Academic Regulations & Procedures

Select a Policy to jump to: Academic Evaluation Academic Integrity Academic Load Academic Progress Reports Academic Standing Committee Advanced Placement Argument and Inquiry Seminars Auditing Courses Change of Course Level Change of Section Class Attendance Class Year Common Time Comprehensive Exercise Credit Maximum and Minimum Credit Unit Dean's List Declaration of Major or Minor Disabilities Disability Access and Accommodations Distinction in a Major Double Major Drop/Add Effective Catalog Policy Electronic Devices in the Classroom End of Term Deadlines Examinations Extensions Financial Obligations Grade Complaints Grade Point Average (GPA) Grade Reporting Grades Grading System Graduation Requirements Honors in Independent Study Independent Study/Reading/Research Internships Language Placement Examinations Language Requirement Late Drop Latin Honors at Graduation Learning Disabilities Leave of Absence (Medical, Military Service, and Personal) Liberal Arts Requirements Library Major Field Requirements Midterm Reports Minors Music Lesson Fees Observance of Religious Holidays Off-Campus Study Petitions Phi Beta Kappa Physical Education Requirement Prerequisites for Courses Proxy Registration Reading Days Readmission Records of Academic Work Registration Registration Changes Residency Retaking Courses Satisfactory Academic Progress Satisfactory/Credit/No Credit (S/Cr/NC or "scrunch" option) Senior Integrative Exercise (Comps) Special Major Special Students Spring Break Credit St. Olaf Courses Student Academic Fees and Miscellaneous Charges Summer Independent Study Summer Study at Other Institutions Transcripts Transfer of Credits Tuition Charges for 2023-2024 Winter Break Credit Withdrawal From the College Writing Requirement Written Evaluation of Course Work

Academic Load

All matriculated students are considered full-time students and must, by definition, register for and carry a minimum of 12 credits in each academic term, whether enrolled in Northfield or on an approved off-campus study program. Such students are eligible for financial aid under applicable regulations. Students will not be permitted to drop below 12 credits at any time; therefore it is wise to register for at least 18 credits, allowing for the need to drop a six credit course.

The College enrolls no part-time degree students but does permit the enrollment of “Special Students” on a course-by-course basis. Such students are non-degree candidates and are not eligible for financial aid.

No student may carry more than 22 credits in any term without the permission of the Academic Standing Committee (ASC). The ASC will consider petitions from students for up to 24 credits per term; normally a 3.0 cumulative grade point average is required. To earn the 210 credits required for graduation, students must average 17 or 18 credits per term in each of the 12 terms allotted them.

Off-campus study participants are not eligible for an overload. Petitions from first-year students will not be considered by the ASC, except in cases involving participation in applied music courses and theatrical groups.

See also credit maximum and minimum, petitions, senior integrative exercise, and special students.

For: Faculty, Students

Last Reviewed: September 9, 2021

Maintained by: Office of the Provost

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