Academics // Undergrads

Policies and Procedures

Below are policies, procedures, and points of contact that will be useful for Pratt undergraduate and graduate students. Although there are a few differences in policy and procedures between the Pratt School of Engineering and the Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, most policies will be the same for all Duke undergraduate students. Whenever possible, students are directed to use the same forms for both schools. Policies on this website corresponding to those of Trinity College are presented with minimal adaptation of information presented on T-reqs; use of this material is gratefully acknowledged.

Absence from a Final Exam

If for any reason you fail to take the final exam in a course, the instructor will record a grade of "X," which means "absence from a final exam." Within 48 hours of the recording of an "X" grade, you must present an explanation for your absence to Pratt’s Academic Deans. If you don't, or if the Dean does not approve your absence, the "X" grade will automatically become an "F".

An X grade will be excused if there is an extraordinary reason for the absence, generally a reason beyond your control. This might include a sudden illness requiring a visit to an emergency room or physician or a death in the family. End of semester travel plans are not acceptable grounds for missing a final exam. An X will also not be excused if you have a history of excessive absences or a failure to complete course work in a timely fashion. If you were already failing a course before missing the final exam, the instructor will submit an F grade rather than an X grade.

Note: The Short Term Illness policy does not cover missing a final exam.

You must notify your Dean before you miss an exam if at all possible or within the 48 hours after the exam was missed. If this time period covers a weekend, you should call and leave a voice mail message for your Dean or send an e-mail explaining that you missed a final exam and providing an explanation. You should then personally call the Dean's Office on the next workday to be sure your message was received and to arrange for an appointment if appropriate. Be prepared to provide documentation of illness, death or other emergency.

Your Dean will review the situation and either approve or disapprove your absence. If the absence is excused, your instructor will be notified and you can make arrangements with the instructor to make up the exam. You will generally have until the end of the fifth week of the next semester at the latest to clear the X by completing the final exam.

However, a shorter period applies when Semester Continuation Requirements are involved (see discussion under "incomplete course work") or if required by the instructor. Failure to complete the final exam in a course by the deadline will result in the assignment of a final course grade of "F."

The X grade will remain in place until a final grade is issued. At that time, the X will appear in parentheses beside the letter grade (e.g. C + (X)). If your absence from the final exam is not excused, the X grade will convert to an F.

Last updated: November 19, 2003

[back to top]

Academic Accommodations

Pratt School of Engineering is pleased that students with disabilities have chosen to pursue their academic careers at Duke. Duke University and the Pratt School of Engineering are committed to quality of educational opportunities for qualified students in compliance with Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 through the Student Disability Access Office (SDAO).

The University has developed the following consistent procedures to explore possible reasonable accommodations for students for the purposes of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act:

The Student Disability Access Office (SDAO) explores possible coverage and reasonable academic accommodations for current and prospective Pratt School of Engineering undergraduate and graduate students. Current students and prospective students seeking information should contact the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities at 919-668-1267 and followed the procedures detailed below. The Director of the SDAO is Dr. Emma Swain.

If you have a disability and would like to receive consideration for reasonable accommodations, please identify yourself by submitting a “Request for Consideration for Reasonable Accommodations Form.” Written documented verification for a licensed physician, psychologist, or other qualified professional should be sent along with your request form. You can obtain a request form and documentation guidelines by calling the Student Disability Access Office at (919) 668-1267 or by accessing their web site. Please be aware that requesting to be considered for accommodations takes time and additional documentation may be required. Students are encouraged to begin this process as soon as possible after being accepted to Duke University and the Pratt School of Engineering. Deadlines are available on the SDAO website. The Disability Liaison at the Pratt School of Engineering and instructors will be officially informed by of the Student Disability Access Office regarding students who are eligible to receive accommodations.

Disability Services Liaison for the Pratt School of Engineering:

Martha Absher
Assistant Dean, Education and Outreach
117D Hudson Hall
919-660-5139
martha.absher@duke.edu

Last updated: August 24, 2007

[back to top]

Academic Deans

Tod Laursen
Senior Associate Dean for Education
166 Hudson Hall
919-660-5206
laursen@duke.edu

Linda Franzoni
Associate Dean for Student Programs
305B Teer Engineering Building
919-660-5386
franzoni@duke.edu

Connie Simmons
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs
305A Teer Engineering Building
919-660-5386
csimmons@duke.edu

Martha Absher
Assistant Dean, Education and Outreach
117D Hudson Hall
919-660-5139
martha.absher@duke.edu

Lupita Temiquel-McMillian
Student Services Coordinator
410 Teer Engineering Building
919-660-5573
lupita.mcmillian@duke.edu

Last updated: August 24, 2007

[back to top]

Academic Dismissal

A Duke student can be involuntarily withdrawn for academic reasons, financial reasons, and for violation of academic regulations. The information in this section pertains to involuntary withdrawal for academic reasons.

You will be withdrawn involuntarily from Duke for academic reasons if:

If you are withdrawn (dismissed) for academic reasons, you may apply to return to Duke no earlier than two semesters after your withdrawal. The summer counts as one semester. You are not eligible to receive credit for course work completed while withdrawn and should therefore not enroll at another college or university during the period of your withdrawal. Students dismissed twice for academic reasons are not usually readmitted.

If you are suspended for JUDICIAL reasons, you are involuntarily withdrawn for a varying number of semesters, depending upon the seriousness of the offense for which you are found responsible.

To apply to return from an academic or judicial withdrawal (dismissal), go to Readmission for specific information about requirements, deadlines and for an application form for readmission. We recommend that you seek steady employment with an employer not connected with your family and be prepared to have your employer write a letter of recommendation as part of your application materials for readmission.

Questions specifically about judicial suspensions should be directed to Associate Dean Stephen Bryan of the Judicial Affairs division of the Dean of Students Office.

Last updated: August 24, 2007

[back to top]

Academic Integrity

Intellectual and academic honesty are at the heart of academic life of any university. It is the responsibility of all members of our academic community to abide by Duke's strict expectations regarding proper citation of sources. It is also critically important to resist strenuously the temptation to cheat. Acts of academic dishonesty, including plagiarism and cheating, are considered very serious offenses. Students found guilty of plagiarism, cheating, or other forms of academic dishonesty are generally suspended. The academic and non-academic offenses recognized at Duke and the range of sanctions imposed for them are explained in the Duke Community Standard in Practice: A Guide for Undergraduates distributed to each incoming student. Please read this document carefully and make sure you understand its content.

Last updated: August 24, 2007

[back to top]

Academic Warning

If you earn a single grade of F or a second D grade, you will be sent a letter of Academic Warning. If you receive such a letter, you are not required to take any formal steps as you would if you were placed on probation. However, you should seriously consider the events that led to that D or F grade and evaluate what steps you might take to resolve your problems. You should feel free to discuss the warning with your Academic Deans.

Last updated: November 19, 2003

[back to top]

Adding a Course

The first two weeks of every semester constitute the "Drop/Add period." During the first week of class, you can use ACES online to add a course if there are seats available. Check the course listings on the Registrar's home page to see how many open seats are left (www.registrar.duke.edu > ACES schedule of courses > Term > Department > Find classes with available space). Be sure that you check for prerequisites that might be required for the course. No permission number is necessary during the first week, except for courses that always require consent of instructor. During the second week, you can still add a course, if you obtain a permission number from the instructor of the course you want to add. You'll use the permission number when you add the course through ACES.

After the end of the Drop/Add period, you can no longer add a new course. The only exception would be if you needed to correct your schedule in the week after Drop/Add (the Schedule Correction Period). You should always review your schedule as soon as the Drop/Add period is over every semester to be sure you're enrolled in the correct courses.

Last updated: November 19, 2003

[back to top]

Advanced Placement Credits, International Placement Credit

If you took an AP exam in: And Scored: You will receive Duke Credit for: Are Eligible to take:
ART 5 ART 20 100 level course
ART- STUDIO 5 ART 21 Advanced level course
BIO 4/5 BIOLOGY 19 BIO 26L (Fall/Spring) and/or 100 level course (Fall/Spring)
CHEM 4/5 CHEM 19 CHEM 22L, 23L, 42L (Spring) or 151L
CPS A 4/5 CPS 04*** CPS 6 or 100
CPS AB 3 No Credit CPS 6 or 100
CPS AB 4/5 CPS 04 & CPS 06*** CPS 100
ECON (Macro) 4/5 ECON 1A ECON 55D
ECON (Micro) 4/5 ECON 2A ECON 55D
ENG (Compl/Lit) 4/5 ENGLISH 20 Any Course
ENG (Lang/Comp) 4/5 ENGLISH 29 Any Course
ENV 4/5 ENVIRON 25 ENVIRON 101
French Language 5 FR 76 100 level course
FRENCH LIT 4/5 FR 76 100-level course
GER Lang & Lit 4 GER 98 GER 66 or 117S
GER Lang & Lit 5 GER 98 GER 117 or above
HST (Amer.) 4/5 HST 18A, 18B Any course
HST (Eur.) 4/5 HST 19A, 19B Any course
LAT 4/5 LAT 100 100 level course
MTH AB 5 MTH 31 MTH 32
MTH BC 3 MTH 31 MTH 32
MTH BC 4/5 MTH 31/32 MTH 103
MUS 4/5 MUS 55 Any course except MUS 55
PHY C Mech 4/5 PHY 61* PHY 62 or 63
PHY C, E & M 4/5 PHY 62* PHY 61 or 63
PHY B 4/5 No credit  
PS (Am Govt) 4/5 PS 90A ** 100 Level course
PS (Comp Govt) 4/5 PS 90B** 100 Level course
PSY 4/5 PSY 11 Any course except PSY 11
SP Lang 5 SP 76 100 level course
SP Lit 4/5 SP 76 100 level course
Statistics 4/5 No credit STA 101, 102, or 103

Note: AP credit in English does not exempt any student from WRITING 20

* Pratt students receiving the AP credit for Physics 61 and /or PHY 62 must complete one PHY 61, 62 or 63 on campus to fulfill the physics requirements.

** Will not count toward fulfillment of the major requirements.

*** Engineering students: CPS AB-4/5 Credit for CPS6. Will count toward the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Degree; but not as a substitute for EGR 53. Placement in CPS 100.

International Placement Credit

Duke Also recognizes various international standardized examinations and grants a limited amount of elective credit (IPC) and placement in advanced courses at Duke for students whose performance in these examinations meets certain standards established by the University. If you completed the French Baccalaureat, the German Abitur, or British or Hong Kong A-levels, the International Baccalaureate, or the Swiss Federation Maturite examinations, you may be eligible for IPCs if you received one of the following scores on the individual exams:

Examination Score
International Baccalaureate 6 or 7 on the higher level
British or Hong Kong A-level A or B
French Baccalaureat 14 or higher
Swiss Maturite 4 or 5
German Abitur 10 or higher

These credits can be awarded only in those subject areas for which there is an AP exam offered domestically. IPCs are counted as electives in the same way as AP credits are awarded. Scores of all examinations must be received by the Office of the Registrar (Box 90054, Durham, NC 27708) before AP or IPC credit.

Last updated: April 5, 2005

[back to top]

Auditing a Course

If you audit a course, you attend the lectures but do not turn in assignments or take exams. No grade is issued and you do not receive credit for the course. There are only a few circumstances where an audit is useful. These include:

You cannot repeat for credit a course previously audited at Duke or at another college or university, so be sure that any audited course does not fall into an area in which you might later decide to major or minor or complete a certificate. Once you have enrolled in a course for regular credit, you cannot later change it to an audit if the drop/add deadline has passed. You may not audit physical education, studio art, applied music, dance technique, or performance courses. You should also not audit a foreign language course if you are planning to fulfill the foreign language requirement in that language and there is any reason to believe that you may need to take that course for credit.

In order to register as an auditor in a course you must obtain a signed permission letter from the instructor and submit it to the Registrar's Office prior to the end of the drop/add period.

Last updated: November 19, 2003

[back to top]

Class Attendance

By Pratt School policy, you are expected to and should attend classes regularly and complete all assignments on time. Class attendance is critical for many reasons and is often a factor in determining the course grade. This is particularly true of lab courses. Most instructors state their attendance policy in the course syllabus or in the first class session. Be sure you understand what each of your instructors expects of you. If you must miss a class, it's a good idea to let your instructor know in advance or as soon thereafter as possible. If you don't explain your absence, your instructor may assume you don't care about the class or your grade.

Last updated: November 19, 2003

[back to top]

Complaints about a Course

It is the obligation of your instructors to evaluate your course work and to submit a grade for you at the end of the academic semester. You, in turn, have a right to know at the beginning of the semester the basis on which you will be evaluated in a course and to expect to be graded fairly, i.e., in the same way that all other students in a course are graded.

If you have concerns or complaints about a course in which you are enrolled, you should try to resolve the matter with the instructor. If your concern is not resolved to your satisfaction in this way, you can bring it to the attention of the Director of Undergraduate Studies and if necessary to the Department Chair, in accordance with the Undergraduate Grade Review Procedure. You may also find it helpful to speak with Academic Deans about your rights and responsibilities.

Note: A fuller statement called "Procedures for Resolution of Student's Academic Concerns" is found in the Duke Community Standard in Practice: A Guide for Undergraduates.

Last updated: August 24, 2007

[back to top]

Continuation Requirements

You must achieve a satisfactory record of academic performance each term and make satisfactory progress toward graduation each year to continue in Pratt. Continuation requirements are discussed in detail in the Bulletin of Undergraduate Instruction.

Satisfactory Performance Each Term (Semester Continuation Requirements):

If you fail to meet semester continuation requirements, you will be academically dismissed for two semesters. Students dismissed twice for academic reasons are generally not readmitted to Duke.

Satisfactory Progress Toward Graduation (Annual Continuation Requirements):

Prior to the beginning of fall term classes, you must have made satisfactory progress toward graduation to be eligible to continue at Duke. The number of credits you must pass to continue into the next academic year is listed in the table that follows. If at the end of the spring semester, you do not meet the requirements for entering the fall semester, you will be required to attend one or both summer sessions at Duke to make up the required credits. If you do not do so, you will be dismissed for two semesters. Note that courses in which F grades are earned do not count towards annual continuation and only two courses in which D grades are earned will count toward annual continuation.

To be eligible to continue your... You must have passed...
2nd year at Duke
6 s.c. at Duke and earned P, C-, or better in 4 s.c.
3rd year at Duke 13 s.c. at duke and earned P, C-, or better in 11 s.c.
4th year at Duke 20 s.c. at Duke and earned P, C- or better in 18 s.c.
5th year at Duke 27 s.c. at Duke and earned P, C- or better in 25 s.c.

Note: this table takes into account the fact that some students will have interrupted their study at Duke. For example, in such cases, a student may be entering in the fall his/her 4th or 6th semester at Duke.

Last updated: November 19, 2003

[back to top]

Course Load

It is your responsibility to be certain that your course load conforms with academic requirements. The minimum course load in the fall or spring term is four semester courses. Seniors may request permission from their Academic Deans to take an underload of three courses for their last semester.

You may register for 4.0 credits during your normal registration window, and can then increase your course load to as many as 5.5 credits in Trinity College and 5.0 in Pratt during the drop/add period; however, Freshmen may not exceed 4.5 academic credits in their first semester.

Last updated: November 19, 2003

[back to top]

Course Sequencing

In certain subjects, such as the sciences, mathematics, engineering and the foreign languages, courses (particularly at the introductory or intermediate level) must be taken in sequence because the concepts introduced and skills acquired at one level are needed for successful work at the next higher level. It follows, that having successfully completed a course at a higher level in a sequence, a student may not subsequently enroll in a course at a lower level in that sequence. For example, you cannot take Math 25L after having successfully completed Math 31L, or Math 31L after Math 32L. Similarly, Spanish 1 or 2 may not be taken after Spanish 63.

Once you reach advanced course work in a subject, courses generally do not stand in sequential relationship to one another, unless otherwise indicated. For example, advanced (100-level) language courses may be taken for credit without regard to their course number.

Last updated: November 19, 2003

[back to top]

Course Withdrawal

" Withdrawing" from a course differs from "dropping" a course. When you drop a course, you can do so yourself through ACES Web during the Drop/Add period, and the course does not appear on your official Duke transcript. However, to withdraw from a course after the Drop/Add deadline, you must follow a set of procedures that begins at Academic Deans office, and (if the withdrawal is approved) ends when a grade of WE, WP, or WF is recorded on your official transcript.

The deadline for requesting to withdraw from a course is four (4) weeks before the last day of classes. The specific deadline date is published in the Trinity College and Pratt academic calendars.

When should you withdraw from a course and when should you persist?

Each situation is unique and you are welcome to discuss the range of your options with Academic Deans at any time. If you are having great difficulty in a course such as math, chemistry, or a foreign language where your background is weak or your study habits are not well enough developed to permit you to pass the course, then withdrawing from it is a sensible option. Having a WP or WF on a transcript is preferable to an F. If you are struggling in a course but think you can finish the course with a passing grade and you are using available resources (tutors/help room/study groups, Academic Skills Center, etc.), conferring with the instructor, and you believe you are making progress as the semester continues, then persisting might be preferable. Have a frank discussion with your instructor. Make sure that you understand how the grading is done in the class. Know what grades you have to date and what the best/worst case scenario will be at the end of the semester. Also, ask yourself if you are putting so much time into one course that you must neglect your other courses, thereby, perhaps pulling down all your grades.

If you must withdraw from a course, consider it a learning experience. Identify the problems that you encountered and determine how to avoid the same problems in the future, whether or not you repeat the course from which you withdrew. Consider that if you have problems in reading, memorization, problem solving, time management or some other basic skill, the same problems may affect some of your other courses. For example, students who have difficulty in math often also have difficulty in chemistry, biology, and courses that involve problem solving. These same students may excel in courses that involve reading and writing. Not all courses require the same study habits and skills. You can consult with an instructor in the Academic Skills Instructional Program (ASIP) to better understand your learning styles.

Medical withdrawal from a course.

If you experience serious medical problems that interfere with your ability to successfully complete a course in which you are enrolled, you may wish to consider withdrawing from that class. If so, schedule an appointment with Academic Deans as soon as possible. You may find that other types of relief, e.g. an Incomplete or a Medical Leave of Absence, are more appropriate.

If you are requesting a course withdrawal on medical grounds, you will need to provide a letter from your doctor or therapist confirming your illness or injury and addressing the limitations that it places on you or your effectiveness as a student. The deadline for a medical withdrawal from a course is the last day of classes. The procedures you must follow to withdraw from a course are otherwise the same as for other withdrawals.

Procedure: Engineers should consult their Academic Deans to withdraw from a course

Last updated: August 24, 2007

[back to top]

Dean's Excuses

On October 9, 2003, the Faculty Councils of Arts and Sciences and the Pratt School of Engineering approved a new policy for notifying instructors when students miss graded work due to short-term illness. For full details on the new policy, see Short-term Illness Policy. Dean's excuses will no longer be issued for short-term illness. In accordance with faculty policy, students who miss graded assignments for the following reasons may receive a Dean's Excuse:

If you must miss a graded assignment due to one of the three circumstances listed above, you should contact your Academic Dean. A Dean's Excuse does not exempt you from completing the assignment. Rather it makes you eligible for accommodation according to the policy set by the instructor in the course.

No Dean's excuses are issued for missing classes, only graded assignments. However, in the case of long-term illness or personal or family emergency, it may be appropriate for your academic dean to notify your instructors that you will be away from class for a period of time.

Last updated: November 19, 2003

[back to top]

Dean's List and Dean's List with Distinction

When determining a student's eligibility, Duke will consider only grades earned in Duke courses, including those earned in Duke Study Abroad programs and in courses covered by the Interinstitutional Agreement.

To qualify for Dean's List, a Pratt undergraduate must fulfill the following criteria:

  1. Carry a normal academic load;
  2. Earn grades other than a "P" in at least three semester courses;
  3. Receive no incomplete or failing grades;
  4. Earn a semester grade point average that is placed in the highest 10% of undergraduates in Pratt.

For information about Graduation With Departmental Distinction, click here.

Last updated: August 24, 2007

[back to top]

Declaring a Major

Engineering students are urged to declare a major before registering for classes for the first semester of their sophomore year. Students are required to declare by the time of registration for the first semester of the junior year. Declaration of major is accomplished by completing a form available in the Office of the Dean of Engineering, located at 305 Teer Engineering Building.

Last updated: November 19, 2003

[back to top]

Dropping a Course

The first two weeks of every semester is known as the "Drop/Add period". During the first week of class, you can use ACES online to add a course if there are seats available. Check the course listings on the registrar's home page to see how many open seats are left (e.g., www.registrar.duke.edu > Aces schedule of courses > Term > Department > Find classes with available space). Be sure that you check for prerequisites that might be required for the course. During the second week, you can still add a course, but you will need to obtain a permission number from the instructor of the course you want to add. You'll use the permission number when you add the course through ACES. No permission number is necessary during the first week unless enrollment in a specific course is by permission only.

After the end of the Drop/Add period, you can no longer add a new course. The only exception would be if you needed to correct your schedule in the week after Drop/Add (the Schedule Correction Period). You should always review your schedule as soon as the Drop/Add period is over every semester to be sure you're enrolled in the correct courses.

Last updated: November 19, 2003

[back to top]

Drop/Add Period

You may drop a course through ACES anytime prior to the end of the Drop/Add period. You do not need an instructor's permission, but you do need to be sure you remain in at least 4.0 credits, the minimum load. If you drop a course, it does not appear on your Duke transcript.

After the drop/add period ends, you can no longer drop a course, but you may be able to "withdraw" from a course by completing the paperwork to receive a grade of WP or WF in the course with the written approval of your Academic Deans. There are special requirements for withdrawing from a course during the semester, so be sure to read that section.

Pass/fail grading and audit status for courses must be finalized by the close of Drop/Add, and may not be corrected after.

Last updated: November 19, 2003

[back to top]

Directors of Undergraduate Studies

Biomedical Engineering

Patrick Wolf
Director of Undergraduate Studies
1149 Fitzpatrick Center (FCIEMAS)
919-660-5114
patrick.wolf@duke.edu

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Miguel Medina
Director of Undergraduate Studies
2463 Fitzpatrick Center (FCIEMAS)
919-660-5195
miguel.medina@duke.edu

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Gary Ybarra
Director of Undergraduate Studies
116 Hudson Hall
919-660-5220
gary@ee.duke.edu

Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science

Donald Bliss
Director of Undergraduate Studies
148b Hudson Hall
919-660-5315
donald.bliss@duke.edu

Visit T-Reqs for the Trinity Directors of Undergraduate Studies.

Last updated: August 24, 2007

[back to top]

Directors of Graduate Studies

Biomedical Engineering

Ashutosh Chilkoti
Director of Graduate Studies
3381 Fitzpatrick Center (FCIEMAS)
919-660-5373
chilkoti@duke.edu

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Tomasz Hueckel
Director of Graduate Studies
164 Hudson Hall
919-660-5205
hueckel@duke.edu

Electrical and Computer Engineering

David Smith
Director of Graduate Studies
130 Hudson Hall
919-660-5245
dgs@ee.duke.edu

Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science

Earl Dowell
Director of Graduate Studies
185 Hudson Hall
919-660-5302
dowell@mail.ee.duke.edu

Masters of Engineering Management Program

Jeff Glass, Ph.D.
(919) 660-5431
jeff.glass@duke.edu

Last updated: August 24, 2007

[back to top]

Exclusion of Disruptive Students

The successful conduct of a course depends upon a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation among its participants. If a student disrupts a class in such a way that it seriously compromises the educational experience of the course for other students and/or prevents the instructor from accomplishing the goals of the course as outlined in the syllabus, the instructor may require the student to leave the class meeting. The student's academic dean will be notified of this action. The following process will then be implemented as necessary and appropriate:

  1. The student may not return to the course until the matter has been resolved. It is expected that the instructor and the student will meet to discuss and agree upon the conditions under which the student may return to the course. These conditions will be set out in writing and the student's academic dean will receive a copy of them.
  2. If the disruptive behavior continues in spite of this agreement, or if the instructor and the student fail to reach an agreement, the matter is referred to the student's academic dean who will begin the process of removing the student from the course. If the student is permanently excluded from the course, the instructor will assign a grade of WP or WF, depending upon whether the student was passing or failing the course immediately prior to the exclusion.
  3. If the student wishes to appeal his or her exclusion from a course, the appeal is to be directed to the Senior Associate Dean of Trinity College or the Pratt School of Engineering, who serves as the academic appellate officer. The decision of the Senior Associate Dean in such a case is final.
  4. The student's academic dean may also refer the matter to the Office of Judicial Affairs (should link to http://judicial.studentaffairs.duke.edu/), which will determine whether the student should be formally charged with violation of University policies such as "Classroom Disruption," "Disorderly Conduct," and/or "Failure to Comply."

Last updated: August 24, 2007

[back to top]

Duke Community Standard

The Duke Community Standard definitions and a discussion of how the standard is being applied are available online.

Last updated: November 19, 2003

[back to top]

Education Records

In accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (also known as FERPA or the Buckley Amendment), Duke University generally permits students to inspect their educational records and protects the information from disclosure to third parties without the student's consent. There are certain implications for instructors.

Last updated: November 19, 2003

[back to top]

Engineering Degree Requirements

Degree requirements

The B.S.E. degree is awarded to students each May, September, and December. Students who graduate in September or December receive their diplomas by mail, but they are welcome to take part in commencement exercises the following May. In the fall, the Dean's Office asks each senior to complete a form indicating the expected date of graduation. It is the student's responsibility to request that his or her name be included on the graduation list. A copy of each student's final grade report is sent for review to the Director of Undergraduate Studies of the major department immediately before final graduation lists are prepared. Certification for graduation is made by the Associate Dean and the Director of Undergraduate Studies of the department of the student's first major. In order to graduate a student must have passed 34 semester courses (within a period of 10 academic semesters of enrollment), and must have obtained grades of P, C-, or better in 32 semester courses. In addition, all the curriculum requirements of the Engineering School and the major department, as set forth in the University Bulletin, must be met.

General Requirements

Writing (1)
This requirement is met by completing a University Writing Course.

Mathematics (5)
This requirement is met by completing Mathematics 31, 32, 103, 107, and 108. For students matriculating before Fall 2004, the general mathematics requirement is 31, 32, 103; plus 104 or 111 or 135. See departmental curricula for possible additional requirements. Note: A minimum of 9 credits in mathematics, natural science and statistics is required.

Natural Science (4)
This requirement is met by completing Chemistry (19) 21L, Physics (51L) 61L and (52L) 62L, and an elective course in one of the natural science departments which presents fundamental knowledge about nature and its phenomena, preferably including quantitative expression.

Note: A partial list of disallowed courses follows: all mathematics, computer science, and statistics courses, as well as all BAA courses, BIO 10, 42, 43D, 44, 45S, 46, 47, 48, 49S, 50, 85, 90, 93S, 96D, 100, 102, 107, 111; CHM 83, 103; and PHY 32, 35, 36, 37, and 49S. No environmental sciences and policy or psychology or seminar courses with the NS codes are accepted as natural science. (Since new courses are offered that may not be on the disallowed list, you may contact the Dean's Office if you have questions regarding the acceptability of a particular course.)

Humanities and Social Science (5)
This requirement is met by completion of five courses selected from at least three of the following four areas of knowledge: Arts, Literatures and Performance (ALP), Civilizations (CZ), Foreign Languages (FL), and Social Sciences (SS). At least one course must be classified SS. In order to provide depth in the subject matter, at least two of the five courses must be selected from a single department and at least one of those courses must be 100-level or above. This program of courses should reflect a thematic coherence and fulfill an objective appropriate to the engineering profession. Courses selected must be those that present essential subject matter and substance of the discipline.

Engineering and Sciences (4)
This requirement is met by completion of one course from each of four of the following seven areas: digital systems, electrical science, information and computer science, mechanics (solid and fluid), materials science, systems analysis, and thermal science and transfer processes. Students are expected to have acquired digital-computer programming capability before their sophomore year. The programming capability is generally satisfied by Engineering 53L, CPS 100.

Departmental Requirements (15)
The department administering the major field of study will specify this requirement. In general, it will consist of both required courses and electives to be planned in consultation with the departmental advisor. Including the 4 credits in engineering and applied sciences listed under general requirements, a total of 13.0 credits in engineering work are required.

Total Minimum Requirements: 34

Last updated: August 24, 2007

[back to top]

Grades

At semester's end, instructors submit a letter grade for each student in a course. If, because of serious illness or other emergency, you cannot complete all the work for a course, you may request assignment of a grade of "I" (Incomplete) in a course. If you fail to take a final exam in a course at the scheduled time, the instructor will record a grade of "X" (absence from a final exam). An "N" indicates that no grade has been submitted. A detailed discussion of grades is available in the Bulletin of Undergraduate Instruction.

Freshmen and sophomores who excel academically may be eligible for Dean's List and/or membership in the freshmen honor society Phi Eta Sigma.

If you receive low grades (Ds and Fs), it can result in an academic warning, academic probation, or academic withdrawal (see below). You are also at risk of not meeting Continuation Requirements. A summary of the consequences of D and F grades is below.

Grade Enrolled in: Result:
First Semester Freshmen
F 4 credits Academic warning
DD, DF, FF 4 credits Academic probation for succeeding semester
DD, F 4 credits Academic probation for succeeding semester
FFF 4 credits Academic withdrawal from Duke for two semesters
FF 3 credits Academic withdrawal from Duke for two semesters
All other semesters
F 4 credits Academic warning
Second D 4 credits Academic warning
DDD 4 credits Academic probation for succeeding semester
DDD 4 credits Academic probation for succeeding semester
DF 4 credits Academic probation for succeeding semester
FF (passing 3 credits) 5 credits Academic probation for succeeding semester
DDDD Two consecutive semesters Academic probation for succeeding semester
DDDF Two consecutive semesters Academic probation for succeeding semester
DDFF Two consecutive semesters Academic probation for succeeding semester
FF 4 credits Academic withdrawal from Duke for two semesters
F 4 credits Academic withdrawal from Duke for two semesters

Last updated: November 19, 2003

[back to top]

Grade Notations

“ D” Grades (Repeating a Course)
You cannot repeat a course in which you earned a grade of C- or better. If you receive a D+, D or D- in a course, you can choose to take the course again in Trinity College. An engineering student who has earned a D-, D, or D+ in a required mathematics, science, or a required engineering course may, with permission of his or her advisor, director of undergraduate studies, and academic dean, repeat the course. To do this, you'll need to fill out a course repeat request form (PDF, 77KB). The form needs to be signed by the Director of Undergraduate Studies for the department in which the course will be repeated, and then must be approved by your Academic Deans.

If you repeat the course, both grades will appear on your transcript and both will be calculated into your grade point average. Only one will count toward the 34 courses/credits required for graduation and for fulfillment of continuation requirements.

Repeating a course may be warranted when it is part of a sequence of courses in a discipline of importance to your academic future. This is sometimes the case with courses in the sciences, math, or a foreign language (e.g. a D in Chem 21L when you intend to continue with Chem 22L). Repeating the course may be particularly important if much of the course material was beyond your comprehension and there are serious gaps in your knowledge, Experience suggests that progressing uninterrupted to the next level when your background in a subject is weak will often lead to a repetition of the original difficulties, compounded by the weak foundation from the first semester. You would probably do better to repeat the course with the help of a tutor or other support from the Academic Resource Center before going on to the next level in the subject.

If you have no compelling need to repeat a course, there may be no advantage to doing so. It may be better to take other course work in which you are more interested and experienced and are more likely to meet with success.

“N” Notation
An "N" shows on a student's transcript when a grade has not been reported.

WE, WP, and WF Grades
The listing of "WE" (withdrawn due to a registration error) on ACES and on your transcript indicates that you withdrew from a course because of "an error in registration." WE designations are issued during the Schedule Correction period, which is the week following the end of the Drop/Add period in each semester. The WE remains on your official transcript in perpetuity but does not factor into your grade point average.

The grades of "WP" (withdrawn passing) and "WF" (withdrawn failing) on ACES and on your transcript indicate that you withdrew from a course after Drop/Add. These grades are assigned by the instructor of the course. As with a WE, a WP or WF remains on your official transcript but does not factor into your grade point average.

At the end of the Drop/Add period or, at the latest, during the Schedule Correction Period, you should review your schedule to be sure that you are enrolled in the appropriate courses. If you are registered for a course but not attending that course, you can withdraw at this time. You should visit your Academic Deans to request a withdrawal form. Your instructor must sign and attest that you did not attend the course after the end of Drop/Add. You should then return that form to your Dean's office before the end of the Schedule Correction Week. See also Schedule Correction Period.

If you wish to withdraw from a course during the first two weeks of the semester, see the section on Drop/Add. To withdraw from a course after the Schedule Correction Week, you should visit Academic Deans to explain the circumstances. If you are allowed to withdraw, you will be given a form that your instructor must sign. Your instructor will issue a WP or WF, depending upon your academic standing at that time. You should then return the signed form to your academic dean's office by the deadline indicated on the form. There are restrictions on withdrawing from a course during the semester, so be sure you understand the procedure and consequences.

“X” Grades
If for any reason you fail to take the final exam in a course, the instructor will record a grade of "X," which means "absence from a final exam." Within 48 hours of the recording of an "X" grade, you must present an explanation for your absence to your Academic Deans. If you don't, or if your absence is not approved by the dean, the "X" grade will automatically become an "F".

An X grade will be excused if there is an extraordinary reason for the absence, generally a reason beyond your control. This might include a sudden illness requiring a visit to an emergency room or physician or a death in the family. End of semester travel plans are not acceptable grounds for missing a final exam. An X will also not be excused if you have a history of excessive absences or a failure to complete course work in a timely fashion. If you were already failing a course before missing the final exam, the instructor will submit an F grade rather than an X grade.

Note: Excuses for missing a final exam are handled differently from Dean's excuses.
Note: The short-term illness notification procedure may not be used for final exams.

You must notify your Dean or his/her staff before you miss an exam if at all possible or within the 48 hours after the exam was missed. If this time period covers a weekend, you should call and leave a voice mail message for your Dean or send an e-mail explaining that you missed a final exam and providing an explanation. You should then personally call the Dean's Office on the next workday to be sure your message was received and to arrange for an appointment if appropriate. Be prepared to provide documentation of illness, death or other emergency. Your Dean will review the situation and either approve or disapprove your absence. If the absence is excused, your instructor will be notified and you can make arrangements with the instructor to make up the exam. You will generally have until the end of the fifth week of the next semester at the latest to clear the X by completing the final exam. However, a shorter period applies when Semester Continuation Requirements are involved (see discussion under "incomplete course work") or if required by the instructor. Failure to complete the final exam in a course by the deadline will result in the assignment of a final course grade of "F."

The X grade will remain in place until a final grade is issued. At that time, the X will appear in parentheses beside the letter grade (e.g. C + (X)). If your absence from the final exam is not excused, the X grade will convert to an F.

Last updated: August 24, 2007

[back to top]

Graduating Early

It is sometimes possible to graduate one semester or two semesters early, if all of your degree requirements are met. In these instances, you may use additional AP/IPC/PMC credits (called acceleration credits) toward the 34 credits required for graduation.

If you wish to graduate early, you should discuss your intended plans with your dean to be sure that you understand graduation requirements and the pros and cons of such a decision. Although you may have a keen desire now to finish at Duke and get on with your life, and perhaps save a year of tuition, you may feel differently after another semester or two. This is the only time in your life when you will be able to study freely and independently whatever you wish. Take advantage of the time. You might take a semester to travel or study abroad. This might let you take some time off but also graduate with your class. You could become involved in Duke or community projects-education occurs outside of the classroom as well. Work on your communication and writing skills. If you will be seeking admission to a professional school, note that such schools may not necessarily be interested in someone applying a year early. Maturity and life experiences are considered along with courses, grades, and standardized test scores.
Once you are absolutely sure of an early graduation, you can obtain an "Undergraduate Graduation Date Change Form" from your dean. Fill it out, have it signed by your dean, and your dean will notify the registrar and have your anticipated graduation date changed. The deadline for accelerating your degree is the end of the fifth semester of enrollment. Be careful in changing your graduation date. If you later change your mind, your registration enrollment period will be moved back to the last enrollment window.

Last updated: November 19, 2003

[back to top]

Harassment

Duke University has a harassment policy in place that applies to all members of the University community and that is intended to insure that Duke is a safe place in which to work and study.

If you have experienced what you regard to be harassment, please contact Dean Lynn White for Trinity College of Arts and Sciences or Dean Connie Simmons, (csimmons@duke.edu), Pratt School of Engineering. An instructor who has questions regarding harassment or who would like to facilitate a student's referral should contact Dean Simmons.

Last updated: August 24, 2007

[back to top]

Honor Code

Complete and up-to-date information on Duke University's Honor Code and Community Standard can be found at the Academic Integrity Council's Undergraduate Information page.

Honors, Academic
Duke University officially recognizes the following school-wide honors/honor societies in Trinity College and the Pratt School of Engineering. Each has a long and distinguished reputation at Duke and throughout the United States. (For a more detailed description of the standards and eligibility, see "Academic Recognition and Honors" in the Bulletin of Undergraduate Instruction.)

Honor/honor society Recognition Standards Eligible students
Dean's List Academic excellence in a semester Semester GPA places student enrolled in 4 or more courses in the top 1/3 of all undergraduates in Trinity College or by class in Pratt. May be earned each semester of enrollment. All undergraduates within Trinity and by class in Pratt
Dean's List with Distinction Academic excellence in a semester Semester GPA places student enrolled in 4 or more courses in the top 10% of all undergrads in TC. May be earned each semester of enrollment. All undergraduates within Trinity College and by class in Pratt
Latin Honors Recognition Standards Eligible students
Summa cum laude Academic excellence over Duke career Cumulative GPA places student in the highest 5% of the previous year's graduating class in Trinity College or Pratt. All undergraduates within Trinity College and by class in Pratt
Magna cum Laude Academic excellence over Duke career Cumulative GPA places student in the next highest 10% of the previous year's graduating class in Trinity College or Pratt. All undergraduates within Trinity College and by class in Pratt
Cum Laude Academic excellence over Duke career Cumulative GPA places student in the next highest 10% of the previous year's graduating class in Trinity College or Pratt. All undergraduates within Trinity College and by class in Pratt
Phi Eta Sigma Academic excellence in first year GPA of 3.5 or higher in 4 full courses in the first semester or 3.5 or higher in 8 full courses in the first year. All first-year undergraduate students
Phi Beta Kappa Academic excellence and moral character Three cycles of election (early, regular, deferred) based on number of graded credits at Duke and cumulative GPA; no more than 10% of a graduating class. All undergraduates within their respective school
Tau Beta Pi Academic excellence and exemplary character Upper 8th of the junior class and upper 5% of the senior class Pratt undergraduates
Golden Key Academic excellence Top 15% of juniors and seniors in all fields of study in their respective class All undergraduates within their respective school

Beyond these honors, academically distinguished undergraduates may be eligible for one or more prestigious international postgraduate scholarships, such as the Fulbright, Gates, Luce, Marshall, Rhodes, and Winston Churchill.

Last updated: July 27, 2004

[back to top]

Incomplete Course Work

If you find that you are unable to complete your work for a course because of illness, emergency, or reasonable cause, you should discuss this with your instructor and your Academic Deans. It is sometimes possible for your instructor to issue you an incomplete or "I" for a grade. This will allow you to complete the course work after the semester has finished.

If you have an "I" and have passed 3.0 course credits for the semester irrespective of the incomplete grade, you will have until the last day of the 5th week of the following semester to complete whatever work is due and to have a grade turned into the Registrar's Office. An "I" in the spring semester will mean you have until the end of the 5th week of the fall semester for a grade to be turned in. Note that professors can set earlier deadlines if they wish. If it turns out that you have a long period of time to complete an "I", it does not mean that you should take all the time that you have. It is usually better to complete course work as quickly as possible, as you can forget material and become involved in other activities, and faculty can do the same. Failure to complete a course in which you have an "I" by the appropriate deadline will result in the assignment of a final course grade of "F."

If you receive one or more "I"s (or "X"s) and you do not meet Semester Continuation Requirements, then the deadline for completing the missing work will be set before the beginning of the next semester. For purposes of continuation, incomplete work in any course (including an authorized absence from a final exam) is considered a failure to achieve satisfactory performance in that course. Therefore when continuation is in question, you must complete the incomplete work so as to be in compliance with semester continuation requirements (e.g., if you are enrolled in four courses and receive incompletes in two of them, you must complete one of those courses with a passing grade in time for final grades to be submitted to the Office of the Registrar no later than the weekday preceding the first day of classes of the next semester). If the Incomplete (or X) is given in a Spring course, a grade must be turned in by the day preceding the first day of the second summer session. Failure to meet Semester Continuation Requirements results in a two-semester academic dismissal. You will not be allowed to enroll in summer session I if you have not met continuation requirements.

To obtain an Incomplete, both you and your instructor must agree on the work that remains to be completed and you must agree on a deadline (or deadlines) for turning in that work. You should go to Academic Deans Office and request an "Incomplete Form". You and your instructor should fill out the form and then sign it. Submit the form to Dean Connie Simmons for approval. Incompletes work best for small amounts of work due at the very end of the semester. Incompletes may not be possible or may not be approved if there are excessive absences or significant work remaining.

Last updated: November 19, 2003

[back to top]

Interdisciplinary Programs (IDEAS)

The interdisciplinary option provides for special programs of study in such fields as biochemical engineering, energy conversion, engineering mechanics, materials science, ocean engineering, pollution control, systems and controls, and urban engineering, leading to the B.S.E. degree. Any student, in consultation with an advisor and appropriate faculty members, may propose a unique combination of courses designed to meet particular career objectives. The proposal (forms available in the Dean's Office, 305 Teer Building), must be submitted to the Engineering Faculty Council, through the Dean, for approval; it may be submitted as early as the second semester of the freshman year and must be submitted before the senior year. A detailed description of the proposal requirements is included in the Bulletin of Undergraduate Instruction.

Last updated: August 24, 2007

[back to top]

Inter-Institutional Courses

You can sign up for one course at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, NC State University, or NC Central University each semester through an inter-institutional agreement that exists among these institutions. You can only take a course through the inter-institutional agreement if it is not being offered at Duke during the same calendar year. Grades for inter-institutional courses will appear on your transcript and will be factored into your grade point average. The courses themselves may count toward Areas of Knowledge, but not Inquiries or Competencies under the Curriculum. In Pratt, such courses may count towards the major. Information on inter-institutional courses can be found at the Registrar's Web site.

Fill out an inter-institutional approval form (link to PDF, 22KB) and have it approved and signed by the Duke Director of Undergraduate Studies in the department in which the course would fall. Then have the form signed by an Academic Dean.

Last updated: August 24, 2007

[back to top]

Leave of Absence

A leave of absence is a temporary interruption of one's studies at Duke, generally for a period of one or two semesters. There are essentially two types of leave:

Students who withdraw during the first or second week of the semester receive 80% of their tuition back. During the third-fifth weeks, they receive 60% of their tuition, and during the sixth week, 20% of their tuition. Residence hall charges are pro-rated depending upon the number of days a room is occupied. For more information, contact the Bursar's Office and Housing.

If you are contemplating a personal or medical leave, you should make an appointment to meet with one of your Academic Dean as soon as possible. In some cases, there may be other options available to you and a frank discussion of the problems you are facing may be useful to you.

Returning from a Personal Leave of Absence requires no action on your part. The Registrar's Office will send you your PIN at the appropriate time so that you can register online. Returning from a Medical Leave of Absence requires your Academic Deans’ approval. You will send a detailed letter to your Academic Dean your recovery and why you think you're ready to return to Duke as a full-time student. You will also have your health care provider, physician or therapist send a similar letter to your Academic Dean. Once your return is approved, the Registrar's Office will send you your PIN so that you can register online.

If you have taken a one or two semester leave of absence and wish to extend it, you may petition your Academic Dean for additional time. A leave of absence may not generally extend beyond three semesters, not including summers. For more prolonged absences, you are usually expected to withdraw from Duke with the option of applying for readmission at a later date. If you have taken a Medical Leave of Absence, returned to Duke, and now find that a second Medical Leave of Absence may be warranted, you should consult with your Academic Deans.

Last updated: August 24, 2007

[back to top]

Major, Minors and Certificates

Double Majors
Many students complete the requirements for a departmental major in arts and sciences while completing the requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree, or satisfy simultaneously the requirements for two engineering majors. The second major requirements consist of the set of specific and elective courses in the discipline which are required by the department for its primary majors. Biomedical/Electrical Engineering, Biomedical/Mechanical and Electrical Engineering/Computer Science are common double majors. Among the second majors most commonly completed in Arts & Sciences by engineering students are Public Policy Studies, Economics, Mathematics and History.

Minors
Most of the departments in Trinity College of Arts and Sciences have established minors and engineering students are eligible to enroll in them. The courses required for minors are specified by the department/academic program. A minimum of five courses is required, including at least three above the introductory level.

Certificate Programs
Certificate programs are topically organized courses of study that offer a distinctive, usually interdisciplinary, approach to a subject matter not available within any single academic unit. They include: The Arts; Dance; Film/Video/Digital; Health Policy; Markets and Management Studies; Neurosciences. See Pratt's Certificate programs.

International Honors Program
The International Honors Program in Engineering is a certificate program consisting of six to eight semester courses, depending on the foreign language level proficiency of the student. Up to three language courses beyond the intermediate level may be required. With advanced planning, all of the IHP course requirements may fulfill humanities and social sciences or approved elective requirements which are included in the school's engineering programs. Early planning and advising are essential to fulfilling all IHP requirements, which includes an internship or study abroad as part of the baccalaureate degree program. More details can be found on the International Honors Program Web site.

Last updated: August 24, 2007

[back to top]

Mid-term Grades

All first year students will receive mid-term grades from their instructors for the fall and spring semesters. These grades are sent by mail to each student, with copies to Dean Connie Simmon’s office and to the student's Pre-Major Advisor. Students with 2 or more D or F grades will have their spring registration blocked until they meet with and are cleared by their Pre-Major Advisor. Copies of mid-term grades are sent to the parents.

Sophomores, juniors and seniors receive mid-term grades only when instructors report D or F grades. These mid-term grades are also sent by mail to each student, with a copy to their Dean. Copies are not sent to parents.

Last updated: November 19, 2003

[back to top]

Part-time Degree Status

Students who have been admitted for full-time study must enroll in a normal course load, i.e. at least four course credits per semester. Academic Deans may permit students with compelling reasons in a normal course load to withdraw from one course prior to the final four weeks of classes. Such students are still considered full-time degree candidates at Duke. However, some students may be bound by scholarship regulations concerning course load each semester; thus students who wish to withdraw to an underload should check the condition of such awards. Students who wish to withdraw to an underload should check with the appropriate offices.

Part-time students can enroll in no more than two 1.0 credit courses (not including a 0.5 credit physical education credit) per semester. Part-time students are not eligible for university housing. Students who wish to change from full-time to part-time status should confer with their Academic Dean. Graduating seniors may request permission for part-time study for their last semester. Such requests should be made by April 15th of the year preceding the year in which part-time study will be conducted.

Last updated: August 24, 2007

[back to top]

Pass/Fail

With the consent of the instructor and the faculty advisor, an engineering student may choose to be graded on a pass/fail basis in up to four unrestricted electives or social sciences/humanities electives within the thirty-four course program. A student may take no more than one course on a pass/fail basis per semester. After the drop/add period in any term, no changes from pass/fail to regular status, or from regular to pass/fail status, are permitted in any course.

If you elect to take a course pass/fail, you should seek written permission from the instructor of the course. If the instructor agrees, you should add the course normally through ACES and then bring a pass/fail permission form (PDF, 103KB) signed by the instructor to the Office of the Registrar. The note must be submitted to the Registrar's Office (103 Allen) before the close of the drop/add period.

Last updated: July 27, 2004

[back to top]

Personal Emergencies

The university recognizes that students are sometimes confronted with emergency situations that are unexpected and stressful. There are a number of academic and personal support staff available on campus to help a student identify options and make appropriate decisions.

If you are faced with a personal or family emergency or a health condition that interferes with your ability to attend or complete classes, you should contact one of Academic Deans. Your Dean can notify your professors of your situation if you wish, provide Dean's Excuses for missed assignments and graded work, and help you make choices as necessary. If you are unable to notify your Dean's office yourself, you can ask a roommate, RA, family member or other individual to call for you. You may also wish to contact your advisor, CAPS or the Women's Center, as appropriate.

Last updated: November 19, 2003

Personal Identification Number (PIN)

Prior to the beginning of your registration window, you will be given a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to be used for registering your schedule in ACES.

Last updated: July 27, 2004

[back to top]

Plagiarism, Cheating and Dishonesty

As a member of the Duke community, you will be contributing to the scholarly achievements of our university through your work both in and outside of the classroom. In high school you probably learned about documenting sources properly and avoiding plagiarism. Plagiarism, broadly speaking, is claiming someone else's work as your own. At the college level, plagiarism is considered to be a serious violation of academic integrity, even if it is not intentional. You will find information on the different forms of plagiarism, proper scholarly procedure and links to helpful web sites on the Plagiarism Tutorial Web site. Freshmen are required to take this tutorial prior to registering for the spring semester.

"Cheating" involves a variety of actions, including the procurement of exam questions without an instructor's permission, copying answers on an exam, copying material for a lab report, doing assignments for someone else, intentionally misreporting results for a class, changing grades or answers during regrades, and forging documents.

"Academic contempt" is a failure to adhere to an instructor's directions with respect to academic integrity and honesty, e.g. working with another individual on an assignment when the instructions were to work by yourself, failing to put notes and books away during an exam, or taking more time than allotted on a take-home final.

Students accused of plagiarism, cheating, academic contempt or other instances of academic dishonesty can be brought before the judicial board. If found responsible, sanctions can range from required service work to dismissal for several semesters. Faculty can impose their own sanctions for a class. These may vary from requiring a student to rewrite a paper to an automatic F.

Last updated: November 19, 2003

[back to top]

Probation

You will be placed on "Probation" for a semester if you accumulate a certain number of D and F grades. See the section on grades for a detailed listing of grades and outcomes. A semester of probation is designed to serve as a "wake-up" call. It is a sign that you are in imminent danger of being withdrawn from Duke for academic reasons.

Students with poor grades in the fall will be placed on probation in the spring. Students with poor grades in the spring will be placed on probation in the fall. If, due to exceptional circumstances, you petition for and are permitted to withdraw from a course to an underload during your semester of probation, your probationary status will be automatically extended to the next semester. Parent(s)/guardian(s) are notified of probationary status. Probationary information is not placed on your official transcript.

If your semester academic record warrants probation you will receive notification from one of your Academic Deans.

If you are placed on probation, you should take the time to address your strengths and weaknesses in study skills and habits and also identify problems that have disrupted your academic program. You should institute changes wherever appropriate. We urge you to confer with your Academic Deans, Advisor, Instructor, a counselor at CAPS, or with a member of the staff of the Academic Resource Center, as appropriate, early in the semester of probation.

Last updated: August 24, 2007

[back to top]

Readmission

Students who withdraw from Pratt for voluntary or involuntary reasons and wish to return must complete an application for readmission and return it to the Associate Dean of the School of Engineering After all the credentials listed have been filed, the candidate's application will be referred to a Committee on Readmissions. A recommendation will be made by this Committee to the Associate Dean who will then inform the candidate of the decision on the application. If the candidate is readmitted, registration materials will be forwarded once it is confirmed that the bursar's account is clear.

In order to be considered for readmission for the semester indicated, applications and ALL supporting documents for readmission must be completed by NOVEMBER 1 for readmission in JANUARY, by APRIL 1 for SUMMER sessions, and by JULY 1 for readmission in AUGUST. Students whose application materials are not complete will not be eligible for consideration. For a complete list of instructions and application, click here.

Last updated: August 24, 2007

[back to top]

Registration

Registration for spring semester courses opens in late October or early November and registration for the fall semester opens in March. Prior to these dates, you should schedule a meeting with your advisor to discuss your upcoming registration. This is a good time to consider your overall goals, evaluate your performance to date, and make changes as necessary. Your advisor will provide you with a PIN so that you can register online when your registration window opens. Registration windows are based on your Social Security number and are posted on the Registrar's Web site.

Last updated: November 19, 2003

[back to top]

Religious Holidays

Pratt and Trinity College follow the same guidelines for observing religious holidays. If you will miss class work in observance of an officially recognized religious holiday, you should speak directly with your instructor beforehand. Recognized religious holidays are covered by University policy, so no Dean's excuse is needed or issued.

Students who need an official excuse to be absent from class for religious holidays not included on this list should contact one of the Academic Deans that the holiday of concern would necessitate missing class.

If an instructor is unable or unwilling to grant a request, you should consult Dean Simmons or Dean Franzoni. It is the responsibility of each instructor to communicate the University policy to his or her students and to accommodate reasonable requests.

Last updated: August 24, 2007

[back to top]

Repeating a Course

You cannot repeat a course in which you earned a grade of C- or better. An engineering student who has earned a grade of D-, D, or D+ in a required mathematics, science or a required engineering course, may with permission of his or her advisor, director of undergraduate studies, and academic dean, repeat the course. To do this, you'll need to fill out a course repeat request form (PDF). The form needs to be signed by the Director of Undergraduate Studies for the department in which the course will be repeated, and then must be approved by your Academic Dean.

If you repeat the course, both grades will appear on your transcript and both will be calculated into your grade point average. Only one will count toward the 34 courses/credits required for graduation and for fulfillment of continuation requirements.

Repeating a course may be warranted when it is part of a sequence of courses in a discipline of importance to your academic future. Repeating the course may be particularly important if much of the course material was beyond your comprehension and there are serious gaps in your knowledge, Experience suggests that progressing uninterrupted to the next level when your background in a subject is weak will often lead to a repetition of the original difficulties, compounded by the weak foundation from the first semester. You would probably do better to repeat the course with the help of a tutor or other support from the Academic Resource Center before going on to the next level in the subject.

If you have no compelling need to repeat a course, there may be no advantage to doing so. It may be better to take other course work in which you are more interested and experienced and are more likely to meet with success.

Last updated: August 24, 2007

[back to top]

Schedule Correction Period

When the Drop/Add period ends, you have one week in which to review your course schedule and make any necessary corrections (for a current list of important dates, see Course Change Deadlines). Any withdrawal from a course after Drop/Add ends will result in the assignment of a grade of WP, WF or WE to the course in question. After the correction period ends you may no longer add a course for any reason. It is therefore critical that you review your course schedule carefully every semester at the end of drop/add to be sure you are actually enrolled in the courses you're attending.

Note: you may not add a course during the Schedule Correction Period that you did not attend before the end of drop/add.

If you have been attending a course since before the end of drop/add, and it does not appear on your schedule, you must obtain written permission and confirmation of the dates on which you've attended from the instructor. You must then take this written material to your Academic Dean.

If you have not attended a course since the end of drop/add, but it does appear on your schedule, see Academic Deans immediately. Failure to withdraw may result in a failing grade.

Last updated: August 24, 2007

[back to top]

Scholarships

Duke University believes that the availability of a high quality education should depend on a student’s academic profile, rather than their financial circumstances. In support of this important principle, the University admits U.S. citizens and permanent residents without reference to their ability to pay and meets 100% of each admitted student's demonstrated need through grants, loans, and scholarships.

Undergraduate Scholarships
Three types of scholarships are available for undergraduate students: The first two types are need-based and merit. Need-based scholarships are awarded by the Office of Undergraduate Financial Aid after a review of the field of eligible students. Such awards are made independently from the Pratt School of Engineering. There is no application process.

Merit scholarships are also awarded by the Office of Undergraduate Financial Aid, with input from the Pratt School of Engineering. These awards are made on the basis of both academic scholarship and financial need. Again, there is no application process for these awards.

The last type is a third party scholarship. These often become known to the Dean's office, our Directors of Undergraduate Studies, and individual faculty on an ad hoc basis throughout the academic year. Directors of Undergraduate Studies in Pratt typically coordinate the nomination and support of students for these awards, and should be consulted regularly by students to keep abreast of these opportunities as they arise.

Graduate Scholarships
Graduate degrees are proffered by the Duke Graduate School, and not by Pratt. So the Graduate School also handles the award of scholarships and fellowships for graduate students.

The application forms for admissions to graduate school are also the application forms for financial aid. Incoming students who wish to be considered for the university fellowships or assistantships should so indicate on the application form for admission and award. Selection of awards recipients is made on the basis of academic merit and departmental recommendations.

Last updated: August 24, 2007

[back to top]

Services for Students

An extensive array of support services is available to Duke undergraduates. Students are encouraged to contact these services as needed. In addition, instructors are encouraged to refer students to the appropriate services when advisable:

Last updated: August 24, 2007

[back to top]

Short Term Illness

The short-term illness notification procedure is based on the following operating principles:

1. You are the only one who can judge whether you are too ill to complete an assignment or test at the designated time.

2. You will act in accordance with the Duke Community Standard.

3. This procedure should only be used to notify an instructor of an absence from a graded exercise in his/her class due to a short-term illness which has incapacitated you. This procedure should not be used to notify an instructor of an absence from a class in which there was no graded exercise or an absence not due to a short-term illness.

4. Given the time limitations that are inherent in completing end-of-semester assignments or making up a missed final exam, this procedure will not be used during the final exam period. You are expected to take final examinations at the scheduled times and to complete end-of-semester work by the deadlines set by the instructor unless an extraordinary circumstance interferes. If you encounter an extraordinary circumstance during exam week, contact your academic dean directly as soon as possible, preferably before the scheduled assignment or exam.

5. The notification procedure involves completing a secure online form (you'll find the link at the end of these instructions) and then submitting it to a computer server. The server generates and sends an e-mail to your instructor, with copies sent to you and your academic dean. Some sources of information that may be useful in completing the form are the Registrar's ACES Web site where you can view your class schedule to obtain the name and number of the course and the name of the course instructor, and the online Duke phone book where you can find the e-mail address of your instructor.

6. You should send this notification to your instructor as soon as possible once you realize that your short-term illness has become incapacitating.

7. Prior to, or as soon as possible right after your return to this class, you are expected to meet with your course instructor to make the necessary arrangements for accommodation according to course policy.

8. Since your instructor may want to use the same exercise that the rest of the class has completed, you are obligated to avoid obtaining any information about that graded exercise that would give you an unfair advantage over other students taking the course.

9. Your electronic signature on the form affirms your compliance with the Duke Community Standard.

Short-term Illness Notification Form

Last updated: August 24, 2007

Special Domestic Programs (offered through Trinity College)

http://www.aas.duke.edu/trinity/t-reqs/domestic.html

Last updated: November 19, 2003

[back to top]

Study Abroad

Duke University and the Pratt School of Engineering offer a wide range of opportunities for studying abroad, including programs with and without a foreign language proficiency requirement. Some programs offer Duke approved engineering curriculum so students can continue to progress towards graduation.

International Honors Programs

Global problems increasing call for engineers and technologists fluent in foreign languages and who understand foreign cultures. The Pratt School of Engineering supports Duke’s undergraduate certificate program called the International Honors Program (IHP) for students who want to study or work abroad in order to better understand the engineering and technological international arena. IHP builds upon existing strengths in international studies at Duke University; it uniquely combines at the undergraduate level: (1) excellence in engineering skills, (2) foreign language proficiency, (3) cultural proficiency, and (4) awareness of world trade and economics as well as international public policy and sociology issues. For more information, see the Web site.

Study Abroad Program

Duke University is committed to providing an internationally grounded liberal education that will enable its students to understand the world better, appreciate the international contributions to knowledge, and to cope effectively with an increasingly intercultural environment. There are two types of programs: those administered directly by Duke ("Duke-in" programs), and those sponsored by other American and foreign universities which are approved by Duke.
The Pratt School of Engineering has also instituted a study abroad program for engineering students that does not require a foreign language proficiency. Students can take engineering courses at selected English-speaking universities and receive transfer credit towards their Duke undergraduate engineering degree. Engineering curriculum at universities in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and other countries have been evaluated and approved as equivalent in course content by Pratt faculty. (More info.)

Last updated: July 5, 2006

[back to top]

200-Level Courses

200-level courses are senior-graduate courses. If you are not a senior but would like to take a 200-level course, you will need to do the following:

If you are a junior, you can enroll in a 200-level course.

If you are a sophomore, you can enroll in a 200-level course if you secure permission of the instructor of the course and of your Academic Dean.

If you are a freshman, you are not allowed to take 200-level courses. Exceptions are extremely rare and are granted only when it can be demonstrated that you have a truly exceptional background in a subject and are already familiar with available 100-level course work. If the instructor of a 200-level course supports your enrollment, the instructor will need to provide you with a letter to the Dean for Pre-Major Students, justifying it. Schedule an appointment with your Academic Dean to review the letter and to discuss whether your enrollment is appropriate. Your instructor's endorsement does not necessarily mean that you will receive approval.

Last updated: November 19, 2003

[back to top]

Three Final Exams in 24 hours

If you have three final examinations that begin and end within a 24-hour time period (any contiguous combination of the 9 am, 2 pm, and 7 pm exam times) or two final examinations at the same time, you can have one exam date changed.

Download, print, and complete the Petition to Change Examination Schedule (PDF, 17KB). Take the completed form to the office of Dean Connie Simmons no later than three weeks before the last day of classes. Your dean will confirm the conflict and sign the form. You will then take the form to Ms. Margaret (Peggy) Lankford, 103 Allen Building. The date of one of your exams will be changed.

Note: Instructors are required by University policy to give their final exams at the time scheduled for them in the final exam schedule. Please bring to the attention of the Registrar's Office (103 Allen Building, 919-684-9008) any instance of unauthorized change by the instructor to the examination schedule for any course you are taking.

Last updated: August 24, 2007

[back to top]

Transfer Credits

Credit Earned Prior to Matriculation:
Freshmen and transfer students who earn credit at other colleges before enrolling at Duke may present transcripts to the Engineering Dean's Office for evaluation (in consultation with the Directors of Undergraduate Study for the appropriate course) for credit or placement.

You can receive Duke credit only if the courses:

The student must request that an official transcript be mailed directly to the Pratt School of Engineering (student copies of a transcript cannot be used) and a letter from a high school official certifying that the conditions stated above have been met. Duke equivalent credits are awarded up to a maximum of seventeen semester courses, but grades are not included in calculation of the GPA.

Courses Taken Elsewhere by Continuing Students
With prior approval from the Director of Undergraduate Studies in the appropriate department, the advisor, and the Associate Dean, an engineering student may receive transfer credit for up to four semester courses taken at other institutions either during the summer vacation, or while on an approved leave of absence from Duke. Transfer credit may not be awarded for courses taken while a student is ineligible to continue at Duke University (such as Academic Dismissal). Students may obtain copies of a Transfer Credit Approval Form at the Dean's Office [download form here]. The student then carries the form to the Director of Undergraduate Studies of the department most closely related to the course desired. The DUS assigns a Duke equivalent or elective credit on the basis of a review of catalog descriptions or course syllabi. Upon completion of the course with a grade of C- or better, the student must request that a transcript be forwarded to the Pratt School of Engineering where it is matched with the approval form and credit is added to the student's record. Grades for courses taken elsewhere are not noted on the Duke transcript, nor are such grades factored into the student's GPA.

Last updated: August 24, 2007

[back to top]

Transfer To/From Engineering

Trinity College students can apply to transfer into the Pratt School of Engineering and Pratt students into Trinity College. The earliest this can occur is at the end of the first year, i.e., freshmen must complete their first year in the college or school in which they matriculated. Until their transfer has been approved, students wishing to transfer between Trinity College and Pratt must complete all applicable academic requirements of their original school.

Procedure
Download the transfer application form. Fill out and submit the application to the designated dean's office (Dean Simmons for Pratt School of Engineering, Dean Norman Keul for Trinity). Applications to transfer from Pratt to Trinity are routinely accepted. However, students who wish to transfer from Trinity to Pratt can expect their course work and grades to be scrutinized, especially their science and mathematics course work. It is strongly recommended that students interested in transferring to Pratt contact Dean Simmons as early as possible in their time at Duke so that they can begin with appropriate courses. Students in Pratt who wish to transfer to Trinity College should make an appointment to meet with Dean Norman Keul, Dr. Milton Blackmon, or Dr. Donna Kostyu in the Dean's Office for Academic Advising before they complete the application process in order to familiarize themselves with the Trinity College curricular and graduation requirements, which differ substantially from those in Pratt.

If you are a Trinity student, you will continue to be advised by and receive your PIN for registration from your Trinity advisor until your application for transfer to Pratt has been approved, but you are encouraged to work with Dean Simmons to be sure you are taking appropriate engineering courses. If you are currently in Pratt, you will continue to receive advice and your PIN from your Engineering advisor, but you are welcome to schedule an appointment with a den in the Academic Advising Center to discuss Trinity College curricular and graduation requirements, which differ substantially from those in Pratt.

Last updated: August 24, 2007

[back to top]

Withdrawal from Duke University

If you wish to withdraw from Duke, you must give official notification to your Academic Deans. Notification must be received prior to the beginning of classes in any term or tuition will be due on a pro rata basis. (See the section on "Fall and Spring" refunds in the Bulletin of Undergraduate Instruction chapter "Financial Information.") If you are withdrawing on your own initiative after the beginning of classes and prior to the last four weeks of regular classes in the fall or spring term, or before the last two weeks of regular classes in a summer term, a W is assigned in lieu of a regular grade for each course. After these dates an F grade is recorded unless withdrawal is caused by an emergency beyond your control, in which case a W is assigned by your Academic Dean.

If you decide to withdraw voluntarily from Duke, you should notify your Dean in writing as soon as possible after you have made your decision. If you are not sure and wish to evaluate your options, schedule an appointment with your Dean to discuss the issues. You may, for instance, wish to interrupt your studies at Duke temporarily, by taking a Leave of Absence. That would preserve your right to return, and also provide time for you to make important personal decisions.

If you wish to return to Duke after a period of voluntary withdrawal, please contact Academic Deans office in writing (Box 90271, Durham, NC 27708) or by telephone (919-660-5386) for information about readmission requirements, deadlines, and an application form for readmission.

Last updated: August 24, 2007

[back to top]

======= Undergraduate Policies, Procedures and Requirements for Pratt School of Engineering at Duke University
Academics // Undergrads

Policies and Procedures

Below are policies, procedures, and points of contact that will be useful for Pratt undergraduate and graduate students. Although there are a few differences in policy and procedures between the Pratt School of Engineering and the Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, most policies will be the same for all Duke undergraduate students. Whenever possible, students are directed to use the same forms for both schools. Policies on this website corresponding to those of Trinity College are presented with minimal adaptation of information presented on T-reqs; use of this material is gratefully acknowledged.

Absence from a Final Exam

If for any reason you fail to take the final exam in a course, the instructor will record a grade of "X," which means "absence from a final exam." Within 48 h