Academic Citizenship

Academic Freedom of Students

Freedom of Expression: Students are free to take reasoned exception to the views offered in particular courses of study. They may, however, be required to know thoroughly the particulars set out by the instructor, but are free to reserve personal judgment as to the truth or falsity of what is presented. Knowledge and academic performance should be the norms by which students are graded.

Academic Integrity

Gonzaga University is committed to supporting and protecting academic integrity in all aspects of what we do. Our Academic Integrity Policy was developed with that commitment in mind. We encourage all students, faculty and staff to familiarize themselves with the policy.

Integrity Formation

The institution’s mission statement expresses Gonzaga University's self-understanding through its Catholic, Jesuit and humanistic heritage and identity. These spiritual and intellectual traditions are expressed in the ideals of reflective and critical thought, ethical discernment, innovation, and commitment to social justice. The ideals imply a deeply held, rigorously maintained, and clearly articulated standard of academic integrity. This document presents that standard as understood by the Gonzaga University community of learners, teachers, and scholars and outlines the processes followed when these standards are violated. The Academic Integrity Policy (AIP) applies to all faculty and students (undergraduate and graduate) at Gonzaga, except for the Law School which is exempt from this policy but governed by their own policy.

Grade Appeal

Students must maintain standards of academic performance set forth by the University if they are to receive the certificate of competence implied by course credits and degrees. The instructor is the usual and competent judge of these matters. But students must be protected against the rare case of unjust grading and evaluation. Allegations of unfair or prejudiced grading may be brought to the attention of and reviewed by the department Chair, by the Dean of the appropriate school and, if necessary, by the Provost & Senior Vice President, whose decision is final.

Minimum/Maximum Course Loads

Full-Time Status: The normal course load of a regular full-time undergraduate student is sixteen (16) semester credits. For academic purposes, the minimum full-time course load is twelve (12) credits. The maximum load for students in good standing is eighteen (18) semester credits in one semester; for students on probation, the maximum is fifteen (15) credits or five courses. 

Part-Time Status: Undergraduate students are considered to be enrolled at three-quarters time if enrolled in nine (9) to eleven (11) credits, half-time if enrolled in six (6) to eight (8) credits, and less than half time if enrolled in five (5) credits or less per semester.

Good Academic Standing, Unsatisfactory Academic Progress, Probation, and Academic Dismissal

Students are on Academic Probation whenever the term and/or cumulative GPA earned falls below a 2.00. To be in Good Academic Standing with the University, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.00 as determined at the end of every semester, beginning with the completion of the student’s second regular (non-summer) semester at Gonzaga University. Good Academic Standing is required for all graduating students, and it may affect a student’s ability to receive financial aid, scholarships, or to represent Gonzaga in extra-curricular activities.

Any student on academic probation will have his/her student status reviewed by the Committee on Academic Standing. The conditions of academic probation are specified in a letter sent through Zagmail to the student from the Committee. Students are expected to comply with all stipulations made in the letter and any additional requirements placed upon them as a result of academic probation.

Students on academic probation, regardless of their academic standing, may be subject to academic dismissal from the University. A notation of “Academic Dismissal” will appear on transcripts. Dismissed students have an opportunity for appeal. Directions for this process are indicated in the dismissal letter sent to the student.

Those receiving financial aid also may be subject to Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Probation and/or Suspension, which may result in additional financial consequences. Further information can be found in the Financial Aid section of this catalog.

Classroom Attendance Policy

For in-person or synchronous-remote classes, the default is to follow the policy below. Graduate programs may have their own policies; students should check with their program for specific requirements. 

Students are presumed to have sufficient maturity to recognize the value and necessity of regularly attending class. While Gonzaga University considers consistent classroom attendance to be an integral part of Jesuit education, illness or other extenuating circumstances may prevent attendance. 

Instructors should review the circumstances covered in this policy (including mandated exceptions) and apply absence restrictions at their discretion; however, no instructor may enforce an attendance policy that is more restrictive than the policy given below. Students should check the syllabus for each course to confirm the instructor’s specific attendance policy, which should be clearly delineated. 

Instructors’ attendance policies must account for qualified students in the following situations:

• Students with documented short- or long-term disabilities. Students should contact the Disability Access Office for more information or case consultation.
  
  
• Students requesting accommodations due to religious holiday observance. Students should see the policy “Religious Accommodations for Students” and follow instructions provided by the Office of Inclusive Excellence.
  
  
• Students with documented military obligations.
  
  

Instructors are strongly encouraged to work with students in the following situations:

• Extenuating circumstances such as death of a family member, student hospitalization or significant injury or illness, jury duty summons, or other unforeseen, highly impactful emergencies.
  
  
• Participation in events as a representative of Gonzaga University. 
  
  

In all class absence instances, students are responsible for communicating and/or providing required documentation and for following up with faculty as soon as reasonably possible. If needed, students should contact the Center of Cura Personalis (CCP) and/or the Center for Student Academic Success (CSAS) to assist in coordinating with faculty. Faculty may receive notification from CCP or CSAS when emergency situations prohibit a student from providing notification. If other situations arise regarding student absences with which faculty need further assistance, they should contact their chair, and if needed, the Office of the Provost.  

Having considered the above accommodations, faculty may choose to limit student absences as follows:

Gonzaga’s historical policy on absences stipulates that the maximum allowable absence is two class hours (100 minutes) for each class credit. For example, the maximum absence for a three-credit class is six class hours (300 minutes). Classes scheduled to meet for more than 50 minutes have more than one class hour for each meeting; for example, a class which meets for 75 minutes counts as 1.5 class hours for each scheduled meeting. The grade “V” may be given for excessive absences; this grade has the same effect as “F” (Fail) and is counted in the GPA. Instructors who wish to exercise the option of assigning a “V” grade should notify the Registrar’s Office as soon as they make this determination; the Registrar’s Office will in turn notify the student. 

Faculty are encouraged to work with individual students to ensure academic success both to satisfy the course objectives and meet the students’ needs due to absences. Students who believe that they have been treated unfairly regarding this policy may appeal to the Dean of the college or school in which the course is offered.

Student Bereavement Policy

The Bereavement Policy is written with the Gonzaga University mission in mind, in that the university “intentionally develops the whole person - intellectually, spiritually, culturally, physically, and emotionally.” Furthermore, Gonzaga University is committed to the “dignity of the human person.” The purpose of the following Bereavement Policy is to support students who have suffered the death of a loved one.  Students requesting leave under this policy will initiate the process by notifying the Center for Cura Personalis (CCP) as soon as possible. CCP will then communicate the request via email to the student’s current faculty, advisor and the Center for Student Academic Success which outlines the following policy:

Because bereavement may require multiple periodic absences, this policy supersedes the regular attendance policy; students under this policy will be excused from the V grade. Students are responsible to meet outcomes in their courses, which may entail completing alternative assignments.  (For example, in cases where class attendance and participation are required, faculty might accept journal responses or other appropriate modes of engagement).  Students are required to meet with faculty as soon as reasonably possible to establish a plan to meet course outcomes, and faculty are expected to be flexible in meeting outcomes.  Note that program specific requirements or standards may preclude some flexibility.

Any work required to fulfill outcomes agreed upon by faculty and the bereaved student which is not completed by the end of the semester will result in a grade of I - Incomplete (the details of the Incomplete Grade under Grading Policies & Procedures). Utilization of this policy will take into account various religious traditions and practices; for more information, contact the Office of Inclusive Excellence.

Note: Students experiencing difficulties with this process or having remaining questions are encouraged to reach out to their Academic Dean’s Office. 

University Recording Policy

Instructors are not required to record classes. However, class sessions and meetings may be recorded for the benefit of students who are unable to attend in-person or for other academic uses such as study aids, online instruction, hybrid class settings, or other types of distance education. This policy is not intended to affect any students’ rights under both federal and state law regarding reasonable accommodations. Students requesting accommodations should coordinate with the Disability Access Office.
By remaining registered in a class at Gonzaga University, students agree that their recognizable and/or identifiable voice, name, image, or likeness may be recorded for educational purposes only. Student compliance with the terms of this policy is subject to the student code of conduct.

Definitions

Recording is defined as including, but not limited to, video, audio, screen shots, and photos.
Class is defined as any registered course or class with students through any modality, in person or via any technology.
Instructor is defined as meaning primary instructor (of record) or professor.

1. Student Initiated Recordings

   1. Student Made Recordings
      1. Video Recording – A student may not make a recording of a class, or any portion thereof.
      2. Screen Shots or Photos – A student may take a screen shot or photo of materials used in class only if the instructor gives explicit permission to do so. Screen shots or photos are only to be used for personal educational use by the student during their enrollment in the class.
      3. Audio Recording – A student must receive explicit permission from the instructor before making an audio recording of all or any portion of a class. This recording is only to be used for personal educational use by the student during their enrollment in the class.
   2. Distribution of Class Recording – A student may not distribute or share a recording of class, or any portion thereof, to anyone in any format. This includes any digital application or platform including all social media platforms.
   3. Accessibility of Recordings – Students who are given access to any form of class recording must delete the recordings no later than the end of the semester in which the recording was made.

2. Instructor Initiated Recordings

   1. Video, Screen Shots, Photos, and Audio Recording – Instructors are not required to make recordings. Any recording will be made solely at the instructor’s discretion. Only the instructor, or an instructor designee, may cause a class to be recorded, unless explicit permission is given by the instructor.

   2. Distribution of Class Recording – An instructor may post a recording on an internal Learning Management System (LMS) or distribute through university email to students for educational purposes only. If posted to any website, access to the recording must be restricted so that only students who are registered for the class have access.

      Faculty, administrators, and staff, other than the instructor who made the recording, do not have permission to use or share class recordings for any purpose.

   3. Accessibility of Recordings – Instructors are required to make all recordings inaccessible to students within 30 days of the end of the semester, except as necessary to assist students enrolled in that class to complete outstanding work.
   4. University Approved Systems and Software – A university approved learning management system, or university email account, must be used for uploading recordings, storing recordings, or disseminating recordings to students enrolled in the class for educational purposes. University approved software includes those provided to employees by Gonzaga Information Technology Services (ITS) and secure, third-party party providers (such as Blackboard or Canvas).

3. Exceptions

   1. Instructors may only reuse recordings that do not show any recognizable and/or identifiable voice, name, image, or likeness of students. This includes audio and video recordings, reviews of assignments, research synopses, how-to guides, instructional videos, and any other class related materials.

Faculty Initiated Drop Policy

Students should contact professors or academic departments prior to the first class session if they plan to be absent.  If a student misses the first class meeting without notifying the instructor or academic department, the student may be dropped from the course at the discretion of the instructor and provided that the course is closed.  Professors will report absences to the Dean, who, upon approval, will notify the Registrar’s Office to drop students from course sections.  For further information about unexcused absences, please refer to Gonzaga’s “Class Attendance Policy.”

Final Examinations

Final examinations are held at the end of each semester, and, at the option of the instructor, examinations are held at mid-semester. Final examination times are listed for each semester on the Registrar’s Office web pages. Students making their travel arrangements for the end of each semester must take into account these final examination times.

Final examinations or their equivalent can be administered by instructors only on the day and at the time indicated in the Final Exam Schedule; any exceptions to this procedure must have the explicit approval of the appropriate Dean.

Enrollment Verifications

Once a month the Registrar’s Office transmits enrollment data to the National Student Clearinghouse.  This data is used to provide enrollment verification of students that can be accessed by a third party including lenders of federal and state loans. The Registrar’s Office, upon timely notice, will also provide to any student a letter verifying his/her enrollment status to any agency. Students may print out their verification for insurance providers by accessing the National Student Loan Clearinghouse link through ZagWeb.