2013–2014 The Bulletin - USS at Tufts - Tufts University

Undergraduate Policies >
the academic calendar is constructed, religious holy
days are not the sole factor in determining days on
which classes are held or suspended. However, it is
the policy of the faculty that students be encouraged
to observe their appropriate religious holy days;
that instructors strive to facilitate this by allowing
absence from classes for such purposes and by
trying to ensure that no examinations, written
reports, oral reports, or other mandatory class
assignments are scheduled for or due on holy days;
and that instructors provide ample opportunities for
such students to make up work missed on such
occasions without penalty.
Study Abroad—Tufts Programs
Students are encouraged to study abroad under one
of the established programs sponsored by Tufts
University. (See Tufts Programs Abroad.) To apply
to a Tufts Program Abroad, students must plan a
program relevant to their degree program at Tufts,
secure in advance the approval of their advisor, and
meet the requirements of the program to which
they are applying. (For further information on
requirements, see http://uss.tufts.edu/studyabroad.)
Among other requirements, students participating
in Tufts Programs Abroad must be in good
academic and disciplinary standing from the time
of application through participation in the program.
Study Abroad—Non-Tufts Programs
To study abroad, students must plan a program
relevant to their degree program at Tufts and must
secure in advance the approval of their advisor and
the director of Programs Abroad. Transfer credit
toward the Tufts degree will be accepted only from
students who are in good academic and disciplinary
standing at the time of enrollment in the foreign
program. A list of recommended non-Tufts
programs is available online and in Dowling Hall.
In order to have a semester of study away from
Tufts count as one of the eight semesters of
full-time study required for graduation, a student
must complete the equivalent of three or more
transferable Tufts credits. To meet the costs of
administrative procedures connected with study at
other institutions, students studying on a non-Tufts
program abroad will be charged a fee of $400.
Study Elsewhere in the United States
To study elsewhere in the United States, students
must take a leave of absence from Tufts and must
secure in advance the approval of their advisor and
their academic dean. Approved courses will be
transferred from four-year, accredited colleges or
universities if the student earns grades of C- or
better. Students must get courses approved for
transfer from the relevant department at Tufts
through iSIS. In order to have a semester of study
away from Tufts count as one of the eight semesters
of full-time study required for graduation, a student
must complete the equivalent of three or more
transferable Tufts credits. To meet the costs of
administrative procedures connected with study at
other institutions, students studying elsewhere will
be charged a fee of $400.
Leaves of Absence and Transfers
Students considering a leave of absence or transferring
to another school must consult their academic
dean and complete the online leave of absence
form, available through iSIS. The Residential Life
Office must be notified if a housing contract has
been signed. There is a penalty for failing to notify
the Residential Life Office by certain deadlines
(consult the Residential Life Office). Students
receiving financial aid should also notify Financial
Services. International students must contact the
International Center for information on visa status.
Students taking a personal leave of absence with a
plan to return to Tufts should consult their
academic dean if they intend to take classes
elsewhere while on leave.
Medical Leave
Medical leave is an option available to students
who, for physical or psychological reasons, are
unable to continue at the university during a
semester. Appropriate medical evaluation is a
required part of the process. In certain cases, mental
health practitioners or physicians may recommend
that it is not in a student’s or the community’s best
interests for the student to continue at the university.
The standard medical leave is for one year. In
unusual circumstances a student may successfully
demonstrate readiness to return earlier. Decisions
about return eligibility are made by the Health
Accommodations and Medical Leave Committee.
Students on medical leave are allowed to take
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