1. Preamble and Academic Authority

1.1- Preamble

The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS), founded in 1916, is located at the historic Rose Hill campus of Fordham University in the Bronx. Most GSAS courses are offered at Rose Hill, but a number of graduate programs offer GSAS courses at other campuses (Lincoln Center or Westchester) or centers (for example, the Louis Calder Center in Armonk, N.Y.).

The GSAS Academic Policies and Procedures Guidebook, hereafter known as the Guidebook, sets forth the academic policies and procedures of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Students should review their department or program's website to become familiar with the degree requirements. Please visit the GSAS Programs of Study page for a list of the departments and programs. GSAS academic policies and procedures represent only the minimum requirements; departments and programs may impose additional requirements and set higher standards. Students must comply with GSAS requirements as well as meet their department's or program's specific or additional requirements.

Unless specifically stated in the Guidebook, it is recommended that all questions concerning academic policies and procedures be addressed first to the department chairperson, director of graduate studies, or program director. Generally, this departmental or program administrator will make all necessary referrals to the dean's office.

The policies and procedures contained herein are subject to change at any time. Moreover, this guidebook is not intended nor should it be construed to be a binding enforceable contract between the University and students enrolled in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. This guidebook is intended to inform students of their academic commitments and responsibilities, and it is expected to be distributed widely and revised periodically.

1.2- Authority

The continuance of each student upon the rolls of the University, the receipt of academic credits, graduation, and the conferring of any degree or granting of any certificate are strictly subject to the powers and authority of the University, which are vested in the president and his designees.

The operative norms and procedures all students are expected to follow are those described in the University Code of Conduct and published in the Student Handbook issued by the Office of the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs.

The authority of the dean of GSAS is exercised in four primary ways:

1. admission of qualified candidates;
2. granting merit-based funding and tuition scholarships;
3. withholding students' records and/or dismissing students from GSAS; and
4. granting approval for the conferral of degrees.

For most matters and unless otherwise stated, the dean has delegated authority to implement the policies and procedures stated in the Guidebook to the associate dean and other members of GSAS staff.