Academic Calendars and Policies
Academic Calendars, Policies, and Procedures
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Core Values
Honesty and Integrity
We are committed to promoting the highest standards of honesty and integrity to ensure that all members of the community recognize the inherent benefits of living these ideals and to guarantee that academic performance is evaluated reliably and rewarded fairly. The statements listed below describe how honesty and integrity are to be enacted:
- Written work is original
- Citations are used appropriately in all written work
- Oral statements are presented candidly
- Resume is presented truthfully
- Assignments and examinations are completed honestly
- Credit for group work represents the personal contribution of the individual
Students should also review the University’s Academic Integrity Policies.
Mutual Respect
We are committed to fostering an environment in which every member of the community nurtures the spirit of trust, teamwork, openness and respect that is necessary to embrace and fully capitalize on our professional community. The statements listed below describe how mutual respect is to be enacted:
- Abstaining from harassing behavior
- Listening to and respecting the opinions of all members of the community
- Active participation in team and group settings
- Focusing attention on what is happening in class, events and meetings
- Avoiding the creation of distractions
- Use of computers or mobile phones during class, events or meetings only when authorized
- Appropriate attire for special events and/or guest appearances
Pursuit of Excellence
We are committed to creating an environment where all members of the community pursue the highest possible level of academic performance and personal development for themselves and other members of the community. The statements listed below describe how pursuit of excellence is to be enacted:
- Personal commitment to academic excellence in coursework and assignments
- Personal commitment to developing technical and non-technical skills, including dealing with ambiguity and operating outside of one’s comfort zone
- Personal commitment to performing at a high level
- Personal commitment to developing as a management professional
Personal Accountability
We are committed to fostering an environment where every member of the community understands and accepts responsibility for upholding and reinforcing our values. The statements listed below describe how personal accountability is to be enacted:
- Maintaining confidentiality when appropriate
- Attending classes and events, and providing notification in advance when not attending
- Being proactive in acquiring material that was missed due to an absence
- Arriving at class, events and appointments on time
- Active participation in class discussions and other meetings
- Active participation in group activities
- Being fully prepared for classes, events and appointments
Committee on Professional Standards
Students in the Boston College graduate programs are expected to adhere to the highest standards of professional conduct as outlined in the Core Values. Any student who violates these Core Values is subject to consequences ranging from a reprimand to dismissal from the University. Faculty members, staff members or students who detect any form of violation have the responsibility to take appropriate action. Individuals detecting violations of the Core Values should bring the violation to a faculty member’s attention, to the attention of the appropriate director, or to the attention of the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs.
Faculty members and directors have the responsibility to report the incident to the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs in writing. If in consultation with the Associate Dean the incident is deemed to be of a minor nature, the faculty member or director may handle the matter themselves and communicate the repercussions appropriate to the violation. If the incident is deemed to be serious or if there have been any prior violations, the Committee on Professional Standards will be convened. The Committee on Professional Standards will conduct a hearing on the matter and if the student is found responsible, shall recommend a sanction to the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs, who may accept or reduce the recommended sanction, but not increase it. The report of the Committee on Professional Standards shall remain in the offending student’s file for up to five years beyond the date of his/her graduation.
Professional conduct is a very important issue in the graduate programs. Any questions with respect to these standards should be discussed with a professor or appropriate administrator.
Standing in the Community
A student who accepts and adheres to the Core Values of the Carroll School of Management Graduate Programs will remain in good standing.
Degree Completion
MSA and MSF
The MSA and MSF programs are one year programs that run for three consecutive semesters (Fall, Spring, Summer).
Full-Time MBA
The full-time MBA program is a two year program. Students will complete the program in two consecutive years with most participating in a summer internship between Year 1 and Year 2. Students enrolled in the Carroll School dual degree programs (MBA/MSA, MBA/MSF) may extend for an additional summer term. Dual Degree students completing a degree through another school at BC (ie, JD/MBA, MBA/MSW, MBA/MA in Higher Ed Administration, MBA/MA in Theology & Ministry) must complete three full semesters at the Carroll School. Please contact the Graduate Programs Office (gsomstsv@bc.edu) regarding course sequencing. Full-time MBA students may not accelerate without permission from the Associate Dean.
Part-Time MBA
There is a time limit for completion of degree requirements of seven years from the date the student matriculated into the PT MBA program. Leaves of absence do not extend the seven-year time limit for completion. Students who do not graduate within the seven year time limit face withdrawal from the program and would need to reapply if they wish to return. Dual degree students must complete the requirements of both degrees within the seven years of matriculation to Boston College.
PhD
PhD students are expected to complete all degree requirements, including successful dissertation defense, within five years. Extensions may be granted at the recommendation of the academic department and approval of the Dean.
General Graduation Information
Boston College awards degrees three times during the year, depending upon when degree requirements have been completed. There is one Graduation Ceremony held in May and in addition to May graduates, students who graduated the prior August and December are invited to participate.
- August 30 (courses completed during Summer Session)
- December 30 (course completed during Fall semester)
- May (date varies, courses completed during Spring semester)
Applying for Graduation
All students must complete an Intent to Graduate form prior to the completion of degree requirements. Failure to meet the deadlines as outlined below, may impact a student’s graduation. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate the graduation process.
| Graduation Date | Intent to Graduate Form Emailed to Students | Intent to Graduate Form Deadline |
|---|---|---|
May | December 1 | December 15 |
August | April 1 | April 15 |
December | July 1 | July 15 |
Diplomas
Diplomas are prepared by the Office of the University Registrar and students should use the Diploma Name/Mailing Form to confirm the name to appear on their diploma and how they wish to receive their diploma.
Degree Requirements
Full-Time MBA Program
Full-time MBA students must complete 57 credits of coursework. Students first take a series of foundational courses, followed by functional and knowledge area courses.
Part-Time MBA Program
Part-Time MBA students must complete 57 credits of coursework. The Part-Time MBA is self-paced and students typically complete their degree in three to four years.
MSF Program
MSF students must complete ten courses (30 credit hours) for the MSF degree. Full time MSF students will complete the program in one year. The Part-Time program option is self-paced; however, self-paced students typically take two courses in the fall, spring and summer semesters and thereby complete the program in 20 months.
MSA Program
All MSA students must complete ten courses (30 credit hours) for the MSA degree.
Dual-Degree Programs
The Carroll School of Management offers several dual-degree programs in collaboration with other schools and programs:
- MBA/MSA
- MBA/MSF
- JD/MBA
- MBA/Master of Social Work
- MBA/MA in Higher Education Administration
- MBA/MA in Theology and Ministry
PhD Programs
Overview
The PhD programs contain five components:
- Course Requirements
- Research Paper
- Comprehensive Examination
- Dissertation
- Research/Teaching Requirements
To learn more about the specific requirements of each PhD program, please refer to the following sites:
Dissertation
Overview
Each doctoral candidate is required to complete a dissertation that demonstrates original and independent research and that represents advanced scholarly achievement. The subject of the dissertation must be approved by the major department and the research performed under the direction of a faculty advisor. The manuscript must be prepared according to style requirements set forth by Boston College Libraries. For additional information, please visit the Electronic Theses and Dissertations website.
Once you have decided you are going to defend your dissertation, please notify your program’s administrator by the start of the semester in which you plan to defend. The Graduate Program’s Office contacts program administrators towards the beginning of each semester to see who plans on defending. Students are then contacted with further instructions and information regarding the dissertation defense process.
Committee
Dissertation Committees in the Carroll Graduate School of Management should be composed of at least three members. Two members must be from Boston College; the chair must be a tenured or tenure-track member of the departmental faculty. Committee composition is subject to departmental approval.
Language
Dissertations should ordinarily be written in English. In exceptional cases where there are substantial academic reasons for doing so, departments—with the approval of the associate dean for academic affairs—may accept dissertations in a language other than English.
Acceptance
As soon as possible after a student’s admission to candidacy, a Dissertation Committee will be appointed to judge the substantial merit of the dissertation. The dissertation shall be defended by the candidate in a public oral examination. Official approval of the dissertation by the Committee is required. Committee members certify their acceptance by signing the title page of the dissertation.
Publication
Doctoral candidates should review the Electronic Theses & Dissertations Workshop slides by the middle of the semester in which they plan to graduate for detailed instructions concerning dissertation publication requirements.
Embargo
Upon submission of a completed doctoral dissertation or master's thesis in the Carroll Graduate School of Management, a student may request an embargo for not more than two years without special permission. To request an extension beyond two years, but for no more than five years, a student must submit a written rationale to their Program Chair. Requests for more than five years will be granted only for extraordinary reasons.
Time Limit
All requirements for the Doctoral Degree in the Carroll Graduate School of Management must be completed within seven consecutive years from the beginning of doctoral studies. Extensions beyond this limit may be made only with departmental recommendation and the approval of the Dean.
Community Service Requirement
The Carroll School is committed to instilling a strong sense of community service in its students. In an effort to align this commitment with the programs, all MBA students must fulfill a requirement of 20 hours of service to others through meaningful work as volunteers. MSA and MSF students must fulfill a requirement of 10 hours of service. This service must be performed while the student is enrolled and must be completed at least one month prior to a student’s graduation date.
Course Waiver Policy
Students may be eligible to waive courses based upon prior coursework and/or professional certifications (such as CPA or CFA). Waiver policies vary according to program.
Advanced Standing Credit: Students may waive a class and will also reduce the overall credit requirement for the degree.
Equivalency: Students may waive a class but will be required to replace it with an elective. Equivalency applies to core courses only.
Academic Standing
In the Carroll School of Management, MBA, MSF and MSA students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.67 or higher in their coursework to be eligible to graduate. MBA students who receive grades of C or less in five courses are subject to review by the Academic Review Board and may be required to withdraw from the program. MSF and MSA students who receive grades of C or less in three courses are subject to review by the Academic Review Board and may be required to withdraw from the program. MSF and MSA students who receive two or more Fs are automatically dropped from degree candidacy. If a student’s cumulative GPA drops below 2.67, they will be placed on academic probation and required to meet with an academic advisor to create an academic plan. This plan may involve limiting the number and/ortype of class(es) while a student is on probation. Additionally, students with three or more course withdrawals (W’s) without approved documentation are required to meet with an academic advisor to create an academic plan which may involve limiting the number and/or type of class(es) the student can be enrolled in during the following semester(s).
Academic Grievances
Students have the right to know the components on which a final grade will be based, to be graded fairly in relation to the other students in the course and to understand why a particular grade was given. The instructor has the right to determine which course components will be graded and the weight that will be given to each, the right to determine the grading scale to be employed and the responsibility to grade students consistently on that scale. The professor is also expected to provide a syllabus for each course, specifying dates for assignments and examinations, and the weight given to each course component determining the final grade. A student should resolve problems in the manner in which grades have been awarded or on the academic practices of an instructor by direct and immediate contact with the instructor. In the rare case of an unresolved question, the student should first refer the matter in an informal manner to the academic department chairperson or appropriate program director. A formal appeal of a course grade, which ought not be undertaken lightly by a student nor lightly dismissed by an instructor, should be made no later than the sixth week of the following semester. In making a formal appeal, a student files a written statement with the department chair or program director. Thereafter, the appeal is reviewed by the Associate Dean. The Associate Dean’s decision is final.
Retaking Courses
Students cannot retake a course that has been successfully completed in order to improve their grade performance or GPA. Students also cannot audit a class first and then retake it for credit. Courses for which a grade of “F” or “W” have been received can be retaken because “F” and“W” grades cannot be used to satisfy degree requirements. However, note that MBA students who receive three or more Fs are automatically dropped from degree candidacy. MSF and MSA students who receive two or more Fs are automatically dropped from degree candidacy.
Students with three or more course withdrawals (W’s) without approved documentation are required to meet with an academic advisor to create an academic plan which may involve limiting the number and/or type of class(es) a student can enroll in the following semester(s).
Leave of Absence
Graduate students who do not register for course work in any given fall or spring semester must request a leave of absence for that semester by completing the Leave of Absence form. Leaves of absence are not usually granted for more than two semesters at a time. Students may apply for a personal or medical leave of absence. Appropriate documentation is required for a medical leave of absence. Students on an approved leave of absence should contact the Graduate Programs Office at least six weeks prior to the semester in which they expect to re-enroll and the appropriate Associate Dean will make the decision on the readmission request. Part-Time MBA and MSF students who fail to register for more than two Fall or Spring semesters and who do not complete a Leave of Absence form will be subject to an academic review, which may result in dismissal from the program.
To learn more about Leave of Absence policies and procedures, please visit the Graduate Academic Regulations section of the University Catalog.
Withdrawal from the University
Students who wish to withdraw from the program are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor and, if a withdrawal is deemed necessary, should complete a Withdrawal/Leave of Absence form.
Grading
In each graduate course in which a graduate or professional student is registered for graduate credit, the student will receive one of the following grades at the end of the semester: A, A-, B+, B, B-, C, F, W, J, U, P, or I.
The high passing grade of A is awarded for superior work. The passing grade of B is awarded for work that clearly is satisfactory at the graduate level. The low passing grade of C is awarded for work that is minimally acceptable at the graduate level. The failing grade of F is awarded for work that is unsatisfactory.
A student who has not completed the required coursework or was absent for an examination may, with adequate reason and at the discretion of the instructor, receive a temporary grade of Incomplete (I). All such I grades will automatically be changed to F on March 1 for the fall, August 1 for the spring, and October 1 for the summer.
A faculty member may only assign a grade of J for a 2-semester course when the grade in the first semester is dependent on the grade issued at the end of the semester. The J grade has no GPA value. Instructors should assign a grade for each semester at the end of the second semester.
A U grade is recorded for ungraded courses such as doctoral continuation.
The P (passing) grade is not available as a grading option unless the course is listed as a pass/fail course.
2023 Commencement
Eligibility to Participate in Commencement
May 2023 Graduates: You are eligible to participate in graduation activities AND receive your diploma, if you will complete your degree requirements** in May 2023.
August 2023 Graduates: You will be eligible to “walk” in the May 22 ceremony if you are scheduled to complete your degree requirements in August 2023 AND you have no more than two courses remaining AND you are registered to take those classes this summer.
August 2023 graduates will not receive their actual diploma until after they have completed all degree requirements**; however, they will be able to fully participate in the ceremony.
Additionally, the names of August 2023 graduates will not appear in the Commencement Program for 2023 but will be announced during the presentation of degrees. Assuming successful completion of your degree in August, your name will be listed in the Commencement Program for May 2024.
August 2022 AND December 2022 Graduates: You are eligible to fully participate in the May 22 ceremony; however, you should have already received your diploma. If you have not, please contact University Student Services at studentservices@bc.edu.
** Please remember that all required community service hours must be completed in order to receive a diploma.
NOTE: If you believe that you will complete your degree requirements in May, please check your grad term to make sure it accurately reflectsyour correct graduation semester.
Community Service
The completion of community service is a requirement for all MBA, MSA, and MSF students. MBA students must complete a total of 20 hours of community service. MSA and MSF students must complete a total of 10 hours of community service. The deadline to submit community services hours for May 2023 graduates is May 1.
Graduates who have already submitted hours do not need to submit them again. The deadline for August 2023 graduates is August 1.
NOTE: The Graduate Programs Office has been in touch with graduating students who are missing community service hours. If you have NOT received an email, you are all set.
Commencement Reply Form
If you have not already done so, please complete the CGSOM Commencement Reply Form no later than May 1.
This form will provide us with important information, including how you would like your name announced during the presentation of degrees and proper pronunciation, as well as your preferred email address for future graduation-related communications.
Graduation Registration
The Office of Student Services has sent out several emails asking those who plan to participate in Commencement to register themselves and their guests. Please note that this form needs to be submitted in addition to the CGSOM Commencement Reply Form and will be used for planning purposes by the University to inform decisions on parking, transportation, security and other logistics.
Please complete the Graduation Registration form no later than May 1. August 2023 graduates who are participating in the ceremonies should select the May 2023 button when registering.
Cap and Gown
The deadline for graduates to order their cap and gown has passed and the order links are no longer active. If you have not already ordered your cap and gown, please contact the bookstore manager, Chris Bergin, at c.bergin@follett.com.
Cap and Gown Headquarters will be located in the lobby/bookstore in McElroy Commons. Students will need to come to the Boston College Bookstore on one of the days and times listed below. When picking up their order, students need to have their BC ID and the order confirmation number they received with them.
- Wednesday, May 17, 2023, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
- Thursday, May 18, 2023, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
- Friday, May 19, 2023, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (last day for cap and gown pickup)
If you plan to have your cap and gown picked up by someone else, they will need your order confirmation number and your Eagle ID number.
Cap and gown distribution will NOT be available on Saturday or Sunday prior to Commencement.
Following graduation, cap and gown drop off will be available at both the McElroy Bookstore and the Hillsides Bookstore.
Baccalaureate Mass
The Baccalaureate Mass is scheduled for Sunday, May 21, at 12:00 p.m., in Conte Forum. Graduates should be attired in their gown but without a cap or hood. There will be a reception immediately following the Mass.
Main University Ceremony
All students who are eligible to participate in Commencement are invited to attend the University Commencement ceremony, which will be held in Alumni Stadium, rain or shine.
The academic procession for the main ceremony will begin at 9:05 a.m. Guests should be seated by that time. Graduates will need to be in their designated assembly area by 7:45 a.m. You will find details on assembly areas here.
The ceremony will begin at 10:00 a.m. and is expected to end between 11:30 and 11:45 a.m. Tickets will not be required for this event.
Carroll School Graduate Programs Diploma Ceremony
The Graduate Management diploma ceremony will take place on Bapst Library Lawn. Guests should plan for a Noon start time, though there could be a slight delay depending upon the end of the University ceremony. This is the ceremony at which individual graduates’ names are read and diplomas are distributed.
Students who are planning to attend only the diploma ceremony should arrive at Bapst Library Lawn no later than 11:15 a.m. to begin lining up for the procession on Linden Lane. Students who are attending the main ceremony should proceed to Bapst Lawn as soon as the main ceremony concludes.
Seating inside the tent is tight; therefore, guests with baby strollers and other large items will need to leave them outside the tent or plan on arriving early and securing seats along the outer edges of the tent.
There will be a limited amount of accessible seating. It will be available on a first come, first served basis but to assist with our planning, if you have guests who need to be accommodated, please submit their names (including your name) to gsomprosupp@bc.edu. If a graduate needs specific accommodations, please contact that same email address.
The Graduate Programs diploma ceremony will be held under a tent—rain or shine. No tickets are required for this ceremony; however, there is a finite number of seats under the tent so should that capacity be exceeded, overflow, standing room is available outside of the tent. Guests are encouraged to be aware of the weather forecast and to dress accordingly. Please keep in mind that there will be no flooring under the tent—just the grass—so please keep this in mind when selecting footwear for the day. The diploma ceremony typically ends between 1:30 and 1:45 p.m.
We have hired a professional photographer who will capture photos of each graduate, as well as random candid photos, both before and during the ceremony. Details for ordering professional photos will be sent to graduates directly by Commencement Photos, Inc.
Academic Distinction Recognition
Graduates with GPAs in the top 10% of the graduating class will be recognized With Distinction. This will be broken out by program (full-time MBA, part-time MBA, MSA, MSF).
The With Distinction designation WILL appear on your transcript but it WILL NOT appear on your diploma nor will it be noted in the University’s Commencement Program.
Students who are awarded the With Distinction designation will be notified via email shortly after Commencement. Please do not contact the office prior to that as we will not have this information available until after Commencement.
Accessibility
Graduates or guests with disabilities or limited mobility will find details on services and accommodations available to them, including wheelchair rentals, on the Commencement website. As part of the registration process, graduates may request accessible seating plus 1 companion seat. These seats will be on the concourse level of the stadium. All other family guests must sit in the non-reserved sections of the stadium. Accessible seating will be clearly marked and BC staff will be assisting limited mobility guests to their seats.
If you or a guest requires specific accommodations at the CGSOM Diploma Ceremony, please submit your and the guests’ names to gsomprosupp@bc.edu.
Parking/Shuttle Information
Commencement-specific maps outlining parking, transportation around campus, and amenities will be available shortly on the Commencement website.
Food and Beverages
For information about dining and concession locations on campus, please visit the Commencement website.
Please note that campus dining and concession locations no longer accept cash at the point of sale. Accepted forms of payment include credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or cash cards which can be purchased at key locations in Alumni Stadium, Conte Forum, and around campus.
Water will be available both in Alumni Stadium as well as at all diploma ceremony sites.
Security Guidelines
Luggage, backpacks, briefcases, large bags, and wrapped gifts will not be allowed into or stored at Alumni Stadium or at the respective school graduation sites. Only a small clutch purse will be allowed. Cameras are permissible, but no large camera equipment bags. Also, no food or drink will be allowed into the event.
These policies are meant solely to expedite entry into our venues and provide security and comfort for those who will be in attendance. Additional security personnel will also be on hand as a precaution.