Comprehensive Standard #3.4.5 (Academic policies)

The institution publishes academic policies that adhere to principles of good educational practice. These are disseminated to students, faculty, and other interested parties through publications that accurately represent the programs and services of the institution.

Compliance Certification

The College of William and Mary is in compliance with this comprehensive standard.

Explanation

At William and Mary, academic policies begin with the College's mission statement (see Core Requirement 2.4 and Comprehensive Standard 3.1.1). As noted in both the core requirement and the comprehensive standard, the mission statement is published on the Provost's web page, in the undergraduate college catalog, and on the web pages of all of the schools. All academic policies governing admissions, transfer, credit, degrees, and related matters are published in course catalogs or web pages, as noted in Comprehensive Standard 3.4.4. (See the following catalogs and web pages: the College of William and Mary 2004-2005 Course Catalog, 2004-2005 Graduate Arts and Sciences Program Catalog, School of Business web page, School of Education Undergraduate Admissions web page, and School of Law Admissions and Applying.)

Comprehensive Standard 3.2.6 provides a description of the two major policy documents governing the promulgation of academic policies at the College: The College of William and Mary Bylaws and the Faculty Handbook, which is available through a link on the Provost's web page. The College of William and Mary Bylaws cover the legal authority, role, and officers of the Board of Visitors, the Officers of the university, the officers of instruction, and the responsibilities of the faculty. The Faculty Handbook spells out details of academic appointments and the responsibilities of administrative and instructional officers, as well as the responsibilities of the faculty. In addition to these, each school has its own bylaws. The school bylaws specify the officers of instruction, standing committees and their responsibilities, especially with regard to academic matters regarding transfer credit and degree requirements. (See Bylaws, Faculty of Arts and Sciences; Bylaws of the Faculty of the School of Business Administration; Bylaws of the Faculty of the School of Education; and Faculty Handbook, College of William and Mary Law School.) Finally, the Part-Time Faculty Handbook provides details of academic appointments, duties, and responsibilities for part-time faculty members.

The Student Handbook, found on the web page of the Office of the Dean of Students, publishes details of academic policy of particular relevance to students. (For example, see the following: Rights and Responsibilities, Student Life Policies, Code of Conduct, and Honor System.) Among the most significant traditions of the College of William and Mary in Virginia is the student-administered honor system. The essence of the honor system is individual responsibility in all matters relating to a student's honor. The Honor Code outlines the conduct that cannot be tolerated within a community of trust. Prohibited conduct is limited to three specific areas--lying, cheating, and stealing. This restricted definition enables the historical essence of honor to be applied in a practical manner within diverse groups.

Core Requirement 2.10 provides an inclusive summary of the student services offered and the policies that regulate those services.

References