NOTICE The rules, regulations, policies, fees and other charges, courses of study, and academic requirements that appear in this catalog were in effect at the time of its publication. Like everything else in this catalog, they are published for informational purposes only, and they do not constitute a contract between the College and any student, applicant for admission or other person. Whether noted elsewhere in this catalog or not, the Col- lege reserves the right to change, eliminate, and add to any existing (and to introduce additional) rules, regula- tions, policies, fees and other charges, courses of study and academic requirements. Whenever it does so, the College will give as much advance notice as it considers feasible or appropriate, but it reserves the right in all cases to do so without notice. WORCESTER STATE COLLEGE 486 Chandler Street, Worcester, MA 01602-2597 508-929-8000 www.worcester.edu CATALOG UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES Academic Year 2004–2005 Graduate information is available in the Graduate School Catalogue which may be obtained in the Graduate Office. 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS GENERAL INFORMATION Prologue .......................................................................................................................... 5 Mission ............................................................................................................................ 5 Accreditation ...................................................................................................................6 Policy on Nondiscrimination ............................................................................................ 6 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ..................................................................... 7 The Campus.................................................................................................................... 8 Community Relations .................................................................................................... 10 Change of Catalog Information ..................................................................................... 10 UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES Degree Programs .......................................................................................................... 12 ADMISSION Freshmen Admission .................................................................................................... 13 MBHE Massachusetts High School Unit Requirements (College Prep) ....................... 13 GED Recipients............................................................................................................. 14 Transfer Applicants ....................................................................................................... 14 Non-Traditional Applicants ............................................................................................ 14 Special Admissions ....................................................................................................... 15 International Applicants ................................................................................................. 15 Exceptions..................................................................................................................... 15 Application Process ...................................................................................................... 16 Admission Following Withdrawal from the College or Leave of Absence ..................... 18 Special Non-Matriculated Students ............................................................................... 19 Admission to Non-Degree Programs ............................................................................ 19 Second Baccalaureate Degree ..................................................................................... 19 Evening Undergraduate Course Offerings .................................................................... 19 Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical and Pre-Dental Program .......................................... 20 Student Right-to-Know Act ............................................................................................ 20 ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Academic Honesty ........................................................................................................ 21 Matriculation .................................................................................................................. 21 General Requirements for the Baccalaureate Degree .................................................. 21 General Education Requirements ................................................................................. 22 Foundation Requirements (Competencies) Credits ...................................................... 23 Distribution Requirements ............................................................................................. 23 Freshman Experience Requirement ............................................................................. 24 The Writing Center ........................................................................................................ 24 Languages and Literature Technology Classroom ........................................................ 25 Math Lab Services ........................................................................................................ 25 Electives ........................................................................................................................ 25 Intent to Graduate ......................................................................................................... 25 Declaration of Major/Minor ............................................................................................ 25 Academic Advising ........................................................................................................ 26 2 Academic Success Center ............................................................................................ 26 Worcester State College Honors Program .................................................................... 27 Dean's List (posted for matriculated undergraduate students only) .............................. 27 Graduation Honors ........................................................................................................ 27 Academic Honors Convocation ..................................................................................... 27 Registration and Course Information ............................................................................ 28 Transcripts .................................................................................................................... 30 International Programs .................................................................................................. 31 Standards of Progress .................................................................................................. 31 Withdrawal from the College/Leave of Absence ........................................................... 33 Academic Reprieve Policy ............................................................................................ 34 Undergraduate Grade Appeal Procedure ..................................................................... 34 ENHANCED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) ....................................................................... 36 SERVICES FOR STUDENTS Multicultural Affairs ........................................................................................................ 42 Athletics and Recreation ............................................................................................... 42 Campus Ministry ........................................................................................................... 43 Campus Police Department .......................................................................................... 43 College Bookstore ......................................................................................................... 43 Counseling Services ..................................................................................................... 44 Health Services Office................................................................................................... 45 Lancer Dining Services ................................................................................................. 46 Residence Life and Housing Services .......................................................................... 47 Student Activities and Organizations ............................................................................ 47 Veterans Information ..................................................................................................... 47 Discipline Information .................................................................................................... 48 FINANCIAL INFORMATION Tuition and Fees ..................................................................................................... 50, 51 Undergraduate State-supported Programs ................................................................... 50 Tuition Surcharge .......................................................................................................... 52 Room and Board ........................................................................................................... 52 Evening Undergraduate, Graduate, and Summer Programs ........................................ 53 Student Health Insurance ............................................................................................