Code of Student Responsibilities

Students will uphold the Code of Student Responsibilities as outlined here: bu.edu/dos/policies/student-responsibilities/.

This code presupposes that there will be civility and respect for others within the university. As communicators, COM also extends this expectation of civility and respect to apply to digital platforms.

As the document of authority for all students, the Bulletin is your guide to the departments, programs, policies, and courses at BU: bu.edu/academics/bulletin

Academic Requirements for Degree Completion

  • I understand that I must maintain a GPI (semester grade point index) of 3.0 or higher in order to remain a student in good standing at the College of Communication.
  • I have reviewed the requirements for my degree as listed in the University Bulletin: bu.edu/academics/com/programs
  • I know how many credits are required to receive my degree. I can only transfer 8 credits from another university with prior departmental approval.
  • If I deviate from the requirements listed, I must speak with the Graduate Affairs Office, complete a petition form and have the course(s) approved by my academic department/division and Graduate Affairs.
  • I understand that undergraduate courses (below 500 level) cannot be counted toward a graduate degree without approval from the professor of the course and the academic department/division. I will also be required to complete a petition form. * The Mass Communication, Advertising and Public Relations Department does not permit graduate enrollment in undergraduate classes.

Academic Probation, Suspension and Scholarship

  • If, at any time, I fall below a 3.0 GPI or GPA, or receive grades below a B- in 8.0 course credits (two 4-credit classes) per semester my department will review my status along with any University scholarship, and I may be placed on academic probation, suspended or in some cases permanently dismissed.
  • As a master’s student, I will be subject to review by my department/division if I receive more than two C grades; any grade below a C- will not count toward my degree. My scholarship may be decreased or revoked.
  • I further understand that in order to maintain University scholarship, if applicable, I must remain a full-time student in good academic standing. I must maintain a 3.0 or higher GPI (each semester) and my overall GPA must also stand at a 3.0 or higher.

Academic Conduct Code- Includes Academic Integrity and Plagiarism Policy

  • As articulated in the Academic Conduct Code, “All students at Boston University are expected to maintain high standards of academic honesty and integrity. I understand that it is the responsibility of every student to be aware of the Academic Conduct Code’s contents and to abide by its provisions” (bu.edu/academics/policies/academic-conduct-code/).
  • I am aware that students cannot pay for anyone else (online resource, classmate, family member, friend…) to complete their academic work. Purchasing a paper, project, presentation or any other work from an outside source violates Boston University’s Academic Conduct Code.

Graduation Applications and Degree Requirements

  • I will complete an application for graduation at least one semester prior to my expected graduation date.
  • As a degree-seeking student, I must complete all degree requirements within seven years from the date of my first course registration.
  • I will maintain the required 3.0 cumulative GPA in order to graduate.
  • I understand that it is the responsibility of all graduate students in the College of Communication to be aware of the graduation and academic requirements as outlined in the University Bulletin.  I am responsible for knowing the graduation requirements for my program and my own status regarding fulfillment of these requirements.

Grade Grievance

Full-Time and Part-Time Status

  • I am considered a full-time student if I am registered for 12 or more academic credits per semester. Unless authorized by the Graduate Affairs Office, I cannot take more than 18.0 credits per semester.
  • If I am registered for fewer than 12 credits in a semester, I am considered a part-time student. As a part-time student, I am not eligible for most financial assistance and I am paying tuition on a per-credit basis. Unless I am an international student, I can declare part-time status for any semester by notifying the Graduate Affairs Office. If I am an international student, I must remain a full-time student unless it is my final semester. *Students registered in the summer semesters (Summer Session I and Summer Session II) should consult with the Graduate Affairs Office about their enrollment and financial aid status. This excludes Media Ventures and Emerging Media Studies programs.

Withdrawals and Leaves of Absence

  • If I choose to withdraw from the University or take a leave of absence, whether I am full-time or part-time, I must file an official Withdrawal/Leave of Absence form with the Graduate Affairs Office. If I fail to do so before the first day of classes, I will be responsible for whatever financial or academic repercussions result from my continued registration in courses. (* A withdrawal is a permanent separation from the university. To return from a withdrawal, students must reapply for admission. A general or medical leave of absence is a temporary absence from the university (1+ semesters). To return from a medical leave of absence, students must follow the university policy. To return from a general leave of absence, students must contact the Graduate Affairs office prior to the date registration for the semester they would like to return.)
  • Once the semester officially begins, I understand I will be charged according to the University Refund Schedule: bu.edu/reg/calendars/refund/

Graduate Student Academic Contract

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