THE MISSION The mission of Lycoming College is to provide a distinguished baccalaureate education in the liberal arts and sciences within a coeducational, supportive, residential setting. GUIDING PRINCIPLES Lycoming College is committed to the principle that a liberal arts education provides an excellent foundation for an informed and productive life. Consequently, the Baccalaureate degree (Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science) is conferred upon the student who has completed an educational program incorporating the two principles of a liberal arts education known as distribution and concentration. The objective of the distribution principle is to ensure that the student achieves intellectual breadth through the study of the arts, humanities, mathematics, natural and social sciences, and modern or ancient languages and their literatures. The objective of the concentration principle is to provide depth of learning through completion of a program of study in a given discipline or subject area known as the major. The effect of both principles is to impart knowledge, inspire inquiry, and encourage creative thought. Lycoming College promotes individual growth and community development through a combination of academic and co-curricular programs in a supportive residential environment that seeks to foster self-awareness, model social responsibility, and provide opportunities to develop leadership skills. Students are encouraged to explore new concepts and perspectives, to cultivate an aesthetic sensibility, and to develop communication and critical thinking skills. The college is committed to promoting racial inclusiveness, gender equality, and an appreciation of cultural diversity. Through a holistic approach, Lycoming College encourages students to become ethical, informed, and engaged individuals. EXPECTED STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES Institutional Expected Student Learning Outcomes Upon graduation, a Lycoming College graduate will • have achieved depth of learning in at least one field of study • have demonstrated intellectual breadth through the study of the arts, humanities, mathematics, natural and social sciences, and modern or ancient languages • have enriched his/her education through the completion of one or more enhanced academic experiences • understand cultural diversity • be able to communicate effectively in both written and oral forms • be able to think critically • have demonstrated information literacy skills and technological competence appropriate for his/her discipline Expected Student Learning Outcomes for Individual Programs 1 The learning goals for each program are found on the website for the corresponding program. THE BACCALAUREATE DEGREE Lycoming College is committed to the principle that a liberal arts and sciences education is the ideal foundation for an informed and productive life. The liberal arts—including the fine arts, the humanities, mathematics, the natural and social sciences—have created the social, political, economic, and intellectual systems that help define contemporary existence. Therefore, it is essential that students grasp the modes of inquiry and knowledge associated with these disciplines. Consequently, the baccalaureate degree (Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science) is conferred upon the student who has completed an educational program incorporating the three facets of the liberal arts known as General Education, the major, and electives. Students will complete approximately one-third of their work in each of these areas. The objective of the General Education Program is to ensure that the student achieves breadth in learning through the study of the major dimensions of human inquiry: math and languages, arts and humanities, social and natural sciences. The objective of the major is to provide depth of learning through completion of a program of focused study in a given discipline or subject area. Elective study affords students the opportunity to develop secondary interests, work in areas complementary to their primary discipline, or explore new fields of study. The combined effect of General Education courses, concentrated study in the major, and electives is to impart knowledge, inspire inquiry, and encourage creative thought. The program enables students to think critically, judge rationally, communicate effectively, and develop an awareness of the diversity of cultures and an enthusiasm for learning that will last throughout their lives. CONTENTS Academic Calendar, 2016-2017 .............................................................................................4 Welcome to Lycoming ...........................................................................................................6 Admission to Lycoming .........................................................................................................8 Financial Matters ...................................................................................................................12 Academic Policies and Regulations .......................................................................................23 The Academic Program ........................................................................................................37 The Curriculum ......................................................................................................................66 The Board of Trustees ............................................................................................................279 Administrative Staff/Faculty ..................................................................................................283 The Alumni Association ........................................................................................................321 Communicating with Lycoming College ...............................................................................323 The general regulations and policies stated in this catalog are in effect for the 2016-17 academic 2 year. Freshmen entering the College during the 2016-2017 academic year are subject to the requirements that appear on the following pages. Continuing students are subject to the Catalog in effect at the time of their entry unless they elect to complete the current curriculum. Students who transfer to the College with advanced standing will be subject to the requirements imposed upon other students at the College who have attained the same academic level unless they elect to complete the current curriculum. Students already possessing a baccalaureate degree who are returning for a second degree will be reviewed on an individual basis by the Registrar and major department. Post-baccalaureate students will be subject to the current catalog, must complete all major requirements and related prerequisites, and may be required to complete the General Education requirements. This does not apply to non-degree students in certificate-only programs. Lycoming College reserves the right to amend or change the policies and procedures stated in this catalog without prior notice to those who may be affected by them. The provisions of this publication are not to be regarded as an irrevocable contract between the applicant and/or the student and Lycoming College. 3 ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2016 - 2017 Fall Semester Spring Semester Bills are due August 5 December 16 Residence halls open for freshmen August 26 at 9 a.m . January 15 at 10 a.m. Residence halls open for upperclassmen August 27 at 8 a.m. January 15 at 10 a.m. Classes begin first period August 29 January 16 Processing of drop/add begins August 29 January 16 Last day for drop/add September 2 January 20 Last day to elect audit and pass/fail grades September 2 January 20 Last day for submission of final grades for October 7 courses for which Incomplete grades were recorded in Spring, May, and Summer terms Last day for submission of final grades February 24 for courses for which Incomplete grades were recorded in Fall semester Early Assessment reports due at noon October 10 February 27 Enrollment deposit deadline February 28 Residence halls close at 6 p.m. for spring recess March 10 Residence halls open at 10 a.m. March 19 Classes resume first period after spring recess March 20 Last day to withdraw from courses October 31 March 27 Last day to withdraw from half 1st 7 weeks September 28 February 15 semester courses 2nd 7 weeks November 16 April 12 Residence halls close at 9:00 p.m. for November 22 Thanksgiving recess Residence halls open at 10 a.m. November 27 Classes resume first period after Thanksgiving November 28 4 Final examinations begin December 12 May 1 Semester ends at 5:00 p.m. December 16 May 5 Residence halls close at 6:00 p.m. December 16 May 5 Special Sessions May Term Summer Summer Session #1 Session #2 Residence halls open noon - 3:00 p.m. May 14 June 11 July 16 Classes begin May 15 June 12 July 17 Last day for drop/add May 16 June 14 July 19 Last day to elect audit and pass/fail grades May 16 June 14 July 19 Last day to withdraw from courses May 31 July 3 August 7 Term ends June 9 July 14 August 18 Residence halls close at 4:00 p.m. June 9 July 14 August 18 Special dates to remember: Freshman First Weekend ...................................................................August 26, 27, 28 New Student Convocation .................................................................August 26 Labor Day (classes in session) ...........................................................September 5 Family Weekend ................................................................................September