Frequently Asked Questions

Contact your instructor whenever you believe you cannot meet a deadline. But if believe you will be unable to complete work before the end of the final exam period, you must request an extension from your class dean. Extensions are granted only if you can document that “extraordinary circumstances beyond the student’s control” prevented you from completing work at the end of the term. Obtain Extension Request forms from the Dean of Students Office and make an appointment with your class dean.

Contact your course instructor whenever you believe you cannot meet a deadline, and make necessary arrangements. If the instructor requests verification of your illness, contact Student Health and Counseling and ask them to send documentation to your class dean, who will notify your instructor. If you must leave campus, contact your class dean. Student Health and Counseling and Dean of Student’s Office do not provide “excuses,” but rather communicates and provides information for your instructor.

The first place to look is the Academic Regulations and Procedures handbook; its alphabetized Contents page makes it easy to find answers to most academic policy questions. The answers to these three questions are there: no; usually not; and yes. The College Academic Catalog is the other source of academic information. If you can’t find the answer there or need an interpretation of what you read, contact your class dean or the Registrar.

Double majors are very difficult at Carleton, and therefore are generally discouraged. But this question deserves extensive thought and conversation. Start with someone who understands or has information about your academic abilities and interests: your faculty advisor, an instructor, or your class dean. Friends, parents, or the Student Departmental Advisors (SDA) in your possible majors can also be helpful. See the Academic Catalog or specific department chairs for descriptions of majors.

In order to double major, you will need to complete a petition that goes to the Academic Standing Committee.

Whenever possible, address these concerns directly and immediately with your instructor. Most often a full open discussion will result in understanding and resolution of issues. If this fails, then contact the Chair of the instructor’s department; and finally, if necessary, the Office of the Provost. If you need support or assistance in that process, consultation with your class dean or an associate dean of the college, may be helpful.

This process is handled through the Registrar’s Office. The petition is available on their website.