NOTE: The information that follows applies to students entering fall, 1999, under the new Centers of Distinction Curriculum. Students previously enrolled and transfers entering prior to fall, 2000, should consult the 1998-99 academic catalog for their requirements.
Academic advisors are faculty and staff members who are available for consultation and advise in the planning of students' academic programs. Students who have declared majors are assigned advisors in their major departments; freshmen and students who have not declared a major may be assigned a faculty advisor or an advisor from the Office of Academic Services.
Students should contact their advisors when planning their programs, when pre-registering and/or registering, and when needing advice or assistance relating to academic concerns or questions. Academic advisors can assist students in reviewing academic performance, exploring possible majors and other programs, examining special educational opportunities (e.g., internships, research, international study), or planning for graduate school. Students may also obtain supplemental academic and career assistance by contacting staff in the Office of Career Services.
Although faculty and staff can provide valuable assistance and guidance for students, the ultimate responsibility for devising appropriate schedules, meeting degree and program requirements, and complying with all academic regulations belongs to the student. Therefore, students should be familiar with the College's requirements, their major and other program requirements, this Catalog, and their own academic transcripts
Students must be officially registered for their courses in order to earn academic credit. Students pre-register and register for courses by completing and submitting the appropriate forms during designated periods. Pre-registration and registration information, including times and locations, is provided by the Office of the Registrar.
Students who do not wish to receive credit for courses may enroll as auditors. Auditors are not required to take quizzes, tests, and examinations, to complete projects, or to submit papers. They are, however, required to meet the course attendance policies and to participate in class discussions. Instructors will determine whether or not students have met these requirements and, thus whether or not to have the notation "AU" entered on the students' transcripts. Individuals outside a degree program who wish to audit must apply for and be admitted to special-student status. Students registering to audit a course must inform the Office of the Registrar in writing at the time of registration or within the add period for the course at the beginning of the term.
The normal load of a student is eight units for each academic year. The student is expected to enroll in four units in each regular term; however, three units constitutes full-time status. A minimum of 33 academic units (including at least one unit of intensive learning), one-fourth unit of co-curricular credit, and two one-fourth units of physical education activities (or the equivalent) should be completed over a four-year period.
The College recognizes that some students must complete their study as rapidly as is consistent with sound academic standards. Students may therefore carry an academic overload commensurate with their ability.
An overload fee of $415 per unit is charged for each full unit taken in excess of five units. Approval to enroll in six or more courses requires the additional approval of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
Further acceleration is possible by enrolling in May terms (beyond the one required) and/or summer sessions. Thus, a student may enter the College in January, June, July, or August. A student may complete the requirements for a degree in three regular sessions (i.e., six semesters) and three summer sessions; some students may earn the degree in three regular sessions and two summer sessions.
Roanoke College is committed to the maintenance of the highest possible standards of academic integrity among all of its constituents. To promote an atmosphere conducive to a free quest for intellectual fulfillment, the administration, staff, students, and the faculty have the responsibility and the obligation to adhere to and to enforce the standards of the academic integrity policy as defined and outlined in the brochure Academic Integrity at Roanoke College. Before beginning their course work at Roanoke, students are required to make a written commitment to support this policy and to work fully with the campus community in sustaining the academic integrity of Roanoke College.
It must be recognized that there will be those individuals who willfully choose to violate the governing principles which this institution has adopted for the independent search for knowledge. When such violations are suspected, it is the duty of the institution's members to report those who are suspected of such acts. While striving to sustain a consistently high level of academic integrity, Roanoke College also strives to ensure due process to all who have been charged with academic integrity violations. No one person has the right to assume the enforcement of this policy; thus, each charged with a violation, as well as each bringing the charges, has the right to a full hearing.
The Academic Integrity Council consists of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, members of the faculty and professional staff appointed by the President, and student members elected annually by the student body. Members of the Council are chosen for Academic Integrity Panels and Academic Integrity Boards, which hear all cases involving charges of violations of academic integrity. Violations include cheating in any form; plagiarizing; lying in direct association with academic matters or during the process of an academic integrity hearing or investigation; impeding an investigation; denying access to academic materials; or other actions that violate student regulations or public statutes for the purpose of committing or supporting an academic integrity violation.
Penalties, which vary according to the severity of the violation and the circumstances of the case, range from a written reprimand to dropping a student from a course with a grade of XF (which is treated as an F in the computation of the grade point average) to permanent expulsion from the College. The Academic Integrity at Roanoke College brochure should be consulted for complete details concerning the College's academic integrity system.
It is the responsibility of each student to become familiar with the regulations and procedures of the system immediately upon enrollment. To assist students in meeting this responsibility, an orientation session is provided and the brochure, Academic Integrity at Roanoke College, is made available to all entering students. Questions concerning the Academic Integrity System should be addressed to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
The College is committed to the principle that class attendance is a vital part of its academic program. Attendance makes possible that dialogue between student and teacher which is the foundation of the educational process. Thus, absence from class denies students access to the full measure of a college education.
Regular class attendance is expected in all courses. Individual instructors who have specific attendance requirements will state these on the syllabus distributed at the beginning of each course. Every student is accountable for all work missed because of class absence. Instructors, however, are under no obligation to make special arrangements for students who are absent.
Unless prior consent for absence from the first meeting of a class is granted by the course instructor, the instructor may request that the Office of the Registrar drop an absent student from the class roster if other students are requesting to add an otherwise filled class. The Office of the Registrar will forward any information or request made by students to the instructors. This, however, does not constitute an excuse for absence from any class meeting.
Any change in a student's course of study requires permission from the student's advisor, the Office of the Registrar, and — for adding courses — the individual instructors. Course changes must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar before the deadlines given in the Academic Calendar.
Students are expected to take their final examination on the day and hour as specified in the Academic Calendar. Due to evening courses, however, some students have found that their final examination schedule consists of three consecutive exams. This could be morning, afternoon, and evening exams on the same day or an afternoon and evening exam on one day and a morning exam the next day.
A student with such a schedule may request permission from one of the professors to reschedule the exam at the convenience of the professor. If all three professors will not reschedule, the student is urged to seek the assistance of his or her advisor or the Office of the Registrar.
A re-examination may be given only under circumstances that constitute an emergency. Approval of the instructor and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs is required. In addition, a different examination must be given.
Credit and Competency Standards
By meeting competency standards as described below, students are excused from taking some courses to satisfy the General Education requirements. The awarding of competency does not carry academic credit. Rather, it gives students more program flexibility by increasing their number of elective courses and allowing them to move to higher levels of study at a faster pace if they wish. If a student elects to take a course for credit after being awarded competency for that course, the competency is removed.
Biology: Competency may be attained in Biology 150 by satisfying either of the following requirements: (1) a score of 3 on the CEEB Advanced Placement Test, or (2) a score of 630 on the SAT II Test in Biology and no secondary school grade lower than a "B" or its equivalent in a biology course.
Chemistry: Competency may be attained in Chemistry 101 by satisfying
either of the following requirements: (1) a score of 3 on the CEEB
Advanced Placement Test, or (2) a score of 630 on the SAT II Test in Chemistry
and no secondary school grade lower than a "B" or its equivalent in a
chemistry course. For competency in Chemistry 111-112 a student must score in
the 50th percentile or better on the ACS cooperative tests in General Chemistry,
Brief Qualitative Analysis, and Quantitative Analysis. For
competency in all advanced courses a student must score in the 50th percentile
or better on the appropriate ACS cooperative test.
English: Competency in General Studies 101 may be granted for the achievement of any one of the following: (1) a grade of "A" in a senior course in secondary school devoted to expository writing or in a senior course designed to prepare the student for the Advanced Placement Examination in Language and Composition or in Composition and Literature; (2) a score of 3 on the Advanced Placement Examination in Language and Composition or in Composition and Literature; (3) a score of 680 on the SAT II Test in English Composition together with a score of 600 on the SAT I: Verbal, or a score of 660 on the SAT II Test in English Composition together with a score of 670 on the SAT I: Verbal; (4) a score of 670 on the SAT I: Verbal and no secondary school grade in English lower than a "B" or its equivalent; (5) a score of 620 on the SAT I: Verbal together with a ranking in the upper one-fifth of the secondary school graduating class.
Credit for General Studies 101 may be granted for the achievement of a score of 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Examination in Language and Composition or in Composition and Literature.
Foreign Language: Competency in a foreign language may be attained by achievement prior to enrollment at Roanoke College. Competency will be awarded to students who earn: (1) a minimum score on the SAT I Subject Test in a Foreign Language (at least 590 for French, 580 for Latin, and 570 for other languages), or (2) a score of 3 on the CEEB Advanced Placement Test.
Students who complete in secondary school two years of foreign language in the same language with no grade lower than a "B" will be granted competency at the 101 level. Students who complete in secondary school three years of foreign language in the same language with no grade lower than a "B" will be granted competency at both the 101 and 102 level. Students who successfully complete a 102-level foreign language course will be awarded competency at the 101 level. Competency through the intermediate level may be earned by taking a standardized placement test and demonstrating competency through the 202 level.
Academic credit in a foreign language will be awarded for a score of 4 or 5 on the CEEB Advanced Placement Test.
History: Competency may be attained in United States History and/or Western Civilization by satisfying either of two requirements: (1) a score of 3 on the CEEB Advanced Placement Test, or (2) a score of 590 on the SAT II Test and no secondary school grade lower than a "B" or its equivalent in American or World Civilization courses.
Mathematics: Competency may be attained in Mathematics 110 by satisfying one of these requirements: (1) a score of 3 on the CEEB Advanced Placement Test, (2) a score of 620 on the SAT II Test in Mathematics (Level I) and completion of a minimum of two units in secondary school algebra and trigonometry classes with no grade lower than a "B", or (3) completion of two units of secondary school algebra, one unit of geometry, and one unit of advanced mathematics such as mathematical analysis, pre-calculus mathematics, or advanced algebra which must contain a substantial amount of trigonometry. No grade lower than a "B" may be earned in any of these courses. SAT II Mathematics Level II Test scores will be evaluated individually. Competency may be obtained in Mathematics 121 with a score of 3 on the Calculus AB test of the College Entrance Examination Board. Competency may be attained in Mathematics 121 and Mathematics 122 with a score of 3 on the Calculus BC test of the College Entrance Examination Board.
Credit for Mathematics 121 will be granted to a candidate with a score of 4 or 5 on the Calculus AB test of the College Entrance Examination Board. Credit for Mathematics 121 and Mathematics 122 will be granted to a candidate with a score of 4 or 5 on the Calculus BC test of the College Entrance Examination Board. Competency for all other mathematics courses will be determined on an individual basis by considering secondary school grades, standardized test scores, and Roanoke College test scores.
Physics: Competency may be attained in Physics 101 by satisfying either of these two requirements: (1) a score of 3 on the CEEB Advanced Placement Test, or (2) a score of 650 on the SAT II Test in Physics. Competency in advanced physics courses may be determined on an individual basis upon completion of an examination administered by the department.
Physical Education: Competency will be granted in one team sport or one individual sport through a full season of varsity intercollegiate participation. Competency will also be awarded (golf, tennis, swimming, racquetball, bowling, badminton) for successful completion of both a written rules and practical performance exam administered at a scheduled time during orientation at the beginning of each fall term. The exam is open only to new students during their first full term.
Political Science: Competency may be attained in American National Government (Political Science 102) and/or Modern Politics (Political Science 101) by satisfying either of these two requirements: (1) a score of 3 on the CEEB Advanced Placement Test, or (2) a grade of "A" in a secondary school advanced placement American Government and/or Comparative Government course. Credit for American National Government (Political Science 102) and/or Modern Politics (Political Science 101) may be granted if the candidate scores 4 or better on the Advanced Placement Exam.
Roanoke College grants advanced placement and unit credit on the basis of the Advanced Placement Tests of the College Entrance Examination Board, the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and the International Baccalaureate Higher Level Examination for courses which normally would be introductory for new students at the College. Generally, on the Advanced Placement Test the candidate who scores 3 will be granted competency. Unit credit will be granted if a candidate scores a 4 or 5. For the International Baccalaureate Higher Level Examinations, the candidate who scores a 4 will be granted competency, and unit credit will be granted if a candidate scores 5, 6, or 7. Students scoring a "C-" (or equivalent) or higher on the College Level Examination Program test will receive unit credit. However, no student may accrue more than 8 units of credit through Advanced Placement tests, College Level Examination Program tests, International Baccalaureate Higher Level Examinations, and/or Credit by Examination. Specific information can be obtained from the Associate Dean/Registrar.
Currently enrolled and former students of the College may stand for examination in a course provided they fulfill conditions which allow such examinations. A student who has previously enrolled in, failed, audited, or unofficially attended a course may not stand for examination in it. An examination may not be given in a term when the course is offered. No more than one credit by examination may be taken during any term. Also, no student may accrue more than 8 units of credit through Advanced Placement tests, Credit by Examination, or College Level Entrance Program tests. The approval of the instructor, the chairperson of the department offering the course, and the Associate Dean/Registrar must be obtained. A special fee is charged and must be paid prior to taking the examination. For credit to be obtained in a given term, the examination has to be administered no later than three weeks prior to the beginning of the regularly scheduled examination period of the fall and spring terms or one week prior to the regularly scheduled examination period of the summer session.
Credit for academic work completed elsewhere will be accepted by official transcripts from regionally accredited colleges and universities if the courses are appropriate to the academic curriculum of Roanoke College. At least one half of the minimum number of courses required to graduate from Roanoke College (excluding physical education activity courses) must be earned at Roanoke College. At least one-half of the minimum number of courses required for a major must be completed at Roanoke College. After a student has registered with Roanoke College, degree credit will be granted only in elective courses taken at another institution, except in extenuating circumstances as approved by the Panel on Admissions, Readmissions, and Appeals.
Through long standing, consortial agreements with Hollins University and Wagner College, Roanoke College will, grant academic credit for courses appropriate to a Roanoke College program, including grades and quality points, to those regular students who, with the approval of the appropriate advisor or departmental chairperson and the Office of the Registrar, enroll in a course at either institution, assuming that the courses concerned are not currently available to the student through Roanoke College.
Roanoke College will generally grant only equivalent unit credit for appropriate transfer work from regionally accredited institutions in which a grade of "C-" or higher has been earned. Transfer grades will neither appear on the Roanoke transcript nor be used in the calculation of the cumulative or major grade point average. Upon enrollment in the College, transferred credit may satisfy appropriate General Education or major requirements (with approval of the major department). Transfer credit earned after enrolling at the College will be accepted only for elective credit, except in very limited circumstances as approved by the Panel on Admissions, Readmissions, and Appeals.
There are additional conditions and limitations on transfer credit for persons seeking a second degree. (See "The Second Bachelor's Degree" section.)
Degree credit will not be granted to a student for courses taken at any institution when the student is in a status of suspension or expulsion from Roanoke College or from any other college or university.
The College recommends that a course unit be considered the equivalent of four semester hours for transfer purposes.
The classification of students is determined according to the number of units earned. Classification as a freshman means a student has earned fewer than 8 units. Classification as a sophomore requires a minimum of 8 units earned; as a junior, a minimum of 16 units earned; and as a senior, a minimum of 25 units earned. The determination will be made at the end of each term.
Student work is graded according to the following scale:
Letter Grade Quality Points Per Course Unit
A
4.0
A-
3.7
B+
3.3
B
3.0
B-
2.7
C+
2.3
C
2.0
C-
1.7
D+
1.3
D
1.0
D-
0.7
F
0
P (Work passed under pass/fail) Not Assigned
W (Withdrawal from a course
Not Assigned
prior Not Assigned to the
beginning of the
ninth week
of the term. The grade
designation "W" will not be
counted as a unit
attempted
and will therefore not affect
the student's cumulative
grade point average.)
WP (Withdrawn from course
Not Assigned
passing)
WF (Withdrawn from course
0
failing)
DP (Involuntarily withdrawn
Not Assigned
from a course passing)
DF (Involuntarily withdrawn
0
from a course failing)
XF (Dismissed from course
0
for violation of academic
integrity)
In addition to the above grades, three other notations are used in reporting term grades, but these notations do not become a part of the student's permanent record:
"IN" represents incomplete and indicates that the student has not completed, for valid reason approved by the instructor, the work of the course. The incomplete work must be submitted to the instructor not later than two weeks after the beginning of the next term, including the summer session, at which time the instructor will assign the final course grade. Grades of "IN" are not included in determining a student's grade point average. When the "IN" is converted to a permanent grade, the student's GPA will be recalculated.
"SP" is recorded by authorization of the Office of the Registrar for the student who is under the care of a physician at the time of the final examination or who has not completed the work of the course by reason of extended illness. Written verification by the physician is necessary to receive an "SP." The work of the course must be completed before the end of the next term in which the student is enrolled or the "SP" will automatically become an "F." At the beginning of each term in which a student does not enroll, the grade of "SP" must be renewed by submission of a physician's statement and be approved by the Office of the Registrar, or it becomes an "F."
Students who have received either an "IN" or an "SP" and who fail to complete their work will be immediately subject to the rules of academic discipline (warning, suspension, expulsion) which would have applied when the original course should have been completed.
A student who is absent from a final examination without valid reason will receive a "zero" on the examination. If there is a valid reason for the absence, the grade of "SP" or "IN" may be given.
"NG" represents no grade and indicates that the instructor does not submit, at the time grades are due, a final grade. A grade of "NG" is recorded in consultation with the Office of the Registrar. An "NG" must be converted to a final grade within two weeks of the beginning of the next term, including the summer session.
The "WP," "DP," "WF," and "DF" reflect the grade in the course as of the date of official withdrawal. The grade designation "WP" or "DP" will not be counted as a unit attempted and will therefore not affect the student's cumulative grade point average. A "WP" is recorded only if a student officially withdraws from the college through the Office of the Registrar. In each case that the grade designation "WF" or "DF" is assigned, the course will be considered as a unit, or partial unit, attempted and will be considered an "F" in the computation of the cumulative grade point average.
The cumulative grade point average is determined by dividing the sum of the student's quality points by the sum of the course units attempted, excluding grades that do not carry a unit attempted.
The primary purpose of the pass/fail option is to encourage students to explore an unfamiliar academic area without fear of lowering their cumulative grade point average.
In addition to internships, and co-curricular activities which must be taken on a pass/fail basis, students may enroll in one elective course on a pass/fail basis. The elective course, taken on a pass/fail basis, cannot be in the same academic discipline as the major, minor or concentration nor can it be a required course for the major, minor or concentration which is outside the discipline. In addition, the course may not be one of a group from which courses may be taken to satisfy major, minor or concentration requirements. No course satisfying a core requirement can be taken on a pass/fail basis. A course passed on this basis may be offered as a part of the 33 units (excluding the two one-fourth unit physical education activities) required for the degree, but if passed will not be used to determine the cumulative grade point average. Courses failed will be charged as courses attempted in determination of the cumulative grade point average.
If a major, minor, or concentration is declared at some future time in an academic discipline for which the pass/fail course is part, the "pass" grade will be converted back to the original grade submitted.
Students seeking a second degree may not exercise the pass/fail option for elective courses but may enroll in internships, which are automatically graded on a pass/fail basis.
Special (non-degree-seeking) students may exercise the pass/fail option, but are advised not to do so in any course which they may want to apply toward core requirements, major, minor, or concentration credit should they become degree-seeking students.
Requests for pass/fail may only be submitted to the Office of the Registrar prior to, and during, the add period for the particular course.
Students may repeat any course except for prerequisites for courses that have already been taken or are currently being taken. Such prerequisite courses may be repeated only with the approval of the department. All grades for courses will be reported on transcripts, but only the most recent grade for any given course will be used to compute the student's grade point average, with the exception of grades of "XF", which will be used in computing the grade point average. A grade of "W," resulting from a student's withdrawal from a repeated course, will not remove a previous grade for that course.
Units for a repeated course that has previously been passed will be counted only once towards graduation. A student's academic standing, grade point average, and class ranking in any given semester will not be recalculated retroactively when a course is repeated in a later semester. Upon graduation, courses cannot be taken on a repeat basis.
Transcripts will assign units attempted for each time a course is taken, but will mark repeated courses "R" to indicate that they are not to be assigned quality points or used in computing GPA.
Students registering to repeat a course must inform the Office of the Registrar in writing at the time of registration or within the add period for the course at the beginning of the term.
Students who are either suspended or expelled from a course or from the College will be assigned a final grade of either "DP" or "DF" by the course instructors as of the date of dismissal if the final examination has not been completed. The only exception would be in the course in which a student has been found responsible for an academic integrity violation and received a penalty grade of "XF."
If a student drops a course, or withdraws from the College, prior to the beginning of the third week of the term, the course is dropped from the student's academic record.
If a student withdraws from a course, or from the College, after the beginning of the third week but prior to the beginning of the ninth week of the term, the grade designation of "W" will be assigned.
If a student withdraws from a course, or from the College, after the second day and prior to the ninth class day of a May term, the grade designation "W" will be assigned by the instructor. The designation "W" will not be counted as
a unit attempted and will, therefore, not affect the student's cumulative grade point average. Withdrawal from a course or from the College within seven class days of the final examination will not be authorized except for medical reasons or other extenuating circumstances as authorized by the Registrar.
If a student withdraws from a course, or from the College, after the second day and prior to the third week of a summer session, the grade designation "W" will be assigned by each course instructor. The designation "W" will not be counted as a unit attempted and will, therefore, not affect the student's cumulative grade point average. Withdrawal from a course or from the College within two weeks of the applicable final examination will not be authorized except for medical reasons or other extenuating circumstances as authorized by the Registrar.
In a regular term, a student may withdraw from courses after the beginning of the ninth week of class and until two weeks before the beginning of the examination period only as a result of withdrawing from the college. A grade of "WP" or "WF" is assigned for each course. (Please see "Dismissal from a Course" for information regarding involuntary withdrawals.)
A student may withdraw from the College for medical reasons until the beginning of the examination period. All courses are removed from the academic record in cases of medical withdrawal.
Any drop or withdrawal from a course or the College must be authorized by the Office of the Registrar and must be made in writing. Withdrawal forms are available in the Office of the Registrar. Students considering withdrawal from the College are expected to meet with the Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs.
A report on unsatisfactory progress in courses ("D" or "F" grades only) is made approximately midway through the fall and spring terms for all students other than freshmen. Midterm reports for freshmen are published using letter grades ("A," "B," "C," "D," "F") for all courses. All midterm reports are considered advisory to the student and are not made part of the permanent record.
Upon completion of fall, spring, May, and summer terms, students receive a grade report. Grade reports are sent to the student's home at the end of each term. Copies are not sent to the student's parent/guardians unless specifically requested by the student.
A ranking of students by class is compiled at the end of the fall and spring terms. It is based upon the cumulative grade point average of each student. Grades earned in non-credit courses and pass/fail courses are not considered in determining class rank (unless the pass/fail course is failed).
The Associate Dean/Registrar examines and evaluates the total record of all students in May and December to determine whether students shall be commended, placed on academic warning, or suspended from the College.
All cumulative grade point averages are computed on the basis of all courses taken except those passed under the pass/fail option. A course failed will be charged as a course attempted.
All minimum requirements that follow are stated in terms of academic credit and do not take into account courses carrying non-academic credit.
Students will be placed on academic warning if their cumulative grade point average at the end of a term is less than 1.50 for freshmen, 1.75 for sophomores, or 2.0 for juniors and seniors. Academic warning indicates that the student is not performing academically at a level sufficient for graduation. Freshmen and sophomores especially should recognize that the GPA sufficient to prevent their being placed on academic warning is lower than that required for graduation.
Students who leave the College while in a status of academic warning, although not suspended, return with the same status.
Students placed on academic warning at the end of a regular term will have the next regular term in which to raise their cumulative grade point average to the required minimum for their classification. Students who do not meet this requirement will be suspended for one regular term and must apply for readmission (reinstatement) to return for a subsequent term.
Students suspended after the fall term are eligible to re-apply for the next summer session. Students suspended after the spring term may attend the May term and/or first summer session to gain readmittance for the fall term. To achieve good standing, the student must raise his/her cumulative quality point average to the required level for his/her classification. Students suspended after the spring term will be notified after the first summer session of their standing for the upcoming fall term.
If a student is readmitted and then placed on a second active academic suspension, the period of suspension will be twelve months. A third active academic suspension is permanent.
Any full-time student whose overall cumulative grade point average is less than 1.0 at the end of his/her first regular term will be suspended for a period of one regular term. Any full-time student who fails all one-unit courses in which he/she is enrolled during any regular term will be suspended immediately for a period of twelve months.
Students who have been suspended and wish to return to Roanoke must follow the readmission process described in "Readmission Process for Suspended Students." Note that no course credits will be transferred to Roanoke College if earned while the student is in a status of suspension.
Students who are academically suspended from the College, serve their period of suspension, apply for readmission, and are granted readmission, are permitted to complete eight (8) units or two regular terms of full-time enrollment (whichever comes first) before being considered for further academic suspension.
Students who appeal their suspension, have their appeal granted, and do not serve a period of suspension, are placed on academic warning and have until the end of their next term of enrollment to raise their grade point average to the minimum level required.
An appeals process is provided for students notified of suspension, applying for readmission, or requesting a waiver of an academic rule, regulation, or requirement.
The Panel on Admissions, Readmissions, and Appeals is likely to consider favorably only those appeals based on truly extenuating circumstances or that offer compelling reasons for granting the student's request. At all times the Panel attempts to balance concerns for the individual against concerns for equity.
Appeals regarding General Education or Honors Program requirements must have the approval of both the director of the program and the Panel on Admissions, Readmissions, and Appeals.
Appeals are addressed to the Panel on Admissions, Readmissions, and Appeals, c/o the Office of the Registrar. Individuals are notified of the Panel's decision once it has been made. New appeals submitted subsequent to a decision having been rendered will be heard only based on the discovery of new information which could not reasonably have been presented to the Panel at the time of the original meeting.
Students placed on academic or disciplinary suspension are not automatically eligible to return after their period of suspension. Students wishing to return following a suspension must reapply at least one month prior to the beginning of the term in which re-instatement is desired.
The Panel on Admissions, Readmissions, and Appeals will evaluate requests for readmissions on the basis of the following criteria:
1. The student's written statement in which (a) compelling reasons are offered for wishing to return to Roanoke College; (b) the student's activities or accomplishments during the period of suspension are described; (c) he/she indicates why his/her academic performance will be better than before the suspension;
2. Evidence of the student's ability to perform work necessary, within one academic year, to raise his/her GPA to the minimal level required for persistence at and graduation from Roanoke College (letters of recommendation from faculty members who can attest to the student's likelihood of success at Roanoke College will be considered by the Panel in conjunction with the student's statement);
3. Evidence of the student's likelihood of making the social adjustment necessary for persistence at and graduation from Roanoke College.
The Panel advises suspended students to pursue academic course work. While this work will not be transferable, it will be personally beneficial and will provide the College with valuable information in the event that the student appeals for readmission
The Panel will evaluate requests for readmission by students in terms of criteria listed above and determine on a case-by-case basis whether or not to grant readmission. Please note that only written materials are reviewed by the Panel and that individual appearances before the Panel are not permitted.
Outstanding academic and extracurricular achievement is readily recognized at Roanoke College. Students who attain and maintain high levels of performance are honored each year in many ways.
The Dean's List—Students are placed on the Dean's List of Distinguished Students if their semester grade point average for any fall or spring term is 3.5 or above, with no grade below "C" in any course. The student must have been enrolled for credit in at least four-units, three of which were for a letter grade (excluding pass/fail and audit).
Faculty's List of Honorable Mention—Students whose semester grade point average for any fall or spring term is at least 3.0 but less than 3.5 and who meet the criteria for the Dean's List stated above are recognized by the designation of honorable mention for scholastic achievement.
Faculty's List of Notable Achievement—Students are placed on the Faculty List of Notable Achievement if their semester grade point average for any fall or spring term is 3.0 or above, with no grade below "C" in any course. The student must have been enrolled for credit in at least one 1-unit course and fewer than four 1-unit courses, all of which were for a letter grade (excluding pass/fail and audit).
These honor lists will be determined by grades as recorded at the end of the fall or spring term in December and May. Grades earned during the summer session and May term are not used in the compilations.
Junior and Senior Scholars
NOTE: For selection of Junior and Senior Scholars, Degrees with Distinction, Valedictorian and Salutatorian the information that follows applies to students entering fall, 1999, under the new Centers of Distinction Curriculum. Students previously enrolled and transfers entering prior to fall, 2000, should consult the 1998-99 academic catalog for their requirements.
Junior Scholars—A student classified as a junior as of the end of the fall term who has earned a minimum of 16 units at Roanoke College with a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or higher is awarded a certificate of recognition as a Junior Scholar by the faculty.
Senior Scholars—Annually, the department or coordinator in each major field of concentration may recommend to the Dean as Senior Scholar a student whose work in that field has been most exemplary. In order to be considered, a student must have at least a 3.2 cumulative academic average and must have earned at least 27 units of credit, of which at least 18 units have been earned at Roanoke College. Eligibility is determined from among currently enrolled students on the basis of their academic records as of the end of the fall term.
Degrees Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, or Summa Cum Laude are conferred upon students who have earned a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.4, 3.7, or 3.9, respectively, for all courses taken at Roanoke. The student must have completed a minimum of 18 units (excluding physical education and co-curricular activities) at Roanoke College to receive a degree with distinction.
Qualified students may apply for honors in their major(s) by completing an honors project, which will consist of a program of independent study culminating in a paper, artistic creation, or performance. Students who meet the criteria given below will receive the designation "Honors in (field of study)" on their diplomas.
Students applying for major honors work must have at least a 3.4 grade point average in the major, calculated at the time of their application for honors work. In order to receive honors, students must have at least a 3.4 GPA in their major at graduation.
The honors project must be sponsored by a faculty member or members in the student's major, who will serve as the primary advisor(s) for the project, and by a committee composed of the primary advisor(s) and not fewer than two additional faculty. (Advisors are encouraged to include a faculty member from outside the student's major on the committee.)
Honors work is undertaken in the senior year or in the summer prior to the senior year. While the project may be based on previous work, e.g., a seminar paper or independent study, it must represent a significant and original project over and above any past work.
Application for major honors work is made the semester or summer prior to undertaking the project.
A student applying for major honors work must submit a proposal to his or her committee. If the committee and department administering the student's major approve the proposal, permission to enroll in honors work in the following term will be forwarded to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. At the discretion of the department a student may take one unit of honors work in one semester or two one-half units over two semesters. The department will determine whether honors credit may be used as an elective in the major.
The committee will evaluate the completed project based on the final product and on an oral examination. Projects other than research papers must include a narrative essay describing the work.
The primary advisor(s) will assign a letter grade for the project after consulting with the other committee members. Students completing the one-half unit honors course will receive a grade of "NG" at the end of the first term of the project; upon completion of the second half-unit course, the grade for the entire project will be assigned to both courses. If the student does not complete the second half-unit course, a letter grade will be assigned to the first.
Students whose projects receive a grade of "A-" or higher will be awarded honors, provided they have a 3.4 GPA in their major at graduation. Departments are encouraged to arrange a public forum to allow students receiving major honors to present their work.
The valedictorian and salutatorian of the senior class will be selected from among those graduates who have completed at least 22 units (excluding physical education and co-curricular activities) while enrolled as full-time students at Roanoke College.
A high degree of excellence in certain fields will bring the student the distinction of invitational membership into one or more of the honorary fraternities with chapters on campus. Among these groups are:
Alpha Chi—national college scholarship society dedicated to the stimulation of sound scholarship and devotion to truth. Eligible members are selected from the top 5 percent of the junior class and the top 10 percent of the senior class. Juniors must have at least a 3.8 cumulative grade point average, and seniors must have at least 3.5. Students must also have earned at least nine units at Roanoke College and possess exemplary character.
Alpha Kappa Delta—national honorary society recognizing superior achievement in sociology.
Alpha Lambda Delta—national honorary fraternity for freshmen whose grade point averages are 3.5 or higher after the first term.
Alpha Psi Omega—national honorary dramatics fraternity recognizing excellence in stagecraft.
Beta Beta Beta—national honorary biological society for students with a superior academic record.
Delta Mu Delta—national honorary society recognizing superior academic achievements of majors in business administration.
Kappa Delta Pi—international honor society in education.
Omicron Delta Epsilon—national honorary economics society open to economics majors with excellent academic standing.
Omicron Delta Kappa—national leadership honor society for college students recognizes and encourages superior scholarship, leadership, and exemplary character.
Phi Alpha Theta—national honor society for history majors with superior records.
Pi Delta Phi—national honor society for students with a superior record in French.
Pi Gamma Mu—international honor society recognizing superior achievement in social sciences.
Pi Mu Epsilon—national honor fraternity for excellence in mathematics.
Pi Sigma Alpha—national political science honor society for students with a superior academic record.
Psi Chi—national honor society recognizing superior achievement in psychology.
Sigma Delta Pi—national honor society for students with a superior record in Spanish.
Sigma Tau Delta—national honor society recognizing superior achievement in English language and literature.
Society of Physics Students and Sigma Pi Sigma—national organization which promotes educational activities for all students interested in physics.
Student Affiliate Chapter of the American Chemical Society—honorary society for chemistry majors designed primarily to promote interest in and appreciation for the science of chemistry and related fields.
Xi Theta Chi—honorary fraternity for students showing proficiency in modern languages.
High standards of academic achievement and personal conduct are acknowledged at Roanoke College in a series of annual awards and prizes.
ALPHA LAMBDA DELTA AWARD. An award presented to the Alpha Lambda Delta member who is a graduating senior with the highest scholastic average.
ALPHA PSI OMEGA AWARD. An award presented for outstanding service and contribution to theatre arts at Roanoke College.
AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY STUDENT AFFILIATE AWARD. One year membership in the ACS student affiliates are provided by the Chemistry Department for students showing outstanding promise in the field of chemistry.
AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF CHEMISTS STUDENT AWARD. A certificate and one-year membership for the American Institute of Chemists is awarded to a senior in recognition of potential advancement in the chemical professions.
ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT OUTSTANDING ATHLETE AWARDS. Trophies are presented annually by the Roanoke College Athletic Department to the male student and the female student selected by their peers as the most outstanding athletes for the current year.
ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP PRIZE. A certificate awarded annually by the athletic department to any regularly classified student who attains the highest cumulative academic average among those who win the College "R" in athletics.
KARL W. BECK MEMORIAL PRIZE. A prize in money made possible by gifts of friends in memory of the late Karl W. Beck, who was a professor and chair of the psychology department. It is given for excellence in psychology.
C. RANDOLPH BENSON SOCIOLOGY AWARD. A prize awarded annually to a senior sociology major who has demonstrated academic excellence and leadership in the field of sociology.
DR. CHARLES W. BONDURANT SUMMER SCHOLARS. A stipend provided by Dr. C.H. Fisher and others to allow undergraduate chemistry majors to perform research during the summer under the supervision of a staff member. Recipients are selected by the chemistry department staff.
JOHN T. BOWMAN MEMORIAL AWARD. A prize in money made possible by the income from a gift by Mrs. John T. Bowman of Salem, Virginia, awarded to a senior for outstanding work in the field of religion.
ANNIE TERRILL BUSHNELL PRIZE. A prize in money awarded annually by the estate of Mrs. William A. Anderson, Jr., in memory of her mother, Annie Terrill Bushnell, to the woman student who has shown the highest qualities of leadership and loyalty to the College and to her fellow students.
THE REVEREND DR. JOHN E. BUSHNELL PRIZE. A prize in money awarded annually by the estate of Mrs. William A. Anderson, Jr., in memory of her father, The Reverend Dr. John E. Bushnell, to the male student who has shown the highest qualities of leadership and loyalty to the College and to his fellow students.
JULIA MCBRIETY CHALFANT MEMORIAL AWARD. An award made possible by the income from gifts of family and friends in memory of the late Julia McBriety Chalfant '63 for excellence in mathematics.
CHEMICAL RUBBER COMPANY AWARD. A book prize, awarded annually by the chemistry department and the Chemical Rubber Company of Cleveland, Ohio, to the student who has shown the greatest achievement in general chemistry.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE PRIZE. A prize awarded annually to that graduating senior majoring in criminal justice who has demonstrated academic excellence and outstanding potential for continued scholarly growth.
JULIUS D. DREHER ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP AWARD. Dr. J. D. Dreher, President of Roanoke College from 1878 to 1903, provided a bequest to "endow a prize scholarship in English language and literature to be awarded annually in the junior class under regulations to be established by the English department." This scholarship is applicable toward tuition during the senior year at Roanoke College. Only English majors of junior standing are eligible for the award.
GUY E. ECKMAN INDEPENDENT STUDY AWARD. A prize in money made possible through gifts from friends in memory of the late Guy E. Eckman, a professor of psychology at Roanoke College. An award is given each semester to the student whose work has been judged most outstanding from among those submitted to a faculty panel.
JOHN TODD FAW MEMORIAL AWARD. An annual monetary award granted to that Roanoke College student who best exemplifies the spirit of J. Todd Faw, a Roanoke College sophomore at the time of his death in 1982. The recipient should demonstrate an active concern for the Roanoke College community; possess the personal qualities of concern for others, intellectual curiosity, and initiative; and have the commitment and potential to improve society.
FINE ARTS PRIZES. Prizes in money awarded annually to increase interest and reward excellence in the department of fine arts, given to those students whose work in the department is most outstanding for the year.
FORTNIGHTLY CLUB AWARD. An annual monetary award to a rising Junior who has achieved excellence in academics and is active in community service and College-related activities.
HENRY H. FOWLER PUBLIC POLICY PAPER AWARDS. Prizes either in graduate scholarship assistance or money for the most outstanding undergraduate research papers dealing with U.S. public policy since the 1930's. The competition is held in May of each year, and any student enrolled for credit during the preceding twelve months whose entry has never been critiqued in a competition is eligible. For information, see Dr. C. William Hill Jr., Department of Public Affairs, 375-2423.
HERTA T. FREITAG MATHEMATICS AWARD. This award was created through the generosity of Herta T. Freitag, mathematician, educator, and long-time friend of Roanoke College. The award is made annually to an outstanding senior mathematics major selected by the mathematics faculty of Roanoke College.
MAMIE S. PATTERSON FOREIGN LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL AWARD. An award given to students based on their academic achievement in the study of a foreign language and their contribution to the promotion of foreign language study. Awarded for use in conjunction with a May travel course.
OUTSTANDING STUDENT IN FRENCH. Book prizes awarded annually by the French government to the best and most promising students of French.
OUTSTANDING STUDENT IN GERMAN. Book prizes awarded annually by the German Embassy to students of the German language who have excelled in their work during the past year.
OUTSTANDING STUDENT IN SPANISH. Book prizes awarded annually by the foreign language department to the best and most promising students of Spanish.
SAM ROBERT GOOD AWARD. An award established by gifts from Mr. and Mrs. James Cheston and the theatre program to honor Professor Good for his contributions to theatre arts at Roanoke College. It is a prize in money awarded each year to a student who has demonstrated both theatrical and academic excellence at Roanoke College.
PENDLETON HOGAN MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS AWARD. The income from a gift by Pendleton Hogan '29, aids Roanoke College students who research the Mary Queen of Scots era.
JAMES LEWIS HOWE AWARD. Awards provided by the Blue Ridge Chapter of the American Chemical Society and named in honor of James L. Howe, a former member, presented to outstanding chemistry majors.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AWARD. An award presented to the graduating senior majoring in international relations who has excelled in his/her field and who has attained at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.
KENDIG AMERICAN SCHOLAR AWARD. An award established in 1976 as a lasting reminder by the College Bicentennial Committee and named for the late Dr. Perry F. Kendig, President, Roanoke College, 1964-1975. It is presented to the valedictorian of each graduating class.
DANIEL POE KLEIN SCHOLARSHIP. This scholarship award was established by gifts from his parents, brothers David and Thomas, and friends in memory of Daniel Poe Klein, a member of Pi Kappa Phi. It is presented annually to the male rising senior who has demonstrated outstanding talent in the field of education and who has shown exemplary moral leadership in the College community.
GARY WESLEY LEONARD MEMORIAL AWARD IN BIOLOGY. An award made possible through anonymous gifts of friends and the Beta Beta Beta national honorary biology society in honor of Gary Wesley Leonard, a biology major at the College at the time of his death. Presented annually, the recipient is chosen by the staff of the biology department from the members of the junior or senior class on the basis of general academic excellence, major work of high proficiency in the field of biology, and good student citizenship. The name of the winner is inscribed on a perpetual plaque.
EVANS W. LINSEY MEMORIAL PRIZE. A prize in money provided annually through a gift by the late Mr. J. W. Burress, bestowed on that student who, on an advanced level, has done outstanding work in the field of modern foreign languages and served as an inspiration to fellow students.
JESSE LEE AND MARY ELIZABETH LUCADO AWARD. A monetary prize given, by Joseph A. Lucado, through an endowment, to the outstanding senior in teacher education.
GEORGE C. MARSHALL UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD. This annual prize is awarded by the George C. Marshall Research Foundation for study resulting in a paper researched in the Library and Manuscript Collections in Lexington, Virginia. The recipient, an outstanding junior or senior in history or political science, is selected with the approval of the Marshall Foundation.
F. MILLER PRIZE. This prize is awarded annually to an upper-class student who demonstrated a commitment to campus life at Roanoke College. The student will also have a demonstrated financial need.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION AWARD. A one-year membership in the American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance and a cash award presented by the department of physical education to an upper-class physical education major who has excelled in work performed during the past year.
ANDREW MURPHY SCIENCE AWARD. An award given annually to the most worthy graduating senior who has shown outstanding ability in the physical sciences. A preference is given to seniors who major in chemistry or have a stated interest in research.
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY AWARD. A certificate of accomplishment and the interactive computer course "Introduction to Polymer Chemistry," given by the Division of Polymer Chemistry of the American Chemical Society, is presented to the outstanding student in the two-semester organic chemistry course.
OUTSTANDING STUDENTS IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, ECONOMICS, AND COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS. A prize in money presented annually to seniors in business administration, economics, and computer information systems who have excelled in the field.
DR. GEORGE G. PEERY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD. An award given annually, the Peery Achievement Award was established in 1986 in honor of Dr. George G. Peery, former chair of the Biology Department. The recipient, a junior or senior member of the Tri-Beta Society, is chosen by the membership of Tri-Beta and the faculty of the Biology Department on the basis of both academic achievement and, in particular, outstanding service to the Tri-Beta Society and the Biology Department. The name of the winner is inscribed on a perpetual plaque.
PHYSICS SOCIETY AWARD. A prize in money awarded to the outstanding freshman in physics.
HARRY E. POINDEXTER AWARD. A prize in money given to a senior history major who has demonstrated academic excellence and leadership in the field of history.
WILL SELZER POLITICAL SCIENCE PRIZE. A prize in money awarded annually to that graduating senior majoring in political science who has demonstrated academic excellence and outstanding potential for continued scholarly growth.
ROY H. RITTER SOUTHERN HISTORY PRIZE. A monetary prize awarded annually in memory of Roy H. Ritter, '26 to a junior or senior who has demonstrated academic excellence and outstanding achievement in the study of the history of the South. Mr. Ritter was a partner in the engineering firm of Whitman, Requardt and Associates and one of America's outstanding civil engineers.
SALEM TIMES-REGISTER PRIZES FOR EXCELLENCE. Two prizes, given by Jeanne and Ray Robinson, Salem Times-Register, are awarded annually to the man and the woman of the senior class who have achieved the highest degree of excellence both in their studies and in their service in behalf of the College. Recipients are chosen by the faculty.
SALEM TIMES-REGISTER PRIZE-ROANOKE VALLEY. An annual award for a junior or senior from the Roanoke Valley who has demonstrated leadership both on academics and student life. The recipient is to be selected by the faculty. The award is provided by the generosity of Jeanne and Ray Robinson, Salem Times-Register.
DR. WILLIAM A. SANDRIDGE LEADERSHIP AWARD. An award given annually in honor of Dr. William A. Sandridge and made possible by the faculty of the economics and business administration department. The recipient is selected by the economics and business administration faculty from among those graduating seniors who have demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities both within the department and in the campus community.
SOLOMON COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS. These awards are made annually to sophomores or juniors who have shown a commitment to community service the previous year and show promise for future community service.
UNDERGRADUATE AWARD IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY. A six-month subscription to the journal, Analytical Chemistry, presented to the student showing the most potential for the field.
WALL STREET JOURNAL AWARD. Presented annually to a student in economics or business administration. The recipient receives a one-year subscription to the Wall Street Journal and the Wall Street Journal Medal, and will be honored by having his/her name inscribed on the Wall Street Journal Plaque.
MARY COOPER WILLIAMS MEMORIAL AWARD. An award, established by Dr. L. Grady Cooper '22,
and his wife, Miriam Greever Cooper, is presented annually to an outstand
ing student majoring in religion and philosophy with a preference given to Lutheran
students who are studying for the ministry or service in the church.
JEFFREY CHILDS WILLIS MEMORIAL AWARD. This award in memory of Jeffrey Childs Willis is presented annually to the most outstanding soccer player.
CHARLES C. WISE POETRY AWARD. A prize in money, made possible by an anonymous donor, is awarded for an original poem judged outstanding by the members of the English Department.
MATTHEW M. WISE SCHOLARSHIP PRIZE. This scholarship prize was established in honor of Dr. Matthew M. Wise for his 30 years of dedicated service as a faculty member in Roanoke College's English Department. It is used to support the senior English major who is most outstanding academically.
THE REVEREND DR. PAUL L. YOUNT PRIZE. A prize in money given annually, in memory of the Reverend Dr. Paul L. Yount '10, is given annually to the pre-ministerial student who has shown the highest qualities of leadership.
Roanoke College offers 34 majors under programs of study leading to the bachelor's degree.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Art, Biology, Chemistry, Criminal Justice, Economics, English, Environmental Policy, French, History, International Relations, Mathematics, Music, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Religion, Religion/Philosophy, Sociology, Spanish, and Theatre.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Health and Physical Education, Mathematics, Medical Technology, Physics, Psychology, and Sports Medicine/Athletic Training.Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.)
Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.)
All majors at the College fall into one of two categories as described below. Since the determination of cumulative grade point averages in the major is based on these definitions, students should clearly understand the components of their major fields.
Disciplinary Majors include all courses taken in a chosen discipline (except those specifically excluded by the department from the major) and all courses taken from other disciplines to meet requirements.
Interdisciplinary Majors include all courses taken within the prescribed pattern of courses which are designated as applicable to the major
A student must submit an application for major prior to classification as a junior (16 units of credit). The application must be submitted to the chairperson of the department or program coordinator in which the student plans to major. If approved, the application and the recommendation of the department are forwarded by the chairperson to the Office of the Registrar. A department may refuse a student admission to, or continuance in, a major program.
Students who have not declared a major and have earned junior classification will be withheld from pre-registration and registration. Students who make application to a major but are not accepted will have to request permission of the Registrar to pre-register or register. Declarations of major must be approved and on file in the Registrar's Office for all students prior to graduation.
Students are advised that if they fail to take certain courses before their junior year they may not be able to complete major requirements within the traditional four-year period.
Those interested in art, computer information systems, computer science, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and statistics, however, should consult with the chairperson of those particular departments before the beginning of the sophomore year. Those interested in elementary education should consult with the Chair of the Education and Physical Education Department as early as possible in the freshman year.
In general, students are to be governed by the catalog which is current at the time they begin their studies at Roanoke College. However, a student has the option of declaring to be under jurisdiction of a subsequent Catalog except in cases where core requirements have been changed and the College has stipulated those eligible to declare the new curriculum. Should the faculty determine that a modification in course work for a major is necessary in order for students to complete a current course of study in a major, the department reserves the right to modify degree requirements for students who have not yet formally declared a major.
Students transferring from a Virginia community college may elect to declare any Catalog in effect within the twenty-four month period immediately preceding the term they first enroll except in cases where core requirements have been changed and the college has stipulated who is eligible to declare the new curriculum.
Although all students are required to complete the requirements of a major, such is not the case for the Minors Program. The program is optional for students and for academic departments.
The purpose of the program is, in part, to provide students with a broader based liberal arts background by studying a second field in some depth. Roanoke College offers 30 minors. They are:
American Literature
American Politics
Art History
Biology
British Literature
Chemistry
Computer Science
Dramaturgy
Elementary Education NK-4
Elementary Education NK-8
Elementary Education 4-8
Environmental Policy
Environmental Science
European History
Foreign Politics
French
German
Mathematics
Music
Philosophy
Physics
Religion
Religion/Philosophy
Secondary Education
Sociology
Spanish
Studio Art
Theatrical Design
Theatre Performance
U.S. History
Each minor represents an organized program of study consisting of at least six courses from among those which may be offered for a major. The specific courses to be used are selected by each department which participates in the Minors Program.
No more than two courses may be used to satisfy both the requirements of a minor and the requirements of a major. At least one-half of the minimum number of courses required for a minor must be completed at Roanoke. A cumulative grade point average of at least a 2.0 is required in the minor courses taken at Roanoke, except for minors in Education where a 2.5 is required. Courses used to satisfy a minor requirement may not be taken under the pass/fail option. Specific requirements for each minor are described under the appropriate academic discipline. Upon completion of all requirements for the minor, the Office of the Registrar will certify the minor field on the official transcript.
To declare a minor, a student must major in a different discipline or multi-disciplinary program. A student's intention to pursue a minor may be declared at any time, provided that there is enough time to complete all courses. The student must submit an application to the chair of the department in which the student wishes to obtain a minor. A departmental representative confers with the student and forwards the application back to the chair. After approval, the chairperson forwards the application to the Office of the Registrar. With the concurrence of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, a department may refuse a student admission to, or continuance in, a minor program.
IIn addition to the major and minors programs, the College offers students further opportunities to acquire specialized skills and knowledge useful in career development. Such a program of study is known as a concentration. Roanoke offers the following 13 concentrations. They are:
Accounting
Communications
Creative Writing
East Asian Studies
Finance
Global Business
Health Care Administration
Health Care Delivery
Human Resource Management
Information Analysis
Marketing
Parish Youth Leadership
Social Work
Each concentration consists of a prescribed pattern of course work approved by the faculty and totaling at least five units. A concentration may be taken only in conjunction with or in addition to a major. Courses used in a concentration may not be taken under the pass/fail option. At least one-half of the minimum number of courses required for a concentration must be completed at Roanoke College. The prescribed courses in a concentration must include at least three courses which are not used to satisfy the student's major requirements. Successful completion of this program with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 will be recognized, upon certification of the Office of the Registrar, by entry on the student's permanent academic record at the time of graduation from Roanoke College.
To declare a concentration, a student must major in a different discipline or multi-disciplinary program. A student's intention to pursue a concentration may be declared at any time, provided that there is enough time to complete all courses. The student must submit an application to the chair of the department which coordinates the concentration. A departmental representative confers with the student and forwards the application back to the chair. After approval, the chairperson forwards the application to the Office of the Registrar. With the concurrence of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, a department may refuse a student admission to, or continuance in, a concentration.
NOTE: The information that follows applies to students entering fall, 1999, under the new Centers of Distinction Curriculum. Students previously enrolled and transfers entering prior to fall, 2000, should consult the 1998-99 academic catalog for their requirements.
To earn a Bachelor's degree the student must pass no fewer than 33 academic units (including at least one intensive learning experience), two 1/4-unit physical education activities (or the equivalent) and a 1/4-unit co-curricular requirement for a total of 33 3/4 units or the equivalent.
In addition, the student must meet a standard of computer literacy set by his or her major program. A minimum of 17 of the academic units must be earned at Roanoke College toward the degree. If a student is granted competency for one physical education activity, the 1/2 unit of physical education required for graduation is reduced to 1/4 unit. The student must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 in all courses (excluding courses offered and passed on a "pass/fail" basis.) In addition, the student must meet the requirements for a major and must earn a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 in that major. In any major, prerequisite courses which are not themselves required for the major are not included in the major cumulative grade point average.
Students must satisfactorily complete General Education requirements and major requirements. Since these may be completed without reaching the total of 33 3/4 course units, students must elect courses to fulfill the remaining work. These elective studies may be used to satisfy areas of personal interest or professional need. Some students choose to use these subjects to qualify for a second major, a minor, or an area of concentration.
By no later than the middle of the term preceding that term in which graduation is expected, students anticipating graduation must submit to the Office of the Registrar an application for degree candidacy.
The last eight units of degree credit must be taken in residence at Roanoke College. Students majoring in medical technology are naturally in residence at their approved hospital and are excused from this rule. As a result of their student teaching obligation, the residency requirement for students completing the teacher licensure program in the senior year is only eight units. Also, students participating in Study Abroad receive a waiver. Special permission for others to waive this rule may be granted upon appeal to the Panel on Admissions, Readmissions, and Appeals.
Rapid changes in the content and methodologies of academic disciplines make it necessary to require that one's program of study not be outdated by long delays in qualifying for the degree. Consequently, the College imposes certain conditions on those who fail to complete their programs within a stipulated time.
Students seeking their first bachelor's degree are subject to the degree requirements and the academic regulations governing classification and scholarship as described in the Catalog current at the time of their first enrollment at Roanoke, provided that they qualify for a degree within 10 calendar years of the date of first enrollment. For transfer students, the period will be dated from the earliest enrollment at an accredited institution from which transfer credit is recorded.
Students who do not qualify for the degree within the ten-year period must meet the degree requirements and be subject to academic regulations governing classification and scholarship which apply for the next year in which the student re-enrolls. Applicable requirements and regulations shall be based thereafter on those prevailing at five-year intervals.
At any time after the conclusion of the tenth year following initial enrollment, the faculty of the department of major study may review the currency of the student's program and may, with the concurrence of the Registrar, require the student to repeat certain courses or otherwise make up deficiencies.
Upon completion of the college career, one becomes a member of the Roanoke College Alumni Association, a non-dues-paying organization of Roanoke College alumni now numbering over 21,000. The Alumni Association is governed by an Executive Council which represents the geographic areas and interests of alumni (including Honor Guard, Hall of Fame, Roanoke Fund, and area chapter). The Alumni Executive Council President serves as an ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees and works with the Parents Council to coordinate activities and programs to promote the College.
All alumni are given the opportunity to receive the Roanoke College Magazine, may attend the spring Alumni Festival held on campus annually, and are invited to participate in area chapter events and activities. Alumni chapters focus on involvement of area alumni, parents, and friends in the promotion of the College through social events, admissions efforts, career networking, and development and are active in Atlanta, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Hampton Roads, New England, New York, Philadelphia, Richmond, and the Roanoke Valley. Other events throughout the year are also held in California, Chicago, and Florida.
The College recognizes that some individuals have a need for a broader based education than that which can be obtained through the traditional single-major, single-degree program. This circumstance is particularly true for those who wish to have highly flexible career opportunities at the time of graduation and for graduates who may wish to pursue new career directions which require additional education.
To accommodate these needs, the College offers two opportunities: (1) a single degree with two majors, which is open only to those who are pursuing or who have earned a degree from Roanoke College, and (2) a second bachelor's degree, which is available to graduates of Roanoke or any other regionally accredited college or university.
While working toward a degree within one major program, students may also complete the program of a second major and have the achievement recorded on their permanent record and official transcripts, provided that the following conditions are met:
1. All requirements for each major must be completed and a maximum of five units may be applicable to both majors, provided that the total number of courses in both majors is no fewer than 17 (except as described below).
2. If the majors are in different degree areas (B.A., B.S., B.B.A.), the student must, at the time of declaring degree candidacy, select the degree to be awarded.
(Two degrees will not be awarded.)
3. If one major is interdisciplinary, the number of units applicable to each major must be approved by the appropriate chairperson or coordinator.
A graduate of the College may subsequently earn a second major under the conditions described above. The requirements of the major shall be those set forth in the Catalog for the session in which re-enrollment occurs. Transfer credit earned elsewhere after graduation may not be used to satisfy these requirements.
Holders of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university may earn a second bachelor's degree by fulfilling the conditions outlined below.
Roanoke College graduates must meet the major requirements in effect at the time of re-enrollment. Those graduates who completed distribution requirements as part of their first degree will not be required to complete General Education requirements. A minimum of eight units must be earned at Roanoke beyond those earned for the first degree. Units in excess of 33 3/4 earned while working toward the first degree will not be counted as fulfilling the eight needed for the second degree. Courses offered for the first degree may be used to satisfy General Education and major requirements, provided that they were taken at the College or taken elsewhere prior to first enrollment at the College. Credit earned elsewhere after graduation will not be accepted for transfer credit toward the second degree.
If a second major has been earned as part of the first degree program, a second degree will not be awarded for a major in that field.
Graduates of other accredited institutions will be admitted as transfer students and must fulfill the General Education and major requirements for the degree program as set forth in the Catalog for the session in which enrollment first occurs. Transferable credit and credit earned at Roanoke must total at least 33 3/4 (or the equivalent). A minimum of 17 of these units (excluding the physical education and co-curricular activities) must be earned at Roanoke after completion of the original degree. Transferable courses taken in the first degree program may be used to meet General Education requirements. No more than one-third of the minimum units required for the major may be satisfied by transfer credit.
If, in the judgment of the faculty in the major area, the earlier work of a student does not adequately cover more recent advances or needs in the field, the student may be required to repeat certain courses or otherwise make up the deficiency. Such requirements should be established at an early date and must have the approval of the chairperson in the major field and the Office of the Registrar.
Academic requirements: All holders of a bachelor's degree will be subject to the academic requirements and regulations for seniors. Such students will not, however, be eligible for any scholastic awards or recognition except the Dean's List and honor societies. To qualify for a degree, a student must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 for all course work completed at Roanoke College to meet the requirements of the second degree. A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 must also be attained in the major courses taken at Roanoke.
Second-degree candidates may not enroll in an elective course on a pass/fail basis but may enroll in internships, which are automatically graded on that basis.
Roanoke College plays a major role in the undergraduate education of some students who choose to leave before graduating in order to enter a post-graduate program. Roanoke is proud of these students and will award the appropriate baccalaureate degree (B.A., B.S., or B.B.A.) to students who have satisfied or will satisfy the following guidelines:
1. The student must have been awarded an advanced degree by the transfer institution. Examples would include Ph.D., M.S., and J.D.
2. The student must not have been awarded a baccalaureate degree.
3. The student must have completed at least 17 academic units at Roanoke College, with at least a 2.0 overall grade point average and a 2.0 GPA in the major.
4. The student must have satisfied the distribution or General Education requirements of Roanoke College in place at the time of transferring. All substitutions or exemptions must be approved by the Academic Standards Committee.
5. The student must have completed the requirements for the major. Not more than four graduate course units may apply toward the major.
6. The student may apply not more than eight units of the graduate program toward the 33 3/4 units required by Roanoke College.
7. The department chair of the student's major and the Registrar will determine which graduate courses will be included in the student's record. In case of disagreements the Academic Standards Committee will make the final determination.
8. Upon approval by the faculty, the student will be awarded the appropriate baccalaureate degree at the next commencement.
In accordance with the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, the Associate Dean/
Registrar has been designated the official to receive requests for, dispense information about, and maintain records on, all students. Such records consist of admissions data and the educational record of the students while enrolled at the College. Students may inspect these records upon written request and have access rights to the material in accordance with the law. Such records are not only accessible to certain responsible College and administrative personnel but may be reviewed and utilized by them if necessary. Records are not released to a third party without the specific written authorization of the student.
Any student, former student, or graduate of the College may, upon written request, have the Office of the Registrar provide a complete transcript of credits, provided all College bills have been paid. A payment of $2 is required for each requested transcript. Official transcripts carrying the seal of the College are sent to other institutions, to a prospective employer, or in a sealed envelope to the student. Unofficial transcripts may be openly issued to the student.
Lost or damaged diplomas can be replaced by applying to the Assistant Registrar. The replacement fee is $15.00.