Student information

Semester system

A semester hour of credit is given for attending one class period a week for at least 15 weeks or the equivalent in other time blocks. The duration of a lecture class period is 50 minutes. Two to three hours of outside preparation are expected of the student for each lecture class period.

Student classification

• Freshman - has completed less than 30 semester hours.
• Sophomore - has completed at least 30, but less than 60 semester hours.
• Junior - has completed at least 60, but less than 90 semester hours.
• Senior - has completed at least 90 semester hours.

Course number classifications

The University gives credit for all courses numbered 100 through 699 in each academic department.

• Courses at the 100-200 level generally provide a foundation or overview of a discipline. They are intended primarily for freshmen and sophomores.
• Courses at the 300-400 level frequently assume prior knowledge of the field and a higher level of analysis and difficulty. They are intended primarily for juniors or seniors.
• Courses at the 500-600 level are considered graduate courses. They generally involve individual research projects, critical discussion of issues and oral presentations.

Attendance

Students are expected to attend all classes for which they are registered. Decisions regarding absences from class are left to the individual instructor.

Withdrawal from a course must be initiated by the student.

Work missed because of late registration, illness or any other reason must be made up. The student is responsible for contacting the instructor to make these arrangements.

Commencement

Official commencement ceremonies are held once a year at the close of spring semester, whether students completed graduation requirements in December or May or will complete them in August. Responsibility for fulfilling requirements for graduation rests with the individual student.

Extension campus commencement ceremonies take place in December and May. Students wishing to attend both the extension campus and Lacey campus ceremonies may choose to do so.

Advising

Academic advising is the responsibility of both faculty members and the student. Faculty members are prepared to help students explore various academic majors, make appropriate career choices, explain University requirements and provide guidance in selecting classes.

Advisors are expected to provide accurate information to students and help them make informed choices about majors, programs and courses. Students, however, are responsible for keeping themselves informed about policies, policy revisions, academic and graduation requirements and for seeking help from their advisor.

Student responsibility

Students are responsible for meeting academic regulations. They also are expected to truthfully complete all documents pertaining to their University studies and activities. Failure to do so may constitute grounds for disciplinary action.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Saint Martin's University is in compliance with the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. The University guarantees each student the right to inspect and review his or her personal educational records.

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