• ¨The curriculum depends on the active engagement of students in their own learning and on collaborative contributions to peer learning.
• ¨Key learning occurs in small groups, which depend on individual preparation and participation by every member.
• We value every component of the curriculum and therefore mastery of each element and discipline will be expected.
• The goal of this curriculum is that each student achieves competence in order to progress. Therefore, criteria for mastery are defined, but students' level of achievement is not ranked.

Grades: All courses in the Essential Core are graded Pass/Fail. The final grade is based upon passing performance in each segment of the course: examinations, assignments, quizzes and small group work.

Examinations:
The minimum passing score on each examination is 70%. Students with unexcused absences from exams will not be eligible to take makeup exams. Students will be allowed to reschedule exams only with the permission of the course director and for the following reasons:

1) documented illness,
2) approved personal or family emergency, or
3) approved professional commitment.

1) If you are unable to take an exam because you are ill, you must notify one of the course directors by telephone before the exam, and receive permission to reschedule.
2) If you are unable to take an exam because you have a personal or family emergency, you must notify one of the course directors by telephone before the exam and receive permission to reschedule your exam.
3) If you wish to reschedule an exam so that you can meet a professional commitment, such as attending a scientific meeting, you must contact the course director at least three weeks in advance of the regularly scheduled exam.

Makeup Examinations: A failed exam must be retaken and passed even if the overall average of all examinations for the course is 70% or higher. Makeup exams must be passed on one attempt.

Assignments or Quizzes: The minimum passing score for assignments and quizzes is 70%. The course administration will clarify, for each discipline, if each individual assignment or quiz must be passed OR if passing is determined by an aggregate score of several assignments or quizzes.

Self-Assessment. Self-assessment exercises are provided for individual use and self-evaluation. Their use is encouraged but is not required. They are not graded nor are results available to course instructors.

Course Evaluations: To ensure course improvement and to benefit from your experience with the course, you are required to complete the on-line course and teacher evaluation within two weeks of the end of the course. Final exam grades are not released to the class until 70& of students have completed the course evaluations.

Assistance with Learning: If you need additional tutoring or instruction, please contact the course director or the Office of Curricular Affairs for assistance as soon as possible. The school has numerous resources available at your request to help you.

Adopted August 21, 2001