aCademiC Catalog 2013-2014 - Lorenzo de Medici

3.3 ACADEMIC POLICIES
Introduction
Istituto Lorenzo de’ Medici aims to foster an academic
environment in which students are stimulated to reach their
full academic potential and in which academic excellence is
valued and nurtured.
Language
All courses are taught in English, with the exception of
Italian language courses (ITL and ITC codes).
Course Load
The standard course load for semester programs is 15-
16 credits. During Summer and January Intersession,
the standard course load is 3-6 credits per session. LdM
courses usually involve 45, 60, or 90 contact hours per
term: see course descriptions for details. We recommend
that students take the standard course load to help ensure
a successful experience. Students must retain full-time
status, with a minimum of 12 credits per semester and 3
credits per Intersession/Summer term. Students may not
drop or withdraw (with a “W” or “W/F”) from a course if it
would bring them below the minimum number of credits.
During the summer, non-credit offerings are available only
in addition to for-credit classes.
Prerequisites and Level Tests
Various courses at LdM require students to have
already completed specified prerequisites before the
beginning of the program. Prerequisites are detailed at
the end of course descriptions and are also available on
the institute’s regularly published schedules. Many studio
art and design courses require students to take a level test
upon arrival in order to confirm suitability for the course.
Grading System
The following grading system applies to all LdM courses:
A = 93 - 100% A- = 90 - 92% B+ = 87 - 89%
B = 83 - 86% B- = 80 - 82% C+ = 77 - 79%
C = 73 - 76% C- = 70 - 72% D = 60 - 69%
W = Withdrawal W/F = Late Withdrawal F = Fail
“W” – Withdrawal
Students who officially drop a class after Final Registration
and before the “W” deadline will receive a “W” on their
transcript. No credit will be awarded for the course.
“W/F” – Late Withdrawal
Students who officially drop a class after the “W” deadline
and before the “W/F” deadline will receive a “W/F” on their
transcript. No credit will be awarded for the course.
“F” indicates that:
by the end of the term.
the official withdrawal form by the deadline.
NOTE: Courses that are officially dropped before Final
Registration day will not appear on the student’s transcript.
Details regarding add/drop/withdrawal dates and procedures
will be provided during the Orientation session of each term.
Pass/Fail and Incomplete
LdM does not offer Pass/Fail grades or Incompletes, only
letter grades.
Attendance Policy
responsible learning experience at LdM.
time: any lateness or leaving class early will impact the
participation grade and the Final Grade.
absences and for catching up on any missed work.
matters, etc.) will absences be excused.
course program.
fill out an Official Withdrawal Request form and return
it to their advisor. Students who submit the form by the
“W” Withdrawal deadline will receive a “W” for each
non-completed course. Students who submit the form
by the “W/F” Withdrawal deadline will receive a “W/F”
for each non-completed course. Students who leave LdM
without submitting the form will receive an “F” in each
non-completed course. In all cases, students will not be
eligible for credits or receive a refund.
final grade penalized as indicated on the following table (p.29)
Italian National Holidays
As an Italian institute Istituto Lorenzo de’ Medici is obliged to
follow the national criteria for holidays and religious festivals.
Auditing
Auditing is not allowed at LdM. Students may attend only
the courses listed on their Official Registration form.
Mid-Term and Final Exams
Mid-terms and final exams will be given only on the
scheduled days that appear on each course syllabus and will
not be moved under any circumstances, including illness,
religious issues, travel plans, family matters, etc. Exams are
scheduled during normal class times, so more than one
exam may be administered on the same day. Students are
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LdM Academic Catalog 2013-2014