A student in either of the following situations is considered to be making unsatisfactory academic progress: (1) the student's cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 (Satisfactory); (2) the student receives a grade of Incomplete for one-half or more of the courses taken in a single semester, or receives a grade of Incomplete or Permanent Incomplete for one-third or more of the courses taken in two or more semesters.

 

A reading period of between approximately 1–2 weeks is observed at the end of each semester. Reading periods are an integral part of the school year, and are normally free from scheduled classes or examinations. They are times for completing final course papers, preparing for course examinations, or doing personal research and reading in areas related to one’s courses. With due announcement at the beginning of the semester, however, the professor may hold additional classes during a reading period. Students are generally expected to spend reading periods at Weston Jesuit.

 

To supplement the regularly scheduled courses, a student or group of students may request reading or research courses, tutorials, research work, and seminars with Weston Jesuit faculty, according to faculty time and interest. Such special courses must be approved in each case by the professor and faculty advisor. Normally, only degree students (full and part-time) may request reading or tutorial courses from faculty.

 

All students are required to study professional ethics for ministry. This requirement is fulfilled by taking PS 195/Professional Ethics for Ministry, which is offered during the first week of new student orientation. 

 

M.Div. candidates are encouraged to develop their reading knowledge of the languages of the Bible (Hebrew and Greek) and Church documents (Latin). A maximum of six credit hours may be used toward a student's electives. 

A student who is enrolled in either the M.Div. program or Th.M./Option B program may earn three elective credit hours for a pastorally significant modern language course. For information, please consult the faculty Director of Contextual Education.

A maximum of six credit hours of ancient and modern language courses may be applied toward the M.T.S. degree, subject to certain provisions. Please consult the M.T.S. program director.

 

As a rule, Weston Jesuit does not offer summer courses. Summer courses may be taken elsewhere and applied to a Weston Jesuit degree being pursued. These courses must be equivalent to Weston Jesuit courses in academic level and quality, and must be approved in advance by the Academic Dean. Such courses may not be applied to Weston Jesuit’s full-time residence requirement.

During the summer months, there is no cross-registration among the schools of the Boston Theological Institute. Students who take a course at another school in the summer must pay tuition directly to that school. Students who complete Weston Jesuit reading courses during the summer are charged tuition at the part-time rate.

 

A leave of absence for any reason must be approved in advance by the Academic Dean. A fee per semester will be charged for keeping the student’s academic file open. Students who wish to study at another theological school for one or two semesters must receive approval in advance from the Dean to ensure that their outside work will be credited to the Weston Jesuit degree. Those who have been granted a leave of absence for study elsewhere by the Dean may resume enrollment on their return to Weston Jesuit without going through the usual admissions procedures.

 

Students transferring to Weston Jesuit from another school must petition the Academic Dean within the first semester after matriculation for acceptance of their prior courses and appropriate advanced standing. These courses:

A maximum of 24 graduate theological credit hours may be transferred toward the Weston Jesuit M.Div. degree; a maximum of 12 credit hours may be transferred toward the M.T.S. degree.

With the approval of the Academic Dean, students may transfer up to six credit hours toward the Th.M. or S.T.L. degree, including non-applied graduate credits earned at Weston Jesuit. The S.T.D. program does not permit transfer of credit.

 

Unless specifically determined otherwise by the professor(s), all papers, reports, written examinations, theses, and dissertations (and other academic projects) submitted by a student in fulfillment of the requirements of a course or a program of studies must be his or her own independent work. Students are expected to identify all the sources and materials that they have consulted in the course of their research in the preparation of such work. The use of sources, both oral and written (whether in printed or electronic form), even in slightly modified language or in summary form, must be acknowledged and fully cited. The use of any source, whether oral or written, in its original wording must be indicated by the use of quotation marks or block quotations and be fully cited.

 

Failure to properly acknowledge the use of another’s words or ideas is considered plagiarism. As a serious breach of academic ethics, it constitutes grounds for receiving a failing grade (F), according to the judgment of the professor(s). Further penalties (such as expulsion) may be imposed in accordance with specific circumstances. All cases of suspected plagiarism will be reported to the Plagiarism Committee, which investigates the cases and reports the Committee's judgment to the Academic Dean. Any penalty is imposed by the Academic Dean. Appeal is possible to the President. Students who are unsure of the rules regarding plagiarism, especially those whose native language is not English and whose cultures may employ different standards, should request a copy of "Properly Acknowledging Your Sources," available in the Academic Dean's office. They are also encouraged to consult their professors and mentors for guidance and to seek editorial assistance when necessary.