Academic Policies

Below are academic policies and guidelines. This list is not exhaustive and is subject to change.
  • FERPA - The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), as amended, is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records.  The law applies to all educational agencies and institutions that receive funds under any program administered by the Department of Education. Open CofC's Online FERPA Module via CougarEd. 
  • Honor System - The Honor System of the College of Charleston is intended to promote and protect an atmosphere of trust and fairness in the classroom and in the conduct of daily life. The Honor System is composed of two major components: The Honor Code and the Code of Conduct. 
  • Final Exams - Final exam schedules are announced by the Office of the Registrar. No major test or final examination may be given during the last week of classes (seven days prior to the designated last day of classes). A major test is defined as an examination worth 20% or more of the final course grade. No test, exam, or other assignment of any weight may be given on or due on Reading Day. Other assignments, such as semester-long projects, quizzes, homework and papers may be due during the last week of classes or during the regularly scheduled final exam period. This policy does not apply to final laboratory examinations, oral examinations, portfolio or exhibition critiques, individual or group in-class presentations, performance courses, activity classes, bachelor’s essays, tutorials, and/or independent study projects. In exceptional circumstances, the Provost (or Provost’s designee) may waive these restrictions. 

    • View the Final Exam Schedule. Dates and times are subject to change.  Please consult the webpage on a frequent basis.

    • Per the Academic Regulations on Final Examinations outlined in the CofC Catalog, examinations must be taken at the time scheduled (see schedule above) except when:

      1. Two or more exams are scheduled simultaneously.
      2. Legitimate and documentable extenuating circumstances prevent the student from completing the examination at the scheduled time (e.g., burial services for an immediate family member).

      NOTE: The Request to Change Final Exam - Form for requesting permission to reschedule one exam may be found by students on the Student Academic Forms channel on the Academic Services tab in MyCharleston. Written permission of the instructor and all relevant signatures must be obtained at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled time for the final examination.

      Following consultation by the relevant instructors (and their supervisors, if necessary), one of the relevant final examinations will be rescheduled in all cases where two or more examinations are scheduled simultaneously. The determination of a legitimate extenuating circumstance is made by the instructor and requires the support of the instructor’s supervisor (i.e., department chair or program director). Different instructors and their supervisors may reach different conclusions about what is or is not a legitimate extenuating circumstance. Family vacations, family celebrations, job interviews, and problems with travel plans are not considered legitimate extenuating circumstances. A student whose rescheduling request is denied may appeal this decision in writing to the school Dean responsible for the course in which the student is enrolled. The decision of the Dean is final. NOTE: Re-examinations are not allowed.

    • Request to Change Final Exam - Form (PDF) (available to students requesting changes)
  • Accommodation of Religious Practices (PDF) - Faculty members are expected to reasonably accommodate individual religious practices. Please see the calendar of religious observations.
  • The College strives to transform our campus community into an inclusive living, learning and working environment where students, faculty and staff are affirmed regardless of their ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion, ability or place of origin. Please view the Inclusive Learning Environments Presentation (PPT) and Pointers for Professors (DOC) for examples on how to create inclusive living and working environments. 
  • Privacy Policy - governs the security and confidentiality of personal information 
  • Policy on Peer-to-Peer File Sharing - to effectively combat the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material by Users of the College's Computer Network and Information Technology Resources, without unduly interfering with the legitimate educational and research use of the Network; and to provide for annual disclosures to students on the College's policies and sanctions related to unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing, as required by the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (the "HEOA").
  • Ethics Policy (PDF) - All members of the College Community act in a manner that, at a minimum, is consistent with all controlling laws and to otherwise conduct themselves with honesty, fairness, transparency, and respect for the rights of others.
  • Intellectual Property Policy (PDF) - addresses the ownership, disposition, and use of Intellectual Property which includes, but is not limited to, patents and/or inventions, copyrights (including computer software), and trademarks/services marks relating to the College.
  • Academic Regulations (listed within the CofC Catalog. Subject to change. Please consult the catalog annually for updates.)

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