Course Policies

Course Load

Students must maintain a full-time course load (four or five regular three-credit courses) each semester. Exceptions may be granted for graduating students or for those who claim other extenuating documented circumstances. Students must petition the Dean of the College for permission to drop below full-time status. Part-time status may be allowed for persons with Swiss nationality or for holders of a Swiss “C” resident permit.

It is strongly recommended that students on academic probation (cumulative GPA below 2.0) register for only four courses. With the permission of the Dean of the College, students maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 will be allowed to register for six courses, for an additional course fee. Students in the EAP Academic Bridge Program have additional course load restrictions.

Course Prerequisites

In many courses, students need to build on previous knowledge and experiences. Prerequisites for such courses are included in the course description. A student can register for courses without meeting the prerequisite requirement with permission from the instructor. A student can pre-register for such courses if the student will meet the prerequisite requirement prior to the beginning of the term. A student without prerequisites or instructor permission will be automatically dropped from a course unless the Office of the Registrar has received proof of completion of the prerequisite.

Auditing a Course

Students can audit one course per semester with the permission of a relevant faculty member and the student must formally register as an auditor prior to the course change deadline and maintain regular attendance. A full-time student can audit one course in their time at Franklin without charge. Additional audits carry a fee, the same fee also applies to part-time students auditing a course. Auditing Academic Travel is not permitted. Please see the current academic catalog for relevant fee information.