The institution makes available to students and the public current academic calendars, grading policies, and refund policies. (Publication of policies)
Compliance Status
Louisiana State University and A&M College is in compliance with this principle.
Narrative
The Louisiana State University and A&M College (LSU) academic calendar, grading policies, and refund policies are available to students and the public in print and on a variety of Websites.
Academic Calendar
The proposed academic calendar is initially developed by the Office of the University Registrar in accordance with PS-117 [1], then reviewed by the Office of Academic Affairs, and forwarded to vice chancellors, deans, directors and chairs for review and comment [2]. After the review period, the draft calendar is modified as appropriate and submitted to the Office of the Chancellor for approval. The Office of the Chancellor forwards the calendar to the LSU System Vice President for Academic Affairs for approval. The approved calendar is published online and in print in the following publications:
The current academic calendar is also posted on the myLSU desktop of all students, faculty, and staff at LSU [14]. MyLSU is an individualized Web desktop that serves as the gateway to the university's online services.
The School of Veterinary Medicine develops a separate academic calendar for students in the professional program that leads to awarding of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree [10]. This calendar is published in the School of Veterinary Medicine Bulletin.
The university has developed guidelines to deal with short-term and long-term interruptions to the academic calendar because of unforeseen circumstances (e.g., hurricanes) [15].
Grading Policies
The University grading policy is articulated in Policy Statement 44: Grades [16]. PS-44 states:
Grading policies, as aspects of the total educational policy of the University, are determined by the faculty subject to the authority of the Board of Supervisors.
At the beginning of each semester, faculty members must distribute written course syllabi in all courses, both graduate and undergraduate, which must clearly state the relative weight of the component factors of the final grade.
Grading policies are available at the following online and print publications.
Refund Policies
Once approved, refund policies are available in the following online and print publications.
Additional information related to publication and dissemination of academic policies is also found in Comprehensive Standard 3.4.5.