The Educational Program

The Simmons Education in Context

Simmons prides itself on outstanding undergraduate programs taught by high-quality faculty. Our commitment to excellence in teaching, small class size, and innovative programs builds on founder John Simmons’s original mission to offer an education that would enable women to earn an independent livelihood.

Based on national surveys of employers and graduate schools, the faculty determined a set of critical skills for undergraduate students to achieve upon completion of their Simmons University degree. The skills include: communication, critical thinking and creative problem-solving, data analysis and interpretation, ethical leadership, integrative learning, and the navigation of cultural differences. Each required course in our General Education program, PLAN (which stands for Purpose, Leadership, ActioN) develops one or more of these essential capabilities; they are critical to achieving successful employment and post-graduate education in any major or field of study. 

Communication

Effective communication develops through iterative experiences across the curriculum. Students should be able to execute the most challenging communication tasks required by a major, manifesting the knowledge, skills, and attitudes characteristic of the chosen discipline. All communication consists of developing and expressing ideas, as well as understanding and applying meaning-making practices in cultural, historical, and institutional contexts. Written, visual, oral, and sonic forms of communication can be synthesized into an integrated work and accessed by reading, listening, and viewing.

Critical Thinking and Creative Problem-Solving 

Critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills help students succeed in their chosen fields and as citizens and community members. These intellectual abilities are developed through learning experiences in the classroom and laboratory and during internships and educational opportunities outside of the classroom. Creative problem-solving applies critical thinking to address complex questions or achieve goals in innovative ways.

Data Analysis and Interpretation 

Students apply data analysis and interpretation skills to locate and use quantitative and qualitative data both as citizens and in their major discipline. Data analysis encompasses distinct ways of thinking and quantitative and qualitative research methodologies and techniques; such skills are developed through experiences inside and outside the classroom.

Ethical Leadership 

Leadership is situational, relational, and behavioral. Any individual, regardless of title or position, may choose to lead when moved by a sense of purpose to foster positive change. Success is largely dependent upon building relationships across diverse people, grounded in self-knowledge (values, ethics, social identity, and life experiences) and context. Leadership development entails identifying that sense of purpose and fostering collaborative relationships, building commitment to common goals, and cultivating people’s ability to contribute.

Integrative Learning 

Students’ capacity for integrative learning is central to personal success, social responsibility, and civic engagement. Students face a rapidly changing and increasingly connected world where integrative learning has become a necessity. The ability to make connections across courses and disciplines, over time, between campus and community life, and among multiple perspectives enables students to apply their learning across academic, professional, personal, and social boundaries.

Navigation of Cultural Differences 

Navigating cultural differences, both domestically and internationally, relies on understanding the implications of historical and contemporary power structures—social, economic, and political—on diversity, inclusion, and inequality. Through their curricular and co-curricular work, students will develop the cognitive, affective, and behavioral skills that support appropriate and effective interaction in a variety of cultural contexts.

Academic Advising

Academic advising is based on the philosophy that advising enables students to build on their strengths, identify and improve on their weaknesses, and maximize their use of available resources.
First-year students are assigned a “First-Year Advisor” prior to the beginning of the semester in which they enter. First-Year Advisors are either members of the faculty or experienced professional advisors.

Incoming students will meet with their First-Year Advisor throughout the month of June to plan their course of study and be prepared to self-register into their first semester classes late June. First-year students are required to meet with their First-Year Advisors each semester to change courses, discuss academic concerns, link their academic interests with their professional plans, and strategize for registration for the following semester. First-year students are able to officially declare their major on the first day of fall classes (nursing majors are pre-declared).

After a student’s first year at Simmons, they will transition to a major advisor who is a faculty member within their intended area of study and continue their academic journey at Simmons with their new advisor. If a student is unsure about what they would like to major in after their first year, they will be supported by a professional advisor in the Office of Undergraduate Advising until they have decided on their major(s) and minor(s).

Professional and faculty advisors assist students in planning academic schedules and interpreting the goals and objectives of a Simmons education. Advisors guide students through departmental requirements while helping them to focus their studies. Advisors specialize not only in a student’s general academic program but also in Pre-Professional Programs such as pre-law and pre-health, and they serve as a liaison to faculty for student athletes. Advisors are knowledgeable about the requirements of PLAN general education, majors, minors and are also prepared to discuss career and graduate school possibilities such as the Simmons Edge Exploratory Pathways.

Program Planning

The Simmons approach to liberal education is flexible. Students develop a program suited to their individual interests and career plans. Some areas of study are sequential and are best elected early in a student’s program. Faculty and staff advisors assist students as they consider their options, set goals, and make academic and career plans. The fieldwork and internships offered by academic departments provide opportunities to test career areas and to consider the possibility of further professional study after graduation. Simmons has also identified opportunities for study abroad and encourages participation in study abroad offerings.

Majors and Minors

Students may elect a major as early as summer orientation before they begin classes in the fall. A major must be declared upon completion of five semesters (80 semester hours) of full-time study. Students take a minimum of 28 semester hours in a major field, as determined by each department. Please note that some majors require prerequisite courses. The programs also offer fieldwork or internships through which students may apply their knowledge and explore opportunities in a career field related to their area(s) of study. Students may elect a single department major or a combination of majors.

The curriculum offers the following options:

Option	Description
Single Major	A coherent sequence of courses administered by a single department
Double Major	Student fulfills two complete majors
Joint Major	A sequence of courses drawn from two departments and advised and administered with the cooperation of both
Interdepartmental major	An interdisciplinary program involving two or more departments or programs
Option for Personalized Education (OPEN)	OPEN offers students an opportunity to design a major with the assistance of a faculty advisor. It enables a student to work out an individualized major in accordance with their own educational needs and goals. Contact the Vice Provost of Academic Affairs, Assessment and Policy, Leanne Doherty, for more information (leanne.doherty@simmons.edu).
Minor	A minor is an integrated group of courses designed to give a student significant exposure to a subject area other than their major. All minors are 20 credits (five courses). Minors are not required for graduation, but they can be elected by those students who wish to indicate an area of interest that complements and refines their major, suggests a distinct area of concentration, or expresses a particular passion or avocation.

Majors

 

Students may plan a program of academic and career preparation by electing a major in the humanities, the social sciences, the sciences, or one of the professional programs. Undergraduate majors include:

Africana Studies
Applied Psychology (for Online Degree Completion Program students only)
Biochemistry
Biology
Business & Management*
Chemistry
Communications*
Computer Science*
Data Science and AI
Dual Degree in Engineering
Economics 
Finance
General Studies (for Online Degree Completion Program students only) 
Health Care Policy and Management (for Online Degree Completion Program students only)
Health and Exercise Science
History
Human Services (for Online Degree Completion Program students only)
Information Technology and Cybersecurity
Interaction Design and Web Development 
Literature
Marketing
Mathematical Sciences
Neuroscience and Behavior
Nursing
Nutrition and Dietetics
Nutrition and Wellness
Option for Personalized Education (OPEN)
Physics
Political Science
Psychology#
Public Health*
Public Relations and Marketing Communications
Retail Management 
Social Work*
Sociology
Writing
Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies

*Available to Online Degree Completion Program students as a major.

#Available to Online Degree Completion Program students as a minor. 

Please consult Online Degree Completion Program for updated offerings.

Minors

Academic majors are also offered as minors. In addition, a number of specialized and interdisciplinary minors are available:

Accounting
Applied Spanish
Art
Arts Administration
Biostatistics
Cinema and Media Studies
Design
Education
Environmental Health
Gender History
Health Care Management
Health Humanities
Integrated Media
International Relations
Journalism
Law and Justice
Leadership for Social Impact
Literature and Writing
Mathematics
Migration Studies
Performing Arts
Photography
Public History
Public Policy Studies
Scientific Computation
Social Media
Software Development
Statistics
Sustainability
Women's Sports Management

Other Academic Programs

Honors Program

The Honors Program at Simmons University provides a foundation for a motivated group of on-campus undergraduate students to explore the complexity of the world and their place in it. The goal of this four-year academic program is to support depth in a departmental discipline of choice and to enhance that disciplinary knowledge through interdisciplinary studies, global awareness, and pre-professional preparation.

The Honors Program provides an opportunity for students with distinguished high school academic records who are newly entering Simmons to join a community of intellectually engaged scholars  who seek to challenge themselves both in and out of the classroom.

Students are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.4 and be in good academic standing to remain in the program.

Pre-law

Unlike pre-medical programs, which are quite specific and virtually obligatory for medical school candidates, a pre-law “curriculum” is largely a myth. While no particular curriculum path is the ideal route to law school, Simmons’ strong academic programs, small classes, and extensive opportunities for student/professor interaction are an ideal preparation.

A student who is considering law school after graduation should make an appointment with the Pre-Law Advisor to discuss specific interests and plans. Through the pre-law program, the Pre-Law Advisor helps to guide students with their applications to law school; supplies information to help with the application process and with taking the LSAT; and keeps in touch with pre-law students through a weekly email blast and in-person meetings. Additionally, the Pre-Law Advisor organizes extra-curricular activities of interest to prelaw students: lectures and discussions, panels of Simmons alumnae/i who practice law, and internships related to law. Students and alums who are considering law school should register with the Pre-Law Program.

Simmons and UMass Law 3+3 Accelerated Program

Simmons University offers students the opportunity to accelerate their undergraduate and their JD degrees with the Simmons and UMass Law 3+3 accelerated program. Participants will complete their undergraduate major at Simmons in three years, and then move to UMass Law to complete three years of law school. After successful completion of one year of law school, those 30 UMass Law credits will transfer back to Simmons, and the student will graduate from Simmons with their bachelors degree.

Pre-Health/Pre-Medical

Undergraduate preparation for medical, dental, optometric, or veterinary medicine school should include a strong foundation in the natural sciences and a background in the social sciences and humanities. Admission requirements for medical schools can be fulfilled within the context of almost any liberal arts or science major at Simmons.

First year students should meet with the pre-health Professional Advisor to discuss their interests and course of study. Our pre-health Student Academic Mentor coordinates activities and information sessions throughout the academic year and is always available to answer questions. The Faculty Pre-Health Advisor assists students with academic planning, extracurricular initiatives and the application process. Interested students may also join the Simmons Premedical Liaison and the Colleges of the Fenway Chapter of the American Medical Students Association (AMSA). Simmons is a member of Biological Honor Society (Beta Beta Beta).

The Simmons Edge

The Simmons Edge is an integrated academic and experiential program that enables students to accelerate their undergraduate and/or graduate education and connect academic work directly to their career goals. The Simmons Edge incorporates 

• Integrated Academic and Career Advising,

• Real World Learning, and 

• Accelerated Undergraduate and/or Graduate Education.

The Simmons Edge offers two paths. Students may choose the direct or the exploratory pathway.

Direct Pathways

Students who know what they want to study and where they want to take their career may apply for an accelerated bachelor’s to master's or doctoral degree program during the undergraduate admission process.

3 + 1 Accelerated Master’s Degree Programs
Qualified students can earn both the Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in four years. See the programs below or the Simmons Website for more information.

BS in Computer Science and MS in Library and Information Science
BS in Information Technology and MS in Library and Information Science

BA in Economics and MPP

BA in Political Science and MPP

BA in Sociology and MPP

BS in Public Health and MPH 

BSW and MSW in Social Work

4 + 1 Accelerated Master’s Degree Programs
Qualified undergraduates can obtain an accelerated degree in Children’s Literature, Gender/Cultural Studies, History, Nutrition, and other programs. Undergraduate courses can be counted toward the Master’s degree—the number varies by program. A student applies for admission to the graduate program in their junior year. See the programs below or the Simmons website for specific program requirements.

BS/MS Biology/Nutrition

BS/MS Health and Exercise Science/Nutrition

BS/MS Nutrition/Nutrition and Health Promotion

BS/MS Public Health/Nutrition
BS/MSM Management

BSN/MSN Nursing
BS Dual Degree Engineering Program 

Accelerated Doctoral Degree Programs 
BS Health & Exercise Science/Doctor of Physical Therapy

BSN/MSN/DNP Nursing

Exploratory Pathways

For Exploratory Pathways, students begin their undergraduate education and then apply to a Master’s program in their junior year. These programs are open to all students, regardless of major, as long as they complete the prerequisite course and meet the program requirements.

Current Exploratory Pathways include:

Behavior Analysis (MS)

Children's Literature (MA/MFA) 

History (MA)

Library and Information Science (MS)
Management (MS)

Nutrition and Health Promotion (MS)

Public Health (MPH)

Public Policy (MPP)

Social Work (MSW)

 

Exploratory Pathway Policies and Requirements

• Minimum GPA of 3.0 required.
• Students must have an advising meeting with the program director before applying, and their application fee will be waived.
• Students have until June 15 after they have completed their junior year to apply to the exploratory program to enter the accelerated master's program.
• Students who begin a graduate program as an undergraduate are not required to finish the graduate program in order for up to two graduate courses to count toward their undergraduate degree.
• Acceptance into a graduate program is conditional upon passing all prerequisite and all graduate classes taken with the grades required by the program. Prerequisites and required grades vary by program.
• Up to two graduate courses taken during the fall and spring semesters will be included in the undergraduate flat tuition rate for that semester. Graduate courses taken during the summer will be billed on a per credit basis at the undergraduate tuition rate.

Study Abroad

Simmons students are encouraged to study abroad.

Simmons Center for Global Education works closely with university partners and study abroad providers to offer high quality semester and summer study abroad opportunities to Simmons students throughout the world.

Students in good standing are eligible to study abroad. The Center for Global Education will help students identify the program that best matches their academic and career interests. CGE maintains a list of approved semester study abroad programs eligible for Home School Tuition, which allows students to utilize their financial aid to study abroad. There are also scholarships available by application for summer study abroad. Students interested in international study are urged to begin planning early in their academic career by visiting the study abroad website.

Credit for Prior Learning

The Credit for Prior Learning program offers Dix Scholars and Online Degree Completion students an opportunity to receive academic credit for knowledge gained through life experience. For more information, students should email Undergraduate Advising (advising@simmons.edu) with CPL interest in the subject line. You will then be connected with the academic advisor who works with students through this process.

Service Learning

Courses designated as "Service-Learning" contain a significant learning opportunity with a community-based partner, typically external to Simmons. Service-learning opportunities may be individual or in groups. In either case, students learn course content in an applied setting through critical reflection, while providing a beneficial service to a community organization or group. In addition to academic learning, service-learning courses emphasize civic engagement and personal development. The service-learning designation is maintained through the London Center for Community Engagement and Social Justice.

Degree Requirements

The Bachelor of Arts degree is the baccalaureate degree conferred on students in all majors except those in the departments of biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, computer science, and nutrition, for which the Bachelor of Science is awarded, business and management for which the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration is awarded, nursing for which the Bachelor of Science in Nursing is awarded, and social work for which the Bachelor of Social Work is awarded.  In the instance where a student completes a major in both the sciences and in the arts, they may choose either a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts degree. It is not possible to earn two baccalaureate degrees simultaneously.

A candidate for a degree is expected to satisfactorily complete the work of an approved program, including all required courses, within the traditional number of college years. When a student withdraws for a period that would extend the duration of their program beyond a traditional timeframe, the additional work required for satisfactory completion will be determined by the faculty. A student who temporarily withdraws must meet the degree requirements in effect at the date of their readmission to the University.

Students transferring into Simmons and those working toward a second baccalaureate degree, must spend at least two semesters at Simmons and earn a minimum of 32 semester hours of credit while regularly enrolled to be eligible for the Simmons baccalaureate degree.

Current Simmons students who wish to enroll in summer courses at other institutions must first file a Petition for Transfer Credit in the Office of the Registrar. No more than 16 semester hours of summer school credit from other institutions may be credited toward the Simmons degree. For additional information, contact the Office of the Registrar.

Department or Program Recommendation

Students must be recommended for the degree by their department or program advisor. Students must complete a substantial amount of advanced work while regularly enrolled at Simmons to enable the department to adequately evaluate a student’s candidacy for degree recommendation.

Course Numbering Simmons courses are designated by a department or program abbreviation and a course number. These numbers can be understood in the following way:
COURSE LEVEL	STUDENT LEVEL AND PREREQUISITES
100	These courses are open to all undergraduate students. Some may require specific high school preparation. They generally have no prerequisites and are taught at the introductory level.
200	These courses are open to sophomores and above and for first-year students under advisement or placement by the department. Such courses are more focused than the introductory 100-level courses; and prerequisites are at the department's discretion. A prerequisite for a 200-level course is typically one course in the department (or a complementary department or program) at the 100 level. First-year students should be advised that these classes will likely include upper-class students and will be more challenging than 100-level courses.
300	These courses are typically open to juniors and seniors and are usually taken by students majoring or minoring in the field. Such courses are advanced in content and pace and represent a high level of study in the field. Courses at the 300 level generally have prerequisites, typically at least one 100- and one 200-level course.
400	These courses are limited to graduate students in the program or those students approved to enroll by the program's director. In general, undergraduates are not permitted to take 400-level courses.
500	Generally, 500-level courses are dually listed, with a 300-level undergraduate course. Graduate students sign up for the 500-level course, and undergraduates for the 300-level.

Requirements for the award of the Simmons baccalaureate degree are listed below:

Completion of 128 Semester Hours with a Passing Evaluation

To obtain a broad education and depth of specialization, students must successfully complete a minimum of 128 semester hours for graduation. Most courses in the undergraduate curriculum carry four credits. Although a full-time load is at least 12 credits, students typically take four courses (16 credits) per semester. Students must have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.00, which is calculated from all courses taken at Simmons using the letter grade system, to graduate. Each student’s program should be a carefully developed plan of study. This plan should include: 1) courses selected to fulfill the overall undergraduate requirements, 2) courses required of and elected by the student in their major, and 3) electives.

A traditional full-time student who takes more than 18 credits will be charged for any credits over the 18-credit maximum.

Students formally admitted to an accelerated degree program (3+1, 3+3, 4+1) may take up to 22 credits under the flat tuition plan. Students who take more than 22 credits will be charged for any credits over the 22-credit maximum.

Undergraduate students who pay flat tuition and have earned at least 32 credits may elect to take up to 22 credits at the standard flat tuition twice (for two semesters) during their academic program. To be eligible for this higher credit cap, students must have an overall 2.8 GPA and be in good behavioral standing. Students must fill out the UG Overload Form when registering for the semester in which they would like to exercise the 22-credit flat tuition option. (Dix Scholars and Online Degree Completion students are not under flat tuition and are not eligible for this overload.)

The Undergraduate Administrative Board must approve any credit above 22 credits.

Students must have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 to be calculated from all courses taken at Simmons using the letter grade system to graduate. Each student’s program should be a carefully developed plan of study. This plan should include: 1) courses selected to fulfill the all-college requirements, 2) courses required of and elected by students in their major, and 3) electives.

Academic Honors and Recognition

Departmental Honors

Departmental Honors are offered by most departments to qualified students. Typically, the student must fulfill the following requirements in order to be granted departmental honors. The student:

• must have a superior record in the major;
• must complete a thesis or project that has been approved by the department or program and be supervised by at least one faculty member within the department and receive a grade of A or A- on that thesis or project;
• must present their work to the department or program at a designated forum; and
• must not have been found guilty of violating the Honor Code of Responsibility.

In some cases, individual departments may have more specific guidelines for departmental honors. See the individual department listings for details.

The Dean’s List

The Dean’s List was established to recognize undergraduate students’ academic excellence. To be included on the dean’s list, compiled each semester, a student must have obtained a semester GPA of at least 3.50, have earned at least 12 credits using the letter grade system, and not have been found guilty of violating the Honor Code of Responsibility during that semester. For more information, contact the Associate Provost for Curriculum, Assessment, and Accreditation.

Academy

Academy is Simmons’s honor society.  Senior students who have demonstrated superior achievement according to the rules of the faculty and who have not been found guilty of violating the Honor Code of Responsibility may qualify for induction after completing at least 32 semester hours of Simmons credit using the letter grade system.  Students are considered for Academy at the end of their final semester at Simmons and must qualify by having satisfied all of the requirements for the baccalaureate degree.  The number of students inducted into Academy equals approximately 10 percent of the students earning degrees that year.

Latin Honors

Latin Honors of summa cum laude (3.90- 4.00), magna cum laude (3.75-3.89), and cum laude (3.55-3.74) are granted to graduating seniors who achieve grade point averages at a distinguished level, have earned at least 32 semester hours of letter grades, and are not in violation of the Honor Code of Responsibility.

Marks and Evaluations

Every student must obtain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.00, to be calculated from all courses taken at Simmons using the letter grade system, to be eligible for the baccalaureate degree. The grading system is based upon the following categories:

A = 4.00

A- = 3.67

B+ = 3.33

B = 3.00

B- = 2.67

C+ = 2.33

C = 2.00

C- = 1.67

D+ = 1.33

D = 1.00

D- =.67

F (Fail) = 0

P (Pass)*

AU (formal audit)*

W (Approved Withdrawal)*

*not included in GPA

Grading Options

A student may select grading options by filling out a form in the Office of the Registrar. This may be done at any time from registration up to (but not after) the day designated as the final day to add a course in each semester. Any student who fails to complete this form and obtain the necessary approvals will automatically receive letter grades.

Pass/Fail

A regularly enrolled Simmons student may take at most one for-credit course pass/fail in any given semester.

Courses taken to fulfill specific requirements may not be taken for the pass/fail option, including

• The following PLAN courses: WRI 101: Writing Boston, SIM 100: Explore, and SIM 200: Extend 

• Modern Languages and Literatures: All language courses numbered 101, 102, and 201; Level I or Level II language courses taken at another institution by a student while they are enrolled at Simmons.
• Mathematics: MATH 101; and
• The Capstone

In addition, specific majors and minors require that courses be taken for a letter grade. Each department has the discretion to allow or deny students to take courses P/F.

If a student using the pass/fail option receives a P in a course, the student will receive credit for the course, but the P will not be averaged into her GPA. If the student receives an F in a pass/fail course, no credit for the course will be given, and the F will be averaged into the GPA as a zero. Departments may also have specific policies about pass/fail courses for their majors.

Formal Audit

A formal audit may be elected by any full-time undergraduate student after the first semester, provided that the student has the instructor’s permission and agrees to abide by the instructor’s conditions for the audit. A student may formally audit no more than one course each semester. There is no charge to full-time undergraduate students for a formal audit. A formal audit will appear on the student transcript, but no credit is given. A formal audit may not be used to satisfy any of the undergraduate requirements. More information on the formal audit option is available through the Office of the Registrar.

Informal Audit

Any undergraduate student is permitted to informally audit a course with the instructor's permission. The instructor will determine with the student the expectations for coursework. No record of the student’s work is kept, and the student is not permitted to take the final examination. No credit is granted for an informal audit, and the audit does not appear on her transcript. Informal audits do not go through the Office of the Registrar.

Incomplete Evaluations

Required coursework must ordinarily be completed by the last day of final examinations. In extenuating circumstances, undergraduate students may

• Request an “incomplete” (I) grade, as described below.
• Appeal to the Undergraduate Administrative Board for a “retroactive W.” Students should consult their faculty advisor, Student Affairs, or the Advising Office as early as possible when extenuating circumstances make it impossible to complete the coursework.

Failure to file an approved incomplete agreement with the Registrar (in the absence of a grade) will result in the automatic assignment of an F grade. Failure to submit work by the date agreed upon in an Incomplete Agreement will result in the assignment of the grade noted in the agreement (F or other).

Instructors Shall Approve Incomplete Agreements only if:

• The required work in the course is incomplete because of circumstances beyond the student’s control.
• The student can complete the required work within four weeks of the last day of classes. If a student needs more time to complete the work, they must petition the Undergraduate Administrative Board.
• No more than 30% of the required coursework or work worth more than 50% of the total grade remains to be completed. The earned grade shall be recorded.
• The completion of the remaining coursework makes a passing grade in the course possible. (If completing the remaining work cannot result in a passing grade, the student is not eligible for an Incomplete. An F shall be recorded.)

Incomplete Agreements

• The Incomplete Agreement shall outline a plan to complete the work. The agreement shall include the grade to be recorded by the Registrar should the student fail to complete the remaining coursework.

• Incomplete Agreements must be submitted to the Registrar by the last day of classes in the semester in which the course is offered. If circumstances make this impossible, students must appeal to the Undergraduate Administrative Board for approval of the Incomplete.
• If a student cannot initiate the paperwork, their instructor or advisor may fill out the form; in such cases, the petition may be accepted without the student’s signature.
• If the instructor is not available to complete the grading, the Incomplete Agreement must be submitted to and signed by the Department Chair or Program Director to ensure the grading of the submitted work.
• Students requesting more than two incomplete agreements in a semester must petition the Undergraduate Administrative Board for approval.

Appealing a Denied Incomplete Agreement

In cases where an Instructor does not approve an Incomplete Agreement, a student may file a written appeal to the Undergraduate Administrative Board. Grounds for appeal are limited to: arbitrariness or capriciousness (the agreement was rejected based on standards different from this policy); and/or unlawful discrimination (in which case the student should follow Simmons’ grievance procedure for bringing a claim of unlawful discrimination, as outlined in the Undergraduate Catalog and elsewhere.) A written appeal must be submitted to the Undergraduate Administrative Board by the last day of classes.

Course Repeat Policy

The course repeat policy allows students to repeat up to two courses for credit on a limited basis to enhance their understanding of the subject or to improve their overall grade point average. The following principles apply to this policy:

• A student may repeat at most two Simmons courses for credit.
• If a course is repeated for credit, both versions of the course will appear on the student’s transcript and be included in the student’s grade point average.
• A student who repeats one 4-credit course must complete 132 credits in order to earn 128 unique credits and meet that requirement for earning a degree.
• A student who repeats two 4-credit courses must complete 136 credits to earn 128 unique credits and meet that requirement for earning a degree.

Academic Difficulty

The Undergraduate Administrative Board, a faculty committee that monitors Simmons's academic standards, periodically reviews the records of students experiencing academic difficulty.

This responsibility includes reviewing the records of any student who has two or more failures in a semester (including a retroactive withdrawal) any student whose semester or cumulative grade point average is below 2.0, any student who as a result of their achievement in Simmons Summer School has a summer or cumulative GPA of less than 2.00, any student who applies for a leave of absence or withdraws after the eighth week of the semester, or any student whose overall record is considered marginal.

The faculty has given the Undergraduate Administrative Board the authority to take whatever action is deemed appropriate to each individual’s situation. Such actions may include a letter of warning, probation, or exclusion from the University. As a result of this review, the Administrative Board may impose special conditions on the student, in which case the student will be notified in writing.

Warnings of academic difficulty are reported to academic advisors and other student support specialists by individual faculty members throughout the academic year, and assistance is made available.

See also the sections on Student Academic Progress in the Academic Policies portion of this Catalog.