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The academic programs at Fort Lewis College are offered through the Schools of Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, and Education. Degrees
Offered Fort Lewis College offers a number of programs leading to the bachelor's degree. The Bachelor of Science degree is offered in biology, chemistry, geology, and physics; the Bachelor of Arts degree is granted in all other four-year programs. In addition, the College offers a program leading to the Associate of Arts degree in agricultural science. The Fort Lewis College teacher education programs have been approved by the Colorado Department of Education. Licensing programs are offered for the following: early childhood (pre-school, K-2), middle childhood (elementary), young adult (secondary), and K-12 (art, music, PE) education. Courses in agriculture, anthropology, art, biology, chemistry, communications, computer science, engineering, English, environmental policy, forestry, French, geology, general science, German, health careers, history, Japanese, Latin, mathematics, music, Navajo, philosophy, physics, political science, sociology, Spanish, statistics, and theatre, as well as interdisciplinary work in a number of areas (such as international studies, religious studies, southwest studies, and women's studies) are offered in the School of Arts and Sciences. School of Business Administration The School of Business Administration is an AACSB International Accredited professional school offering instruction in accounting, agricultural business, business administration, engineering management, finance, information management, international business, management, marketing, tourism and resort management, and economics. The School of Education prepares students for licensure at the early childhood (pre-school, K-2), middle childhood (elementary), young adult (secondary), and K-12 (art, music, PE) levels. Major certification programs of study in English education, exercise science (PE), and music education are also available. Students can add on endorsements in bilingual, English as a second language, early childhood (pre-school, K-2), and early adolescent (middle school) education to various licenses. The School of Education is also home to the departments of Exercise Science and Psychology. The College has established the student-constructed major to meet particular needs and purposes. Such a major is usually interdisciplinary, always designed to meet the special needs and talents of individual students, and generally differs substantially from course combinations and emphases that are available through majors, minors, and electives in the established curriculum. Among recent student-constructed majors are majors in criminal justice, French, German, international studies, commercial art, and southwestern peoples. Student-constructed major contract forms and requirements are available in the Academic Advising Center. General
Requirements Each candidate for graduation must complete a minimum of 120 credits, with at least a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 and a minimum grade point average of 2.0 for those courses accepted to meet the requirements for the major and minor course of study. It is the responsibility of the student to know and complete all graduation requirements. Candidates for bachelor's degrees must complete three elements in their academic programs: general education requirements, major requirements, and free electives. Each candidate must complete a minimum of 35 credits in the general education program to be chosen as outlined below and a minimum of 30 credits in a field of specialization, called the major. The balance of the 120 credits required for graduation is made up of courses called free electives. The student has wide latitude in selecting these, although some of them may be specified in certain programs as auxiliary to the major or for teacher licensing. Many students choose to use electives to complete the requirements for a minor. A student must complete his or her final 30 credits in residence. Exceptions to this requirement include the Engineering Transfer Program (3-2 program) or the Senior Year Transfer Credit Policy. The Senior Year Transfer Credit Policy: Of the last 40 semester credits earned immediately preceding graduation, 2 courses not to exceed 10 credits may be completed at another regionally accredited college or university. It is recommended that the student receive confirmation of course transferability prior to registration at the other institution. The Vice President for Academic Affairs may make other exceptions in unusual circumstances on recommendation of the appropriate school dean. Among the 120 credits required for the degree, 45 credits must be upper-division courses. No more than 28 credits will be accepted for work completed by correspondence, extension, or educational television. A course offered in substitution for a required course or the request that a requirement be waived must be initiated through an appointment with a Records Office representative who, with the student, will initiate the "Exception to Graduation Requirements" process. The appropriate Department Chair and/or Dean of the School will determine approval. Return to Requirements for Graduation Each student seeking a baccalaureate degree must select a major area of study for specialization. The College now offers majors in accounting, anthropology, art, biology, business administration, chemistry, computer science information systems, economics, English, exercise science, geology, history, humanities, mathematics, music, philosophy, physics, political science, psychology, sociology/human services, southwest studies, Spanish, and theatre. In addition to these regular majors, the College has established a procedure whereby a student with a special purpose may construct his/her own major. Ordinarily, this major should be of an interdisciplinary character and be submitted for approval no later than the end of the first term of the junior year. The advisor, the appropriate school dean, and the Vice President for Academic Affairs must approve the student-constructed major contract. Students may elect to complete concurrently the requirements for two majors. The "Petition for Candidacy for a Degree," which is sent to the student once 80 credit hours have been earned, must be completed with both majors listed and submitted to the Records Office. Any major or minor additions or changes after submission of the original "Petition for Candidacy for a Degree" must be made on the "Request to Change Graduation Information" form in the Records Office. Courses meeting auxiliary requirements may count in meeting curriculum requirements for the second major. Both majors must be completed prior to a degree being awarded. The Associate of Arts degree is offered in Agricultural Science. Return to Requirements for Graduation Most departments, even though not required for graduation, offer minors. Requirements for a minor are described under the program of study for each department or can be obtained from the department. No more than one course from your major department will count toward any minor. For additional information regarding a minor, consult the department chair. Return to Requirements for Graduation The third part of a student's program of study consists of additional courses called "free electives," selected in accordance with his or her ability, interest, and purpose. The courses permit students to become acquainted with other areas of knowledge to broaden their education, to supplement their major areas of concentration, to meet specific requirements of a graduate school, to take professional teacher certification courses, or to add a second teaching field. Return to Requirements for Graduation Students pursuing a second bachelor's degree at Fort Lewis College after earning the first bachelor's degree at another institution must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours at Fort Lewis College. To be recognized, the first degree must be from a regionally accredited institution. If the first bachelor's degree was either a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of sciences degree, the student will be exempt from general education requirements, needing to complete only the requirements for the major, including auxiliary requirements. Students whose first degree was a degree other than a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science (e.g., BFA) will be required to fulfill general education requirements as well as major requirements, either by transfer of equivalent courses or by taking appropriate courses at Fort Lewis College. Students pursuing a second degree after previously, or while concurrently, earning their first bachelor's degree at Fort Lewis College, will be required to complete a minimum of 30 additional semester credit hours in residence. The student will be exempt from general education requirements for the second degree, needing to complete only the requirements for the major, including auxiliary requirements. The two degrees may be granted simultaneously, providing all requirements have been completed for both degrees. No honors are awarded upon the receipt of a non-concurrent second bachelor's degree. Return to Requirements for Graduation Once a degree-seeking student reaches 80 earned credit hours, the Records Office will automatically send the student a "Petition for Candidacy for a Degree." The petition will request verification of academic information such as degree type, major, minor, major concentrations, and anticipated date of graduation. Students have twenty-one days to submit the petition to the Records Office to verify that it is correct or make corrections. Upon receipt of the Petition from the student, an initial graduation checklist will be sent to the student prior to academic advising and early registration. NOTE: This form must be submitted to the Records Office to initiate graduation checklist. At the same time, the student's account will be automatically assessed the graduation fee. The student will receive an updated graduation checklist the term prior to their term of anticipated graduation. Return to Requirements for Graduation There are three commencement ceremonies each year: in December, following the fall term; in April or early May, following the winter term; and in June, following the first summer session. A student may walk in only one commencement ceremony. Each student is assigned to walk in the commencement ceremony that occurs at the end of the term in which the student is completing ALL degree requirements. Any student who will complete his or her graduation requirements in any of the three summer sessions will be assigned to the June commencement ceremony. A student may request to walk in a ceremony other than the assigned ceremony by submitting a request in writing to the Registrar. This request should be submitted at least four weeks in advance of the ceremony in which the student wishes to participate. Students who have petitioned to graduate will be awarded the appropriate degree and honors upon satisfactory completion of all graduation requirements. Participation in a commencement ceremony does not imply satisfactory completion of requirements. Return to Requirements for Graduation The figures after each course [e.g., (3-2) 4] have the following meanings: The first figure in the parentheses refers to hours spent in lecture or seminar sessions, and the second number refers to hours in laboratory or studio each week. The figure outside the parentheses refers to semester credits. The course numbering system is described in the following table:
Entry to all courses is limited to students who have completed published prerequisites or to those with instructor permission. Courses numbered below 100 do not count toward graduation. Courses numbered below 300 are called lower-division courses; courses number 300 or above are upper-division courses. As a liberal arts institution, Fort Lewis College requires that students be broadly prepared to reason, evaluate, and communicate once they leave college to participate in society as productive citizens. While the majors provide the specialized knowledge necessary for pursuing a more focused path, the General Education component of the bachelor's degree serves to enhance, enlarge, and further develop students' skills and critical thinking abilities. Because some of the General Education requirements also count toward the major, students will have added opportunity to experience the goals and philosophy of a liberal arts education throughout their entire college career. There are five components to the General Education portion of the bachelor's degree: III. Physical Activity and Wellness First Year Academic Writing Requirement Students will complete the first part of the academic writing requirement by taking one course, Comp 150, Reading and Writing in College, or two courses, Comp 125/126, Reading in College (Intensive) and Writing in College (Intensive). Exemptions to this requirement are granted to students who earn a score of 650 or above on the SAT II Writing Test, a score of 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Test for English Composition/Literature, or who score a 4 or above on the English Exam of the International Baccalaureate Program. Major Field Writing Requirement After completing Comp 150 (or Comp 125/126) and Lib 150 (see below), students must take the writing intensive course required by their major. These courses are designated with a "W" suffix. Writing intensive "W" courses may also be counted toward both major requirements and General Education requirements. Prerequisite: Comp 150 (or Comp 125/126), Lib 150, and specific departmental requirements that appear in the catalog for the courses. II. Information Literacy (Lib 150) Library 150 examines the role information plays in daily life, how information is generated, and how it is organized. Emphasis will be placed on accessing and critically evaluating information, especially within the context of conducting research in an academic library. III. Physical Activity and Wellness Three courses of 1 credit each are required: ES 100, 1 skills course, and 1 fitness course. Thematic Studies is a large and key component of General Education at Fort Lewis College. The Thematic Studies program addresses the goals of a liberal arts education - broad preparation so that students will be able to reason, evaluate, and communicate as productive citizens - by focusing on interdisciplinary learning centered around four theme-based knowledge areas. The themes are: Culture, Identity, and Expression (R) Understanding cultural phenomena is critical to every student's college education because of the centrality of cultural experience in the organization of social life, including arrangements of power, access to resources, and the construction of identity. A focus on Culture, Identity, and Expression is especially important at Fort Lewis College because diversity education is central to the college mission. Courses offered in this theme area approach cultural understanding through comparative and historical perspectives. These courses also include discussion of contemporary issues, human agency, and a variety of linguistic and expressive phenomena important in the construction and transmission of cultural meaning and identity. Systems and Institutions (S) Understanding how individuals, organizations, and institutions function within broader political, economic, and sociocultural systems helps students understand and navigate the complex world of which they are a part. The overall goal in this theme is that students develop a systemic approach to examining institutions, systems, and interactions among multiple systems, in addition to an understanding of the historical and contemporary components of systems. Courses in this theme area include consideration of how systems influence our ideas and actions and the individual's role in maintaining and transforming systems and institutions. Technology (T/Tx) Courses in the Technology theme area examine the scientific underpinnings of various technologies such as communications and information systems, biological technology, and physical and electro/mechanical technologies. Students develop a basis for assessing technologies and an understanding of both the limitations and opportunities associated with technologies. In addition, the historical relationship between technological development and social change plus important ethical questions associated with technologies are examined. Natural Environment (N/Nx) Natural Environment courses emphasize the importance of sustaining a balance between natural resources and human needs. These courses address interconnectedness as the fundamental principle of ecological systems and sustainability as the most important issue of the contemporary environmental debate. Consideration of global and local environmental issues, diverse approaches to analyzing these issues, plus opportunities for experiential learning including collection and analysis of data are aspects of Natural Environment courses. As part of college-wide General Education requirements, students take one lower-division Thematic Studies course (TS1) from each of the theme areas. One of these courses must have an attached science lab (Tx, Nx). After completing all four TS1 courses, Comp 150 or 126, Lib 150, and achieving junior status, students take one upper-division interdisciplinary Thematic Studies course (TS2) from each of the theme areas. TS1 courses are listed in the catalogue and course schedule under departmental headings and are followed by one of the theme designations (R, S, T/Tx, N/Nx). TS2 courses are listed under Thematic Studies in the catalogue and course schedule. Thematic Studies requirements look like this:
TS1 courses may also count toward major requirements. All students are required to take one Quantitative Reasoning course. Quantitative Reasoning courses are identified in the catalogue and course schedule with a Q suffix. Many, but not all, of these courses are in the Math department. Lower-division Q courses include:
Placement into Math department Q courses is based on standardized test scores and high school records. Students without scores or transfer credit should take a placement exam during their initial advising session. This will be administered by the New Student Advising and Registration Office (NSAR). Students who do not plan to major in science, math, business, or psychology are advised to take Math 135 Mathematical Concepts rather than courses from the traditional math sequence (Math 110, 121, 210, or 221). Math 135 is designed to meet the needs of general liberal arts students. Certain courses are repeatable but have limits on the number of credits that can be counted toward graduation. Art courses may be repeated once for a total of 6 credits in the following: Art 201, 227, 301, 313, 314, 324, 326, 331, 343, 350, 401, 413, 424, 425, 431, 443, and 450. The limit on physical activity courses is 6 credits in different physical activities or levels. Theatre 100, 200, 300, 366, and 400 are each repeatable for up to 12 credits. A maximum of 18 credits are allowable toward graduation in any combination of Engl 250, 251, and 252, repeatable up to 6 credits; Engl 350, 351, and 352, repeatable up to 12 credits. A combined maximum of 12 credits from large ensembles-Mu 105, 110, 117, 305, 310, and 317-is allowable toward graduation. A combined maximum of 12 credits from each small ensemble-Mu 106/306, 111/311, 112/312, 113/313, 118/318, 119/319, and 300-is allowable toward graduation. Each applied music course-Mu 109, 209, 309, and 409-may be repeated once for credit for up to 4 total credits. A maximum of 16 credits in a single applied music area is allowable toward graduation. Mu 107, 207, and 407 are repeatable with limits. COURSES COMMON TO ALL PROGRAMS Comp 125 Comp 126 Comp 150 Lib 150 COOP ED 200 COOP ED 300 COOP ED 400 GENERAL
STUDIES General Studies 101
and 102RS This two-term course is a study of Western, Chinese, and Native American intellectual traditions. The course is designed to help students understand how our cultural traditions influence our ways of looking at the world and how studying cultures other than our own expands and challenges our frame of reference. The course emphasizes intellectual, artistic, political, scientific, religious, and economic aspects of the three cultures from selected periods in history. Human Heritage II is a continuation of Human Heritage I. Students must complete both courses to fulfill the TS I requirements for Systems and Institutions (S) and Culture, Identity, and Expression (R) Thematic Studies areas. General Studies 151RN Integrated Learning Program (ILP) (21-3) 17 This course integrates topics from the natural sciences (geology and ecology), the social sciences (policy analysis and economics), and the humanities (history, anthropology, and ethics) to explore topics of scholarly interests. The particular categories of general education TS 1 courses that this course satisfies are given below although these may differ each year.. Only students whose Reading/Writing placement is equivalent to Comp 150 will be eligible for the ILP program. Group Tx: Group N: Natural Environment (no Lab) The ILP awards the equivalent of one course worth 4 credits that provides an understanding of the natural environment by pursuing interdisciplinary inquiry of global and local environmental issues, integrating different ways of knowing and diverse voices, including experiential components and by encouraging students to engage in meaningful action. Comp 150: Reading and Writing in College The ILP awards credit for Comp 150, a course that emphasizes the interplay of reading and writing in an academic environment. Lib 150: Information Literacy The ILP awards credit for Lib 150, which examines the role information plays in daily life, how information is generated, and how it is organized. ES 100: Fitness and
Wellness This course, which is a capstone course for the Environmental Policy Minor, involves conducting and reporting on an integrative project in weekly meetings involving several faculty members from across the academic disciplines. The project can involve research, assessment, or analysis of ongoing programs, policy, or proposals for action. This student-constructed project provides a Service Learning opportunity for students. Prerequisites: Junior standing; Psyc 241, Math 201, or BA 253; and consent of instructor. General Studies 496 Interdisciplinary Senior Seminar 2-4 An interdisciplinary
seminar for graduating seniors, this course provides a capstone
experience of broad intellectual inquiry, including a focus on critical
reading and thinking, problem solving, and the written expression
of ideas. Special Topics 190 1-6 This is not a fixed course but is a designation to take advantage of special opportunities and topics. It can be offered in any area with the consent of the school dean and the Vice President for Academic Affairs. This course may not be used to meet any general education requirement. Credit may vary from one to six credits per topic. Special Topics 191 3-6 This is not a fixed course but is a designation to take advantage of special opportunities and topics that meet the purpose of one of the thematic studies knowledge areas in the General Education Program. It can be offered in any area with consent of the General Education Council, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, and the Curriculum Committee. Credit may vary from three to six credits per topic. Special Topics 390 1-6 Same as Special Topics 190 except that this course is taught at the upper-division level. This course may not be used to meet any general studies requirement. Special Topics 391 3-6 Same as special Topics 191 except that this course is taught at the upper-division level. Individualized Study 299 1-6 Independent study for lower-division or non-major students. Available in most disciplines. Independent Study 499 1-6 All major fields require either independent study or a seminar at the senior level. Independent study may be undertaken in a field other than the student's major. To do so, the student must have the approval of the department chair in whose area the study will be made, and the professor who will supervise the study. Independent study in the field outside the student's major cannot be substituted for the requirement of independent study or seminar in his or her major field. Transitional
Studies As the title implies, Transitional Studies courses are designed to assist students in their transition from high school to college. The classes do not give students credit toward graduation, but do carry credit that can be applied to financial aid and housing requirements. Students receive letter grades for TRS coursework. TRS 82 Introduction to Algebra (3-0) 0 This course provides review and instruction in elementary algebra and offers the opportunity to apply these skills to word problems and critical thinking exercises. TRS 85 Fundamentals of English Grammar (2-0) 0 This course reviews the fundamentals of English Grammar, usage, and punctuation. TRS 90 Reading for Ideas (3-0) 0 This course introduces students to the active, iterative reading practices necessary to effectively read texts focused on concepts and ideas. Emphasis is on comprehension, meaning making, and generating and developing ideas for writing TRS 91 Introduction to Academic Writing (3-0) 0 This course introduces students to the strategies that are fundamental to writing source-based texts. Emphasis is on summary, response, analysis, and synthesis of multiple sources. TRS 92 Intermediate Algebra (3-0) 0 Designed to provide review and instruction in college preparatory mathematics for students with deficiencies in or apprehensions about required entrance level mathematics courses. The course will cover such topics as algebraic expressions, manipulation of signed numbers, solving equations and inequalities, algebraic fractions, polynomials, exponents, radical expression, and graphing. Students who wish to enroll in this course should have successfully completed at least the equivalent of Algebra I. Return to Special Academic Programs For students of outstanding ability, the College offers the John F. Reed Honors Program, named for John F. Reed, President of Fort Lewis College from 1962 to 1969. Students who complete the John F. Reed Honors Program will receive special recognition at graduation and on their transcripts. The John F. Reed Honors Program offers an enriched educational opportunity to students who enjoy working in small groups. Each Honors course draws on the scholarship and insights of more than one academic discipline and is conducted in the small-group, participatory setting of a seminar. Students admitted to the program are automatically accepted into any Honors course; students who are not enrolled in the program may take Honors courses with the consent of the instructors. Students usually apply to enter the program at the end of the first term of their freshman year or at the beginning of the first term of their sophomore year. Admission to the program is based on an assessment of the student's Fort Lewis College academic achievement, faculty recommendations, and demonstrated interest. Application for admission to the program should be made to the Honors Coordinator. John F. Reed Scholars are expected to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.4. The John F. Reed Honors Program consists of the following core courses and additional requirements: I. The Honors Core 1. Comp 250 Academic Inquiry and Writing. This course guides students through the process of proposing, conducting and presenting an independent research project. Students admitted to the John F. Reed Honors Program who enroll in an honors-designated section of this course will be waived from the Comp 150 requirement of the General Education Program upon successful completion of Comp 250. 4 credits. 2. A minimum of four Honors Forum courses (Hon 220/420), at least two of which are at the 420 level. 4 credits. 3. Formal thinking course: either Logic (Phil 271) or Statistics (Math 201, BA 253, or Psyc 241). 4 credits. 4. Honors Thesis: first term, senior year (Hon 499) . 1 credit. Honors Thesis: second term, senior year (Hon 499). 1-2 credit(s) II. Additional Requirements 1. Completion of General Distribution requirements. 2. Proficiency in a foreign language through the intermediate level (equivalent to the second term of the second year). 3. Cumulative grade point average of at least 3.4. Honors 220 Honors Forum (1-0) 1 The purpose of this course is to facilitate critical evaluation and discussion of selected works having broad intellectual importance and accessibility to students of varied academic interests and backgrounds. Grading is on a pass-fail basis. Course is repeatable for credit for freshman- and sophomore-level students. Prerequisites: Prior acceptance into Honors Program, Comp 150, Lib 150, and consent of the instructor. Honors 420 Honors Forum (1-0) 1 This course continues the series of Honors Forums required for John F. Reed Honors students. Grading is on a pass-fail basis. Course is repeatable for credit for junior- and senior-level students. Prerequisites: Prior acceptance into Honors Program, Comp 150, Lib 150, and consent of the instructor. Honors 499 Honors Thesis 1-2 The Honors Thesis is the result of an independent study project undertaken during the senior year. The topic of the thesis must draw significantly on at least two academic disciplines. The student should choose a topic for the thesis in consultation with a faculty advisor, a reader from the second discipline, and the Honors Coordinator. At the end of the first term, the student must submit evidence of substantial work accomplished. During the second term, the student will complete the thesis and make a public presentation of the results. Return to Special Academic Programs Cooperative Education is an academic unit of the College that grants elective credit. The Cooperative Education Program (Co-op) is designed to assist students in applying valuable classroom knowledge to practical work and internship experiences. It also provides an opportunity for career exploration. Co-op at Fort Lewis College was established in 1970 as the first college-level co-op program in the state of Colorado. More than 200 Fort Lewis students per calendar year participate in the program. Generally, students are eligible to participate in Co-op after they have completed their freshman year with a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average. Plans for enrollment should be initiated with the Co-op director and the student's advisor in the semester prior to the experience. The Co-op work experience normally corresponds to the academic trimester. No adding of Co-op credits will be permitted after the deadline for adding classes (census date). The first step involves an interview with the Co-op Director, during which a written essay is submitted on the student's learning objectives for the Co-op experience. The decision to admit a student into Co-op and to award final credit resides with the Director of Cooperative Education. The Director assists students in defining career goals and locating appropriate placements. Student initiative is also supported and encouraged in designing internships and in contacting prospective employers. Students may work with private or public employers throughout the United States. Cooperative Education credits are counted as general electives. They can be earned under the headings of Co-op 200, 300, or 400. The level and amount of credit depend on a variety of factors. The nature of the work experience is evaluated in the context of the student's course background and career and personal goals before a final determination is made on an individual basis for both the level and amount of Co-op credit. The general criteria for a 200-level experience are that the student will be undertaking career exploration or will be beginning an entry-level position that is related to the major. First-time Co-op experiences are typically 200-level, particularly for students with lower-division standing. A 300-level Co-op experience typically applies to upper-division students who bring a significant degree of appropriate course work into the workplace. Such students may qualify for 300-level credit in their first Co-op placement. A 400-level experience is for seniors in their second or third placement where they have obtained a promotion to higher responsibilities than in their previous 300-level placement. The guideline for awarding credit is that one semester hour of Co-op general elective credit may be earned in a trimester for each 50 contact hours on the job. The student's major requirements and limits imposed by the major on general elective credits are taken into account. Co-op students have represented all majors at Fort Lewis; however, departments and schools vary in the number of elective hours accepted toward graduation. It is possible to apply up to 12 Co-op elective credits toward graduation in some programs. The School of Business Administration allows a maximum of 10 Co-op credits to apply toward graduation. It is the student's responsibility to verify the number of elective credits available in his/her degree program. In addition, the student should have the Co-op plan evaluated by his or her academic advisor. Cooperative Education students analyze their work experience in the form of a daily work journal and a formal typed paper at the end of the trimester. The Co-op Director evaluates these written materials in cooperation with other faculty members when appropriate. Grading is on a credit (S) or no-credit (NC) basis. At the beginning of the work experience an on-the-job supervisor is identified for each student. The supervisor submits a written performance evaluation at the end of the trimester to the Co-op Director. This document becomes part of the overall evaluation process. The Cooperative Education Program operates through the calendar year and enrolls students for the fall, winter, and summer trimesters. Each student receives a complete program information packet that includes instructions, policies, a listing of due dates, a job description form, a learning objectives statement, guidelines for journals and final papers and a publication from the National Commission for Cooperative Education, of which Fort Lewis College is a member. Students who are based in Durango pay regular tuition and fees. Students who work outside a 20-mile radius of the College pay regular tuition and reduced fees. The Director of Cooperative Education at Fort Lewis College assists all students without discrimination. Return to Special Academic Programs The Extended Studies program will develop and support on- and off-campus courses geared to specific audiences and specialized needs. Currently active are off-campus degree-completion and teacher certification programs. Address inquiries to the Director of Extended Studies. Return to Special Academic Programs English as a Second Language Programs (ESL) Fort Lewis College offers a 10- and 13-week Intensive English Program each summer for international students. The program, which runs mid-May to mid-August, is designed to prepare non-English-speaking students linguistically and academically for college-level work in the U.S. Only advanced-intermediate to advanced students are accepted (minimum of 425 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language, TOEFL). The ESL program emphasizes academic reading; academic writing, including essays and research papers; college skills, such as using the library for research and using the computer system; daily small discussion groups as well as culturally oriented field trips; and numerous excursions and activities. Successful completion of the Intensive English Program is accepted in place of a 500 TOEFL for admission to Fort Lewis College. For further information,
contact: Return to Special Academic Programs Fort Lewis College has encouraged a number of Study Abroad opportunities in Mexico. The main purpose of these programs is to develop fluency in the use of the Spanish language and to acquire an in-depth knowledge of the culture of Spanish-speaking people by immersion and by studying specific courses in the social sciences and arts oriented toward this goal. The normal duration of this experience is one or two trimesters. Most opportunities to study in Mexico require a good background in the language at least equivalent to one year of college-level Spanish. Students are strongly encouraged to live with a Mexican family. Students interested in a Study Abroad experience in Mexico must discuss various opportunities with members of the Modern Language or Sociology Department and the Records Office. Return to Special Academic Programs School of Business Administration Trimesters Abroad in Europe The School of Business Administration conducts trimester programs at sites in Europe, with the courses taught in English by Fort Lewis College faculty. Because there is no additional tuition for this program, it turns out to be quite inexpensive compared to many Semester Abroad Programs offered by other colleges and universities. While the program of courses is directed primarily at School of Business Administration students in their junior year, it is open to all Fort Lewis College students with junior standing and who have completed the appropriate prerequisite courses. Students interested in this program should see the more detailed description under the Business Administration section of the Catalog and contact the Assistant Dean of the School of Business Administration. Return to Special Academic Programs Exchanges Exchanges are reciprocal agreements with partner institutions in which students pay their home school tuition and fees while receiving home school credit. Students are responsible for their travel expenses to their host school, as well as living expenses while on exchange. Financial aid is available to eligible Fort Lewis College Students. Foreign students must apply through their home institutions for any financial assistance. At the moment Fort Lewis College has exchange agreements in the following countries: France: LaRochelle:
(SupDeCo) École Supérieure de Commerce (Business & French Language) Spain: Vitoria-Gasteiz, San Sebastian, Bilbao: University of the Basque Country (Spanish, Education, Business, Humanities) Germany: Regensburg: (FHR) Fachhochschule Regensburg (Business) *Programs in France, Spain, and Germany require second-year language fluency. Hungary: Budapest: (ESSCA) École Supérieure de Commerce (Business) The Netherlands: Amsterdam: (HES) Amsterdam School of Business (Business) Norway: Oslo: (BI) Norwegian School of Management (Business) Sweden: Örebro: Örebro University (Business, Computer Science, Humanities, Music, Education, Nursing, Natural Sciences) Denmark: Odense: University of Southern Denmark (Business, Scandinavian Studies) England: Newcastle: University of Northumbria (Business, British Studies) Australia: Darwin: Northern Territory University (Indigenous Studies, Education, Art, Tourism, GIS, Environmental Science) Return to International Programs Study abroad programs offer alternative locations and curriculum choices to Fort Lewis students when exchange schools do not meet their needs. While participating on approved study abroad programs, students pay their tuition and program fees to the sponsoring institution or agency. Students interested in schools in countries other than those mentioned should check with the International Programs Office since the College is expanding its exchange partnerships. Return to International Programs International Dual Degree Program Through a partnership with École Supérieure de Commerce de La Rochelle (France), students can earn business degrees from both that school and Fort Lewis College. Interested students should contact the School of Business Administration for details. Return to International Programs The National Student Exchange (NSE) gives Fort Lewis College students the opportunity to enhance their education by studying for one or two semesters on another campus in the NSE network of nearly 170 colleges and universities in the United States. Fort Lewis College students pay FLC tuition and fees or resident tuition and fees at the host campus. Applications are due during February for the next academic year. Credits and grades earned on exchange are incorporated into the student's Fort Lewis College record and grade point average. Financial aid normally can be arranged as usual. Information and applications may be obtained from the International Programs Office. More information regarding the above programs is available at international.fortlewis.edu. Return to International Programs The summer programs at Fort Lewis College offer a rich variety of courses from the regular curriculum for students who wish to graduate in fewer than four years. Innovative Months Each year a selection of "innovative month" courses offers focused and in-depth study. These are typically six-credit courses that include travel, either regional or international, and immersion in other cultures. Travel classes are an increasingly important part of a complete education for the growing interactions of world cultures and markets. Whether a student's interest is business, education, government, or social commitments, these opportunities for travel study may be an important part of a student's total educational program. Recent courses have included a field study of environmental politics in the Southwest; a field study experience in animal behavior in Kenya; a van tour of Mexico for immersion in Mesoamerica language and culture; and travel to nations as divergent as Ladakh, France, Spain, and Guatemala focusing on political, cultural, and economic change. These courses are announced during the fall term for the coming summer. Grading Incompletes The quality of a student's work is appraised according to grade point averages. Fort Lewis College uses the four-point system, which assesses grade points as follows:
The grade point average, carried to two decimal places, will be computed by dividing the total number of grade points by the total number of credits attempted. Grades of X, S, P, W, NC, and NG do not affect the grade point average. The grade of X means the student has passed a course by special examination, CLEP, AP, or credit based on ACT scores or military service. The grade of P means that the student has passed a course on a Pass-Fail basis. The student must request this option at the time of registration. The grade of W signifies that the student has withdrawn from the course while passing. After census date, the instructor must assign a W or an F. The grade of S (Satisfactory) means that the student has successfully completed the course. The grade of NC (No Credit) means that the student did not complete the course. No credit is given nor is the grade figured in the grade point average. Certain courses are designated by the College to be S- or NC-graded courses. The grade of NG (No Grade) indicates that the instructor did not report a grade by the deadline for submission of final grades. A grade of Incomplete (I) is a student-initiated grade that must have the instructor's approval. It is appropriate only under the following conditions: 1. The major
part of the course requirement has been met. If the course requirements are not completed within one year after the end of the appropriate term, the incomplete grade will revert to an F. (See below for the single exception to this change.) The dean of the school in which the course is offered may waive for good reason the one-year deadline upon petition by the student. If the student completes the course requirements within the time allotted, the instructor will initiate the grade change by filing a Special Grade Report form. When giving an Incomplete, the faculty member must file a Report of an Incomplete form with the dean and the Records Office, specifying in detail: (1) what work must be done in order to remove the Incomplete, and (2) the time deadline for completing the work. The student should sign this form at the time it is prepared. A copy of the form should be given to the student. An Incomplete cannot be removed by registering to repeat the course. When the student cannot complete the course material without repeating the course, he or she should not receive an Incomplete; W or F would be more appropriate. A course for which a student has a grade of I at the time of graduation cannot be used to satisfy any graduation or major requirement and is not counted in units attempted or GPA. In the event that a student has graduated prior to removing the Incomplete, the I grade will remain permanently on the graduate's transcript. Equivalent courses with initial grades of C- or lower may be repeated, at Fort Lewis College or another accredited institution, for up to 12 credits of grade replacement. For the first 12 credits of repeated courses in which the initial grade was C- or less, only the last grade earned will be counted in the grade point average. However, all grades for that course will remain on the student's record. When a course for which the initial grade was C or better is repeated, or when a student has already excluded 12 credits of C- or lower grades from his grade point average, there shall be no exclusion of grades from the grade point average. The student should notify the Records Office of what courses to use for these 12 credits. NOTE: Upon graduation a student's GPA is frozen, and students are not eligible to repeat courses for grade replacement. Satisfactory - No Credit Option Courses that primarily utilize field experience may, at the discretion of the sponsoring school, be graded either "satisfactory - no credit" or with the traditional "A through F" letter grade system. Should the "satisfactory - no credit" option be used, the courses may still be applied to either the major or General Education Requirements. Students with a cumulative average of at least a C are permitted to take up to four pass-fail electives during their undergraduate career. The pass-fail basis is limited to elective courses only. Pass-fail may not apply to General Education Requirements, Departmental Requirements, or Teacher Education Requirements. Students may take no more than one pass-fail elective in any one trimester and no more than 18 credits may be taken during the term they are carrying the pass-fail elective. Freshmen may not choose a course on this basis before their second term. Students taking a pass-fail elective must fulfill all necessary prerequisites for that course. Changes to or from pass-fail status after the beginning of a term is limited to the normal period for adding courses. Students may audit courses with the permission of the instructor if they desire to attend classes regularly but do not wish to receive grades and credit. Upon registration, the students must declare whether they wish to take a course for audit or for credit. Students may not change from audit or credit, or vice versa, after the closing date for adding classes in each trimester. When registering, students may take both audit and credit courses, but the total should not exceed a normal load. Students auditing courses are required to pay fees at the same rate as if enrolled for credit. Students who wish to audit a course and later wish to obtain credit for it may do so by special examination, which requires an additional fee. Regular class attendance is expected. Each instructor keeps a record of student absences and determines the extent to which absences affect final grades. The instructor determines the number and type of examinations in any particular course. Separate days are set aside for the final examinations at the close of each trimester. It is the student's responsibility to take all examinations or to arrange for exceptions directly with the instructor. Academic Progress/Probation/Suspension An overall grade point average of 2.0 is considered satisfactory progress toward a degree. If, in any single term, a term grade point average of less than 2.0 is earned, the student will be placed on probation or will be academically suspended or dismissed from the college. Academic suspension is normally for one calendar year. Academic dismissal is permanent separation from the college. Suspension and dismissals may be appealed to the Academic Standing Committee. This Committee considers appeals of Fall term standings in early January and appeals of Winter standings in May. Grades from courses completed during summer terms are not used in determining academic standing. During an academic suspension, the student may choose to complete transferable college credit at an accredited community college or other accredited college, or the student may choose to take a year off from college work. There is no requirement that coursework from another college or university be completed during the suspension period; however, if collegiate work is taken during the suspension, the transfer college GPA (not cumulative) must be a 2.0 or higher at the time the student applies to return to Fort Lewis College. During the suspension, students may replace a Fort Lewis College course in which they received a grade below C- by retaking an equivalent course at another accredited collegiate institution and passing it with a grade of C- or better. The repeated course must be the exact equivalent of the FLC course it is to replace according to established articulation and equivalency policies. When transferred back to FLC, the credits for the repeated course will replace those for the FLC course and the grade for the FLC course will be removed from the institutional GPA. The grade for the repeated course from the other institution will not be included in the institutional GPA. Course replacement may be for up to a total of 12 credits of course work (FLC course and transfer courses combined). It is recommended that students considering this option verify that the course(s) is(are) transferable to Fort Lewis College. Transferable courses may be verified through the College's website or through records@fortlewis.edu. Students who are suspended must submit a Petition to Resume Studies and official transcripts of all work taken at other collegiate institutions. Students returning after suspension should apply for readmission through the Admission and Development Office at least one month before school starts. Readmission is not guaranteed. Students who wish to reapply before the term of their suspension is over must petition for early readmittance through the Academic Standards Committee, not the Admission Office. The Academic Standards Committee reviews student academic progress at the end of every term. Listed below are the criteria used to determine a student's academic standing. In addition to term GPA standards, at the time of graduation, a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 in all coursework and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 in those courses needed to meet the requirements for the major is required.
Students who are readmitted from suspension or dismissal must complete their first term back in Good academic standing or they will be academically dismissed. These reinstated students will have a standing of "P1" if this first trimester is completed with a term GPA of 2.00 or higher. Reinstated students will return to "Good" standing if their second consecutive term GPA is 2.00 or higher. Continuing students whose performance has fallen to the "P2" level will need two consecutive terms of 2.00 or higher GPA to return to "Good" standing. Former Fort Lewis College students who return to the college after an absence of two or more trimesters will be readmitted with the academic standing they had at the time of departure. A transfer or returning Fort Lewis College student who has not attended any college for at least five years (60 consecutive months) may apply for "academic renewal." Academic Renewal is defined as the elimination of the student's entire previous academic record, including credits earned and grade point average. Normally, a student applies for academic renewal as part of the admissions (new transfer students) or re-admissions (former FLC student) process. Under rare circumstances, an already admitted student may apply for academic renewal during the first year of resumed studies at Fort Lewis College. The request for academic renewal is made by submitting a "Request for Academic Renewal" petition to the Fort Lewis College Registrar. These petitions are available from the Records Office and from the Admission and Development Office. If the request meets the standard conditions for academic renewal (absolutely no college work completed in the previous 60 months), the Registrar grants academic renewal, notes the renewal on the academic transcript and forwards the approved petition and amended transcript to the Dean of Admissions and Development. The student is then considered fo | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||