Academic Policies and Procedures
Admission
General Policies and Procedures Governing Graduate Study
Registration
Administrative Policies Relating to Federal Guidelines
The following general regulations concern all graduate students in the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences at Boston University School of Medicine. Each student is responsible for becoming familiar with the general regulations of the Division and the more specific requirements of the individual departments or programs, which may supplement the Division regulations.
Qualifications for Admission Any person
who has completed all requirements for a baccalaureate degree
from a recognized college or university, or with equivalent education,
may apply for admission to the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences.
The student may be required to make up any deficiencies in academic
background by completion of specified courses without credit.
Admissions Requirements All applicants
for admission to one of the basic science departments are required
to submit the results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
General Test. The Subject Test in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,
Biology, Chemistry, or another pertinent subject is also required
for PhD applicants. This requirement may be waived only under
special circumstances and only for an applicant with a superior
academic record. Other tests may be substituted for the GRE with
special permission. The candidate must have met the requirements
for a baccalaureate degree with a strong background in the biological
and physical sciences (a minimum of 28 credits or the equivalent).
A 4-credit course is defined as 4 lecture hours per week for one
semester. The candidate must also have completed the special prerequisites
of the department or program in which the student is matriculating.
Prerequisite courses not completed before registration may be
completed while the candidate is in residence as a graduate student,
but may not be presented for graduate credit. The candidate is
subject to examination on any of these prerequisite courses at
the option of the major department. Further information is available
from the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences, Boston University
School of Medicine, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118-2394;
617/638-5120.
Application Applications and
instructions for submission of complete credentials may be obtained
from the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences, Boston University
School of Medicine, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118-2394.
A nonrefundable application fee of $50 must be submitted with
each application. Applicants must also submit the credentials
listed below. These materials become the property of the University;
neither originals nor copies will be returned.
In addition to the above, applicants who have twice been rejected
for admission must submit a letter of approval for application
from the current Director of Graduate Studies for the department
or program to which they seek admission.
Deadlines All applications
and credentials for admission to doctoral degree programs for
the fall semester should normally be submitted by March 31. Late
applications will be considered with prior approval of the appropriate
department chairman. Because applications for admission with financial
aid are reviewed as they are received, early application is recommended.
The deadline for masters candidates is normally March 31, except
for the MA in Medical Science which has no deadline. Contact the
Director of Graduate Studies for the department or program of
interest to determine the status of the admissions process. For
those departments that accept new students in the spring semester,
applications should be submitted by October 15, unless prior approval
has been granted.
Applicants from Other Countries Application materials
may be obtained from the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences,
Boston University School of Medicine, 715 Albany Street, Boston,
MA 02118-2394. A nonrefundable application fee of $50 must be
submitted with each application. All credentials must be in English.
The following credentials are required in order to complete an
application:
Nondegree Applicants A person with an
accredited bachelor's degree or its foreign equivalent who is
qualified for graduate work, but who does not wish to enter a
degree program, may apply to a department or program in the Division
of Graduate Medical Sciences for admission as a special student
with nondegree status. The completed application and a transcript
of the most recent degree awarded should be submitted along with
the application fee. Results of the Graduate Record Examination
are not required.
Application for a change from nondegree to degree status must
be made before the admission deadline for the semester of in-tended
enrollment. Except under unusual circumstances, no more than 8
credits for an MA degree program or 16 credits for a PhD degree
program may be credited toward the degree, and only if the grades
received are B or higher.
Research Advisor A candidate for the MA
or PhD degree is required to have, as a research advisor, a full
member of the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences faculty. This
advisor must be a member of the major department, if the major
department so requires. The research advisor is always the first
reader of the MA thesis/PhD dissertation. Under certain circumstances,
a Special Faculty Appointee may serve as first reader. When the
first reader/research advisor only has a Special Faculty Appointment
in the Division, then the second reader of the thesis/dissertation
must be, at a minimum, a full member of the Division, or depending
upon departmental requirements, a full member of the major department
or program.
Directed Study or Research Students may register
for directed study or research with the approval of the faculty
member concerned. The minimum registration is a 2-credit course.
A candidate for the MA degree in the basic sciences may register
for not more than 16 credits in directed study or research. MA
in medical sciences candidates may register for no more than 8
credits in directed study or research.
Transfer of Credit Graduate-level
courses in other accredited graduate schools or in other Schools
or Colleges of Boston University not used toward the awarding
of any other degree, may be transferred on recommendation of the
major advisor and the chairman of the department with the approval
of the Committee on Academic Standards of the Division. Credit
for work to be taken concurrently with studies in the Division
must be approved before registration for such courses; all such
courses must be taken for a letter grade (not pass/fail). No transfer
of credit for courses taken before the senior year of college
will be accepted. Forms for transfer of credit petitions are available
from the Division of Graduate Medical Science.
MA degree program No more than 8 credits may be transferred
from other universities, unless a department or program requires
more than 32 credits. A student may transfer additional courses
corresponding to that number required in excess of the eight.
Postbachelor's PhD program No more than 16 credits may
be transferred from other universities. Of these, only 8 credits
may be credited toward a master's degree. If a department or program
requires more than the minimum of 64 credits, a student may transfer
an additional number of courses corresponding to that number required
in excess of the 64.
Post-master's PhD program No courses may be transferred
from other universities, unless a department requires more than
the minimum of 32 credits. A student may transfer the number of
courses corresponding to that number required in excess of the
32.
Summer Term Certain courses
taken during the summer term at Boston University may be credited
toward the MA and PhD degrees if prior approval is obtained from
the candidate's major department or program. The number of credits
that can be earned in one session is limited to 6 credits. Graduate
students who do not wish to enroll for courses but wish to complete
a departmental requirement such as comprehensive, qualifying,
or dissertation examination, or to use the University facilities
must register for one summer term by paying the Continuing Student
fee.
Continuing Students MA and PhD candidates
who have completed all departmental course requirements must register
each subsequent semester as continuing students until all requirements
for the degree have been completed. Payment of the Continuing
Student fee each semester entitles the student to appropriate
access to and use of the libraries, research laboratories, academic
staff, and other academic facilities of the University for the
purpose of completing such requirements as examinations, research,
and thesis or dissertation work. Continuing students who are PhD
candidates are entitled to audit officially one course each semester
without further tuition charge. Graduate courses at the 900 level
may not be audited. A student who, in any semester, fails to register
and has not been granted an official leave of absence will be
considered a continuing student and will be charged the usual
fee for such status. Failure to register for two consecutive regular
semesters without having been granted an authorized leave of absence
may result in termination of degree status.
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Admission
The paper-based GRE is given in November and April (General
Test only) of each year and should be taken no later than November
for consideration for admission the following fall semester. Subject
tests are administered in November, December, and April. The computer-adaptive
General Test is offered at U.S. test centers nationwide and in
many other countries twelve months of the year. For GRE application
materials and information, contact the Educational Testing Service,
P.O. Box 6000, Princeton, NJ 08541-6000; 609/771-7670, or visit the GRE Web site.
Our GRE/TOEFL institution number is 3251.
International students must provide evidence of financial
resources adequate to cover travel to and from Boston and for
tuition and living costs for at least one full year at Boston
University. Immigration regulations prohibit international students
from accepting any employment except University appointments during
the first year of study in the United States. Information and
assistance regarding governmental regulations and University services
may be obtained by writing to the International Students and Scholars
Office, 19 Deerfield Street, Boston, MA 02215. For further advice
and assistance in seeking admission, international students should
consult the nearest U.S. embassy, consulate, or information center.
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General Policies and Procedures Governing Graduate Study
| Grade | Explanation |
| A to B- | Pass with credit |
| C+ or below | Considered failure |
| P | Pass with credit |
| F | Fail |
| I | Incomplete, with additional work required |
| X | Unresolved status |
| J | Registration in same or continuing course in the following semester necessary (excluding summers) |
| AU | Audit |
| N | No credit granted toward a graduate degree |
| W | Withdrew after five weeks |
| MG | Missing grade |
Credits Credit toward a degree will only be obtained from a passing grade.
Incomplete Coursework and Failing Grades When the work of
a course has not been completed within the semester of registration,
the grade of I is used. A grade of I can only be given if a student
is doing passing work. This automatically becomes a permanent
I (unsatisfactory grade) unless the coursework is completed within
the following calendar year. Grades of I and C+ or lower are interpreted
as failures. A student receiving such grades in total of 8 credit
hours is terminated. A student receiving a failing grade will
not be permitted to take a make-up examination.
Grade Changes Grades, including
incompletes, may not be changed after a period of one year from
the time the original grade is recorded.
Suspension or Dismissal Boston University,
through its various faculties or appropriate committees, may suspend
or dismiss any student from the University for reasons of unsatisfactory
scholarship or conduct.
Petitions In presenting any
request to the faculty or to its several committees, students
will use the prescribed form, obtainable from the Division of
Graduate Medical Sciences.
Leave of Absence Normally, students
must register for each regular semester until completion of all
degree requirements. Upon written petition and for appropriate
cause, a student is allowed up to two semesters of leave of absence
without the necessity of committee consideration. Leaves of absence
beyond two semesters are granted only in exceptional cases, such
as substantiated illness, one-semester maternity or paternity
leave, or military service. The student should petition the Associate
Dean of the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences with approval
of the chairman of the department or program of concentration.
All requests for leave of absence must be submitted within the
first three weeks in the semester in which the leave is intended
to begin. If leave is granted, a certificate of authorized leave
of absence is issued and a copy included in the student's record.
The period of authorized leave of absence is counted as a part
of the time allowed for completion of degree requirements. Students
may not complete any degree requirements in a semester for which
they have been granted leave of absence. Students must be registered
in the semester in which the degree requirements are completed
and in the preceding semester.
Absence for Religious Reasons According to Chapter
151C of the General Laws, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, any student
in an educational or vocational training institution, other than
a religious or denominational educational or vocational training
institution, who is unable, because of religious beliefs, to attend
classes or to participate in any examination, study, or work requirements
on a particular day, shall be excused from any such examination
or study or work requirement, and shall be provided with an opportunity
to make up such examination, study, or work requirement that may
have been missed because of such absence on any particular day;
provided, however, that such makeup examination or work shall
not create an unreasonable burden upon such school. No fees of
any kind shall be charged by the institution for making available
to the said students such opportunity. No adverse or prejudicial
effects shall result to any students because of their availing
themselves of the provisions of this section.
Readmission to a Degree Program Students applying
for readmission to the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences are
subject to the following regulations: a minimum of two years must
elapse from the time of withdrawal or termination before enrollment;
reapplication must be accompanied by an application fee; if readmitted,
the student may be asked to retake examinations or demonstrate
knowledge in current issues in the field of specialization; readmitted
students will be subject to the rules and regulations set forth
in the Division Graduate Bulletin at the time of readmission;
students who have outstanding financial obligations to the University
at the time of withdrawal or termination will be required to meet
those obligations as a condition of readmission; at the time of
readmission, the student must provide a detailed schedule of plans
for completing the remaining degree requirements within specific
time limits.
Payment of Student Accounts A student with
an outstanding balance with Student Accounting Services will not
receive a grade report, transcript, diploma, or other student
services until payment has been made.
An officially registered student is one who has submitted course
selections on a registration form, paid or settled all charges,
and received an approved receipt from the Office of Student Accounting
Services.
Candidates for admission may not register until they receive a
formal statement of acceptance. Registration is conducted under
the direction of the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences. Graduate
students should consult the Division Office, 715 Albany Street,
for detailed instruction concerning the procedure to be followed
during the announced registration period. Students must be registered
for any regular semester or summer term during which a degree
requirement is completed or University facilities are used.
Registration must be completed within the official registration
period, the dates for which are given in the semester's class
schedule.
Students may register by mail or in person, in any of the following
categories:
Full-Time Students
By enrollment: A student enrolled in 12 to 18 credits will
be considered full-time and will be charged full tuition and fees.
A student may register for more than 16 credits only with approval
of the Committee on Academic Standards.
By certification: A student registered for fewer than three
courses or 12 credits (a minimum of 4 credits must be taken until
all coursework requirements have been completed) but engaged otherwise
in full-time study, research pertinent to the completion of degree
requirements, or gaining competence in the field of study, may
be certified as a full-time student. Such a student must pay tuition
on a per-course basis and full-time fees. A student desiring full-time
certification must submit to the Division of Graduate Medical
Sciences, during the official registration period, a completed
full-time certification form approved by the advisor and department
chairman or director of graduate studies.
Part-time Students All part-time students
who are candidates for degrees must register each regular semester
for no less than 4 credits until all departmental course requirements
are completed. Continuing students (see below) may register for
less than one 4-credit course.
Continuing Students A degree candidate,
after completing all departmental course requirements, must register
each regular semester as a continuing student until all remaining
degree requirements are completed. Payment of the fee for this
status makes available to the student all academic facilities
of the University and entitles PhD candidates to audit officially
one course per semester. Students may not audit 900-level courses.
Registration and payment of regular tuition and fees for at least
one course exempts the student from the Continuing Student fee.
Continuing students may qualify as full time according to the
above regulations. Normal part- and full-time fees are also applicable.
Registration Deadlines The dates of the
official registration period are given in the semester's Class
Schedule. Late fees are charged to students who do not register
or settle their tuition account during the official period. Students
may not register later than one week after the start of classes
without written approval from the Associate Dean of the Division.
Students who are not registered by the deadline will have their
financial assistance offers revoked.
No students, including those with continuing-student status, will
be allowed to register after the first week of classes. Students
in special programs that commence later in a semester will not
be allowed to register later than the end of the first week of
the program.
Cross-Registration
Within Boston
University: A student in an MA degree program normally may
elect not more than one graduate-level semester course given by
a School or College at Boston University other than the Division
of Graduate Medical Sciences, unless the courses are listed in
this bulletin. A student in a PhD degree program may elect not
more than two such courses. All courses must be approved by the
student's major advisor and department.
With Other Academic Institutions: Graduate School students
who wish to cross-register for a graduate course at another academic
institution should obtain a cross-registration permit from the
Division of Graduate Medical Sciences. Students must consult with
their advisors, receive advisor approval on the permit, and receive
approval from the Division. They must then present this permit
to the graduate school registrar of the host institution. During
any academic year, students normally may receive only one registration
permit. Cross-registrants should expect to satisfy all prerequisites
and requirements for courses as indicated by the host institution.
Tuition for such courses is charged at Boston University rates
in the usual manner.
Adding or Dropping a Course Students wishing
to change their courses must fill out the appropriate form from
the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences, obtain their advisor's
signature, and return the completed form to the Division Office.
A request for late registration in courses ordinarily cannot be
granted after the first full week of classes.
No course may be added after the first two weeks of class.
A course dropped during the first five weeks of class will not
appear on the student's permanent record. After the first five
weeks, a dropped course will appear on the student's record as
W, and the student will be charged for the course. Courses may
be dropped up to three weeks prior to the start of final examinations.
After that point, no course may be dropped. Students who register
for any course are held responsible for its completion unless
they officially withdraw by the deadline date or change to the
status of auditor before mid-semester.
Auditing Courses An auditor is a
student who attends a class to acquire knowledge, but not to earn
credits or a grade. Audited courses do not count toward completing
degree requirements. A student may not change auditing status
after the fifth week of classes. Auditors must attend classes
regularly, do assigned reading, and participate in discussions,
but they are excused from examinations.
Auditors are admitted to a course on a space-available basis and
in accordance with the rules of the School or College offering
the course. Auditors are subject to the full tuition and fees
of the course.
Graduation MA degrees are
awarded in September, January, and May. PhD degrees are awarded
in January and May. Commencement exercises are held in May only.
Students planning to receive their degrees at the May commencement
must submit diploma applications by February 1. Students must
submit diploma applications by July 1, for September graduation,
and by November 1, for January graduation. The diploma application
is valid only for the graduation date specified; a new application
must be filed if the student does not graduate as planned. Diploma
applications and copies of the regulations on the preparation
of theses and dissertations are available in the Division of Graduate
Medical Sciences.
Transcripts To request an academic
transcript of grades and coursework, a student should submit a
Transcript Request form to the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences.
Letter requests will be honored if they are signed and give complete
information about attendance, including enrollment dates, College(s)
of registration, and degree(s) earned. Official transcripts are
mailed approximately two weeks after receipt of the request. The
transcript fee is $3 per copy, and payment must accompany the
request. For transcripts sent express mail, add $8 per domestic
address. The express mail charge is subject to change depending
on the carrier used. Unofficial transcripts for student use may
be obtained from Division of Graduate Medical Sciences on a walk-in
basis, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Identification Cards and Numbers ID cards are issued
by the Terrier Card office and the Office of the University Registrar.
Students are assigned an ID number by the University. To change
an incorrect ID number, a student should contact the Terrier Card
office or the Office of the University Registrar.
A student is entitled to a new card only when there are changes
to the information on the card. A fee is charged for replacing
a lost card. Replacement cards are issued at the Terrier Card
Office and the Office of the University Registrar.
Name Changes or Corrections Misspelled names
can be corrected simply by presenting a current driver's license
or University ID card to the Registrar.
Currently enrolled students who wish to change their names must
present sufficient reason and identification to the Registrar.
Upon approval, the student will be asked to complete an ID/Name
Change form. For students who are no longer registered or who
have graduated, legal documentation (e.g., a marriage license
or court order) must be submitted to the Registrar along with
the request for the change. Massachusetts residents are required
to submit a notarized letter stating the reason for the change,
and the old and new legal names.
Address Changes Students must notify
the Division of any local or home address changes. To do this,
a student should complete a Personal Data Change form, available
from the Registrar.
Veterans Information
In cooperation with the Veterans Administration, the University
participates in numerous veterans benefits programs, including
educational assistance, Work-Study, rehabilitation, deferred payment,
and tutorial programs.
Any student who is eligible for veterans benefits or would like
more information about VA rules and veterans programs should contact
the Boston University Office of Veterans Affairs, 881 Commonwealth
Avenue, Boston, MA 02215; 617/353-2390.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act The Family Educational
Rights and Privacy Act ensures confidentiality of student educational
records and restricts disclosure to or access by third parties,
except as authorized by law. Parents of dependent students, as
defined in Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, are
accorded full access by the University to their dependents' educational
records, with certain exceptions, and they may receive copies
of their dependents' grade reports each semester from the Office
of the University Registrar. The University assumes that its undergraduate
students are financially dependent unless a parent or the student
informs the University Access Officer in the Office of the University
Registrar that the student is financially independent. Students
may provide this notification to the Access Officer via the Financially
Independent Student Form, a copy of which may be secured from
the Access Officer in the Office of the University Registrar.
Students have the right to inspect their educational records,
with certain exceptions. If they believe these records are inaccurate,
they may request an amendment and, if denied, have the right to
a hearing and to place a letter of disagreement in their file
if the outcome of that hearing is negative. Students are eligible
under the Act to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of
Education Family Policy and Regulations Office, Federal Office
Building Number 6, Room 3021, 400 Maryland Ave., S.W., Washington,
DC 20202, if they believe Boston University failed to comply with
the requirements of the Act.
The University's policies and procedures for implementation of
this Act are enumerated in the Compliance Manual, copies
of which are available to students at the Office of the University
Registrar, 881 Commonwealth Avenue, Second Floor, Boston, MA 02215.
The University does not release personally identifiable information
contained in student educational records except as authorized
by law. Boston University has designated certain types of personally
identifiable information as "directory information." These include
the student's name; local or dorm address and telephone number;
College of registration; degree program and major and minor; dates
of attendance; part- or full-time status; degrees, honors, and
awards received; and hometown for press releases. Students may
restrict release of this information if they wish, and this data
will not be released by the University except as authorized by
law.
The Student Activities Office (Associate Director, GSU, 775 Commonwealth
Avenue) and the Athletics Department (Director, 285 Babcock Street)
may release or publish personally identifiable information on
students who participate in officially recognized activities and
sports. If students wish to restrict release and/or publication
of this information, they should contact the Student Activities
Office and the Athletics Department directly.
Students are informed of their rights under this law by the University
Registrar. The parents of incoming freshmen and transfer students
each year are informed of their rights under this law, and how
to exercise them, by the President.
Equal Opportunity Policy Boston University
prohibits discrimination against any individual on the basis of
race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or
mental disability, marital, parental, or veteran status. This
policy extends to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities,
including admissions, financial assistance, employment, housing,
athletics, and educational programs. Boston University recognizes
that nondiscrimination does not ensure that equal opportunity
is a reality. The University therefore will continue to implement
affirmative action initiatives that promote equal opportunity
for all students, applicants, and employees. Inquiries regarding
the application of this policy should be addressed to Executive
Director, Personnel and Affirmative Action, 25 Buick Street, Boston,
MA 02215; 617/353-4477.
Grievance Procedures in Cases of Alleged Discrimination University policy
and federal law prohibit discrimination on the basis of race,
color, creed, religion, ethnic origin, age, sex, or disability.
When a student believes that his or her rights have been denied
by reason of discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed,
religion, ethnic origin, age, sex, or disability, he or she may
file a formal written grievance with the Vice President and Dean
of Students. The grievance statement should be as specific as
possible regarding the action(s) that precipitated the grievance:
the date, place, and people involved; the efforts made to settle
the matter informally; and the remedy sought.
The Vice President and Dean of Students will forward a copy of
the grievance statement to the appropriate individuals within
one week of receiving the statement. If a complaint raises an
academic question, the statement will be forwarded to the dean
of the appropriate School or College. If the complaint concerns
a nonacademic unit, the grievance statement will be forwarded
to the administrative head of the unit. If a student's grievance
alleges discrimination on the basis of disability, the Director
of the Office of Disability Services, who is the University's
Compliance Officer for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973, will also be provided with a copy of the grievance and will
be involved in resolution of the grievance as appropriate.
The dean or administrative head will investigate the matters set
forth in the written grievance. In conducting an investigation,
the dean or administrative head may forward a copy of the grievance
statement to the persons whose actions (or inactions) are the
subject of the grievance, as well as request a written response
to the grievance from appropriate individuals within the University.
The dean or administrative head may also choose to interview witnesses,
meet with concerned parties, receive oral or written presentations,
and make other appropriate independent inquiry. Within forty-five
(45) days of the filing of the grievance, the dean or administrative
head will make a decision as to the merit of the student's grievance
and the appropriate resolution of the situation. If resolution
is not possible within forty-five (45) days, the dean or administrative
head will inform the student of the reasons for delay.
Copies of the dean or administrative head's decision will be sent
to the student, the Vice President and Dean of Students, the Director
of Disability Services where appropriate, and the University Provost.
A copy may also be sent to the department and/or the persons whose
actions are the subject of the grievance, as appropriate. In the
event that the student is not satisfied with the resolution of
the grievance, he or she may appeal to the Vice President and
Dean of Students, and from there to the Provost.
A record of all formal grievances will be kept on file in the
Office of the Vice President and Dean of Students. A record of
all grievances alleging disability discrimination will also be
kept on file in the Office of Disability Services.
Student Retention Information Statistics for
the student retention rate at Boston University are available
on request from Analytical Services, 25 Buick Street, in accordance
with the Education Amendments of 1976, Section 493A.
Published by Trustees of Boston University
11 March 1999
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Administrative Policies Relating to Federal Guidelines
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