Frequently Asked Questions

How I do I find out who my class dean is?

Each class is assigned a dean who provides personal and academic support. The current dean assignments are:

Pam Solomon - Class of 2008
Gerri Randlett - Class of 2009 
Rachel Reiser (interim) - Class of 2010 
Dan Kwash  - Class of 2011

What if I want to under or over load my courses?

Students are expected to maintain a full course load as defined in the Undergraduate Catalog and Handbook. It may become necessary for students to deviate from such course load due to extenuating circumstances. Credits for courses taken for enrichment do not count towards earned credits but the grades earned for enrichment courses are used in the calculation of grade point averages. Students who wish to receive a course variance must submit appropriate paperwork at least 3 business days before the end of the add/drop period.

What is the add/drop policy?

Returning students may make adjustments to their schedule through the fifth class day of the semester. A period of approximately nine weeks from the beginning of each semester will be allowed for withdrawal from courses without academic penalty. The current term’s last date to withdraw can be found on the academic calendar. Students will receive a “W” grade for withdrawing from a course after add/drop. Students who do not withdraw officially from a course will receive a grade in that course. Final grades will be accepted only for students listed on the official class roster.

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must first obtain the signature of their class dean. Students cannot withdraw from individual IME streams.

If a course is added during the add/drop period that requires additional tuition, the additional tuition cost must be paid before enrollment as outlined under Tuition Policies. The Undergraduate Program is a full-time program and part-time student status is not recognized. Anyone wishing to drop all courses is regarded as withdrawing from Babson College and must complete a separation form with his or her class dean. In addition, the student is required to vacate college housing. Under such a status, a student is not eligible to participate in any college activities, including athletics, student clubs and organizations, student hatchery space, or student employment. Separation forms are available online from the Academic Services Web site. Failure by the student to complete the separation form may result in a status change to “administrative withdrawal.”

What if I want to take a leave of absence?

A student may be granted a leave of absence for any specified period, not in excess of one calendar year. To take a leave of absence, students must first contact Academic Services to complete the separation form.

What if I want to withdraw from Babson?

Occasionally, unexpected circumstances may make it necessary for a student to withdraw from the College. To do this, students must speak with a member of the Office of Academic Services. At that time, they will initiate a separation form for review and approval by appropriate College departments.

What if I have transfer credit or I would like to take an off-campus summer course?

If for some special reason a student must take course work elsewhere, he or she must get prior written approval from the Office of Academic Services. A student can take a maximum of 12 credits off-campus (exclusive of official cross-registration or study abroad). These credits are limited to courses that are not offered at Babson. Once the credits are complete, the student must submit an official transcript of the college or university attended.

How should I prepare to meet my dean?

You are expected to:

• Bring off campus transcripts to help process your Degree Requirement Checklist.
• Make a list of questions you need answers to and possible courses for the following term.
• Be prepared to discuss details of your academic performance.
• Bring your appointment calendar or planner to jot notes for future appointments.
• Bring an open mind and a readiness to accept new information or new ways of seeing things.

For the student/class dean Relationship, you can expect:

• Your class dean will keep information shared in the advising session confidential and only release such information to others, as well as grades, class attendance and academic progress, with your expressed, written permission.
  
• Your class dean will encourage you to make an appointment to discuss complex matters in person rather than risk student or adviser misunderstanding.

Limitations on what your class dean may do for you:

• Your class dean will not have all the answers, but he/she will be willing to find out where you can get answers.
• Your class dean will not make decisions for you. You must make them for yourself.
• Your class dean cannot circumvent College policies and procedures, but will support and advocate on your behalf where possible.

What GPA do I have to maintain to remain in good academic standing?

All undergraduate students at Babson College are expected to maintain a certain cumulative grade point average (GPA) to be in good academic standing. A cumulative average is computed by including all work of previous semesters. The hours of each course are multiplied by the quality rating of the grade received and the total is divided by the total course hours. Averages are rounded after carrying the figures to the third decimal place. Those grade point averages are:

• Students who have attempted up to, and including 42 credits are benchmarked at a cumulative GPA of 1.8.
• Students who have more than 42 attempted credits are benchmarked at a cumulative GPA of 2.0.

What if I want to register for a class that is full?

If a class is full, you should plan on taking another course. In extreme circumstances, only the professor of the course may admit additional students to a full course.

How do I make the dean's list?

The Dean’s List recognizes outstanding scholarship among those students who are enrolled in the undergraduate degree program. To be eligible, a student must have a semester grade point average of at least 3.30, based on a minimum of 12 semester hours taken at Babson. The grades may not include more than one C+, no grade below C+, and no “I”

Notification of a student’s achievement of the Dean’s List is sent to the student’s local newspaper. The total list also is distributed to the Babson community in a newsletter.

What are the requirements for graduating with honors?

Cum Laude – 3.30 to 3.49 cumulative grade point average
Magna Cum Laude – 3.50 to 3.74 cumulative grade point average
Summa Cum Laude – 3.75 to 4.0 cumulative grade point average

What if I am unsure as to what I want to do when I graduate from Babson?

There are many resources available to help students. First, consider having a discussion with your class dean, member of the Center for Career Development, or professor. They can make suggestions to help you pinpoint an area of interest. 

What if I want to do an independent research project for credit?

Independent research projects are graded and treated as regular courses and are granted regular credit toward the Babson degree. If the independent research project is part of a regular semester-hour load, then there is no additional charge, as it is covered by the flat-rate tuition. If the total semester credits earned for independent research exceed the regular semester-hour load, then the project is charged on a per-credit basis. All work must be completed on or before the last day of classes of the semester for which the project is written.

What is Cross-Registration?

Babson has a cooperative cross-registration program with Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering, Brandeis University, Regis College, Wellesley College and Pine Manor College. Students may register for a maximum of one course each semester at the above institutions, subject to availability. Students in their last semester are not allowed to cross-register since other schools’ semesters may end later than Babson’s; therefore, grades would not be posted prior to commencement. Students must come to the Office of the Registrar first for approval and then complete the process as directed.