Welcome

Welcome to the Zicklin School of Business. This Quick Guide will get you started in your program. Be sure to consult the Graduate Bulletin and the Schedule of Classes issued by the Registrar’s Office each semester. It is also important to become familiar with the various Web sites maintained by the offices and programs in the College. These are discussed later in this document. The forms mentioned in The Quick Guide are available on the Office of Graduate Academic Services Web site. The requirements and procedures described in this document are subject to modification if changes in policy make this necessary.

The faculty of the Zicklin School of Business voted unanimously in late spring 2003 to revise the requirements for the MBA degree effective fall 2003. The core, major and elective requirements discussed here apply to the revised program. Students admitted prior to fall 2003 who have questions about their requirements should get in touch with an advisor in the Office of Graduate Academic Services, or with their faculty advisor.

[Students admitted prior to fall 2003 have the option of pursuing the four-course major and increasing the number of general electives in their MBA program. Interested students should consult the Office of Graduate Academic Services and the Flex-Time Program Blackboard site for further information. (See Documents folder on Blackboard.]

OVERVIEW

• How can the Office of Graduate Academic Services help me?
• How do I keep up to date with academic, registration, and co-curricular information?
• How do I set up a Baruch Web mail (student e-mail) account?
• How do I access Flex-Time Program Blackboard?
• What are some essential Web sites I should be checking?
• Do I have a program advisor?

REGISTRATION

• When does registration begin?
• How am I notified about registration?
• What should I do if I do not receive a registration notice?
• What should I do if my address or telephone number has changed?
• What should I do if I have questions about immunization clearance?
• What should I do if I have questions about residency documentation?
• How do I register?
• What if eSIMS won't allow me to register?
• What courses do I take?
• When do classes meet?
• What should I do if a course I need is closed?
• How are waiting list decisions made?
• When and how do I pay my tuition?

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS: AN OVERVIEW

• What is "QuickStart?”
• Do I need to take preliminary courses?
• What if I have questions about my preliminary evaluation?
• What preliminary courses should I take first?
• How do I request transfer credit?
• May I waive a course prerequisite?
• May I switch from full-time to part-time status and vice versa?
• May I change my MBA major?
• May I change my degree objective?
• What is the deadline for changing my major or degree objective?
• May I pursue a double major or more than one degree?
• Are internships available?

ADDITIONAL NOTES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

THE FLEX-TIME MBA PROGRAM

• What are my degree requirements?
• What courses do I take in my first semester?
• How soon may I complete my degree?
• May I waive core courses or seek core substitutions?

THE FLEX-TIME MS PROGRAM

• What are my degree requirements?
• How do I get started?

ACADEMIC STANDING AND OTHER MATTERS

• What grades must I earn in order to graduate?
• What grades must I receive in order to earn course credit?
• What is the Pass/No Credit (P/NC) option?
• What is the F replacement policy?
• What should I do if I have missed classes?
• What should I do if I miss my final exam?
• Can I work full time and study full time?
• What should I do if a course in my program is not available?
• Can I take courses that are not part of my program?
• What if I have three final exams in one day?

HOW DO I BENEFIT MOST FROM MY EXPERIENCE AT ZICKLIN?

HOW DO I REACH THE OFFICE OF GRADUATE ACADEMIC SERVICES?

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OVERVIEW

Q: How can the Office of Graduate Academic Services help me?
A: The Office of Graduate Academic Services helps students manage their academic program. We answer questions about course selection, degree requirements, curriculum changes, late registration, withdrawal from courses, and related issues. We prepare preliminary course evaluations (if applicable) and review requests for transfer credit, MBA core course substitutions, changes in MBA major, and changes in degree objective. During registration, we review waiting list requests and help students resolve registration problems. We encourage students to seek advice as needed, and we also hope to hear from students about ways to improve our services. You can reach us by telephone and by e-mail, or you can see us on a walk-in basis or by appointment. (During registration advising is walk-in only.) We encourage full-time students to reach us during the day to allow part-time students access after 5 p.m.

Q: How do I keep up to date with academic, registration, and co-curricular information?
A: Monitor your Baruch Web mail, the Flex-Time Program Blackboard site, and College Web sites. These are the main ways School and College offices will keep in touch with you. The Office of Graduate Academic Services uses Web mail and Blackboard to notify you of changes in academic policies and procedures, and to remind you of academic deadlines. The Office of Graduate Student Life posts notices on Blackboard to alert you to important and exciting co-curricular events. You are also responsible for reviewing the Graduate Bulletin (available in the Office of Graduate Academic Services and at http://www.baruch.cuny.edu/gradprograms/), the Schedule of Classes issued each semester, and announcements from such offices as Registrar, Graduate Career Management Center, Graduate Student Life, Financial Aid, International Student Service Center, and Graduate Academic Serivces.

Q: How do I set up a Baruch Web mail (student e-mail) account?
A: You can set up your account once you have registered. To set up Web mail go to http://www.baruch.cuny.edu/email/.

Q: How do I access Flex-Time Blackboard?
A: You can access Blackboard once you have registered. Go to http://www.baruch.cuny.edu/bctc/blackboard. After logging in to Blackboard you will find a link labeled "Zicklin Flex-Time Program." It is listed in a box labeled "My Organizations" at the bottom right of your screen.

Q: What are some essential Web sites I should be checking?
A: http://www.baruch.cuny.edu(General College site) http://www.baruch.cuny.edu/registrar(Registrar's Office) http://www.baruch.cuny.edu/financialaid(Financial Aid Office) http://www.baruch.cuny.edu/issc (International Student Service Center) http://www.zicklin.baruch.cuny.edu (Zicklin site, e.g., Academic Programs, Graduate Career Management Center, Graduate Student Life).

Q: Do I have a program advisor?
A: Students are responsible for understanding and meeting the requirements for their degree program, but are urged to seek advice as needed. Academic advising is largely informal. Throughout the calendar year, full-time staff members assisted by students "peer" advisors are available in the Office of Graduate Academic Services to answer questions about academic programs, registration, and related matters. Faculty advisors are also available during the academic year to discuss career choices, selection of major courses, membership in professional associations, and other matters important to your professional development (see Flex-Time Program Blackboard for a list of advisors). In summer and January Intersession, faculty members are available on an ad hoc basis. In general, entering MBA students are not required to see an advisor before registering. MS students should refer to the guidelines that appear later in this document.

REGISTRATION

Q: When does registration begin?
A: Fall registration generally takes place in early May for continuing students and in July - August for entering students. Spring registration generally takes place in mid-November for continuing students and in December - January for entering students. January registration usually is concurrent with spring registration for continuing students (courses are listed as "fall" for registration and transcript purposes). Summer registration usually takes place in early April.

Q: How am I notified about registration?
A: New students receive information with their admissions letter. The Registrar notifies continuing students through Baruch Web mail (students may also monitor this through eSIMS). Registration dates vary depending upon how close a student is to graduation.

Q: What should I do if I do not receive registration notification?
A: One reason might be that you took a leave of absence and need to file for re-entry at the Registrar’s Office. This should be done early in the semester preceding your return - the charge is $10. Another reason might be that your mailbox is full.

Q: What should I do if my address or telephone number has changed?
A: If you are a registered student notify the Registrar's Office in writing. If you are an entering student who has not yet registered notify the Graduate Admissions Office. International students must also notify the International Student Service Center. It is important for College offices to have this information, even though most of our communication will be through Web mail or Blackboard.

Q: What should I do if I have questions about immunization clearance?
A: Read carefully the instructions on immunization in your admissions packet and submit your documents to the Medical Records Office. If you previously attended a CUNY school, notify the Medical Records Office and they will verify your immunization record: http://www.baruch.cuny.edu/admission/immunization.htm; Nabeila_Said@baruch.cuny.edu.

Q: What should I do if I have questions about residency documentation?
A: Read carefully the instructions on residency documentation in your admissions packet, and submit your documents to the Information Center: http://www.baruch.cuny.edu/admission/residency.htm.

Q: How do I register?
A: Students register through eSIMS, an on-line registration system. Instructions for using eSIMS appear in the Schedule of Classes each semester and at www.baruch.cuny.edu/registrar.

Q: What if eSIMS won't allow me to register?
A: You probably have a "stop code" on your record. You can check this through eSIMS. Stops for students are due primarily to lack of immunization documentation, an outstanding bursar’s bill or library fee, the need to update an address, or academic standing related to probation.

Q: What courses do I take?
A: The information in this document refers primarily to first semester courses. Each semester the Registrar issues a Schedule of Classes which contains the days and times of courses and other important registration information. This material is also available at www.baruch.cuny.edu/registrar.

Q: When do classes meet?
A: Most business courses meet twice a week in the evening on Monday and Wednesday or on Tuesday and Thursday, from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. and from 7:35 p.m. to 8:50 p.m. Certain accountancy courses will start at 5:40 p.m. The Flex-Time Programs are offered in the evening, but most MBA core courses will include one daytime section. Be sure to check the Academic Calendar for adjustments to the course schedule due to holidays, and for academic deadlines such as withdrawing from courses, applying for the Pass/No Credit (P/NC) grading option, and filing for graduation. (See also www.baruch.cuny.edu/registrar).

Q: What should I do if a class I need is closed?
A: If a course you need is closed and no other appropriate course is available, you may place your name on a waiting list. (Please note that waiting lists are maintained for most courses, but not all.) Instructions for doing this are on eSIMS when you register and at www.baruch.cuny.edu/registrar. If you need help finding alternative courses, please contact the Office of Graduate Academic Services, 646-312-3140.

Q: How are waiting decisions made?
A: The Office of Graduate Academic Services reviews each student's transcript. In general, students who are closest to graduation have priority on the waiting list. Other factors are considered, such as whether the course is required or elective. While every effort is made to accommodate waiting list requests, we cannot guarantee availability of seats in preferred courses or sections. We advise you to register for appropriate alternative courses in addition to placing your name on a waiting list. You may put your name on a waiting list for more than one course. Instructors do not admit students into closed courses. Monitor your Baruch Web mail each registration period for further details on how and when waiting list decisions are made.

Q: When and how do I pay my tuition?
A: You may check your bill on eSIMS and pay tuition on-line or at the Bursar's Office, 151 E. 25th Street, Room 810. You will not be mailed an invoice. During registration, representatives from the Bursar's and Registrar's Offices may be in the lobby of 151 East 25th Street, to handle payments and other registration issues. Tuition payment and refund deadlines are in the Schedule of Classes (see the pdf version each semester at www.baruch.cuny.edu/registrar). Be sure to pay for the courses you have registered for even if you plan to add courses at a later date. If payment is not made on time, you will be dropped from your courses. The tuition due date is calculated based on the date of your first attempt to register, regardless of whether your registration was successful or not.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS: AN OVERVIEW

Q: What is "QuickStart?”
A: In January 2002, Zicklin launched QuickStart, a pre-term program for entering MBA and MS students. Instead of offering conventional preliminary courses, we have packaged what you need to know into an integrated and efficient modular program that you can take before you begin your studies at Zicklin. The program is voluntary, and students decide for themselves whether or not to take QuickStart based on self-assessment tests. Detailed information about QuickStart is available through the new student portal. QuickStart modules are offered in accountancy, finance, Microsoft Excel, advanced Excel, mathematics, statistics, and technology. The technology module introduces students to Baruch’s Web mail, Blackboard and other online systems.

Q: Do I need to take preliminary courses?
A: The Office of Graduate Academic Services prepares preliminary evaluations for all students. International students may be required to take an English language support course waiver exam before the semester begins and should refer to "Additional Notes for International Students" later in this document. MBA students majoring in accountancy, economics, and finance may be required to take a preliminary math course, MTH 8001 Calculus for Applications I. This course is waived based on a 3-credit undergraduate calculus course completed with a minimum grade of C-. Evaluations are prepared on a rolling basis upon receipt of a student's admissions reply. MBA students are able to register before receiving their evaluation. MS students will need a preliminary evaluation to register, since MS requirements vary greatly. MS students who do not receive an evaluation within two weeks of their reply should contact the Office of Graduate Academic Services.

Q: What if I have questions about my preliminary evaluation?
A: If you have questions, please get in touch with the Office of Graduate Academic Services. Priority is given to re-evaluating courses affecting current registration. Please be prepared to submit official course descriptions and course syllabi to help with the re-evaluation. Waiver exams are routinely offered for MTH 8001; request forms and study guides are available in the Office of Graduate Academic Services (and will be available on Blackboard shortly). MS students who are seeking waiver exams for 9000-level preliminary courses should consult the Office of Graduate Academic Services. Take your waiver exams as soon as possible. If you delay, this could affect your graduation date should you fail an exam and need to take a course. Waiver exams will not be approved for students who are in their final semester. MTH 8001 is offered in January and summer only, so allow time to take the course should you not pass the waiver exam.  MTH 2207, a 4 hour, 4 credit undergraduate equivalent, is offered in the fall and spring semesters and graduate tuition is charged.

Q: What preliminary courses do I take first?
A: If you enter in fall it is advisable to take QuickStart in August (day and evening sections are available). If you enroll in spring you would take QuickStart in January (evening sections only are available). Preliminary 8000-level and 9000-level courses should be completed as soon as possible. You may take advanced courses along with preliminary courses provided the prerequisites have been met. Preliminary courses in the MS Program generally correspond to core courses in the MBA program and usually are available in the summer as well as during the academic year. The typical schedule for QuickStart and 8000-level preliminary courses appears below.

Q: How do I request transfer credit?
A: Complete the Transfer Credit Form and return it to the Office of Graduate Academic Services. During registration, transfer credit is evaluated on a preliminary basis only and only for courses that affect current registration.

Q: May I waive a course prerequisite?
A: Although the registration system monitors prerequisites, students are responsible for adhering to the requirements. Students who need a prerequisite override because of transfer credit or a core course substitution should contact the Office of Graduate Academic Services for approval prior to registration. Students who are seeking waivers for other reasons need faculty approval and should contact the appropriate faculty advisor for clearance. Such waivers are handled at the department level.

Q: May I switch from full-time to part-time status and vice versa?
A: Yes, you do this simply by taking 12 or more credits (FT) or fewer than 12 credits (PT). Permission is not required unless you are on a F-1 or J-1 visa. International students need approval from the Office of Graduate Academic Services and the International Student Service Center to carry fewer than four courses/12 credits a semester (excluding January Intersession and 8000-level courses). Students receiving financial aid are responsible for maintaining the required status.

Q: May I change my MBA major?
A: Yes, but a change in major could affect preliminary requirements (i.e., MTH 8001). International students will require a new I-20 from the International Student Service Center in order to maintain their status. A change of major form is available at: http://zicklin.baruch.cuny.edu/ogs/gas/forms.

Q: May I change my degree objective (e.g., MBA to MS)?
A: Yes, subject to various approvals. A change in degree objective could affect your preliminary requirements. Students who took the GRE must submit an acceptable GMAT score if transferring to a program that requires the GMAT. Other documentation may be required. Grades earned in the former program remain calculated in the grade point average of the new program. Entering students who have not yet registered should contact the Office of Graduate Admissions. Continuing students should contact the Office of Graduate Academic Services. International students will require a new I-20 from the International Student Service Center.

Q: What is the deadline for changing my major or degree objective?
A: Requests to change a degree objective (e.g., MBA to MS) must be submitted no later than the first semester for students studying full-time and the second semester for students studying part-time. Requests to change an MBA major should be submitted no later than the end of the second semester for full-time students (within the first semester if the change is to accountancy), and no later than the third semester for part-time students (completion of approximately 18 credits). If you need additional time to make a decision consult the Office of Graduate Academic Services about selecting courses that keep your options open. Students are encouraged to consult faculty advisors, the Graduate Career Management Center, professional associations, trade publications, newspapers, and colleagues before making a final decision.

Q: May I pursue a double major or more than one degree?
A: Students may complete a second major by applying their three general electives towards the major and taking one extra course. Depending on their major, students may be eligible to replace the international elective with a fourth general elective and not require an extra course. Students cannot pursue two degrees concurrently, but may pursue a second degree upon completion of the first. Credit cannot be applied towards more than one degree. Students who completed the MBA degree initially may be waived from preliminary requirements in the MS program. If the MS is completed first, MBA core courses completed as MS preliminary requirements will be replaced with more advanced courses in the same area as the core. Other ways to continue your studies include the Post Master’s Certificate Program or taking courses as a non-degree student upon graduation, on a space available basis.

Q: Are internships available?
A: MBA students may complete up to three 1-credit internships for academic credit upon completion of 12 credits of 9000-level courses. All students must be in good academic standing. Other conditions apply. Permission of the Graduate Career Management Center (GCMC) and the internship faculty advisor is required: http://zicklin.baruch.cuny.edu/services/students/internships.

ADDITIONAL NOTES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Students on F-1 or J-1 visas must be enrolled in four 9000-level courses (minimum 12 credits) each fall and spring semester (excluding 8000-level, January intersession, and summer session courses). Withdrawal from courses requires permission from the Office of Graduate Academic Services and the International Student Service Center. Students in academic difficulty should consult the Office of Graduate Academic Services for guidance (a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 is required to be in good academic standing). A change of major or degree objective requires a new I-20 from the International Student Service Center (ISSC). For work authorization also contact the ISSC. International students may be part-time in their final semester.

English Language Support Courses

In recent surveys, employers have consistently and unambiguously regarded the oral and written communications skills of graduate business students essential to their success. Based on feedback from our faculty, students, and recruiters, Baruch College's School of Continuing and Professional Studies (CAPS), in conjunction with The Zicklin School, has developed an innovative customized menu of four courses in Writing for Business, Oral Communication for Business, Grammar Troubleshooting, and American English Pronunciation. All entering students who are required to take the Advanced Business English (ABE) program, and most other entering students whose first language is not English are required to take these courses. They include an integration of business content, technology and relevant business language, and are designed to help students with assignments in their business classes. The CAPS courses are offered in a flexible schedule to accommodate students' academic and work schedules. Prior to the start of each semester students have the opportunity to waive one or more of these courses by taking the English language support course waiver exam. The exam is free of charge. Detailed information about the exam and courses is available through the new student portal: http://zicklin.baruch.cuny.edu/admissions/grad.

THE FLEX-TIME MBA PROGRAM

Q: What are my degree requirements?
A: The MBA is a 57-credit program consisting of 20 courses, excluding 8000-level courses: This includes 12 core/breadth courses, 4 courses in the major (or General Option), 1 international elective, and 3 general electives. Students majoring in accountancy (CPA Program) will require additional courses/credits.

Q: What courses do I take in my first semester?
A: Students register for one or two pairs of "linked" core courses, which meet back-to-back twice a week. Full-time students take an additional "unlinked" course, ECO 9708. This cohort-style registration allows students to get to know each other in two shared courses and ensures that part-time students are in classes only two nights/week. Full-time taxation majors entering in fall will take TAX 9863 and TAX 9866 in place of core courses in their first semester. This provides maximum flexibility in scheduling all further tax courses. Tax students should consult the Office of Graduate Academic Services before registering.

Linked courses:

Unlinked course:

Full-time students take :
ACC 9110 (or ACC 9112)/CIS 9000 and MKT 9703/STA 9708 and ECO 9708 (and at least one English language module if required).

Part-time students take :
ACC 9110 (or ACC 9112)/CIS 9000 or MKT 9703/STA 9708 (and at least one English language module if required). Students may begin with either pair of courses and take a third course if they wish, on a space available basis.

Q: How soon may I complete my degree?
A: Flex-Time students who are attending part-time may complete the program in four years or less. Students typically take two 9000-level courses each fall and spring semester, along with a core course in January intersession and/or summer session. Flex-Time students attending full-time may complete the program in two years by taking four to five 9000-level courses each fall and spring semester and at least one course during January intersession or summer session. Students can reduce the length of the program by taking additional courses in summer and during the academic year as scheduling and space permit. Full-time Flex-Time students who accelerate should still anticipate completing their program in two years taking a part-time schedule in their last semester.

Note: Accountancy majors will be mailed an official program of study (OPS) and suggested course sequence by their program advisor, Mr. Michael Wynne, either prior to or during their first semester. All MBA students, regardless of major, begin with the same core courses and do not need a preliminary course evaluation to register.

Q: May I waive core courses or seek core course substitutions?
A: Core courses cannot be waived. However, students who have completed five undergraduate courses in a core area within seven years prior to enrolling at Baruch can petition the Office of Graduate Academic Services to substitute a more advanced course in the same area for the core course. Priority is given to evaluating substitutions for first-semester courses (i.e., ACC 9110, ACC 9112, CIS 9000, ECO 9708, MKT 9703, STA 9708).

THE FLEX-TIME MS PROGRAM

Q: What are my degree requirements?
A: Requirements for the MS degree (including preliminary courses) vary and course waivers and substitutions may be possible. Be sure to contact the Office of Graduate Academic Services or your faculty advisor before registering if you have questions. Please review the Zicklin Web site for degree requirements: http://zicklin.baruch.cuny.edu/programs/graduate/ms/. A preliminary course evaluation and a program outline will a be sent to you automatically from the Office of Graduate Academic Services prior to registration. Be sure to contact the Office if you do not receive this material. Plan to take preliminary courses that are prerequisites for specialization courses as soon as possible. If you are eligible for course substitutions confirm this with your faculty advisor or with the Office of Graduate Academic Services before registering. Full-time students take four 9000-level courses and part-time students take two 9000-level courses each semester (also, at least one English language module if required). You may accelerate by taking additional courses during the semester or in summer, on a space available basis. We suggest that you become accustomed to the normal course load before taking extra courses.

Note: Students who receive approval for course substitutions from their faculty advisor must complete a Course Revision Form: http://zicklin.baruch.cuny.edu/ogs/gas/forms

Q: How do I get started?
A: MS/Accountancy: Students will be mailed an official program of study (OPS) and suggested course sequence by their program advisor, Mr. Michael Wynne, prior to registration. If you have questions about registration, please contact Mr. Wynne. Michael_Wynne@baruch.cuny.edu, 646-312-3076.

MS/Business Computer Information Systems: Please refer to the degree requirements enclosed with your preliminary evaluation. Begin your program with CIS 9000 (unless waived), other preliminary courses, and appropriate advanced courses. Students may take CIS 9230, CIS 9310, CIS 9340, CIS 9350, CIS 9365, and CIS 9444 concurrently with CIS 9000. Students with appropriate background may also take elective courses OPR 9721, MGT 9610 and MGT 9730. Previously completed CIS courses (beyond CIS 9000 or the equivalent) should be evaluated by your faculty advisor prior to registration. Please contact Prof. Michael Palley to go over potential course substitutions: mpalley@baruch.cuny.edu, 646-312-3362.

MS/Marketing: Please refer to the program requirements and suggested sequence enclosed with your preliminary evaluation. Certain elective courses have prerequisites not otherwise part of the MS program. These course credits are in addition to the 30 credits required for your degree. Please contact the Office of Graduate Academic Services or your faculty advisor if you think you are eligible to waive a prerequisite.

MS/Quantitative Methods and Modeling: Please refer to the program requirements enclosed with your preliminary evaluation. Consult Prof. Gottlieb (Elsie_Gottlieb@baruch.cuny.edu) before registering if you have questions.

MS/Statistics: Please refer to the requirements for the MS in Statistics enclosed with your preliminary evaluation. Consult Prof. Lawrence Tatum ( Lawrence_Tatum@baruch.cuny.edu) or Prof. Ronald Neath(Ronald_Neath@baruch.cuny.edu) before registering if you have questions.

MS/Taxation: Please refer to the course sequence for full-time and part-time students enclosed with your preliminary evaluation. Note that ACC 9110 is a new preliminary requirement subject to waiver if you completed equivalent undergraduate course work with a grade of B- or better.

ACADEMIC STANDING AND OTHER MATTERS

Q: What grades must I earn in order to graduate?
A: Baruch uses a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) calculation to determine a student's academic standing. Only grades in 9000-level courses are used in calculating the GPA. If your cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 upon completion of 6 or more credits, you are considered to be on academic probation. At this point, you are allowed a maximum of 12 credits to raise your cumulative GPA to a 3.0. In general, it is not advisable to take all 12 credits in one semester. International students may reduce their credit load for one semester with approval. If your cumulative GPA remains below 3.0 upon completion of 12 credits, you will be debarred (dismissed) from the College and must appeal to the Graduate Committee on Academic Standing for reinstatement (see Graduate Bulletin). If your semester GPA falls below 3.0 while you are on probation, you will also be debarred whether or not 12 credits have been completed. While the Registrar makes every effort to keep students informed of their academic standing, it is the student's responsibility to adhere to academic regulations and to monitor their performance. If you are in academic difficulty we urge you to speak with an advisor in the Office of Graduate Academic Services. If you have questions about your status in a particular course, we encourage you to speak with the instructor. Be sure you understand attendance policies, grading policies, assignment deadlines, etc. for the courses you are taking.

Q: What grades must I receive in order to earn course credit?
A: C- is the minimum passing grade in a course. However, since you need a B average overall to be in good academic standing, any grade below B must be offset by a grade higher than B in some other course. Grades in 8000-level courses are not calculated in the GPA.

Q: What is the Pass/No Credit (P/NC) option?
A: MBA students may elect to use the P/NC option for one elective course outside the major.  The P/NC option cannot be used for a core or major course. On application to the Registrar, an earned grade of C- or better will be converted to a grade of P; an earned grade of F (fail) will be converted to a grade of NC. In either case, the grade is not calculated in the grade point average. Students must apply at the Registrar’s Office for the P/NC, and should check the Academic Calendar for the deadline (it comes early each semester!). The P/NC option is not available to MS students. Students who use the P/NC option and later change their major or pursue a second major cannot use a P/NC graded course in their new major or request to withdraw the P/NC retroactively. If the change is to accountancy, P/NC grades in accountancy or tax courses cannot apply towards CPA requirements. For additional information see Flex-Time Program Blackboard (documents).

Q: What is the F replacement policy?
A: Students who repeat a failed course and earn a grade of B- or better may petition the Registrar to drop the grade of F from the computation of the grade point average. However, the grade of F will remain on the transcript with an asterisk (*). The F replacement policy can be used only once.

Q: What should I do if I miss classes?
A: If possible, inform your instructor in advance and find out how these absences will affect your grade. Under special circumstances, the instructor may recommend that you take an Incomplete (INC) in the course provided you are doing passing work. Students who are on probation cannot seek a grade of INC.

Q: What should I do if I miss my final exam?
A: Notify the instructor as soon as possible. If the instructor gives you an ABS (absent from final) grade, you must apply to take a make-up exam (see “Make-Up/Waiver Exam Form? for instructions). Students who are on probation cannot seek a grade of ABS.

Q: Can I work full time and study full time?
A: This is your decision, but we would advise against it. Full-time students usually work an average of 15-20 hours per week.

Q: What should I do if a course in my program is not available?
A: Students are expected to take the major and elective courses that are specified in their program (see also instructions for MS students). Under special circumstances, and with approval of the faculty advisor and the Office of Graduate Academic Services, students may take a "replacement” course (see "Course Revision Form").

Q: Can I take courses that are not part of my program?
A: Students sometimes pursue language courses or other non-business courses out of personal interest. As long as you are in good academic standing and have the appropriate department permissions, you can do this. International students can take such courses along with, but not in place of, degree requirements.

Q: What if I have three final exams on one day?
A: You may apply through the Office of Graduate Academic Services to take your third exam on a designated special exam day.

Q: HOW DO I BENEFIT MOST FROM MY EXPERIENCE AT ZICKLIN?

A: Become involved in extra- and co-curricular activities. We have a very active Office of Graduate Student Life. Check the Flex-Time Program Blackboard site for notices about special lectures, social activities, workshops and other co-curricular activities. Also, visit the Graduate Student Assembly Web site: http://www.baruchgsa.com or e-mail gsa@baruch.cuny.edu for information about student clubs, service on school committees, and to share your ideas.

Q: HOW DO I REACH THE OFFICE OF GRADUATE ACADEMIC SERVICES?