFELONG LEARNING

The Center for Lifelong Learning is responsible for providing educational programs for working adults and other non-traditional audiences through a variety of programs: Masters of Arts in Liberal Studies - Masters degree with concentrations in Administration and Leadership, English Language and Literature, Historical Studies, and Natural Sciences.

Students who are interested in the MALS program should contact the Center for Lifelong Learning, Kehoe 413, phone 564-2050.

Non-Degree Students

Through Plattsburgh State University of New York's Center for Lifelong Learning, individuals may enroll in undergraduate and graduate classes on a non-matriculated basis.  Formal admission to the college is not required, and students may take up to 11 credit hours per semester.  Courses taken as a non-degree student may count toward a degree.  He/she does not pay Student Association assessments (except during summer sessions, when all students taking classes on campus pay SA fee).  Non-degree students who wish to become matriculated degree-seeking candidates should apply for undergraduate admission through the College's Admissions Office at least three (3) months prior to the semester they wish to matriculate.

Summer Session  

The college offers two five-week summer sessions each year and a two-week presession.  The presession session ordinarily begins in mid-May and runs through early June; the first is conducted from early June to early July; and the second from early July to mid-August.  The summer sessions provide students with an opportunity to either accelerate their degree programs, or to spread course work more comfortably across the full calendar year.  Course offerings in most academic areas are usually included in the summer schedule.

Winter Session

The college offers a variety of courses during the first three weeks of January.  The emphasis is on special courses offering unique educational opportunities.

Off-Campus Program

Each semester the college offers both graduate and undergraduate courses at convenient off-campus locations for the benefit of teachers, and other working adults.  The extension site is currently operated at Adirondack Community College in Glens Falls.


Distance Learning Programs

For the latest information, call the Distance Learning Center at 518-564-4234.

B.S. Nursing, RN Option:  A live, fully interactive videoconferencing system allows transmission of upper-level nursing courses to off-campus, RN students at the following sites:  Jefferson Community College, Watertown; SUNY Potsdam; North Country Community College, Saranac Lake; Adirondack Community College, Glens Falls; and Fulton-Montgomery Community College, Johnstown.  General education courses in support of the nursing degree are also delivered via the interactive system.  Evening classes accommodate the working adult and the degree programs can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis.  The program coordinator assists in planning and implementing their programs.

Videoconferencing:  The Distance Learning Office offers facilities for courses, workshops, meetings, and training sessions via its videoconferencing facilities.  There are also distance sites located in Auburn, Elizabethtown, Gouverneur, and Ticonderoga.

Other Delivery Systems:  Various departments offer courses via other delivery systems, including courses on the Web.

Policy for Short-Term Credit Bearing Sessions

Chapter II, The Commissioner of Education Regulations, Part 50.1(o) states "semester hour means a credit, point, or other unit granted for the satisfactory completion of a course which requires at least 15 hours (of 50 minutes each) of
instruction and at least 30 hours of supplementary assignments, except as otherwise provided pursuant to section 52.2(c)(4) of this Subchapter.  This basic measure shall be adjusted proportionately to translate the value of other academic calendars and formats of study in relation to the credit granted for study during the two semesters that comprise an academic year."

52.2(c)(4) states that any exceptions must be approved by the State Commissioner of Education.

Therefore, the policy is as follows:

1. For a one-week course, the class must meet a minimum of three hours daily to earn one credit.

2. For a two-week session granting two credits, the class must meet a minimum of three hours daily.

3. For a two-week session granting three credits, the class must meet a minimum of five hours daily.

4. For a three-week session granting three credits, the class must meet a minimum of three hours daily.

5. For a three-week session granting four credits, the class must meet a minimum of four hours daily.  Only sessions longer than one week have the possibility of granting one credit more than the number of weeks the class or workshop meets.

6. Internships will be evaluated according to Faculty Senate policy approved May 3, 1983.

7. One credit hour is granted on the basis of at least 30-45 hours of laboratory.  The times are based on the definition of a semester hour as stated in the Commissioner's Regulations.


PEER ADVISING

Peer advisors are students who have been trained to respond to student inquiries concerning academic and financial aid problems (see above).  The training for peer advisors is accomplished in part by the course COM 390 Communication for Peer Advising.  For further information contact the Director of Academic Advisement.

PROCEDURES FOR ADDRESSING SUSPECTED ACADEMIC DISHONESTY


Adopted by the Faculty Senate (Action #556) and approved by the President, spring 2004; amended February 2005, April 2006.

Alleged violations of the SUNY Plattsburgh student academic honesty policy, including allegations of cheating and plagiarism, will be referred to the College Judicial System for documentation and/or adjudication in order to:

Responsibilities of the Student:

Responsibilities of the Instructor:

  1. In order to fairly evaluate the achievements of students, instructors must ensure that work submitted by students honestly represents their own efforts. Instructors must therefore take steps to prevent cheating and other forms of academic dishonesty by making clear to students what cheating is and, if cheating does occur, to discourage repetition. Faculty who assign or encourage group work must be especially clear about which assignments are to be completed by a group and which must be completed individually.
  2. Instructors who believe that cheating has occurred should proceed in accordance with the following principles: (a) students are presumed innocent until responsibility is firmly established (through the procedures detailed below); (b) students must be treated fairly, humanely and professionally; they should not be publicly accused or embarrassed; and (c) students must be afforded due process. The procedures detailed below seek to provide for due process in determining responsibility and in assigning sanction and discourage repetition of any offense.

Procedures: The following procedures must be followed when cheating of any nature is suspected.

A. First Level - Informal Review:
    1. Notification and Acknowledgement:

Upon identifying an incident of suspected cheating or other forms of academic dishonesty, an instructor shall:

    2. Initial Discussion:

The initial discussion between instructor and student should occur, if possible, on a face-to-face basis. Should either party be uncomfortable at the prospect of such an initial meeting, a mutually-agreed-upon third party may be invited to attend.
The initial discussion must address, but is not limited to:

It is recommended that both parties maintain notes relative to the details of this initial discussion.   

   3. Discussion Outcomes and Further Procedures:
           Option 1: The student admits to the alleged academic dishonesty:

Instructor: 

Student:

Note:


Option 2: The student denies the alleged academic dishonesty: 

Student:

Instructor:

    4. Completion of Faculty Report of Suspected Academic Dishonesty:

Whatever the outcome of the initial discussion, the instructor must complete within three business days of the initial discussion whether or not classes are in session (excluding weekends and holidays) a Faculty Report of Suspected Academic Dishonesty and send the original to the College Judicial Affairs Office. (Note that an instructor's failure to file an on-time Faculty Report of Suspected Academic Dishonesty may result in any sanction applied being voided should the student appeal the sanction.) If the College Judicial Affairs Office finds that a Faculty Report of Suspected Academic Dishonesty for a previous allegation is on file for the student, the student's record of academic honesty will be reviewed by the dean of the faculty where the course was held or the incident occurred, in conjunction with the judicial coordinator, the dean of the faculty of the student's major, and the chief student affairs officer or designee, and sanctions in addition to any specified or recommended by the instructor may be set. See Second Level Review.

B. Second Level - Formal Review:

See Student Conduct Manual for College Judicial System procedures and policies.

REPORTING STUDENTS WHO HAVE NEVER ATTENDED CLASS BUT APPEAR ON THE CLASS ROSTER

Adopted by the Faculty Senate (Action #600) and approved by the President, December 2004; modified by the President, September 2006.
Faculty will report on the “Third Week Census” all students who have never attended class to that point. Such students will be removed from the official class roster by the Registrar. Faculty will assign a mid-term grade of “E” to any student who never attended class but appears on the class roster. Faculty will assign a final grade of “E” to any student who never attended class but appears on the class roster.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF DEPARTMENT CHAIRS AND CENTER DIRECTORS

The Policies of the Board of Trustees provide that chairpersons in consultation with the members of their departments are responsible to the President of the college through the Faculty Dean and Provost/VPAA for the supervision of the department personnel and programs.  They have such powers, duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the President of the college.  Chairpersons have a dual role as teacher and administrator.  They are accountable for the implementation of the college and faculty policies and procedures within the department and for the implementation of department policies and procedures consistent with those of the college and the appropriate faculty.  Chairpersons are responsible for and supervise the instructional program of the departments within the context of the mission and goals of the college and of the appropriate faculty.  They serve as spokespersons for the institutional needs of the college and the faculty to the members of the department and for the department needs to the Dean and other appropriate administrators of the college.  The responsibilities of a chairperson cover six major areas:  (a) Academic Planning, (b) Personnel, (c) Students, (d) Budget, (e) Space and Equipment, and (f) General Operations.

A.  Academic Planning

  1. Ensures that clear goals and objectives, consistent with those of the college and the appropriate faculty, are established by the department or center; that department/center programs are designed to achieve these ends; and that goals, objectives and programs are periodically evaluated to guarantee that they are suited to the needs of students, both majors and non-majors. 
  2. Supervises the development of a comprehensive and coherent department/center curriculum.
  3. Supervises and coordinates the development, revision and evaluation of courses, sequences, and programs for the academic year and the summer and winter program.
  4. Recommends to the appropriate Dean the schedule of courses for the academic year and the summer and winter sessions.

B.  Personnel

  1. Coordinates department/center recruitment of new faculty, recommends appointments to the Dean, and oversees the orientation of new faculty.
  2. Supervises the department/center affirmative action program and ensures that it is consistent with that of the college.
  3. Evaluates the teaching effectiveness, scholarship, research, and college and community service of individual faculty members; initiates and oversees the evaluation process of the departmental/center evaluation group; and makes personal recommendations to the Dean for each member of the department/center in accordance with the Performance Reviews of Academic Employees, Policies and Procedures (Agreement between SUNY Plattsburgh and UUP, Inc.)
  4. Fosters the scholarly growth, research, creative activities, and teaching effectiveness of department/center members.
  5. Ensures that the workload within the department/center is equitably distributed among its members and suited to their individual talents and accomplishments, and to the needs of its approved programs.
  6. Assigns courses for the academic year and summer and winter sessions after consultation with members of the department/center and with the concurrence of the Dean.
  7. Supervises clerical and non-teaching personnel, and student and graduate assistants assigned to the department/center by the Dean.
  8. Counsels and advises faculty.
  9. Supervises faculty to guarantee that teaching and institutional obligations are met.
  10. Recommends to the Dean tuition waivers for faculty and graduate assistants.
  11. Records faculty absences from class, keep records of faculty sick leave, and forwards such information to the Dean.

C.  Students

  1. Supervises the department/center advisement program; assigns advisor for majors; provides faculty with advisement materials; counsels students who seek advice beyond the advisor.
  2. Supervises the independent study, honors, and thesis programs within the department/center and ensures that they are consistent with college and faculty policies and directives.
  3. Maintains department/center student records.
  4. Approves deviations from department/center requirements and recommends to the Dean deviations from appropriate faculty or college requirements.
  5. Approves requests, consistent with college or faculty policies or directives, for independent studies, change of major, undergraduate enrollment in graduate courses, course withdrawals, permission to take courses at other institutions; recommends to the Dean course overloads; and signs report of incomplete work and participates in academic progress decisions.
  6. Assists in student orientation and registration.

D.  Budget

  1. Formulates, after consultation with the department/center, long-range department/center budget projections, which indicate how resources will be allocated to achieve department goals and objectives.
  2. Allocates and administers the departmental/center budget and authorizes valid expenditures within this budget.
  3. Prepares a yearly report for the Dean delineating how expenditures were related to department/center goals and objectives.
  4. Maintains current records on department/center expenditures.
  5. Disseminates full information on budget and expenditures to members of the department/center.

E.  Space and Equipment

  1. Maintains a current inventory of department/center equipment.
  2. Prepares long-range projections of department/center space and equipment needs.
  3. Coordinates the allocation and utilization of space and equipment assigned to the department/center.
  4. Submits to the Dean requests for repairs, maintenance, and plant improvements.
  5. Supervises the security of department/center equipment and supplies.

F. General Operations

  1. Maintains records for the department/center on faculty workloads, student majors and enrollments; and provides the pertinent data to the Dean for the preparation of official faculty and College statistics on these subjects by the Office of Institutional Research.
  2. Prepares department/center reports.  (Routine reports may be done by the chairperson alone; all other reports should be prepared by the chairperson after appropriate consultation with the departmental committees.)
  3. Represents the department/center to the general public and communicates newsworthy department or individual faculty activities to the Dean for transmission to the Office of Institutional Advancement.
  4. Appoints appropriate department/center committees; prepares agenda for, and chairs, department/center meetings; and coordinates department/center activities.
  5. Advises the Dean and communicates department/center opinions and needs to the Dean; transmits faculty and College policies, directives and opinions to the department/center; and fosters inter-center/departmental communication.
  6. Encourages and participates in inter-center/departmental and interdisciplinary activities. 
  7. Attends faculty chairpersons meetings called by the Dean.
  8. Assumes such other responsibilities or duties as the President may assign.

REMOVAL OF THE CHAIRPERSON

Under the Policies of the Board of Trustees, the President may relieve a designee of his/her duties as chairperson, with notification to the Chancellor.

If a majority of a department wishes to have its chairperson removed, it may by majority vote and secret ballot, request a meeting with the Dean.  The Dean, following consultation with the department and the chairperson, may make a recommendation through the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and to the President to remove the chairperson from office.

Additional Items

The role of the department chairperson is one of strong, responsible academic leadership.  This role should not usurp or conflict with the appropriate delegated responsibilities of others such as administrative personnel and other department chairpersons, nor should it conflict with established administrative lines and responsibilities.

  1. To ensure strong academic leadership, departments should establish procedures, which will assure maximum opportunity to evaluate and weigh the leadership capabilities of individual candidates for the position of department chairperson.
  2. To ensure responsible leadership, departments must (1) keep avenues of communication with the chairperson open at all times; (2) provide for corrective information flow from members to the chairperson when desired responsibility is not being demonstrated; and (3) seek a change in departmental leadership when the chairperson is demonstratively not functioning in assigned tasks.
  3. The Dean shall meet with each chairperson at least once a year to evaluate his or her performance as chairperson.
  4. The teaching load of the chairperson shall depend upon the nature and size of the department chaired.  The Dean and Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs shall determine reductions in load on the basis of such considerations as the number of faculty in the department, number of majors, total enrollment and the complexity of department activities, facilities, and equipment.
  5. The responsibilities of the department chairpersons continue during the summer.  Chairpersons shall be permitted to teach no more than one course during the summer session.
  6. The many responsibilities of chairpersons make it difficult for them to maintain a full program of research or creative activity.  When a chairperson has completed a full term in office. 
              i.The Dean, in consultation with the former chairperson, should consider a variety of ways to assist him or her to    resume full scholarly or creative activity.
              ii. Departments and Deans are asked to give special consideration to requests of such persons for sabbaticals and leaves.

STUDENT GRIEVANCES

When a student feels that an unsatisfactory solution has been offered for a problem, all administrative procedures should be exhausted. For example, if it is felt that an unfair evaluation in regard to a grade has been made, the instructor involved should be consulted first, next the department chair, and then the Dean. In the event all administrative procedures for resolving a grievance fail, the student should follow the prescribed grievance procedure. This procedure is on file in the offices of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Deans, and Department Chairs.

STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE - Academic

Adopted by the Faculty Senate (Action #148) and approved by the President, March 1978; modified by Faculty Senate Action #556 approved by the President, spring 2004.

Introduction

If a student believes that he has been unjustly treated by a member(s) of the faculty, he may wish to complain in the form of a grievance. A grievance consists of a complaint and a request for action that will remove the cause(s) of that complaint. Unjust treatment will be understood to be treatment which results in the significant deprivation of the student's rights relative to an academic matter. Student rights include (but are not necessarily limited to) those rights stated in the AAUP Bulletin (cf. Appendix A). A student may not grieve an allegation of academic dishonesty. Contested allegations of academic dishonesty must be handled through the Procedures for Addressing Suspected Academic Dishonesty. In no case should unjust treatment be confused with an instructor's right and obligation to evaluate a student's course work.

Grievance Procedure Steps A. Informal Level

B. Formal Level

     1. Filing of the Grievance Statement - If neither of the above informal measures resolves the issue, the student should immediately prepare a written statement of his grievance and submit copies of it to the departmental chairperson (one copy each for the chairperson, grievance committee, and faculty member(s) grieved against). This step must be completed within 45 days after the alleged unjust treatment took place. However, if there are extenuating circumstances, the student may be allowed up to an additional 45 days in which to submit his written grievance statement provided he obtains the written permission of the departmental chairperson. Note: For the purposes of this procedure a day is defined as an academic calendar weekday falling during the spring or fall semesters.
Note: The written grievance statement submitted by the student should include:

    2. Acceptance of the Grievance Statement - If, in the opinion of the departmental chairperson, the grievance is not of a significant nature, or if the unjust treatment did not occur within an academic context, the grievance will not be accepted at this level and the process terminates.

   3. Constitution of the Grievance Committee - Upon receipt and acceptance of the written grievance statement, the department chairperson shall have 10 days (after the date of receipt) to convene a meeting of the department's grievance committee. This committee may be established during this time-frame or may be a standing committee already in existence. Note: (a) the departmental chairperson may or may not serve on this committee but both of the parties involved are disqualified from membership, (b) the departmental grievance committee should consist of three persons, it should have one and only one student serve on that committee. If the committee consists of five persons, it should have two and only two students serve on that committee. At the beginning of each academic year, the chairperson of the department will select the student representative(s) to serve on the departmental grievance committee, subject to approval by the Student Association Vice President for Academics.

   4. Committee Meetings - The department grievance committee should attempt to discover the relevant facts concerning the grievance. The following guidelines apply to the meetings of the committee:

    5. Withdrawal of the Grievance Statement - The student may withdraw his written grievance statement at any time by notifying the departmental chairperson of his/her desire to do so. In the event that this is done, the chairperson shall notify the grievance committee and the faculty member(s) grieved against of the student's decision and the grievance procedure shall stop.

    6. Committee Recommendations - The department grievance committee should arrive at a recommendation with regard to the relief requested by the student in the grievance statement. This recommendation should be transmitted in writing to both parties and the Dean of the faculty within 10 (but not to exceed 20) days after the committee has been convened to consider the grievance. Copies of the student's written grievance statement along with the written recommendation of the committee are to be kept in departmental files.

Appeals

Should the recommendation of the department chairperson (cf. II, B, 2.) or the recommendation of the department grievance committee (cf. II, B, 6.) be unacceptable to either party involved, each has the right of further appeal to the Dean of the faculty. This appeal should be made within 10 days of the recommendation of the committee.
This procedure supersedes all previous grievance procedures.

SELECTION OF THE CHAIRPERSON

The Trustees place final responsibility for designating chairperson in the Office of the President.  The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, after consultation with the appropriate Dean, recommend to the President the person to be appointed.  For those departments in which the President has authorized elections to express the choice of the department for the chairpersonship, the Dean and the d