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Academic Policies

For a comprehensive list of all graduate program policies please visit the University Graduate Catalog.

Lasell University admits students of any age, gender, race, color, national and ethnic origin, sexual orientation, and handicap to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the University. It does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, race, color, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or handicap in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

Furthermore, the University subscribes fully to all federal and state legislation prohibiting discrimination against applicants, faculty and all other employees for reasons of age, gender, race, color, national and ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or handicap.

Academic Dishonesty

Students have a responsibility to maintain the highest level of academic integrity. They are expected to perform educational tasks with the highest moral and ethical conduct. Academic dishonesty, intentional or unintentional, is grounds for failure on any assignment or failure in the course, at the instructor's discretion. Academic dishonesty is also grounds for suspension from the University at the discretion of the Vice President of Graduate and Professional Studies and may be subject to appropriate legal investigation and prosecution.

Helping another student in an act of academic dishonesty constitutes an act of academic dishonesty.

Academic dishonesty may take the following forms:

Plagiarism: The act of taking or passing off another's ideas, or writing, as one's own; copying or paraphrasing another's words without credit; buying or accepting work and presenting it as one's own. Students bear the responsibility for demonstrating the evolution of original work.

Copyright violations: The Copyright Law (Title 17 U.S. Code) protects electronic, print and other copyrighted materials. Any infringement of copyright is a violation of academic integrity. Electronic copyright infringement involves video, audio and computer materials and any other materials made electronically. Copying videos, cassettes or software, selling or disseminating programs without the owner's permission, putting pirated software on the University computers or your computer is not permitted. As long as appropriate credit is given, making a copy of a small portion of a book or a portion of an article for use in your assignments is acceptable. The correct citation method for sources of ideas and information obtained electronically or in print is available in the library. The library has a copy of the complete Copyright Law for further reference.

Cheating: Being dishonest or deceptive in order to obtain some advantage or gain; e.g., stealing or receiving stolen examinations. Additional examples of cheating include, but are not limited to, submitting work produced for one course to fulfill the requirements in another, as well as submitting work that is or has been submitted by another student in the same or different course, unless approved by the current instructor.

Theft/Vandalism: Taking or defacing library materials or educational equipment such as a DVD, computer or software. Cutting pages out of a book or magazine or taking material out of the library and not checking it out is stealing.

Forgery: Signing another's name to exams, forms, or other institutional documents.

Disciplinary Action
Students who violate the Academic Dishonesty policy will be subject to one or more of the following disciplinary actions.

Warning
Temporary or permanent suspension of computer, network and/or library privileges
Academic suspension
Investigation and action taken in accordance with the appropriate student, faculty, or staff handbook
Investigation and/or prosecution by state or federal law enforcement agencies

The procedures to be followed in cases of suspected violations of the Academic Dishonesty Policy are described below.

If the faculty member suspects that a student has violated the Lasell University Academic Dishonesty Policy, they will meet privately with the student within five business days of the alleged violation. During the meeting, the faculty member will discuss the violation and possible sanctions with the student and present the evidence if applicable. Within 48 hours of the initial meeting, the student may seek advice from an individual within the academic community before meeting a second time with the faculty to resolve the issue. One of several outcomes may result:
1. Both parties agree that the alleged violation did not occur. No further action is taken.
2. The student admits to the integrity violation, and both parties agree on an appropriate sanction in keeping with the severity of the incident. The faculty member and the student complete the Academic Dishonesty Incident Report Form, which is sent to the Vice President of Graduate and Professional Studies, who forwards a copy to the student’s program coordinator. If the vice president believes the incident is a potential repeated offense, they will submit the case to a committee for review.
3. The student does not agree that a violation has occurred or disagrees with the sanction and decides to appeal. The faculty member and the student complete the Academic Dishonesty Incident Report Form, which the faculty submits to the Vice President of Graduate and Professional Studies, who then forwards it to a committee for review. The chair of the committee contacts the faculty member and the student in writing to set up separate meeting times for each party and requests that the student submit a written appeal to the committee chair prior to the meeting.
If the student fails to respond to the faculty member within the 48-hour deadline, the faculty’s sanction will be imposed, and the student will forfeit their right to appeal.
In the case of an appeal, a committee will be convened by the Vice President of Graduate and Professional Studies to make a recommendation to reject or uphold the student’s appeal and forwards its decision in writing, along with sanction recommendations in the case of a rejection, to the Vice President of Graduate and Professional Studies. The vice president takes the Committee’s recommendations under advisement and makes the final decision regarding the student’s appeal. If the vice president upholds the appeal, no sanctions are imposed. In the case of a rejected appeal, the vice president makes a final decision regarding sanctions in consultation with the faculty member. In the case of a repeated offense, the vice president’s recommended sanctions may include dismissal from the University. In the case of a potential dismissal, the final decision rests with the vice president in consultation with the president and/or legal counsel for the University. A completed copy of the Academic Dishonesty Incident Report Form is sent to the student’s program coordinator and to the dean of the school in which the violation occurred.

Academic Standing

The Graduate and Professional Studies Academic Review Committee monitors all students' academic progress toward satisfactory degree completion at the conclusion of each semester and session. The committee members include the Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies, the Chair of the Graduate Committee, the Registrar, and the Administrative Assistant to Academic Affairs (ex officio). Students are in Good Academic Standing if a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 is earned.

When a student receives two unsatisfactory grades (below B-), or an F in any course, the Graduate and Professional Studies Academic Review Committee will review the student's academic performance and potential for degree completion. They will make a decision as to whether the student should be placed on probation or be suspended.

Academic Probation: Academic Probation at Lasell University is designed to be educative and constructive; its purpose is to engage students more deliberately in the process of progressing academically.

Students who have a cumulative GPA of less than 3.0 or receive a failing grade (Grade of F) will be placed on Academic Probation (and in some cases, will be suspended).

Academic Suspension: Students who are not in Good Academic Standing will receive notification from the Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies. Students who do not meet the criteria for Good Academic Standing the following semester may be suspended from the University.

Appealing the Graduate and Professional Studies Academic Review Committee Decision
Students may write a letter of appeal to the Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies. Guidelines and deadlines for an appeal are included in the letter of suspension. The Dean consults with the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The decision of the Vice President for Academic Affairs will be final.

Conditions for Returning to the University Following Suspension
Students should refer to the Readmission Policy under the Graduate Academic Policies.

Graduate Academic Grievance Process
The Academic Grievance Process provides students with a mechanism to appeal faculty actions related to the process of instruction and evaluation of academic performance or other academic matters pertinent to the teacher-student relationship. In filing a grievance, it is understood that the student believes his/her interests as a student have been adversely affected by someone's departure from or misinterpretation of existing academic policy. (The University reserves the right to establish academic standards and the necessary policies to support them. Consequently, there may be no academic grievance of the contents of published Academic Policies established by the University, including those of individual Academic Programs and individual instructors.)

Informal Conciliation
A student wishing to alter or reverse any academic action must first attempt to resolve the matter informally and expeditiously. The student shall contact the faculty member within seven (7) calendar days of the action in question to schedule an appointment (in cases where the dispute is over a grade for an assignment or test, or a final course grade, "action in question" shall refer to the date of receipt of the grade). The student is expected to present his/her concerns and to weigh the faculty member's response. If not resolved, the student may discuss the matter with the faculty member's Department Chair. If the student's complaint is with the Department Chair, then he/she may discuss the matter with the Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies.

Formal Grievance Process
If no resolution is reached, the student may begin the Formal Grievance Process - which must be filed within twenty-one (21) calendar days of the action in question (hence, the informal conciliation process has occurred within this overall time period). If the issue under dispute impacts the student's ability to register for a course or courses in a subsequent semester, a determination of an exception to the existing policy will be made by the Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies. As part of the Formal Grievance Process, the student will write a letter to the Department Chair and Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies with all accompanying documentation, outlining how the student's interests as a student have been adversely affected by someone's departure from or misinterpretation of existing academic policy.

Academic Achievement Award

At the end of each academic year, graduate students who graduate with a CUM 4.0 GPA are selected to receive the Graduate and Professional Studies Academic Achievement Award. These awards are given in recognition of a demonstrated commitment to excellence at Lasell University. The recipients are judged to be models for their fellow students in academic achievement and perseverance. The Awards are presented at the Graduate & Professional Studies Cocktail Reception held Commencement Weekend.

Capstone Options In The Master Of Science Degrees

The capstone experience engages students in the work of their field through varying combinations of research, analysis, and field experience. The capstone is normally completed in the final semester of a student's graduate program.

All capstone options require approximately equal time and study commitments for successful completion. Students should choose a capstone experience based on their professional goals and with the guidance and counsel of their faculty advisor. Specific guidelines for each option can be found under the Grad Tab on mylasell and are available from the faculty advisor or department chair.

Course And Grade Related Policies

Course Repeat Policy
Graduate degrees and certificates at Lasell University require a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and a grade of at least B- in all courses. Students must repeat any course where they receive below a B-. In the case of elective courses, students may decide to repeat the course or choose another elective.
Students are permitted, in special circumstances and with the approval of the Department Chair and the Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies, to repeat any course on a one time only basis. In the event a required course is repeated unsuccessfully, the student is subject to academic suspension (see section on Academic Standing). The higher of the two grades will be computed into the GPA, and the lower of the two grades will be removed from the average. No additional credits will be counted toward graduation; however, the lower grade will remain on the permanent academic record. For additional restrictions, students need to review individual major requirements.

Incomplete Grades
On rare occasions, a grade of Incomplete (INC) may be granted. Ultimately, the decision to grant a grade of Incomplete is at the discretion of the instructor; however, both the student and the instructor must sign the contract for completion before a grade of INC can be issued. An Incomplete should be issued only for extraordinary reasons. It is not appropriate to issue an Incomplete simply because a student has not performed well or has not completed the required coursework. A copy of the contract must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar with the final grade roster. It is the responsibility of the student to initiate the request and to make all arrangements with the instructor for turning in late work by the last day of the semester/session.
Incomplete grades must be made up within four (4) weeks of the end of the current semester/session. Failure to do so will result in the "INC" reverting to "F".

Under extenuating circumstances (e.g. military leave), extensions beyond four (4) weeks may be granted by the instructor with the approval of the Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies. It is the student's responsibility to initiate a written request for an extension by completing the appropriate paperwork available online or through the Registrar's Office.

Grade Changes
A final grade (excluding an Incomplete) may not be changed after submission of the grade by the instructor to the Registrar's Office unless a clear and demonstrable mistake or miscalculation by the instructor is discovered. The submission of late or revised work by a student is not grounds for a legitimate change of grade, nor is the retaking of an examination. Changes to final grades cannot be made beyond one semester after the initial awarding of the grade.

Transcripts
Official copies of a student's permanent academic record are issued by the Registrar's Office. The transcript request must be made in writing by the student, and include $5.00 for each copy requested. These transcripts are mailed directly to the college or employer requesting the transcripts within two to four days. Transcripts cannot be processed for students who have unpaid bills. Unofficial transcripts may be issued directly to the student provided the request is in writing. The fee is $5.00 for each copy and the processing time is two to four days.

Auditing
With the approval of the instructor, students may register to audit a course by completing a Course Audit Form by the end of the add/drop period. Audited courses are recorded on the transcript but no grade or credit is given.

Directed Study (Independent Study)
Under limited circumstances, graduate students may enroll in a directed study after consulting with their advisor to ensure its fit with their overall degree program. The Department Chair for the course, in consultation with the Department Chair of the student's program of study, has final approval of any directed study. Students interested in this option should complete and submit the Directed Study form by the end of the add/drop period for Graduate and Professional Studies programs.

Transfer Credit Policy
For our Master of Science degree programs only (excluding the MS in Athletic Training Program), a maximum of 6 credits of relevant graduate-level coursework, taken at an accredited institution may be transferred and applied toward degree requirements under the following conditions:

A grade of B or better has been earned
Coursework taken prior to enrollment at Lasell was completed within the past seven years at the time of enrollment

Current students who wish to take graduate courses at another institution and transfer the courses into Lasell must request approval from the university before registering for the course(s). (This option is not available to students in our Professional MBA program.) Students who are considering this must complete the Transfer Credit Approval form. Students are required to obtain all necessary approvals before enrolling in the course.

Grades for courses taken at another institution are not calculated into a student's grade point average.

Course Waiver Policy
Applicants to our Master of Science programs who complete undergraduate majors or minors or take certain courses in Business, Management, Sport Management, Communications or Education may apply to waive up to six credits at the graduate level within these disciplines. Applicants to our Master of Science program in Criminal Justice who complete undergraduate majors or minors in Criminal Justice may apply to waive up to three credits at the graduate level within this discipline. Please refer to the Lasell Master of Science and Master of Education 5th Year Option section of this Catalog for a list of eligible courses. (This option is not available to applicants to our Professional MBA program.)

Lasell University 5th Year Option
The 5th Year Option at Lasell University allows undergraduate students with high academic standing to earn both their undergraduate and graduate degrees in as little as five years.

Students may qualify to pursue a Master of Education in Elementary Education (M.Ed Elementary), a Master of Education in Moderate Disabilities (M.Ed. Moderate Disabilities), a Master of Science in Criminal Justice, a Master of Science in Communication (MSC), a Master of Science in Management (MSM), or a Master of Science in Sport Management (MSSM) with approximately one additional year of study. Please see complete information on this option under Academic Information in the undergraduate section of this catalog.

Registration
Students register with the Registrar's Office each semester. Students who are already enrolled pre-register in April for the following summer and fall semesters and in November for the following winter and spring semesters. A student is officially registered for classes only after all financial obligations to the University have been met.

Add/Drop
Students wishing to add/drop a course can do so through Self-Service or by contacting the Registrar's Office. This must be done prior to the end of the add/ drop period, which ends 72 hours after the start of the academic semester or start of session except for Winter Session. Winter Session is 24 hours after the start of the session. Students may not enter a class after the add/drop period.

Course Withdrawal
After the Add/Drop period a student may be allowed to withdraw from one or more courses until the end of the withdrawal period deadline date published on the Academic Calendar. A grade designation of "W" will be recorded for official withdrawals that occur prior to the course withdrawal period deadline date published in the Academic Calendar. After that time, a student not attending a class receives an "F". In consultation with his or her academic advisor, the student should review policies regarding full-time status, academic standing, financial aid, and international student visa status prior to submitting a course withdrawal. Students should consult the policy on course withdrawal and tuition reimbursement.

Class Attendance Policy
The University expects students to attend classes. The University does not, however, set specific guidelines regarding procedures and penalties for absences. Instead, each faculty member sets his/her own guidelines as deemed appropriate for each learning experience. Instructors will distribute their specific course attendance policies as a part of the course syllabus during the first week of classes. Students have the responsibility of knowing these attendance policies.

Late Class Start
Students and instructors are expected to arrive at their class by the official start time of the class. In the event the instructor is delayed, students are required to wait a minimum of fifteen (15) minutes beyond the official start-time of the class before leaving.

Class Cancellation
In the event a class meeting must be canceled, the instructor will notify the Registrar's Office, and staff in the Registrar's Office will post an official class cancellation notice bearing the University seal on the classroom door and will text/email students.

Graduation/Degree Related Policies

Masters Degree Credit Requirement
Most master's degrees at Lasell University require the completion of 36 graduate credits. Graduate students in our Master of Science degree programs must complete at least 30 graduate credits at Lasell University. Graduate students in these programs can transfer or waive a maximum of 6 credits.

Graduate students in our MBA program must complete all 36 graduate credits at Lasell University. There is no transfer credit or course waivers allowed in this program.

The Master of Science in Athletic Training degree program requires the completion of 63 graduate credits. Graduate students in this program can not transfer or waive credits. Please note that all content associated with the CAATE standards must be completed at Lasell University in the MSAT professional program courses.

Graduation Requirements
Students must maintain reasonable progress toward completing their degree in course sequence as outlined on the course schedule. The majority of students complete their degree within 2 to 2.5 years. Occasionally, because of professional and/or personal constraints, students may need additional time to complete their degrees. At Lasell, graduate students have five (5) years from beginning their program of study to complete their degree. Students who need additional time at the end of five years may have to reapply to the program.

In order to graduate, students must earn the designated required number of credits in their program and attain a cumulative GPA (grade point average) of 3.0 or higher.

Dual Concentration
A student may earn two concentrations in a degree provided (a) all requirements for each concentration are completed in good standing and (b) all pertinent requirements of the degree are completed successfully. Students may not use their electives to meet the requirements of either concentration. Students earning a dual concentration should plan on taking a minimum of 42 credits.

Full-time Status
Lasell University defines graduate full-time enrollment as 9 credits per 15-week semester and 6 credits per 8-week session. Half-time enrollment in a fifteen-week semester is defined as a minimum of six credits and in an eight-week session as three credits. In order to be eligible for federal aid, students must be enrolled a minimum of half-time.

Maximum Credit Load
Students may register for a maximum of 12 credits per semester (15 weeks) or 9 credits per session (8 weeks).

Change of Concentration

The student must initiate this change by speaking with their advisor and/or the Associate Director of Graduate Student Services
If the decision is made to change concentrations, the student fills out the "Change of Concentration" form. The form must include the signature of their advisor (or the Associate Director of Graduate Student Services) and the Department Chair.
The student submits the change of concentration form to the Registrar's Office.

Change of Degree

The student must initiate this change by speaking with the following faculty/staff in this order:
1. Chair of their current program of study
2. Chair of the program they want to enter
3. Their Advisor
If the decision is made to change degree programs, the student fills out the "Change of Degree" form. The form must include the signature of their advisor and the Department Chair of the program they want to enter.
The student submits the change of degree form to the Registrar's Office.

Progress toward the Degree
Students are expected to maintain satisfactory academic progress. Satisfactory academic progress is defined both by the number of credits successfully completed and the grade point average.

International Student Eligibility
International students on an F1 Visa must maintain a full course load (a minimum of 9 credits per semester) in order to maintain their status as an F-1 visa holder. Only on rare occasions is an international student permitted to drop below a full course load and still maintain their status as an F-1 visa holder. Any international student who anticipates falling below a full course load must consult with the Coordinator of International Student Services.

Application for Graduation
A student eligible for a degree must apply for graduation through the Office of the Registrar at least one full semester before they expect to complete all requirements for graduation. Failure to comply may result in a delay in receiving the degree by a semester. Degrees are awarded three times a year in December, May, and August. Commencement exercises are held once a year in May.

Expected Degree Completion:	Completed Application Filed:
December	Prior to September 1
May	Prior to December 15
August	Prior to May 1

Conditional Graduation
Students classified as conditional graduates may participate in the May commencement exercises. To be considered a candidate for conditional graduation a student must have:
a) attained a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0; and
b) be within two (2) courses (maximum of 6 credits) of completing their graduation requirements.

Leaving/Withdrawing From The University

Military Leave
Students will be allowed to take a military leave from the University without penalty. Students will receive a 100 percent tuition refund (less any financial aid which may have been received for the term) upon presenting an original copy of their military orders for active duty to the Office of the Registrar.

Alternatively, extension (INC) grades with no tuition reimbursement may be more appropriate when the call for active military duty comes near the end of the semester/session. Students taking military leave should complete the leave of absence form.

Leave of Absence
Students experiencing medical, personal or professional challenges may take a voluntary leave of absence for up to two consecutive semesters (e.g. fall, spring, summer) after consultation with their Academic Advisor (if not available, contact the Associate Director of Graduate Student Services). In order to be granted a leave of absence, the student must complete a leave of absence form and submit it to the Office of the Registrar.

Students planning a leave from the institution should check with Student Accounts and Office of Financial Aid regarding all financial policies and procedures.

Students who wish to take a leave of absence after registering for courses must officially drop or withdraw from the courses in addition to completing the leave of absence form. Students should consult the policy on course withdrawal and tuition reimbursement.

During this time, students should not study at another college if they plan to return to Lasell and complete their degree. Students on leaves of absence should be in contact with their Academic Advisor and the Office of Student Accounts.

University Withdrawal
Any student wishing to withdraw from the University should speak with his or her academic advisor to explore the possible alternatives. If withdrawal is a student's final decision, the student should complete a University Withdrawal Form (see Course Withdrawal policy in this document). The student will be asked to speak with various professional staff from Financial Aid and Student Accounts as part of the withdrawal process. Students wishing to return to the College after a withdrawal must reapply. Please see the Readmission section of the Graduate Academic Policies in this Catalog.

Administrative Withdrawal: Students who have not officially been granted a leave of absence and who fail to register for courses over two consecutive semesters (fall, spring, summer) will be administratively withdrawn from the University. Students can also be administratively withdrawn for financial reasons. Students wishing to return to the program after being administratively withdrawn should refer to the Readmission Policy in this document.

Readmission
Returning to the University requires an application for readmission to the Office of the Registrar. Students must provide an account of what they have done since leaving Lasell, a clear explanation of why they wish to return and why they feel they will be successful at this point in completing their education.

Applications for readmission are reviewed on a case by case basis by the Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies, who consults with a committee convened for this purpose. Students reapplying to the program are informed in writing of the committee's decision regarding their reapplication.

Students who withdraw in good academic standing are welcome to reapply at any time.

Other Policies

Immunization and Health Records

Per Massachusetts State Vaccination Requirement Law, all full-time graduate students (9 credits) who take at least one class on campus and all international graduate students must complete the Lasell University Immunization and Tuberculosis Screening Form and provide documentation of being immunized against:

Hepatitis B - 3 dose series
MMR (Measles, Mumps & Rubella) - 2 dose series
Tdap (Tetanus, Diptheria,& Pertussis) - within past 10 years
Varicella (Chickenpox) - 2 dose series or reliable history of having had the disease

Contact your healthcare provider directly to obtain a copy of your immunization history. Proof of immunization and the Tuberculosis Screening Form must be submitted to Lasell University Health Services, located on the top floor of the Edwards Student Center. Health Services is open from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday. You can also fax the information to 617-243-2339 or email healthservices@lasell.edu. If you are unable to get this documentation from your health care provider or if you are missing the required immunizations we suggest that you make an appointment with Fenway Health to get the immunizations you need. Fenway Health has three locations all accessible by public transportation. You can find out more information by visiting their website at www.fenwayhealth.org or calling them at 617.267.0900. Graduate students must demonstrate compliance with all health requirements prior to the start of classes.

Automobiles
Limited parking is available for students and students must register their vehicles with the University's Department of Public Safety. Students are expected to abide by those rules governing student and guest vehicles on campus.

Drugs
Lasell University expects all of its constituents to comply with local, state and federal laws relating to the possession, use and/or distribution of drugs, including alcohol, when they are on University property or taking part in University activities. Students should consult the Undergraduate Student Handbook for specific policies.

Accident and Sickness Insurance:
Graduate students are not eligible to be covered by the Lasell University Student Health Insurance. Courses that meet strictly online and courses that meet less than 15 days a semester on campus are not included in the calculation of qualifying credits.

International Graduate Students:
International Graduate Students are strongly encouraged to purchase health insurance coverage prior to arrival in the United States. It is advised to protect against unforeseen health circumstances while studying here at Lasell University. There are a variety of health insurance providers available to assist international students purchase coverage. University Health Plan (UHP), the Lasell University provider, is available to answer general insurance plan questions and make appropriate referrals. To speak with a representative, please call (800) 437-6448 or send an email to info@univhealthplans.com.Immunizations
Massachusetts legislation requires all students to either receive a meningococcal vaccine or request exemption by returning a waiver form. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health also requires documentation of immunization for graduate students enrolled in 9 or more credits. If you fall into this group of students, you need to have your healthcare provider complete a certificate of immunization. All required forms should be returned to the Health Center at Lasell University. Forms are available at the Health Center and Office of Graduate Admission.

Student's Responsibility

Each student must be constantly aware of her/his progress in meeting requirements for graduation. If there is any question about an individual record, the Registrar's Office should be consulted. Each student must also be aware of deadlines set within each academic year that pertain to academic action and deadlines: these are identified in the Academic Calendar found in the Lasell course catalog, as well as email messages from the Registrar.

Students are expected to activate their Lasell email account and to check it regularly, as many official notices from the administration and the faculty are sent only as electronic mail.

Student Rights And Responsibilities

Student Confidentiality
Lasell University regulates access to and release of a student's records in accordance with the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 as amended (PL 93-380, Section 438, The General Education Provisions Act). The purpose of the act is to protect the privacy of students regarding:

the release of records, and
access to records maintained by the institution.

In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (the Buckley Amendment), Lasell University has committed itself to protecting the privacy rights of its students and to maintaining the confidentiality of its records. A copy of the law is available in the Registrar's Office. The following is a summary of the rights of students under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).Students' Rights

Review and Inspection of Records
Students have the right to review and inspect their educational records as defined in Section VII of the Policy within a reasonable time of a request to the Registrar's Office. All requests to inspect records will be fulfilled within 45 days. The University has an obligation to respond to reasonable requests from students for an explanation of their education records. If a student is unable to inspect personally his/her education record, the University is obligated to provide a copy of the record requested upon the payment of a copying fee.
Right to request an Amendment of Records
A student has the right to request that the University amend education records that the student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the privacy or other rights of the student. The University will decide whether or not to amend such records and so inform the student.
Rights to a Hearing to Challenge the Contents of Records
A student has the right to challenge the contents of education records the student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the privacy or rights of the student. The hearing is conducted by the Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies. If the student prevails at the hearing, the student has the right to request an amendment to the record. Should the student not prevail, the student may enter an explanation in the records setting forth the reason(s) for disagreeing with the hearing decision.
Right to Refuse Designation of Directory Information
Lasell University considers the following as public information (described in the Policy as "directory information"): name, term, home and electronic address, campus address and mailbox number, telephone (home and cell) and voice mailbox number, date and place of birth, photograph, electronic portfolio (EPortfolio) major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, program of enrollment, expected date of graduation, degrees and awards received, and most recent previous institutions attended by the student. Some or all of this information may be published in directories such as a student directory, an electronic student directory, a sports program, the Lasell intranet (MyLasell), the Lasell University website, or other campus publications.

A student has the right to refuse to permit the designation of any or all of the categories of personally identifiable information as directory information, except to school officials with legitimate educational interest and government agencies. A school official is defined as a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff ); a person or company with whom the University has contracted as its agent to provide a service instead of using University employees or officials (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities for the University.

If a student decides to withhold disclosure of directory information, a Request to Prevent Disclosure of Information needs to be completed within three days of his/her registration, which states the desire not to permit the designation of one or all of the categories of directory information. The decision to withhold the disclosure of directory information remains in effect for one academic year and needs to be renewed annually if so desired. With regard to external inquiries, the Registrar's Office will verify directory information, unless advised to the contrary by the student as indicated above. "Verify" means to affirm or deny the correctness of the information. The University will not provide corrections for inaccurate information. All non-directory information, which is considered confidential, will not be released to outside inquiries without the express consent of the student except under the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). However, the University will verify financial awards and release data for government agencies.
Right to file a Complaint
Complaints regarding violations of the rights accorded to students under this policy should be directed to the Registrar. (Complaints failing resolution internally may be filed directly with the Department of Education, 330 Independence Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20202.)