For complete information regarding academic rules and regulations of the University, students should consult the Academic Regulations section of this bulletin. The following additions and amendments apply to the  College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Attendance

Regularity in attendance and performance is necessary for success in college work. Attendance requirements will be announced by instructors at the beginning of each course.

Normal Program Load

To graduate in four years, students should take at least fifteen credits per semester for eight consecutive semesters. A normal load should not exceed eighteen credits.

Because at least two hours of outside preparation are normally expected for each class hour, a fifteen credit program calls for approximately forty-five hours of class attendance and study per week. Students who undertake such a program should expect to give it their full time and energy.

Extra Credits

Extra credits are credits taken in excess of the normal maximum load of eighteen credits. Students with 3.0 (or above) grade point averages may take more than eighteen credits with approval of the advisor.

‘AGRADE’ (Accelerated Graduate Enrollment Program)

Some departments of the College permit academically superior majors to apply for admission into the College's ‘AGRADE’ program. ‘AGRADE' procedures enable qualified seniors in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences to enroll simultaneously in the undergraduate and graduate programs of the College and apply a maximum of sixteen credits towards both a bachelor's and master's degree in the major field. 

Qualified students may apply for the AGRADE program no earlier than the semester in which ninety credits are completed. Applicants must meet overall and major minimum grade point average requirements, which vary dependent on program; see specific programs for details.

For more details about the ‘AGRADE’ program, contact the Graduate Director of the major department or the Graduate Office of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (313-577-2516).

Graduation with Academic Distinction

Candidates eligible for the bachelor's degree may receive a special citation on their diplomas under the following circumstances: The designations of ‘Summa Cum Laude,’ ‘Magna Cum Laude,’ and ‘Cum Laude’ will be conferred upon graduating students whose cumulative grade point averages at Wayne State University fall within approximately the upper five percent, the next five percent, and the next ten percent of the senior class, respectively. The grade points used to identify the lower limits for each designation will be based upon the grade points attained by seniors at these percentile levels during the preceding academic year. Only students who have earned 56 or more credits at Wayne State University are eligible to graduate with one of the above distinction citations.

Dean’s List

The Dean's List of academically superior students is compiled each fall and winter term based on the following criteria: A 3.6 grade point average for students registered for twelve credits or more and a 4.0 grade point average for students registered for between six and eleven credits.

Academic Probation

If a student's cumulative grade point average falls below 2.0, the student will be placed on academic probation. A probation hold will need to be released each term before he or she registers. To obtain this release, the student must see his or her academic advisor.

A student will be off of academic probation at the end of any term in which she or he achieves a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.0 or better.

Exclusion

Students on academic probation will be given two subsequent terms to enroll while on probationary status. At the conclusion of the third consecutive term below 2.0, a student will be excluded from the University. An excluded student may not apply for reinstatement for one calendar year.

The decision to reinstate will be made by the College Probation Committee and based upon evidence presented by the student that circumstances have changed during the year away and that the probability of success has increased. Students seeking reinstatement should consult: http://www.clas.wayne.edu/reinstatement

Cheating and Plagiarism

The principle of honesty is recognized as fundamental to a scholarly community. Students are expected to honor this principle and instructors are expected to take appropriate action when instances of academic dishonesty are discovered. An instructor, on discovering such an instance, may give a failing grade on the assignment or for the course. The instructor has the responsibility of notifying the student of the alleged violation and the action being taken. Both the student and the instructor are entitled to academic due process in all such cases. Acts of dishonesty may lead to suspension or exclusion.

Academic Advising

Academic advisors are available in all departments. Students who have chosen a major should meet with their departmental advisor. Students should confer with advisors on all questions concerning degree requirements, academic regulations, course elections, and programs of study. It is of primary importance that students talk with an advisor when they are having difficulties in their academic work.