The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy’s academic policies and procedures are stated in the Academic Policies Handbook. Each Midshipman receives a copy of this guide upon entry to the Academy and is responsible for understanding its contents. The following is a summary of the Handbook’s most important provisions.
Grading
The Academy uses a letter-grade system with each letter grade assigned a numerical quality-point equivalent. The scholastic significance of the grades and related quality point equivalents are reflected in the following table:
Letter Scale |
Quality-Point Value |
A |
4.00 |
A- |
3.67 |
B+ |
3.33 |
B |
3.00 |
B- |
2.67 |
C+ |
2.33 |
C |
2.00 |
C- |
1.67 |
D+ |
1.33 |
D |
1.00 |
P |
0.00 |
F |
0.00 |
I |
Incomplete |
E |
Exempt |
W |
Withdrawal |
Academic Status
A Midshipman is considered to be proficient for a grading period if no F grade is received, and the trimester quality point average is 2.000 or greater. A Midshipman achieves overall proficiency if these requirements are met and the cumulative quality point average is 2.000 or greater with no unresolved F grades. If these criteria are not satisfied, a Midshipman is considered deficient. A fourth class Midshipman is permitted to adjust to the academic and regimental requisites through a special scale of academic requirements that increase in each succeeding trimester of plebe year.
Midshipmen who do not fully satisfy the proficiency requirements may be placed on academic warning, academic probation or in some other more significant deficiency status by the Dean. Normally, a Midshipman who is academically deficient has one grading period to regain proficiency.
A Midshipman failing to meet the academic standards of the Academy may be recommended by the Dean to the Superintendent for disenrollment. The Academic Dean prepares his recommendation in conjunction with the Academic Review Board.
Academic Proficiency
In order to continue in their educational programs, midshipmen must make satisfactory academic progress towards earning their degrees, i.e., remain proficient. A midshipman is deemed academically proficient for a term if the student’s CGPA is at least a 2.00, if the term GPA is also at least a 2.00, and if there are no F’s earned that term. Proficiency is defined as both proficiency in academic coursework, and proficiency towards earning a USCG Merchant Mariner’s Credential and STCW endorsement to that credential.
Academic Deficiency Status
The Office of the Academic Dean and Provost analyzes all grades at the conclusion of each term and each sailing period. A midshipman will be assigned an academic deficiency status if the student does not meet the criteria in Table 2 below. The deficiency codes assigned to Midshipmen are tracked by the Registrar’s Office. Academic deficiency status has consequences for retention, especially when students are in a deficient status for successive terms.
Academic Warning (AW) is the least serious deficiency status, followed by Academic Probation (AP), and then Referred for Disenrollment (RFD) (the latter resulting in an Academic Review Board, see below).
Midshipmen are notified by the Office of the Academic Dean and Provost, via email, of RFD status immediately after term grade analysis is completed. AW or AP status is also indicated in the student information system where midshipmen view their grades.
1. Midterm Grades for Fourth Class Students
Faculty members submit mid-term grades for Fourth Class students each term. The Registrar’s Office prepares a grade report for each student which shows all course grades. The grade reports are distributed to students by their mentors. The Office of the Academic Dean and Provost analyzes the grades and assigns deficiency codes, where applicable. While these codes do not remain on the student’s permanent transcript, the intent is to put the student on alert of a possible deficiency status at the end of the term if grades are not improved. Students may also be subject to appropriate restrictions described in this handbook.
Other Factors Leading to Designation as Referred for Disenrollment (RFD)
In addition to the above indicated cases that lead to the designation of RFD, a midshipman may be placed in this status as a result of any one of the following:
- Failing the Introduction to Nautical Science course (NAUT101)
- Failing the Introduction to Marine Engineering course (ECME101)
- Violating proficiency requirements for three or more consecutive terms
- Failing the same required course two times
- Failing two or more courses during either a residential or sea term
- Failing to achieve a CGPA of at least 2.00 in the major
- Failing a sequence of required courses; e.g., math, English, or physics, either within one term or over different terms
- Failing to achieve a combined GPA of at least 2.00 for the two sea terms
- Violating the Terms of Probation (TOP) that were in effect during the current term
- Failing to make sufficient academic progress as determined by the Provost
The Sea Year and Satisfactory Progress Towards the Degree
A Midshipman normally must have a CGPA of ≥ 2.00 to be assigned to sea training, and must have satisfied, prior to sea duty, the Basic Safety competences required by the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW).
Terms spent at sea are subject to the same proficiency criteria as terms spent in residence. Midshipmen who have a GPA of < 2.00 in a sea period are subject to the same terms in Table 2 Deficiency Status Criteria. Midshipmen who are RFD will be reviewed by the Academic Review Board (ARB) and considered for probation, setback, deferred graduation, or disenrollment, all defined below.
The Academic Review Board (ARB)
There are nine different times during the academic year that grades are analyzed for proficiency: following each term, following each sailing period, and after the annual summer school session. Immediately following the academic analysis of the grades, midshipmen who are deemed to be RFD are referred to the Academic Review Board (ARB). The ARB convenes at the call of the Provost and consists of the following members: Academic Dean and Provost, Commandant, Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs, Academic Department Heads, Head of Professional Development and Career Services, Director of the Academic Center for Excellence, Director of Admissions, and Director of Waterfront Activities. Members may designate alternates to act on their behalf at ARB meetings. The Superintendent, at his or her discretion, may attend meetings of the ARB.
For ARBs following the sailing periods, midshipmen who neglect to submit the coursework for two or more Sea Year courses by the deadline will be declared RFD and subject to an ARB which may be convened prior to the regular grade analysis. Additionally, if a midshipman fails a Sea Year course for which a repeat must occur on a non-USMMA waterfront asset, it may not be possible to rectify the failing grade and the midshipman will be referred to the ARB for lack of progress in the degree program.
Members of the ARB are apprised, in advance, of the names of students who will be reviewed. At the actual meeting, the members review the academic history of each student, as presented by the Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs. The Academic Department Heads each provide details about each “D” and “F” grade. Board members or their designees make available to the Board any additional information that is pertinent to the academic, regimental, Sea Year, athletic and student life aspects of the midshipman’s performance. Each case is considered individually, and the Provost requests deficiency recommendations from members of the Board. All members, except the Provost and Assistant Deans, vote on each recommendation; ties are broken by the Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs. At the conclusion of the Board, the Provost considers all recommendations and makes a final decision in each case.
The ARB may recommend that a midshipman be required to change majors within the student’s academic department if it is deemed that this will result in an improved level of academic success.
It is within the purview of the ARB to make the following recommendations: Academic Probation, Continued Academic Probation, Setback, Suspended Setback, Deferred Graduate, Suspended Disenrollment, and Disenrollment. Each is a deficiency status with implications for subsequent terms:
- Academic Probation (AP): The midshipman will remain at the Academy in the status of Academic Probation with academic proficiency requirements (Terms of Probation) established.
- Continued Academic Probation (CAP): Students who were on Academic Probation during the current term will remain at the Academy and continue on Academic Probation status with academic proficiency requirements (Terms of Probation) established.
- Setback: The midshipman will be placed on official Leave of Absence status and will resume his or her studies during a future term as specified by the Provost. They will be subject to formal Terms of Probation (TOP) as conditions of retention. For record keeping purposes the midshipman will be noted as a member of the setback class, but if the midshipman fails to meet the TOP, the midshipman will be noted as disenrolled from the student’s original class. If the student successfully meets their TOP, the midshipman will normally be designated as a member of the following class year upon return. In addition, a midshipman returning from setback will be subject to all provisions of the Academic Policies Handbook in effect for the new class year.
- Suspended Setback (SS): The midshipman will remain at the Academy under explicit Terms of Probation in regards to GPA, CGPA, and course grades. If the midshipman meets the conditions of the terms of probation, he or she will continue on at the Academy. If the midshipman is in deficiency status at the end of that term and/or does not meet the Terms of Probation, he or she will be referred to an ARB for violation of terms
- Deferred Graduate (DG): A midshipman of any class year may be designated a Deferred Graduate. Special requirements relating to either the residential or Sea Year curriculum, to be completed following graduation of the midshipman’s class, are established. A midshipman may be denied authorization to present for the USCG license examination as a result of being placed in this status.
- Suspended Disenrollment (SD): The midshipman may remain at the Academy in the status of Suspended Disenrollment with Terms of Probation established for the next two terms that, if not met, may result in disenrollment. A midshipman may be placed on Suspended Disenrollment for continuous violation of academic terms of probation, or in cases relating to performance at sea, as reflected in officer evaluations.
- Disenrollment: The midshipman will be disenrolled from the Academy.
Terms of Probation
Every case heard before the Academic Review Board will result in a Terms of Probation (TOP) letter signed by the Provost. In all cases, the terms will require that the student be academically proficient for the next two terms: GPA/CGPA > 2.00 and no earned F grades. The Provost may designate additional conditions, including additional academic terms of probation. The terms of the TOP letter are binding in all cases, and neglecting to sign the TOP letter does not release the student from meeting all terms.
Students who do not satisfy all Terms of Probation, as stated in the letter, may be disenrolled with no right of appeal.
Deficiency Status: Sailing Period and STCW Competences
1. The STCW Council
The STCW Council is a sub-committee of the ARB. Its purpose is to monitor midshipmen’s progress toward the issuance of a USCG Merchant Mariner’s Credential and STCW endorsement to that credential.
It is the responsibility of the Council to determine whether the competences required for licensure and certification are being earned in a timely manner, both in residential courses and during the sailing periods. A midshipman who has received multiple adverse (< 2.0) shipboard evaluations relating to application of STCW training at sea, and/or who fails to demonstrate proficiency in those competences that relate to Personal Safety and Social Responsibility aboard ship may be referred to the STCW Council.
2. Failure of an STCW Competency
When a midshipman has failed two or more attempts to pass an STCW assessment after all “normal and reasonable” opportunities to do so, the Department Head shall notify the Office of the Academic Dean and Provost and the STCW Council about the midshipman’s failure of the assessment and, consequently, failure of the course. The STCW Council shall review the case regarding the student’s status within the Approved Program.
The Council may make recommendations to the Provost. The recommendations may suggest that the matter be resolved in the next resident term, or during the next Sea Year assignment. The recommendation may also suggest disenrollment, academic setback, deferred graduation, conduct probation, and/or counseling.
Appealing the Decision of the Recommendation for Disenrollment
Students are contacted via email after the conclusion of the ARB and informed of the Superintendent’s decision. Those recommended for disenrollment may request an appeal, unless specifically prohibited from doing so in a prior TOP letter.
In the event that the midshipman chooses to appeal, the student will be directed to schedule an Appeal Hearing by contacting the Office of the Superintendent within 48 hours of being notified of their status. The Office of the Superintendent will then provide the student with further instructions regarding the appeal. The Appeal is heard before the Superintendent, Provost, and Commandant, or their designees. The midshipman may prepare a formal statement which includes an explanation for the academic deficiencies and a plan for future academic success, and may present statements of support from professors, staff, and mentors. The personal statement and letters of support must be submitted to the Office of the Superintendent by the deadline specified in the instructions. All letters must be submitted by the student; letters submitted directly by others will not be accepted by the Office of the Superintendent.
At the actual Appeal, the midshipman appears alone before the Committee, and is informed immediately afterwards by the Superintendent of the decision. If the Superintendent decides not to disenroll the Midshipman, then, within a few days, the Provost will issue a formal letter outlining the decision, including conditions and the Terms of Probation. The midshipman must sign the letter acknowledging receipt and understanding of the TOP, and retains a copy for his or her records.
Midshipmen who are setback, and who leave the Academy premises before signing the TOP letter, are responsible for contacting the Office of the Academic Dean and Provost to procure the letter. Non-receipt of the letter will not be deemed a valid reason for failing to meet any of the conditions for return to the Academy. Failure to comply with the conditions for return, as outlined in the TOP letter, will result in the student not being cleared for return to resume his or her studies with the next class year. The student shall be asked to resign from the Academy. If the midshipman does not respond to the call for resignation, the student will be disenrolled.
The Superintendent is the final authority in all academic disenrollment cases referred by the ARB. No decision may be appealed to a higher authority.
Conditions of Setback
The decision to send a midshipman on a setback is made in the interest of strengthening the student’s academic record. The Office of the Academic Dean and Provost assesses all grades earned up to that point, and designates the optimal term for return to the Academy. Students returning from setbacks may be required to repeat all academic courses and all STCW competencies in deficient courses. All grades of record will be the grade earned upon repeating the course. Returning fourth classmen may be designated as Plebe Candidates, upon the recommendation of the Commandant. They may be required to participate in Indoctrination and will repeat all requirements applicable to the new class year.
Often, the Provost will direct a midshipman on setback to take a specific course or courses at another institution. The midshipman will be required to earn a minimum grade of “C” in each course. At times, the designated course is intended to strengthen the student’s understanding of a subject already failed; therefore, the outside course will not be the basis for an Exemption, and the course must be repeated when the student returns to the Academy. In particular, the Math and Science Department will consider granting an Exemption only in those cases where a pre-approved two-course sequence is completed at another institution.
Occasionally, a midshipman on setback will be directed to take courses which will earn an Exemption at the Academy, in accordance with the procedures detailed earlier in this handbook. Grades and credit hours earned elsewhere do not transfer; the student may be exempt from taking the equivalent course at the Academy upon completion of the requisite paperwork.
In all cases, successful completion of outside credits, as mandated by the TOP letter, will be a condition of return and setback to the next class year. Students must seek prior approval from the academic department for coursework completed elsewhere. At the conclusion of the course(s), students must provide an official copy of the transcript from the other institution in order to satisfy the Terms of Probation and/or to procure exemption credit. The official transcript must be sent directly to the Academy’s Office of the Registrar. Faxed copies will not be accepted.
Midshipmen returning from setback may be required to purchase a newer model laptop before or during their tenure, at the discretion of the Department of Information Technology.
Students returning from a setback due to academic deficiencies will be placed on Academic Probation for at least two academic terms. These Terms of Probation mandate, at a minimum, that the student earn a GPA and CGPA > 2.000, and passing grades in all residential and/or Sea Year courses. Additional conditions may be specified. Failure to satisfy the Terms of Probation in any of the probationary terms will constitute a violation of the TOP, and may result in disenrollment.
A midshipman placed on a probationary status by the Provost at the end of a resident term immediately prior to assignment to sea training shall be required, at a minimum, to:
- Have no “Adverse” ratings on the Ship’s Officers’ Review of Midshipman Performance form
- Have no failing grades in Sea Year courses
- Have a GPA for the sea period and CGPA ≥ 2.00
Special Leave Status: Compassionate Setback
Midshipmen who are progressing towards the degree in an academically proficient manner and are in good standing with the Regiment may request a leave of absence for extenuating personal reasons through the Compassionate Setback Committee. An official request for leave of absence should be submitted to the Director of the Academic Center for Excellence. Supporting documentation, such as a physician’s or counselor’s statement, should be attached, as well as a plan for completing degree requirements.
The Compassionate Setback Committee consists of the Commandant, the Head of the Office of Health Services, the Director of Professional Development and Career Services, and is chaired by the Director of the Academic Center for Excellence. The Committee will convene to discuss the merit of the setback request and make a recommendation to the Superintendent for consideration of the request. The Superintendent will inform the Compassionate Setback Committee of his or her decision regarding the request. If approved, the midshipman must receive formal notification of approval before the compassionate setback is considered official. The approval will specify conditions for return as well as grading policies for the current term, if applicable. See DM202 Setbacks.
Sports and Extracurricular Activities Restrictions
Midshipmen on academic deficiency status (such as, Academic Warning, Academic Probation) may be restricted from participating in any officially organized extracurricular activities, including intercollegiate athletic teams. Exceptions to this rule occur on a case-by-case basis and are decided by the Office of the Academic Dean and Provost in collaboration with the Athletic Director and the Director of the ACE. However, such midshipmen may participate in intramurals.
Scholastic Recognition
Midshipmen may earn Scholastic Quarterly Honor Stars on the following basis:
- Gold Stars are awarded to all Midshipmen who achieve a quality point average of 3.500 or above for one trimester with no course failures during that term.
- Silver Stars are awarded to Midshipmen who achieve a quality point average of 3.250 to 3.494 for one trimester with no course failures during that term.
Scholastic Honor Ribbons for Outstanding Sea Year Performance are given as follows:
An Honor Ribbon with Bronze Star is awarded to Midshipmen with a quality point average of at least 3.500 for the sea year, no failing grades and above average Sea Year performance reports. An Honor Ribbon is awarded to Midshipmen with a quality-point average of 3.250 up to and including 3.494 for the Sea Year, no failing grades and above average Sea Year performance reports. Midshipmen who have earned Sea Year ribbons for the first sea period and become eligible for such ribbons after the second sea period wear a silver star with the ribbon in lieu of a second bronze star; or wear a bronze star if only a ribbon was previously awarded.
Graduation Honors
Scholastic Honors at graduation are awarded on the following basis:
- Summa Cum Laude - A Midshipman must have a cumulative average of at least 3.750 and finish in the top three percent of the graduating class.
- Magna Cum Laude - A Midshipman must have a cumulative average of at least 3.500 and be in the upper ten percent of the graduating class.
- Cum Laude - A Midshipman must have a cumulative average of at least 3.000 and be in the top 20 percent of the graduating class. Honors designations on the diploma will be based on the cumulative quality-point average at the completion of senior year.
Academic Loads
All Academy undergraduate students are considered full-time students. Midshipmen must carry the trimester credit hour load required by their academic curriculum for each resident trimester and Sea Year period. Special circumstances may require that a Midshipman take less than the normal load. A Midshipman may “overload” and take additional credit hours in a trimester, but this will not reduce the need to take the normal load in all future trimesters. Consent of the Dean is required to overload.
Failed Courses
A Midshipman who fails a course must either repeat the course in its entirety (the preferred method of resolving a failure) or undertake a remedial program.
Exclusion from Extracurricular Activities
The Academic Dean may restrict any Midshipman not academically proficient from participation in sports or extracurricular activities.
Setbacks
A Midshipman may be set back to a succeeding year group by the Superintendent upon the recommendation of the Academic Dean. Setbacks are granted only when there is a compelling medical, compassionate or academic circumstance.
Advanced Standing
Federal law requires that a Midshipman complete a four-year course of study at the Academy. Under exceptional circumstances, a Midshipman who has finished at least one full year of the program is proficient under the academic standards prescribed in the Academic Policies Handbook, and who resigns and later reapplies for admission, may be granted advanced standing. In such cases, the coursework done at the Academy prior to resignation and subsequently at other colleges and universities will be considered in assigning a returning Midshipman to an appropriate year group. Upon reentry, the Midshipman is bound by the curriculum, catalog, and regulation in effect at the time of return.
POSSIBLE ADVANCED STANDING FOR RETURNING FORMER MIDSHIPMEN
Under certain circumstances, a midshipman who resigns and is later readmitted to the Academy may receive credit for the time spent at the Academy in the first enrollment. This section contains the policies of the Academy in determining whether a former midshipman who returns is eligible for advanced standing. Advanced standing recognizes previous attendance as creditable towards the statutory requirement that a midshipman be enrolled for four years.
A. Eligibility
- A midshipman is considered eligible to return with advanced standing if he or she completed at least one full year of academic studies and were academically proficient at the time of resignation Proficiency is defined in the Tables presented earlier in this document.
- A midshipman who leaves the Academy for more than two years is not eligible to return with advanced standing unless she or he was engaged in activities relevant to the Academy program during the period of absence. Each case will be considered on its own merits.
- No returning midshipman will be eligible for advanced standing after an absence of more than three years.
B. Placement with Advanced Standing
Subject to the provisions in section B, above, the record established by the midshipman in his or her first enrollment will stand and will be considered in assigning a midshipman to a class year group. Course exemptions through transfer credits from other academic institutions and any credit received through departmental examinations will also be considered. Coursework presented for exemption is subject to the policies previously outlined in this instruction, and must be presented to the Registrar within two weeks of return to the Academy.
C. Applicable Regulations
Upon re-entry, a midshipman is bound by the curriculum, catalog, academic policies and statutory provisions in effect for the class to which the student is readmitted. A midshipman will not be commissioned, receive a diploma, a USCG license or any other official graduation document unless all requirements as stated in this handbook, the catalog, or other official issuance of the Academy, are met.
Limit on Credit Received by Exemption and Examination
A maximum of 12 credit hours required for graduation may be applied to a midshipman’s record as a result of course exemptions satisfied by Advanced Placement examination, International Baccalaureate examination, departmental examination, or transfer from another accredited institution of higher education. Specific departmental policies are discussed below.
Credit for Courses Completed at other Educational Institutions (Exemptions)
College level work may be accepted for transfer and substituted for a required course as an Exemption. Courses taken prior to attending the Academy and successfully completed with a grade > “C” will be considered for exemption if the course is equivalent to a required course in the Academy’s curriculum. The exemption proposal must commence in the Registrar’s Office, which can verify official transcripts, and Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate scores. The proposal will then be presented to the appropriate academic department head. For college courses taken elsewhere, the proposal must be supported by copies of the catalog description of the course, the course syllabus and outline obtained from the college or university, and a listing of the texts/references that are used in the course. Final approvals for all exemptions will be granted by the Office of the Academic Dean and Provost.
Neither the credit hours nor the grades earned are transferable. Courses accepted for exemption do not affect the student’s Grade Point Average at the Academy. Except for first term plebe candidates, a midshipman may not apply for exemption from a course after the student is enrolled in the comparable course at the Academy. First term plebe candidates may apply for exemptions up to the end of the Add/Drop period.
1. Course Exemptions Based on Departmental Examination
Departmental examinations as a basis for exemption may be administered where non-academic experience appears to provide a basis for successful completion of such an examination. A departmental examination may also be given where transfer credit for a course has not been granted. The academic Department Head must approve all requests for departmental examinations. A special examination to demonstrate proficiency in a course will not be authorized after a midshipman registers for the course. Likewise, a special examination for purposes of exemption will not be authorized after a midshipman has failed the Academy course.
2. Foreign National Midshipmen
A foreign national Midshipman may petition the Office of the Academic Dean and Provost for permission to waive a senior level Naval Science course.
3. Physical Education Courses (No Exemptions)
A midshipman who, because of temporary physical limitations, is required to withdraw from a Physical Education course must satisfy the course requirement before a sea period or graduation.
4. Course Exemptions for Humanities Courses
A midshipman may apply for an exemption from Composition and Literature (LITR101) on the basis of previous completion of a college English composition course (with a grade of an A or B) and after successful performance on the Humanities Department writing diagnostic and exemption examinations. Students with the requisite college credit who have met the department’s standard on the exemption examination may then apply to the Department Head for exemption from the course. The Humanities Department will not grant exemptions for dual enrollment or AP/IB classes.
5. Course Exemptions for Math and Science Courses
A midshipman may apply for exemption from a course in the Department of Math and Science on the basis of either an Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate examination or completion of comparable college work prior to arrival at the Academy.
- A midshipman may apply for an exemption from a course in the Department of Math and Science on the basis of previous completion of a comparable college course or courses. If the course for which an exemption is being applied is part of a sequence and the course that precedes it was taken at the Academy, then exemption shall be granted only if a grade > C was earned in the preceding course. For mathematics courses, the midshipman will also have to successfully pass a departmental examination.
- To receive exemption based on Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate examination, a midshipman should achieve at least the scores below. No other exemptions based on AP examinations will be granted.
i. CHEM 100: 4 on AP Chemistry or 5 on IB Higher Level Chemistry
ii. MATH 101: 4 on AP Calculus AB
iii. MATH 130: 4 on AP Calculus BC
iv. MATH140: 4 on AP Calculus BC
v. MATH200: 4 on AP Statistics
vi. PHYS 110: 4 on AP Physics C: Mechanics
6. Course Exemptions for International Baccalaureate Degree Work
Exemptions for coursework completed while earning the International Baccalaureate may be granted in accordance with the above departmental policies. Only scores of 6 or 7 will be considered for possible exemption, unless otherwise specified.
Class Attendance and Excused Absences
Attendance at all classes at the Academy is required unless a Midshipman is ill, in a special duty status, or otherwise granted leave or liberty by the Commandant.
Coursework Taken at Other Institutions
The Academy does not normally award transfer credits for courses taken elsewhere. However, a student who has completed equivalent coursework may apply for exemption from courses at the Academy. No student may exempt from more than 12 credits.
Courses may be evaluated and may be deemed as an appropriate substitute for an existing course. The Midshipman may be required to substitute an appropriate course to complete the number of credits required for a term. All decisions made by the appropriate academic department are final.
Prior approval for a course to be used for an exemption is required for all but incoming 4th class midshipmen. Midshipmen should apply for an exemption at the start of an academic year, or immediately following a leave of absence. All petitions for course exemption require an official transcript and a course description be provided to the Registrar and appropriate department heads for evaluation.
Quality points, or grade for work accomplished elsewhere, are not included in the Midshipman’s Academy academic record. A maximum of twelve credits, including Advanced Placement (AP) credits, may be posted to a Midshipman’s record.
The Academy has a four-year residency requirement that cannot be shortened. There are no exceptions to this policy and its requirements.
Kings Point Scholar Program
The Kings Point Scholar Program affords Midshipmen an opportunity to explore a topic in depth beyond the degree to which it is represented in the curriculum. Midshipmen who wish to undertake a major research project through the Kings Point Scholar Program should obtain the sponsorship of a faculty member for their project. The Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs can explain the program in detail to interested students.
The research paper completed through the Kings Point Scholar Program should make an important contribution to the chosen field of study. The research papers are maintained by the Academy in its Library. Past topics have included oil pollution, deep ocean mining, sub-marine tankers and the German intermodal transportation system, and the cruise industry.
Completion of the Kings Point Scholar Program can satisfy a Midshipman’s credit hour elective requirement for Marine Engineering and Marine Transportation majors, while Maritime Logistics and Security majors may apply the project as the Humanities elective.
Academic Advising
Each plebe is assigned a mentor, who is available through appointment to discuss a broad range of academic issues with a Midshipman.
There is a Midshipman academic officer in each company who is specifically responsible to work with students who are experiencing academic difficulty and to apply the various support systems to specific cases. The academic officers work closely with the Director of the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE). The ACE provides Midshipmen with the support they may need to achieve their goals and be successful in their educational pursuit. At the Center, Midshipmen can develop effective learning habits that will prove to be beneficial, not only during their time at the Academy, but during their Sea Year and beyond graduation as well. Faculty members and mentors can refer a Midshipman to the ACE when they have concerns about their academic performance. Midshipmen are also encouraged to seek help for self-identified problems and concerns that they feel might hinder their academic success.
Each Midshipman who comes to the ACE is given individual attention to create a personal success program based on his or her needs. In addition, through the Center, tutorial sessions may be set up for both group and individual sessions. The Center promotes effective, independent learning to achieve high academic goals at a school where good time management skills are essential to achieve educational success.
The Academic Board
The Academic Dean, Assistant Deans, heads of the academic departments, Commandant, Athletic Director, Director of the ACE, Director of the Waterfront, and Head, Department of Professional Development and Career Services comprise the Academic Board. The Board advises the Superintendent on all academic matters, making recommendations concerning academic policy, standards, honors and curriculum.
Privacy
The Privacy Act of 1974 and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 prohibit the disclosure of educational records to other persons or organizations without written consent. Grade reports, transcripts and other information cannot be released to anyone, including parents, other academic institutions and employers, without such written consent. Notice of consent must be filed with the Office of the Registrar for each release of information.
Access to Academic Records
Midshipmen have access to their own academic records, and may request copies. These transcripts are “unofficial” copies and do not bear the impressed seal of the Academy. Official, sealed copies are not released to Midshipmen under any circumstances. An individual review of an official record maintained by the Office of the Registrar may be made by appointment. The Office of the Dean makes final decisions on questions arising from such reviews.
Graduation Rates
The following statistics indicate the rate of graduation at the Academy for classes of 2008 to 2021:
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
77% |
71% |
72% |
69% |
|
|
|
|
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
83% |
86% |
78% |
82% |
|
|
|
|
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
76% |
77% |
75% |
74% |
|
|
|
|
Academic Departments, Faculty, and Course Descriptions
Note: For all faculty listings in this section of the catalog, the year when a faculty member joined the Academy staff follows each name. Other information includes the individual’s faculty rank, degrees earned, where obtained, professional licenses held, and military affiliation. In a department that includes more than one discipline, the faculty member’s area of specialization is indicated.
Superscripts used in this listing are:
1 faculty member has received the Academy’s Vice Admiral Gordon McLintock Award for Exemplary Leadership
2 faculty member has received the Academy’s Sue Alice McNulty Award for Distinguished Teaching.
3 faculty member has received the Captain C.A. Prosser Award for Student Service.
4 faculty member has held command at sea of an unlimited tonnage vessel.
This list is current as of July 31, 2021. The courses and descriptions in this section are subject to change
Index to This Section
Engineering
Humanities
Marine Transportation
Mathematics and Science
Naval Science
Physical Education and Athletics
Professional Development and Career Services
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