Full-semester courses may be added only during the first two weeks of the semester (see SCOOP, on-line Important Dates and Master Schedule for second-half semester classes)
Half-semester courses may be added only during the first week of the course
“Change of Schedule” forms (drop/adds) are available at ACADEMIC RECORDS (ARO)
Professor of the class and student’s advisor must sign the form
Form must be returned to ARO for processing
Please click here for Instructions for Selecting Courses On-line

How do I drop a class?

A class is considered “dropped” only during the first two weeks of the semester.
The course will not appear on the permanent record and will not be counted when calculating tuition free Mayterm
Follow the same procedures as for adding a class
******Students must maintain 12 hours each semester in order to be considered full-time
Please click here for Instructions for Selecting Courses On-line

What happens when I change my schedule?

“Change of Schedule” forms (drop/adds) are available at ACADEMIC RECORDS (ARO)
First two weeks of the semester: The dropped course will not be retained as attempted hours and will not appear on the academic record
Courses may be added only during this time period
Third full week through last day to withdraw from a class:
- Full semester classes may not be added
- Any “dropped” course will be considered a “withdrawal,” will be counted as attempted hours, and will appear on the academic record as “W”
- Attempted hours are included when calculating tuition free Mayterm
The professor of each class and your advisor must sign the form
******The ARO website has a listing of important dates

How many credits may I take a semester?

Eighteen hours is the maximum for a semester without a petition. Payment of an additional fee will be required for any hours over 18.

How do I declare a major?

Forms are available at ARO, from Department Chairs, or they may be downloaded from the website at http://www.houghton.edu/academics/academic_records/major_minor_declaration_forms.htm
From Houghton’s home page:
- Click “Current Students”
- Click on “Academic Records Office”
- Go to “Forms”
- Click on “Major/Minor Declaration Forms”
- Be sure you have the correct form as different majors/degrees have different requirements
Obtain signatures as indicated on the form
Return the form to ARO
Subsequently, you and your new advisor will each receive an updated degree audit sheet

How do I declare or change a minor after I have declared a major?

Obtain a form from ARO or the ARO website (forms for changing your major or minor)
It may be filled out at ARO; does not require signatures

How can I access my grades on-line?

Go to Houghton’s Home page
Click on “Current Students”
Click on:
Log in to the Self-Service Web (https://studentservices.houghton.edu/PCSelfService/Home.aspx)
Click on the "Grades" tab
Select “Unofficial Transcript” or “Grade Report”

How do I have my grades sent to my parents/guardian?

Fill out the release form at the ARO
Grades will then be mailed automatically at the end of each semester

What do I do if I forget who my advisor is?

Go to Houghton’s Home page
Click on “Current Students”
Click on:
Log in to the Self-Service Web (https://studentservices.houghton.edu/PCSelfService/Home.aspx)
Click on the "View Schedule" link under "Students" on main SSS page.
Be sure the current semester is selected and click “submit”
Your advisor is listed under credit information with your curriculum, status as part/full time, and class level

What do I do if I want to take courses at home over the summer?

Obtain a Non-Houghton Prior Approval form here or at the ARO
Provide course descriptions to the ARO for integrative studies approval
Provide course descriptions to department chair for major, minor or concentration approval
Obtain approval signatures and submit to ARO
When course is completed and grades are posted, request an official transcript be sent to ARO

How many credits do I need to be . . . ?

. . . considered a full time student: 12 credits
. . . a sophomore: 28 credits
. . . a junior: 60 credits
. . . a senior: 90 credits

How do I figure my GPA in my major?

Follow the formula found in the Houghton Catalogue under “Quality Point Average” (pages 38-39 in the ’11-’12 catalog) using the courses you have taken for your major to this point.
Be sure that you do not count pre- or co-requisites when figuring out your GPA for your major

Can I improve my GPA by repeating a course?

Students can only repeat courses in which they received “D+” or lower. When a course is repeated at Houghton, only the higher grade will count in the calculation of the cumulative average. The hours count only once. Both courses and both grades remain on the transcript with an indication of which course is counted. Repeating a course may influence a student’s financial aid or sports eligibility. (Policy found in the Houghton College Catalog 2011-12, pg 39)

What are the procedures for taking an Independent Study?

Go to the Houghton home page
Click on “Current Students”
Click on “Academic Records Office”
Go to “Forms”
Click on “Independent Study Procedures”
or “Independent Study Form”
Obtain appropriate signatures and submit form to ARO
Forms are also available at ARO

How do I request a transcript?

Go to the Houghton home page
Click on “Current Students”
Click on “Academic Records Office”
Go to “Transcripts"
Transcript requests can be submitted on-line or at the ARO

What are Houghton’s graduation requirements?

Graduation requirements can be found by clicking here.

How do I find a graduation check list?

Go to the Houghton home page
Click on “Current Students”
Click on “Academic Records Office”
Go to “Graduation Information” and select “Graduation Check List”

Who is eligible for graduation honors?

For information concerning graduation honors please click here.

When will I receive my diploma?

Diplomas will be mailed to the address specified on the diploma order form after all grades have been received, the date of graduation has been set, and there is no outstanding bill with the college.

What are Houghton’s residency requirements?

For information related to Houghton's residency requirements please click here.

My parents’ insurance company needs proof of enrollment. Who do I need to contact?

Please contact Hilary Gunning at 585-567-9350 or e-mail her at Hilary.Gunning@Houghton.edu

When is the Academic Records Office open?

The Academic Records Office is open Monday through Friday 8:00AM to NOON and 1:00PM to 5:00PM throughout the year. ARO is generally closed for Christmas (often includes the day before and after), January 1^st, July Fourth, Thanksgiving (includes Wednesday through Friday), and Good Friday.