91ÁÔÆæ

Approved September 23, 2026

• Chapter I: Admission
• Chapter II: Fees
• Chapter III: Student Enrollment
• Chapter IV: Curriculum
• Chapter V: Grading & Credit
• Chapter VI: Academic Scheduling
• Chapter VII: Other Academic Policy
• Chapter VIII: Student Life Policy
• Chapter IX: Library Regulations
• Chapter X: Honorary Degrees
• Chapter XI: Graduate Studies
• Appendix A. Curriculum Governance document
• Appendix B. Reed’s Class Timetable

Chapter I: Admission

I.A. Admission of Undergraduate Students

I.A.1 Admission Criteria

Students should be admitted to Reed primarily on the basis of evidence of their academic capabilities and of intellectual independence, curiosity, and discipline consistent with success in the College’s inquiry-driven program of study. This evaluation shall be conducted holistically and in a manner consistent with the College’s mission and educational values. Evidence may include the applicant’s previous school record as well as other indicators of their commitment to and preparation for the objectives of the College. In considering the admission of an applicant, the VP and Dean of Admission and Financial Aid and Office of Admission shall evaluate the high school or preparatory school courses taken by the applicant in terms of their appropriateness as preparation for study at 91ÁÔÆæ.

Applicants for admission to 91ÁÔÆæ are expected to graduate from a four-year high school or preparatory school approved by the State Department of Public Education, or have completed college entrance exams.

Any significant change in criteria by which students are admitted to 91ÁÔÆæ shall be made only after consultation and approval of the Admission and Financial Aid Committee.

I.A.2. Admission Procedure

Students are admitted at the beginning of the fall semester.

Complete credentials submitted to Office of Admission shall consist of at least the following items:

• I.A.2.a. Formal application form/s properly filled out.
• I.A.2.b. Minimum of two letters of recommendation or personal appraisal forms, one of which must be from a former counselor, teacher or school administrator.
• I.A.2.c. An official certificate of high school record and transcript from the high school or preparatory school or college entrance exam results.
• I.A.2.d. Applicants whose native language is other than English may not be admitted until they have submitted evidence of a satisfactory ability to speak, read and write English at the college level. 

The Vice President and Dean of Admission and Financial Aid has discretion over individual admissions decisions.

Applicants will be considered for admission as a first-year student if they have not matriculated at a regionally accredited college or university.

Applicants will be considered transfer applicants if, after graduation from high school or the equivalent, they have (a) matriculated at a regionally accredited college or university or (b) received financial aid at a regionally accredited college or university.

Transfer students shall file the complete credentials listed above (I.A.2.a-c), plus official transcripts covering all work done at institutions in which the student has completed college level work. If, after the Registrar’s evaluation, a transfer student has enough transferable credit to enter Reed with junior standing (see III.A.), the Office of Admission will consult with the student’s intended major department or committee before extending an offer of admission. (For major declaration procedures for transfer students, see IV.D.2.)

The Vice President and Dean of Admission and Financial Aid has the authority to admit students who do not fulfill the conditions listed above.

I.A.3. Vaccination and Health Insurance Requirement

For ongoing registration, students must provide verification of all vaccines required by the state of Oregon for attendance at Oregon colleges for ongoing registration, or information satisfying a medical or non-medical exemption.

Undergraduate students are required to have health insurance with coverage comparable to that offered by Reed's student health insurance plan.

I.B. Non-Degree-Seeking Students

Students may be admitted to one of the following categories of non-degree-seeking students. Admission in any of these categories and subsequent registration for 91ÁÔÆæ coursework does not constitute admission to the College as a matriculated, degree-seeking student.

All non-degree-seeking students are subject to 91ÁÔÆæ policies, including the Honor Principle. The Registrar administers registration for all non-degree-seeking students.

I.B.1. Auditor:

I.B.1.a. Auditor Eligibility

Individuals, normally 16 years of age or older, may audit courses on a space-available basis with written approval from the instructor. Instructor approval may be revoked at any time. The Vice President and Dean of Admission & Financial Aid determines eligibility for individuals who are not current Reed students (see I.B.1.c.) Only graduates of the Reed Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) program who have obtained approval from the Associate Dean of Graduate and Special Programs may audit MALS courses.

I.B.1.b Audit Fee

The audit fee is waived for:

• Reed faculty (including emeriti)
• Current staff
• Spouses or domestic partners of faculty (including emeriti) and current staff

The fee may also be waived for individuals invited to audit a performing arts ensemble, production, or studio course.

All other auditors are assessed the audit fee as determined by the Vice President and Dean of Admission & Financial Aid and the Registrar, in consultation with the Administration Committee. Additional course fees may apply.

I.B.1.c. Application to Audit and Auditor Access

The Vice President and Dean of Admission & Financial Aid administers the audit application procedure. Approved auditors receive a Reed ID card, email address, and network credentials, which provide access only to resources and activities directly related to the audited course. (For access to library materials, see Chapter IX.B.) Auditors do not have access to student, campus, or community services. This includes—but is not limited to—clubs, organizations, residence halls, campus events, medical services, the dining hall, student spaces, affinity groups, financial services, student budgets, recreational facilities, athletic teams, or other campus services. 91ÁÔÆæ may dismiss an auditor from a course at any time. For audit registration procedures, see III.B.9.e.

I.B.2. Cross-Registered Students

Students enrolled at participating institutions in the Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities (OAICU) may cross-register for courses at Reed. The Registrar administers OAICU cross-registration procedures. Reed tuition is not assessed to approved cross-registered students; however, additional course fees may apply.

I.B.3. Exchange Students

Students approved by an institution with which Reed maintains a formal exchange agreement may apply to attend Reed as an exchange student for one or two semesters. The Associate Dean of Global Education administers the exchange student program. (See IV.F.)

I.B.4. Language Scholars

Language Scholars appointed to support language instruction at Reed may register for one unit of credit-bearing coursework per semester during their appointment. Reed tuition is not assessed, although additional course fees may apply. The Associate Dean of Global Education administers the Language Scholars program.

I.B.5. Postbaccalaureate Appointees

Recent Reed graduates appointed to approved postbaccalaureate positions may register for one unit of credit-bearing coursework per semester during their appointment. Coursework taken under this provision may not be used to complete an academic program or credential at Reed (see III.D.) Reed tuition is not assessed, although additional course fees may apply. The approved director(s) of the postbaccalaureate program administer appointment procedures.

I.B.6. Visiting Students

Individuals who have not been admitted to Reed as matriculated, degree-seeking students may apply to enroll as visiting students for one or two semesters of credit-bearing coursework. Visiting students are assessed regular Reed tuition and additional course fees. The Vice President and Dean of Admission & Financial Aid administers visiting student application procedures and determines eligibility.

I.B.7. Young Scholars

Secondary school students from the Portland area may be admitted as Young Scholars and enroll in one unit of credit-bearing coursework per semester for up to two semesters. Reed tuition is not assessed, although additional fees may apply. The Associate Dean of Graduate and Special Programs administers the Young Scholars program and determines eligibility.

Chapter II: Fees

II.A. Tuition

Tuition is determined by the Board of Trustees.

Satisfactory arrangements for the payment of charges must be made before registration. Students registered for three units or more in a semester shall be charged full tuition. To enroll in fewer than three units for reduced tuition, an undergraduate student must petition the Administration Committee. Reduction in a student’s program after the end of the first two weeks of the semester shall have no effect on tuition. The business office determines standards for adjustment of charges for students who withdraw or are granted leave during the course of the semester. No refund shall be made to students who have been suspended or dismissed from the College.

II.B. Other Charges

II.B.1. Non-Resident Course Fee – In Absentia

Regular tuition fees shall be charged to students taking Reed courses in absentia (e.g. remotely or online). (A student who received a "U" in thesis is not a registered student and not in this category.)

II.B.2. Late Payment Fee

Students whose account is not paid by the deadline will be charged a late payment fee as determined by the Office of the Treasurer.

II.B.3. Missed Deadline Fine

A fine may be imposed with the approval of petitions to extend deadlines.

II.B.4. Student Body Fee

A student body fee recommended by the Senate and approved by the Offices of the President and Treasurer shall be collected from all undergraduate students.

II.B.5. Housing Charges

Rooms are rented for a college year. Any refund requires approval of the Dean of Students in consultation with the Vice President for Student Life.

II.B.6. Health Insurance Fee

A health insurance fee is charged to all full-time undergraduate students.

II.C. Indebtedness to the College

Students who have completed their requirements for the degree but have a financial obligation shall be awarded the degree, but diplomas shall be withheld until the obligation is settled.

Chapter III: Student Enrollment

III.A. Class Standing

Class standing is based on the number of units earned at 91ÁÔÆæ and may include additional academic milestones. Pre-matriculation credit does not count toward class standing (see IV.H.3.) and does not exempt students from the HUM 110 requirement or aforementioned academic milestones. Class standing is determined as follows:

III.A.1. First-Year Standing

1–5 units earned

III.A.2. Sophomore Standing

6–12 units earned

III.A.3. Junior Standing

13 or more units earned and an approved declaration of major (see IV.D.2.)

III.A.4. Senior Standing

13 or more units earned and certification of passing the junior qualifying examination(s) (see IV.D.3.a.)

III.A.5. Transfer Student Standing

Initial class standing for transfer students is based on the amount of transfer credit accepted by 91ÁÔÆæ from previously attended institutions. Transfer students with enough transfer credit to enter Reed with junior standing will not be assigned such standing until the student submits an approved declaration of major (see IV.D.2.) Continuing class standing is determined by the criteria detailed above (III.A.1-4.)

III.B. Registration

III.B.1. Registration Dates

All registration-related deadlines must be specified in the Academic Calendar. The Registrar administers and enforces registration deadlines. Exceptions to registration deadlines must be approved by the Administration Committee. Continuing and returning students typically register for the upcoming academic year in April of the preceding spring semester. New students typically register in August, before the academic year begins.

III.B.2. Academic Year Registration

Registration for both the fall and spring semesters of the upcoming academic year occurs simultaneously, beginning on the date specified in the Academic Calendar. The Registrar administers the registration process. All students are required to register for both semesters.

III.B.3. Changes to Spring Semester Registration

A second registration period, beginning on the date specified in the Academic Calendar, allows students to make changes to their spring semester registration. The Registrar administers this process.

III.B.4. Access to Registration

The Registrar is responsible for administering access to registration. Access to registration will be withheld for any of the following reasons:

III.B.4.a.

Failure to verify registration consultation with an academic adviser

III.B.4.b.

Denial of registration

III.B.4.c.

Indebtedness to the College

III.B.4.d.

A declaration of major is required

III.B.4.e.

Disciplinary action (e.g., suspension, failure to complete sanctions)

III.B.4.f.

Failure to comply with the state requirement for immunization or a college-required verification for vaccination

III.B.4.g.

Failure to provide emergency contact information

III.B.4.h.

Failure to complete the College’s required sexual assault module

III.B.4.i.

Failure to complete the financial responsibility form

III.B.5. Course Prerequisites

All prerequisites listed in a course’s 91ÁÔÆæ Catalog description must be met to register for that course. A course instructor may waive course prerequisites. The Registrar is responsible for administering course prerequisite requirements.

III.B.6. Access to Courses

Registration for a course must be permitted if the course prerequisites are met (see III.B.5.) and the specific course in that given semester is needed to satisfy a group, division, major, or minor requirement. A course instructor may provide approval for a student to register in the following circumstances:

III.B.6.a.

To exceed the class enrollment maximum (see VI.D.)

III.B.6.b.

To override registration restrictions related to class standing (see III.A.), major, and/or reserved seats (see VI.E.)

III.B.6.c.

To register despite time conflicts with other classes

III.B.7. Registration Processes

Information about registration processes must be communicated with sufficient advance notice to allow preparation for the registration dates listed in the Academic Calendar. The Registrar administers all registration processes and in collaboration with CAPP, establishes the following registration processes:

III.B.7.a. Registration Limits

During designated registration periods, limits may be placed on units, registration types, and specific courses.

III.B.7.b. Waitlists

When a class reaches its enrollment maximum, a waitlist will be established.

III.B.7.c. Administrative Adjustments to Student Registrations

No later than the deadlines set by the Registrar, and only at the request of an academic department or committee, the Registrar will adjust student registrations for the following purposes:

III.B.7.c.1. Application of Criteria

CAPP may approve a one-time request to apply criteria to the enrollment and/or waitlist of a class that has reached or exceeded its enrollment maximum.

III.B.7.c.2. Enrollment Balancing

Enrollments may be balanced across multiple sections of the same course in the same semester.

III.B.8. Course Load

The minimum course load per semester is 3 units, and the maximum is 4.5 units. The Registrar enforces all course load requirements.

III.B.8.a. Overloads

An overload is a semester course load greater than 4.5 units. Academic adviser approval is required to overload. Students in their first semester at the College are not permitted to overload. To qualify for an overload, students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and no grade below B- in the previous semester. Overloads above 5 units or exceptions to the overload criteria require approval from the Administration Committee.

III.B.8.b. Underloads

An underload is a semester course load of less than 3 units. Academic adviser approval is required to underload. Prior to the start of the term, or during the first two weeks of the semester, approval from the Administration Committee is required to underload and successful petitions receive reduced tuition. After the first two weeks of the semester, students are assessed the full semester’s tuition, even if they drop or withdraw below 3 units.

III.B.8.c. Course Load During the Thesis Year

The minimum semester course load during the thesis year is 2 units, including thesis (see IV.D.b.3.i.)

III.B.9. Special Registrations

III.B.9.a. Credit/No Credit Enrollment

Credit/No Credit (CR/NC) enrollment at Reed is comparable to “pass/fail” grading at other institutions. With approval from the instructor and academic adviser—and by the deadline specified in the Academic Calendar—students with junior or senior standing may enroll in up to 2 units of CR/NC grading per semester, with a maximum of 2 units total in a single academic year. A course’s 91ÁÔÆæ Catalog description indicates if it is ineligible for CR/NC enrollment. Courses taken CR/NC by student election may not be used to satisfy College distribution, division, major, or minor requirements and may not be taken in the student’s major department. Courses approved by the faculty to be offered as CR/NC only, may be taken by students of any class standing, do not count toward the 2-unit CR/NC limit, and may be used to satisfy distribution, division, major, or minor requirements. (See V.B.1.b. for CR/NC grading policies.)

III.B.9.b. Independent Study

An independent study is a faculty-supervised, credit-bearing course of individualized academic work. Independent studies must be on topics not available through existing coursework and may not duplicate regularly offered courses. With approval from the academic adviser, instructor, and the instructor’s academic division—and by the deadline specified in the Academic Calendar—students with junior or senior standing may enroll in up to 1 unit of independent study per semester, with a maximum of 4 total units applied toward the degree. Independent study may not count toward 91ÁÔÆæ group distribution requirements. The Registrar administers all independent study procedures.

III.B.9.c. Reduced Unit Value

The unit value of a course may be reduced from the value assigned in the 91ÁÔÆæ Catalog. With the approval of the instructor and the academic adviser – and by the deadline specified in the Academic Calendar – a student may register for a course with a reduced unit value. The Registrar administers all reductions in course unit value. In no case may the unit value of a course be increased from the value assigned in the 91ÁÔÆæ Catalog.

III.B.9.d. Cross-Registration via the Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities (OAICU)

91ÁÔÆæ is a member of the Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities (OAICU). As such, students at Reed may cross-register for courses at participating OAICU member institutions with prior approval from their academic adviser and the Reed Registrar’s Office. To be eligible to cross-register, Reed students must be full-time, undergraduate, and degree-seeking. Students are limited to one course per term: fall and/or spring. The course cannot not be equivalent or similar to a course at Reed offered during the same academic year. The Registrar administers cross-registration. No additional tuition is assessed for cross-registration; however, students may be responsible for additional fees at the host institution for certain courses.

III.B.9.e. Course Auditing

• III.B.9.e.i. Auditing Eligibility
  Current Reed students must be enrolled full-time (a minimum of 3-units) to be eligible to register for an audit. Reed students who are temporarily separated from the College (on leave, participating in off-campus study, denied registration, etc.) are ineligible to audit courses.
• III.B.9.e.ii. Excluded Courses
  Certain courses have no audit option, such as physical education, HUM 110, thesis, internships, or independent study.
• III.B.9.e.iii. Audit Fee
  The audit fee is waived for current Reed students; however, additional fees for certain courses may be assessed.
• III.B.9.e.iv. Registration for Audits
  Registration is required to audit a course. Instructor approval is required to register for a course as an audit. Current Reed students must also have adviser approval. All auditors are limited to one course per semester; however, current Reed students may audit more than one performing arts ensemble, production, or studio course. Audit registration is only permitted during the two-week add period at the start of the semester. After the add deadline for the semester, audits may not be converted to credit-bearing and letter graded or vice-versa. The Registrar administers audit registration.
• III.B.9.e.v. Participation & Grading
  Individual instructors determine their own course requirements for auditors. Prior to registration, auditors should consult with the instructor about course requirements and expectations for participation. For audit grading, see V.B.1.h.

III.C. Student Separations from the College

III.C.1. Published Procedures

Procedures for separating from and returning to the College—including eligibility criteria, financial considerations, and grading and transcript implications—must be published. In collaboration, the Vice President of Student Life and the Registrar administer all separation procedures and processes.

III.C.2. Deadlines

Deadlines to take a leave of absence or withdraw from the College must be specified in the Academic Calendar.

III.C.3. Academic Credit

When a separation occurs during a semester, no academic credit may be earned for that semester.

III.C.4. Financial Considerations

The Business Office determines, publishes, and administers all financial outcomes of separations from the College.

III.C.5. Duration of Separation

Students may separate from the College for a maximum of four consecutive semesters. After this period, the student will be administratively withdrawn (see III.6.B.i.)

III.C.6. Types of Separations

III.C.6.a. Voluntary Separations

III.C.6.a.i. General Leave of Absence
A general leave of absence is a temporary separation from the College with the intention to return and complete the degree. Only degree-seeking students are eligible for a general leave. The Vice President for Student Life, in collaboration with the Registrar, determines eligibility. A maximum of two semesters of general leave can be granted at a time.

III.C.6.a.ii. Medical Leave of Absence
A medical leave of absence is a temporary separation from the College with the intention to return and complete the degree. Only degree-seeking students are eligible for a medical leave. Students must submit written medical documentation supporting both the leave and return, and receive approval from a Dean in Student Life, in consultation with Health and Counseling Services. The Dean in Student Life may implement interventions and/or conditions on the student’s return.

III.C.6.a.iii. Emergency Absence
An emergency absence is a brief, temporary separation from the College during the term, intended to allow a student to return and complete the semester. An emergency absence does not relieve students of academic or financial obligations. The Vice President for Student Life determines eligibility and administers all emergency absence requests. Students may apply at any point during the semester; however, an emergency absence may not exceed 14 calendar days or extend beyond the last day of the term. With approval, and subject to applicable criteria and deadlines, an emergency absence may be converted to a general or medical leave of absence (see III.C.6.a.i. and III.C.6.a.ii., respectively.)

III.C.6.a.iv. Withdrawal from the College
Withdrawal is a student-initiated separation from the College with no intention to return and complete the Reed degree. Withdrawal removes the ability to enroll at the College. The deadline to withdraw during the semester must be specified in the Academic Calendar. After this deadline, students may only withdraw from the College effective the next semester. Students who withdraw from the College and wish to re-enroll must apply for readmission (see III.C.7.)

III.C.6.b. Involuntary Separations

III.C.6.b.i. Administrative Withdrawal from the College
Administrative withdrawal is a College-initiated separation that removes the ability to enroll at the College. Students who are administratively withdrawn from the College and wish to re-enroll must apply for readmission (see III.C.7.)

III.C.6.b.ii. Involuntary Leave of Absence
An involuntary leave is a temporary separation from the College enacted to reduce risk and preserve the safety of the College community. The Vice President for Student Life is responsible for determining eligibility and administering involuntary leave procedures and processes. Approval from the Vice President for Student Life is required in order for the student to return to the College.

III.C.6.b..iii. Academic Denial of Registration & Dismissal
For information on academic denials of registration see IV.F.1.b. For information on academic dismissals see IV.F.1.c.

III.C.6.b.iv. Conduct Suspension & Dismissal
For information on student life conduct suspensions and dismissals see VIII.E.

III.C.7. Readmission
Application for readmission is required to re-enroll following a student-initiated or administrative withdrawal from the College. The Registrar administers readmission procedures. All applications for readmission must be approved by the Administration Committee. Junior and senior applications for readmission must be approved by the major department(s) or committee. Approved applicants are readmitted to the College under the requirements of the current 91ÁÔÆæ Catalog.

III.D. Graduation

Degree candidates shall be approved by the full faculty only upon completion of a final degree audit certifying that all degree requirements have been met. The Registrar shall conduct the final degree audit and, in consultation with the student’s major department and/or interdisciplinary committee, certify fulfillment of all requirements.

Degree candidates shall be approved twice annually, in January following the fall semester and in May following the spring semester, and forwarded to the Board of Trustees for final conferral of the degree. Degrees are awarded effective on the final day of the applicable semester. In lieu of the full faculty, CAPP may approve candidates who complete degree requirements after their final semester, and forward them to the Board for final conferral. In such cases, the degree is awarded effective the date that the final degree audit certifies the fulfillment of all requirements.

The College’s degree program may not be extended to permit completion of additional credentials, including minors or the second major of a double major. Students who have met all degree requirements but not completed such programs will graduate without them. Once the degree is awarded, the academic record is sealed and no additional majors or minors may be earned.

Students enrolled in one of the College’s combined degree programs will become a degree candidate and graduate from Reed according to the procedures and timelines stipulated in Reed’s agreement with the partner institution (see IV.G.)

Chapter IV: Curriculum

IV.A. The Reed Curriculum

The Reed Curriculum is an eight-semester program in the liberal arts and sciences that leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree. It comprises the College’s degree requirements, major and minor programs, individual courses, and approved off-campus study and combined degree programs – all of which must be published annually in the 91ÁÔÆæ Catalog. The Reed Curriculum may be amended only in accordance with the governance processes outlined in the Curriculum Governance document (see IV.B.)

IV.B. Curriculum Governance

Reed’s Curriculum Governance document constitutes Appendix A to the Faculty Code and outlines the governing authorities, procedures, and timelines required to amend the Reed Curriculum. The Curriculum Governance document can only be amended with full faculty approval upon the recommendation of CAPP and/or an Ad Hoc Committee convened for the purposes of assessing the curriculum. The Registrar is responsible for maintaining and publishing the Curriculum Governance document and administers and enforces its procedures and processes.

IV.C. Degree Requirements

Faculty advisers are responsible for ensuring students are making progress toward completing all requirements.

All requirements for the degree must be published annually in the 91ÁÔÆæ Catalog. To earn a degree from Reed, the following must be completed:

IV.C.1.

30 units, with a minimum of 15 completed at Reed

IV.C.2.

4 semesters completed at Reed

IV.C.3.

Humanities 110

IV.C.4.

Group Distribution Requirements

IV.C.5.

Physical Education / Community Engagement / Experiential Learning requirement

IV.C.6.

A major program, including:

IV.C.6.a. Division Requirements (when applicable)

IV.C.6.b. Junior Qualifying Examination

IV.C.6.c. Senior Thesis and Oral Examination

IV.D. Majors

IV.D.1. Types of Majors

The Reed Curriculum includes the following types of major programs:

IV.D.1.a. Disciplinary Majors

The curriculum and course requirements of a disciplinary major are centered within a single academic department or discipline. Disciplinary majors are administered by the relevant academic department, with oversight from the department’s academic division.

IV.D.1.b. Established Interdisciplinary Majors

The curriculum and course requirements of an established interdisciplinary major draw from multiple academic departments or disciplines. Established interdisciplinary majors are administered by a standing interdisciplinary committee composed of faculty with relevant expertise in the major’s subject area.

IV.D.1.c. Ad Hoc Interdisciplinary Majors

The curriculum and course requirements of an ad hoc interdisciplinary major are individualized and combine substantial coursework from no more than two existing disciplinary and/or established interdisciplinary majors. Ad hoc interdisciplinary majors are administered by the departments and/or established interdisciplinary committees of both major fields.

IV.D.1.d. Double Majors

A double major consists of the curricula and course requirements of no more than two existing disciplinary and/or established interdisciplinary majors. Both majors must be completed in their entirety, including distinct theses in both majors. Double majors are administered by the departments and/or established interdisciplinary committees of both majors.

IV.D.2. Major Declaration

A major must be declared once a student earns 16 units, or is expected to earn 16 units by the end of the semester. Transfer students with enough transfer credit to be classified as junior or senior class standing (see III.A.) must submit their declaration by the end of their first semester of enrollment at Reed. The Registrar administers the declaration process and publishes applicable instructions and deadlines. The Registrar and CAPP establish the required content of the declaration. All declarations of a major must be accepted if prior course work has been of passing quality (D or better).

IV.D.2.a. Required Approvals

IV.D.2.a.i. Disciplinary and established interdisciplinary majors
Declarations must be approved by a faculty member in the declared field who will serve as the student’s academic adviser.

IV.D.2.a.ii. Ad hoc interdisciplinary majors
Declarations must be approved by faculty members in each declared field, both of whom will serve as the student’s academic advisers. Approval by the chairs of each disciplinary and/or established interdisciplinary major are also required.

IV.D.2.a.iii. Double majors
Declarations must be approved by faculty members in each field, both of whom will serve as the student’s academic advisers. Approval by the chairs of each disciplinary and/or established interdisciplinary major and the Administration Committee are also required.

IV.D.3. Major Requirements

IV.D.3.a. Junior Qualifying Examination

The Junior Qualifying Examination (“Qual”) is administered by the department or interdisciplinary committee during the student’s junior year to assess academic preparation and eligibility to enroll in the senior thesis and continue in the major. Expectations for student's preparation should not be such that the Qual draws a substantial amount of time away from students' regular coursework. Exceptions to the timing of the Qual require approval by CAPP. The Registrar administers the procedures and processes for recording Qual outcomes. The major department or interdisciplinary committee is responsible for promptly notifying the Registrar of all Qual outcomes, including the satisfaction of conditional passes. Qual outcomes are recorded as follows:

IV.3.a.i. Pass
The student may enroll in the thesis and proceed to their senior year in the major.

IV.3.a.ii. Conditional Pass
The major department or interdisciplinary committee specifies conditions that must be satisfied before the student may enroll in the thesis and proceed to the senior year.

IV.3.a.iii. Fail
A student who fails the Qual may re-take the examination. A student who fails the Qual a second time may not continue in the major and must declare a different major.

IV.D.3.b. Thesis

The senior thesis is a faculty-supervised independent project that addresses a specific aspect of the major and forms an integral part of the student’s major program. Thesis projects require approval by the major division or interdisciplinary committee. For students enrolled in a combined degree program, thesis requirements vary according to the agreement between Reed and the partner institution (see IV.G.)

IV.D.3.b.i. Thesis Year Requirements
Students must complete two units of thesis in-residence at Reed over two consecutive semesters, one unit per semester. During the thesis year, students must carry a minimum of six total units, with at least two units in each semester, one of which may not be thesis.

Students approved for a one-unit, one-semester thesis must earn a minimum of three units in their thesis semester, at least two of which may not be thesis.

All exceptions to thesis year requirements require approval from the major division or interdisciplinary committee and the Administration Committee.

IV.D.3.b.ii. Thesis Deadlines
Deadlines and criteria for an acceptable draft are determined by the academic major division or interdisciplinary committee.

The completed thesis, approved by the thesis adviser(s), must be submitted to the Registrar no later than the deadline published in the Academic Calendar.

Students are responsible for promptly distributing the completed thesis to the members of their comprehensive oral examination board. Following the oral examination, and no later than the deadline published in the Academic Calendar, students must submit the thesis in its final form to the library.

IV.D.3.b.iii. Thesis Deadline Extensions
With approval from the thesis adviser(s), and by no later than the thesis submission deadline published in the Academic Calendar, a student may request one of the following extensions from the Registrar:

IV.D.3.b.iv. Failed Thesis
A student who receives a grade of “F” in thesis may re-take it by completing a new thesis on a different topic. A student who fails thesis a second time may not continue in the major and must declare a different major.

IV.D.3.c. Comprehensive Oral Examination

The comprehensive oral examination is a required, faculty-administered assessment of the thesis and its relationship to the broader context of the student’s studies. It is held after thesis submission during Reading Days, as indicated in the Academic Calendar - or as soon as possible following submission of the thesis for students granted extensions (IV.D.3.b.iii.).

The major division or interdisciplinary committee (or, if delegated, the major department) schedules and administers the examination and may require additional written materials. Any Reed faculty member may attend the examination. Non-Reed faculty may attend only with the permission of both the examining board and the student.

IV.D.3.c.i. Examining Board
The examining board must include at least two faculty members but normally consists of four: the thesis adviser, a second faculty member in the major field, and at least one faculty member from outside the major division. A non-Reed faculty member may serve on the board with the approval of the thesis adviser.

IV.E. Minors

IV.E.1. Types of Minors

The Reed Curriculum includes the following types of minor programs:

IV.E.1.a. Disciplinary Minors

The curriculum and course requirements of a disciplinary minor are centered within a single academic department or discipline. Disciplinary minors are administered by the relevant academic department, with oversight from the department’s academic division.

IV.E.1.b. Established Interdisciplinary Minors

The curriculum and course requirements of an established interdisciplinary minor draw from multiple academic departments or disciplines. Established interdisciplinary minors are administered by a standing interdisciplinary committee composed of faculty with relevant expertise in the minor’s subject area.

IV.E.1.c. Ad Hoc Minors

Ad Hoc Minors are not permitted.

IV.E.2. Minor Declaration

A minor may not be declared in the same department or interdisciplinary committee as the major, nor when three or more units are used simultaneously to fulfill the requirements of both the major concentration and the minor. The declaration must be approved by the student’s academic adviser(s) and a faculty member in the declared field. Minors must be declared by the start of the student’s 8th semester. The Registrar administers the declaration process and publishes applicable instructions and deadlines. The Registrar and CAPP establish the required content of the declaration. When a faculty member declines to approve a minor declaration, the decision must be reviewed and approved by the Administration Committee.

IV.F. Off-Campus Study Programs

The College approves off-campus study programs that allow a student to earn credit toward the Reed degree while studying away from the home campus. Programs are established and approved in accordance with Reed’s Curriculum Governance document. Students who wish to participate in a program not previously approved may petition the Off-Campus Study Committee. Prior approval from the International Programs Office is required to receive credit for summer off-campus study. All off-campus study procedures and processes are administered by the Associate Dean of Global Education.

IV.G. Combined Degree Programs

A combined degree program allows qualified students to complete the requirements for a Reed degree and a second degree at another institution through an accelerated and integrated course of study. Agreements establishing combined degree programs are approved in accordance with Reed’s Curriculum Governance document and signed by the Dean of the Faculty. Each agreement specifies eligibility and admission criteria, program timelines, requirements for completing both degrees, and degree-awarding procedures.

IV.H. Transfer Credit

The Registrar administers and enforces all transfer credit procedures and processes.

IV.H.1. General Standards for Transfer

The College’s general standards apply to all courses considered for transfer to Reed. The following are NOT eligible for transfer to Reed:

• IV.H.1.a. Courses that are inconsistent with the Reed curriculum.
• IV.H.1.b. Courses that are vocational, technical, or experiential in nature.
• IV.H.1.c. Courses graded “C-” or below.
• IV.H.1.d. Courses that duplicate work completed (or that might be completed) at Reed.
• IV.H.1.e. Courses that are equivalent to courses offered at Reed during the same academic year.
• IV.H.1.f. Courses taken at an institution that is not appropriately accredited or via an educational program with whom Reed has no agreement.
• IV.H.1.g. Courses taken while participating independently in a study abroad or off-campus study program while separated from the College (see III.C.)

IV.H.2. Application of Transfer Credit Toward Requirements

With the necessary approvals, transfer credit may be used to satisfy 91ÁÔÆæ requirements - excepting exam credit (see IV.H.3.b.) Approval from the appropriate academic department or interdisciplinary committee is required to apply transfer courses toward major and minor requirements and/or to serve as equivalent to a specific course at Reed. Approval from the Registrar’s Office (often in consultation with the appropriate academic department, interdisciplinary committee, or division) is required to apply transfer courses toward group distribution and/or division requirements.

IV.H.3. Pre-matriculation Credit

Pre-matriculation credit is academic credit earned before enrolling as a degree-seeking student at an institution of higher education. Students may receive a maximum of 8 total units of pre-matriculation credit from college courses, exam credit, or a combination of both. There are two categories of pre-matriculation credit:

IV.H.3.a. College Courses

Eligible courses are those completed while in high school or after high school graduation but before matriculating as a degree-seeking student at an institution of higher education. Courses must appear on an official transcript from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution and meet Reed’s general transfer standards (see IV.H.1.) With appropriate approval, these courses may apply toward group, division, major, or minor requirements (see IV.H.2.)

IV.H.3.b. Exam Credit

Exam credit includes Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and other approved examinations. Academic departments and interdisciplinary committees determine which exams and minimum scores are eligible for transfer. Only AP scores of 4 or higher and IB Higher Level scores of 5 or higher may be approved. No more than 2 units may be awarded per exam. The Registrar maintains and publishes the current list of approved exams and scores. Exam credit may not be applied toward group, division, major, or minor requirements.

IV.H.4. Credit & Grade Conversion

All transfer credits and grades are converted into Reed units and letter grades, using established equivalency formulas and institutional transfer procedures established by the Registrar in collaboration with CAPP. One Reed unit is equivalent to four semester credits or six quarter credits.

Chapter V: Grading & Credit

V.A. Faculty Authority & Student Responsibility in Grading

V.A.1. Course Management

The instructor of record determines the syllabus for a course in accordance with College guidelines and establishes standards for attendance and deadlines for the submission of coursework; however, no coursework may be accepted past the last day of the semester, as indicated in the Academic Calendar.

V.A.2. Faculty Authority in Grading

Grading is the province of the faculty. The instructor of record is the authority in all grading decisions for a course. Each instructor sets the grading standards for their course and evaluates student work accordingly. Individual instructors determine how absences and late work in their course affect student’s grades.

V.A.3. Student Responsibility in Grading

Present or absent, a student is responsible for all work in all courses in which they are registered. (See III.C.6.a.iii.)

V.A.4. Grade Changes

Once recorded, a final grade may be changed in only the following circumstances:

V.A.4.a. Administrative Error & Reconsideration

A final grade may be changed to correct an administrative error or upon reconsideration by request of the instructor of record and approval by the Administration Committee.

V.A.4.b. Student Request

A student may request review of a final grade if they believe it was assigned using standards inconsistent with those stated in the syllabus or without regard to the course’s pedagogical goals.

V.A.4.b.i. Matters Governed by Other Policies
Grade concerns that involve the following must be addressed through the specified procedures rather than this process:

V.A.4.b.ii. Review Process and Deadlines

V.B. Grading System

Grading reflects the achievement of a course’s pedagogical goals. 

V.B.1. Authorized Grades

Plus (+) and minus (-) grades indicate intermediate performance between grade levels.

V.B.1.a. Satisfactory (S)

“Satisfactory” (S) is a substitute grade indicating work at the level of “C” or higher. An “S” may be assigned only during the 8-week grading period (see V.D.2), as the midyear grade in a year-long course (see V.C.), or as a temporary grade to meet the senior grading deadline specified in the Academic Calendar. The “S” grade may not be used as a final course grade.

V.B.1.b. Credit/No Credit Grading (CR/NC)

The grade in a course designated CR/NC by the faculty or taken as CR/NC by student election, will be recorded as “CR” (Credit) if the work is “C” quality or higher, or as “NC” (No Credit) if the work is C- quality or below. (See III.B.9.a. for CR/NC enrollment policies.)

V.B.1.c. Course Withdrawal (W)

“Withdrawal” (W) is a grade indicating that a student officially withdrew from a course after the drop period and before the withdrawal deadline specified in the Academic Calendar.

V.B.1.d. Incomplete (IN)

“Incomplete” (IN) is a temporary grade indicating that course requirements were not completed by the last day of the semester, as indicated in the Academic Calendar. The instructor of record determines whether a student is eligible for an “IN”. A grade of “IN’ may not be assigned to thesis. When assigning an “IN”, the instructor must also submit the final letter grade the student will receive if the outstanding work is not completed. The student must complete all remaining work by the deadline in the Academic Calendar or an earlier date set by the instructor. Exceptions to incomplete deadlines must be approved by the Administration Committee. The instructor must submit the final letter grade by the deadline in the Academic Calendar. If no final grade is received by that date, the default grade submitted with the “IN” becomes the student’s final grade.

V.B.1.e. Thesis Extension (U)

“Thesis Extension” (U) is a temporary grade indicating that thesis requirements were not complete by the deadline to submit the thesis, as indicated in the Academic Calendar. (See IV.D.3.b.iii.) A grade of “U” may only be assigned to thesis. The thesis adviser of record determines whether a student is eligible for a “U”. When assigning a “U”, the instructor must also submit the final letter grade the student will receive if the outstanding work is not completed. The student must complete all remaining work by the deadline in the Academic Calendar or an earlier date set by the thesis adviser. The thesis adviser must submit the final letter grade following the oral examination. If the Registrar does not receive a final grade, the default grade submitted with the “U” becomes the student’s final grade.

V.B.1.f. Unofficial Course Withdrawal (UW)

“Unofficial Course Withdrawal” (UW) is a grade assigned when an instructor cannot assess a student’s performance due to nonattendance and the student’s apparent failure to officially drop or withdraw from the course. A “UW” may be assigned during the 8-week grading period or as the midyear or final grade, but only if a “UW” was recorded at the 8-week grading period.

V.B.1.g. Dismissed from the Course (DS)

“Dismissed from the Course” (DS) is a non-evaluative grade assigned when an instructor removes a student from a course for serious misconduct, including academic misconduct. The instructor of record determines whether a student should receive a “DS”; however, assignment of a “DS” requires approval from the student’s academic adviser and the Administration Committee.

V.B.1.h. Audit (AU)

“Audit” (AU) is a non-evaluative grade assigned when the instructor of record determines that an audit has been successfully completed. A grade of “AU” is recorded on the transcript for each audit satisfactorily completed. Unsatisfactorily completed audits are not recorded on a student’s transcript. Audited courses carry no academic credit, do not calculate into the term or cumulative grade point average, and do not count toward major or minor requirements, nor the degree.

V.B.2. Grade Point Average (GPA)

Grade point averages are calculated using the grade points in the table in V.B.1. Grades that do not carry grade points are excluded from GPA calculations.

V.B.2.a. Repeating a Course

A grade earned in a Reed course may be replaced only by repeating the same course at Reed. When a course is repeated, only the higher grade is included in the grade point average.

V.C. Year-Long Courses

Credit for a year-long course is given only upon completion of the work of both semesters. The final grade is cumulative and applies to both semesters of the year-long course. After the first semester of a year-long course, the instructor of record must submit a midyear grade by the deadline specified in the Academic Calendar. Only authorized letter grades may be assigned as midyear grades (see V.B.1.) Grades of Incomplete (IN) and Thesis Extension (U) may not be assigned as midyear grades. Students who withdraw from a year-long course in the spring semester will have the grade of “W” applied to both semesters (see V.B.1.c.) The Registrar is responsible for administering and enforcing year-long course grading procedures. The Administration Committee is responsible for approving exceptions to year-long course grades.

V.D. Grading Periods

Reed has three grading periods each semester. The instructor of record must submit four-week assessments, eight-week grades, and final grades for all students by the deadlines specified in the Academic Calendar. The Registrar administers and enforces grading procedures and deadlines.

V.D.1. Four-Week Assessments

Only authorized assessment ratings may be assigned. The instructor must also submit a comment form for any student who is:

• not meeting course expectations,
• on Academic Probation, or
• carrying an overload.

V.D.2. Eight-Week Grades

Only authorized letter grades may be assigned. Grades of Incomplete (IN) and Thesis Extension (U) may not be assigned during the 8-week grading period. The instructor must also submit a comment form for any student who:

• receives an unsatisfactory grade (NC, C-, D, F, UW, or DS),
• is on Academic Probation, or
• is carrying an overload.

V.D.3. Final Grades

Only authorized letter grades may be assigned. The instructor must also submit a comment form for any student who:

• receives an unsatisfactory grade (NC, C-, D, F, UW, or DS)
• receives a grade indicating outstanding coursework (IN or U), or is on Academic Probation.

V.E. Academic Review

Academic Review is the formal evaluation of each student’s academic performance, conducted at the close of the fall and spring semesters. The review considers the student’s grades from the most recent semester in the context of their cumulative academic record at Reed and other relevant information (such as Progress Plans and instructor and adviser comments) to determine their academic status, eligibility to continue enrollment, and any need for academic oversight or support.

The Academic Review is administered by the Registrar and conducted on the date specified in the Academic Calendar. The governing body responsible for conducting the Academic Review is determined by the student’s class standing and major. The Administration Committee conducts the Academic Review for every first year and sophomore student and those junior and senior students with Ad Hoc Interdisciplinary or double majors in two divisions. For students with junior and senior standing, the major division or interdisciplinary committee conducts the Academic Review. When a grade changes after the Academic Review, including updates to grades of Incomplete (IN), evaluations are conducted by the appropriate governing body on an ad hoc basis.

The Grade Review Committee must approve the assignment of an academic status of Denial of Registration or Academic Dismissal from the College. The Grade Review Committee is chaired by the Administration Committee chair, and consists of the chair of each division, the Registrar, and the VP of Student Life.

V.E.1. Academic Status

The following academic statuses may be assigned through the Academic Review. The governing body may modify or escalate a student’s academic status as warranted.

V.E.1.a. Progress Plans

The Progress Plan establishes academic expectations and strategies for the student’s next semester of enrollment and is developed by the student in consultation with their adviser and a designated Student Life staff member. Failure to submit a required Progress Plan while on Academic Probation will be considered at the next Academic Review.

V.E.1.b. Academic Denial of Registration

Denial of Registration temporarily suspends a student’s eligibility to enroll. The Grade Review Committee, upon recommendation of the appropriate governing body, may approve a denial of one or two semesters and any conditions for return (for example, successful coursework at another institution). The student must formally request to return to the College.

V.E.1.c. Academic Dismissal from the College

Academic Dismissal permanently terminates a student’s eligibility to enroll. It is imposed when the appropriate governing body determines that the student lacks the academic ability to perform satisfactorily at the College or has demonstrated a sustained inability to do so.

V.E.2. Appeals of Denial and Academic Dismissal

A student may appeal a Denial of Registration or Academic Dismissal by submitting a written appeal to the Administration Committee within 10 days of notification.

V.E.3. Academic Commendations

Academic Commendations recognize excellence in scholarship and are awarded as part of the Academic Review based on the combined fall and spring academic performance To qualify, a student must:

• Earn at least 6 total units
• Receive no grades below C-
• Achieve a combined fall and spring GPA of 3.5 or higher

Fall graduates who were not enrolled in the preceding fall are evaluated on their final two semesters of enrollment. An academic division, interdisciplinary committee, or the Administration Committee may grant a commendation to a student who does not meet these criteria.

V.F. Recording and Reporting of Grades

V.F.1. Reporting of Grades to Students

Reed encourages students to measure their academic progress, not by grades but by self-assessment and through consultation with their instructors and faculty advisers. When a student earns a grade of “C” or higher, only the Satisfactory (S) grade is immediately visible to the student. Unsatisfactory grades (NC, C-, D, F, UW, and DS) and grades of Course Withdrawal (W), Incomplete (IN), and Thesis Extension (U) are visible to the student.

V.F.2. Academic Transcript

The academic transcript is the College’s official record of a student’s academic history, including a list of grades awarded, credit earned, and degrees awarded. CAPP and the Registrar determine the transcript’s detailed content. The Registrar maintains the official transcript and issues certified copies upon authorized request. An unofficial version of the transcript will be made available to students.

Chapter VI: Academic Scheduling

VI.A. Academic Calendar

The Academic Calendar specifies all core academic dates and deadlines. Under Article IX of the Faculty Constitution, CAPP determines the content and sets the dates of the Academic Calendar.

VI.B. Academic Year Scheduling

The Schedule of Classes must list all courses offered in the fall and spring semesters of the upcoming academic year. The Registrar, in collaboration with academic department and interdisciplinary committee chairs, is responsible for producing and publishing the Schedule of Classes.

VI.C. Class Timetable

Reed’s Class Timetable constitutes Appendix B to the Faculty Code and defines the permitted meeting patterns for classes, including approved days and start and end times. The Class Timetable may be amended only with full faculty approval, upon the recommendation of CAPP, the Administration Committee, and/or an Ad Hoc Committee convened to assess the timetable. The Registrar is responsible for maintaining and publishing the Class Timetable and administering and enforcing its procedures. Exceptions to the Class Timetable must be approved by the Administration Committee.

VI.D. Class Size

The standard class enrollment maximum is 24 students. Exceptions to this policy must be approved by CAPP.

VI.E. Reserved Seats

Seats may be reserved in classes for specific student populations. Academic departments and committees may request that the Registrar reserve seats in classes for new students or majors. All reserved seat requests must be approved by CAPP.

VI.F. Final Exams

V1.F.1. Final Exam Timetable and Schedule

The Final Exam Timetable, published in Reed’s Class Timetable, establishes the permitted meeting patterns for final exams, including approved days and start and end times (see VI.B). Final exam coursework may be administered and due only during the final exam period specified in the Academic Calendar. The Registrar creates and publishes the Final Exam Schedule and administers and enforces its procedures. Exceptions to the Final Exam Schedule require approval from the Registrar; exceptions to the Final Exam Timetable require approval from the Administration Committee.

VI.F.2. Types of Final Exams

Courses are not required to include a final exam. The instructor of record determines the format and content of any final exam. The instructor of record determines whether an individual student may take a final exam, or an alternate version, at a different time or in a different venue. Final exams may be offered in one of the following formats:

VI.F.2.a. On-Campus Synchronous Final Exams

Students complete the exam simultaneously on campus in a classroom assigned by the Registrar during the scheduled timeslot. Exams may not exceed four hours.

VI.F.2.b. Remote Synchronous Final Exams

Students complete the exam simultaneously in a remote setting during the scheduled timeslot. Exams may not exceed four hours.

VI.F.2.c. Asynchronous Final Exams

Students complete the exam remotely during the final exam period and with a due date no later than the last day of the semester, as specified in the Academic Calendar.

Chapter VII: Other Academic Policy

VII.A. Office Hours

All faculty members on a teaching appointment should hold office hours for at least two hours per week. These office hours should be posted in a manner that allows them to be known to all students.

VII.B. Syllabus & Assigned Work

VII.B.1

A syllabus should be provided for each course at the beginning of the semester, and that syllabus should include a statement of the goals of the course.

VII.B.2. Reading Period Work

No work shall be specifically assigned to be done during the official reading periods.

VII.C. Limitation of Class Size

VII.C.1

Any proposal for limiting enrollment to fewer than the standard class enrollment maximum (see VI.D. Class Size) will require an extraordinary justification. Among the considerations that may be cited in justifying the limitation of enrollment in a particular course are these: the assignment of a significant amount of writing or limitations of facilities.

VII.C.2. Courses in Major Sequence

Because of the need to provide appropriate courses for first year students and transfers, the CAPP will be very reluctant to approve a cap below the standard class enrollment maximum for courses that are the beginning of approved major sequences.

VII.C.3. Special Considerations

Special consideration should be given to students who have been excluded from more than one course, or who have been excluded from the course in question in previous years, or for whom the course in question will clearly contribute to the coherence of an academic program.

Chapter VIII: Student Life Policy

VIII.A. Social Affairs

Social events should not conflict with the academic functions of the College and are subject to the rules and regulations of the community.

VIII.B. Public Appearances

No entertainment, contests, or other public appearances of students representing any college group shall be arranged except under the procedures outlined in these documents. Approval of such plans does not imply permission for any student involved to neglect their regular appointments or to fail to meet promptly and adequately the requirements of their courses.

VIII.C. Admission Charges

Student organizations that have been chartered by the Senate shall be allowed to maintain themselves by the payment of admission fees when necessary. Such fees shall not be for the personal profit of any student or group of students, and financial accounts of such organizations shall be kept according to the rules and regulations of the community. Events held for the benefit of non-Reed people, organizations, etc., must also benefit the community in some manner.

VIII.D. Living Places

Students must be enrolled for the current semester to live in Reed housing during that semester. Students must be enrolled for the subsequent semester to live in Reed housing during the winter or summer break.

VIII.E. Student Officers

Participation by students in community government is limited to those students carrying a normal course load. This shall mean a minimum of three academic units during a semester, except that a student who drops a course taking no fewer than 2-1/2 units need not resign from any position, and a student who has not previously been a full-time student may seek an office whose term begins in a succeeding semester when the student plans on taking a normal load at that time. The Administration Committee, or the divisions or committees where appropriate, may grant exceptions at their discretion.

VIII.F. Authority and Procedures for Student Conduct

Authority and procedures concerning student conduct have been delegated to the Student Senate and the Community Affairs Committee of the Faculty, in accordance with procedures set forth in the Community Constitution and the Bylaws of the Faculty. Enforcement of College policies and the Honor Principle and community rules shall normally follow the process established by means of the Community Constitution and Article VI, Section 3 of the Bylaws of the Faculty unless presidential action is invoked.

At any time when in the President's opinion, an emergency exists, the President shall consult with the Chair of the Community Affairs Committee and the President of the Student Body, if available, and then take what measures the President deems necessary. Any penalties imposed by this procedure shall be reviewed by the Appeals Committee constituted in the Statement of the Honor Principle and Community Conduct, with the conclusions of said committee taking the form of a recommendation to the President. Whenever this procedure has been followed, the Student Senate or the Community Affairs Committee of the Faculty may initiate discussion with the President regarding the reason for taking action and the policy implications of that action.

VIII.G. Academic Conduct Policy

91ÁÔÆæ is a community of scholars. Every student and member of the Faculty must understand and abide by this Academic Conduct Policy.

The fundamental ethical principle governing scholarship requires that an individual neither claim nor submit as their own any work that was not created by them. Proper academic conduct requires that all work submitted for academic purposes – including, but not limited to, examinations, laboratory reports, essays, term papers, homework exercises, translations, and creative work—be entirely the work of the person or persons who submit it, and that, in the case of work based upon experiment and observation, the experimental results and observations be reported accurately.

Cooperative inquiry and investigation are respected forms of scholarship. However, even when such cooperation is encouraged or required, students must understand and follow the guidelines set forth for these assignments by their instructors, including open-book exams. Students must not give or receive unauthorized aid on exams or assignments, copy another’s work, or misrepresent another’s words or ideas as their own.

Academic misconduct includes both intentional acts of misrepresenting another’s work as one’s own as well as negligent acts that result in misrepresentation or that fail to conform to the norms of appropriate attribution and credit. Additionally, if a paper is to be submitted for credit in more than one course, students must obtain the permission of each instructor concerned in advance.

Academic misconduct is a violation of Reed’s Honor Principle in its most fundamental form and is contrary to the idea of scholarship. The Honor Council and the Faculty shall educate all members of the community about the Honor Principle and the importance of proper academic conduct.

Procedures for investigating and adjudicating incidents of academic misconduct [have been approved by the faculty and student senate] are detailed in the Academic Misconduct section of the 91ÁÔÆæ Catalog. The Judicial Board, the Dean of Students, and the Administration Committee are together responsible for handling cases of academic misconduct. The Faculty member shall determine the grade for the assignment and/or course.

This Academic Misconduct Policy is for students at 91ÁÔÆæ. The procedures for dealing with academic misconduct by faculty members are in the Rules of Procedure of the Constitution of the Faculty of 91ÁÔÆæ.

Chapter IX: Library Regulations

IX.A. Mission.

The Library’s primary mission is to provide collections, resources, and services that support the educational goals of the College. In addition to essential collections and services, the Library provides facilities for study and research and knowledgeable staff who support students in developing the research competencies needed to achieve academic success at Reed.

IX.B. Library Privileges - Circulation

Circulating books may be borrowed by members of the Reed community, that is: students (full time and non-degree-seeking), faculty, immediate family members of faculty, registered faculty partners, emeritus faculty, staff, trustees, and active members of the alumni association. Non-registered students who are completing their Reed theses must make individual arrangements with the Library for borrowing privileges. Official auditors may borrow materials on reserve for the course they are auditing. Privileges for other qualified persons (e.g., students and faculty from institutions with which Reed has consortial or other reciprocal borrowing agreements, visiting scholars, properly identified students on official leave of absence from other institutions, etc.) may be granted by the Library. In such cases, a library usage charge may be levied if deemed appropriate.

IX.C. Special Privileges

Seniors (students who are registered for 470) who are not assigned thesis space elsewhere on campus are eligible for a thesis desk in the Library. Seniors may borrow circulating material for the academic year. All such material must be returned before graduation by the date specified by the Library.

IX.D. Library Fines and Sanctions

All borrowers, including faculty, may be assessed fines for materials returned late. Lost or damaged materials are the responsibility of the individual who borrowed them and that individual is required to pay for their replacement. Abuse of privileges may result in suspension or permanent denial of privileges.

IX.E. Miscellaneous Regulations

Details of Library privileges, fines, hours, reserve materials and other Library regulations are provided on the Library web site policy page. These regulations are subject to review and revision by the Library Board.

Chapter X: Honorary Degrees

An honorary degree should confer honor and distinction upon the recipient, who thereby becomes an honorary alumnus of the College, and upon the College itself. The college should confer such degrees on only a limited number of individuals upon any one occasion and the standard of selection should remain very high. While it is understood that no degrees may be awarded on many occasions, as a rule the awarding of one or two honorary degrees at annual commencement exercise may be regarded as acceptable, the awarding of three degrees at such a time unusual but possible, and the awarding of more than three degrees at one time as reserved for such rare events as the 50th and similar anniversaries or comparable events. In general, an individual who still is in an official 91ÁÔÆæ position will not receive an honorary degree.

Honorary degrees are awarded only after approval by the Faculty and the Board of Trustees. Acceptable criteria for such awards will normally be limited to one or more of the following:

1. Professional attainment. (This will usually be in a field of study related to the academic work of the College, although it should not be reserved for those in academic posts. Intellectual distinction may be regarded as the key.)
2. Artistic or other creative attainment.
3. Selfless and distinguished service to the College. (This may be performed by individuals in a variety of positions. One should avoid setting up any expectation that in any category there will be "automatic" conferring of degrees.)
4. Service to the local and regional communities.

An individual may qualify by meeting just one criterion or by meeting several.

Chapter XI: Graduate Studies

XI.A. Master of Arts in Liberal Studies

The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) program offers an alternative to the highly specialized course of study that is characteristic of most graduate programs. The program is intended for those persons desiring to pursue a liberal education beyond the baccalaureate degree that is both rigorous and flexible. MALS is not a terminal degree, nor is it designed as preparation for further specialized graduate study or professional training. Admission to the program is limited to those individuals who can establish that they are prepared for and capable of academic work of high quality.

XI.B. Admission to the Program

Admission to the program is a two-stage process that is the responsibility of the Committee on Graduate Studies. Applications will be considered for entrance in fall, spring or summer terms.

XI.B.1. Preliminary Application

Permission to enroll as a degree-seeking graduate student will be based on:

• XI.B.1.a. Evidence of completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, including official transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate work from the originating institution.
• XI.B.1.b. Evaluation of the candidate's academic record.
• XI.B.1.c. Personal essays.
• XI.B.1.d. An interview report from a member of the Committee on Graduate Studies and the program director.
• XI.B.1.e. A non-refundable application fee.
• XI.B.1.f. Two letters of recommendation.

XI.B.2. Candidacy Application

Students must apply for formal candidacy after successfully completing two successive or concurrent Reed courses as a degree student. At least one of the courses must be a liberal studies core course. Within one term of completing the second provisional course, the student must submit to the Committee on Graduate Studies a self-evaluation, a class paper, and a general outline of course progression. The course progression should be consistent with the liberal education goals of the program and lead to the completion of all degree requirements. The committee will review the student’s progress for admission to candidacy, taking into account the student’s application and class paper, and written evaluations from at least two 91ÁÔÆæ faculty members.

XI.B.3. Undergraduate Enrollment

Graduate courses are open only to those individuals who have been accepted into the graduate studies program. Reed undergraduate juniors and seniors may submit an application to the MALS office to take a particular MALS course in the fall or spring term that does not have a comparable undergraduate offering within the same academic year. Approval of an undergraduate student's enrollment will be based on the application and instructor permission. Enrollment priority is given to MALS students, and undergraduate enrollment in any MALS class is limited to no more than two students.

XI.B.4. Provisional Students

Individuals with an undergraduate degree who wish to sample one time only a graduate course may initiate an application process requesting permission to enroll in a specific class. Admission to this status is at the discretion of the Committee on Graduate Studies. Credit for the seminar may be applied to the MALS degree requirements if the student applies to and enters the degree-seeking program within five (5) years of completing the course.

XI.C. Fees

Regulations regarding tuition refunds, fines, and indebtedness to the College conform to those stated for undergraduate students in the respective sections of this document.

XI.D. Registration, Degree Progression, and Withdrawal

XI.D.1. Registration

Regulations regarding registration and withdrawal conform to those stated for undergraduate students in the respective sections of this document.

XI.D.2. Leaves and Degree Progression

If a student fails to enroll for three (3) consecutive semesters (excluding summer), the student will be removed from the program unless they submit no later than the third semester in which they are not enrolled a proposal for completing the program, including enrollment in a course in at least one of the two following semesters. A student who does not meet these criteria and who wishes to continue at a later date must apply for readmission to the program.

If the student does not complete degree requirements within six years of acceptance as a degree candidate, the student must petition the Committee on Graduate Studies for renewal of candidacy, including an outline and time frame of how the student plans to complete the degree.

XI.D.3. Readmission

Readmission is required of students who do not meet the criteria outlined in XII.D.2 and students who have completely withdrawn from the program and the College but wish to return to the MALS program. The student must submit a readmission application and a petition statement to the Committee on Graduate Studies. The statement should address the circumstances of the departure, why the student wishes to return to the MALS program, state the total earned units at Reed, state a commitment to enroll in either of the next two terms and which courses the student intends to take, and lay out a degree progression plan toward completion of the program with a proposed timeline of completion. If applicable, the student must provide a separate statement that describes any graduate coursework that was completed elsewhere in the time away and state if they are seeking to transfer credit to Reed. Official transcripts will be required. MALS students who separate from the College and who are subsequently readmitted are held to the policies in the catalog of the year of their reentry.

XI.E. Degree Requirements

XI.E.1. Coursework

The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies degree will require the completion of a minimum of nine (9) units of course work with the stipulations given below. Petitions for exceptions to these requirements must be addressed to the Committee on Graduate Studies no later than the first day of classes of the term prior to the thesis.

XI.E.1.a.
Four (4) units of graduate-level courses are required, in addition to the thesis.

XI.E.1.b.
A student may apply no more than four (4) 300- and 400- level undergraduate courses at any unit value to the total nine (9) units required for graduation.

XI.E.1.c.
A one-unit (one semester) thesis is required. On an exceptional basis, students may petition to write a two-unit, two-semester thesis, leading to a 10-unit degree program. This opportunity is for the student who wishes to research and write a longer, more ambitious thesis.

XI.E.1.d.
Normally, the program will include no more than five (5) units, including the thesis, in any one of the following areas:

• academic divisions
• departments
• Liberal Studies Core courses

Students approved to write a two-unit, two-semester thesis may complete up to six units of course work in the above areas if two of those units include the thesis.

XI.E.1.e. Gateway course.
One or two terms prior to the thesis semester, students will designate one of their courses as a gateway process to the writing of the thesis. The course will provide students with the opportunity to write a substantial research paper.

XI.E.2. Thesis

XI.E.2.a. Preparing and Submitting the Thesis
Before beginning a thesis, each candidate must submit a proposal for a thesis to the Committee on Graduate Studies in accordance with the requirements articulated in the MALS Handbook and be approved for thesis study by the Committee. On completion of the thesis (due the last day of classes of the term), the Committee on Graduate Studies will schedule a two-hour oral examination. The orals board will consist of the thesis advisor, a member of the Committee on Graduate Studies, the program director, and one or two other faculty members, so that the board represents at least two academic divisions of the college. A copy of the thesis will be made available to each member of the examining committee at least one week prior to the oral examination. After final approval, the student must submit the thesis in its final form to the library, in accordance with the deadlines outlined for senior theses in the respective sections of this document.

XI.E.2.b. Theses Not Finished On Time
Theses that are submitted to the Registrar’s Office in final form within three calendar days after the final deadline stated in the academic calendar will be accepted for graduation that same year, provided the extension fee is paid.

In the case of summer theses, the 3-day extension, as determined by the program director and the registrar, with the extension fee, also is allowed. A thesis not submitted by the end of the 3-day extension period will be given a grade of Unfinished (U), Incomplete (IN), or F (as outlined for undergraduate theses in the respective sections of this document.). In the case of summer theses, a student who receives a grade of IN or U must submit the required copies to the Office of the Registrar by Friday of the sixth week of fall classes, unless the adviser has specified an earlier date. Extensions of the college deadline for making up an Incomplete or Unfinished grade may be granted by the Administration Committee only in cases where circumstances are beyond the control of the student.

XI.E.3. Transfer Credit

Transfer credit may be granted by the Committee on Graduate Studies for courses taken as a post-baccalaureate student and completed at other regionally accredited colleges or universities that are not vocational, technical, or experiential in nature. Transfer credit will not be allowed for work below the level of B, nor for courses that are not consistent with the Reed curriculum. No more than two (2) units of the requirements for the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies degree may be met through transferred credits. Courses taken as a post-baccalaureate student that are presented for transfer to the MALS program should have been taken within the past five years.

XI.F. Academic Regulations

XI.F.1. Grading Policy

The grading policy for graduate students is:

A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C, F, Inc.

The grade of Incomplete shall be subject to the provisions of Chapter V.B.1.d. of the Faculty Code. In the case of summer courses (excluding thesis), the deadline for completing required work is determined by the instructor and may not extend beyond Friday of the fourth week of fall classes.

A grade of "C" indicates work not satisfactory for a graduate degree candidate.

For the thesis, "B-" is the lowest passing grade.

XI.F.2. Academic Actions

The Committee on Graduate Studies will review the records of graduate students whose work is unsatisfactory and the committee may take such academic action as deemed appropriate.

XI.F.3. Academic Misconduct

Regulations regarding academic misconduct conform to those stated for undergraduate students in the respective sections of this document.

Appendix A. Curriculum Governance document

Courses - Approval Pathway

* Note: Division approval is NOT required for interdisciplinary courses and programs.

Propose a new course

Revise an existing course

Retire an existing course

* Note: A course that has not been offered for 3 academic years is automatically removed from the 91ÁÔÆæ Catalog. A course that has not been offered for 6 academic years is automatically retired/deactivated. See 'Revive an Existing Course' below.

Revive an existing course

Academic Scheduling - Approval Pathway

Section enrollments

Section offerings

Requirements - Approval Pathway

* Note: Division approval is not required for interdisciplinary majors/minors.

Majors/minors

Degree requirements

Division requirements

Off-campus Study (OCS) - Approval Pathway

Combined Degree Programs - Approval Pathway

Appendix B. Reed’s Class Timetable

effective Fall 2016

• 50 min (3 days-a-week) – MWF – 150 minutes/week
• 50 min (4 days-a-week) – MTWF or MWThF – 200 minutes/week
• 50 min (5 days-a-week) – MWThF – 250 minutes/week
• 80 min (2 days-a-week) – TTh or MW or WF or MF – 160 minutes/week
• 170 min (1 day-a-week) – M or T or W or Th or F – 170 minutes/week
• 30 total class blocks

Monday-Wednesday-Friday

Tuesday-Thursday

Final Exam Timetable (Monday - Thursday)

Morning exams

Afternoon exams

Evening exams