CALS Academic Policies

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) faculty, students, and administration support and abide by the university Code of Academic Integrity. CALS adheres to the university guidelines regarding academic integrity including the establishment of an Academic Integrity Hearing Board. Read more about the Academic Integrity Policy in the courses of study.

CALS Academic Standing

Satisfactory progress towards a degree is determined by:

• Semester GPA of at least 2.0.
• Cumulative GPA of at least 2.0
• Satisfactory completion of a minimum of 12 or more academic credits per current semester.
• Students must enroll in at least one CALS class each semester until 55 CALS credits have been successfully completed.
• Maintain reasonable progress within a student's major.

Recommended:

Earn at least 60 academic credits by the end of the sophomore year and at least 90 academic credits by the end of junior year to be on track to graduate in 4 years.

Maintain Good Academic Standing:

During the semester, if you encounter difficulties, be sure to seek help. Students are advised to review their class schedule with their CALS Advisor, faculty advisor and/or major advising coordinator to discuss these suggested topics:

• Optimal credits for success, possibly reducing your course load;
• Balance of courses: science labs versus intensive writing, etc.;
• Is this still the right major?
• Thoughts about your career path and related courses;
• Obstacles that might interfere with your success;
• Suggested resources.

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University is committed to helping each student reach their full academic potential. At the end of each semester, the Committee on Academic Achievement and Petitions reviews the academic records of all students who are not making satisfactory academic progress or do not maintain good academic standing and takes appropriate action. Academic actions include but are not limited to:

• Issuing warnings,
• placing students in the Academic Success Program (ASP),
• granting students a leave of absence, or placing them on a required academic leave or required academic withdrawal.

All students- especially International students, financial aid recipients, athletes, and students participating in ASP - should ensure they plan their semester schedule based on meeting federal, state, and University requirements.

Students who fall out of good academic standing for one of the following reasons will receive an academic warning letter:

• Completion of less than twelve (12) academic credit hours;
• Failure to complete a minimum of one CALS class if the minimum 55 CALS credits are not yet complete;
• Incompletes on student record;
• Not making progress in their major classes.

The notice is intended to alert the student of minimum graduation requirements and offer support and assistance for improving academic performance. No notation will appear on the permanent academic record. However, in specific circumstances, when CALS is asked to verify good academic standing for the previous semester, the college must report that the student did not meet the criteria.

If you are a student interested in changing your major or an internal transfer and you receive an academic warning letter, it is because you fell outside of good academic standing for one of the reasons defined above.  Do not worry about this having a negative impact on your ability to transfer/change majors. The Inclusive Academic Advising team can explain why students fell outside of good academic standing with the major/college as needed.

The purpose of ASP is to proactively identify areas that may be causing academic difficulties and determine how best to address them.  Students have a limited number of semesters at CALS, and we want to ensure that students achieve success semester-to-semester.  We partner with students to address these challenges quickly so that students can utilize resources and support on- and off-campus that may support their success.  ASP facilitates communication between students, CALS Student Services, Athletics, OADI, and their Academic Department/Major so we can work together in the upcoming semester.  Students are in the driver’s seat for their success, and we are here to help plan and navigate the journey together. Participation in the Academic Success Program (ASP) will not appear on your permanent transcript.  

Students are placed on the CALS Academic Success Program (ASP) when:

• Term GPA below 2.0 and cumulative GPA below 2.0;
• Semester GPA below 2.0, could have high cumulative GPA, but has extenuating circumstances and/or academic alerts (prior ASP, Academic Concerns, and INC or leaves);
• A student returning from a health leave (excluding physical leaves);
• Patterns or history of not engaging with outreach.

Students are placed on ASP but can opt out when:

• Term GPA below 2.0, but high cumulative GPA and no extenuating circumstances and/or academic alerts (prior Academic Concerns or leave);
• Under 12 academic credits due to an incomplete, but seems to be doing okay academically;
• Has been on ASP in the past;
• Patterns or history of not engaging with independent outreach (connecting with IAA outside of assigned ASP);
• Note: students must meet with their ASP advisor before opting out of the program.

Participation in ASP is only reversed due to grade changes, resolved incompletes, and late withdrawal petitions that increase a student's GPA to 2.0 or higher.

Request for a Leave or Withdrawal from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)

Please read the following instructions and policy, then link to the bottom of this page to access the Cornell University Leave of Absence and Withdrawal Request Form.

Health Leave of Absence (HLOA): Students considering a Health Leave of Absence (HLOA) should first schedule a consultation with the Cornell Health Leaves Coordinator healthleaves [at] cornell.edu (healthleaves[at]cornell[dot]edu). For more information about the process and steps, refer to the Health Leave of Absence section on the Cornell Health website.

Voluntary Leave of Absence (VLOA): A student may request a voluntary leave of absence (VLOA) due to an opportunity or personal circumstances unrelated to a health condition. Students seeking this kind of leave have an expected return date after the end of the current term. A student seeking a VLOA is responsible for initiating the request by submitting the Cornell Leave of Absence and Withdrawal Request Form.

Withdrawal: A student who decides to withdraw from Cornell University for personal reasons or matriculation in another institution of higher learning, with no intention of returning, is responsible for submitting the online Cornell University Leave/Withdrawal form. The student’s withdrawal from the university will be effective when the student submits the form. Students not requesting leave and who fail to become registered will be withdrawn from the university.  For more information, refer to the Leaves and Withdrawals section in the Courses of Study. 

• Deadline: At any point throughout the term, the student can request to withdraw from the institution. Once withdrawn, the student must apply for readmission for any future enrollment. Readmission to the university is not guaranteed.

Once you formally submit the leave request or withdrawal request through the online form, it will be dated and time-stamped. You will receive an email sent to your official Cornell email address verifying your submission was successful and the date submitted. This date determines your official last day of attendance for tuition and grading purposes if the request is during an active term. If the leave or withdrawal is for a future term that has not yet started, the effective date will always be the day after the last date of attendance at Cornell. 

Review the CALS policy on leaves and withdrawals:

Students who wish to suspend their studies for a period of time or permanently may request a leave or withdrawal. 

• Deadline: A student may request a leave or withdrawal at any time after the student has commenced attendance at the university. If the leave is for the current term, the Last Day of the Semester is the deadline (see the academic calendar).
• Duration: A student is not permitted to return from a leave after an academic term has begun.  A leave is granted for up to five years.
  • Prolonged Time Away: A leave exceeding five years results in an official withdrawal from the University. Due to changing curriculum and major requirements, requests for readmission from a leave of five years or greater require reapplication. To begin the process, please email CALS_Admissions [at] cornell.edu. 
• Grades: If the student submits a leave or withdrawal after the published deadline to drop classes, the student will receive the course withdrawal notation (W) for any courses that have not been completed.  The student is not eligible to take an incomplete or receive a grade for a course when the leave date precedes the class end date.
• Leave or withdrawal considerations: student's should check with the Office of the Bursar, Office of Financial Aid, Housing and Residential Life, Cornell Dining, Student Health Benefits, International Services, Athletics, and student employment to find out financial implications. It is particularly important for students who have educational loans to contact the Office of Financial Aid. Eligibility for medical or auto insurance may also be affected during a student’s leave of absence. Students who are granted a leave or withdrawal during a semester are responsible for any outstanding tuition or other university charges owed through the effective date of the leave or withdrawal. On-campus housing and dining charges may accrue until the student no longer utilizes the services, regardless of the official leave date.
• Academic Actions: While a student may take a leave at any time, the CALS Office of Student Services in consultation with the CALS Committee on Academic Achievement and Petitions may place academic conditions on the return based on curriculum sequencing, time-to-degree requirements or academic actions that will be determined and communicated to the student at or by the end of the term. The college retains the right to add conditions that must be met before a student may return from leave. 
• Student Status: Students on a leave of absence may not enroll in any courses the University offers. Students on leave are not registered with the university and, therefore, are not eligible for privileges afforded to registered students, including, but not limited to, residing in university housing, accessing university resources, and receiving direct supervision by faculty members. 
• Academic Standing: students who are in good academic standing in the college at conclusion of a semester may request to take a leave of absence to suspend their studies prior to the start of the upcoming semester. Leaves/withdrawals requested for an upcoming term will be effective on the day after the end of the last term attended.
• Effective date for leave or withdrawal: 
  • A leave or withdrawal granted before the semester begins or by the University drop deadline will result in the upcoming or current semester's courses being expunged, with the exception of partial term classes that have completed. Students in this case are eligible to return to the college at the start of the next semester subject to any conditions placed on their rejoin.
  • A leave or withdrawal granted after the university drop deadline and by the last day of the term will result in W’s on a student’s transcript for enrolled classes. Partial term classes (e.g. Seven Week - First) in which the course has ended prior to the requested leave date will remain on the transcript with the grade awarded and will not be withdrawn with a W. 
• Study Abroad enrollment restrictions while on leave: Study abroad undertaken during a leave of absence will not receive academic credit. International students on leave of absence from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences may enroll in courses at a college or university in their home country of residence only, as such enrollment is not defined as study abroad. Study Abroad undertaken during a leave of absence will not be accepted as academic credit toward the Cornell degree.
• Pre-approval of transfer credit: To satisfy Cornell degree requirements, courses taken at an external institution must be pre-approved by the college. Credit for courses completed at foreign institutions during a leave or withdrawal will not be accepted for transfer credit unless students return to their countries of permanent residence during their leave of absence.  
• International students: International students are advised to consult with the Office of Global Learning, International Services, regarding a leave of absence from the University.
  The student’s college or the university reserves the right to change a leave to a required leave or withdrawal if an academic or disciplinary review determines it appropriate.
• Transcript Notation: A student approved for a leave will have “Leave of Absence” noted on the student’s official transcript. The student will receive a grade for any course completed before the leave request date.

If you agree with these policies and terms and wish to submit your leave or withdrawal, click the link below to access the form.

I understand; please take me to the form. 

Required Academic Leave

• The committee considers cumulative GPA, GPA for the most recent semester(s), number of semesters participating in the Academic Success Program (ASP), unsatisfactory grades in courses required by the program for which the student is registered, and/or number of semester hours of work completed when placing students on a required academic leave.
• More information about beneficial reflection and activities while on a required academic leave can be found below.

We encourage students placed on required academic leave to:

1. Reflect on the past semester and current situation: Use the time on academic leave to reflect on the factors contributing to your academic struggles. Identify any challenges or issues that affected your performance, such as time management, study habits, personal circumstances, or health concerns. 
2. Seek support: Reach out to CALS inclusive academic advisors, professors, faculty advisors, major advising coordinators, the Director of Undergraduate Studies in your Academic Department, or support staff to discuss your academic situation and seek guidance. They can provide valuable advice and resources or refer you to appropriate support services. 
3. Develop an action plan: Work with your inclusive academic advisor or other professional staff to create a comprehensive action plan that outlines the steps you will take to improve your academic performance. This plan may include strategies for time management, study techniques, and setting realistic SMART goals. 
4. Address any underlying challenges: If you identify any personal, emotional, or health-related challenges that impacted your academics, take steps to address them. Seek counseling, therapy, or medical assistance to strengthen your well-being and develop effective coping mechanisms. Complete any outstanding incomplete/s.  
5. Improve study habits: Evaluate and enhance your study habits. Experiment with different techniques like active reading, annotative notetaking, creating study schedules, and seeking additional resources like tutoring or supplemental instruction. 
6. Build academic skills: Identify areas where you may need improvement, such as writing, critical thinking, or quantitative skills. Take advantage of any online resources (Khan Academy, YouTube, Crash Course), workshops, or courses to enhance these skills. 
7. Stay organized and manage time effectively: Implement effective time management strategies by using calendars, to-do lists, and prioritization techniques. Break down tasks into smaller, manageable parts to avoid procrastination and maintain a consistent study routine. 
8. Stay connected with professors: Maintain open lines of communication with your professors and demonstrate your commitment to improving your performance. Developing a positive rapport with your professors can also provide opportunities for mentorship, academic or career guidance, or connection to research or employment opportunities. 
9. Stay engaged with academic material: Even if you are not enrolled in classes during your academic leave, continue to engage with academic content through self-study. Read textbooks, scholarly articles, or relevant online publications to keep your mind active and maintain a connection to your academic field/major. 
10. Maintain a support system: Seek support from friends, family, or peers who can encourage and motivate you during this time. Surrounding yourself with individuals who believe in your ability to succeed can make a significant difference.

Required Academic Withdrawal

• Students who fail to make satisfactory progress toward an undergraduate degree in the program for which they are registered are dismissed from CALS.  
• The committee considers cumulative GPA, GPA for the most recent semester(s), number of semesters on probation, unsatisfactory grades in courses required by the program for which the student is registered, and/or number of semester hours of work completed when determining whether a student is eligible to continue in the CALS.  

Required Academic Withdrawal: What are my options? Following required academic withdrawal, students have several options to consider: 

1. Attend another college or university: You can transfer to another college or university. It's essential to research transfer policies and requirements at different institutions, as some may have specific guidelines for students with a history of academic dismissal. This may involve starting over as a first-year student or applying as a transfer student. 
2. Take a break and reevaluate: Sometimes, taking a break from academics can be beneficial. You can use this time to reflect on your goals, identify any challenges you faced during your previous academic experience, and develop strategies for improvement. During the break, you can explore other interests, gain work experience, or pursue personal development. 
3. Seek services that improve academic skills: You may consider enrolling in academic skill-building programs or courses to enhance your study habits, time management, note-taking, and other essential skills. These programs are often available at colleges and universities or through external educational organizations. 
4. Attend a community college: Community colleges often have more relaxed admission policies, making them a viable option for students who have been academically dismissed. You can enroll in community college courses to improve your academic standing, demonstrate your abilities, and potentially transfer to a four-year institution later. 
5. Explore alternative educational pathways: Not all career paths require a traditional college degree. You may consider vocational training or certificate programs that offer specific skills and qualifications for your desired field. Researching and considering alternative educational pathways can provide new opportunities. 

If you find yourself in this situation, it is crucial for you to reflect on your past academic performance, identify areas for improvement, and create a plan that aligns with your goals and aspirations. Seeking guidance from inclusive academic advisors, career counselors, faculty, and mentors can also be helpful in navigating these options and making informed decisions. 

Where appropriate, students may not be rejoined until University Record Holds, including bursar, collections, or enrollment holds, are cleared from their account. Please log in to Student Center to view any holds and contact the appropriate offices for more information.

To facilitate pre-enrollment, the college must receive all requests for return by March 1st for the fall semester and October 1st for the spring semester. 

Upon return, the student's graduation date will be recalculated to account for the time spent away. Students will typically return on the same academic status (good academic standing, academic warning, etc.) as they had prior to the leave. Students who are rejoined will receive written confirmation and be reactivated on the university student system. Five years is the maximum length of time a student may be on leave before being withdrawn permanently from the college (see prolonged time away).

Return from Voluntary Leave of Absence

A student requesting to return from a VLOA must petition to return through DUST. A completed form must be submitted no later than:

• Fall Deadline: July 18th
• Spring Deadline: November 30th  

These deadlines are firm to allow students ample time to make arrangements for housing, secure financial aid, and clear any outstanding holds. Requests submitted after this deadline will be deferred to the next semester. For health-related leaves, students must consult with both the college and Cornell Health well in advance of these dates. 

Return from Health Leave of Absence

Students who are ready to return from a Health Leave of Absence (HLOA) must work with the Health Leaves Coordinator to initiate the return process. First, email the Cornell Health Leaves Coordinator healthleaves [at] cornell.edu (healthleaves[at]cornell[dot]edu). For the remaining steps, refer to the Health Leave of Absence section on the Cornell Health website.

The CALS Office of Student Services, in consultation with the CALS Committee on Academic Achievement and Petitions, may place academic conditions on the Health Leave of Absence return based on curriculum sequencing, time-to-degree requirements, or academic actions that will be determined and communicated to the student at or by the end of the term.

Return from Required Academic Leave

A student requesting to return from a required leave of absence must complete a petition through DUST for readmission. Students may not be returned until all academic conditions for returning have been satisfied, including any outstanding holds.  Please log in to Student Center to view any holds and contact the appropriate offices for more information. 

• Students who have been placed on a required leave of absence are not eligible for readmission until one fall and one spring semester has elapsed since the required academic leave.  Students can petition to return after one semester on leave.    
• Students placed on required academic leave will receive a personalized academic plan developed collaboratively between CALS and their major. It is crucial for students to carefully follow and adhere to the academic plan provided by the department to ensure a successful reintegration into the college.  
• Students must successfully complete all Incomplete (INC) grades before returning.  
• In all cases, applications for readmission must be received by the deadline dates identified by CALS. Fall Deadline: 3rd Tuesday of June 11:59pm; Spring Return Deadline November 30. 
• Readmission is not guaranteed.  Past academic history at CALS and current academic history are considered.  
• Readmitted students who were previously academically dismissed must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA in all coursework taken since readmission and must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours of new coursework at Cornell University to be eligible for degree consideration. 

Additional Considerations: 

• All grading/incomplete policies are in effect during all leave types.  If you have questions concerning the make-up of incomplete grades, please speak with an academic advisor in the CALS Office of Student Services. 
• If you are a student returning from both health leave and required academic leave, be sure to complete both applications for a successful return.  
• Students returning from any leave should check in with the Bursar and Financial Aid to see if they have to complete a Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal upon return as well.   

Voluntary Withdrawal

A voluntary withdrawal is a permanent severance from the university and candidacy for the degree. Students planning to withdraw should consult with their faculty and academic advisors. Students who do not request a leave and fail to meet the university's record hold requirements for a semester will be administratively withdrawn by the Office of the University Registrar. More information can be found on the Office of the Bursar website. A voluntary withdrawal must be officially submitted via the University Leave/Withdrawal form and is effective on the submission date.

Academic Actions

The CALS Office of Student Services, in consultation with the CALS Committee on Academic Achievement and Petitions, may place academic conditions on the return based on curriculum sequencing, time-to-degree requirements, or academic actions that will be determined and communicated to the student at or by the end of the term.

Prolonged Time Away 

A leave exceeding five years results in an official withdrawal from the University. Due to changing curriculum and major requirements, requests for readmission from a leave of five years or greater require reapplication. To begin the process, please email CALS_Admissions [at] cornell.edu. 

Earning credit while on leave

To satisfy Cornell degree requirements, students can take courses outside of Cornell at other accredited colleges and universities. If students plan on taking courses during their leave, please note that they are restricted by the general transfer credit policy. Students should work with CALS and their academic department to understand how credits will apply to major requirements and CALS distribution requirements if they are approved to return to CALS.  

Credit for courses completed at foreign institutions during a leave of absence from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences will not be accepted for transfer credit. International students on leave of absence from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences may only enroll in courses at an accredited college or university in their home country, as such enrollment is not defined as study abroad. 

Please contact CALS Student Services (cals-studentservices [at] cornell.edu) with any questions about transferring credits back into CALS. 

These are the main tools you'll use as you enroll in classes:

• Courses of Study website can help you plan your four years of study. It represents Cornell’s full catalog of courses and is published annually.
• Class Roster website offers a robust search engine that allows you to explore classes by subject, class year, college, time offered, instructor, credits and other categories.

Choosing Your Courses

To receive a College of Agriculture and Life Sciences degree, you must fulfill all of the degree requirements listed in the Courses of Study, including major and university requirements. 

• Because some courses have overlapping content, they cannot both be counted toward your degree. Check this list of overlapping courses before you enroll in courses.
• Courses taken with the S/U option can be used to fulfill college distribution requirements. Check with your major department to ensure S/U grading will meet the major requirement.
• You can monitor your progress toward degree completion by checking your DUST (Distributed Undergraduate Student Tracking) report here. The DUST report is updated after each semester to reflect your progress toward completing college requirements.

General Policy Statement

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) does not support class time conflict requests, as students are expected to attend classes according to the federal credit hour regulations. Students are expected to participate in each class in the format in which the class is offered. Generally, students cannot enroll in courses that meet at the same time or at overlapping times. Time conflict overrides are NOT available for a student to attend one class and arrange to watch asynchronous lectures and complete the coursework for a second class outside of the course time.

CALS will consider a time conflict override form, contingent on meeting all the following criteria:  

• The student must be in good academic standing in CALS.
• The time conflict, including travel time, cannot be greater than 10 minutes of a single class meeting for either class.
  • Classes that overlap by more than 10 minutes, including travel, will be automatically denied.
• Permission is required from both instructors of the two conflicting classes.
  • Instructors and/or departments have the discretion to deny these requests.
  • Consideration may be given if the student has extenuating circumstances, such as needing to meet degree requirements/graduate on time.
• On-time submission of the Time Conflict Override form (available in DUST), opening ahead of the add/drop period.
• If the class is closed or at the enrollment cap, students must obtain a permission code and add the code to the override form.
• Requests will not be accepted after the University add deadline. 

Although video recordings may be available, they are not intended to replace in-class participation.  If the classes are offered on the same day/time, students will not be permitted to enroll in both classes, regardless of delivery method. 

Reasons for Policy/Purpose

This policy ensures that instructional conditions are conducive to an effective student learning experience and that instructors fulfill instructional contact hour standards. The policy is necessary to ensure compliance with contact and credit-hour standards established by Cornell University, conforming to New York State Education Department (NYSED) and U.S. Department of Education guidelines. Additionally, credit hours awarded by Cornell University comply with the Middle States Commission of Higher Education (MSCHE) credit hour regulations. Students consistently arriving late for a class or departing early can disrupt the teaching and learning process. 

Forms

On-time submission of Time Conflict petition (available in DUST), opening ahead of the add/drop period for the semester. Petitions will not be accepted after the University add deadline.  

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does the student enrollment system handle overlap or classes with a time conflict?
   • The student enrollment system prohibits electronic enrollment if classes overlap.
2. How does this policy apply to classes offered online?
   • This policy applies to online classes with scheduled meetings that overlap with scheduled meetings of another class (whether online or in-person class). Online classes without scheduled meetings (asynchronous) do not overlap or present travel time issues and are exempt from this policy.
3. If a student has mobility issues and needs additional travel time between classes, what accommodations are available?
   • Students may contact their instructors to request additional time. Instructors may evaluate individual circumstances and be flexible with policy around arrival time. Students should contact Student Disability Services.  

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences will have a similar credit limit policy as in past semesters. 

CALS undergraduate students may enroll in up to 22 credits maximum (22 credits are allowed when add/drop begins). It is recommended that entering first-year students enroll in a maximum of 18 credits in their first semester.

Petitions to Exceed Maximum Credit up to a max of 25 credits will not be considered, except for students expecting to graduate in December 2024, Spring 2025 or August 2025. Petitions will be considered based on meeting all the following criteria, if applicable: 

• Case-by-case review showing strong academic performance with a heavy credit load. 
• GPA of at least 3.3 for the previous few semesters
• No grades of incomplete
• The course is required for graduation with confirmation by the Academic Advisor.  
• Timely petition submission (available in DUST). Petitions will not be accepted after the university add deadline.   
• Eligible students who wish to enroll in additional credits are encouraged to discuss academic loads with their academic advisor or major department. 

Adding and dropping classes is submitted in the Student Center enrollment pages or submission of a completed add/drop form (only open during the add/drop period). Students may add and drop classes during each fall and spring semester's specified enrollment periods (pre-enrollment and add/drop). The university provides a calendar with key academic dates for add, drop, and withdrawal deadlines each semester. It is the student's responsibility to be aware of and abide by these deadlines. 

• Adding a regular term course can be done during the first 15 calendar days of the semester (with the exception of specific courses with special deadlines).
• Dropping a regular term course can be done in the first 57 days of the semester, if no issue of academic integrity is at stake. Dropping a course removes it from the academic transcript.
• Deadlines for short courses will be adjusted according to the length of the courses.
• After the 57th day and by the withdrawal deadline for the current term (published each term in the college academic calendar), a student may petition the college to withdraw from a course if no issue of academic integrity is at stake. Courses officially withdrawn after the 57th day will be noted on the transcript with a “W” where the grade would normally appear. This is a matter of record and cannot be petitioned. Petitions to withdraw from courses may not be submitted after the published deadlines.

Specific deadlines and further instructions regarding course enrollment are available in the Course Enrollment and Credits section of the courses of study and the Class Roster each semester. Note: individual courses may have add/drop deadlines separate from the University dates. Please be sure to check.

Electronic Student Add/Drop Enrollment Request Form 

• The Online Add/drop form is available during the add/drop period and should be used for all changes after the deadlines if you cannot submit the request online through Student Center.
  • Instructions for the online add/drop form.

The university offers a broad range of diverse courses. Many of these courses have overlapping content, and students must make their selections carefully to ensure that they will receive credit for each course they take. Students who enroll in courses with overlapping content will only receive credit for one of those courses. Within the "Forbidden Overlaps" section of the Courses of Study website, you can find the list of courses with overlapping content if you scroll down to the Forbidden Overlap section.

General Policy Statement

Students are admitted to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) to pursue a baccalaureate degree. Degree-seeking undergraduate students are expected to enroll in and successfully complete courses that will move them toward degree completion in a timely manner. Timely degree completion is generally considered four years (eight academic semesters). External transfer students are credited with one semester in residence for each full-time semester (or equivalent) earned at another accredited institution.

Reasons for Policy/Purpose

Timely graduation is an underlying foundational principle for undergraduate education at the University. To make the best use of students and University resources, students must pursue their undergraduate degree in a timely fashion and are not allowed to register for courses indefinitely without having a formal plan for completing a degree in time. This policy implements the criteria and requirements for accreditation established by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Graduating Early

Students may elect to graduate in fewer than 8 (or equivalent) full-time semesters if they can complete all graduation (college, major, and university) requirements. 

Requests will be considered under the following conditions: 

1. College Residency Requirement: Students must satisfy the college residency requirement. 
2. Official Request for Early Graduation: Students may request to graduate early and officially change the degree date immediately following the pre-enrollment period for the anticipated final semester.
3. Pre-enrollment in required classes: Students must pre-enroll in the classes required to meet graduation requirements (major, college and university) by the requested date.
4. Application to Graduate: Once the graduation date has been updated, you must complete Parts I and II of the application to graduate found in DUST.
5. Submit the request to update degree standing.

Graduating Late

The Bachelor of Science degree is expected to be completed in eight academic full-time semesters (or equivalent). Limiting students to eight semesters is important for two reasons.  

• This limit encourages individual students to complete their undergraduate degree at an appropriate time.  
• It ensures that university resources are allocated equitably, used effectively and efficiently, and that federal financial responsibilities are met.

In the rare event the degree requirements cannot be completed in eight (or equivalent) terms, students may request permission to delay their expected degree date under the following conditions:

1. College Residency Requirement: Students must satisfy the college residency requirement.
2. Official request to delay graduation: Requests will only be granted for students who have found themselves in emergent circumstances beyond their control which have prevented them from completing the degree requirements in eight terms.
3. Requests cannot be made until the student’s final expected graduation term and will not be reviewed without confirmation from the student’s major department.

Students are expected to make satisfactory academic progress on graduation requirements (college, major, and university) each semester and complete the requirements for graduation within eight (or equivalent) terms. If degree requirements cannot be completed in eight (or equivalent) terms, a student may seek permission to continue their studies. Requests will be considered for students who have found themselves in emergent circumstances beyond their control, which prevented them from completing the degree in eight (or equivalent) terms. 

Study beyond the eighth (or equivalent) term will not be approved for the following reasons (this is not intended to be an exhaustive list)[DM1] [SA2] . 

• The purpose of changing a major. 
• Requests to add an additional major, minor, or specialized coursework.
• To complete pre-requisite courses for a graduate or professional program
• To raise the GPA
• To maintain other benefits, such as insurance.

Request to Finish on Leave (8 or fewer academic credits)

In some cases, students need an additional course beyond their expected graduation date and are unable to complete it at Cornell University. In this situation, students can request to complete their coursework externally at another institution (up to 8 academic credits). Complete all the steps below to initiate the request:

1. College Residency Requirement: Students must satisfy the college residency requirement.
2. Official request to delay graduation: Requests will only be granted for students who have found themselves in emergent circumstances beyond their control which have prevented them from completing the degree requirements in eight terms.
3. Requests cannot be made until the student’s final expected graduation term and will not be reviewed without confirmation from the student’s major department.
4. Attain pre-approval of the course the student would like to take by completing a transfer pre-approval form.
5. Complete the petition to complete your remaining requirements at another institution
6. Application to Graduate: Once the graduation date has been updated, you must complete Parts I and II of the application to graduate found in DUST.
7. Request to be placed on a leave of absence. 

Once the course is complete, have the offering institution send an official transcript to the CALS Office of Student Services via email to cals-studentservices [at] cornell.edu (cals-studentservices[at]cornell[dot]edu). When the transcript is received, the student's degree will be reviewed for conferral for the next eligible degree date (for example, if the transfer is received on June 5, the student will be an August Graduate).

Forms

• Request to update Expected Degree Date found in DUST

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the process if a student elects to graduate early, changes their mind, and wants to return to their original degree date?

The student must meet with an advisor on the Registrar team in CALS Student Services. 

2.  What are examples of when a student cannot delay graduation?

Situations that are not acceptable reasons to delay graduation after completing degree requirements include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Adding/completing a minor
• Adding/completing a second major 
• Wishing to choose a different major after completing the requirements for one major 
• Pursuing a learning abroad opportunity
• Improving cumulative GPA
• Repeating a course to improve a grade
• Taking graduate/professional program prerequisite courses (e.g., preparing to apply to Medical School, Law School)
• Prolonging student loan deferment
• Extending the time of US visa/student status
• Maintaining eligibility for specific types of federal, state, and institutional aid
• To apply for and maintain eligibility for a scholarship, including learning abroad scholarships
• Seeking more time to complete an honors thesis

3. How does this policy apply to International Students?

The policy is the same for all undergraduate students, regardless of individual characteristics. The student should contact International Services for guidance.

4. How does this policy apply to student-athletes?

The policy is the same for all undergraduate students, regardless of individual characteristics. The student should contact the Office of Compliance and Student Services for Athletics for guidance.

5. How does this policy affect students who are double majoring or seeking a minor or multiple minors? 

Students pursuing a double major should declare both majors within the recommended timelines. Students completing more than one major or minor simultaneously will not be granted extended time to graduate. They will need to meet the same pace of progression and GPA standards as any other undergraduate student.  Completion of one major, college requirements, and university requirements are required for degree conferral. A CALS student will be conferred their bachelor’s degree upon completing the requirements for a single major. 

The grade of incomplete (INC) is appropriate only when two basic conditions are met:

1. The student has substantial equity at a passing level in the course with respect to work completed.
2. The student has been prevented by circumstances beyond the student’s control, such as illness or family emergency, from completing all course requirements on time. While it is the student's responsibility to initiate a request for a grade of incomplete, reasons for requesting one must be approved by the instructor. The instructor will establish specific make-up requirements and deadlines for completion.

The policy is in place to prevent abuse; deferring completion of some major course requirements could give students an advantage over their classmates by obtaining additional time to do a superior job. The option of an incomplete is purely an instructor's decision and may not be elected at the student’s discretion.

• CALS students should not re-enroll in a course where they have received an incomplete (INC).
• Coursework should be completed under the direction of the course instructor.
• Deadlines are two (2) successive semesters, but instructors may require shorter deadlines. 
• Two successive semesters serve as the default deadline if a deadline is not entered. 
• If coursework is not completed within the designated time period, the notation of Incomplete (INC) will be converted to a failure (F) or unsatisfactory (U/UX) grade, depending on the course's grading structure.
• Once a degree is conferred, no additional work can be completed.
• A degree may not be conferred with an Incomplete (INC) on the transcript.

More information can be found in the Grading Guidelines section of the courses of study.

Prorated tuition is a University policy. Visit the University Registrar's website for the conditions that must be met in order for undergraduate students to be considered for prorated tuition.

All applicants for prorated tuition should be aware of the possible impact that this enrollment status may have on financial aid, student loans, scholarships, on-campus employment, health insurance, or other considerations. It is the responsibility of the student to resolve these situations prior to submitting the application. Please schedule a meeting with the College Registrar to determine if you are eligible to apply for prorated tuition.

Students wishing to pursue research opportunities may enroll in courses such as research or independent study. Some students enroll in research-focused courses for more than one semester. While the course number may be the same, these courses represent a progression of research and scholarship and are not a repetition of the same material. Students are expected to demonstrate positive forward development in their knowledge and scholarship.

Some topics courses, colloquia, and seminars carry the same course number and title. These courses, from semester to semester, focus on a different topic or area of study. Although students may enroll in the same course more than once, the content of each offering varies. For more information about how repeat coursework may impact financial aid, see the Course Repeats and Financial Aid Eligibility site. For more information, visit the Courses of Study in the "Repeated Courses" section. 

Students are able to repeat a course at another institution, however if the student has successfully completed the course at Cornell, it will not transfer onto the students record.

Undergraduates should be advised that auditing classes is not allowed. More information about the auditing policy